Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/21/1999 Regular Council Meeting MinutesMINUTES OF REGULAR CO'UNCI'L MEETING MARANA TOWN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PLACE AND DATE Marana Town Hall, September 21, 1999 CALL TO ORDER By Mayor Bobby Sutton at 7:05 p.m. II. III. IV. Mo VI. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Mayor Sutton INVOCATION Led by Council Member Harn ROLL CALL COUNCIL Bobby Sutton, Mike Reuwsaat Ed Honea Herb Kai Ora Mae Ham Roxanne Ziegler Jim Blake Mayor Vice Mayor Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Present Present Present Present Present Present Present STAFF Michael Hein Dan Hochuli Jocelyn Entz Dick Gear Roy Cuaron Jerry Flannery Jim DeGrood Brad DeSpain Town Manager Town Attorney Town Clerk Community & Economic Dev. Admin. Finance Director Development Services Administrator Acting Public Works Director/Engineer Utilities Director See the attached list for information regarding public attendance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Upon motion by Council Member Harn, seconded by Council Member Blake, the agenda was approved as written 6/0. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Minutes of Study Session - September 7, 1999 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting - September 7, 1999 MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA TOWN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 Upon motion by Council Member Harn, seconded by Council Member Ziegler, the minutes of the September 7, 1999 study session were approved 5/0. Council Member Honea abstained from the vote regarding the study session minutes, as he was absent from that session. At this time the Council voted on and approved the minutes of the regular Council meeting 6/0. VII. VIII. IX. CALL TO THE PUBLIC/ANNOUNCEMENTS There were no announcements or discussions from the public. STAFF REPORTS There were no questions regarding the staff reports. CONSENT There were no items on the consent agenda. GENERAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Discussion/Direction: (1) All developments in the Continental Ranch area to be considered by either the Planning & Zoning Commission or the Mayor & Council; (2) transportation improvements planned in the area with project descriptions, timelines and sources of funding; and (3) legal explanation of the limitations and alternatives to the Commission and Council action when dealing with plats, block plats and rezonings (Mike Hein) Mayor Sutton gave a brief statement that this item was designed to study and learn about the overall development impact on the community and not to specifically address the issues associated with Continental Reserve. He announced that a meeting regarding the Continental Reserve project was scheduled for October 12, 1999 at Coyote Trails Elementary School and that anyone who attended Planning & Zoning meetings regarding these issues or who had signed the Council's attendance list for this Council meeting would be notified by mail. At this time, Mayor Sutton turned the discussion over to Mike I-Iein who encapsulated the major areas of concern that were being voiced by the Marana residents. These were concerns regarding infrastructure and traffic impacts, pending developments and associated density impacts, the legal concerns and constraints the Council and Planning & Zoning Commission might face when dealing with these issues; school and class sizes, requirements from the Town in platting processes and rezones for growth accommodation. MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA TOWN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 Jerry Flannery outlined the pending development projects within the vicinity of Continental Ranch. These projects included: 1) GPA-9966 Continental Ranch Specific Plan Amendment; 2) GPA-9981 Continental Ranch Specific Plan Amendment; 3) DPR-9964p Continental Reserve Preliminary Block Plact, zoned in 1989; 4) PRV-9936f Hartman 10 Final Block Plat, zoned in 1998; 5) PRV-9967p Hartman Vistas Preliminary Plat, zoned in 1993; 6) DPR-9948p Safeway Shopping Center, zoned in 1988; 7) PRV-9955p Saguaro springs Preliminary Block Plat, zoned in 1997, 1999; 8) PCZ-9958 Silverbell/ina Road Rezone; 9) PRV-9961p Silver Moon II Preliminary Plat, zoned in 1988; 10) PRV-9978p Sunflower V Preliminary Plat, zoned in 1988; 11) DPR-9948p Twin Peaks II Preliminary Plat, zoned in 1989. Jim DeGrood gave an overview of the traffic volumes and capacity ranges of this region's infrastructure and spoke at length regarding the Town's 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) as well as other agencies' CIP programs that would impact the circulation within this area. Using a series of bar chart exhibits, he summarized the ongoing projects within the Continental Ranch area and explained the roles of the Town of Marana, Pima County, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), and the development community in the roadway development process. Mr. DeGrood explained the four types of roadway projects that included safety improvements, intersection improvements, design and study for project justification, and roadway construction for capacity improvements. He continued by stating that, in design dollars, the Town could expect expenditures of approximately $5 million over a five-year period with approximately $28 million in actual roadway reconstruction and capacity improvements, just under $1 million in intersection improvements, and $1 million in safety improvements. This series of roadway improvements ranged from a pedestrian crosswalk to numerous intersection safety improvements to widening Interstate 10 from Cortaro Road to the Marana interchange. Mayor Sutton requested that the traffic congestion problems connected to the 1-10/Cortaro Road off ramp be addressed. Mr. DeGrood stated that he had spent a considerable amount of time with Dennis Alvarez, ADOT District II Traffic Engineer, concerning the design implementation of this interstate exit. He said that an additional lane was planned for the northbound traffic to alleviate mainstream traffic