Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/29/2019 Study Session MinutesMARANA AZ ESTABLISHED 1977 MARANA TOWN COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, Arizona 85653 Council Chambers, October 29, 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 6:02 PM and directed the Clerk to call the roll. Vice Mayor Jon Post (Excused), Council Members Dave Bowen, Patti Comerford, 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 Council Member Ziegler moved and Council Member Comerford second the motion approving the agenda. Motion passes, 6-0. DISCUSSION/DIRECTION/POSSIBLE ACTION October 29, 2019 Study Session Meeting Sununary Minutes 1 D1 Relating to Development; presentation, discussion, and possible direction regarding the Town's subdivision requirements for private, and common on-site recreation areas (Jason Angell) Development Services Director Jason Angell provided PowerPoint Presentation overview on Private, Common On-site Recreation Areas Update (Presentation is on file in the Town Clerk's Office for reviezo.) Below are highlights from the presentation. Presentation Overview • Background • Calculation of recreational area • In -lieu fee consideration • Design manual Background • Private Parks - Marana vs. Other Jurisdictions (on file in Clerk's Office) Proposed Modification to Recreational Area Requirement 1. Reduce minimum density threshold 2. Increase minimum area per unit 3. Dwelling units per acre sliding scale 4. Area buy -down based on amenities 5. In -Lieu fee consideration 6. Create a design manual Calculation of Recreational Area • Current Requirement o 3.0 dwelling units per gross acre and 50 + dwelling units • Proposed Requirement 0 2.0 dwelling units per acre o Based on net development area ■ Net does not include rights-of-way, sensitive natural areas, peaks and ridges, school sites 2. Increase Minimum Area per Unit • National Standard o National Recreation & Parks Assoc. minimum for neighborhood park 0 2 acres per 1,000 residents • 2.76 residents per household in Marana (US census Bureau.) • 1,000 residents = 362 units • Current Requirement October 29, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 2 o Minimum 185 sq. ft. per unit (single-family residential) 0 362 units =1.54 acres • Proposed Requirement o Minimum 300 sq. ft. per unit = 2.5 acres 3. Dwelling Units per Acre SlidinLy Scale 2.0 - 4.0 du/ ac 300 sq. ft. per unit 4.1 - 6.0 du/ac 350 sq. ft. per unit 6.1 - 8.0 du/ ac 450 sq. ft. per unit 8.1 + du/ac 500 sq. ft. per unit 4. Area Buy -down Based on Amenities • Slide is on file in the Town Clerk's Office 362 Lot Subdivision Requirement Buy -Down Example • Slide is on file in the Town Clerk's Office 5. In -Lieu Fee Consideration • Existing option not utilized • Replace with coordinated process • Developers of adjacent properties • Development agreement required • Creates efficiency and avoids duplication "Current Code Option An in -lieu fee may be accepted by the council pursuant to an agreement which shall provide, at a minimum, for the equivalent of park land (based on improved property) and the recreational facilities the project would have been required to provide. Design Manual 6. Create a Design Manual • Supplements subdivision or ordinance • Provides guidance to developers • Establishes design criteria o Maximum distance from homes o Park location o Type of amenities o Standards for retention/ detention basins o Connectivity requirements to adjacent parks/ trails/ developments o Passive area standards - landscaping, shade October 29, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 3 Example Community: Durham, NC • A la carte choices • Passive facilities limited to a percentage of total recreation requirement • Ensures better overall quality amenities Next Steps • Draft ordinance and design manual • Stakeholder outreach • Return to council regarding stakeholder feedback Council Member Bowen questioned the minimum design standards currently at 185 sq. ft. for residential dwelling units stating it is obviously lower than neighboring entities. He referenced the proposed design standards from other communities stating Marana does not increase its minimum standards as high as other entities, except with the City of Tucson and when Marana reaches six to eight rack, he asked why the Town is not increasing the minimum standard higher than the proposed. Mr. Angell stated in his discussions with his team, he indicated that there had to be a rationale for selecting some number to propose to Council. When he reviewed the National Recreation Standards that indicates a number of acres per 1000 units, they simply worked the math backwards and arrived at a number that was closer to 300; exact number was approximately 287. After which time, he felt it was appropriate to round up the number and start that as the base to build from. However, if the Council has a different number in mind that it wish to pursue, staff would be open to that direction. Mayor Honea stated he questioned the low minimum standards as well; a different criteria was used (ex: taking a piece of land in Dove Mountains. Two-thirds of the land was unusable—flood drains, washes etc. If you take the number of houses there, it is only two to an acre or less. There is no improved park space.) When you start taking dwelling units per acre instead of lot sizes to determine the ratio and you come in on a 100 acre piece where only 20 acres are usable, even at two rack you can build 200 homes on 20 acres if you can cram them in there. He thinks that it distorts what the Town is doing. In the past, Marana has married open