HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/20/2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes7777777 �E
MARANA AZ
ESTABLISHED 1977
MARANA TOWN COUNCIL
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, Arizona 85653
Council Chambers, February 20, 2018, at or after 7:00 PM
Ed Honea, Mayor
Jon Post, Vice Mayor
David Bowen, Council Member
Patti Comerford, Council Member
Herb Kai, Council Member
Carol McGorray, Council Member
Roxanne Ziegler, Council Member
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL:
Mayor Honea called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Deputy Town Clerk Hilary
Hiser called the roll with all council members in attendance constituting a quorum.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE:
Mayor Honea asked Boy Scout Troop #541 to lead the Council and audience in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Council Member McGorray motioned to approve the agenda with a second provided by
Council Member I<ai. Motion passed unanimously.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC.
Marcel Plouffe addressed the Council regarding the poor road conditions and drainage
issues in the Adonis Subdivision, He also mentioned issues with the wastewater system
noting that the two ponds are filled with sludge and require maintenance. Mr. Plouffe
stated that the problems associated with subdivision are critical. He asked the Council
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
to consider addressing the various issues related to the wastewater system and the
condition of the roads.
Mayor Honea thanked Mr. Plouffe and stated the Town continues to work with the
Adonis HOA to address the subdivision's infrastructure issues.
PROCLAMATIONS:
1 Proclaiming March 9, 2018 as St. Baldrick's Day in Marana
Deputy Town Clerk Hilary Hiser read the proclamation into the record. Chris Dow,
representative of the St. Baldrick organization, accepted the proclamation and briefly
addressed the Council. Mr. Dow explained that money raised from these fundraising
events is an important source of research funding used to treat childhood cancer.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS: SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS:
Council Member Ziegler reported that she attended the Pima County Board of
Supervisor's meeting regarding the re-evaluation of the Stonegarden Grant for the
Sheriff's department. She spoke during the call to the public expressing her hope that
the Board of Supervisors would vote to accept the grant. Council Member Ziegler
encouraged citizens to continue to participate at both the local and county levels voicing
their beliefs.
Mayor Honea reported that he continues to work with elected officials in Pinal County,
at the state level, and at the federal level to protect the Army's helicopter unit at Pinal
Airpark. Mayor Honea thanked Congresswoman Martha McSally for her efforts to
protect the military installation by speaking with administration officials in
Washington, D.C. Mayor Honea commented that the installation employs roughly 600
people.
MANAGER'S REPORT: SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS: No report.
PRESENTATIONS
P1 Relating to Animal Services; six-month update on the new Animal Services
Division presented by Community Development Director Lisa Shafer. Ms. Shafer
provided the Council an overview of the Animal Services division since its creation. She
noted that the Town hired two animal control officers who work seven days a week and
ten hours a day to provide adequate enforcement. 'The Town's contract for shelter
services with. the Human Society has been very successful. The Town also has a contract
for emergency veterinary services within the Town's jurisdictional boundaries.
Ms. Shafer reported efficient licensing operations with the Town's PetData, Inc.
contract. Residents have several options for licensing their pets from online, mail, or in
person at the municipal center's front desk. Within the last six months, the Town has
processed over 2,000 dog licenses.
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 2
For the next fiscal year, Ms. Shafer plans to increase the licensing goal by 10 percent.
She is confident that the division should meet that goal because every interaction
between citizens and animal control officers include conversations about animal
licensing. Ms. Shafer explained that licensing was not only an important way to help
with pet reunification, but also licensing helps ensure the animal is current on its rabies
vaccination.
Ms. Shafer also described the community partnerships with various organizations to
offer spay and neuter clinics, vaccination clinics, free microchipping events, and two
adoption events at town wide events. She explained that during vaccination events the
Town covers the costs of vaccination for Marana residents and require non-residents to
pay the associated $6.00 cost of the vaccination.
