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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/10/2015 Study Session Minutes. N of � 7 MAR,ANA 7 1 \ham - A STUDY SESSION MINUTES 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, Arizona 85653 Council Chamber, February 10, 2015, at or after 6:00 PM Ed. Honea, Mayor Jon Post, Vice Mayor David Bowen, Council Member Patti Comerford, Council Member Ilerb Kai, Council Member Carol McGorray, Council Member Roxanne Ziegler, Council Member STUDY SESSION CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL. Mayor H onea called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Town Clerk Bronson called roll. Council Member Kai was excused; there was a quorum present. PLEDGE Or ALLEGIANCEIINVOCATIONIMOMENT OIL SILENCE. Led by Mayor Honea. APPROVAL OF AGENDA. Motion to a,�,�rove by Council Mell'Ib r McGorray, second by Vice Mayor 1 1 unanirliously 0 -0. CALL TO THE PUBLIC At this time any member of the Public is allowed to address the Town Council on any issue within the jurisdiction of the Town Council, except for items scheduled for a Public Hearing at this meeting. The speaker may have up to three minutes to spear. Any persons wishing to address the Council must complete a speaker card located outside the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Town Clerk prior to the commencement of the meeting. Individuals addressing a meeting at the Call to the Public will not be provided with electronic technology capabilities beyond the existing voice amplification and recording capabilities in the facilities and the Town's overhead projector /document reader. Pursuant to the Arizona open Meeting Law, at the conclusion of Call to the Public, individual members of the Council may respond to criticism made by those who have addressed the Council, and may ask staff to review the matter, or may ask that the matter be placed on a future agenda. February 10, 2015 Study Session Minutes DISCUSSIONIDIRECTION /POSSIBLE ACTION P I Relating to Administration; presentation and discussion of the framework for development of the fiscal year 2015.2016 budget and its role in the implementation of the Strategic Plan (Gilbert Davidson and Erik Montague). Gilbert Davidson began the presentation noting that Erik Montague will give Council a current update and the preliminary outlook for next year. Then Gilbert will present information to get Council thoughts and feedback on any particular areas where we need to put financial resources. He talked a little about the adoption of Strategic Plan III and Council's vision and the overriding principles adopted by the Council. His presentation focused mainly on making the right investments for economic development and sustainability and that we retain the lessons learned from the recession. Erik Montague began by noting that staff has been working over the last several budget cycles to ensure that we are maintaining a balanced budget and making the investments and applying resources to the key core services. As a result of those decisions, $23.7M is in reserves. He then gave a general fund update for - f seal year 2015 through December. Preliminary numbers are based on the existing rate structure. We have largely recovered in retail sales fr 2008. There was a steep decline in construction, but it is holding steady. Sales taxes and state shared revenues should show a modest increase. A 6.5% decrease is expected for permits and fees. This is due to preliminarily a reduction of single family residences. For planning purposes we are anticipating about 500. Finance is working closely with the development departments to refine those growth projections. We anticipate that they will be bumped up a little. The new impact fee structure adds a layer of complexity that we will have to watch. For FY 2016 we should be at $36.3M, up from the 2015 budget which had us at about $35.4M in revenue. What is important is not only what has changed but what is changing. It's important that for us to have a balanced budget that we're spending out of the right buckets. � 1e talked about one - time versus ongoing revenues and how they are used differently. Based on these preliminary numbers, ongoing costs in the general fund shouldn't exceed about $34.7M, for a positive change of about $1.2114 or about 3.7/0. For one -time dollars which should only fund a one -time study, project, investment or item, those dollars are decreasing the most. That is tied directly to the Way we budget for single family residence permits. Mr. Montague then moved to the slide relating to pressures on the fiscal year 2016 budget. The biggest pressure being employee compensation as it is the largest operating expense and the largest asset of the town. Working with Human Resources and others, the goal is to maintain a market- -based plan. For every one percent change in salary in the general fund, the cost is about $2401.. With respect to health insurance costs, this is the first year we have gone self-insured, and we are generally where we had planned to be. We are starting to establish some healthy reserves required to pay future claims, and that will be a key element in m a intaining a constant cost. We are looking at about a 5% adjustment for next year, which is a reasonable number. R etir ement costs wi ll be mixed. He Will go deeper into retirement costs at a f u tu re study session and talk about some of the changes, including where we've been, where we are and where we're going. The largest pool of