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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/07/2006 Regular Council Meeting MinutesMINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 PLACE AND DATE Marana Municipal Complex, February 7, 2006 A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL By Mayor Honea at 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL Ed Honea Mayor Present Herb Kai Vice Mayor Present Bob Allen Council Member Present Jim Blake Council Member Present Patti Comerford Council Member Present Tim Escobedo Council Member Present Carol McGorray Council Member Present STAFF Mike Reuwsaat Town Manager Present Gilbert Davidson Assistant Town Manager Present Jim DeGrood Assistant Town Manager Present Jane Fairall Assistant Town Attorney Present Jocelyn Bronson Town Clerk Present B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE Led by Mayor Honea. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Upon motion by Council Member Comerford, seconded by Council Member Escobedo, the agenda was unanimously approved with items I.1 - I.7 being moved to item J.1 under Council Action, and I.15 and M.1 were removed. D. CALL TO THE PUBLIC John Buchanan, Arizona John's Enterprises, addressed the Council and said he has moved 15 tanks and 2,000 pounds of scrap and plans to have all the scrap moved by the end of February. Mr. Buchanan provided the Council with photos showing the progress he has made. Larry Stuart, Bessie Meyer, and Bill Halpin, members of the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star, addressed the Council and expressed their concerns about a rent increase for the Marana Senior Center. Ms. Meyer said an increase would take away from the community help they currently give. Mayor Honea stated that he had information about a location that will allow meetings to be held free of charge. Mike Reuwsaat, Town Manager, stated that the issue to increase rental rates at the senior center was discussed at the Park Advisory Committee Meeting and will be presented for review at an up-coming Council meeting. Mayor Honea explained that the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star may have to move out of the senior center. The services these members MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 provide to the community are greatly appreciated, and he hopes another venue can be located. David Morales addressed the Council and referenced recent newspaper articles regarding the Town, and alluded to them being like the Watergate scandal. The articles showed Marana spending more money than other small municipalities. As a citizen and registered voter, he voted to give the Council home rule in last May's election because as an ex-council member, he knows it is best for the Town to take care of their own finances. Mr. Morales said that Marana was said to be the best managed Town in the United States, and compared the Town Manager's raise to that of a first year teacher. Ed Stolmaker, Marana Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Council and thanked the Mayor and Council Members Escobedo and McGorray for attending Chamber Day. He also thanked Council Member Escobedo and staff for attending the monthly Legislative and Economic Development Committee meetings held at the Marana Operations Center the fourth Wednesday of each month. The Chamber will be holding its first 2005 Community Business and Builder Award Ceremony on February 28, 2006. The ceremony will be held at the Marana Municipal Complex with a reception from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the award ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. He also announced that the State of the Town lunch will be held at the Stardance Center on Wednesday, March 29, 2006. E. PRESENTATIONS Police Chief Richard Vidaurri addressed the Council and recognized Sgt. Johnson, who had received a medal and certificate at the Sons of the American Revolution Tucson Chapter Law Enforcement Commendation Awards dinner on January 21, 2006. Chief Vidaurri then read a letter of commendation regarding some of Sgt. Johnson's accomplishments, which is attached to these minutes. Chief Vidaurri also recognized the 2005 Volunteers In Police Service (NIPS) for volunteering for the Town of Marana. He also read a letter of recognition, an excerpt of which is attached to these minutes. Jim Hagedon, NIPS volunteer, thanked the Chief for the presentation and award, and said the volunteer program has been a great experience. He thanked the police department and Town for supporting the volunteer program. Council Member McGorray also recognized the NIPS volunteers, saying she sees them in her neighborhood and is very proud of the work they have done. Chief Vidaurri recognized Officer Daniel Rowan who graduated on January 19, 2006, from the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Academy in Tucson. He also introduced the January 20, 2006, CARLOTA police academy graduates: Alan Aubuchon, Hayden Mosher, Gabriel Villegas, Danny Watton, and Lucas Wilkinson. Chief Vidaurri introduced Sgt. Jimenez and Officer Shumate, members of the Pima County Regional SWAT team. Sgt. Jimenez said the SWAT team consists of seven police agencies around Pima County, with 50 tactical members. In 2005, there were 74 service calls ranging MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 from search warrants to barricaded subjects. In March 2005, $1.4 million was given to Homeland Security and the SWAT team. With the money, the team has purchased new equipment, vehicles, and has traveled to several locations to help train other