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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 3/23/2004 * 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 BUDGET WORKSHOP March 23, 2004 1:30 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 ALSO PRESENT: Ed Beasley, City Manager; Pam Kavanaugh, Assistant City Manager; Jon Paladini, Interim City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk 1. FY 2005-14 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Mr. Tim Ernster, Deputy City Manager; Ms. Sherry Schurhammer, Budget Director; and Mr. Craig Johnson, Assistant City Engineer. This is a request for City Council to review and provide direction regarding the FY 2004- 05 Pay As You Go (PAYGO) Capital projects for the General Fund, the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) operating and maintenance supplementals, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005-14 preliminary CIP and the FY 2004 preliminary carryover request. This review of the FY 2005-14 CIP is consistent with the Council's goal of ensuring the city's financial stability. As part of the restructure of the budget process, the FY 2005-14 proposed CIP was distributed to Council in January for review and consideration. The CIP budget process is now in synch with the operating budget process. All of the supplementals related to new CIP O&M costs coming on line in FY 2004-05 have been detailed in the budget book behind the CIP tab. Since the preliminary CIP was distributed to Council in January, the city's management team has reviewed all projects and is making the following recommendations: 1. Reduce the FY 2004-05 PAYGO for the General Fund from $3,126,258 to $2,251,258 due to reductions in Street Maintenance Equipment, Maintenance Reserve Fund, Neighborhood Improvement Grants and Property Acquisition. The PAYGO funding is one-time. 1 2. Reduce the General Fund CIP 0 & M from $802,548 to $493,525 due to construction delays and reconsideration of new positions by various departments. The CIP 0 & M funding is ongoing. 3. Reduce the Other Funds' CIP O& M from $2,084,447 to $916,767 due to delays in capital improvements at the Cholla Water Treatment Plant and the phase-in of new positions at the Pyramid Peak Water Treatment Plant. 4. Move the Western Area Regional Park forward from FY 2008-09 to FY 2005- 06. This move does not negatively impact capital funding, however it may be necessary to discuss possible deferral of other capital projects with operating impacts in FY 2005-06. 5. Add the Downtown Campus project to the FY 2004-05 CIP. Inclusion of this project does not negatively impact the proposed capital cost of the five-year plan. O&M expenses related to this project are not expected until FY 2005- 06. 6. The FY 2004 preliminary CIP carryover is provided as an attachment to this Council Communication. These preliminary CIP carryover requests likely will change by the time the final CIP carryover request is available at the end of April. A preliminary CIP review was presented to City Council on January 6, 2004. The CIP is an important financial, planning and public communication tool. It gives residents and businesses a clear and concrete view of the city's long-term direction for capital improvements and a better understanding of the city's ongoing needs for stable revenue sources to fund large or multi-year capital projects. Council's recommendations regarding CIP operating and maintenance supplementals will direct staff in preparing for the final CIP document and City Council budget review and adoption in June. Staff is seeking direction from Council on the: o FY 2004-05 Pay As You Go Capital for the General Fund; o CIP operating and maintenance supplementals; o FY 2005-14 preliminary CIP; and o FY 2004 preliminary carryover report. In his opening comments, Mr. Beasley noted a white paper would be prepared with regard to the downtown campus project that will be discussed during today's workshop. Specifically, the white paper will address the public input that was solicited in regard to the demolition of the First Baptist Church and Adult Center properties. Ms. Schurhammer began her presentation by stating that today's workshop will cover the proposed CIP for FY05-14, the PAYGO requests for funding, and the CIP O&M 2 supplementals. Ms. Schurhammer said the most important feature to note about the proposed CIP for FY05-14 is that it is balanced financially because it complies with the City's capacity and spending authorization limits. In response to Mayor Scruggs' question, Ms. Schurhammer stated the city would reduce the primary property tax rate by the amount attributable to appreciation in existing properties and increase the secondary property tax rate by the same amount. As a result, the city's primary property tax rate will decrease from $0.3396 to $0.3273, and the city's secondary property tax rate of $1.3804 will increase by $.0123 to $1.3927. She said the city's overall property tax rate would remain unchanged at $1.72 per $100 of assessed valuation. Ms. Schurhammer