employees is covered through the Arizona State Retirement System. Februar 10, 2015 Study Se Minutes 2 That will decrease as far as the overall employer costs at about $20K. The public safety elected official and correctional officer's retirement plan which covers our dispatchers, is basically going to increase by over $220K as a result of some of these changes. So a net gain of about $200K of increased costs for next fiscal year. Tied to that will be some strategies that we'll talk about at a futur m to addr some of that liability that is sittin there related to these retirem systems. We also have the cost of ongoing maintenance and the impacts of the state budget which may be the most significant. Next he discussed the Ivey dates for budget br iefings including tentative study sessions in March, culminating in the Final Budget in June. Gilbert Davidson thanked Erik and then distributed the Strategic Plan III with a discussion sheet attached relating to items in the Strategic Plan as potential investments for next year. � Ie wanted to get a sense of where Council wants to direct the limited new revenue coining in. Starting with Commerce he is proposing approximately $350K to complete the Land Development Code update, noting that this can be done over a two -year period. other considerations are to develop a marketing plan for economic development assets, writing a tourism plaster plan and putting aside money for community landscaping and clean -up. once the outlet mall is in place, other types of business and industry will want to do business with us. Ile asked for comments or other items to consider under this category. Mayor Honea asked how the 600 SFR number was arrived at for next fiscal year. Mr. Montague responded that for current fiscal year and projections for next year, the Aerie development is a key driver. In the month of December, we had 82 SFRs which was tied primarily to the Aerie development. From a budget process per spective we are co unting those u nits a SFRs, but it is slightly different or distinct front a detached home. The Aerie development is slightly holding that number artificially high, and the development group is carefully watching that, Next is the Community focus area. We want to partner with the school district as much as possible. Having a top ranked school district brings more families. For school projects, $3,000 is roughly what we have supported in the past. having a line item in the budget allows us to not have to bring each request to Council. The Signature Events (Cotton Festival, Christmas Tree Lighting and 4 "' of July) have a cost. Even though we brought in more sponsorships this year, there is an up- :fron.t cost. The Post Off' issue still looms large. This is not an easy issue and seems somewhat unsolvable with the Post office. As a town, we could try to invest in more signage as you'r com into town limits. Areas where there are b ig population centers, have signage such as electronic display boards to better inform residents about things going on in Marana. This would be approximately $100K. We may want to start with one sign and get feedback from citizens. Sprucing up the town hall site has been a topic of discussion for years. We could do some great things with aesthetics and art in the roundabout coming from the health center, and that could include sculptures as well as agreements with businesses for art as part of their development projects. In the Strategic Plan, we talk about having a more vibrant art program. He remarked on an art piece going in a r oundabout in Wickenbur that will be in the Guinness Book of World Records. It's a signature piece that people will remember. February 10, 2015 Study Session Minutes 3 With Innovation he would like to re- initiate some of the staff training and development for that was withdrawn during the recession. The amount proposed would be $25K. Tuition reimbursement is also being looked at. We have been doing supervisor trainings, and UA puts on higher level executive trainings. There is a $15K learning management system available to help organize all the trainings. Council Member Ziegler described a training program in Pinta County that we could possibly loop into using. rerxta e 9 with respect to the Fall Festival, we are disconnecting from Gladden Farms on the Harvest Festival, so it will be completely the town's event known as the Cotton Festival. we'll need to invest more money into the marketing event. With respect to the Cotton oil Producers' building, we could designate phoney toward the design and infrastructure as a future project. For Recreation Mr. Davidson said that the expansion of the loop system within Marana is somewhat tied to Pima County and existing bond funds. This system is heavily used by runners, walkers and bicyclists. The plan is to connect from Continental Ranch through Avra Valley and back to Heritage Park. The movies, music and art in the parrs could also be expanded. I -le concluded the presentation by asking Council if there was anything; else they could think of to tie into the budget. Some things are ongoing that we don't necessarily have to budget for; it's just allocating time to get them done. Mayor Honea asked if infrastructure improvements life the wastewater line all programmed in for this fiscal year. Mr. Davidson said that they were. In response to a question from Council Member Ziegler as to where the funding for pavement preservation comes from, he indicated that we are currently underfunded through the capital