Ms. Shafer was proud to report that Animal Services' has provided outstanding
customer service to residents. She stated that officers and support staff have picked up a
total of 146 stray animals from July 2017 through December 2017. Of those, 78 were
taken to the Human Society and 68 were returned directly to their owner. Residents
dropped off 57 stray animals to the Human Society, but Ms. Shafer told the Council that
Animal Services would be happy to pick up the strays caught by residents and
transport them to the Human Society. Of the 135 strays taken to the Human Society, 27
were returned to their owner. Ms. Shafer reported that the Human Society indicated
that was a good return rate.
Some additional statistics reported by Ms. Shafer include well over 500 service calls
since July 1 with a high number of calls requiring follow-up visits. She noted that almost
all calls are responded to in the same day and residents can request services from
animal control officers in many different ways. Residents can reach the unit via phone,
online, email, the website, and the new mobile app for smartphones.
Reviewing the division's current budget, Ms. Shafer stated they maintained the same
budget as the previous year. The budget revenues for licensing are 53 percent of the
adopted budget and expenditures are 40 percent of budgeted expenditures. The
donation revenue is lower than expected with only 28 percent received.
Council Member McGorray asked if the donations were tax deductible. Ms. Shafer
and Finance Director Erik Montague confirmed that the donations meet the IRS
criteria. Ms. Shafer also provided the Council a comparison between the Towns prior
contract with Pima County versus the new Animal Services division. She highlighted
that total expenditures were down approximately 17 percent and revenues were up by
1.1 percent.
Ms. Shafer concluded her presentation by reviewing the divisions marketing and
outreach activities with a demonstration of the interactive features on the Animal
Services app. She also indicated that the Animal Services division provides local vets a
variety of informational handouts regarding services and resources offered through the
Town.
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 3
Council Member Comerford commented on the importance of microchipping pets as a
way to successfully return an animal to their owner, Ms. Shafer agreed that
microchipping is a valuable resource for reunification, but pointed out that some people
forget to register and activate the microchip. She also noted that having a collar with a
tag and license is also important for reuniting animals and owners.
Mayor Honea asked how the public finds out about the various clinics offered. Ms.
Shafer responded that dates are posted on the town's main website, as well as the
Animal Service's main web page. Animal Service events are also advertised on the
Town's social media platforms,
Council Member Ziegler commented that the Animal Services division has done a
great job and she is happy that it is running well despite her earlier reservations about
the endeavor,
Vice Mayor Post also commented that after a year of uncertainty on the decision to
undertake Animal Services, he thinks the program is going extremely well. He
congratulated Ms. Shafer and her staff on doing such a professional job,
P2 Relating to Budget; presentation of second quarter results (July - December) for
the Town's General Fund and other selected major funds for the 2017-18 fiscal year
presented by Finance Director Erik Montague. The second quarter up -date regarding
the general fund and other funds was presented using the department's new interactive
financial brief placed on the Town's website. Mr. Montague explained the intent of the
new tool is to make the budget information more accessible to both the Council and to
citizens. The new web based tool allows the viewer to drill down into the budget data
associated with each of the funds creating a more nuanced picture of the Town's
financial health without cumbersome language or the use of difficult to understand
charts. Mr. Montague noted that every financial quarter staff would update the tool.
Looking more closely at the second quarter financials, Mr. Montague stated the Town is
where it would hope to be on the revenue side at this time. The overall revenues for the
Town's general fund revenues are at about 50 percent which is slightly up due to
seasonality. He noted that some numbers have just come in regarding revenue streams
and staff continues to analyze those numbers. Mr. Montague also reported that
expenditure side is lagging at 38 percent which is also due to seasonality. He expects
the expenditure side to start to catch-up soon.
Mr. Montague explained that some of the water reclamation fund's revenue variance is
due to the Saguaro Bloom hookup. The airport fund seems to be lagging with revenues
at 24 percent. However, the lease revenue is on the mark and the variance is a result of
the method used to budget for an anticipated transfer from the general fund to the
airport fund to cover operating shortfalls. Mr. Montague hopes that once the final
reconciliation is complete, the anticipated transfer between the two funds might reduce
in total size.