agencies. Mr. Reuwsaat thanked the Chief for his leadership and the police officers for all their hard work. Mayor Honea also thanked the officers and VIPS volunteers for their service to Marana. F. MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS: SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS Council Member Allen announced that his son received his appointment to West Point and will start in June. Council Member McGorray stated that she will go to the State Legislature regarding health care issue in the up-coming week. She attended a Greater Oro Valley Arts Council Gala and hopes the Town will have similar fundraising events. Council Member Escobedo said that he appreciated being invited to speak about affordable housing at the Legislative and Economic Development Committee meeting. The committee will continue to work on creating additional programs to address affordable housing in Marana. Vice Mayor Kai said that he had the opportunity to attend the annual Bud Brown Legislator Appreciation dinner and said it was a good chance to meet the legislators and talk about different issues. Mayor Honea said that the Legislative Day at the Chamber of Commerce was an opportunity to talk to Senators and Legislators, and a chance to support the Chamber of Commerce. He then read a letter from Northwest Urgent Care on Silverbell offering their classroom facility free of charge for meetings. He also gave this information to the Lodge representatives. G. MANAGER'S REPORT: SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS Mr. Reuwsaat announced that there will be a Council meeting on February 28, 2006 to review the Gladden Farms II Specific Plan Development Agreement, as well as additional items. Mr. Reuwsaat was appointed to the Arizona City Managers' Board of Directors. Mr. Reuwsaat stated that he was disappointed with the manner in which the Explorer Newspaper characterized the Town's travel, training, and the other expenditures. He said providing travel and training opportunities and networking opportunities for Town employees is an investment in employees. With training and education, employees are better equipped to provide services and resources to citizens. A report providing the training benefits will be produced within the next two weeks. The Council has a philosophy that it is important to have annual retreats because they are critical to identifying opportunities and obtaining regional resources to the overall benefit of MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 Marana. Annual retreats foster relationships and team building, creative thinking, idea sharing and development of solution process and efficiencies. The Town is working on revising all current internal practices, instituting new standards and practices where appropriate, and implementing new systems. The Town has updated the Town Code and is reviewing and updating the land use code and the human resources code. The Town will continue to develop a firmer foundation and clean up practices so they are accountable to the public. Council Member Comerford said that if anyone has questions regarding information in a newspaper article, they should contact a Town official for answers. She is very proud of all the actions made in regards to the community. Gilbert Davidson, Assistant Town Manager, addressed the Council and stated that an item from the Council Retreat was the need to clean up and beautify Marana. The Town is in the process of creating a citizens committee to identify the areas that need cleaning up. Jim DeGrood, Assistant Town Manager, addressed the Council and said the new Cortaro lanes under I-10 have been paved, and should be open on February 20, 2006. H. STAFF REPORTS GENERAL ORDER OF BUSINESS I. CONSENT AGENDA (items I.1- I.7 moved to Action agenda) 1. Resolution No. 2006-20: Relating to Liquor Licenses; approving and authorizing a recommendation to the State Liquor Board for a No. 10 (beer and wine store) liquor license application submitted by Pheng Hour Hak, on behalf of Marana Grocery Store, located at 13865 N. Sandario Road (Jocelyn Bronson) 2. Resolution No. 2006-21: Relating to Liquor Licenses; approving and authorizing a recommendation to the State Liquor Board for a No. 12 (restaurant) liquor license application submitted by Hien Trong Ma, on behalf of Miss Saigon Bar and Grill, located at 4650 W. Ina Road (Jocelyn Bronson) 3. Resolution No. 2006-22: Relating to the Police Department; approving and authorizing an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement between Pima County and participating agencies for a regional Special Weapons and Tactics Team (Richard Vidaurri) 4. Resolution No. 2006-23: Relating to the Police Department; approving and authorizing the continuation of an intergovernmental agreement with the Pima County/Tucson metropolitan Counter Narcotics Alliance (Richard Vidaurri) MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 5. Resolution No. 2006-24: Relating to the Police Department; approving and authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Division of Emergency Management for purposes of receiving funds under the 2005 Homeland Security Grant Program (Richard Vidaurri) 6. Resolution No. 2006-25 Relating to Transportation; approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation for railroad crossing improvements at Ina Road, and superseding and replacing Resolution No. 2006-01 (Harvey Gill) 7. Resolution No. 2006-26: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing a fmal plat for Tangerine Crossing (Barbara Berlin) 8-=«~~o~~e~~ ~'-zC,.'~~Ie-Hei=ele~p~ ; Removed from agenda. 