HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/14/2019 Study Session Council Meeting Minutes MARANA AZ
ESTABLISHED 1977
MARANA TOWN COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, Arizona 85653
Council Chambers, May 14, 2019, 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
John Officer, Council Member
Roxanne Ziegler, Council Member
SUMMARY MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Honea called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM and direct the Clerk to call the roll.
Mayor Honea, Vice Mayor Post, Council Member Bowen, Council Member
Comerford, Council Member Kai, Council Member Ziegler and Council Member
Officer were present, constituting a quorum of the Council.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Honea led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence being
observed.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Honea asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Vice Mayor Post moved to
approve the agenda Council Member Bowen seconded the motion. Motion passed
unanimously, 7-0.
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DISCUSSION/DIRECTION/POSSIBLE ACTION
D1 Related to Development Services; a presentation on the status of the Make
Marana 2040 General Plan (Jason Angell)
Development Services Director,Jason Angell, provided an overview of the status and
introduced Filipe' Zubia, Matrix Design Group to provide a PowerPoint Presentation
overview of Make Marana 2040 General Plan (on file in the Town Clerk's Office). Below
highlights some of the areas of the PowerPoint.
1. Project Update
• Phase 1
• Project Start Up
• Existing Conditions/Map Atlas
• Visioning & Scenario Planning
• Phase 2
• Draft General Plan Elements (We are here)
• Phase 3
• Public Hearings
• Voter Ratification
• Map Atlas (Existing Conditions)
o Assessment of Marana's existing conditions
o Illustrative book of maps and data
o Background information for the General Plan
• Community Workshop Results, #1, #2, #3
Top Opportunities
o Quality Housing
o Open Space / Natural Resources
o Opportunity for Trail Connectivity
o Room for Growth
o Development of Downtown
Top Issues
o Water quality & quantity
o Lack of public transportation
o Lack of housing diversity
Council Member Ziegler asked about the nature of the housing diversity. Mr. Zubia
responded by stating lot size was not an issue, rather it was related to the type of
housing such as higher density with mixed use. People like the idea of having mixed
use activity center that is centrally located in the downtown area or along Tangerine
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Roadway, also the high end quality house as defined by the quality of structure,
architecture, and price point.
o Lack of entertainment, retail, and dining
o Lack of development north of Twin Peaks and west of I-10
Community Workshop #1: Visioning Exercise
Marana is a vibrant, active, and diverse town that embraces civic spirit
and a unified sense of community. We pride ourselves on having quality
neighborhoods and infrastructure that supports sound economic growth.
The Town will grow in a manner that ensures safety and promotes
healthy living through development that improves our community and
retains our shared values.
Council Member Comerford asked how many staff verses members of the public
attended the workshops. Mr. Zubia stated approximately 50 members of the public
have attended the workshops, including the online survey by which more than 100
persons responded.
Community Workshop #2: Transportation Planning Exercise
■ Common Themes:
o New roadways connecting Dove Mountain to I-10
o New I-10 interchange at Moore Road
o I-10 interchange improvements to Cortaro Road, Marana Road,
Avra Valley Road, and Tangerine Road
o Roadway improvements to Tangerine Road
o Extending the trail system along the Santa Cruz River
o New trail corridors along Tangerine Road
o Looped transit route extensions
o Transit connecting Dove Mountain, Downtown Marana, Gladden
Farms, and Marana Regional Airport
Scenario Planning Exercise
■ Common Themes:
o Higher densities and intensities located along Tangerine Road
o Clustered densities in Tortolita foothills
o Mixed use near Tangerine and 1-10 interchange
o Transitional residential densities adjacent to Dove Mountain
o Marana Regional Airport as Mixed Use Hub
o Community Parks supporting new residential
o Need for Community Recreation facility in the Tangerine Corridor
Focus Area
Community Workshop #3
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o Land Use
o Housing
o Downtown
2. Key Issues and Goals
• MPA Changes
■ West Expansion:
o Extend West from Trico Road
o Extend to Ironwood National Monument
o Comprises 25.21 square miles
o Future Circulation Network
o Future Land Use
o Parks and Recreation
• East Expansion:
o Extend to Oro Valley Planning Area
o Thorny dale
o Shannon
o Magee
o La Cholla
o Orange Grove
o Arthur Pack Regional Park
o Foothills Mall Area
o Comprises 12.19 square miles
Council Member Comerford questioned the directional areas of expansion from east to
west that were considered in additional to the MPA Changes. She asked whether there
were any considerations in the north area of town. Mr. Zubia stated they looked at the
area as lacking in infrastructure at this time. She stated that she understands 2040, I-11
will not happen before 2040, as there are more things happening north of I-10 currently.
