Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/28/2006 Special Council Meeting Minutes MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX FEBRUARY 28, 2006 PLACE AND DATE Marana Municipal Complex, February 28,2006. 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 Jane Fairall Jocelyn Bronson Town Manager Assistant Town Manager Assistant Town Manager Assistant Town Attorney Town Clerk Present Present Present Present Present B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE Mayor Honea led the pledge and announced that Dorothy McDuff Honeycutt, former Town Clerk, had passed away and he asked that she be remembered. c. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Upon motion by Council Member McGorray, seconded by Vice Mayor Kai, the agenda was unanimously approved. D. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Ed Stolmaker, Marana Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Council and announced Trico Electric as the 2005 Community & Business Builder A ward winner. Barbara Ziemann received the award on behalf of Trico Electric. Mayor Honea spoke about Dorothy McDuff Honeycutt's history working with the Town. Dorothy and her family will be honored on Founders' Day. Mayor Honea, Council Members McGorray and Escobedo, and Mike Reuwsaat, Town Manager, attended the golf tournament at the Tucson Omni and was part of the announcement that the golf tournament will be played in Marana beginning next year. This event has the potential to bring $100 million into northern Pima County. E. COUNCIL ACTION 1. PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance No. 2006.03: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing a rezoning to create the Gladden Farms II Specific Plan (Barbara Berlin) MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX FEBRUARY 28, 2006 Barbara Berlin, Planning Director, addressed the Council and asked for the scheduled and advertised Gladden II Specific Plan public hearing to be postponed until the March 7, 2006, Council meeting. Mayor Honea approved the postponement, and then asked if a public hearing still needed to be held. Mr. Reuwsaat and Jane Fairall, Assistant Town Attorney, said it did. Mayor Honea declared the public hearing open, then seeing no one who wished to speak, he declared the public hearing closed. Mr. Reuwsaat stated that the development agreement will also be brought to the March 7, 2006, Council meeting. 2. Resolution No. 2006-33: Relating to Economic Development; approving and authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities (TREO) (Jim DeGrood) Jim DeGrood, Assistant Town Manager, addressed the Council and requested the Town enter into an agreement with Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities (TREO). TREO is the principal economic development agency within the region and has succeeded the Greater Tucson Economic Council (GTEC), and incorporated the Tucson Office of Economic Development. TREO is developing employee-training programs, providing assistance to existing businesses and helping the business community to better utilize the Enterprise, Free Trade and Empowerment Zones. TREO is requesting the Town become a Trustee. As a Trustee, the Town will receive a number of benefits and have a voice in the overall management of the Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities. He also introduced Kendall Bert and Laura Shaw with TREO. Mayor Honea said he would like the Town to participate on the Trustee level. He listed several benefits including: two annual leadership exchanges, access to customized research, more ads on KVOA and a full-page profile. Marana's industrial base around the airport is getting ready to explode, with the state talking about releasing state land or putting it up for bid. With industrial growth, the Town will benefit from high paying jobs. Mayor Honea said that he is happy with the leadership ofTREO and believes the Town should become a partner. Mr. Reuwsaat spoke about the difference between GTEC and TREO, one of which includes the benefit package. TREO will not come back to the Town and ask for money for additional things; it is included in that package. Mr. Bert addressed the Council and said the Town will be working at a regional level and working with existing businesses as well as new companies looking to move to the Marana area. TREO will work hard to bring new jobs to the community. Most of the new jobs will come from existing local companies; this is why they have focused MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX FEBRUARY 28, 2006 a lot of programs on how to work with the companies that are here now and help them expand. TREO is working on a Marana web site with the Marana Chamber of Commerce that will include all commercial properties located in Marana. Council Member Comerford stated that she was a little hesitant. She asked about the number of people hired in the Pella Corporation. Mr. Bert informed the Council that 15 individuals had been hired with the estimated growth to 450 over the next two years. Council Member Comerford stated that she is hesitant to jump in with budget funds from this year, but she has confidence in TREO and has a responsibility to the public. Mr. Reuwsaat stated that TREO had been before the Council on three different occasions. Mr. Bert said it has been an ongoing process and he views this as a region that needs to work together. Vice Mayor Kai stated that he also had some concerns. He does not have a problem with the first year Platinum level, but thinks the Council should reserve the option, to move up to the Trustee level. He stated that TREO needs to prove themselves to the Town. Council Member Comerford asked the Chamber of Commerce to provide a report of TREO accomplishments to the Council. Mr. Bert stated that a monthly report could be provided to the Council. Mr. Reuwsaat asked staff to prepare a year-end report at budget time listing what was paid, what was expected and what was achieved on top of the monthly updates. Council Member Escobedo said that affordable housing and economic