Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 10/3/2006 *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 OCTOBER 3, 2006 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; Craig Tindall, City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk 1. DESIGN CONCEPT FOR PARK-AND-RIDE LOT AT GLENDALE AVENUE AND LOOP 101 CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Mr. Horation Skeete, Deputy City Manager, Mr. Terry Johnson, Deputy Transportation Director and Ms. Pam lacovo, representative of Edwards and Kelcey. This is a request for City Council to review a design concept prepared by Edwards and Kelcey (formerly INCA Engineers, Inc.) for a proposed park-and-ride lot located on city- owned property at the northwest corner of Glendale Avenue and Loop 101. One of Council's goals is to provide high-quality services to citizens. Improving and providing transportation options within the city will assist in achieving this goal. On November 6, 2001, voters approved funding to construct park-and-ride lots to meet transit needs. Construction of the park-and-ride lot for commuter use is partially funded with federal transit funds. This site was chosen for its easy access to the freeway, as well as existing transit service on Glendale Avenue. This park-and-ride lot will also facilitate planned new express bus routes, which begin in 2007. The design of this park-and-ride facility includes bus bays, platform(s), passenger shelters, lighted canopies, site lighting, landscaping and irrigation, and a security building. In addition, design elements and features that address easy control of entry points into the facility, security, and the separation of park-and-ride vehicles and event- related traffic are considerations of the overall design plan. On December 13, 2005, Council approved a professional services agreement in an amount of $1,587,382 with INCA Engineers, Inc. for the design of this park-and-ride lot. 1 On May 24, 2005, Council approved the purchase of 22 acres of surplus right-of-way from the Arizona Department of Transportation for transit related use on the northwest corner of Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue. Construction of the park-and-ride facility at Loop 101 and Glendale Avenues will encourage public transit use by commuters, and will benefit existing bus service on Glendale Avenue. This location will be served by a Regional Super Grid route starting in July of 2007. In addition, an Express Bus Service to downtown Phoenix is scheduled to begin operation in the fall of 2007. This project was presented at public meetings held as part of the Glendale Onboard Transportation Program. A public open house regarding this Park and Ride facility was held on September 28, 2006. Citizens met with Glendale staff and the design consultants to have questions answered and to provide input to the project. Construction costs in the amount of $6.2 million are fully programmed with a combination of GO and federal funds. In addition, GO funds are committed for the ongoing operation and maintenance of this facility. Staff is providing Council with an update of the design concept of a park-and-ride lot at Glendale Avenue and Loop 101. Councilmember Frate asked what kind of material was used for the shade structure. Ms. Pam Lacovo, representative of Edwards and Kelcey. indicated that it was corticated fiberglass and does not require maintenance. Councilmember Frate then asked about wheel chair accessibility. Ms. Lacovo stated that wheelchair accessibility is located around the platform. She noted it is a very convenient drop off point. She added they are ADA compliant. Councilmember Frate asked about future parking spaces and having the capability for future expansion. Ms. Lacovo said they planned for future growth, having learned from other park-and-ride ventures. She stated that they did not want to go back and retrofit. Councilmember Frate reported that at 1-17 and Bell Avenue's park-and-ride, there was initially no shade for the commuters. He said eventually shade structures were installed, and it became very successful. Councilmember Frate asked how many of the parking spaces were shaded. Ms. Lacovo reported that the shading is in a pattern, roughly shading 150 spaces. 2 Ms. Lacovo added that they had some input on the number of people that would be using the facility. She commented that currently people that will be using the park-and- ride would be those individuals using the van pools. She noted that the facility lends itself well for future expansion. She added that it is well located and very visible. She also informed everyone that all of the amenities would be in place at the outset. Mayor Scruggs asked why canopies were not included on all parking spaces. Ms. Lacovo said the decision was based on the projections of the facilities being used opening day and also the estimated cost. She added that there was room for expanding the shading areas if warranted. Mayor Scruggs asked how much more it would cost to completely canopy phase one. Ms. Lacovo said it would cost an additional $819,000. Mr. Terry Johnson, Deputy Transportation Director, stated that they are still looking at different options and will consider input from Council. Councilmember Goulet asked how large the security building was and if it would be