HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 6/11/2002 MINUTES OF THE 2002 INSTALLATION CEREMONY
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE,
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
HELD TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2002 AT 7:00 P.M.
Present: Mayor Scruggs, Vice Mayor Eggleston, and
Councilmembers Clark, Frate, Goulet, Lieberman and
Martinez
Also Present: Ed Beasley, City Manager; Terry Zerkle, Assistant City
Manager, Jon Paladini, Acting City Attorney; and Pamela
Oliveira, City Clerk.
The "National Anthem" was performed by The Swing Sisters.
OATH OF OFFICE - ELAINE M. SCRUGGS, MAYOR
The Honorable Cecil B. Patterson, Jr., Acting Presiding City Judge,
Glendale City Court, and Judge of the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One,
administered the Oath of Office to Elaine M. Scruggs, Mayor-Elect.
Mayor Scruggs reviewed the accomplishments of the last two years. She
stated that voter approval of the transportation issues submitted at the November
2001 special election has made the City of Glendale the very first city in Arizona
to approve such a comprehensive transportation plan in its very first appearance
on the ballot. She noted that, in April of 2001, the National Hockey League
Coyotes team announced that they were moving to Glendale and their new arena
would be situated in the midst of a 5 million square foot development. This
project will make Glendale the entertainment, shopping, and employment center
of Western Maricopa County. She said the guaranteed redevelopment of the 55
acre former shopping mall site at Northern and 59th Avenues was an added
bonus to the Coyotes project. She commented on how the recent connection of
Loop 101 to 1-10, which has only been open a year and a half, has become such
an integral part of Glendale's transportation, economic development, and
successes.
Mayor Scruggs stated that there are two main reasons why Glendale's
endeavors work out successfully. First, the City determines its goals and sticks
to reaching them. Resources are only put into those things that will lead the City
to achieving the best possible future. Second is the strength of the City's prudent
fiscal policies, which allows the City to be prepared for opportunities that arise
unexpectedly. She commented on other impacts that the State of Arizona's very
serious financial condition could have on the City and the City's plans to ensure
fiscal stability. She stated that, for these reasons, fiscal policies will be a major
focus of her new term in office.
Mayor Scruggs noted that her name had been submitted to the President
of the Senate for his consideration in appointing the one person who will
represent Arizona's incorporated cities and towns on the Tax Reform for Arizona
Citizens Committee. She stated that Mr. Ed Beasley, City Manager, is serving on
the League of Arizona Cities and Towns City Managers Task Force, with a
similar focus.
Mayor Scruggs noted that another issue which will consume a large
amount of her time in this new term is Luke Air Force Base. She said the City
must work towards ensuring that Luke will be able to continue to perform its
mission of training F-16 fighter pilots and crew chief. She said Luke had
reviewed Glendale's recommendations for land use in its General Plan, which will
be voted upon in November of 2002. Following their review and meetings with
City staff, Luke has issued a letter of no objection to Glendale 2025 - the City's
General Plan Update.
Mayor Scruggs noted that on May 31, 2002 she was elected President of
the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, which represents all 87 municipalities in
the State of Arizona. In connection herewith, she said her goal was to find ways
to include Glendale residents in vital discussions leading up to decisions which
impact their very way of life. She said the residents would be hearing more from
her on this subject. She stated that she would be asking for ideas on the best
formats, the best times, and the best places to have these community
conversations.
Mayor Scruggs thanked her family and all of those who voted for her. She
also thanked City staff and the management team who put forth incredible efforts
to turn the Council's visions into reality.
Mayor Scruggs ended by stating that the City's successes are just the
initial stages of all that is destined to be accomplished in Glendale. She
expressed her wish that the City stay financially and organizationally ready for
opportunities which may arise and keep its mind open for new opportunities,
which will help us reach our best possible future.