space with improvement of recreational areas—walking trails, parks, etc., and are not the same thing. He expressed concern about the proposed standards as the Town looks at units per acre as some of the areas in the mountainous parts have unusable land space. It does not mean that we should reduce the park space. He is looking at improved recreational space that has improved trails for recreational use, grassy areas along with playground equipment that will last for many years. Mr. Angell replied stating he agrees with Mayor Honea assessment. In the past, the Town was blending open space versus improved park space. In going away from a gross rack to a net rack. The Town is looking at the buildable area of the development. October 29, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 4 He is not stating there should be no credit for open space. If the Council chose not to permit it, then staff will follow Council's direction. Rather, it allows the Town to push the washes out, environmental ridges and sensitive bluffs that cannot be built upon; Marana does not want the unusable portions of the development. However, at the same time Marana is saying that it will allow some of the park improvements to be within those retention and detention basins. Mayor Honea clarified stating if it is improved. Mr. Angell replied that is correct. The Town will need to do some updates that calls for improved parks space within the development. Mr. Angell stated he understands the sentiments of Council that the ordinance had not been updated for some time. Mayor Honea stated he was looking for it to be tighten up. He had envisioned it to be set up with R-4, 5, 6, 7, 8 etc. that if a development has R-8 lots, you would not need as much park space. However in an R-3, 4, or 5 you would not have as much park space, therefore, you would want the park space improved for those families. He was attempting to equate it to lot size versus general density. Mr. Angell explained why the Town chose to go with a density calculation as so many of the towns developments that are approved by Council are done through a specific plan. At present, the Town does not have a specific zoning classification to assign to it. Mayor Honea stated he does understand though it is still vague to him. Mr. Angell replied stating that is the intention of these conversations, to engage the Council in terms of improvements to the ordinance. From that, the Town will continue to build towards a possible amendment to the ordinance or an update to the ordinance that can be brought back to Council after staff has had an opportunity to engage and receive public feedback prior to initiating that process. Council Member Ziegler commented about the General Plan 2040 and whether staff had an opportunity to engage the public regarding the lot size of their home referring to backyards being too big or too small. Mr. Angell replied stating as it relates to the General Plan process, much of the feedback related to housing and parks was more along the lines of having a diverse offering of housing. One of the goals in the General Plan is for the Town to conduct a Community Housing Assessment to identify where those particular needs are within the community. When it comes to parks, everyone loves parks—continue to provide diversity in housing opportunities, and quality park services to the community. Council Member Ziegler commented on the amount of land that Marana has stating as developers come in and more and more people come into the area with an RV home, the Town does not offer anything for them in terms of where they can park their home. She would like to see a diverse offering of homes for the community to include parking RV's, townhomes etc. She ask staff to keep these things in mind as Marana is missing a group of individuals who may look to relocate to Marana. October 29, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 5 Council Member Comerford stated there is a builder in the Gladden Farms community that are building homes to accommodate RVs with enclosed garages. Council Member Officer commented stating he would like to emphasis the importance of having trail connections as he sees trails as a park. He ask that staff inform the developers that trails are what connects the community and encourage them to add benches along the way. Council Member Comerford asked whether the impact fee can go towards the improvements in our trail systems referring to the costly cement roundabout. Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta replied agreeing with Council Member Comerford stating they do as long as that system is identified in the Infrastructure Improvement Plan upfront where it lists all of the projects. Council Member Comerford ask whether that is so as it relates to the 10 Year Plan. Mr. Mehta affirmed stating when it is in the 10 Year Plan that cost has already been accounted for, and can be portioned for every single family lot. Council Member Comerford ask whether the Town needed to wait every 10 years. Mr. Mehta stated that we do not. It can be updated periodically, but that we do not have to wait until the full 10 years. Council Member Bowen stated he agrees with Mayor Honea regarding the use of net dwelling units rather than the entire acreage for the place as so often there is only so much space in a development that is undevelopable and cannot be used for anything. When you look at undevelopable space, how is that figured into the plan. Mr. Angell replied stating the Town would look at the percentage of the number of amenities that we feel are adequate to be located