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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/17/2006 Regular Council Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX JANUARY 17,2006 PLACE AND DATE Marana Municipal Complex, January 17,2006 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL By Mayor Honea at 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL Ed Honea Herb Kai Bob Allen Jim Blake Patti Comerford Tim Escobedo Carol McGorray Mayor Vice Mayor Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member Present Present Present Present Present Present Present STAFF Mike Reuwsaat Gilbert Davidson Jim DeGrood Frank Cassidy Jocelyn Bronson Town Manager Assistant Town Manager Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Town Clerk Present Present Present Present Present B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE Led by Mayor Honea. c. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Upon motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Council Member McGorray, the agenda was unanimously approved. D. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Ed Stolmaker, Executive Director of the Marana Chamber of Commerce, stated that on January 9, 2006, the Chamber executive board adopted the Council's four retreat items as presented at the January 3, 2006 Council meeting; and noted that the Chamber is in full support of the direction and goals for economic development, housing, water and branding and identity issues and will be happy to participate in bringing these to fruition. Mr. Stolmaker noted that the Chamber had over 350 members. David Morales, 13420 W. Price Lane, Marana, addressed the Council regarding the political climate during his tenure on the Council, specifically mentioning Reid Ewing, who was a District 12 representative who brought referendums, recall and lots of chaos items to the Council. But Mr. Morales noted that that was a good thing. He said that today at 5:00 p.m., he had made a decision that tomorrow (January 18) the recall efforts would start. Mr. Morales then addressed his comments to Council Member Allen, stating that he would be exempt from the recall efforts. He noted that he had met with Vice Mayor Kai over the MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX JANUARY 17,2006 weekend and he promised a legitimate recall. Mr. Morales stated that he felt good about the recall and believed it was 'democracy at its finest.' Bob McCrea, 13958 W. Grier Road, Marana, stated that he did not believe the Alliance should seek (recall) signatures; that it would be a waste of money and time - Council and staff time. Mr. McCrea stated that if the signature gathering effort began tomorrow (January 18) it would be November before an election could take place and that six months later these people would have to run (for election) again. He further stated that he believes the majority of citizens are aware that these (recall) efforts are subversive, divisive, and having nothing to do with the growth of the community. Ramon Gaanderse, 310 W. Williams Blvd., Tucson, introduced himself as the executive director of the Metropolitan Pima Alliance. One of the Alliance's goals is to advocate on public policy. The second goal is to come and be part of the dialog in the Marana community and in Pima County in general. He noted that the Alliance has a huge, diverse membership. Many businesses would like to be part of the Marana process. Mike Reuwsaat stated he appreciated Mr. Gaanderse's comments and the significant effect that the Alliance has had on the community. Miguel Franco, 14261 W. Linda Lane, Marana, stated that he and his family have been Marana residents for 45 years. He is trying to build a home but is having problems with the impact fees. He asked for an exemption for long-term residents. He is trying to building a better life for his parents, in-laws, wife, children and grandchildren. Mr. Franco asked for the Council to grant special consideration for the elderly in the exemption of the impact fees. Mr. Franco also noted that he would have to relocate his family and extended family if he replaces the dwelling that currently exists on his property. Jim DeGrood stated that he would help Mr. Franco and would also look into what credits might be available to him. John Buchanan, P.O. Box 3221, Oracle, identified his business across the interstate from Arizona Portland Cement on land he is leasing from Union Pacific Railroad. Mr. Buchanan stated that in about 1998 when he first considered bringing his business to Marana the Council welcomed him. He has found new property which is zoned properly for his firefighting and underground storage tanks and has started to move his tanks. Mr. Buchanan noted that he would like to be off his current property 100 percent in 140 days and that a superior court action requiring him to move off the property sooner would force him into bankruptcy. He stated that although he doesn't have deeds recorded yet on the (new) property, he finally paid his back taxes on the existing property in December. Mr. Buchanan then provided Council with photos of his business equipment and cited many civic projects he is and has been involved in. Mayor Honea noted for the Council that Mr. Buchanan was asking for an extension for the move. MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX JANUARY 17,2006 E. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Honea read a proclamation for Jim Mazzocco, former town Development Services Administrator and Assistant to the Manager, who will begin working for the City of Tucson. Mayor Honea thanked Jim for his efforts on behalf of the town and said that the Council and staff wished him well in his new endeavors. Jim thanked the Council and staff - stating that he would always consider Marana a friend. Gilbert Davidson introduced Joe Lettrick, the new GIS manager for the town. Vice Mayor Kai introduced his son, Mike, who graduated from Yale University last year and is now in Marana spending time visiting. F. MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS: SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS Council Member Escobedo thanked Mr. Gaanerse for introducing himself. He noted that the 2006 'Wild Ride' would be May 4th and would include Rio Nuevo, the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe and Pima County. He also stated that he attended a Pima County Housing Commission presentation and indicated that the Neighborhood Reinvestment Committee would be assisting Marana Vista (one of the original Marana subdivisions) with street lighting and sidewalks. Mayor Honea reminded everyone of the ribbon cutting at the senior center at 9:00 a.m. on January 18th to commemorate the new computer center - and noted that classes are full. And as part of the senior center expansion, he also invited everyone to tryout the new exercise stations located around Ora Mae Ham Park. A new senior center coordinator has been hired and is starting a monthly magazine of activities. G. MANAGER'S REPORT: SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS There were none. H. STAFF REPORTS There were no questions. GENERAL ORDER OF BUSINESS I. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Resolution No. 2006-05: Relating to Capital Improvement Projects; approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Arizona for the exchange of Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF) for the construction of Thornydale Road improvements (Harvey Gill) 2. Resolution No. 2006-06: Relating to Real Estate; approving and authorizing the designation of a 41-square foot portion of the Carmack Wash as Thornydale Road right-of-way (Harvey Gill) MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX JANUARY 17,2006 3. Resolution No. 2006-07: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing the release of assurances for Harvest Moon and acceptance of public improvements for maintenance. (Harvey Gill) 4. Resolution No. 2006-08: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing the release of assurances for Gladden Farms Block 11 and acceptance of public improvements for maintenance. (Harvey Gill) 5. Resolution No. 2006-09: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing the release of assurances for Gladden Farms Block 12 and acceptance of public improvements for maintenance. (Harvey Gill) 6. Resolution No. 2006-10: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing a fmal plat for Fianchetto Farms (Barbara Berlin) 7. Minutes of the December 20, 2005 and January 3, 2006 Regular Meetings. Upon motion by Council Member Escobedo, seconded by Council Member McGorray, the consent agenda was unanimously approved. J. COUNCIL ACTION 1. Resolution No. 2006-11: Relating to Development; affirming that the residential design standards adopted by Ordinance No. 2005.18 supersede and take precedence over residential design policies and standards of the Northwest Marana Area Plan (Barbara Berlin) Barbara Berlin, Planning Director, addressed the Council and said the resolution was brought to Council to clarify that the new residential design standards are very dynamic standards which have been refined since the Council took action to approve design standards in the Northwest Area Plan Upon motion by Council Member McGorray, seconded by Vice Mayor Kai, Resolution No. 2006-11 was unanimously approved. K. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Ordinance No. 2006.01: Relating to Business Regulations; regulating the manner of sale of products containing pseudoephedrine; amending Title 9 of the Marana Town Code by adding Chapter 9-11; providing penalties for the violation of Chapter 9-11; and designating an effective date (Frank Cassidy) Mike Reuwsaat introduced this item and noted that controlling over the counter drugs to make methamphetamines was a major issue in the Governor's State of the State address. He then noted that along with Chief Vidaurri, and his staff a member of the Pima County Sheriffs Department was at tonight's meeting at the request of Supervisor Sharon Bronson, Chuck Huckleberry and Sheriff Clarence MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX JANUARY 17,2006 Dupnik. Chief Vidaurri