staffed. Ms. Lacovo stated that there would be one security individual 5 days a week since that is the bulk of service. He said there would be added security because of the security cameras being installed. Councilmember Goulet noted that the two major things people look for in extended parking is a sense of security and shading in the hot months. He said these issues need to be addressed fully before moving forward. Mayor Scruggs agreed with Councilmember Goulet. She added concerning security in the parking lot, it should be patrolled in a 24-hour-cycle. Mayor Scruggs added she is not comfortable moving this item forward without further discussions. Councilmember Lieberman asked who would be responsible for the funds to cover a security detail. Mr. Johnson said the City of Glendale would be responsible le. Councilmember Lieberman asked when it was anticipated the express buses service would begin. Mr. Johnson stated it was slated to be in 2007-2008. Councilmember Lieberman commented on the time line for completion. Ms. Lacovo stated that if they were approved to move forward for construction in February, they could complete phase one shown on the slide by November or December of 2007. Mr. Skeete, Deputy City Manager, commented on the security issue. He noted that as long as there were buses dropping off passengers there would be on site security. He stated that it is very important to the city to make the people comfortable and secure leaving their cars in the parking lot. He said they were still in the early stages of planning the security issue. He added that first they needed to see where the need was to have security personnel and for how long. Mayor Scruggs asked why we are required to shuttle to Westgate if they have previously met stadium-parking requirements. She said that the Cardinals Stadium would only see 1 to 2 night games. Mr. Skeete said it was part of their parking requirement to provide alternative parking to Westgate. Mayor Scruggs expressed concern with essentially having to build a north side parking lot for minimal use. 3 Councilmember Eggleston suggested taking a closer look at the material being used for shading. He said that he has seen similar material crack and deteriorate in a couple of years. Ms. Lacovo said she would look in to it. Councilmember Martinez asked if there would be cameras inside and outside of the security building. Ms. Lacovo answered that there would be both. Councilmember Martinez asked if what was pictured would be the final construction exterior on the security building. He noted it seemed a bit plain. Ms. Lacovo said the building block etc. was set but the signage has not been determined. Councilmember Martinez asked if a public restroom would be available. Ms. Lacovo responded that there would be restrooms available. Councilmember Clark stated that she too believes the two main issues are security and shade. She added that having the complete parking lot shaded should be a must. She indicated that it would ensure people use it. She asked if it was possible to find the funds to provide the rest of the canopies. Mr. Skeete said that adding the additional parking covers should not be that difficult to include in the bid package. He said he anticipates it being worked out. Councilmember Clark asked about the plans for lighting the facility. Mr. Skeete commented that the lighting meets the minimum standards for the city. He added that the people would feel safe and secure. He said the lighting is expertly done to meet the requirements of the lighting ordinance as well as to reduce the shadows. Mayor Scruggs open a discussion on the durability of the material being used for the canopies. Mr. Johnson stated he is still in the process of obtaining information as well as obtaining the best bid offers and warranties. He said he would acquire the specifications for the material being used for the canopies and forward the information to Council. Mr. Skeete stated that he would gather information on all the issues that needed clarification to move forward. Mayor Scruggs closed the discussion on the note that everyone is in agreement to cover all parking spaces in phase one. She will also be obtaining further information from staff on issues needing clarification. 2. MAJOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (M-GPA06-12): TURNING LEAF AT THE MEADOWS CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Mr. Jon Froke, AICP, Planning Director, Mr. Thomas Ritz, AICP, Senior Planner and Mr. Ron Short, FAICP, Deputy Planning Director. This is a request for Council to discuss a Major General Plan Amendment to the General Plan Land Use Map for Turning Leaf at the Meadows. Glendale 2025, the city's General Plan, includes specific goals addressing the need for growth management. Major General Plan Amendments are tools that can be used by the city to direct and manage growth. 