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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 2/10/2004 (5) MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2004, AT 7:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs, with Vice Mayor Thomas R. Eggleston and the following Councilmembers present: Joyce V. Clark, David M. Goulet, H. Philip Lieberman, and Manuel D. Martinez. Absent: Steven E. Frate Also present were Ed Beasley, City Manager; Pam Kavanaugh, Assistant City Manager; Jon Paladini, Interim City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk. COMPLIANCE WITH ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6(c) OF THE GLENDALE CHARTER A statement was filed by the City Clerk that the one resolution and one ordinance to be considered at the meeting were available for public examination and the title posted at City Hall more than 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Mayor Scruggs recognized William Ahern, Scout Master; Cody Ahern, Ryan Hess and Justin Emanuelson of Troop 567, Blazer Scouts. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 27, 2004 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS It was moved by Goulet, and seconded by Clark, to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the January 27, 2004 Regular City Council meeting, as each member of the Council had been provided copies in advance, and approve them as written. The motion carried unanimously. PROCLAMATIONS AND AWARDS WHITE CANE MONTH PROCLAMATION This is a request for the City Council to honor the accomplishments of the Lions Clubs to the Glendale community by proclaiming February 2004 as White Cane Month. Lions International was founded in Chicago in 1917 and since that time has grown to be one of the world's largest service organizations. Glendale is fortunate to have the Glendale Sunrise Lions Club, the Glendale Evening Lions Club and the Bellair Lions Club provide services to the community. The Lions have become identified with their efforts on behalf of the blind and their community service activities emphasize sight conservation. In 1927 in Peoria, Illinois, the white cane came to be used as a symbol for the blind and the near blind. The Lions also use this symbol in their fundraising efforts. 1 The recommendation was to present the White Cane Month proclamation to Richard Riley and/or Art Robinson of the Glendale Sunrise Lions Club. Mayor Scruggs proclaimed February 2003 as White Cane Month. Mayor Scruggs presented the proclamation to Mr. Richard Riley, Treasure of the Glendale Sunrise Lions Club. On behalf of the Lion's Club, Mr. Riley thanked the Mayor and Council. PUBLIC HEARING — LAND DEVELOPMENT ACTIONS 1. PUBLIC HEARING — PROPOSED ANNEXATION NO. 152: NEC OF 83RD AVENUE AND FRIER AVENUE ALIGNMENT Ms. Kate Langford, Senior Planner, presented this item. This is a request for the City Council to conduct a public hearing on the proposed blank annexation petition for Annexation Area No. 152, as required by state statute. Glendale 2025, the city's General Plan, includes specific goals addressing the need for growth management. Annexation is a tool that can be used by the city to direct and manage growth. Approximately 13 acres of this 15-acre area are proposed to be developed as a gated single-family residential development. The remaining acreage is currently developed with two single-family homes. The property owners are requesting the annexation. The blank annexation petition was recorded on January 20, 2004, which is the first formal step taken in the annexation process. The next step is to hold a public hearing. All property owners within the area to be annexed have been notified by first class mail. The proposed annexation area has been posted in three public areas and the public hearing has been advertised in the Glendale Star. This public hearing is being conducted during the last 10 days of the 30-day waiting period required by state statute. Once the public hearing has been conducted and the 30-day waiting period ends on February 19, 2004, signatures may be gathered. If a sufficient number of signatures in favor of annexation are obtained and the required amount of valuation is represented by these signatures, the Council will be asked to consider the adoption of an annexation ordinance. The annexation of this 15-acre area would require that the development of this area meet the Glendale General Plan requirements as well as all other development standards for the city of Glendale. 2 The recommendation was to conduct a public hearing on proposed Annexation Area No. 152 located at the northeast corner of 83rd Avenue and the Frier Avenue alignment. Mayor Scruggs opened the public hearing on Agenda Item No. 1. Mr. Leonard Clark, a resident of the City of Glendale Barrel District, suggested the city continue to coordinate community activities to prevent gated neighborhoods from becoming isolated. Mayor Scruggs closed the public hearing. No action was taken. 