Mr. Montague took a moment to demonstrate the interactive web tool by navigating
the various options built into the data set. He explained that the Town has made
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 4
continued efforts to budget closer to what is actually spent and to keep estimates on the
conservative side. The web tool helps to clearly illustrate the department's focus to
budget within a narrow margin reflective of actual expenditures and actual revenues.
He also identified the web tool's ability to compare three previous fiscal years to
provide a more in-depth context regarding the Town's budget.
C1 Resolution No. 2018-014: Relating to Development; approving a development
plan for Dove Mountain Senior Living located north of Tangerine Road and east of
Dove Mountain Boulevard (Brian D. -Varney)
C2 Resolution No. 2018-015: Relating to development; approving a final plat for
Saguaro Bloom Block 1, Lots 1-389, Blocks 1A, 1.13 and 1C, and Common Area "A" (open
space, recreation, public utilities, road maintenance and signage), Common Area "B"
(open space, drainage, recreation, public utilities, road maintenance and signage), and
Common Area "C" (open space and recreation), generally located at the southeast
corner of Airline Road and Lambert Lane (Cynthia Ross)
C3 Resolution No. 2018-016: Relating to Parks and Recreation; approving and
authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the Town of Marana and
Desert Bluegrass Association regarding the planning, development and presentation of
the 2018 Marana Bluegrass & Acoustic Music Festival (Jim Conroy)
C4 Approval of February 6, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes (Jocelyn. C.
Bronson)
Council Member McGorray motioned to approve the consent agenda with a second
provided by Council Member Kai. Motion passed unanimously.
LIQUOR LICENSES
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
COUNCIL ACTION
Al PUBLIC HEARING: Ordinance No. 2018.005 Relating to development; amending
the Gladden Farms I1 Specific Plan to revise the land use designation of Block 35 from
Single Family Detached 8 (SFD-8) to Single Family Detached 6 (SFD-6) with an average
lot size of at least 6,600 square feet and Block 34 from Commercial (C) to Transitional
Zone (TR); reduce the size of Block 32 from 8.3 acres to two acres and incorporate the
excess acreage into Blocks 31 and 33 with their currently approved SFD-6 land use
designation and revise the collector roadway network to realign the eastern half of Mike
Etter Blvd. and eliminate Pacheco Farms Rd presented by Planner Steven Vasquez. Mr.
Vasquez explained this is a request from Crown West Reality development group to
amend the Gladden Farms lI Specific Plan.
Before discussing the proposed amendments, Mr. Vasquez presented the Council an
overview of the current development in Gladden Farms 1. He noted that all residential
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 5
blocks are either built out or currently under construction by one of the area's four
home builders; KB Homes, Richmond American, Meritage, and Lennar. Mr. Vasquez
also stated that development in Gladden Farms 11 is ready to begin.
The Gladden Farms 11 Specific Plan was approved by Ordinance 2006.03 and was
amended by Ordinance No. 2006.35. The proposed second amendment is in response to
changes in the land development industry over the past 12 years.
There are four amendments before the Council for consideration. Amendment 1.
requests a change in land use designation for Block 35 reducing the single family
detached 8,000 square foot lots down to 6,000 square foot lots to make it more
marketable to home builders. The residential target count of 2,345 units in Gladden
Farms remains the same. Mr. Vasquez pointed out that the current Gladden Farms I
zoning has an average lot size of 6,940 square feet across all blocks.
Amendment 2 requests a change in the land use designation of Block 34 from
commercial to transitional zoning. The approved block plat already has a large amount
of commercial zoned land. The less intensive land use designation would allow a
greater mix of professional offices and residential possibilities.
