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STUDY SESSION
MINUTES
11 S S 5 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, Arizona S 53
Board Room, June 24, 2014, at or after 6:00 PM
Ed Honea, Mayor
Jon Post, Vice Mayor
David Bowen, Council Member
Patti Comerford, Council Member
Herb Kai, Council Member
Carol McG orr ay, Council Member
Roxanne Ziegler, Council Member
STUDY SESSION
CALL TO ORDER. AND ROLL CALL. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Honea at
6:00 p.m. Town Clerk Bronson called roll. Council Member Kai was excused and Council
Member Ziegler arrived at 6:11 p.m. There was a quorum present at 6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEIINVOCATIONIMOMENT OF SILENCE. Led by Mayor
Honea.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA. Motion to approve the agenda by Vice .Mayor Post, second by
Council Member McGorray. Passed unanimously 5 -0.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC. No speaker cards were presented.
DISCUSSION /DIRECTIONIPOSSIBLE ACTION
DI: Presentation: Relating to Special Events; a preview of and update regarding the 2014 Star
Spangled Spectacular Fourth of July event. Presented by Rodney Campbell who introduced the
special events committee comprised of Logan garland, Vickie Hathaway, Ramon Armenta,
Corey Larriva and Addie Martin. Mr. Campbell noted that his team was tasked with making this
event at Crossroads Park more an experience that would put Marana on the map. Addie Martin
started with an overview of events in the park. There will be live video of the concert which will
also promote the sponsors. In addition to area restaurants, 14 foods vendors will be onsite as will
an inflatable water feature slide to help keep things cool. overflow parking goes to Fry's and the
Walmart area. Logan Garland talked about the mobile website to engage users at the park or at
June 24, 2014 Study Session Minutes
the shove or homes. He noted the QR code embedded in the site which is a free download for
smartphones. Viewers can watch the live countdown to when the fireworks are going off. This
application is able to be edited in real time for special messages. There is a schedule and who
the food vendors are and when the bands are playing, information on parking and the reap of
events. Rodney Campbell then mentioned the sponsors — Comcast being the signature sponsor.
Partnerships were formed with KIIM -- FMIi97 -5, Wi Power is providing free internet in the
park. KOLD and Fox I I are sponsors, and Dan Marries will be the guest master of ceremonies.
He also noted that the number of people viewing the website can also be tracked.
D2: Presentation: Relating to Community Development; providing an update on the status of a
proposed Pima County General obligation Bond Election and the status of projects submitted by
the Town of Marana for possible inclusion in the Bond Election. Presented by T. VanHook,
reported that the bond commission has been meeting since 2011 with 107 meetings to discuss the
nature of projects to be included. They are now working toward a 2015 election. Ms. VanHook
presented the original prioritized nine projects of the town. only one project ---- the BoR Sports
Park fell to number 8 of 9 and was then removed from consideration. The commission is now
looking at administrator recommendations of which there are two totaling $18.9M. He is
recommending that the bond commission consider $10M for economic development activities
for Heritage Park and $8.9M and recreational facilities in the Heritage Park. The other two items
that are in play because they received support from the commission are affordable housing
$1.5M and neighborhood reinvestment for $ I M. The subcommittee moved a total of $33M
worth of projects forward in those two categories for jurisdictions across the county. The county
administrator is recommending that the dollar amount in total across the county be reduced to
$35M, so there are still some things in play. Currently, the commission has moved forward
$1.2B worth of projects, but their final list is projected to be between $500 -700M. So there are
a lot of projects left to be cut. The commission will start those deliberations in September. The
hope is that before Lisa Shafer will be her successor in following projects still in play. The hope
is that before they stop deliberations for the winter, they will have a package ready for a bond
election in the fall of 2015, they would have the spring and summer to do the public education.
She then introduced Greg Wexler who sits on the bond commission and is available to answer
questions on the status of the bonds. Conversations are focusing on jurisdictional priorities. Mr.
Davidson thanked T for all of her hard work for the town, and noted that this is her last council
meeting before she moves to another organization.
D3: Presentation: Relating to Utilities; discussion, consideration, and possible action regarding
a proposal to use impact fee funds to support the development of a new water system on
Tangerine Road, east of I -10, to support active and potential future development along the
Tangerine Road corridor. Presented by John Kmiec, who gave some background on the current
and proposed service area of Marana utilities. The area under consideration is not being
supported by municipal water at this time, but the town does intend to invest in that area and
June 24, 2014 Study Session Minutes 2
support development, particularly with commercial opportunities between Dove Mountain
Boulevard and I -101 Tangerine.
There have been discussions in the last few months with two key developers — Tangerine
Business Park and Marana Technology Campus. If an agreement can be worked out with these
two entities, the town will be able to build infrastructure that will supply water to the east
Tangerine corridor. The agreements would stipulate the contributions and responsibilities of all
parties. There are two options being considered - Option A and Option B. Mr. Kmiec then
discussed each option referencing the various slides.