explained for Vice Mayor Eggleston that the primary property tax levy can be used to pay for general government operations and the secondary property tax levy may be used only to pay the principal and interest charges on bonds for capital projects. She confirmed the Truth in Taxation law applies only to the primary property tax component. Councilmember Lieberman noted many people have commented that, while their tax rate did not increase, the amount they pay has increased. Ms. Schurhammer agreed, explaining the tax is tied to a property's assessed valuation so that a resident could be paying more in property taxes even though the total property tax rate has remained unchanged because of appreciation in home values. She also stated that the city's property tax rate is a very small component of the overall property tax rate. Councilmember Clark asked if any of the additional revenue is attributable to increased property valuations. Ms. Schurhammer responded yes. Mayor Scruggs asked if a larger portion of the additional revenue, however, could be attributed to the value of new residential and commercial development. Ms. Schurhammer answered yes, offering to provide the exact figures. Councilmember Martinez asked if the city is required to hold public hearings if the increase was not shifted to the secondary property tax. Ms. Schurhammer explained the city would be required to do public notices and hold a pubic hearing if it retained primary property tax revenue associated with appreciation of existing properties. She also explained that the Truth in Taxation legislation deals only with the primary property tax levy, not the rate. She said the levy is the total amount of revenue collected as a result of the primary property tax rate. Therefore, even with no changes in the primary property tax rate, a city would be required to comply with the Truth in Taxation legislation if it retained primary property tax revenue associated with the appreciation of existing properties Mayor Scruggs said it is a common misconception that cities fund their ongoing operations through property taxes. Councilmember Lieberman asked what is the current citywide assessed valuation. Ms. Schurhammer said the FY 2003/04 primary net assessed valuation was $1.028 billion. Ms. Schurhammer reviewed proposed changes to the Preliminary FY05-14 CIP report distributed to Council in late January. She said staff is recommending the following changes: 3 1. Reduce the FY04-05 GF PAYGO from $3,126,258 to $2,251,258 as a result of project delays, revised estimates by staff, and management changes. GF PAYGO is considered one-time funding each fiscal year. 2. Reduce the CIP O&M supplemental requests for the General Fund from $802,548 to $493,525 as a result of project delays and revised estimates by staff. All GF CIP O&M supplementals for FY04-05 require ongoing funding. 3. Reduce the CIP O&M supplemental requests for all other funds from $2,084,447 to $916,767 as a result of project delays and revised estimates by staff. All CIP O&M supplementals for other funds for FY04-05 require ongoing funding. 4. Move the Western Area Regional Park forward from FY08-09 to FY05- 06. The city has the capacity and authorization to move this project forward without pushing back other projects. 5. Add the Downtown Campus project to the CIP. Downtown Campus Mr. Johnson explained the Downtown Campus is a new project located on the northeast corner of 57 Drive and Glenn Drive. He said the conceptual design of the campus is to renovate the existing facades of the Bead Museum and Wells Fargo Buildings to complement the adjacent Civic Center and to enhance the pedestrian experience. He stated the project also includes 109 parking spaces provided at the First Baptist Church site and a temporary parking lot with 86 spaces. He said the preliminary schedule for the project calls for completion of the parking lots by the end of the calendar year. Councilmember Goulet asked whether traffic on surrounding streets would be affected during construction. Mr. Johnson said there will times when temporary closures will be necessary although traffic will not be impacted on a permanent basis. Councilmember Lieberman noted the Director of the Bead Museum has expressed concern that the city will eliminate driveways in front of their building. Jennifer Reichelt of the city's Economic Development Department stated staff has met with the Bead Museum and, as a result, a full service door has been added to the north end of the building. Councilmember Lieberman asked to be invited to their next meeting. Councilmember Clark asked how much of the $5.2 million estimated cost is attributable to the demolition of the adult center and the Baptist Church. Ms. Reichelt stated demolition and reconstruction of the church and adult center properties would cost approximately $1.4 million and $282,000, respectively. Councilmember Clark said there is a misconception among the public that the $5.2 million was the total cost of demolishing the buildings. Councilmember Martinez pointed out that Council has already given direction to proceed with demolition of the church and adult center. 