Amendment 3 requests a reduction of the private park area in Block 32 from 8.3 acres to
approximately 2 acres. The change to Block 32 would create a passive two acre open
space with new active recreation areas in Blocks 31 and 33. As part of the proposed
change, the master developer will construct lighted soccer fields and a dog par at the
Heritage River Park by the 400th building permit issued or after two years, whichever
comes first.
Finally, Amendment 4 requests a revision of the collector roadway network to realign
the eastern half of Mike Etter. Boulevard and eliminate Pacheco Farms Road, Mr.
Vasquez stated the Traffic Engineering division has approved an amended traffic
impact analysis and the proposed traffic volumes have adequate levels of service.
Dean Wingert from Crown West Realty development group also briefly presented to
the Council an overview of the proposed amendments. Mr. Wingert informed the
Council that as of February 2018, there were 1,528 building permits issued in Gladden
Farms I with only 219 vacant lots remaining. He observed that Gladden Farms I and
Gladden Farms 11 are both part of the Tangerine Road Improvement district and have
been paying off the $16.42 million assessment for the construction of that road over the
last ten years.
Mr. Wingert stated that his company purchased the Gladden Farms 11 property back in.
2006 and it still remains undeveloped today. He indicated that what the company
thought would be successful twelve years ago has not sold. Therefore, after years of
inactivity, the developer is seeking four revisions to help generate market interest in the
property.
Mr. Wingert specified that in Gladden Farms 1, the Town has been given '155 acres of
public open space and. the developer has improved an additional 75 acres of fully -
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 6
landscaped open space with 17 private parks and over 1.0 miles of paved pathways that
interconnect the neighborhoods.
In terms of the zoning in Gladden Farms 1, a block is never developed with all the lots
being as small as the zoning designation allows. The average lot size of the subdivision
will be slightly larger than the minimum zoning designation. Mr. Wingert
acknowledged that the overall average lot size in Gladden Farms I is 22 percent larger
than required by the actual zoning.
Refocusing on Gladden Farms 11, Mr. Wingert assured the Council that the single-
family residential portions of Gladden Farms 11 would be developed in the same
manner as Gladden Farms 1, which will include the same Homeowners Association and
the physically interconnected pathways and roads. Mr. Wingert stated that there will be
at least 12 new private parks owned and maintained by the Homeowner's Association,
Mr. Wingert also highlighted the four proposed changes to the specific plan. He started
his review by explaining the Block 34 land use change from commercial to transitional
zoning. Mr. Wingert stated that if even without Block 34 commercial zoning, there are
still 153 acres of commercially zoned property in Gladden Farms 11 and also 42 acres of
commercially zoned property in Gladden Farms I. Mr. Wingert also pointed out that
several other developments near Gladden Farms have parcels zoned for commercial
with better locations closer to 1-10 and Tangerine Farms Road. He further emphasized
that the transitional zoning would match the block adjacent to it and would allow some
flexibility with possible uses.
The second requested change Mr. Wingert described is the realignment of Mike Etter
Boulevard. He indicated that the extreme eastern portion's current alignment is broken
into two pieces and this change is seeking to create a single roadway along a curvilineal
path.
The third requested change is to Block 35 toward the southwest boundary of Gladden
Farms 11. The proposed change is to down zone this block from 8,000 square feet to at
least 6,000 square feet and include a condition that the lots must average 6,600 square
feet in size. Mr. Wingert presented the Council a visual representation of the proposed
lot size change emphasizing the total amount open space remains the same and the
street layout remains the same. He noted that the nearest home from the back of the lot
would be 125 feet away with a fully landscaped space within the boundary.
The fourth change is to Block 32's private open space reducing the private park from
eight acres to two acres with its previously planned uses moved to an alternate location
that is still accessible to residents from both developments. The proposed change will
also include two of new public park improvements and adds pocket park facilities in
Block 31 and Block 33. Mr. Wingert stated in exchange for the reduction in acre size that
the developer would add new public parks improvements at the Heritage River Park
with construction of two full-sized soccer fields with lighting, a dog park, visitor
parking, restroom facilities, and landscaping. He also noted that the new public park
facilities would be connected to the development's interconnected pathways and trail
network. Mr. Wingert explained that the total of 13 new acres of park space are not part
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 7
of the current Gladden Farms 1I Specific Plan and would be added as a direct response
to the reduction of Block 32's private park space by six acres.