9. Resolution No. 2006-28: Relating to Personnel; approving and adopting amendments to the Town's Personnel Policies Manual, revising Policy 4-11 "Personal Leave" (Regina Fleming) 10. Minutes of the January 17, 2006 regular meeting. Upon motion by Council Member Comerford, seconded by Council Member McGorray, the consent agenda, as amended, was unanimously approved. J. COUNCIL ACTION 1. Resolution No. 2006-13: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing a fmal plat for San Lucas Block 2 (Barbara Berlin) 2. Resolution No. 2006-14: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing a fmal plat for San Lucas Blocks 3 and 4 (Barbara Berlin) 3. Resolution No. 2006-15: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing a fmal plat for San Lucas Block 5 (Barbara Berlin) 4. Resolution No. 2006-16: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing a fmal plat for San Lucas Blocks 6 and 12 (Barbara Berlin) 5. Resolution No. 2006-17: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing a fmal plat for San Lucas Block 7 (Barbara Berlin) 6. Resolution No. 2006-18: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing a fmal plat for San Lucas Block 8 (Barbara Berlin) MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 7. Resolution No. 2006-19: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing a final plat for San Lucas Block 9 (Barbara Berlin) Barbara Berlin, Planning Director, addressed the Council and presented recommendations for San Lucas final plats. Zoning was approved in 2000; there was a development agreement in 2002; the preliminary plats were approved in 2004 and 2005. Council Member Comerford said she was disappointed that the developers had not agreed to comply with the new residential design standards. Her concern is transportation and a secondary emergency access. Mayor Honea agreed with Council Member Comerford, stating that most of the developers over the last couple of years have known of and agreed to the design standards. He intends to vote for legal reasons, but is disappointed that the developer will not meet the new design standards. Council Member Escobedo asked if each item needed to be voted on individually. Mayor Honea answered that a motion could be made for all items 1-7. Upon motion by Council Member Escobedo, seconded by Vice Mayor Kai, Resolutions 2006-13 through 2006-19 were approved 6-l, with Council Member Comerford dissenting. 8. PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance No. 2006.02: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing an amendment to the Continental Ranch Specific Plan (Barbara Berlin) Mayor Honea declared the public hearing open. Ms. Berlin addressed the Council and said the plan was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission in December 2005. The request is to change the designation from medium high residential to commercial. Public notice was sent to 33 property owners. Five property owners spoke at the public hearing. Prior to the Planning Commission meeting, there were no letters of protest or phone calls concerning the project. The Town received one letter recommending approval of the plan. After the notice for the Town Council public hearing was posted, staff received one phone call in opposition of the plan. Ms. Berlin stated that Mary Tyson asked staff for a crosswalk across from Coachline, and Louise Spencer would like a soundproof wall and rubberized asphalt pavement. A letter from Mrs. Spencer was entered into record. The developer spoke with some of the adjacent neighbors and agreed to enhance landscaping along both sides of Coachline. The new concepts of the landscaping plan were sent to the thirty-three property owners. Monti Dixon addressed the Council, and said the town is giving a great deal of support to the commercial developments, but does not feel the residents are helped. Her back yard faces a major street, making it hard to enjoy activities without a higher wall. She would like the Town or homeowner's association to help find a way to MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 raise the back wall of the current properties. Another concern is turning off Silverbell and Coachline where there is continuous traffic; there is a need to have a no turn on red light installed, especially when children are getting on the bus, and during the 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. rush hour traffic. Louise Spencer addressed the Council and said her concern is the amount of traffic noise she hears while in her living room. She does not oppose the proposed commercial development. She would like rubberized asphalt on the road to quiet the noise, and she would like to see the right turn off Silverbell onto Coachline and the suggestion of reducing the speed limit in that area addressed. Mary Tyson addressed the Council and said that she moved into the Continental Ranch area because it was not adjacent to a retail establishment. She objects to the development, and thinks it will convert to a rental neighborhood. Coachline is the busiest street in Continental Ranch and she is concerned because her house is immediately across from the development. It is already difficult getting out of her street during rush hour traffic. She also would like to have a crosswalk at that intersection. Mayor Honea asked Ms. Berlin if she or the developer had addressed the speakers about their concerns. Ms. Berlin stated that Ms. Tyson and Ms. Spencer had spoken at the public hearing or had spoken to staff. Council Member McGorray asked if there is a crosswalk that will go from Silver Sand across to