4 Mr. Beasley clarified that the white paper will detail the history of the building as well as the public meetings that took place. Councilmember Lieberman said, while he originally agreed the properties should be demolished, he has changed his mind and no longer believes the historic church at the north end of the property should be destroyed. He expressed his opinion that the church should be maintained for its historical value and its relation to the city's founding families. Councilmember Frate asked if the fate of the Baptist Church was mentioned in the voter approved City Center Master Plan. Ms. Reichelt explained the City Center Master Plan recommended demolishing the church and turning it into a parking lot. Mayor Scruggs asked if the Baptist Church's stained glass windows have been removed and the windows boarded. Ms. Reichelt responded yes, noting the church has removed all or most of the significant sentimental and historical pieces including the stained glass windows, the building's cornerstone, the church pews, and bricks. Mayor Scruggs asked what would happen if the church remained. Mr. Beasley explained extensive and cost prohibitive work would have to be done to make the building safe or the city would face liability issues. Councilmember Martinez asked if the church would be allowed to take a certain number of bricks. Ms Reichelt stated the agreement allows the church to take 500 bricks as well as the cement slab from where the pastor preached. Ms. Schurhammer clarified for Councilmember Lieberman that operations and maintenance costs for FY 2005/06 are estimated to total $76,425. New Fire Station Mr. Johnson said the new fire station at 63rd Avenue and Bell Road is scheduled to begin construction in FY04-05. It is projected to be a 12,500 square foot facility and cost $2.7 million. He said projected O&M costs of$1.1 million would start in 2005/06 Mayor Scruggs said the fire station was originally scheduled to open in FY 2004/05, but is now expected to open as late as June 2006. Chief Burdick explained the project was pushed back one year to help facilitate the addition of a north ladder company in FY04- 05. He stated the design and construction of the station will occur in the FY 2004/05 budget and staffing will occur in FY 2005/06. Mayor Scruggs asked when the station is expected to open for service, pointing out north Glendale is currently underserved in terms of public safety. Chief Burdick said the station could open as early as August 2006. Mayor Scruggs asked if funds could be borrowed from the contingency appropriation so construction is completed as soon as possible, train staff in FY 04/05 and open the station in July 2005. Chief Burdick responded yes. Mayor Scruggs asked Ms. Schurhammer if the fire station competes for bonding with the Western Area Regional Park. Ms. Schurhammer responded no, explaining public safety falls under the 6% capacity category while parks and recreation projects fall under the 20% capacity category. Mayor Scruggs asked for confirmation that the fire station could open as early as July 2005. Mr. Johnson explained design and construction would take at least 18 to 20 5 months, making a July 2005 opening date unrealistic. Mayor Scruggs asked what could be done to allow the fire station to open sooner. Mr. Johnson noted the city has authorization from the state to pursue alternative procurements and a design/build process could be used to reduce the time required to construct the facility. Mayor Scruggs said the facility should have been built several years ago, expressing her opinion north Glendale cannot wait until the spring of 2006. Chief Burdick stated the design process could begin immediately. Mayor Scruggs asked the Council for their respective position on accelerating completion of the fire station. Councilmember Martinez agreed with Mayor Scruggs that the fire station needs to open as soon as possible given response times in north Glendale. The remaining councilmembers also expressed support for starting the design and construction of the new fire station as soon as possible so it can open July 1, 2005, or as soon as possible thereafter. Ms. Schurhammer explained that departments are not allowed to start spending their respective FY04-05 budgets until the new fiscal year commences. Given that the fire station is budgeted for FY04-05, work on it will not commence until the start of FY04-05 unless Council directed staff to proceed now. She said staff would need formal direction should Council decide to accelerate the project. Vice Mayor Eggleston said he has no problem accelerating the project, asking why it will take two years to construction the fire station. Mr. Johnson explained the standard process begins with an RFP for an architect who then designs the station. Once the design is approved, the city then solicits firms for a bid on construction. He explained the design/build process would allow staff to start