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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/28/2006 Blue Sheet New Advisory Commissions TOWN COUNCIL MEETING 1NFORMA TION TOWN OF MARANA MEETING DATE: February 28, 2005 AGENDA ITEM: F. 1 TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL FROM: Michael A. Reuwsaat, Town Manager SUBJECT: 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. DISCUSSION Marana continues to grow and mature on many levels. With this growth comes a commensurate increase in work load, primarily through staff and council activity. However, public participation has proved successful for municipalities, especially in formulating public policy and developing and maintaining innovative programs. Citizens of Marana increasingly seek opportunities to be more involved and contribute to their community. Programs like CREW, VIPS and the Marana Teen Advisory Council have prepared many of our residents for more active roles in Marana government. Increased citizen interest and the town's growth present an excellent opportunity to develop a synergy that will benefit all residents. New and expanded emphasis in areas such as parks and recreation, affordable housing, arts and culture, public utilities, and image and branding issues are critical to the quality maturing of our community. Staff recommends the formation 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. All Commissions will be advisory to the Mayor and Council. The Marana Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will assist the Parks and Recreation Director in the review and/or development and implementation of public policy, programs and facilities as they relate to this growing department. Many quality of life issues in Marana are addressed through the creation, development and maintenance of parks, trails, open space, facilities, special events and other special programs provided by our Parks and Recreation Department. The Marana Affordable Housing Advisory Commission will be tasked to assist senior staff in developing and implementing a comprehensive approach to affordable living, whether by ownership or rental. With a tremendous amount of commercial and resort activity anticipated for Marana over the next few years, close-to-home affordable living opportunities will be critical to a significant new workforce. JCB/02/23/2006/1O:10 AM Staff recommends consolidating the Water Advisory Committee and Manager's Water Advisory Committee into the Marana Utilities Advisory Commission. The Marana Utilities Advisory Commission will work with senior staff and the Utilities Director to develop policy regarding potable and non-potable water and water systems, wastewater treatment and the use of treated effluent, water policy as it relates to other governmental entities such as Tucson Water and Cortaro- Marana Irrigation District, cable, satellite television, phone and gas utilities, future electrical utilities, and drainage systems. Staff also recommends the formation of a Marana Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission to work with the newly hired Grants and Development Administrator as well as other senior staff. The Marana Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission will assist town staff in refining and implementing the Public Works Arts Ordinance as well as developing a comprehensive community arts and cultural program. Some elements will be managed internally by town staff and other elements managed by organizations such as the Marana Arts Council and the Marana Unified School District. The 18 miles of Interstate 10 stretching through our community is both our front door and our main street. It is often the first and last impression of Marana of those traveling to other locations. The I- 10 Corridor Advisory Commission will be working with the Manager's office and the Arizona Department of Transportation to develop, design, construct and maintain standards for entryways, monumentation, hardscape, landscape, signage and the general commercial and residential orientation ofI-I0. With new resorts and new residential and commercial development on the way, we must focus on cleaning up and developing 1-10 as the gateway and main street that we will be proud of and which represents the quality of development and quality of life within our community. Staff recommends that each advisory commission consist of five to seven members appointed by council. Marana residents and business owners interested in being appointed by the council will be asked to submit an application and resume to the Town Clerk for consideration. RECOMMENDATION Staff requests council direction to begin work on the formation of the following council advisory commissions to be brought back for council review and approval: Marana Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Marana Affordable Housing Commission, Marana Utilities Advisory Commission, Marana Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission, and the Marana 1-10 Corridor Advisory Commission. SUGGESTED MOTION I move that staff work on the formation of the following council advisory commissions to be brought back for council review and approval: 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. -2-