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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/24/2019 Study Session Meeting MinutesA� MARANA AZ ESTABLISHED 1977 MARANA TOWN COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, Arizona 85653 Council Chambers, September 24, 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 6:00 PM and directed the Clerk to call the roll. Vice Mayor Jon Post, Council Members Dave Bowen, Patti Comerford (Arrived: 6:09 PM), Herb Kai, Roxanne Ziegler and John Officer were present. There was a quorum of council members present constituting a quorum. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE: Led by Mayor Honea. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Vice Mayor Post moved and Council Member Bowen second the motion approving the agenda. Motion passes, 6-0. DISCUSSION/DIRECTION/POSSIBLE ACTION D1 Relating to Flood Control; a presentation by the Pima County Regional Flood Control District on a study of the Santa Cruz River (Keith Brann) September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 1 Town Engineer Keith Brann provided a brief overview and indicated that the Town provided a presentation to Council during the September 17, 2019 Council Meeting on the Northwest Drainage Study. In both presentations, the Town highlighted an area that was in-between the Town's study of the Santa Cruz River. He introduced members from Pima County Evan Canfield, Ph.D. with Pima County Regional Flood Control District and Scott Altherr with CMG Drainage Engineering, Inc. who are stakeholders in the Northwest Drainage, as the Town is with Pima County study. He, Engineering Specialist Gus Myers, as well as the Parks and Recreation Director Jim Conroy, Public Works Director Mo El -Ali have equally been attending the County's meeting and obtaining this information as well. (A copy of the PowerPoint Presentation is on file in the Town Clerk's Office.) Below are highlights from the presentation. Mr. Canfield and Mr. Altherr presented on the Santa Cruz River Management Plan and indicated that Pima County hopes to work with the Town going forward. Santa Cruz River Management Plan - Grant to Trico • Introduction • Why do this project? • What have we done? • What is next? Santa Cruz River Management Plan - Grant to Trico • The purpose of this project is to develop a management strategy to balance flood risk management, drainage infrastructure protection, water recharge, recreation opportunities and riparian habitat preservation for the Santa Cruz River from Grant to Trico. Phase 1: Complete • Constructed recharge facilities must be protected • Existing and closed landfills must be protected • El Rio Preserve should be incorporated into the corridor plan • Cortaro Mesquite Bosque, example of restoration • Terraced bank protection - reach requires maintenance • Soil cement on both bank in this reach needs maintenance plan • Agriculture - as it develops, land must account for trib flow • Wetlands classified by Corps during projects must be preserved Phase 1: Deliverables • Existing Conditions Report • Infrastructure Assessment • Technical Support Data Notebook for Floodplain Mapping September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 2 Existing Conditions - Grant Road to Trico Road • On file in the Town Clerk's Office Infrastructure Assessment - Grant Road to Trico Road • On file in the Town Clerk's Office Technical Data Support Notebook - Grant Road to Trico Road • On file in the Town Clerk's Office Flood Hazard Mapping • On file in the Town Clerk's Office Mapping and Videos • 100 - Year Flood Model Simulation • Location: Between Sanders Road Bridge and Trico Marana Road Bridge • Location: At Trico Marana Road Bridge Vice Mayor Post asked whether the modeling was conducted on new technology and information that we have or whether it was older technology. Mr. Altherr responded stating it is brand new modeling based off of the latest topography that they have made in or around 2015. It is a two dimensional finite distance model, provides a better representation as it is able to disperse which as they know actually happens in a floodplain. Phase II - Plan Development: Alternatives Development Phase: Scope (approximately 2 years) • Developing Recommended Alternatives By Management Reach • Public and Stakeholder Engagement Report • Acceptance of plan by Jurisdictions for future collaborative projects Study Reaches • Grant to Ina (Three Rivers) • Cortaro Narrows (Ina to Avra Valley) • Marana Flats (Aura Valley to Trico) Cortaro Narrows Issues and Developments (A Preliminary List) • Need to improve channel conveyance in some areas • Incising effluent channel requires repeat maintenance of low flow bank protection • Expanding recreational opportunities (Loop and El Rio Preserve) Ina to Avera Valley Road - Management Reach 2 September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 3 • On file in the Town Clerk's Office Collapsed Low - Flow Bank Protection • On file in the Town Clerk's Office Combined Concept for Cortaro • Bendway Weirs, Infiltration Channels, Rock Fords Marana Flats Issues and Developments (A Preliminary List) • Complex wide floodplain, especially north of Sanders Rd • Interest in Development • Terminus of Managed Recharge Project • Proposed Marana Drainage Master Plan Improvements • Older homes in high risk flood areas at Trico-Marana Rd Avra Valley Road to Trico Road - Management Reach 3 • Map on file in the Town Clerk's Office Santa Cruz River Managed Recharge • Map on file in the Town Clerk's Office Proposed Timeline for Alternatives Selection Phase • Copy of proposed timeline is on file in the Town Clerk's Office. Council Member Kai inquired as to the amount of work that can be done in the river, as it appears as though a great deal of dirt has to be moved in order to keep the elevation in the center. He asked whether this is all under a 404 Permit, and whether it is difficult to obtain or for public benefit. Mr. Canfield replied stating speaking north of Avra Valley Road Works with the Corps on 