construction prior to completion of the design process. Mr. Beasley clarified the Council can choose to proceed with the project and start the design process immediately. Mayor Scruggs stated the need for an additional fire station in north Glendale was identified five years ago and the response times have only worsened over the past five years. She pointed out at least one other station has been built and opened during that five year period. She said construction should be moved forward and personnel should be hired and trained so the fire station can open as soon as possible. She recommended Council prioritize public safety projects before the city moves forward with other capital projects. Councilmember Clark voiced her support for accelerating the fire station, stating public safety is her biggest concern. She asked if Council would need to immediately authorize additional funding. Ms. Schurhammer said no because it is possible no funds will be needed this fiscal year given the time it takes to solicit bids and award a contract. If a contract is awarded and expenses incurred in FY03-04, staff can return to Council and seek a OF contingency transfer to cover those expenses. Councilmember Goulet said he also supports accelerating the project. He pointed out, however, they also have to look at funding for staff and equipment in addition to constructing the facility. Councilmember Lieberman voiced his support for proceeding now with the project. He asked if the city owns the land. Chief Burdick responded yes. Councilmember Lieberman asked how long it would take to issue an RFP for the architectural design. 6 Mr. Johnson answered two weeks. Councilmember Martinez suggested the city sell the property where the station was originally intended to be constructed; stating the proceeds from the sale of the property could be used to accelerate the project. Chief Burdick stated city staff currently is evaluating the value of the land and will bring the issue back to Council in the future. Councilmember Frate said he strongly supports moving forward now with the project and believes the design/build process will save a lot of time. Mayor Scruggs thanked staff for putting public safety first and for the efforts staff will make to ensure the fire station is operational as soon as possible. Western Area Regional Park Mr. Johnson stated staff is recommending the 88-acre regional park project be moved from FY 2008/09 to FY 2005/06. He noted the project's total cost is expected to be $14,462,840, with $2,079,800 programmed in FY 2005/06 and $37,845 in projected O&M costs starting in FY 2004/05. Councilmember Clark asked why operating and maintenance costs are projected to be $37,845 beginning in July 2004 when nothing yet exists. Mr. Johnson said the projected O&M costs would cover Phase I of the project, which includes about 8 acres and the skate park. Councilmember Clark asked if the project includes the 22 acres of parking required to host the Super Bowl. Mr. Smith responded yes. Vice Mayor Eggleston asked if the project is being accelerated because of the Super Bowl. Mr. Smith said staff is recommending the project be accelerated because it could be the site for the NFL Experience for the Super Bowl in 2008. Mr. Beasley noted staff would discuss the preliminary costs of Super Bowls hosted by other cities at the March 30 budget workshop. He said staff also intends to meet with the NFL to clarify the expectations before any money is spent. He also noted that the NFL decides where the NFL Experience will occur. Councilmember Martinez asked when a final decision would be made as to the location of the NFL Experience. Mr. Beasley said the NFL is expected to make a decision sometime during 2006. Councilmember Martinez asked if the Western Area Regional Park project would impact the timing for the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center? Ms. Schurhammer responded no, stating that other projects will not be pushed back if this park is moved forward to FY05-06. Mayor Scruggs stated the NFL Experience is a sensitive topic because it offers an opportunity to bring a lot of attention to the City of Glendale. She stated, however, she believes Council needs to have a dialog about the city's costs for the event and the benefits the city could receive in return, as well as potential neighborhood impacts. Councilmember Clark stated many people are looking for an excuse not to host the NFL Experience and she does not feel the need to have additional discussions until there is a greater level of certainty that the City of Glendale will host the event. Mayor Scruggs expressed concern that people will later complain about traffic and other 7 neighborhood impacts, stating she believes a dialog should be held up front. She pointed out the Council has never actually discussed whether or not it wants to host the NFL Experience. Councilmember Clark stated she believed Council did not need to discuss this issue at this time. 57th Avenue/Skunk Creed Bridge Mr. Johnson stated this project is budgeted for $2,558,160 in FY 2004/05, and that the anticipated total cost is expected to be $2,866,309. He stated the O&M costs are projected to start in FY 2005/06 in the amount of$638. Councilmember Clark asked if this is an accelerated project. Mr. Johnson responded no. Mayor Scruggs asked from about this project's funding source. Ms. Schurhammer said this project's funding source is the transportation sales tax. Mr. Ernster confirmed the project was part of the original plan that voters approved. Foothills Recreation & Aquatic Center Mr Johnson stated this project is located at the northwest corner of Union Hills and 55th' Avenue and includes a 72,000 square foot recreation center and an adjoining aquatic center. He said the project is scheduled to begin in FY 2004105 with an estimated total cost of $14,115,193. He stated $2,219,181 has been budgeted for FY 2004/05, with O&M costs totaling $1,454,868. The O&M costs are projected to start in FY 2005/06, to be offset by revenue of $1,139,436 from user fees. The user fees are expected to cover about 78% of the anticipated O&M expenses. Councilmember Martinez pointed out the project has been in the CIP for more than 10 years and he feels strongly that the project should proceed. West Branch Library Mr. Johnson reported design of the project is scheduled for FY 2004/05 at an anticipated cost of $906,607. He said the entire project is estimated to cost $9,996,850 and the projected O&M costs in FY 2006/07 are expected to be $2,300,393. Councilmember Goulet asked about the shelf life of a design. Mr. Johnson stated the project design should be good until the facility is built unless there is a change in the project location or a major change in the facility's size or use. In response to Vice Mayor Eggleston's question, Ms. Schurhammer clarified the O&M costs represent the full-year cost, stating it is possible the library will not open until mid- year or later. Councilmember Lieberman asked what are the projected construction costs in FY 2005/06. Mr. Johnson stated, if given direction to proceed, construction would begin in FY 2005/06 at an anticipated cost of $9,996,000. Ms. Schurhammer clarified construction costs are actually set at $8.2 million, explaining the $9,996,000 represents the total estimated cost over all of the years needed to put the project together. Mayor Scruggs noted she has received a lot of mail and comments and petitions are being gathered regarding the move of the existing Velma Teague Library to the vacant Larry Miller Toyota building. She asked if the creation of a new downtown library 8 is part of the CIP and what would be involved in transforming the vacant Larry Miller Toyota building into a library. Ms. Schurhammer said the new Velma Teague Library is programmed for years 2010-14. Ms. Rodeane Widom, director of the Library Department, stated she is not familiar with the layout, structural features, and electrical capacity of the Larry Miller Toyota building and therefore does not know the ramifications of establishing a library at that location. She pointed out a library requires extensive electrical wiring. She said professional architectural studies would have to be conducted to determine if the building is an appropriate building and location, noting the building is close to the border of Phoenix. Mayor Scruggs noted that the city does not own the Larry Miller Toyota building, so the city would have to purchase it to be able to use it. She also asked if there are specific industry standards for the configuration of a new library. Ms. Widom responded yes expressing that it is critical for the building to be wired for library usage. Ms. Widom also expressed concern about spending funding meant for the design and construction of the new library on evaluations of an existing building to determine whether it can be easily and inexpensively adapted for a library. Vice Mayor Eggleston asked about the size of the West Branch Library. Ms. Widom stated it would be 33,500 square feet, which is the same size as the Foothills Branch Library. Vice Mayor Eggleston noted he has always spoken out against having a lot of windows in a library. Ms. Widom stated the Foothills Branch Library is an improvement over the Main Library because the Foothills building do not have windows that face east or west. Councilmember Lieberman stated he hopes the new Velma Teague library is not put off until 2010 to 2014, stating the Cactus District needs a new library building. He said the Larry Miller Toyota building offers a lot of benefits, including north/south facing windows and ready-made offices. Storm Drain Projects Mr. Johnson stated the first storm drain project is located at 59th Avenue and Glendalg and is estimated to cost $2 million. The second project is on Northern Avenue from 45 to 63`d Avenue and isthexpectegd to cost $5,105,975, while the third project is on Bethany Home Road from 75 to 83 Avenue and has an anticipated cost of $3,387,971. He said the first two projects would both drain into the new retention basin at 63t Avenue and