Mr. Zubia added they not only looked at infrastructure, but other planning areas as
well. When they did look at that area, Eloy comes down to the northern boundary.
Council Member Comerford stated she does not feel as though Marana's history was
taken into consideration. She is surprised that Town staff did not consider the northern
area of the Town. She asked whether Mr. Zubia had driven towards the east and west
end of town. Mr. Zubia stated he had as he spent 10 years in the Southern Arizona
area, is a graduate of the University of Arizona, and started his career in this area. He is
in fact very familiar with the area. Council Member Comerford asked she would like
to understand Mr. Zubia feel it would be beneficial for Marana to look to the west
which has nothing to do with the lifestyle of residents living in Marana.
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Vice Mayor Post stated the current planning boundary touches Eloy planning
boundary. Mr. Zubia confirmed that it does. Vice Mayor Post stated Marana is not
looking at annexation, but rather the planning boundary. Council Member Comerford
replied stating, she does not understand why staff did not look any further than the
west, and not look at the northern area.
Mr. Angell provided clarification of the map analysis explaining the existing Town
planning boundaries. As part of the overall consideration of going east and west, staff
looked at the surrounding planning boundaries around Marana. Between Eloy and the
City of Tucson, Oro Valley as well as the natural barriers and determine where the gaps
lie within those planning areas surrounding Marana. That was the reason why staff
looked at identifying those areas to the west and to the east. Based upon some of the
feedback and conversations that they had with a variety of citizen members, as well as
community members that came forward early on in the process to identify
opportunities for future growth in the community.
Mr. Zubia stated they are open to looking further if that is the Council direction. He
pointed out one other factor to the north is Marana is capturing potential future
switching yard with the UP Rail Line as that is part of the current planning area. They
believe it is a benefit to the plan area. Council Member Ziegler stated she agrees with
Council Member Comerford to the west; she would like to see something done with
the airport. Interstate 11 is far away in the future—she understands why it is on the
map. Though Council needs to realize this is a pipe dream at this point. Mr. Zubia
stated him nor are staff making any recommendations at this point for the western
boundary.
Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta commented on the discussion surrounding the I-11
interchange stating the purpose of long-range planning is to determine what
possibilities exists for the Town. This is not in the hands of the Council, but the state or
even a national initiative. Regarding I-11, it is a component of the General Plan;
assuming that two or four (2-4) years, I-11 alignment is finalized and integrated into our
plan, it allows for Marana to do advance planning. In the event there is property
developed, subdivided it will recognize those future alignments. While I-11 may appear
to decades into the future for planning purposes, we do need to recognize that it will
happen at some point. It is best to incorporate it now into the planning process, Marana
will miss that chance for preserving a corridor. That would be the municipal
responsibility as well as it controls the land use not the federal or state government.
Mayor Honea responded to the comments from Council Members Comerford and
Ziegler stating, he believes Marana's future is to the north, and I-10 is in place and has
been paid by someone other than the Town. The switching yard, the Walden's property
has a designation as a free trade zone that can be beneficial to the Town of Marana.
Growth is occurring on I-10, I-11 may happen in the future. He concurs with Mr.