404 permits they do have to speak with the Corps for activities within that area. It is less with in the Ina and the Avra Valley reach; they have a baseline study which goes to Sanders Road. They have documented for the Corps that this is the average maintenance construction or maintenance corridor. Council Member Kai commented on the tamarack trees that are removed because of the flood that ends up on the bridges. Council Member Kai asked from Marana Road east upstream, he asked whether that is a manage recharge area versus Trico Marana Road westbound to the Pinal County line. Mr. Canfield stated it is terminus is Trico Road. The manage recharge has to do with effluent released from the two treatment plants. They gauge by knowing how much to put into the river and the amount that leaves Trico Road. There is measurement at Trico Road; the manage recharge refers to the amount of water released from the two treatment plants can be used to recharge the groundwater, and accrues to the ownership of the water line. September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Sunnnary Minutes 4 Council Member Kai asked about the area Trico Marana Road westbound to Pinal County whether that area is easier to work on because it is not managed recharge, as the area appears to be filled in and nothing flows through. Mr. Canfield stated there are different issues that the maintenance and the manage recharge are really not related to the water ownership as much as the 404 permitting. Council Member Bowen inquired about the low flow bank protection (referring to the picture in the presentation) asked whether there was any work going on at this time, and are we not keeping up with it. Secondly asking where the funding comes from for the maintenance. He asked whether the funds were from the county or federal government. Mr. Canfield stated that particular problem has been repaired. They have tried to get ahead of it; it is Flood Control District funds that had been doing the maintenance and have used different strategies. He provided some examples stating the toe of the bank protection has been extended down. With the new treatment plants, effluent flows seem more erosive. It has been an issue for some time. Council Member Bowen asked from where the Flood Control Districts gets its funding. Mr. Canfield responded stating it is a tax levy on each property in Pima County including the Town of. Marana. Mayor Honea reflected back during the time that he served on Council and a presentation was made about having the effluent falling as part of the Santa Cruz River. There would be no impact to the river, would be managed by the County, and taken good care of. He stated none of those were true. The falling apart at the Santa Cruz River is directly the result of the effluent. With the effluent flows, we get excessive vegetation that affects flows. Mr. Canfield stated Mayor Honea is absolutely correct on the vegetation. He is not sure who would have claimed that adding water to the river would have had an effect on the effluent. Mayor Honea stated it was the deputy transportation director in the 1970s who made the presentation. Mr. Canfield stated one of the areas that he has asked Mr. Altherr to look into is the maintenance criteria which would pass the flow and deals with vegetation and sedimentation. That is a component that they anticipate looking into in this next phase. Mayor Honea asked whether Mr. Canfield notifies the neighboring entities whenever there is work being performed in the berms. Mr. Brann replied stating communication could be better, but yes - Pima County Flood Control District typically notifies us of maintenance activities. Council Member Officer stated he had attended a couple of the Santa Cruz Alliance Workshops; one of the challenges that he feels is that people enjoy recreation there —not realizing the damage that vegetation is doing to the flow of the river. He believes it will be a challenge to remove the vegetation from the river area. Mr. Canfield stated the District shares the same sentiments as Council Member Officer. Often the District is made look like the bad guy by removing vegetation and sediment; requires public and September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 5 stakeholder involvement. Next phase will identify the criteria to indicate what vegetation and material needs to be removed. Council Member Comerford stated public education is key; do a model with the trees in place so people can see the resulting damage. Keep up the maintenance to assure the trees do not get large in the first place. Mr. Canfield replied stating stakeholder process is important. Council Member Comerford stated people do not understand the dangers when flooding picks up the trees. She asked whether there is a timeframe that the District has in mind for the work. Mr. Canfield stated maintenance is an ongoing thing. We hope to have a more systematic process -- avoid the patch approach. D2 Relating to Budget; presentation, discussion and possible direction regarding consideration of new funding sources for the construction, acquisition and maintenance of critical infrastructure for the continued, unhindered growth of the Town and safety of its residents (Yiannis Kalaitzidis) Finance Director Yiannis Kalaitzidis provided a PowerPoint Presentation related to Major Infrastructure Funding. (A copy of the presentation is on file in the TOZUn Clerk's Office.) Below are highlights of the PowerPoint. Mr. Kalaitzidis stated this item is before Council to begin the conversation on funding critical infrastructure projects. Specifically, to discuss with Council the need new revenue sources; get your feedback. He stated Marana is at this point because it was successful. Marana is one of the fastest growing communities in Arizona. Consistently, Marana has been ranked one of the top five fastest growing municipalities in the State. Marana is one of the fastest growing communities in Arizona Increased demand for: • New assets to allow for continued growth • Maintenance of