Mr. Wingert concluded his presentation by briefly reviewing the four proposed
changes and explaining why those changes are necessary. He touched on the
importance of creating a. product that will attract home builders. Mr. Wingert
acknowledged the that realignment of Mike Fater Boulevard would benefit his group
because it would cut down on the amount of infrastructure they must put in, but he also
stated that the Town would benefit from the realignment because it would decrease on-
going street maintenance.
Mr. Wingert also acknowledged that the public park improvements were to his
organization's benefit because the improvements could be managed through the
Community Facility District. He stated that with the completion of the public park
improvements those could be managed with the Park Impact fee from Gladden Farms
homeowners. But Mr. Wingert emphasized that this option does provide an early
completion date for sports fields compared to the Town's estimated timeline.
Mayor Honea opened up the public hearing portion of the meeting by stating he did
not like the proposed plan believing Crown West Reality was the ultimate winner with
this proposal. Mayor Honea expanded that the proposed change from 8,000 square foot
lots down to 6,000 square foot lots would make Gladden Farms 11 entirely high density
residential rather than a mix of density. He mentioned that he has not seen a master
planned development get close to the proposed ceiling for residential buildings. Mayor
Honea continued his explanation stating that the original eight acre park with various
amenities was proposed to help combat the overall high density zoning in the
surrounding blocks. He explained that the original eight acre park is for the residents of
Gladden I and Gladden I1 to have an area for recreation and gatherings.
Mayor Honea further stated that if the developer builds the public soccer fields it will
be reimbursed from the CFD and receive impact fees, whereas if the developer leaves
the eight acre park in place it will have to pay for the park without any reimbursement
from the park impact fees. Mayor Honea further expressed his view that the proposed
changes to the Specific Plan. would be a "double dip" in terms of reimbursement and
ultimately a determinate to the tax payers. Mayor Honea also noted that if the Council
approved the change from commercial to transitional zoning that change only increases
the chances of that block turning to high density residential. With that much high
density residential zoning the development would need a centrally located park for
residents.
Mayor Honea concluded his remarks saying he supports growth in the Gladden Farms
area, but wants to ensure there enough recreational amenities provided to residents to
adequately serve both developments.
Mayor Honea recognized Lyon Duncan, Mice Chair of the Planning Commission, to
address the Council regarding the proposal. Mr. Duncan stated he is addressing the
Council as a private citizen and his statements do not reflect the views of the Planning
Commission members as a whole. He explained that when he voted in favor of the
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 8
proposed changes presented to the commission November 2017 that he felt the
information presented by the developer at that time met the commission's and the
residents' concerns regarding the reduction in park size. Mr. Duncan acknowledges that
he may not have thoroughly considered the prospective families for that area when he
voted in favor of the proposed changes. He now felt compelled to correct his mistake by
asking the Council to vote no regarding the changes presented.
Mr. Duncan stated that he has compared the material presented to the Commission in
November to the material presented to the Council at this meeting. Mr. Duncan noted
that the Commission reviewed and approved the proposed changes to reduce the park
from eight acres to 3.3 acres. He expressed concern that the proposal before the Council
reduces the park further from the Commission's approved three acres to the presented
two acres of passive open space presented to Council. Mr. Duncan expressed additional
concerns that the details continue to change and the lack of a draft development
agreement specifically identifying the obligations of the developer and the obligations
of the Town is worrisome. He expressed concern that the proposed changes to do not
provide the scope of recreation space originally offered and do not live up to the ideals
championed by the Council in previous meetings. Mr. Duncan concluded his remarks
by asking the Council to vote no on the proposed changes because they do not meet the
needs of the community.