OATH OF OFFICE - THOMAS R. EGGLESTON, COUNCILMEMBER -
BARREL DISTRICT
The Honorable Cecil B. Patterson, Jr., Acting Presiding City Judge,
Glendale City Court, and Judge of the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One,
administered the Oath of Office to Thomas R. Eggleston, Councilmember-Elect,
Barrel District.
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Councilmember Eggleston thanked the citizens of the Barrel District for
choosing him to serve them. He said he would keep having regular district
meetings, communicating by e-mail, and devoting Council capital improvement
funds to leverage streetscape beautification to provide shade trees.
Councilmember Eggleston commented on the accomplishments achieved
during his last term of office. He noted his support for the timely development of
Northern Crossing (formerly known as Manistee Town Center). He said he was
proud of the Coyotes arena and the West Gate Center, which will be located at
the Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue,
Councilmember Eggleston noted that just about everyone present tonight
had in some way pitched in to help make Glendale a better place to work and
live. He said they had served as members of Boards and Commissions, as
ambassadors, as volunteers at the Libraries and parks and recreation, and on
the bond and transportation advisory committees. He noted that each of them
brought something special to the table and the nice thing about Glendale is that
the door is always wide open for newcomers because the City values new ideas
and diverse perspective.
Councilmember Eggleston said it will be his pleasure to once again serve
such good neighbors and good Glendale citizens.
OATH OF OFFICE - MANUEL D. MARTINEZ COUNCILMEMBER - CHOLLA
DISTRICT
The Honorable Quentin V. Tolby, Glendale Justice of the Peace,
administered the Oath of Office to Manuel D. Martinez, Councilmember-Elect,
Cholla District.
Councilmember Martinez thanked everyone for their attendance. He
acknowledged his wife, Mary, for her support, encouragement and understanding
during the campaign process. He also thanked his campaign manager, Ms.
Shirley Tolby; his sons David and Manny Jr., and Manny Jr.'s wife Sharon; his
daughter, Helen and her husband, Robert Mendez; his daughter Cecilia and her
husband, Raymond Jasso; and his grandchildren Michael Romero, Jason Brown,
Jeffrey Macias, and Blair Martinez; his finance chairman, David lwanski; and
friends and advisors, Robert Richards and Carlos Noli; as well as all of those
who voted for him. As for those who voted against him or did not vote, he said he
wanted to work with them to address their issues or concerns. He acknowledged
City staff and Dr. Marty Vanacour who recently retired as City Manager, who left
a great legacy to the present City Manager, Ed Beasley.
Councilmember Martinez noted that when he first took office on October
31, 1996, he had pledged his integrity, which he has kept; noted the need for a
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multi-generational facility, which is very close to becoming a reality; and the need
to ensure a balance between growth and ability to maintain the high level of
services to citizens, which has been achieved, even before anything had been
mentioned about growing smarter.
Councilmember Martinez commented on promises he had made four
years ago. He stated that he had increased citizen participation in government
through many neighborhood meetings, newsletters, newspaper articles, e-mails,
and letters. With regard to his goal of developing a closer relationship with the
City's schools, he noted that the City now has a school ordinance that requires
developers requesting rezoning to work with schools to ensure that there is
adequate space for the new students. Councilmember Martinez noted that the
Western Area Plan had been delayed, but that it was now back on track and that
the development that has occurred in the Western area is first rate, with the best
yet to come.
Councilmember Martinez said he would continue working on the
implementation of cameras for red light running, which he had not given up on,
as well as public safety (Fire and Police), speeding, traffic congestion, and
maintenance of home values. He said he will continue to vigorously pursue
quality development and high-paying jobs.
Councilmember Martinez noted that the Council works together when it
counts and has accomplished the following in the last four years: (1) the
acquisition and demolition of Manistee Town Center, now known as Northern
Crossing; (2) commencement of construction of the Ellman Coyote mixed-use
arena project; (3) the waste water treatment plant near the Municipal Airport;
construction the Foothills Library at 57th Avenue and Union Hills Road; the
opening of numerous new parks throughout the City; (4) additional staffing for
the Police and Fire Departments equipped with the latest technology; (5) a
successful bond election that will ensue the continued progress of the City; (6)
and a successful transportation election that will improve the City's streets and
put the City in a position to tie into a light rail system. He stated that opportunity
abounds for sustaining the City's high quality of life through economic
development, neighborhood revitalization, and job creation.