4 This is a request by Kohner Properties for a Major General Plan Amendment from 0-1 dwelling units per acre (Low Density Residential) to 1-2.5 dwelling units per acre (Low Density Residential). The request will result in a planned residential community rather than piece-meal development. The 1 to 2.5 dwelling units per acre represent a range of densities; final density within this range will be approved as part of the rezoning request. The proposed General Plan designation is intended to accommodate semi-rural, large- lot development, with generous distances to streets and between residential dwelling units and a viable semi-rural character setting. Because of its size, approximately 451 acres, the city considers this a General Plan Amendment. A Major General Plan Amendment is to be processed in conformance with State Statutes governing Major General Plan Amendments, including two public hearings (one at an off-site location) by the Planning Commission, and one public hearing by Council, prior to adoption. Major General Plan Amendments do not require voter approval. The site is approximately 451 acres in size, generally bounded by Olive Avenue on the north, Cotton Lane on the east, and Northern Avenue on the south, and Citrus Road on the west. The property is currently vacant. The property owners are interested in developing a residential community, called Turning Leaf at the Meadows, including adjunct open space and recreational features on the entire 451 acres. The property is undergoing simultaneous requests for annexation and rezoning along with this Major General Plan Amendment. The property is the first west of the Loop 303 to request annexation into Glendale. The property is located outside of the Luke Air Force Base 65 LDN noise contour. Located outside of the Luke Compatible Land Use area, and away from the Loop 303 corridor, staff recommends the General Plan designation of Low Density Residential, 1- 2.5 du/ac for this site. The Major General Plan Amendment will permit consideration of a rezoning, which will permit the development of a single-family residential subdivision. Staff is seeking guidance from Council to continue with the Major General Plan Amendment process for this request in accordance with the procedure prescribed in the State Statutes. 5 Councilmember Martinez asked if this General Plan Amendment would have to be voted on by the citizens. Mr. Froke stated that no, it would only require a vote from the City Council. Councilmember Martinez asked about the water and sewer requirements. Mr. Froke stated that private companies would provide the water and sewer. Councilmember Frate noted that the property is located outside Luke Air Force Base and away from the Loop 303 corridor. Mr. Froke stated that it would not interfere with the surrounding areas and noted Luke Air Force Base approved. Councilmember Eggleston asked if this was previously in a strip annexation. Mr. Froke answered affirmatively. Councilmember Eggleston asked if Turning Leaf was mainly a residential development. Mr. Froke said that it was primarily a residential area with open spaces. Councilmember Eggleston noted his concern that it was a large area away from city services. Mr. Froke noted it would be looked at in the rezoning process. 3. COUNCIL ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Mr. Ed Beasley, City Manager This is the quarterly opportunity for the City Council to identify topics of interest they would like the City Manager to research and assess for placement on a future workshop agenda. In the fall of 2002, Council approved a procedural guideline allowing for topics of special interest to be identified by Council on a quarterly basis for follow-up by the City Manager. Staff requests Council to identify items of interest for follow-up by staff during the next quarter. Mr. Froke presented information regarding a previous Council Items of Interest referencing rental properties. Councilmember Lieberman passed out reading material on the National League of Cities. He stated that one of their goals is called "Inclusiveness". He said that inclusiveness simply means to accept races, religion, color and creeds as a city. He said that other cities have previously expressed willingness to be a part of the program. He believes the City of Glendale already abides by the tenants. He said he would like to bring it before Council in a workshop. He would like this to be decided before the year's end. Mr. Beasley outlined the process for bringing an item before Council in a workshop. Councilmember Martinez had comments on the sign ordinances. He said he has been researching means to tighten the ordinance. He also commented that speeding continues to be a big problem. He wants to look into increasing the speeding fines substantially. He said he would be researching other large cities and how they are coping with this problem. He also asked staff to research a sex offender ordinance; some cities have that keeps a perpetrator a minimum of 300 ft. from neighborhoods. 6 Councilmember Clark commented on cities incorporating distance requirements on sex offenders from schools and churches. She noted that it was an issue worth looking into. Mayor Scruggs discussed the issue of campaign signs. She said many people thought the signs did not go up on time and were not coming down in a timely fashion. She said the citizens thought the ordinance was not being followed thoroughly. She added that others said their free speech was being violated. She wants this issue to be brought up again and wanted staff to report on what can be done in regards to the sign ordinance. Mayor Scruggs noted if the sign ordinance can't be enforced then we shouldn't have a law. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:25 p.m. 7