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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 4/15/2003 * PLEASE NOTE: Since the Glendale City Council does not take formal action at the Workshops, Workshop minutes are not approved by the City Council. MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP April 15, 2003, 2003 2:00 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs, Vice Mayor Thomas R. Eggleston, and Councilmembers Joyce V. Clark, Steven E. Frate, David M. Goulet, H. Phillip Lieberman, and Manuel D. Martinez ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: Ed Beasley, City Manager; Pam Kavanaugh, Assistant City Manager; Rick Flaaen, City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk 1. CONTINUATION OF BUDGET DISCUSSION AS NEEDED The morning budget meeting was not continued. 2. MURPHY PARK RENOVATIONS CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Mr. Warren Smith, Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Richard Cardin Jr., Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, and Mr. Jeff Sherman, with the Sherman Group. This is a request to review proposed improvements to Murphy Park. Murphy Park was originally designed to function as a typical "town center park," affording pedestrians shade, benches and a pleasant environment. The popularity and magnitude of the various special events and festivals occurring on an annual basis have exceeded the capacity of the park infrastructure. Some modifications have been made over the years, but a more extensive renovation is necessary. Pedestrian access along Glenn Drive is problematic. The interior circulation sidewalks must be improved to accommodate festival attendees and then revert to a pedestrian connector. These functional requirements must be addressed without losing the appropriate park-like setting. The plan proposes widening Murphy Park's interior circulation sidewalks and the sidewalk along Glenn Drive. This will improve pedestrian and vendor vehicle circulation through the park. Increasing sidewalk width would provide alternatives for more vendor space and pedestrian browsing without impeding the pedestrian movement. The constant maintenance and repair to the existing grass would also be reduced. 1 Small plazas are suggested for the main and rear library entrances. The enlargements of the main entrance will provide seat benches cantilevered from low walls. The rear plaza space is proposed to include a new planter with teak seating, also cantilevered, from the sloped wall and additional decorative walls, which will enhance this library access. The addition of a water featyre on the southeast corner of Murphy Park will be visible from Glendale Avenue and 58t Avenue. Staff and the Sherman Group will present the conceptual plan and request City Council direction on implementing the new conceptual master plan. Council appropriated funding for this project in the FY 2002-03 Capital Improvement Program. The Parks and Recreation Commission discussed and provided input on suggested improvements at its September 10, 2001 meeting. At a subsequent meeting on October 21, 2002, the Commission voted unanimously to endorse the conceptual plan. This conceptual plan reflects the input of staff from Parks and Recreation special events, Marketing, Velma Teague Library and Engineering. Todd and Associates previously had conducted a Downtown Master Plan study, and solicited public input at one of the festivals and solicited public input. That information was considered in the development of this conceptual plan. Funds for this project are included under Parks Bond Funds in the FY 2002-03 Capital Improvement Program. Initial engineering estimate $625,000 for recommended improvements. The recommendation was to review the proposed improvements to Murphy Park and provide staff direction. Councilmember Martinez asked if any areas will be specifically designated for people with disabilities. Mr. Sherman responded the designs are in accord with ADA Guidelines. Councilmember Goulet asked why they decided to locate a water feature at what is typically a very busy corner, expressing concern it could distract drivers in the area. He also questioned whether people would sit to enjoy the feature, given its location near parked cars. He suggested the water feature be located in an area that would be visible to people visiting the park, but not distracting to those driving by. Mr. Sherman said Councilmember Goulet's concerns are valid, suggesting a water fountain would look nice in the west plaza. Also, the fountain would be sealed to fit. Councilmember Goulet said he wanted more information about the walls. Mayor Scruggs asked if the clock will be removed. Mr. Sherman responded no. Mayor Scruggs asked if it makes sense to add a fountain, stating it would take up space that could otherwise be used to accommodate pedestrian traffic. Mr. Smith explained the first proposal submitted to the Parks and Recreations Commission had a lot of hardscape and removed the clock to make room for a water