improvement program. If we want to continue fixing potholes and cracks, we may want to infuse some additional general funds dollars to that so that we don't fall behind. Council Member Ziegler would encourage that. Council Member Comerford would life to see more education going out to the public through PIOA newsletters and other sources to explain our projects. There were no further questions. P 2 Related to Planning, presentation and discussion regarding a proposed minor amendment to the Town of Marana General Plan's road network map. Ryan Mahoney began by noting that the last time the General Plan was adopted was in 2010. One of the components is the transportation element. Contained within that element is some policy and directive with regard to roadways that relate to auto, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. one important thing to note is that forecasts are often based on "best guess" as to what development is going to do as population grows. That's not always 100% accurate for us, so one of the things discussed in the plan is that it needs to be a living document. One of the elements of the Plan is the roads network exhibit. Keith Brann will discuss the specifics and Ryan will discuss the mechanics of the General Plan. One of the first things that was done was to determine that this element was a minor amendment. A minor amendment re a public hearing at the Planning Commission and the Council and requires a simple majority vote for passage. we want to get this done as soon as possible due to the development which is moving forward in north Marana and at the Tangerine interchange. Keith Brann then discussed the general plan road network where the proposed minor plan amendments to the road networks would occur: These are: Tangerine interchange, Marana February 10, 2015 Study Session Minutes 4 interchange connectivity, Tangerine Road right of way, Marana Main Street right of way, and the environmentally sensitive arterial right of way. He then gave some historical information regarding these areas. Part of the minor plan amendment for the Tangerine interchange is to remove the relocation interchange from the General Plan and show Tangerine in its current location. Council Member McGorray asked if that were to happen, whether the road on the west side of 1-10 would be restored. Mr. Brann responded that as part of connecting Tangerine Farms to the Tangerine interchange, there was an issue with the road and the ramp being too close together. To accommodate that, a "shoefly" bypass --~ to separate the ramp from the road was created. When the interchange is reconstructed, the ramps will be merged similar to all the interchanges like at Cortaro and Ina. And the roads would be converted to one way at that location. This interchange is not in ADOT's 5 -year or 10-year plan, although they have done some concept reports. It would take a major development for ADOT to jump back up here. It's not even sure when A.DOT will improve orange Grove or reconnect Sunset Road. With respect to the Marana interchange, there is nothing on the books to shift the interchange; however, based on developments and various traffic pre - recession, there was a resolution to try to define would the different elements would locally connect to the Marana interchange. Some of the operational problems and growth potentials that we were seeing pre- recession are no longer there. Staff would like to go back and create a looping roadway network that is primarily Marana- centric as it will be important to maintain a connection to the Sandario business district. Gilbert Davidson noted that Marana currently lacks a heart or downtown in terms of identity of our community. This Council is at a historic crossroads to truly plant a seed to forever change this community for future generations by creating a Main Street from the ground up. While not diminishing the good work of engineers, we must design around a sense of place rather than future tral "flc projections. The plan that is proposed here really begins to do that. It creates a sense of arrival and a true Main Street that ties in to the interchange and allows people to easily get around. In the previous version, it was completely disconnected from the main street. vice Mayor Post asked how soon we could build the Marana Road alignment without the Tangerine Loop Road. Mr. Davidson said that we can begin to make the realignment of Marana Road a reality in our capital improvement program. Council Member Comerford asked if property owners in the area were on board With this concept. Mr. Davidson responded that he believes it is well - supported by investors who have been here for years and business owners because it keeps that connectivity. 