Orangewood. He stated staff has moved the Bethany Home Road project into FY 2004/05 to coordinate with other street improvements in that part of the city. General Fund PAYGO Ms. Schurhammer explained that PAYGO projects are funded with General Fund operating dollars and typically represent capital projects related to maintenance and repair of city facilities that vary from year to year. As a result, all PAYGO projects are considered to be one-time in nature and therefore use one-time funds to cover expenses. She said PAYGO projects also include the purchase of some large street- related equipment. She stated the FY 2004/05 request for PAYGO projects totals $2,251,258, which is down from their original request of$3.1 million. Ms. Schurhammer clarified for Councilmember Clark that the Neighborhood Partnership Grants request totals $250,000. Councilmember Clark said the city should be funding this program at the $700,000 level, an amount that reflects the original request for this 9 project. She also stated that public safety needs are important. She stated that these 2 items are the two priorities about which she feels strongly. She reiterated that she would like to see Neighborhood Improvement Grants funding restored to its original $700,000 level. Councilmembers Lieberman and Martinez agreed. Councilmember Martinez asked what other programs will not be allocated money or will have their funding decreased if the Neighborhood Improvement Grants funding is restored. Ms. Schurhammer explained the General Fund fund balance, which is the one-time funding source, is used to fund PAYGO projects. She said funding for other PAYGO projects will have to be reduced or more of the fund balance will have to be used if the Council decides to restore the Neighborhood Grants funding. She pointed out the city has $17.1 million available for its GF contingency appropriation for FY04-05. The City's financial policies require that only 10% of the city's GF revenue projection be set aside as a GF contingency appropriation and this requirement equate to $13.6 million for FY04-05. Mayor Scruggs asked how ongoing costs are computed when projects have not yet been identified. Mr. Strunk explained his staff averaged O&M costs over the last nine years to calculate an annual cost. Councilmember Goulet stated he supports increasing the program's funding to the highest-level possible, noting the program helped build 17 homes over the past five years, increasing the city's overall property value by $1.7 million. He said neighborhoods have been creative while the program has been suspended, but they need help and restoring the program's funding will send a strong message that the city continues to reinvest in the community. Mayor Scruggs asked if an increase in funding would be treated as a one-time expense until it can be built back into the General Fund as a regular operating expense. Ms. Schurhammer responded yes, noting that the grants have always been funded on a one-time basis because they are considered a PAYGO project. She confirmed no money was set aside in the current fiscal year's budget for new Neighborhood Grant related projects although some projects from the prior fiscal year carried over to this fiscal year so they could be completed. Mayor Scruggs stated she will support increasing grant funding since it could come out of the excess GF contingency appropriation that staff has recommended and viewed as a one-time expense. Vice Mayor Eggleston asked why the Management Team recommended funding the grant program at the $250,000 level; Ms. Schurhammer explained that the original request was reduced so the grant process and program could be evaluated and reorganized. Mr. Strunk confirmed Ms. Schurhammer's response and noted that his staff will meet with the Citizen's Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods and Glendale residents to determine program changes that would be beneficial regardless of the program's funding level for FY04-05. Vice Mayor Eggleston complimented staff for its creative approach over the past year. He inquired about the department's budget, not including the Neighborhood Grants Program. Ms. Schurhammer stated Community Partnerships was allocated $432,888 in FY 2003/04. Mr. Strunk noted the Citizen's Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods hopes to create a balance between current activities being pursued in lieu of the grants and any new funding appropriation it receives in the future. 