in a retention detention basin. There are some examples out there, and that is one of the areas that the Town will like to have further discussions with the stakeholders on what they feel is appropriate. However, does not believe the Town want to say 100% is appropriate. Though at the same time, depending on the type of amenities that would be placed there we would be open to those discussions. He referenced San Lucas community amenities with a higher quality of amenities provided at that park. Council Member Bowen ask whether the Town would be aiming for some kind of number, and not just ad-hoc whenever a developer comes forward. Mr. Angell replied stating that is correct. One of the problems as stated earlier, the Town does not have a clear baseline in our current ordinance. With the negotiations of building parks, it is typically handled by the Council; it leads to inconsistencies and frustrations throughout the process. D2 Resolution No. 2019-109: Relating to Public Works; approving a settlement of pending condemnation litigation and authorizing the Town Attorney to sign all documentation necessary for the purchase of property rights needed from TRP Twin October 29, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 6 Peaks, L.L.C. for Tangerine Corridor/ Tangerine Road, Twin Peaks to La Canada Drive, Town of Marana Project No. ST021 (Frank Cassidy) Town Attorney Frank Cassidy stated this is the last of the Tangerine Corridor Right -a - Way acquisitions for phase 1. The Town did have a settlement in concept that he was prepared to bring to Council three years ago for the same amount that is being requested of Council to approve this evening. The only difference is the accrual of statutory interest for part of the time. He explained there was a disagreement among the property owners. There was a claimant to the property and they had to litigate it for three (3) years. That case was heard by the Arizona Supreme Court, and it is all done. The Town is now before the Council with the proposed settlement of $30,000. Council Member Comerford motion and Council Member Bowen second the motion to approve Resolution No. 2019-109. Motion passes, 6-0. D3 Resolution No. 2019-110: Relating to Public Works; approving and authorizing the Mayor to sign a mediation agreement between the Town of Marana and Mandarina, LLC settling two pending lawsuits regarding acquisition of Adonis Road right-of-way and zoning entitlements associated with the Mandarina Property located at the northwest corner of I-10 and Tangerine Road (Frank Cassidy) Mr. Cassidy stated this item and the one following on the agenda goes hand-in-hand with the Villages of Tortolita First Amendment to the D.A. This item needs to be considered first. He acknowledged Chad Rodriguez with Mandarina and publically thanked him for working through a complicated negotiation, as well as thanked the representatives from the Villages of Tortolita for also working through the negotiation process. Council Member Ziegler ask whether the issue with the fence was resolved. Mr. Cassidy replied stating that the issue had been resolved as it was a very complicated issue. Exhibit E in the packet materials shows the fencing on the Mandarina property; the fencing extends even farther than Mandarina. The First Amendment to the Villages of Tortolita Development Agreement explains that the fencing has to be extended to the Dorkiri s property, which is where the farm is located on both sides of the road. Council Member Ziegler ask how the issue with the fence was resolved. Mr. Cassidy stated that information is within the settlement agreement; the difference was split with the Town. A calculation was performed on what we believed the total fence cost would be. This issue relates to the following agenda item, and ask if he can provide an overview of it at this time. Mayor Honea affirmed. October 29, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 7 Mr. Cassidy the way that the dispute was resolve as to whether the fence was included or not was to basically split the cost—the Town would pay $85,000 which the estimated half of the cost. Council Member Comerford stated developers need to get used to paying for what they need. The Town of Marana has done this for a very long time. If developers need a road in their new development it should not be at the Town's cost. If the rest of the Town does not need that road, she will take every opportunity that she has to speak out that it will not be on the backs of residents or taxpayers. Council Member Bowen moved and Council Member Kai second the motion approving Resolution No. 2019-110. Motion passes, 6-0. D4 Resolution No. 2019-111: Relating to Development; approving and authorizing the Mayor to sign the First Amendment to Villages of Tortolita Development Agreement (Frank Cassidy) Council Member Officer thanked Mr. Cassidy for bringing this matter to a close. Council Member Officer moved and Council Member Bowen second the motion approving Resolution No. 2019-111. Motion passes, 6-0. 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. 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. §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 move and Council Member Comerford second the motion adjourning the meeting. Motion passes, 6-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:47 PM. October 29, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes 8 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 October 29, 2019. I further certify that a was present. October 29, 2019 Study Session Meeting Summary Minutes XS66, MARANA AZ ESTABLISHED 1977