Councilmember Martinez ended by saying he was honored and humbled
by his re-election. He again thanked everyone who made it possible.
OATH OF OFFICE - DAVID M. GOULET, COUNCILMEMBER - OCOTILLO
DISTRICT
The Honorable Cecil B. Patterson, Jr., Acting Presiding City Judge,
Glendale City Court, and Judge of the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One,
administered the Oath of Office to David M. Goulet, Councilmember-Elect,
Ocotillo District.
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Councitmember Goulet noted that the promises he made four years ago
regarding infill, new development, redevelopment, and being tough on crime had
been kept. He said he was proud of the accomplishments that have happened
over the past four years, i.e. starting the Habitat for Humanity project, alley
paving, street paving, landscaping and streetscaping projects, irrigation for
landscaping, parking lots, street lights, sidewalks, parks, affordable senior
housing projects and dynamic business growth in the near future. He noted that
plans for much more will occupy his time in office during the next four years. He
said this is what public policy actions can do to create a better community.
Councitmember Goulet stated that for years he had advocated for the
creation of a downtown redevelopment plan. He noted that this project is close
to reality, hopefully for adoption and implementation. He said it will bring a much
needed infusion of future business growth and shopping choice to the City's
downtown area.
Councilmember Goulet noted that he has been responsible for revising
and improving the current City Codes and Ordinances because quality of life
issues are critical to the livability of older areas of his district and throughout the
City. He said we must continue to prepare for change to improve the community
by offering living, employment, recreation, and educational choice for all citizens
to make Glendale a better place to live, work, and recreate. He said change is
not easy, but for a vibrant, contemporary, and focused Council, change can
enhance the City for the good. He noted that there have been many past
examples to provide this. He stated that Glendale remains a leader throughout
the Valley and the State and this leadership will continue.
Councilmember Goulet spoke about how some of the people who claim
that the City spends recklessly force the City into pointless elections that cost all
of the citizens of Glendale hundreds of thousands of dollars - monies that should
be directed to other services. He said he would be bringing future
recommendations to his colleagues for discussion on changing the ease with
which elections can be forced upon the City.
Councilmember Goulet stated that great things lie ahead for the City of
Glendale and the Ocotillo District and that must be our focus.
Councilmember Goulet said more single homes will be built by Habitat,
Los Vecinos private developers and others; and more parks will be built and
more visual blight will be eliminated. He commented on economic development
being the key to providing basic and improved services.
Councilmember Goulet noted that together we can help shape the
direction and effect that growth has on the quality of life for the citizens of
Glendale. Regarding downtown growth, he said, in addition to retail or dining,
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quality housing options are necessary to generate the energy of the City's
downtown needs to sustain new business growth.
Councilmember Goulet said success is at hand with the redevelopment of
Northern Crossing (formerly Manistee Town Center). He noted that this project
will bring in a half million square feet of shopping and dining options, that is
desperately needed and wanted by the majority of people in this area.
Councilmember Goulet thanked John and Virginia Flores; Scott and
Natalie Stahl; Bob and Lois Otto; the wonderful residents of Glencroft; the
residents of the heart of Downtown Glendale; Bob and Rose Bohan; the
Firefighters Union; the Latino Peace Officers Association (LPOA), and, most of
all, the men and women who work for the Glendale Fire Department. He noted
that there are many others who deserve his thanks and have his sincere
appreciation.
Councilmember Goulet closed by saying that we can succeed if we remain
"focused on the future...and are guided by the past".
The meeting ended with "America the Beautiful" performed by The Swing
Sisters.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Pamela • ve ra — City Clerk
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