fountain. He said the Parks Commission rejected the proposal, but approved the water feature as a possible concept. He stated the Commission was adamant that the clock remain in its current location and that as much of the grass as possible be maintained. Mayor Scruggs 2 expressed concern that the fountain could be a liability, both in terms of passing vehicular traffic and as an obstacle to pedestrian traffic. Councilmember Lieberman suggested, rather than a fountain, they incorporate water jets that would provide fun for children and relief from the heat. Councilmember Clark stated she does not like the proposed location of the fountain. She agreed a zero-depth water feature, such as the water jets proposed by Councilmember Lieberman, would be a better choice. She suggested the water feature be moved to the north side, thereby drawing the focus away from Glendale Avenue to Glenn Drive which is more pedestrian oriented. Vice Mayor Eggleston pointed out maintenance of the water feature could be problematic. He expressed his opinion the park does not need a water feature. Councilmember Martinez stated he likes the idea of water fountains in the plazas, but not at the corner. He questioned whether water jets would be appropriate given the size of the crowds at special events. Councilmember Frate asked about the water retention area. Mr. Sherman said, while the Parks Department did a good job of addressing the water retention area during the design process, he has suggested adding more trees. Councilmember Frate expressed his opinion the retention area is underutilized and could be the appropriate spot for a water feature. Mayor Scruggs stated the purpose of the renovation is to accommodate more people inside the park, not to draw more people to the park. She expressed her opinion that, given their goal, a water feature would be counterproductive. Councilmember Goulet asked if a fountain could be made to size. Mr. Sherman responded yes. Councilmember Goulet stated incorporating a smaller-scale water feature would add to the park's charm without detracting from events. In response to Councilmember Goulet's earlier question, Mr. Sherman explained the walls will be similar in texture and material to those seen at City Hall. Councilmember Clark expressed her opinion the walls will also be counterproductive. She said, while the walls around the plaza area might be appropriate, the other walls would defeat the character that Murphy Park has always had. Councilmember Martinez disagreed, stating the walls would provide additional seating. Mr. Sherman explained the walls were intended to soften the appearance of the library. He suggested areas where visitors can sit and relax could extend their stay in the downtown area. Councilmember Clark pointed out, however, people look for a bench when they want to relax, not a wall. Mayor Scruggs asked if all of the walls would have seating. Mr. Smith responded yes. Mayor Scruggs stated she supports the concept of the walls. Councilmember Clark asked if the existing "L" walls would be replaced with the new walls. Mr. Sherman responded no. He noted they are also talking about adding more benches. Mayor Scruggs asked if walls along the east side would impede traffic during special 3 events. In response to a question from Councilmember Martinez, Mr. Sherman explained walls were not placed on the north side because they wanted to keep that area open. Councilmember Goulet asked what is the length of the wall along the south. Mr. Sherman said approximately 30 feet, noting, however, the wall could be shortened if necessary. Mr. Sherman confirmed for Councilmember Lieberman that they would leave the trees along Glenn Drive. Councilmember Lieberman asked if they will leave the buried restroom. Mr. Sherman responded yes. Councilmember Clark expressed her opinion the design of the diagonal sidewalks will result in a traffic jam. Mr. Sherman stated they attended various events to identify congestion points. He said they tried to widen the interior circulation where most of the vendors are located, without drastically reducing the amount of grass. Councilmember Clark cautioned against placing too much emphasis on saving grass, reiterating the point of the renovation is to improve pedestrian circulation. She pointed out the diagonal walks are not used currently because they are too narrow. Mayor Scruggs agreed, pointing out problems occur when people in wheelchairs or pushing strollers are forced to go into the grass to maneuver through the crowd. Councilmember Martinez asked if the item will come back to Council for further consideration. Mr. Smith said they hope to get enough direction to make the necessary adjustments, stating they have a very short window of time in which to do the project. Councilmember Martinez asked if the budget will allow for a model. Mr. Sherman offered to develop a computer animated conceptual model. Vice Mayor Eggleston agreed the diagonal sidewalks should be widened. He asked if any thought was given to incorporating a sidewalk between