problems. Additionally, widening the existing off ramp was being considered. This improvement would allow westbound traffic to bypass vehicles stopped for trains and to continue to turn left onto Cortaro Road toward Continental Ranch. Council Member Ziegler voiced her concerns regarding continued growth in the northwest side when the infrastructure was unable to stay level with the new construction taking place. She stated that a moratorium on growth was not her goal but said that solid solutions had to be made in order to provide adequate roadways to meet the residents' needs. She urged all concerned with this issue to attend any community meetings with the developers and with Pima County to support the Town's efforts in providing safe and adequate roads. Council Member Honea suggested that the Town concentrate its efforts on roadway improvements to Cortaro, Silverbell, and Ina Roads including the bridges and interchanges at 3 MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA TOWN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 1-10 because the Linda Vista interchange would be years in the planning and development stages. He said that the Picture Rocks area would continue to grow in spite of any curtailment of construction within the Marana boundaries and the Picture Rocks traffic would continue to impact the Continental Ranch area. He said that realistically, with the cooperation from the Town, Pima County, ADOT, and the development community, an adequate transportation infrastructure could be achieved. However, he agreed with Council Member Ziegler that the Town should not allow any massive new growth without this transportation infrastructure in place. Mayor Sutton stated that one of his goals as an elected official was to help the Town become a self sustaining community and that this was sometimes difficult to achieve when dealing with other agencies such as Pima County or ADOT that are involved in dictating the Town's future. He said that discussions of continuing Twin Peaks Road over the Santa Cruz River to the 1-10 frontage road had taken place and that this was one of several solutions the Town was considering to provide residents another exit from the Continental Ranch area. He pointed out that although all of Marana's county bond projects were in the final phase of a 12-year bonding schedule, Pima County was not ready to begin these projects. He said that the Council and Town staff were determined to move forward with viable solutions to the traffic and infrastructure problems and were willing to fund certain projects if necessary. Mr. Hein stated that the Linda Vista/Twin Peaks interchange had been contemplated to facilitate traffic on the east and west sides of the interstate but that with the designation of critical habitat, the potential impact of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl had not yet been thoroughly studied by the Council. With this in mind, he suggested that other alternatives to the traffic congestion be explored as well. At this time, a short break was called and the Council meeting recessed at 8:45 p.m. Mayor Sutton reconvened the meeting at 9:00 p.m. and all Council Members were present on the dais. Dan Hochuli gave a legal synopsis explaining the limitations and alternatives to the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Town Council when each dealt with specific plans, plats, block plats and rezonings. He stated that the Town Council had great latitude in the approval or denial of a rezoning of property or a Specific Plan, and that such approval or denial would be subject to referendum. He stated that, once the property owner had approved zoning or an approved Specific Plan, the Town Council was very restrained in its legal ability to deny a plat approval, and was subject to liability if a plat was wrongfully denied. He said that in plat approval, so long as the public health, safety and welfare was protected, the Town Council had very limited authority to deny the plat and that, in almost all circumstances, a plat approval was not subject to referendum. There was no further discussion regarding this item. MINUTES OF KEGULAR CO'UNCIL MEETING MARANA TOWN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 Discussion/Direction: Presentation by Marana Unified School District on plans in the Continental Ranch area to address the increased demand for facilities (Wade McLean) Dan Post, President of the Marana Unified School District (MUSD) Governing Board, addressed the Council regarding the school system's mission to provide the highest quality education with competent teachers and adequate facilities in the most cost effective manner possible. He stated that, with state funding, the MUSD Board was challenged not to over build while, at the same time, not under build and fall short of the Board's academic requirements. He commended the Town for its pro-education stance and stated that MUSD had been successful in meeting its goals because of Marands ongoing support over the years. At this time, he introduced Dr. Wade McLean, Superintendent of the MUSD. Dr. McLean spoke before the Council regarding the impact of development on the MUSD schools in the Continental Ranch area. His presentation included planning efforts relative to the potential increase in demand for school services. He presented the Council with backup material containing historical and projected district growth data including detailed enrollment statistics, existing and proposed school sites, budget summaries of proposed school bonds, as well as current and projected class sizes. He explained that the MUSD Board had adopted a 10-year strategic land acquisition plan to track and to anticipate growth as well as successfully acquire strategic school sites within the district. He said that Governor Hull would be attending a press conference at Butterfield Elementary School on Wednesday, September 22, 1999, at 12:30 p.m., to join the MUSD Board in announcing the addition of 14 new teachers and class reduction to an average of 25 students. Dr. McLean concluded by stating that MUSD was supportive of sustained, predictable growth and was in