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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/04/2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes'Ole :..... ........... ,........:. MARANA A,! ESTAB LIS11ED 1977 MARANA TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, Arizona 55653 Council Chambers December 4, 2015, 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 John officer, Council Member Roxanne Ziegler, Council Member REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayou Honea called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Interim, Town Cleric Hilary H. Hiser called. roll. Council Member Comerford was excused. with six council members present there was a quorum. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE: Led by Mayor Honea, APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mayor Honea stated the Town Manager asked the Council to remove item C6 from the consent agenda for additional work. Council Member Bowen motioned to approve the agenda without item C6. Council Member Ziegler provided a second. The motion passed 6-0, unanimously. CALL TO THE PUBLIC: David Morales addressed the Council regarding the Town's weed abetment efforts in the Barnet Linear Channel. He stated the recent rainfall has encouraged the growth of weeds, which will turn into "tumble weeds" as they dry out, thus causing a fire hazard for area residents. PROCLAMATIONS MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS: SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS: December 4, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 1 Council Member Officer participated in the annual El Tour de Tucson bicycle race and he was very impressed with the smoothness of Marana's portion of the course. He noted that other riders also praised the condition of Marana's roads. Council Member Ziegler, in honor of the December 5, 2018 Employee Appreciation Day, took a moment to recognize all the Town departments .for their continued service and their hard work. Council Member Kai thanked all the department heads who attended the first Council Connection event on November 30, 2018. He commented that future events need more advertising to encourage greater citizen participation. Mayor Honea also praised the Council Connections event indicating it was important to interact with the public in a less formal setting to foster relationships. The Mayor also reported he attended the Arizona Association of Economic Development meeting and spent time with the new oro Valley Mayor and a new oro Valley council member. He stated the new council is excited to work with Marana in the future. MANAGER'S REPORT: SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta reported that the November Council Executive report continues to show positive gains in single family permits issued. Mr. Mehta explained the Town's cancellation of the Holiday Festival scheduled. for December 1, 2018. Due to rain, the ground was too saturated to overcome the challenges mud posed. However, Mr. Mehta noted some of the scheduled events and festivities would transition to the Winter water Light show at the Crossroads Park on Friday .December 14, 2018. The event has music, food trucks, and hot Coco scheduled. The main light show at the municipal center would still occur every night at its scheduled times throughout December for residents to enjoy. PRESENTATIONS Pi Presentation: Relating to Parks and Recreation, update regarding the El Rio Preserve project, including discussion of potential phasing of the project and possible funding methods. Presented by Jim. Conroy, Parks and Recreation. Director. Mr. Conroy stated the Council previously heard an update regarding the El Rio Preserve in 2016. He reminded the Council that the Town purchased the site in 2003 and designated it as a preserve in 2015. He noted that the site's unique location creates a rich environmental area for wildlife, as it is designated a riparian area and used b variety g p y a y of migrating birds. The preserver's location is in the direct migration path known as the Central Flyaway. Mr. Conroy explained that the area has experienced several flood events in the recent past. The first event in 2012 breached a non -engineered berm between the preserve area and the Santa Cruz River. Additional flood events occurred in 2014, 2016, and 2017. Transitioning to El Rio's intended use, Mr. Conroy noted that the preserve's 104 acres is used as an outdoor classroom and a field research site for the University of Arizona. He December 4, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 2 also mentioned that with over 240 bird species present, and the area's rich biodiversity, the site attracts bird watchers and eco --tourists from around the country. Furthermore, Mr. Conroy stated that El Rio is a significate recreational amenity to the Town because of its proximity to the Juan Bautista de Anza Trailhead and the Marana Disc Golf Course. Mr. Conroy briefly touched on the Parks Department's continuing stewardship efforts that include the removal of trash, the identification and removal of invasive plant species, vector control of mosquitos, and other activities designed restore the riparian habitat. Also, Mr. Conroy mentioned that the Pinna County Flood Control District has allotted $1.2 million for bank protection in the area. Construction is set to begin in fall 2019. The project is intended, to help secure the site from significant flooding events over a 25 year period. Mr. Conroy was quick to point out that additional bank protection will not completely prevent all flooding events, but should decrease the severity of those events. Mr. Conroy also reported the addition of an improved disc golf course to serve the needs of area residents and local recreational organizations. The improved course will have 18 baskets. To accommodate the increased size of the course, staff has a plan to provide additional parking to alleviate traffic congestion at surrounding pocket parks. Mr. Conroy stated that Phase 1A for the El Ilio PreserveP roj'ect would include construction of a quarter mile trail system running parallel to the loop and slightly below grade. This area will have a viewing platform for bird watchers and pedestrian walkways and benches. Also, this