2. REZONING APPLICATION ZONO3-13: SAV-ON FENCE — 8222 NORTH 67TH AVENUE Ms. Pickering, Planner, presented this item. This is a request by Say-On Fence for the City Council to approve Rezoning Application ZONO3-13 located at 8222 North 67th Avenue. The applicant requests rezoning 2.49 acres from R-4 (Multiple Residence) to M-1 (Light Industrial). The proposed zoning change is consistent with the General Plan. This change will allow an existing Glendale business to remain in the city. The site is located north of the northwest corner of 67th and Northern Avenues. The proposed M-1 zoning is consistent with the General Plan designation of Light Industry (LI). M-1 is the zoning district that implements the LI General Plan designation. The M-1 district is intended to accommodate industries involving light manufacturing, warehousing, and wholesale activities of medium intensity compatible with adjacent properties. A trucking business had been operating on the site for approximately 30 years. The applicant has cleaned up the property and is operating a less intensive use on the site. Say-On Fence had been in business at 7831 North 67th Avenue in Glendale for the past 11 years. In January of 2003, their property was purchased by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) for Grand Avenue improvements. The current location was purchased by the applicant in August of 2003, based on information provided by ADOT. On January 15, 2004, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning application with stipulations. 3 The rezoning request will bring the property into conformance with the General Plan and it will be consistent with the surrounding properties in the area. The applicant sent 61 notification letters to adjacent property owners and interested parties on November 10, 2003. There were no letters or telephone calls received in response to this request. The recommendation was to conduct a public hearing and approve Rezoning Application ZONO3-13, subject to the three stipulations as recommended by the Planning Commission. Mayor Scruggs opened the public hearing on Agenda Item No. 2. Mr. Leonard Clark, a resident of the City of Glendale Barrel District, voiced his support of the proposed rezoning. He commended the city on their efforts to keep Glendale a safe and residentially friendly town. Mayor Scruggs closed the public hearing. It was moved by Goulet, and seconded by Lieberman, to approve Rezoning Application ZONO3-13, subject to the three stipulations as recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion carried by the unanimous vote of the council present. BIDS AND CONTRACTS 3. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT - 59th AVENUE, DEER VALLEY ROAD TO PINNACLE PEAK ROAD Mr. Craig Johnson, Assistant City Engineer, presented this item. This is a request for City Council approval of a professional services agreement with Stantec Consulting, Inc. to provide a Design Concept Report (DCR) that will propose several alignment and roadway configurations to improve roadway conditions on 59th Avenue between Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads. One of the Council's strategic priorities is to ensure public safety for the citizens of Glendale. Improvements to 59th Avenue between Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads will improve a segment of roadway that has a reported traffic volume of 17,000 vehicles per day. 59th Avenue is an arterial street that passes through the Thunderbird Conservation Park and connects large population centers in both Glendale and Phoenix. When the roadway was constructed, the volume of traffic and traffic speeds were lower. Increased traffic and traffic speeds have resulted in 26 recorded accidents 4 over the past four years. Damage to the existing guardrail indicates there have been several other accidents that are not recorded. On July 8, 2003, the Council awarded a contract to Logan Simpson Design for the Thunderbird Park Master Plan. The agreement with Stantec includes Logan Simpson Design as part of their design team, which will provide continuity with the master planning effort. Requests for proposals were sent out to all consulting engineering firms within the Engineering Department database. Proposals were received from 21 engineering firms for this project. Five individuals representing the city's Engineering, Transportation, and Parks departments reviewed the proposals. Stantec Consulting, Inc. received the highest ranking from all proposals. Improvements to 59th Avenue, between Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads, will be coordinated with the Thunderbird Park Master Plan to provide a street that addresses current traffic demands and continues to ensure the safety of motorists using this street, while remaining sensitive to the overall theme of the park. Public meetings will be held as part of the Thunderbird Park Master Plan that will include discussions with the public about the status of the roadway. Individual meetings concerning the roadway itself will also be held during the development of the design alternatives. The agreement with Stantec is being presented in different phases to better define the design alternatives and to provide the final design and construction documents. The initial phase is the generation of the DCR that will provide different alternative alignments and road sections that will be assessed by the city and the citizens of Glendale. The total cost for developing the DCR shall not exceed the amount of $145,950, with funds available in 59th Avenue-Melinda Lane to Pinnacle Peak Road, Account No. 94-9566-8330. Upon selection of the preferred alternative, a future council action will be required to approve the final design and construction administration contract. Grants Capital One-Time Budgete Unbudgete Total Expense Cost d d X X $145,950 Account Name, Fund, Account and Line Item Number: 59th Avenue — Melinda to Pinnacle Peak Road, Account No. 94-9566-8330 The recommendation was to approve the professional services agreement with Stantec Consulting, Inc. in the amount of $145,950. 