10 Councilmember Lieberman noted the majority of the Council wants to see funding for the program restored to its original level. Mayor Scruggs stated that she is inclined to support an increase in funding but would like to finish the other budget hearings before making any decisions. Capital Plan O&M Ms. Schurhammer reported the preliminary General Fund O&M supplemental requests totaled $802,548. The recommended amount has declined from $802,000, which was presented at the January 6, 2004, Council workshop, to $493,000. She explained the changes were a result of the new budget process that afforded staff the opportunity to refine costs. Councilmember Martinez suggested Council consider additional funding for the speed hump program. Mr. Jim Book, director of the Transportation Department, said the recommended budget includes a $48,000 supplemental to conduct the necessary studies and to construct speed humps. He estimated each speed hump costs $1,500, with three humps typically installed along the length of a street. He said, assuming the $48,000 supplemental is approved, they would be able to add speed humps in ten neighborhoods. Councilmember Martinez said speeding within neighborhoods is a problem throughout the city and mitigation should be given a high priority. Mr. Ernster noted the supplemental request would be discussed at the April 6 budget workshop session. Councilmember Lieberman agreed funding for the program should be increased, stating there is a very long waiting list. Councilmember Goulet said he does not believe speed humps are always the answer, stating the traffic problems are often shifted to a nearby street when speed humps are installed. He pointed out speed humps impact fire department and police department response times. Councilmember Clark said she would support further discussion on the issue. She stated cuts in the speed humps could eliminate the reduction in public safety response times. She agreed speed humps are not the only solution, stating, however, they can be effective in reducing speeds in neighborhoods. Councilmember Martinez asked if any neighborhoods that have speed humps have ultimately asked to have them removed. Mr. Book said one neighborhood asked for speed humps to be left out when a street was reconstructed after they had been removed during a sewer project. Councilmember Martinez said many of his constituents have expressed a desire for speed humps in their neighborhoods. Mr. Book suggested Council discuss the issue further when staff returns with the related supplemental on April 6, 2004. Mayor Scruggs asked Mr. Book to also address traffic lights at that time. Ms. Schurhammer stated the Parks Department CIP O&M supplemental requests total $352,291. Mr. Smith highlighted the Grand Canal Linear Park supplemental request for CIP O&M funding. He reported that the Grand Canal Linear Park is about 95 % complete. He explained the Thunderbird Paseo Park project would make certain aesthetic improvements to the park. 11 Councilmember Frate pointed out the improved irrigation system at Thunderbird Paseo will save the city money. He said the park has been neglected for a long time and has serious erosion problems. Councilmember Lieberman expressed his opinion that the new bike park at 63rd Avenue is vital. Councilmember Clark noted the Grand Canal Linear Park is already in use. She reported the park has already been vandalized with numerous light bulbs broken and graffiti written on the bridges. She said vandalism is the responsibility of the Flood Control District. However, the city will have to be vigilant in its efforts to combat vandalism as well. Ms. Schurhammer reported Field Ops supplemental requests totaling $62,623. Councilmember Clark asked about the supplemental request for landscape right-of-way along arterial streets. Mr. Stuart Kent, acting director of the Field Operations Department, explained that the right-of-way landscape maintenance supplemental specifically gddresses new arterial landscape maintenance along certain areas of 67 , 5151 and 75` Avenues. Councilmember Clark asked Council to consider setting funds aside for restoration of right-of-way maintenance funding. Vice Mayor Eggleston agreed the issue should be given further consideration. Councilmember Frate asked about the amount right-of-way landscape funding decreased over the past few fiscal years. Mr. Kent estimated that it would cost an additional $200,000 or so to restore right-of-way landscape maintenance to former service levels that were more frequent than current service levels. Ms. Schurhammer stated the Utilities CIP O&M supplemental requests total just under $907,000. Councilmember Goulet asked if the increased hydrogen peroxide costs will benefit the city as a whole or primarily north Glendale. Mr. Roger Bailey, director of tl1e Utilities Department, said the city is installing a new sewer odor control station at 75`h Avenue north of Glendale Avenue that will have an impact in the southern area of the city. Councilmember Lieberman asked if the System Security Manager would be allotted a vehicle. Mr. Bailey said the department would assess the position's needs during the first year and request a vehicle in the following year if one is found to be necessary. In response to Vice Mayor Eggleston's question, Mr. Bailey explained SRP and the cities of Peoria, Chandler and Glendale would be part owners of the Agua Fria underground storage facility. Ms. Schurhammer summarized the proposed 10-year spending plan and presented a graphic overview of the Five Year CIP by category. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:10 p.m. 12