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Mehta and look at some of the pathways that they want to protect. Marana's future is
more north than it is west or east. Mr. Zubia stated he believes the communities to the
north surrounds the planning area. There is a planning area—Eloy butts up to Marana.
He asked for direction in addressing that. Mayor Honea stated he has had several
conversations with the Mayor of Eloy. Eloy is approximately 15 miles away; Marana
borders up to the airpark. He commented on the public safety factor of the community
stating the Pinal County Supervisor and the Pinal County Director of Economic wants
Marana to annex the airpark. Marana has support from Pinal County. Mr. Zubia
stated he will continue to work with Town staff to look at the planning areas as well as
annexing into the surrounding airpark area and report the details back to Council at a
later date.
• Future Circulation
• Northeast of I-10
o Thornydale access to Dove Mountain
o Dove Mountain 2nd point of access
o Moore Rd. Interchange
o Avra Valley Road extension
• Southwest of I-10
o I-11 recent alignment and proposed connection to I-10
o Trico extension north
o Moore Rd. extension west
o Silverbell Rd. extension west
• Future Land Use
Mr. Zubia discussed the current and possible future density of the Marana community
stating in the area of employment (purple map area) represents industrial type uses and
commercial type uses. Those areas are in that location to protect the airports. You are
allowed some of the uses, but they are recommending restricting some of these uses to
residential units in those areas in order to preserves the airport functions, as well as
support employment in those areas. The green areas of the map are open space areas
were not previously on the plan; however, they identified within the land use plan the
light green area of the map are existing, entitled master plan communities. With
already approved developments, their density is govern by its approved plans. Special
Planning areas: category relates to state lands where there is an opportunity for future
planning growth. They wanted to identify those so that staff and Council would have
the opportunity to communicate with state land to discuss future opportunities and
development.
The residential category have been bifurcated into two categories. The first is the rural
category: which allows up to one unit per neighbor—those are units which are
essentially current rural designation within the future land use. This would stay the
same. The other residential category (yellow category) is the traditional residential land
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use, referred to any residential category above one unit per acre. Mr. Zubia explained,
it would allow the staff and Council a lot more input when you get into entitlement and
zone process. He said General Plans are becoming a second layer of plans for zoning.
When you look at a community, one would be able to see five categories of commercial,
10 categories of residential it becomes a rigid document. Mayor Honea stated he does
not agree with Mr. Zubia's comment as Marana had three categories: low, medium and
high. The low has always been two residents per acre or less, and Marana has used that
extensively along Dove Mountain Boulevard, Tangerine Roadway and other roads.
That has been the zoning overlay for the General Plan it use. He asked whether
Marana's current plan would diminish under the proposed plan. Mr. Zubia stated the
category would become a part of the traditional; however, the tools are still in place to
allow staff to actually do what needs to be accomplished in that area that includes: 1)
regulate the densities by zoning; 2) through other design factors such as buffering, open
space, transitioning densities, and design.
• Implementation
Mr. Zubia explained that the exhibit shows how effective the policies become in the
General Plan when you are able to write policies that dictate high density residential
cannot go next to low density residential without a buffer. Currently, this does not exist
in the current General Plan. This would be an improvement over the policy of what
staff is dealing with today—this is something that they and staff are looking at; not
suggesting any recommendations at this time. He encouraged Council to submit its
thoughts or suggestions of where the plan can be improved upon, or even if Council
prefers its current plan. Mayor Honea stated he prefers the current (old) plan and
ensures they used low density residential more than any other General Plan and tool
over the last 10 years and it was always two RAC or less. He has a problem with
loosing that too.
Council Member Ziegler stated Council needs to be mindful of those who took the
survey and honor the desire of a changing community. She acknowledged generally
speaking, Council desire to have a lower density neighborhood that is not the message
she hears from persons in the community. Council needs to be more flexible and
diverse in its view of the Marana community. Mr. Zubia affirmed that the goal is not to
remove two RAC's that this it is a tool that is handled through zoning.