1"here may be one who doesn't live in the community who would still oppose this. We also need to make sure that the area is pedestrian - friendly according to Council Member Comerford. She referenced a location in southern California using a three --way light for auto and pedestrian traffic. Mr. Mahoney interjected that there is already some development interest occurring along Marana Main Street, and that is something that staff is touching on with developers. This alignment really facilitates that. Council Member Ziegler referenced a previous meeting of landowners some time ago when many of the landowners were not as on board as she is hearing they may now be. Mr. Davidson said the Sandario business community for the most part is on board as long as we keep Sandario Road as the main street into the community. And that will be the case for many years into the future until someone comes along to build the Tangerine Road connection. But creating the Marana Main Street brings more cars into this existing business district. The dissident property owner he was referring to is the owner of Uptown Marana. There was some negative reaction February 10, 2015 Study Session Minutes 5 from Troon Properties. We haven't heard from them in a couple of years when there was some talk of a Walmart, but he doesn't see that happening for many years in the future. Susan Ong and Mitch Stallard are 100% in support of this. Chris Monson is supportive of this, and Scott Stiteler is in support — all the large landowners in Marana at this time. We need to make sure this is budgeted for the next fiscal year to move on the first phase of this main street component to get that locked into place and away from the interstate. There was also discussion regarding the pros and cons of traffic circles. From a traffic engineering perspective, they are seen as traffic calming devices. Mayor Honey also offered comments. He indicated that he also preferred signal lights to roundabouts. fIe is in favor of the loop. Mr. Davidson, in response to some concerns of Council, stated that we do have to think differently about this downtown area than we have in the past with traditional developers. Marana will have to be a leader in building some of this infrastructure. Then the businesses that do come in will help reimburse and pay back the town over tinge. Council Member Bowen indicated his support of the change as it will enhance development in the area. Keith Brann continued to build on Gilbert's comments. In this year's budget there was money to study Marana Road and Marana Street alignments, so we can start working on this now. The big dollars for any construction would be In next year's budget. He noted that the balance of the presentation is about fine- tuning some of the right of way widths from some of the arterials starting with Tangerine Road east of I -10. The next one is Marana Main Street from Civic Center Drive to Grier Road which was constructed with the municipal complex in 2004. It currently carries a 90 foot right of way. Using the latest road designs using diagonal parking with shared bike /vehicle lanes and no center left turn land. This could narrow the road to 80 feet. The last item is a cleanup. The normal arterial roadway is 150 feet wide. Environmentally sensitive road design generally calls for narrower lane widths and medians to reduce the travel distance of wildlife. At this tinge, staff is asking for the flexibility to loot{ at a roadway and determine if it's an environmentally sensitive road and go with the narrower section. The recommendation is to allow staff to use a narrow right of way width in environmental sensitive area. Cortaro Road follows this process as does Twin Peaks roadway up to Dove Mountain. This is more of a boon to development along the roadway. Council Member McGorray asked about Dove Mountain Boulevard north from Tangerine and the width of the road. Mr. Brann responded that attempts have been made to address bike lanes. When the road comes up on the pavement preservation program for chip seal, the road will be re- striped for a wider bike lane. In its current state, it is still a desirable width for the bicycling community. Council Member McG o rray just wanted to make sure that going forward we provide adequate widths for bicyclists on our roads. Mr. Brann stated that the environmentally sensitive areas are basically in the Tortolita Fan and eligible for a narrowed right of way if deemed appropriate. All of the changes could be incorporated into this Road Network Plan. Council Member Bowen noted that in northern California they have made the sidewalks wider for walking and biking paths, rather than the roads. Can we get the cyclists off the road altogether. Mr. Brann noted that Twin Peaks Boulevard south of Tangerine does just that on the north side. Unfortunately the spilled cyclists life riding in the road regardless of the debris that collects on the shoulders. February 10, 2015 Study Session Minutes 6 Staff is lookin to see if there is a direction to move forward on all or an of these items for a minor amendment to the General Plan. Motion b Vice Ma Post to direct staff to continue the minor amendment to the General Plan. Second b Council Member Bowen. Passed unanimousl 6-0. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03, the Town Council ma vote to g o into executive session, which will not be open to the public, to discuss certain matters. E I Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03 (A)(3), Council ma ask for discussion or consultation for le advice with the Town Attorne concernin an matter listed on this a FUTURE AGENDA Ir FEMS Notwithstandin the ma discretion re the items to be placed on the a if three or more Council members re that an item be placed on the a it must be placed on the a for the second re Town Council meetin after the date of the re pursuant to Marana Town Code Section 2-4-2(B). ADJOURNMENT. Motion to adjourn at 7:46 p.m. b Vice Ma Post, second b Council Member Bowen. Passed unanimousl 6-0. CERTIFICATION I hereb certif that the fore are the true and correct minutes of the stud session of the Marana Town Council meetin held on Februar 10, 2015, 1 further certif that a q uorum was present. 01 ocel ronson, Town Clerk (AMAR NA 7 Alp Februar 10, 2015 Stud Session Minutes 7