the library and the amphitheater. Mr. Sherman said yes, but there were concerns about the loss of additional grass. Councilmember Lieberman asked if they took the improvements planned for Gran Avenue into consideration. Councilmember Clark pointed out the improvements at 59t Avenue are at least a couple of years off. Councilmember Lieberman asked about the hanging baskets previously approved by Council. Mr. Coleson explained the baskets were ordered, however, the plants died. He said they are looking at reengineering the baskets and hanging them again during the planting season. Councilmember Clark suggested they consider using the "Man feeding the birds" statue as a logo on the proposed Murphy Park banners. Mayor Scruggs said, while the hanging baskets are beautiful, they do not work well. She suggested the banners be double sided, with a permanent side that identifies the park and a changeable side that can be used to identify upcoming events. She passed along a concern brought to her by a resident concerning the teak benches. She quoted from the citizen's letter, "teak is scarce, expensive and does not hold up well in a very hot and dry climate". Mr. Sherman stated teak is one of the most durable woods in the world and the teak they have specified is farm grown. Councilmember Lieberman 4 pointed out teak is virtually waterproof as well. In response to Councilmember Martinez's question, Mr. Reedy explained the amphitheater drains to the bottom at which point a pump carries water to both sides of the amphitheater. Mayor Scruggs voiced the Council's consensus to proceed with a water feature, asking staff to provide information concerning the types of water features available and the costs associated with each. She also voiced Council's consensus to reduce the number of wall seating, make the width of the sidewalks consistent, eliminate the hanging baskets and proceed with the banners. 3. HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Mr. Ben Johnson, Environmental Program Manager, Mr. Tom Shannon, Office of Emergency Management Division Chief, Ms. Julie Spada, Police Training Coordinator This is a request for City Council to review a draft plan for pursuing homeland security funding. Currently homeland security funding is available to eligible communities from both federal and state agencies. Since 1999, the City of Glendale has been able to leverage approximately $1.4 million in grant funds to enhance first responder preparedness within our own city limits and the entire West Valley which has a population of more than 1.4 million people. Grant funds have been used to improve communications, safety equipment needed for protection of personnel, large scale training exercises such as the recent Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) drill at Thunderbird, decontamination and detection capabilities. Glendale has worked collaboratively with other West Valley communities, hospitals, schools, non-profits and volunteers by inviting their participation in communications and training activities. Recent presentations to the West Valley Mayors and Managers regarding emergency preparedness and response have resulted in their support of Glendale's efforts to acquire federal funds that can be used to provide additional equipment and resources to serve the region. At the same time that Glendale has been positioning itself to ensure public safety needs are being met for a growing city of 230,000, the city's first responders have not been immune from responding to some significant security issues here. The Pioneer School hostage situation in 2000 exemplified the importance of planning, preparedness and response to critical emergency situations. Additionally, the railroad and the potential for fuel/hazardous materials spills, and natural disasters such as the 1996 microburst, have helped our police, fire and public works personnel assess public safety needs and risks internally and externally. Staff has identified that Glendale is in a unique position to seek grant funds from the recently created federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The city is identified as the first capable Hazardous Materials Response Team for the West Valley under the automatic aid agreement. Glendale is the first "capable responder" to: 5 • Large scale facilities: National Hockey League (NHL) arena, the National Football League (NFL) Stadium, and Phoenix International Raceway. • Federal facilities: Luke Air Force Base • Nuclear plants: Palo Verde Nuclear Plant • Water storage and treatment: New Waddell Dam and Glendale's water and sewer treatment plants. • National events: Super Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, NCAA basketball, NHL All Star Game, NFL and NHL games. DHS has identified major priorities for funding of first responder equipment and personnel overtime needs (police, fire, emergency medical and public works). The major priorities include the protection of critical infrastructure, national events and major population centers. Glendale meets this