development are important and he asked for an infrastructure timeframe for the airport area. Mr. Reuwsaat said the Town may be looking at some land acquisition on the southeast side of the airport by July. A private investor is working with the Town on the possibility on poling a land-use permit on 2,000 acres around the airport to jointly develop with state land and the Town. There is also a section from Saguaro Springs to the Canal that will bring about 350 acres to sell by June or July. He stated that TREO is also working on some land on Tangerine Road. Mayor Honea said he hopes the Town can be involved with the planning process for the Airport area and Tangerine Road. Council had several meetings with Joe Snell, TREO President & CEO, prior to any money being paid. Council Member Escobedo stated that TREO has done a great deal of work and has put forth a great deal of effort into the Region. Council Member Blake said that he has some of the same concerns as other members, but will let TREO prove themselves. MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX FEBRUARY 28, 2006 Upon motion by Council Member Blake, seconded by Council Member Escobedo, Resolution No. 2006-33 was unanimously approved. F. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION 1. Discussion and Direction: Relating to the establishment of five new advisory commissions: Marana Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Marana Affordable Housing Advisory Commission, Marana Utilities Advisory Commission, Marana Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission, and the Marana 1-10 Corridor Advisory Commission (Mike Reuwsaat) Mr. Reuwsaat addressed the Council and said that with growth comes an increased workload. Through the Council's leadership and staff training, there has been an increased effort to recruit, inform, and educate citizens about the business of the Town. The Town has identified several areas to move forward, including housing, economic development, economic viability, water, utilities and branding. In trying to address the workload, he recommended that Council consider directing staff to form five new Citizen Advisory Commissions: the Marana Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, the Marana Affordable Housing Advisory Commission, the Marana Utilities Advisory Commission (consolidating the current Water and Manager's Water Advisory Commission), a Marana Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission, and the Marana 1-10 Corridor Advisory Commission. Mayor Honea asked if the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will include the Heritage and the MW AC Parks, and said he thought that they should be separate commissions. Mr. Reuwsaat said there could be consideration for separate commissions as Parks and Recreation continues to grow. Council Member Comerford said she likes getting more citizens involved in the growth of Marana. She would like to see advertising and prioritization of the commISSIOns. Upon motion by Council Member McGorray, seconded by Council Member Comerford, a motion was unanimously approved directing staff to work on forming the advisory commissions and bring them back to the Council for review and approval. Mr. Reuwsaat stated that the 1-10 Corridor Advisory Commission should be expedited with the golf tournament coming to the Marana area within a year. 2. Discussion and Direction: Smoking ordinance options (Jim DeGrood) Mr. DeGrood addressed the Council and presented elements to be included in a smoking ordinance. There are currently two smoking ordinances; one is the Pima County Smoking Ordinance and the other is the Smoke Free Arizona Initiative. He read a summary and comparison of the Pima County smoking ordinance and the Smoke Free Arizona Initiative; the principal differences were restrictions in bowling alleys, pool halls, bars and restaurants. He spoke about designated smoking areas, hardship exceptions, the 90-day phasing in period and the penalties and enforcement. MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX FEBRUARY 28, 2006 The Smoke Free Arizona Initiative requires 122,612 signatures before it can go before the voters in November's election. Mr. Reuwsaat spoke about a survey provided by the Chamber of Commerce to all businesses and one just for restaurants; 62 were in favor of a smoking ban in restaurants and 23 opposed. Mr. DeGrood stated that the Business Advisory Committee considered the County Ordinance at the February 14,2006 meeting, voted to recommend that to the County Ordinance be adopted, with a provision that any hardships or exemptions be reviewed by the Town Council. Council Member Comerford said that she asked for the smoking ordinance to be brought before the Council because of many residents and business community members asking Marana to go smoke-free. Marana can take the opportunity to change things to meet the current need of the community. Smokers have rights, as well as individuals that want to breathe non-smoke air. After reading the Council material, she said it would be reckless to request businesses to spend money on improving their business for a smoke-free area, when that point could be null-and- void if the statewide initiative goes through. She recommended adopting the Pima County ordinance, but allowing for a hardship waiver form application and having it include 30 days to enact to the ordinance. Staff was directed to bring the ordinance to the March 7, 2006, meeting for a vote. Council Member Blake added that one of the most important things to consider is when a smoking ordinance would become effective, and the statewide initiative. The Town should not ask the residents to delay a smoke-free atmosphere waiting for the statewide initiative. The Town needs to create and pass a smoking ordinance now. Mr. Reuwsaat said that the hardship waiver would be accomplished within the 30-day waiting period. The Town will notify all affected businesses that the ordinance will be in effect within 30 days and that a hardship waiver should be submitted. Staff will write in the ordinance that the Town