5 Councilmember Martinez said residents have expressed concern about the proposed widening. He asked Mr. Johnson about the number of accidents that have occurred. Mr. Johnson reported 26 accidents have been recorded over the past four years, noting approximately 17,000 vehicles per day travel along the roadway. He offered to provide an estimate of future traffic volume to Councilmember Martinez. In response to Vice Mayor Eggleston's question, Mr. Johnson stated the plan will be developed in cooperation with citizens, engineering staff and the consultant. He assured the Council the plan will be compatible with the park theme and will address the road's safety issues, stating, however, they have not decided on specific design details. Vice Mayor Eggleston asked if the improvements will be funded with Glendale GO Project funds. Mr. Johnson said the $2.6 million project was identified in the 2001 CIP and will be funded with development impact fees. Mayor Scruggs pointed out Glendale did not have transportation impact fees when the area was developed and asked how development impact fees can be used to fund the project. Mr. Reedy explained the development impact fees are based on the growth related projects in the Capital Improvement Program and are collected over time from all development in the city. He confirmed that, except with regard to parks, impact fees do not have to be used in the area of the city in which they were collected. Councilmember Lieberman asked if HURF funds will be used. Mr. Johnson responded no. Councilmember Lieberman clarified the proposed contract is for design alternatives, not construction. Councilmember Clark said the project will cut through Thunderbird Park where growth improvements are not projected. She asked if major subdivisions north of the park have created a tremendous increase in traffic volumes on 59th Avenue. Mr. Johnson said the road is already over capacity. Mayor Scruggs asked if they have to wait until the summer to hold the public meetings. Mr. Johnson responded no, stating they will schedule the meetings once they have met with the consultant and sub-consultant. Mayor Scruggs stated a number of residents believe widening 59th Avenue will invite more traffic, increasing the number of problems and accidents. Mr. Johnson explained the consultants will advise the city on how best to deal with additional traffic while maintaining desirable speeds and mitigating safety concerns. Mayor Scruggs asked if they might find the road would be safer with two lanes. Mr. Hubbard, consultant, said, they will be presenting several design alternatives, including a roadway with one lane in each direction. He stated they recognize the roadway is special in that it runs through a conservation park and intend to minimize speeds using curvilinear alignments and other traffic calming measures. Councilmember Martinez's said perhaps it is a misnomer to say it is a widening of 59th Avenue. Mr. Hubbard said,at this point, they do not know if 59th Avenue will actually be widened, explaining the addition of right and left turn lanes is not considered widening as no additional through-lane capacity is added. 6 Councilmember Clark asked about the street's current level of service. Mr. Hubbard was unable to identify the current level of service, stating, however, they will address the level of service in their design concept report. Councilmember Lieberman asked if Phoenix will participate since they will benefit from the project. Mr. Hubbard stated Phoenix has not identified funds for construction of the roadway, however, they will work with Phoenix to identify what is needed to improve the intersections at Pinnacle Peak, 55th and 59th Avenues. Councilmember Lieberman suggested they conduct a study to identify who uses the road, expressing his opinion Phoenix residents use the road more. Mayor Scruggs stated she will save her notes concerning Mr. Hubbard's comments about the roadway being a "very special roadway through a conservation park" and that leaving it a two lane roadway will be one of the options explored. She said she cannot in good conscience let the issue go unaddressed since it is a public safety issue. She stated, however, there are various ways in which the city can address the public safety aspect of the road. Mr. Hubbard said there will be no preconceived notions as they develop the design concept report and the Mayor and Council will make the final decision as to the roadway's design. Mayor Scruggs recommended the public meetings not be held in the summer. Councilmember Martinez asked if a presentation will be made at the first public meeting or if it will serve solely as a means for the consultants to obtain input from the citizens. Mr. Hubbard said, while they could come in with no ideas, the meeting will be more productive if a few ideas are presented