criteria based on its existing first responder coverage area, in addition to the new venues where seating capacities of 17, 500 and 73,000 add to the city's risk vulnerabilities. Some of the 2003 DHS grant programs include: • $566.3 million — State Homeland Security • $750 million —Assistance to Firefighters Grant • $25 million — Interoperable Communications Equipment Grant • $25 million — Emergency Operations Center • $165 million — Emergency Management Grant • This is the first time homeland security information has been brought to the City Council. Staff has had several meetings with residents through neighborhood meetings, Council district meetings and the CITY S.A.F.E./Project Impact programs. The meetings have been primarily directed at disaster preparedness. Citizens have expressed interest in homeland security information during these meetings. A comprehensive, City S.A.F.E. community education program has been providing monthly activities on specific preparedness and safety issues for the public for more than a year. West Valley cities and towns, hospitals, educational institutions, non-profits, corporate partners, emergency medical response teams and others have participated in WMD drills and other training exercises hosted by the City of Glendale. The identified needs for homeland security are not currently budgeted in the General Fund. 6 Federal funds are disbursed each fiscal year with no guarantee of future funding. Since 1999, Glendale has been successful in receiving $1.4 million from federal departments that are now under the umbrella of DHS. Approve moving forward with the submission of a grant application to obtain homeland security funding for the West Valley region from federal and state agencies. In response to Vice Mayor Eggleston's question, Mr. Shannon stated the city has previously received grants totaling $1.4 million from the Department of Justice, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services and FEMA. He explained the grants staff is recommending the city apply for are one time grants, stating, however, the city could reapply every year. Ms. Spada said the funds can currently be used for enhancing first responders, detection equipment, and communication equipment. She noted, however, they are looking at adding different categories, such as Public Works. Councilmember Clark said, while the city cannot realistically prevent an incident, it can be prepared to respond. She expressed her opinion they should be as aggressive as possible and the proposed strategy is right on target. She urged staff to apply for every dollar of aid it can get for the city. Councilmember Goulet pointed out people have been concerned about the contents of the rail cars for years. He asked if the city is able to find out in advance when hazardous materials will be brought through the city. Mr. Shannon stated the Yard Master was unable to identify the vendor that owned each rail spur when the issue first arose eight years ago. He agreed the issue is a high priority, stating he has committed to the Mayor to find out who the vendors are for each rail spur. He explained the transient nature of the vendors makes determining the contents of the spurs difficult. He said the data collected will require constant maintenance in order for the city to be able to predict what might be on a rail should an accident occur. Councilmember Goulet asked if there are any provisions requiring that the city be notified if toxic chemicals will be passing through the city or if the contents must be moved out of the city within a certain period of time. Mr. Shannon responded no, stating, vendors are only required to identify by plaque what is on a vessel. He said it has been his experience that they keep the materials moving, particularly with respect to propane. Mr. Flaaen stated he will research the Interstate Commerce Commission's regulations to determine which, if any, relate to notification of local agencies, time restrictions and storage requirements. In response to Councilmember Martinez's question, Chief Burdick explained they are looking for grants that are fully funded. He said any grants requiring a match would be brought before Council. Mr. Shannon explained their intent is to obtain enough funding to address all of the needs identified by the different departments during the needs assessment. Councilmember Frate stated he was not aware Glendale was considered a first responder to Palo Verde. He pointed out not all disaster situations relate to terrorism. 