Mayor Honea stated when Council developed the low density two RAC, they had buy-
in from the Sonoran Desert Conservation Group who helped to approve that plan.
Many groups and engineering outlets were involved in the two RAC plan for Marana,
thereby eliminating complaints and challenges. That is the reason why he advocates for
this tool. Council Member Ziegler encouraged Council to be forward thinkers in this
process (using parks as an example). She suggested having an enclosed recreation
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center. The next time the Town is approached for a housing community, that it should
say rather than include a park, build a recreation center.
Council Member Comerford stated Council's desires will depend upon the market.
She does not want future councils to have to fight about the decisions this Council has
made in relation to the General Plan. It will require some major policy writing. Council
cannot leave it up to staff, as Council was elected to handle the matters of the Town.
Council cannot provide blanket administrative approvals for this process. Council
Member Bowen stated (referring to the map) the illustration has attempted to clarify
Council's thought when it considered it. However, Council had to on a case-by-case
basis, and review previous decision-making when approached by a developer.
Something like this [plan] allows Council to not have to review every single plan that
comes forward. He likes the idea of having this process formalized. This will allow staff
to handle the process based upon policy so to avoid it having to come back to Council
each time.
Mr. Zubia stated one way to ensure Council has an opportunity to review the plan
every time is to start with a rule. He explained if there are no developments or
entitlements, then it starts as a rule category. Anytime someone proposes to develop,
they would have to an entitlement, plus a General Plan amendment to get the category
they are seeking. Currently, the map functions that way.
• Parks and Recreation
Mr. Zubia stated they have identified all of the known existing parks and trails as well
as highlighting trail commitments for future trails that will connect to the existing trail
system. He is aware that Marana is currently moving towards a comprehensive Parks
Master Plan, and as such, they would recommend allowing that process to go
forward—a good way to ensure that it flows into the General Plan is to develop goals or
policies.
• Goals &Policies
■ Open Space and Recreation
o Marana supports a healthy, active community through a high-
quality park and recreation network accessible throughout Town,
to all residents.
o Marana values the natural desert landscape and strives to ensure
that new development is designed in a sensitive manner.
o The Santa Cruz River is an iconic open space spine that provides
opportunities for active and passive recreation that is designed to
respect the riparian habitat.
• Economic Development
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o The Town provides a business environment attractive to high-tech
industries.
o The Marana Regional Airport is a mixed-use regional and national
destination for employment, shopping, and entertainment.
o Marana partners with post-secondary educational institutions to
maintain a highly-educated workforce.
• Land Use and Placemaking
o Downtown Marana is the central gathering place in the community
for culture, events, and entertainment.
o Marana promotes cluster development techniques in
environmentally sensitive areas to protect and conserve the long-
term sustainability of natural resources.
3. General Plan Outline
• Four Sections
Mr. Zubia reviewed the four sections of the General Plan outline and stated the state
requires a community with a population total of 50,000 people to have 17 elements.
With the input of the community, they have developed 21 elements. The additional
elements include: economic development, arts & culture, sustainability and others. They
have included four additional elements above what is required by the state. The fifth
component that has not been included within the plan map atlas is the implementation
section. This is something that they do early on with the communities that they work
with, as the plan comes down to the implementation process of it.
• Introduction
• Built Environment: Growth, Land Use, Cost of Development, Housing,
Transportation, Bicycling, Public Services and Facilities, Public Buildings
• People and Community: Economic Vitality, Public Safety, Recreation,
Arts &Culture, Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization,
Conservation, Rehabilitation, and Redevelopment
• Resources and Sustainability: Open Space, Water Resources,
Environmental Planning, Conservation, Energy
• Total of 21 Elements
4. Next Steps
• Project Schedule
Mr. Zubia explained he and Town staff will come back to Council with more details
about land use and how that zoning flows into the implementation of the General Plan.
They will take the input that has been provided by Council and incorporate it into the
Plan and provide additional clarity as to how this can be accomplished effectively.