for discussion among the citizens. He assured Councilmember Martinez they will not present any alternative as the preferred or selected alternative. Mayor Scruggs opened the public hearing on Agenda Item No. 3. Mr. Leonard Clark, a resident of the City of Glendale Barrel District, spoke about the transformation that has occurred along 59th Avenue over the past 20 years. He expressed his opinion Phoenix should be more involved in the project since the road is used mostly by their citizens. Mr. Gary LeDoux, a resident of the City of Glendale Cholla District, stated he is opposed to the proposal, expressing his opinion 26 accidents over four years is not excessive. He said the roadway going north already has left turn lanes into the park. He urged the Council to consider the area's natural habitat, stating the park should not be split. Mr. Keith Ray, a resident of the City of Glendale Cholla District, stated the high volume of traffic exists because 59th Avenue allows Phoenix residents north of Pinnacle Peak to access the Loop 101. He said there is relatively little traffic going to the park, 7 therefore, he does not believe there is justification for expanding the roadway. He asked how the public will be notified of the public meetings. Mayor Scruggs closed the public hearing. Councilmember Clark stated she would like more information that supports staff's position that the roadway is a safety hazard. She said, based on other comparable roads, 26 accidents over four years does not seem to be an inordinate amount. Mayor Scruggs expressed her opinion it is disingenuous to compare 59th Avenue to any other street, stating it is a mountainous stretch of road that runs at a steep incline. Councilmember Clark suggested they compare the road to South Mountain. Councilmember Martinez pointed out some of the accidents involved fatalities and the 26 recorded accidents do not take into account all of the unreported hits on the guardrails. He said the road carries over 17,000 vehicles per day and something needs to be done to address the safety issues. It was moved by Martinez, and seconded by Lieberman, to approve the professional services agreement with Stantec Consulting, Inc. in the amount of $145,950. Councilmember Clark expressed her opinion the case has not been made to approve this item. Mayor Scruggs clarified Council is considering whether or not to authorize $145,950.00 to investigate what has been determined by engineering standards to be an unsafe roadway. She said she was initially going to vote against the item because she thought the money was coming from the city's Transportation Fund. She stated, however, she can not ignore what has been identified in writing as a public safety issue. She said she had not previously heard it stated that the option of leaving the road a two lane roadway is a possibility if other mitigation measures can address the safety issues. She assured the Council and residents that she will closely scrutinize any option that recommends widening the roadway to four lanes. She expressed her opinion there is no alternative but to proceed with the proposed contract. Councilmember Lieberman stated he will support the proposed contract, but will not support going any further unless Phoenix is willing to participate financially. Upon a call for the question, the motion carried on a roll call vote, with the following Councilmembers voting "aye": Goulet, Lieberman, Eggleston, Martinez, and Scruggs. Members voting "nay": Clark. Councilmember "absent": Frate 8 ORDINANCE 4. AIRPORT TERMINAL LEASE WITH FIREBIRD FLIGHT TRAINING CENTER, LLC. Mr. Mark Ripley, Airport Manager presented this item. This is a request for the City Council to approve a lease with Firebird Flight Training Center LLC, for Suite 206 C in the airport terminal building. One of the Council's strategic priorities is to promote economic development. Firebird Flight Training Center has been in business a couple of months, but business has been so successful that additional office space is required. Firebird Flight Training Center is a flight school created by Klobe Air, an aircraft maintenance company that has been operating at the airport since March 2003. Firebird Flight Training originally leased Suite 206 D, totaling 253 sq. ft. The flight school has grown to the point that an additional 253 sq. ft. of office space is required. The proposed expansion does not conflict with the 1998 Airport Master Plan or the 1994 Federal Air Regulations Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study. The term of the office lease will be for one year, commencing on February 10, 2004, with four (4) one-year renewal options. The tenant must provide written notice to the airport manager 90 days prior to the expiration of current term to renew. The annual rent for Suite 206 C will be $3,929.25 for the first year. Each year and prior to its renewal, there will be a Consumer Price Index adjustment to the lease. Council approved the original lease agreement with Firebird Flight Training Center for Suite 206 D November 25, 2003. On August 13, 2003, the Aviation Advisory Commission reviewed and voted unanimously to support the request by Firebird Flight Training Center to lease office space in the airport terminal building. The recommendation was to waive reading beyond the title and adopt an ordinance authorizing the lease of suite 206 C to Firebird Flight Training Center, LLC at the Glendale Municipal Airport. Councilmember Clark asked if the proposed lease agreement is in conflict with the 1998 Master Plan. Mr. Ripley stated the flight school started with 253 square feet and three Cessna 152 airplanes. He explained the size of the fleet has remained constant, however, additional space is needed for offices and classrooms. Councilmember Clark asked if the Cessna Aircraft used by Firebird is quieter than the aircraft used by the previous flight training company. Mr. Ripley responded yes, stating the previous company used Bonanza Aircraft. 