addressed the Council regarding problems that are occurring with methamphetamines all over the region; Marana being no exception. However, at this time, the major problems appear to be mainly in the metropolitan Tucson region. Sgt. Tim Brunenkant gave an overview of how the drugs affect all people in daily life, trends and why it's important to stop the problem now. There has been a significant increase in methamphetamines in Maratia. He noted that all people can be affected in some way regardless of whether they are directly involved in its use or production. There has been a 20% to 40% increase in crime in Pima County attributed to methamphetamine production, sales and use. The Marana Police Department is participating in many' collaborate efforts with schools, the Drug Enforcement Agency and regional alliances to attack this escalating problem. Sgt. Brunenkant then introduced Lt. .Bob Kimmins from the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Lt. Kimmins noted that he had been with the Sheriff's Department for 18 years and was the Uniform Force Commander. He said that the efforts of the Marana Police Department and other law enforcement agencies working to combat this very serious problem were critical. Lt. Kimmins said that he has seen first-hand an explosion of problems resulting from methamphetamines and gave an anecdotal account of an officer, Deputy Graham, who died helping a youth who was hooked on the drug. Lt. Kimmins also asked the Council for support of the County's mental health bond proposal on the May ballot, which also includes funding for a proposed mental health crisis unit at Kino Community Hospital. Lt. Kimmins noted that in his experience, many of the mentally ill people he meets in his line of work are methamphetamine addicts. Vice Mayor Kai thanked Lt. Kimmins and applauded all law enforcement for getting on top of this project. Other Council members voiced their support as well. Upon motion by Vice Mayor Kai, seconded by Council Member McGorray, Ordinance No. 2006.01, effective February 17,2006, was unanimously approved. 2. Discussion: proposed amendment to Section 4, Personnel Policies and Procedures; amending Section 4-11, amount of Personal Leave, to increase flexibility of use and provide for additional personal leave for Assistant Town Manager and Department Heads (Regina Fleming) Ms. Fleming presented this item as a "first reading" which will come back before Council for approval at the February 7,2006 Council meeting. 3. Resolution No. 2006-12: Relating to Emergency Services; authorizing and adopting the Emergency Operations Plan (this item will be presented for Council action at the conclusion of the Executive Session) (Steve Johnson) MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX JANUARY 17,2006 Mike Reuwsaat thanked Sgt. Johnson and Gilbert Davidson for their leadership in bringing this item forward. Sgt. Johnson thanked the Council and staff for their assistance in supporting the Emergency Operations Plan and indicated that there would be trainings throughout the year to help prepare staff for an emergency situation. Sgt. Johnson also requested that upon Council approval, the portion of the Emergency Operations Plan dealing with threats and vulnerabilities be separated from the public record. Upon motion by Council Member Escobedo and seconded by Council Member Blake, resolution No. 2006-12 was unanimously approved as presented. L. BOARDS. COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES There were none. M. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS. 1. Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. ~38-431.03 (A)(2), for discussion or consideration of records exempt by law from public inspection, including the receipt and discussion of information or testimony that is specifically required to be maintained as confidential by state or federal law; and A.R.S. ~38-431.03 (A)(3) discussion or consultation for legal advice with the town attorneys relating to the Marana Emergency Operations Plan (Frank Cassidy) The executive session was not required. Council approved Resolution No. 2006- 12 as presented. N. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Vice Mayor Kai suggested that Mr. Buchanan's issue be considered for an upcoming agenda item. O. ADJOURNMENT Prior to adjournment, Mike Reuwsaat noted that today was Mike Mencinger's birthday. Council Member Escobedo also noted that staff should be working on commercial design standards for interchanges in connection with the Town's branding issues. There being no further business, Council Member' Escobedo moved for adjournment. Council Member McGorray seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. The time was 8:00 p.m. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and correct minutes of the Marana Town Council meeting held on January 17, 2006. I further certify that a quorum was present. '~'; r'l,;;i ;~' /1 :\01_ ~'\'b;F~M.'!/~ ~- ~~ ~\"lIIr',~~ -, ~ s ~-~ ~..~~ is E~ CORPORATi~~ ~ _ ~ coo ~ ... - -SEAL- - ... ~ ;; - ~~ ~.... ~ ..'~ ~~;: ~ -1 ~lllIIll'\\~ ~ ~/,fi'/2. "\9 \\~ ~'11~u;~,t