existing, ever-increasing number of assets Funding sources are limited due to: • Big dollar projects • Maintenance vs. New Construction • Predictability and timing of funding Town's continued growth requires new funding for: • Water Quality Projects • Water Conveyance System Redundancy and Reliability Projects • Storm Drainage Management Projects • Transportation Projects - New and Reconstruct / upgrade *Many projects have recovery element for funding September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 6 Water Systems - Vital for Growth • Water Quality Projects • Water Conveyance & Reliability Projects Storm Drainage • Storm Drainage Management Projects Marana Streets • Transportation Projects o New o Reconstruct o Upgrades Consideration of New Funding Source • New Sales Tax o Restricted to use for specific types of projects, including servicing of debt o Long term o Regular review of level of sales tax Mr. Kalaitzidis stated the Town is before Council to ask that it considers a new funding source for such projects as provided within the PowerPoint presentation. The Town would like to receive Council's feedback on a new sales tax that would be used specifically and restricted to specific types of projects. The Town presented a few types of projects that are known; however, would be open to receive additional feedback on projects that are listed. Due to the nature of this particular sales tax, the Town would recommend that it be a long-term tax, not a short-term sales tax. If some of the projects were completed through the issuance of debt, the sales tax would remain until the debt has been settled and obligations were met. Town staff would also recommend that as discussions move forward, it is possible to recognize that circumstances and conditions may change as the years pass, and would recommend a regular review of the level of sales tax that may be approved. Based upon the feedback from Council and its wiliness to consider a new sales tax, Town staff would provide additional information to Council in a future meeting, and include a potential timeframe as well as outreach efforts to our community. Council Member Bowen stated he had been under the conviction that it costs more to run the town than the revenues we are bringing in. Marana cannot maintain or increase the safety and viability of the town and its ability to be developed without additional money. He would like to see a lists the price tags of some of the projects -- a matrix that helps Council see the impacts of adding different amounts that will provide an indication of the amount the Town can pay for. We cannot use a sales tax for September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 7 superfluous infrastructure, as Oro Valley had. He stated the Council would be answerable to the public, and therefore, Council need to see the impact of different levels of tax. Vice Mayor Post stated Council have the opportunity to collect a sales tax that is the same as other communities in the area. In owning a business that passes on the tax to my customers, and it would be a permanent increase. He would like to see projects be included that only have a repayment method, to the extent possible with a revenue stream coming back to the Town. With that, the eventual amount could be huge as repayment comes in resulting in seed money that moves the town forward. Council Member Ziegler stated as a side note, the Town should renegotiate the state land lease and save a half million dollars a year. She agrees with what has been said. The Town had been floating the idea of a sales tax for some time. She requested the Town include within its presentation the timeline of when Council last raised the base sales tax. That should not include the Police Department building as the rate has been 2.0% for some time. Mayor Honea stated it was increased for two years for the Cortaro project before the RTA tax; however, it was sunset. Council Member Ziegler stated it would be an easy sell to the public. She appreciated how Chief Rozema held meetings to inform the residents of the need for a new MPD facility; and would love to do it for a recreation facility. People have seen the quality of life go up. The public will support the Town based on how well we have managed things to date. A pretty easy sell for our community; though she does not like sales tax. Not sure about repayment mechanism comment by Vice Mayor Post. Vice Mayor Post stated he was referring to O&M is an important area to discuss. He is not a fan of raising a sales tax for O&M. Hopefully it can free up money currently used for O&M. He would like to use this new money for new projects. Might be some projects that might not be repaid. Council Member Ziegler though it is not what she would like to do, but it is the best the Town can do for our citizens; ensure Council has good talking points for our constituents. Mayor Honea stated he has mixed emotions; he has only openly been committed on water quality and redundancy as it is an absolute need that has to be fixed. If Marana receives money from the lawsuit, then the tax can be eliminated; and Marana could pay the debt off. When Oro Valley raised the sales tax to half cent, the mayor and three Council members lost their jobs. The citizens were not sure if the right thing was being done in raising the tax rate. Tucson raised theirs to half cent to two in a half for only five years, and they are three years into that process. In two years that would go away; that is not a permanent tax in the City of Tucson. Oro Valley is struggling; trying to get out of their half cent. A political football. September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 8 He stated the Town needs to begin to separate things as Marana has been growing for 40 years; however, the Town has indicated it now need to raise a tax. He does not accept that recommendation. Growth needs to pay for itself; however, understands when there are cities and towns can pay forward to obtain that ROI that Vice Mayor Post commented on. Water quality is a need. Some