7 He agreed the city should receive additional funding given the addition of the stadium and arena. He encouraged staff to apply for any and all fully funded grants and to return to Council with any grants that require a match. Mr. Shannon assured Councilmember Frate that he and his team constantly evaluate what disasters could occur and where the city is most vulnerable, both in terms of manmade and natural disasters. Councilmember Lieberman asked if they intend to apply for all of the grants identified. Mr. Shannon responded yes. Mr. Johnson explained most of the money would be diverted for planning, training, exercises and equipment. Councilmember Lieberman asked if any other grants have been identified for which the city should also apply. Mr. Shannon explained the Office of Homeland Security has combined numerous departments that the city would have previously solicited individually for grants. He said, however, their strategy has a very broad spectrum and they will go after all funds that can be applied to the city's needs. He estimated available funding the city could receive to total $20 to $25 million annually. Councilmember Lieberman asked if Glendale would act as a leader for surrounding cities or would the other cities apply for their own grants. Mr. Shannon said Glendale is a strong representative for other west valley communities, however, the other cities will also attempt to receive grant funding. He said they intend to assure other communities that Glendale will continue to respond in their areas and support their needs as a regional partner. Councilmember Lieberman asked if Glendale is stockpiling particular items with regard to emergency preparedness. Mr. Shannon responded yes, noting they have acquired equipment that allows the city to respond and treat 10,000 biologically effected persons and 1,000 chemically effected persons. He said the focus is now shifting to communications. Councilmember Lieberman asked if the city will ask for a specific amount when applying for a grant. Mr. Shannon responded yes. Mayor Scruggs congratulated Chief Shannon and the entire Glendale Fire Department for their proactive approach to the issue of homeland security, pointing out their efforts began long before it became a hot topic. She asked about Ms. Paula Moloff's, Grants Coordinator, role. Mr. Shannon said, while the Fire Department is very capable of identifying what is needed, they will need expert assistance when preparing grant applications. Mayor Scruggs asked if the $150,000 being placed in the grant matching fund will be used for homeland security issues. Mr. Shannon stated Ms. Raquel Montero, Accountant 2, asked them to identify all anticipated incoming grant funds and, to date, funds are available to cover the grants. Mayor Scruggs urged staff to keep Council apprised of the ongoing costs associated with the grants. She asked when the city's current supply of pharmaceuticals will have to be replaced. Mr. Shannon said some will have to be replaced within 18 months of purchase, however, through Mr. Johnson's efforts to extend the shelf life of pharmaceuticals, their goal is to keep them for three years. Mayor Scruggs stated her comments should not be taken to mean the city should not proceed with certain programs because of their ongoing costs, but the city needs to know what the costs will be up front. Mr. Shannon agreed, pointing out a number of funds have been remiss in terms of administrative support. He assured Mayor Scruggs that staff will keep the Council apprised of anticipated costs and avoid 8 those that place an undue burden on the city. Mayor Scruggs asked Ms. Spada about the fee waiver legislation. Ms. Spada explained the legislation will essentially allow individual jurisdictions to use the money as needed, including meeting operational needs and covering hidden costs. With regard to ongoing costs, she pointed out a lot of the equipment being purchased will replace equipment that is already included in the operating budget. Mayor Scruggs stated she will write a letter of support for the fee waiver legislation. Councilmember Clark commented on the stiff competition the city will face when applying for the grants, stating every city in the country will feel they need some form of homeland security capability. She recommended the city apply for all grants, noting they could always deny a grant if the hidden costs were later found to be too high. She asked how the city will communicate the threat level warnings to its citizens. Mr. Shannon stated the city now has Reverse 911 technology that allows the city to call citizens. He said the county will also have similar technology and Glendale will ensure the two systems work together. With regard to school incidences, he noted the city also has "Rapid Responder" that puts contact information and information concerning a school's layout in the hands of incident responders and responsible parties. He said, in addition to Reverse 911, the city could also deploy police officers and broadcast messages over television and radio stations. Councilmember Clark asked if Homeland Security strictly relates to chemical, biological or nuclear events. Mr. Shannon responded no, explaining FEMA, which addresses natural disasters, falls under the umbrella of Homeland Security. Ms. Spada stated the city will continue to plan and prepare to handle all incidences and strengthen their ability to respond by holding exercises. Councilmember Clark agreed Ms. Moloff's advice will be invaluable. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. 9