The second speaker to address the Council during the public hearing was Sharon
Tyson, a member of the Planning Commission. Ms. Tyson stated that as a planning
commission member she does her best to make decisions that will benefit all the
residents of Marana. At the November 2017 commission meeting, Ms. Tyson stated the
decision to approve that the proposed changes to the Gladden Farms 11 specific plan
was done after considerable discussions between the applicant and the commission
members which resulted in a 7-0 vote to approve the changes as presented.
Ms. Tyson said that after additional discussions and extensive research on the proposal
she strongly feels that she should have voted no when the changes were presented to
the Planning Commission. She stated that the proposal presented to Council does not
adequately address the needs of future residents in the Gladden Farms community. Ms.
Tyson expressed her hope that the Council would vote no on the proposed changes
presented.
Council Member Bowen stated that he met individually with the applicant and he
liked the majority of the proposal presented. He acknowledged the proposal regarding
the park is better than he had originally thought it would be. Council Member Bowen
indicated that he did not have any issues with the requested downsizing of the block,
the transition zoning, or the road realignment. However, Council Member Bowen did
suggest that a reduced park and inclusion of soccer fields does impact to who is able to
use the facilities. A large park is a good draw for many people whereas soccer fields are
more limited and narrow in use. He concluded that he does not prefer the proposed
changes to the park and really does not want to give up the large centrally located park.
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 9
However, Council Member Bowen does support the other proposed changes to the
specific plan.
Council Member Comerford asked for clarification regarding density. She asked the
developer if the other blocks within Gladden Farms 11 were also high density
residential. Mr. Wingert answered that the other blocks were zoned for high density
6,000 square foot residential lots. He explained that those blocks would have additional
pocket parks to conform to the Town Code. Mr. Wingert pointed out to the Council that
within the approved specific plan, Blocks 31 and 33, adjacent to Block 32, were not
originally required to have internal park spaces.
Council Member Comerford responded that the increased density of those blocks
would require smaller lot sizes. She expressed concern that without a substantial park
space within the development, which is easily accessible, future residents to the
community would become dissatisfied overtime. She observed that the two acre
proposed park is over an area that cannot be built on regardless and now prospective
residents are losing out on the opportunity of living on a larger lot within Gladden
Farms. Council Member Comerford observed that tax payers are the losers in this
proposal. She also noted that she was disappointed in staff for proposing this idea.
Mr. Wingert responded that the reduction in the park from eight acres to two acres
results in the addition of 13 acres of park improvements within Gladden Farms 11 and at
the Heritage River Park. He noted that every block would have a private pocket park in
addition to the public park facilities within and near the whole development.
Mr. Wingert also reminded the Council that the developer did agree to pay for and
construct an underground pathway from the Gladden Farms development to the
Heritage River Park. The pathway has been open for ten years and is heavily used by
residents in the area who visit the Heritage River Park. All of the interior pathways
within Gladden Farms connect to that underground pathway thus allowing residents to
avoid crossing the road.
Council Member Bowen commented that he did not think the developer was "double
dipping" as the construction of the public park would be paid for by the community
facility district and then the impact credits would go to the home builders and not the
master developer of the Gladden Farms.
Mr. Wingert responded that yes the community facility district (CFD) is a special tax
imposed on the residents living within the Gladden Farms community. He reminded
the Council that the CFD is a method of financing for improvements made within the
Gladden Farms community. The history and purpose of the CFD is not a method of
funding an improvement, but a method to reimburse for the construction of that
improvement.
Mr. Wingert also confirmed that the impact fee credits are applicable to the home
builders within the development and not to Crown West. He explained that the
proposal is to develop those public park improvements without regards to a cost limit
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 10
imposed is the responsibility of Crown West to construct. He noted that an eventual
credit of park impact fees would go to future homebuilders within Gladden Farms II.
Council. Member Bowen clarified that he understood that Crown West would receive
reimbursement from the CFD and would not receive any of the credits from the park
impact fees.