area will include native plant landscaping and water harvesting basins. Council Member Ziegler asked Mr. Conroy to clarify the Pima County's bank protection project timeline versus the Town's park enhancements. She expressed concern that the Town does not spend project funds until the bank protection is built. Mr. Conroy noted that Phase 1A is on the opposite side of the preserve and the Pima County bank protection project will not impact the Town's plans. He noted that Phase 1A is located at an elevated area and is not near areas prone to flooding. Mr. Conroy briefly explained the project's current funding structure. He stated the Town received a $456,000 from. the 2007 development agreement for Marana Center. These funds are designated for environmental purposes, which the Town then used to leverage several grants from non-profit and government agencies. The total grant money obtained to date is just under $45,000.00. Expanding further on the proposed project's budget, Mr. Conroy noted that the total funds currently available for this project are $501,000.00. The overall total estimated cost of the El Rio Preserve project is $2.2 million to $2.7 million. He reported that from the current available funds, the Parks Department has spent $60,000.00 on master planning, and $94,000.00 on design and engineering, which leaves $347,000.00 in available funds for construction. Mr. Conroy stated that Phase 1A's proposed budget is $298,000.00. December 4, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 3 Mr, Conroy concluded his presentation by highlighting EI Rio Preserve's recreational importance to the area as both a destination spot on the Loop system, its importance to regional tourism., and its significance for on-going scientific research. Mayor Honea opened the meeting to comment, as multiple speaker cards were received regarding this item. Brian Jones stated he is a resident of the EI Rio area and thanked the Council for their continued support of the project. He noted that the EI Rio Preserve has positively contributed to the area's quality of life and increased property values in the surrounding neighborhoods. He appreciates the efforts taken by the Town to continue efforts of preservation for the area. Michael Bogan is professor at the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Arizona. He stated that the UA has a number of research study sites along the Santa Cruz river system and is excited to expand into Sweetwater sites in the Tucson area. He and a group of graduate students are planning to use the EI Rio Preserve site for additional research regarding the ecology of wetlands. Professor Bogan stated this site has the potential to provide great opportunities for educational partnerships between the University and area school districts. It is also a good site for conducting both applied research projects and theoretical research projects. Willie Sommers, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, has helped the Town of Marana create a forestry management stewardship plan for El Rio Preserve. He noted this area is a unique resource and habitat for wildlife since riparian areas make up less than one percent of land in Arizona. Mr. Sommers said the efforts to restore the riparian area are important. He loops forward to working with staff to continue preservation efforts in this area reach its full potential. Jonathan Lutz, Executive Director of the Tucson Audubon Society, stated the El Rio Preserve has a long history of use by active bird watchers in the community even before its official designation as a preserve. He noted that bird watching generates over a $1 billion in economic activity for the State of Arizona, and the Southern Arizona region is particularly popular destination in that community. Mr. Lutz asked the Council to continue supporting this project and thanked the Town for its efforts. Ian Paulow, member of the Marana Disc Golf Club, stated his organization has worked with the Parks Department since 2011 to help clean the preserve by removing trash and debris. He said he looks forward to the continued improvements to the area and disc golf course. Janine Spencer -Glasson is a retired enviroiun.ental project manager and member of. the Friends of EI Rio community group. Ms. Spencer -Glasson said the group works to promote El Rio as both a recreational amenity, but also a cultural resource for the region. Ms. Spencer -Glasson noted that Phase 1A would help to prevent frequent flooding and reduce the amount of trash, mosquitoes, and invasive species. She noted that once complete, El Rio would provide a great space for educational opportunities to December 4, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 4 local students and would contribute to the overall quality of life to area residents. Ms. Spencer -Masson thanked the Council for continuing to support the El Rio Project. Alexandra Stoicof, of Wheat Design Croup, is one of the landscape architects for the El Rio Preserve project. Ms. Stoicof noted she has been personally involved with this project for three years. She stated the proposed design, will not only improve the ecological health for this riparian habit, but also provides recreational and education opportunities to the community. Ms. Stoicof stated she hopes to see continued support of this project. Magor Honea thanked all the speakers and stated it is obvious that this preserve is important to a diverse group of individuals in the community and sees that it is a tremendous asset to the Town. Council Member Ziegler stated it is fantastic to see all these partners come to the Town and advocate for the El Rio Preserve. She thanked all the speakers for their comments and indicated she is excited for this project. Council Member Ziegler asked staff when construction on Phase 1 A is expected to start and what the estimated end date is. Construction Manager Kurt Schmidt, Engineering Department, responded that the Town has plans in hand and would put the project out to bid in January. He stated that once construction starts, Phase 1A would take three to four months to build. The Council took no action on this item. CONSENT AGENDA: Council Member ,Ziegler motioned to approve the consent agenda, without item C6. Council member Bowen provided the