The funding slide summarized the potential partners — Town of Marana, Tangerine Business
Park and the Marana Technology Campus. Total project cost is $1.5 6M to $1.61 M. From an
operations and maintenance perspective, the preferred Option A to have the well next to the
reservoir because it saves energy costs. Greg Wexler spoke on behalf of the Marana
Technology Campus, giving some background as well as the various stages of development and
potential financial impact. After general discussion on the funding sources and cost - sharing, Mr.
Wexler asked for a reduction of $130K from the share required by the Marana Technology
Campus. A motion to approve the use of impact fees as presented and continue negotiations
with developers was made b Council Member Bowen, seconded by Vice Mayor Post. Passed
unanimously 6 -4.
D4: Presentation: Relating to Police Department; discussion, consideration, and direction
regarding the possible construction of a new, fully functional police facility, including location
and funding options. This item was presented by Chief Rozema, who began with an overview
of the need for the facility. He highlighted areas needing improvement including training and
development, parking, a new fitness program, holding areas, evidence /storage and community
rooms. Next he reviewed the funding aspects and location options. Three locations were
identified, each presenting opportunities as well as challenges. The first is the Civic Center
Campus. Infrastructure is in place and we own the property, and the facility could spur
additional growth in this area. Of the eight acres available, five and a half acres would be used.
CORE Construction and WSM Architects helped with some of the site plans, and both have
experience in building police facilities. The only drawback for this location now is that it is on
the far north end of the service delivery area. To help mitigate that, Vintage Partners is interested
in having a storefront or substation at the Twin Peak area.
The next location is Twin Peaks and Linda Vista on property owned by Red Point Development.
This is a 38 -acre parcel, and they are amenable to working with the town. This is a great
location in terms of efficiency. The down side is cost because this is a more expensive site to
build on. Red Point would prefer to keep the front half and have the town take the back half of
the parcel which is more expensive to build on. And there is a 404 wash to be dealt with. But
there is an opportunity to partner with Northwest Fire which is a positive. Directly adjacent to
June 24, 2014 Study Session Minutes 3
that parcel is a 19-acre parcel, but it hasn't appeared that the property owner was anxious to sell
except for high dollars.
The last site is the current MOC building which is owned by the town; it's site -ready except that
some of the modular buildings would have to be removed. one of the upsides is that we could
present a nice fagade to the public. The up and downside is that it's on the south end but that is
where a lot of calls are coming from now. This location would require maintaining something
on the north end as well. Costs for the north (MMC) location are estimated at $20,464M. The
Twin Peaks location estimated at $23M; and $22M for the adjacent property and $20,560M at
the south (MOC) location. Chief Rozema also discussed how the sites were rated. The TI
construction at Ina Road in July 2016 would have an impact on the efficiency. If that site is
chosen, the Chief recommends not building a new station until after the Ina construction is done.
Erik Montague took Council through the funding options.
General discussion ensued regarding location, a timeframe to complete the project and financing.
Each location has its benefits as well as challenges. Mr. Davidson noted that the Ina Road
interchange construction prompted looking at a new facility. It will be a minimum of two years
before that construction begins, so even if the preliminary work on the police facility started
now, there would most likely be an overlap of construction. He noted that the ultimate goal is to
have a facility that complements everything police personnel are trying to achieve. we are going
to struggle with how to pay for the facility. Right now the big issue is location. If we are looking
at an alternate site (to the MMC campus), we are going to add $3M to the top. If we don't have
any money now, trying to get another $3M adds to the challenge. one way to make the decision
is to look at the cost of developing the land. As the Mayor noted, the infrastructure is in place at
the MMC. This area will continue to grow and calls will increase in this area. Currently, most
calls are coming south of Twin Peaks. So how they deploy resources, organize the districts and
shifts — they're going to have to be very strategic about that. There have been discussions with
the developer at the Marana Center mall to have a storefront there, so that could solve a place for
reports and computer access. Mayor Honea suggested a two -part motion to identify the MMC
campus site for building the new facility when we identify funding, and the second part of the
motion is to direct staff to work on the impact fee that new residents would pay that would
help mitigate some of the improvements for that facility. There was no second that motion.
Mayor Honed then made a motion for the new facility to be at MMC campus location, second
by Vice Mayor Post. Mayor Honea asked the Town Clerk to poll the Council. The motion
passed 4 -2 with Council Members Bowen and Ziegler voting nay.
Mayor Honea made a second motion to direct staff to work on the impact fee process and bring
it back to Council for approval. Council Member Ziegler asked for discussion. She is
concerned about adding more impact fees onto residents. Council Member Comerford
suggested that this topic is a good one for citizen and business discussion. Mayor Honea
concurred that if we don't identify a funding source, we can't do this.
June 24, 2014 Study Session Minutes 4
Mr. Davidson said that talks will continue as everyone has agreed to the need for the facility,
and staff will keep brainstorming and reach out to community groups and businesses, the Forum
and other groups that work closely with the town to get feedback and bring back to Council
what's appropriate for approval.