a good strategic position to anticipate growth over the next few years. Mayor Sutton was impressed that class sizes were reducing and asked how Marana compared to the state and national average class sizes. Dr. McLean responded that Arizona was ranked very low in terms of federal funding per student but that MUSD had been able to achieve these high goals in spite of the financial constraints and was very proud of these accomplishments. Mr. Hein commented that the meeting had provided a good framework to work with the community at the October 12t~ meeting regarding Continental Reserve. He encouraged the residents to continue to present constructive ideas for the developers. At this time, Mayor Sutton opened the meeting to public comment. Barbara Rose spoke regarding her concerns about the area's watershed, the health of the habitat corridors and the connectivity of the environmental protection areas. MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA TOWN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 Mr. Hein responded that the portion of Continental Reserve that was within the critical habitat was not included in the block plat process and that, regardless of the land use designation, the protocol required for the endangered species must be followed by all developments. Regarding connectivity of the habitat corridors, he stated that the Parks and Recreation Master Plan had gone before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the next step was a Trails and Linkage Plan. This plan would connect and utilize the watershed in riparian corridors because of the synergies between development and environmental concerns. Mr. Hein said that, regarding the connectivity for the pygmy-owl's habitat, this issue would be dealt with specifically and would involve Pinal County as well. Mike Tinghitella spoke regarding his concerns with the development in the Continental Reserve area and, specifically, the Cortaro/1-10 exit ramp. He said that the dichotomy in speeds between the left and right lanes on this ramp posed an eminent public danger and made the issue of further development critical. Ervin Hinshaw spoke regarding his concerns with the water delivery system and potential sewage problems, the MUSD schools' parking limitations, and the traffic overflow from the Picture Rocks community. Robert Ferreira stated his concerns regarding the Continental Reserve area planning concepts, buffer zones for dissimilar properties, and the region's traffic problems. Mayor Sutton commented that the buffer/transitional zoning had been a concern of the Town Council and that they were studying the issues related to Continental Reserve and throughout the Marana community. Dave McGuire spoke before the Council about the roadway congestion, particularly the I~ 10/Cortaro interchange as well as school overcrowding and the construction of upper level schools. Mike Lee spoke regarding his concerns with the destruction of native vegetation and the high density development taking place in the Continental Reserve region. He urged the Council to adhere to Marana's Master Plan and preserve the rural flavor of the community. Patrick Fahey spoke before the Council about his concerns with over-development in the Continental Reserve area that raised issues of public safety and quality of life. Ron Bednarz stated that he was concerned with public safety issues, nonexistent developer concessions and major changes planned for Wade Road. He challenged Dan Hochuli's interpretation of the zoning laws and constraints and urged the Council to explore alternatives. 6 XI. De Ee MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA TOWN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 A1 Taylor urged the Council to concentrate on making Marana a better community and not just a bigger community. He referred to the Marana General Plan and urged the Council to adhere to its contents. Raymond Park spoke about his concerns with the uncontrolled growth and overbuilding in the Continental Reserve region. He urged the Council to slow down construction to concentrate on preserving the quality of life for the Marana community. Daniel Sullivan commented on the legal presentation by Dan Hochuli and urged the Council to explore and consider the right to impose serious impact fees and the right to delay development projects. Larry Schoof spoke regarding his concerns with Marands overburdened infrastructure, aquifer levels and community water supplies, the park system, and the MUSD school system. Dave Parker, Vice Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Commission, commented on the traffic issues relating to the 1-10/Cortaro interchange and the future problems associated with anticipated growth estimates from Pima County and Pima Association of Governments (PAG). Mayor Sutton thanked the audience for their patience, direction and constructive commentary. He urged all to attend the Continental Ranch meeting at Coyote Trails on October 12, 1999 to continue studying and discussing the community's issues. There was no further discussion. Mayor and Council's Report There were no reports. Manager's Report There was no report. Mayor and Council's Report There were no reports. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There were no items discussed. 7 MI'NUTES OF. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA TOWN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 XII. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Council Member Ziegler, seconded by Council Member Blake, the approval to adjourn was passed 7/0. The time was 10:25 p.m. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are the true and correct minutes of the Marana Town Council meeting held on September 21, 1999. I further certify that a quorum was present. MAP, ANA TOWN COUNCIL MEETING NAME ADORESS MARANA TOWN COUNCIL MEETING NAME £5'7'-/3 ~ J 7~ ~. ~ozd~.~o pr~,~ PR. -ruc..~,v,,~: <~S7~3 MARANA TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ADDRESS MARANA TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ~DDRESS .~NAME MAPANA TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ADDRESS ,.9 I