9 Ordinance No. 2368 New Series was read by number and title only, it being AN ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND/OR CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN AIRPORT TERMINAL LEASE AGREEMENT WITH FIREBIRD FLIGHT TRAINING CENTER, L.L.C. FOR CERTAIN OFFICE SPACE IN THE TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE GLENDALE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT It was moved by Clark, and seconded by Martinez, to approve Ordinance No. 2368 New Series. Motion carried on a roll call vote, with the following Councilmembers voting "aye": Clark, Goulet, Lieberman, Eggleston, Martinez, and Scruggs. Councilmember voting "nay": none. Councilmember absent: Frate RESOLUTION 5. NOTICE OF PRIMARY ELECTION: MARCH 9, 2004 Mr. Jon Paladini, Interim City Attorney, presented this item. This is a request for the City Council to inform voters about the March 9, 2004 City of Glendale Primary Election and establish polling place hours and locations, as well as the compensation paid to election workers, pursuant to A.R.S. Sec. 16-228. The City Council promotes increased citizen involvement in all aspects of municipal government. Voting is one method of citizen involvement. City of Glendale Municipal Elections are conducted every two years. At the March 9, 2004 Primary Election, Sahuaro, Cactus and Yucca District voters will have an opportunity to vote for their City Councilmember. In addition, a citywide vote will be taken to elect a Mayor. The City Council called the March 9, 2004 Primary and May 18, 2004 General election by passing Resolution No. 3692, New Series, at their July 22, 2003 regular City Council meeting. By conducting regular municipal elections the citizens of Glendale can select their elected officials and propositions can be presented to the voters. Grants Capital One-Time Budgete Unbudgete Total Expense Cost d d $43,060 $43,060 Account Name, Fund, Account and Line Item Number: 01-1220-7330 10 The recommendation was to waive reading beyond the title and adopt a resolution informing City of Glendale voters of the March 9, 2004, Primary Election, establish polling place hours and locations, as well as the compensation paid to election workers, pursuant to A.R.S. Sec. 16-228. Resolution No. 3733 New Series was read by number and title only, it being A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, PROVIDING NOTICE OF THE PRIMARY ELECTION PURSUANT TO A.R.S. SEC. 16-228; THE DATE OF THE ELECTION, LOCATION OF POLLING PLACES AND VOTING DISTRICTS AND THE TIMES THAT SUCH POLLS WILL BE OPEN; AND CONTRACTING FOR ELECTION OFFICIALS AND FIXING THEIR COMPENSATION It was moved by Goulet, and seconded by Lieberman, to pass, adopt and approve Resolution No. 3733 New Series. The motion carried by the unanimous vote of the council present. REQUEST FOR FUTURE WORKSHOP AND EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Eggleston and seconded by Martinez to excuse Councilmember Frate from this meeting. The motion passed by the unanimous vote of the council present. It was moved by Eggleston, and seconded by Martinez, to hold a City Council Workshop at 1:30 p.m. in Room B-3 of the City Council Chambers on Tuesday, February 17, 2004, to be followed by an Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. 38-431.03. The motion carried by the unanimous vote of the council present. CITIZEN COMMENTS Mr. Leonard Clark, a resident of the City of Glendale Barrel District, stated he likes the city's planning process and the opportunity it affords citizens to comment. He said, given the fast pace at which development along 59th Avenue is occurring, he believes a traffic light is warranted between Northern and Olive. He characterized threats that Glendale will lose funding for highways and freeways if it does not vote for the light rail system as blackmail. He expressed his opinion Phoenix is no longer the most important or influential city in the valley, stating Glendale needs to do what is necessary to ensure it receives its fair share and to protect Luke Air Force Base. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Vice Mayor Eggelston announced the Women's Club will hold a candidates forum at 2:00 on February 11 . He invited residents in the Barrel District to attend a district meeting on February 18. 11 Councilmember Martinez stated notices about the meetings concerning improvements to 59th Avenue will be published in the newspaper and mailed to residents in the area. He said he will also mail notices to everyone on his database. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. t f% Pamela Hanna - City Clerk 12