Council took a brief recess beginning at 8:32 p.m., and reconvened at 8:39 p.m.
D5: Presentation: Relating to Parks and Recreation; discussion, consideration, direction and
possible action regarding the development and construction of the Marana Heritage River Park.
Mr. Davidson introduced the item an update on the status of the park. At the last meeting, the
discussion was what could be done at the proposed arena site and the overall business model.
Staff has done additional analysis and outreach. Jen Christelman presented a recap and
highlighted features to present a clearer picture. She gave an overview of the park, and updates
and costs to date for the fare, splash pad and ranch. Currently, staff is working on the roadway
improvements, corning into the farm, the parking lot at the heritage house, restrooms and an
additional parking area. Staff will have hard bids for construction the second week of July. With
respect to the ranch evaluation, she noted that an Equestrian Stakeholder Working Group had
been formed and provided staff with a wish list. This was given to the landscape architect and
the team designing the entire park. The resulting designs were taken back to the stakeholder
group and got some ideas on how to change the layout. At that point, per Council direction, staff
contacted an expert, Sergio Martinez, an architect with vast experience working with many
arenas around the United States and a member of the Tucson Rodeo Committee, and Tien Lynch,
General Manager of the Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center in Queen Creek both provided
comment on building and supporting an equestrian center at the Heritage Park location. Parking
and having hotels near the arena(s) is huge draw for event competitors.
Based on recommendations from the stakeholder groups and Mr. Martinez and Mr. Lynch, staff
provided a new layout for which she then provided detail on the remaining features. Next, she
presented a fly -over video of the features of the arena grounds.
Ms. Christelman thanked the team who worked on the project to date. Mr. Davidson thanked
Jennifer for her work and opened the discussion. Council Member Comerford complimented her
on due diligence on all the points she had made. Council Member Ziegler asked Clay Parsons,
who was in the audience, to offer his comments. Mr. Parsons noted that Mr. Davidson and
former Deputy Town Manager Del Post had invited him to the arena site some time ago and
asked for his comments. He noted the site is very well designed, although it won't pay for itself.
It's what you get from the outside that adds to the community. His concern is the location with
regard to horses and people and houses, and the costs associated with developing the property.
His opinion is that one of the reasons Queen Creek is popular and booked all the time is because
of access. Vice Mayor Post posed the question of whether Council wants a park or if they want
an equestrian center. He believes they are two separate entities. He feels that Council should
make the distinction. Also, we don't have any money -- except for the $2M that was added to the
June 24, 2014 Study Session Minutes 5
budget for contingencies. He is having a difficult time as a council member making the best
decisions for one -at -a -time projects. He likes the idea of an arena in Marana, but in light of other
projects and whether we're trying to have a park or an equestrian center, which he believes are
completely different. He is not sure that an equestrian center belongs at the heritage park
location. Council Member Ziegler said that if we're going to do this (project) we need to see
what we're pulling. We can't keep all projects going, and we need to make sure the core
services are there first. Is there a spreadsheet of all the projects and their costs.
Mr. Davidson stated that the 5-year CIP document does provide that information. The sewer
($6M) has a mechanism for payback. 'There was contingency money loaded into the budget for
Council to allocate funds to the Heritage Park or any other item. The police facility issue is
going to involve new revenue sources or streams. It would take years to save up and pay for it.
So, the police facility has to be taken out of the context of the other projects. The heritage park
facility won't be like any other park facility. It will be a tourist attraction representing Marana
and who we are, and so it's much more than a "park ". When you look at the CIP and what's
loaded in there, that's years into the future and includes amphitheaters, walkways and
landscaping. Most of that could be done years front. now. Bond money is still on the table if it's
approved by the voters. The covered arena would probably have to be done under that scenario.
But jump - starting the project is viable. Council wasn't ready to move forward on this item in
light of the other commitments coming on board and no known way at this time to pay for it. No
action was taken.
D6: Relating to Administration; consideration and discussion of Town of Marana Strategic Plan
III. Mr. Davidson asked if Council was comfortable with him continuing to work with a tearn to
come back to Council with a final document. If Council has input or sees something that doesn't
make sense, please let him know, and he'll get it into the final document. Council Member
Bowen and Vice Mayor Post offered to assist Gilbert.
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.
E1: 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.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Notwithstanding the mayor's discretion regarding the items to be placed on the agenda, if three
or more Council members request that an item be placed on the agenda, it must be placed on the
agenda for the second regular Town Council meeting after the date of the request, pursuant to
Marana Town Code Section 2- 4 -2(B).
.dune 24, 2014 Study Session Minutes 6
ADJOURNMENT. Motion to ad at 9:32 p.m. b Vice Ma Post, second b Council
Member McGorra Passed unanimousl 6-0.
CERTIFICATION
I hereb certif that the fore are the true and correct minutes of the Marana Town Council
meetin held on June 24, 2014. 1 further certif that a q uorum was present.
ocel C. ronson, Town Clerk
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June 24, 2014 , Stud Session Minutes