Mr. Wingert affirmed that the park impact fee does not result in a direct payment to the
homebuilder, but simply reduces the overall park impact fee that home builder must
pay.
Council Member I<ai stated that if the CFD spends money to put in the park, why then
would that money not go back to the CFD. He observed that the homeowners are the
tax payers putting money into the CFD for improvements and therefore the money
should be returned to the CFD and not the developer.
Mr. Wingert responded that the CFD levies a special property tax only within the
boundaries of Gladden Farms. He explained that as the developer spends its own funds
to build major public infrastructure, not normal subdivision improvements, then the
CFD reimburses the developer for the costs of those improvements once the community
is completely built.
Council Member Ziegler stated that she disagrees with Mayor Honea's position and
thinks Gladden Farms II's proposal will be a great asset to the citizens of Marana. She
does not want to "throw the baby out with the bath water" with the reduction of the
park. Council Member Ziegler noted that the Town has many beautiful parks and this
proposal is not losing a park but gaining additional park facilities at the Heritage River
Park to encourage people to come live in the area. She noted that the Town on its own
could not build out that river park site without the help of private partnership, which
this proposal provides. Council Member Ziegler explained that the two lighted soccer
fields speak to the growing interest nationwide in the sport. She also observed that the
construction of the park facilities would help encourage other private partnerships with
the Town to build additional amenities in the Heritage River Park.
Council Member Ziegler also mentioned that when she met with the developer, the
proposal did not have a dog park. She asked the developer for the inclusion of the dog
park and she is happy to see that it is part of the proposal. Council Member Ziegler
stated that a dog park is a need for residents. She did observe that despite the reduction
in the park size, the developer has included two additional park spaces for residents
that were not previously included.
Council Member Ziegler also stated that she is not opposed to the suggested reduction
in lot size because it will fit into majority zoning for Gladden Farms II. She also agreed
with Council Member Bowen s statement that the developer is not "double dipping" in
terms of the CFD reimbursement and park impact fees.
Council Member Ziegler suggested that since sticking point is the park size, perhaps
the developer could add one or two acres to the park in addition to the other proposed
public park. improvements. She noted that she did not want this proposal to fail because
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 11
of the size of the park because the Town has many different parks for residents to use
around the community,
Finally, Council Member Ziegler remarked that the current proposal for the
construction of the soccer fields would ensure residents have access to these fields faster
than if the Town were solely responsible for building the fields. She again emphasized
that the amenities proposed will only enrich the Town's current recreational assets.
Vice Mayor Post commented that he has lived in Gladden Farms. He observed that he
and his family spent the majority of their time at the neighborhood pocket parks rather
than the Heritage River Park. He stated that the Gladden Farms area is a great
community and is well run. He noted that the proposal is not perfect, but the overall
changes would meet the needs of residents. Vice Mayor Post also commented that the
additional pockets parks benefit to the community and he generally supports the
changes presented.
Mayor H[onea asked the audience for any additional comments, having received none
he closed the public hearing portion of the meeting at 9:04 p.m.
Council Member Ziegler motioned to approve the ordinance as presented. Before a
second was provided, Council Member Bowen asked if she wanted the Council to
consider any changes to the proposal before voting on the motion. Council Member
Ziegler did acknowledge that she wanted to provide the Council an opportunity to
adjust the proposal if they saw fit.
At that time, Council Member Bowen addressed Mr. Wingert stating that he is
generally in favor of the proposal but would like to compromise a little bit more in
regards to the park size. He asked Mr. Wingert if he would be willing to expand the
park to four acres in addition to the construction of the public soccer park and dog park
facilities at the Heritage River Park.