will enter into IGA with Pima County Health Services for enforcement. Council Member Comerford said the Town would have local control over the hardships. Council Member Blake clarified that the hardship time period would have to remain available until the statewide initiative is voted and approved by the voters. Mr. Reuwsaat said that if there are not enough signatures for the initiative, the hardships could come in in July, and then the Council would need to consider them. If the hardship is approved, then staff should bring back the hardship transition period to Council and say do we want to leave it open-ended or say there is a set period for improvements. Council Member Blake said that the Town needed to advise the businesses up front that this is going to be an option and inform them of the statewide initiative and that they should consider those before they make their decisions to proceed with modifying their establishment. MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX FEBRUARY 28,2006 Vice Mayor Kai stated that the Council needs to be very cautious in trying to dictate to businesses how they need to operate. He is a non-smoker, and he has a choice not to go to the smoking restaurants. He hopes the Statewide Smoke-Free Initiative passes, but does not want to create a hardship on businesses. Council Member McGorray said that eating in a smoke-free environment is important to many citizens. Council Member Allen referred to the wording of the Pima County smoking ordinance and said that the Town's ordinance should not include the word "guilty". David Parker addressed the Council and thanked them for the opportunity to speak. He said his health as well as the health of others is being jeopardized by smoke. When the Town creates an ordinance, health, safety and welfare are the things to consider. The Town has demonstrated great leadership in not waiting for the someone else to decide what is right. The County ordinance has been in place since 1991, and updated in 2001, and has been very effective. With education in the process, Pima County has not had any violations from the Health Department. State law allows the Town to have the Pima County ordinance applied to Marana, or they can adopt their own. Adria Schwager addressed the Council and said she has been employed with Cracker Barrel for eight years. During some of those years, she has had to work in the smoking section, which has affected her from the smell on her clothes to health issues. She thanked Council for considering the smoking ordinance. Ms. Schwager said that Marana is a family oriented Town, and she likes attending Marana events. Sherry Lopez addressed the Council and said that she is also employed with Cracker Barrel and she developed health issues as a result of working in the smoking section. Many potential customers have left when they realize there is a smoking section. Some customers have even had to leave during their dinner because they have become affected by the smoke. Royann Parker addressed the Council and reiterated the need to make changes immediately. The health of citizens in Marana is an issue that needs to be addressed, and she believes that approving an ordinance will show the progressiveness and concern for the health and welfare of Marana citizens. Mr. Stolmaker addressed the Council and said that major restaurants do not want to make the decision to go smoke-free; they want the Town to make the decision. Council Member Escobedo stated that it is a person's choice to smoke and there are things a restaurant can to do to keep the smoking customers. It is the community's responsibility to review the health and welfare of the citizens. Mayor Honea said that he also eats at the Cracker Barrel and has noticed that he can get seated immediately if he chooses to sit in the smoking section, while someone MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING MARANA MUNICIPAL COMPLEX FEBRUARY 28, 2006 who chooses a non-smoking section tends to wait a length of time. He reiterated the statement from Mr. Stolmaker, that many smoking businesses want the Town to make the decision. If the Town imposes the immediate changes, a business spends the money to make building changes, and then the state initiative passes, the changes would not make a difference. Mr. Reuwsaat said that everyone would have to go non-smoking effective in 31 days, unless otherwise exempted. Mayor Honea asked how this affected Old Father Inn. They could be exempted if more than 50 percent of their sales were audited. Mr. Reuwsaat said that a hardship could also be submitted. Upon motion by Council Member Comerford, seconded by Council Member McGorray, direction to staff to bring forward the County smoking ordinance for consideration, with provisions for automatic revocation should a stronger statewide law be enacted, and for the Council to retain the ability to review hardship cases to the March 7, 2006, Council meeting, was approved 6-1, with Vice Mayor Kai voting no. G. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS. 1. Executive Session. Pursuant to A.R.S. ~38-431.03 (A)(3), Council may ask for discussion or consultation for legal advice with the Town Attorney concerning any matter listed on this agenda. H. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Reuwsaat asked for a study session to be held on March 28, 2006, to discuss the change of the election cycle and discussion of policy implications and how to implement directions to staff regarding development east ofl-l0, west of the CAP Canal. I. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Council Member Escobedo, seconded by Council Member McGorray, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn. The time was 8:35 p.m. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and correct minutes of the Marana Town Council meeting held on February 28,2006. I further certify that a quorum was present. ~'\'"'''''''' ~ OF M.c'~ ~ ~~~\\""". .~..... s~-, ..,. :s 01/:("( . i5 ;;;::~:: ' )? .... = =". = - ~, .~ ....- ~, .,;: ~ iIII"!', ~ S ~ '';'. . ;mll'\'~ ~ ~I!.,"? ,\~\'~ ~'iIIUU\\\~