the driveway of the commercial neighborhood. Ms. Berlin said that there is no crosswalk planned, but there has been a recommendation for a marked crosswalk with warning signs. Council Member McGorray then asked if it would be difficult to get a no-turn on Red light. Ms. Berlin answered that she would have to speak with the traffic engineer. Mr. Reuwsaat said he would have these questions submitted to the traffic engineer and would get back to the homeowners. There will be rubberized asphalt on Twin Peaks Road, and he will check with staff to see if it will be put on Coachline Blvd. There being no further speakers, Mayor Honea declared the public hearing closed. Michael Racy addressed the Council and said that many issues have been addressed with the neighbors. He has committed to talking with the Town regarding rubberized asphalt, turning restrictions, and his client has committed to pay for the full cost of the crosswalk including the warning lights. The 20-acre site in the original Continental Ranch Specific Plan would have allowed another 100 homes to be built creating more traffic. If the plan is approved, this project will still have to go through the overlay process to limit the kinds of uses and hours of operation. He has proposed enhancing the landscaping, which will help with the viewing into backyards and noise issues. MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 Council Member Comerford reiterated that Mr. Racy would be willing to put in the landscaping along Coachline to improve the homes. She tried to help the homeowners see that the vegetation improvements will help with the noise. Council Member Blake suggested enhancing the project with asit-down restaurant. Currently, many Continental Ranch residents travel out of the area, but would not have to if one were added. Mr. Racy stated that he has had several of the same requests. Council Member Escobedo stated that the landscaping will create a sound barrier, and that he has also had many requests for asit-down restaurant. Upon motion by Council Member McGorray, seconded by Council Member Allen, Ordinance 2006.02 was unanimously approved with continuation of addressing the current issues. Council recessed at 8:35 p.m. and returned at 8:47 p.m. K. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Presentation: Southern Arizona Water Users' Association (SAWUA) presentation to local governing bodies (Brad DeSpain) Brad DeSpain, Utilities Director, addressed the Council and said .the Southern Arizona Water Users' Association's (SAWUA) purpose is to manage water recourses effectively and ensure adequate and reliable sources in the future. He introduced Board Members Dennis Rule, Tucson Water; Phillip Saletta, Oro Valley Utilities Director; Janet Carr, SAWARA Administrative Director, Karen La Martina, Sr. Management Analysts for Tucson Water; Warren Tenney, Assistant to the General Manager of Metro Water District, who presented the SAWUA water proposal. SAWUA facilitates local coordination on water management issues, and is comprised of public water providers to obtain, manage, and use renewable water supplies. Ms. La Martina said the organization's primary task will be to find and secure additional renewable water resources. SAWUA will address many water resource challenges. The primary reason to form a cooperative water supply organization is to ensure adequate and reliable water resources to meet the growing demand. Mr. Tenney spoke about the CAP canal bringing the Colorado River water into Arizona and the Tucson region. The drought and over-allocation of the Colorado River could increase the possibility of shortages on the river and impact CAP deliveries. With the projected population growth, water demands will increase by 40-55 percent by the year 2025. Pending reallocations of CAP water will not be sufficient to meet the future projected demand. SAWUA is proposing that regional water providers work together to secure the water future by forming a cooperative water supply organization whose primary objective is to facilitate the optimal use of existing renewable supplies in the region. Each member would retain their control and responsibility for the respective service area. Each member would commit to no additional supplies outside of this organization and would not compete with the organization for MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 potential supplies. SAWUA proposes that each member has one vote, but all major decisions require consensus. Benefits include: Wholesale water supplier by maximizing water resources, a united voice for its members while preserving individual responsibility for its customers, of local competition for supplies elimination, and reduction of renewable supplies, the organization would reduce groundwater use, which will help the groundwater table rise. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Kai, seconded by Council Member McGorray, supporting SAWUA's proposal and instructing staff to move forward with the process of working with SAWUA and to present the proposal to the business community and governmental interest groups to solicit their input and prepare a report to the Council and SAWUA's governing bodies summarizing inputs received and recommendations for the process. The Town Manager was also directed to work with the Pima County Administrator to determine funding and work with all other water providers to develop a map line for the study. The motion was unanimously approved. Council Member Escobedo asked about the organizations' other outlying water companies. Mr. Despain answered that those companies would have the opportunity to participate, but if they choose not to participate, they would be on their own. 2. Presentation and Request for Direction: Revisions to the South Transportation Benefit Area, Northwest Transportation Benefit Area and Parks Impact Fees to include a Construction Cost Adjustment and to establish an Impact Fee Waiver for Affordable Housing (Jim DeGrood) Mr. DeGrood addressed the Council and spoke about the need to provide a development impact fee annual review and report with recommendations on improving performance. The report should include the amount of impact fees collected, expenditures, credit process, construction costs, land uses, and recommendations to move forward. Mr. DeGrood reported that the Town has collected $7,811,116 from the Southern Transportation Benefit Area from 2001-2005, $54,963 from the Northwest Marana Transportation Area from July 2005 -December 2005, and $1,299,196 from the Parks and Benefit Area from July 2005-December 2005. The primary benefiting project for the Southern Transportation Area is the Twin Peaks interchange. The Town has entered into eight development agreements to have the developers construct or repair roads in their development community, so some communities in the Northwest Marana Benefit Area are paying almost no impact fees. Mr. DeGrood made a recommendation for the Town to index impact fees according to the Engineering News Record Twenty City Cost Index. The Index would call for a 5 percent increase in the Northwest and Parks Benefit Areas and a 20.4 percent MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 increase in the Southern Transportation Benefit Area (adjusting from the adopted date in 2001). The increase would adjust the $57 million difference between the original cost estimate and the current cost estimate. Other recommendations include increasing the number of units and some costs of construction for road projects with new elements, waiting to make major updates until after the general plan amendments, and establishing a fee waiver program for existing neighborhoods such as Honea Heights and Berry Acres. Mr. DeGrood said a report will be ready fora 60-day review period by the end of the week. Fourteen days after a public hearing, the Town could choose to adopt an ordinance reflecting the changes. The changes could become effective around August 2006, and the waiver changes 30-days after the ordinance is adopted, but the fee increase would be a 90-day period. Upon motion by Council Member Escobedo, seconded by Council Member McGorray, direction to staff to begin the process of amending the Town's impact fee ordinance to account for inflation adjustments and to allow for fee waivers in existing low income neighborhoods was unanimously approved. Mayor Honea asked if there were any way to help expedite the process. Mr. Reuwsaat answered that the staff would figure something out. 3. Discussion and Direction: Requests for Additional Personnel (Regina Fleming) Regina Fleming, Human Resource Director, addressed Council and asked for the approval of 12 new positions. Ten of those positions will be added to Planning, IT, and Public Works; the additional two will be promotions in Public Works. Mr. Reuwsaat stated that the Town is growing and is getting to the point of overload. The Town needs additional positions to get the workload out and deliver timely service. Council Member Comerford thanked Ms. Fleming for putting the justification information together. Upon motion by Council Member McGorray, seconded by Council Member Comerford, the recommended new positions were unanimously approved. 4. State Legislative Issues: Discussion/Direction/Action regarding all pending bills before the Legislature (Mike Reuwsaat) Mr. Reuwsaat said the governor is working on the school funding issues. He said the Town is grateful to have Mr. Racy working with staff on bills dealing with eminent domain. He also said revenue sharing is another large issue, and he has asked Senator Helton for her support in killing this measure. L. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX February 7, 2006 M. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS. 1. ' ) -Continued to later date. N. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Council Member Comerford asked that the following items be added to a future agenda: 1. Directing staff to bring back to Council a recommendation on how to prohibit additional development between I-10 and the CAP canal for the area between the Pinal County line and Tangerine Road without paved roads and two Frontage Road access points, one being at minimum an emergency access only. 2. An item directing staff to pursue at a minimum a chip seal extension of Adonis Road, to Patton Road, to the Frontage Road as an emergency access point as part of the 2006/07 CIP program. 3. Direction to staff to bring the smoking ordinance back to Council at the February 28, 2006 meeting for a vote. Mr. Reuwsaat announced that Mr. Davidson was one of the Co-Chairs for the Arizona City Managers' Association and is in the Delegate Chair for the summer program. O. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Council Member Escobedo, seconded by Council Member McGorray, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn. The time was 9:27 p.m. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and correct minutes of the Marana Town Council meeting held on February 7, 2006. I further certify that a quorum was present. ~,~~~~~III,A® J elyn .Bronson, Town Clerk ,~,~ ~`~~ser~ s~~si ~O~`~p~POR,gTf _ <xsv - ~ ~ ~ ,~. ~~ •%~,idlfltDtO~~~, ~~~f ®~~~r~i,````~