second. The motion passed 6-0, unanimously. C1 Resolution No. 2018-105: Relating to Municipal Court; approving the appointment of Dixie Debonis as a civil traffic violation hearing officer for the Marana Municipal Court (Laine Sklar) C2 Resolution No. 2018-106: Relating to Municipal Court; approving the reappointment of Kimberly Epling as a civil traffic violation hearing officer for the Marana Municipal Court (Laine Sklar) C3 Resolution No. 2018-107: Relating to Facilities; approving and authorizing the Town Manager to administer the amended Town of Marana Meeting Facilities Usage Policy (Jane Fairall) C4 Resolution No. 201.8-108: Relating to Public Works; approving and authorizing the Mayor to sign a public improvement participation agreement with the Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for the construction of Church driveway improvements as part of. the Coachline Boulevard Reconstruction project (Frank Cassidy) C5 Resolution No. 2018-109: Relating to Parks and Recreation; authorizing the Town Manager to exercise the Town's right to terminate the Lease Agreement with Saint December 4. 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 5 Christopher Roman Catholic Parish --- Marana for the construction and maintenance of a pocket park in Honea Heights; and directing staff to locate the Honea Heights pocket park on Town -owned property in Honea Heights, if feasible (Frank Cassidy) C6 Resolution No. 2015-110. Relating to Deverop"ient; approving and authorizing the Mayor to sign the First Aniendni.en t to Developnien t Agreeiven t Regarding Paries and Recreation Development Impact Fee Credits for the Saguaro Bloom Development Project (Frank Cassidy) Item pulled frons the consent agenda before the approval of the Agenda by the Council. C7 Resolution No. 2018-111: Relating to Administration; approving the transfer of up to $265,000 in budgeted expenditure authority from. the General Fund contingency line item in the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget to a newly assigned project code in the General Fund for the purchase of real property (portions of Assessor's Parcel Numbers 217-34-002M and -002N) and related costs (Yiannis Kalaitzidis) CS ordinance No. 2018.022: Relating to Utilities; amending Marana Town Code 'Title 14 (Utilities), Chapter 14-4 (construction and financing of utility .facilities) to modify section 14-4--3 (capacity requirements) and to add new sections 14-4-4 (refund of cost of facilities funded and installed by the town) and 14-4-5 (notice of protected facility and associated charge), establishing protected facilities provisions for privately -constructed and town -constructed water and wastewater facilities; and designating an effective date (Frank Cassidy) C9 Approval of the November 13, 2018 Special Council Meeting Minutes for the Council oath of office and approval of the November 13, 2018 Special Council Meeting Minutes (Hilary I i. Hiser) LIQUOR LICENSES L7 Relating to Liquor Licenses, recommendation to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control regarding a Location/owner Transfer series #7 Beer and Wine Bar liquor license application submitted by Jeffrey Craig Miller on behalf of Fry's Marketplace #689, located at 12100 N. Thornydale Road, Marana, Arizona 85742. Presented by Hilary H. Hiser, Interim Town Clerk. Ms. Hiser stated staff reviewed the application and found no issues. Vice Mayor Post motioned to approve, with a second provided by council Member Kai. The motion passed 6-0, unanimously. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES COUNCIL ACTION Al Resolution No. 2018.112: Relating to Parks and Recreation; approving and authorizing the Mayor to sign a Real Property Acquisitiong Agreement with Marana Unified School District for the purchase of land needed for parking and associated purposes near the El Rio Preserve project. Presented by Frank Cassidy, Town Attorney. December 4, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 6 Mr. Cassidy stated the Town is proposing to purchase 4.6 acres from the Marana. Unified School District (MUSD) to construct a parking lot to accommodate visitors to the El Rio Preserve area. He noted that the Town already purchased an easement from. MUSD in 2017 for the shared use path that runs along the boundary of the preserve. He stated that the Town asked to purchase the property at the prior appraised value and to receive credit for the previous purchase of the easement. This purchase includes the property and drainage way for future development in the preserve. The total offer to MUSD is $67,8662.00. Vice .Mayor .Post motioned to approve, with a second provided by Council Member Ziegler. The motion passed 6-0, unanimously. A2 Resolution No. 2018-113: Relating to Persormel; approving an additional paid holiday on December 31, 2018 for eligible Town of Marana employees. Presented by Curry C. Hale, Human Resource Director. Mr. Hale stated staff is asking the Council to approve a onetime additional holiday, New Year's Eve. He noted that this year December 31, 2018 falls on a Monday. Mr. Hale indicated that given the holiday season, activity at the Town tends to slow, and this holiday would provide a four day weekend for staff.. Council Member .Bowen motioned to approve, with a second provided by Council Member Kai. The motion passed 6--0, unanimously. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ POSSIBLE ACTION D1 Relating 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 (jamsheed Mehta). No report. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS Pursuant to A. R.S. § 38-431.03, the Town Council may vote to go into executive session, which will not be open to the public, to discuss certain matters. 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). ADJOURNMENT: Mayor .H-onea motioned to adjourn at 8:18 p.m., with a second provided by Council Member Bowen. The motion passed 6-0, unaniniously. December 4, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes 7 CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and correct m'inutes of the Marana Town Council meeting held on December 4, 2018. 1 further certify that a quorum was present. 9 1 j Hilary H. d)iser, Interim Town Clerk MARAN,A AZ ESTABLISHED 1977 December 4, 2018 Regular Council Meeting Minutes