Mr. Wingert responded that he would like the Council to provide some action on the
proposed changes at meeting, but the increased park size would be difficult to
accommodate. He indicated that since the November 2017 Planning Commission
meeting, his organization has been pulled in many different directions and have
enhanced their final proposal with the public lighted soccer fields, the public dog park,
new additional pocket parks in Block 31 and 33, the inclusion of language the will force
public improvements with an earlier timeframe, and agreement with the changed SFD-6
to include average lot sizes of 6,600 square feet. Mr. Wingert stated that with the park's
reduction of six acres and traded for 13 total acres of public park improvements
provided the residents in a different locations his group tried to meet the needs of the
Town.
Council Member Bowen appreciated the scope of Mr. Wingert's compromises with
regards to the park areas. He asked about the total acreage of the public park
improvements and the inclusion of the pocket parks. Mr. Wingert explained that the
actual size of the new pocket parks would be dependent upon the development plated
within those blocks; however he did indicate that those parks were at least one acre.
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 12
Council Member Bowen maintained that he supports the proposal with Council
Member Ziegler and Vice Mayor Post, but he would like to have a bigger park in the
center of the development viewing two acres as minimal. He would still support the
proposed changes despite his reservations on the park size.
Council Member Ziegler motioned to approve Ordinance No. 2018.005 as presented
with a second provided by Vice Mayor Post. Mayor Honea asked for a roll call vote of
the council members. Council Member Bowen, yes, Council .Member Ziegler, yes; Vice
Mayor Post, yes; Council Member Comerford, no; Council Member Kai, no; Council
Member McGorray, no; Mayor .Honea, no. Motion to approve Ordinance No. 2018.005
failed 3-4.
Council Member Comerford stated that she wants the development to succeed but
needs two more weeks to review the proposal and meet with the developer.
Mayor Honea indicated that any council member could make a motion to reconsider
the proposal. 'Town Attorney Frank Cassidy stated that as long as the Council does not
close the item, any council member could make a motion to entertain other proposals or
amendments to the item as presented. He noted that if there were a motion to continue
the item to another meeting, it would be continued to the next regularly calendared
meeting. Mr. Cassidy explained that it would be a modified motion to carry the day.
Vice Mayor Post asked Mr. Wingert if there are any portions of the proposed changes
that could. be considered tonight in a piece meal fashion. Mr. Wingert responded that if
the Council could approve any portions of the proposed changes he would appreciate
It.
Council Member Comerford indicated that she wants two more weeks to consider all.
the proposed changes and does not want to consider things in parts. She wants the
additional time to speak with staff and the developer to get to a point that she is
comfortable with making a decision.
Council Member Comerford motioned to continue the entire proposal to the next
scheduled council meeting in two weeks. Council Member Kai provided the second.
Motion passed unanimously.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ POSSIBLE ACTION
D1 ][gelating to Legislation and Government Actions; discussion and possible action
regarding all pending state, federal, and local legislation/ government actions and on
recent and upcoming meetings of the other governmental bodies. Town. Manager
jamsheed Mehta reported that the legislature is still considering HB 2325, which is an
effort to repeal previous legislation barring counties from unilateral acquisition of land
within the municipal boundaries without prior consultation of the elected municipal
body. Mr. Mehta reported that there was a stakeholder meeting last week, but it was
unproductive. He is not sure why there is an attempt to repeal this legislation.
Mr. Mehta also discussed the bill associated with the county excise tax. He stated that
as written, within Pima County it would mean a funding plan in search of a
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 13
transportation plan. He is concerned that the bill creates a loophole to convert a
transportation plan in year one to a general fund property tax reduction plan for the
county in year ten. He said this bill would have an impact on the Town's ability to
maintain roads and looks at this bill with caution.
EXECUTIVE SESSI®NS:
E1 Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. X38-431.03 (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).
ADJOURNMENT:
Council Member Bowen motioned to adjourn with a second provided by Council
Member McGorray. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
CERTIFICATI®N
I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and correct minutes of the Marana Town
Council meeting held on February 20, 2018. I further certify that a quorum was present.
Hil( ul �A�-��
ary iser, Deputy Town Clerk
February 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 14