of the other things should not be included. Marana made a commitment to clean up the water in two neighborhoods; we do not have a choice in that matter. Barnett Channel should be a separate issue as it is such a big cost to the Town. He mentioned the airport project stating Marana started that deal 10 years ago to build the water line up through Cascada with Metro and Oro Valley. He asked why the Town had not planned for those funds within the budget. The $17 million on Tangerine Roadway, Marana has built many other major road improvements, and did not have a half cent sales tax. He cautioned the Town, but stated he is not saying no to the request; however, he would like to see very specific expenditure projects brought forward, and not general projects. Vice Mayor Post commented stating Mayor Honea's conservative views have taken the Town a long way. In the 2040 survey, from the comments of the resident, he felt as though Marana residents wants the Town to bring forward shovel ready projects in order to spur economic growth in Marana. This money is our own mini RTA. Use these funds for fully vetted pre -approved projects the citizens want. Mayor Honea stated he fought taking the RTA from a half cent to one cent. If the RTA approves a full cent, the region will be over 10 cents. Council Member Comerford stated no one wants to go and ask for more money. She asked whether the Town has tightened its own belt. Our employees have enjoyed good raises and benefits. Check to be sure we're being the best stewards of our money. Need to prove to the public that we absolutely need it despite being good stewards. Growth needs to pay their way. We are giving away the farm when we are making some of these deals. She will to be here only another three years. We need to prove to our constituents that we have been good stewards of our money. She asked how the Town was able to pay for projects before without a sales tax. Is it because of growth, and are we making growth pay for it. Council Member Kai stated he concurs with Vice Mayor Post. He thinks drainage is a safety issue that needs to be addressed along with water quality. Oro Valley got in trouble, but they are pretty much built up. Citizens would be concern about the half - cent sales tax; however, the Town has these improvements has to be done. Council Member Ziegler stated Marana is not Oro Valley. She agrees with the comments of Vice Mayor Post and Mayor Honea in its fiscal approach. Marana has never done anything on a whim. We will show our citizens; the reason we have been elected is that we do a good job. If we did not do a good job, our citizens would have voted a different way. Oro Valley did not want a golf course. Satish and the others got too cocky. Marana Council listens to its citizens. We should look at the 2040 survey; September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 9 eye-opening. Look at the comments in support of the airport and having a recreation center, roads, and quality of life in Marana. Let's use the reports, and not give it lip service and put it away in a drawer. People want this town to grow. There are projects we need to do. Bank protection is important. Council Member Comerford stated the County pays for that. Council Member Ziegler continued stating it is the growth in this town; these aren't just projects we have not looked at; other projects have come up. She does not think the Town put it on the developers. Marana does not have a large business it can rely on. She mentioned the new businesses on Sandario Road, Chuy's and Bisbee Breakfast Club. Marana need business in this town. She applauds Council for doing its due diligence over the years. These are big issues that the Town need to pay for. Our pavement preservation has been going well, but Marana need more. Council Member Comerford stated she is not against a sales tax increase; she want to ensure all the Town has adequately prepared for this. On flood control, Marana need to be involved. She asked how Marana paid for the Tangerine Road and Twin Peaks projects without a sales tax. Council Member Ziegler stated Marana has had good employees leave. Council Member Comerford replied stating some governments have not had a raise in 10 years; let's have our ducks in a row. She continued stating I love when we talk about the recession and we point out that our employees donated $500K back to the Town. She want to ensure that our homebuilders appreciate what we have done. Council Member Ziegler stated most of the Council donated its paycheck too. Council Member Officer stated he has watched this Council and wanted to get on here because of the ability to figure it out. You have to spend money to make money. Water is #1 on your list and on mine. We have got to be in control of that and fund for it. As long as you can show us how you're spending that money. Vice Mayor Post stated one of the reasons this is not the former projects, is that some of these projects are huge in nature. Barnett channel, the only way to pay for it is for the Town to up -front the cost, and then to get repaid by development. Council Member Comerford stated it seems like Vice Mayor Post is right; however, Marana always seem to pay them back. Mr. Kalaitzidis informed the Council the Town will try to bring this item back in October for. 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. September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 10 E1 Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. X38-431.03 (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. X38-431.03 (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 Vice Mayor Post moved and Council Member Bowen second the motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion passes, 7-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:31 PM. 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 September 24, 2019. 1 further certify that a quorum was present. Cherry L. L son, Town Clerk MARANA AZ ESTABLISHED 1977 September 24, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 11