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Finally, they will provide staff at the end of June a copy of results of that document,
before it is released to the public for the required 60 day review. Council will have an
opportunity to review the document before it is released in July through September.
Even after Council has reviewed the Plan and it is reviewed by the public, it will not be
a closed process. The public hearing process is not anticipated to begin until sometime
in October.
Council Member Bowen stated he and Council Member Comerford noted that there
was not a great deal of the community involved in the process as there were only 50
people in attendance at the meetings, and the same or more online. He asked whether
Mr. Zubia had experienced the same level of citizen engagement participation in other
areas. Mr. Zubia replied stating unfortunately citizen participation has been seen low
locally as well as in the Metro Phoenix area. The only time that it changes is when there
is a competing zone issue. Council Member Bowen inquired as to the Council
engagement in the process as there is the public engagement forum where citizens meet
to discuss or review the plan. He asked whether there are any plans to have a Council
engagement to allow Council to engage and discuss prior to the Plan being released to
the public. Mr. Zubia stated this is the common area where Council provides its input
into the process. He commended Council for its participation in some of the
workshops, and have been more engaging than some councils.
Vice Mayor Post question the zoning in the Twin Peaks area stating some residents
have been unhappy with the two RAC zoning. In his opinion, it is somewhat
misleading to those neighbors who thought they were purchasing a larger lot size for
their homes only to learn that is not the case. He asked whether there was a way to
zone the clustering of home development in that area, or to refer to the area as an
environmental clustering area as oppose to misleading the public by referring to the
area as a two RAC zoned area.
Mr. Zubia provided clarification to the zoning policies, providing examples of issues
that they struggle with related to zoning. Vice Mayor Post stated in his career, he had
just finished an entire General Plan. He has found it to be potentially misleading to the
Town. He wants to see a General Plan that provides some rigidity, is not misleading so
to reduce complaints of residents. It has been changed many times over the years, other
than being a state law, he does not see the purpose of it.
Council Member Comerford stated a future resident may not know what zoning they
are moving next too until a policy clear and is set. Mr. Zubia affirmed that the zoning
ordinance of the Town would help to clarify appropriate zoning boundaries. With this
approach, no designation would be given to a specific neighborhood unless the zoning
comes with it. The General Plan document is a policy, not law but meant to provide
guidance to the zoning ordinance that is adopted and is law. The General Plan is meant
to be a flexible document regardless of what is added to it. Once Council arrive at the
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zoning process, it will begin to establish a zoning ordinance and legally define by
description what is permitted on that property—that will be governed by the zoning
ordinance.
Vice Mayor Post stated he wants to ensure that the Council clearly define permitted
zoning in the General Plan. Mr. Zubia explained Council will not be able to accomplish
that goal in the General Plan. Council Member Ziegler stated though she appreciates
and understands Vice Mayor Post comments, future buyers will need to do their due
diligence before purchasing a home or any property. Council Member Officer stated
Council would like to have more visibility within the General Plan as it relates to
zoning. Council Member Kai stated Council needs to be mindful that the General Plan
that is not casted in stone, it has flexibility within it.
Mayor Honea concluded by stating Council has to approve of the General Plan to be
placed before the voters, and asked Mr. Zubia to continue to engage the Council prior
to the public hearings being scheduled. Council Member Ziegler stated she has
attended the workshops that were held, that it is Council responsibility to be engaged in
the process. Mr. Zubia stated he will be sure to engage the Council in the process.
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.
El Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03 (A), Council may ask for
discussion or consideration, or consultation with designated Town
representatives, or consultation for legal advice with the Town Attorney,
concerning any matter listed on this agenda for any of the reasons listed in A.R.S.
§38-431.03 (A).
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 Honea asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Council Member Bowen moved to adjourn the meeting, and Council Member Officer
seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:39
PM.
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CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and correct minutes for the Study Session
Meeting of the Marana Town Council meeting held on May 14, 2019. I further certify
that a quorum was present.
/1°P
Aer
Cherry L. La son, Town Clerk
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