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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 1/13/2009 MINUTES OF THE 2009 INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA HELD TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2009 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs, Vice Mayor Manuel D. Martinez and Councilmembers Joyce V. Clark, Steven E. Frate, David M. Goulet, Yvonne J. Knaack, and H. Philip Lieberman. ALSO PRESENT: Ed Beasley, City Manager; Craig Tindall, City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk. The "Presentation of Colors" was performed by The Luke Air Force Base, Color Guard. The "National Anthem" was performed by Glendale Police Detective Roger Glisler. Mayor Scruggs welcomed those present and introduced dignitaries in the audience. She then invited Mr. Cary Pfeffer to the podium to proceed as the Master of Ceremonies this evening. Mr. Pfeffer welcomed everyone to the installation ceremony for the Glendale City Councilmembers. He stated that this ceremony was part ritual, part tradition and part celebration. He said that this was an opportunity for the city, to officially recognize the continued leadership of the Glendale City Council. He explained that this ceremony was when the Mayor and the three Councilmembers are formally sworn into office and bestowed the powers and responsibilities outlined in the City Charter. The Councilmembers will be given the opportunity to share their vision and their priorities for the City of Glendale. He added that we come together tonight, to show their admiration and support for the community and our elected officials. OATH OF OFFICE - MAYOR-ELECT, ELAINE M. SCRUGGS - CITY OF GLENDALE The Honorable Elizabeth Finn, Presiding City Judge, Glendale City Court, Administered the Oath of Office to Elaine M. Scruggs, Mayor-Elect. Mayor Scruggs thanked everyone for their attendance this evening. She thanked the public for giving her the opportunity to serve them. She also thanked them for their support and friendship through the years. She noted that she became Mayor by a vote of the City Council in 1993, and last September was the seventh time the citizens of Glendale voted to keep her in office serving the City of Glendale. She stated that the honor, privilege and joy that their confidence and support have given her is immeasurable. She quoted from a previous acceptance speech in 1993, stating that her vision was to create a city which exemplifies the very best of the dreams and visions of the residents of Glendale. The city's population was only 158,620 at that time. She stated that there were about 100,000 more residents today, and she hopes the majority feel that they are well on their way to making the city the best it can be. She noted that the residents and business owners have been their partners and strength through it all, and together we have succeeded beyond imagination. Mayor Scruggs thanked the residents for taking part in the many civic programs and for learning how the municipal government works and, as a result, becoming city leaders in different areas of the city. She appreciated their support in approving bond elections so new infrastructure and public facilities can be built and renovated. She stated she was proud to announce that the city had lowered the Glendale's property tax rate eight times for a total of 20% during her terms. She explained how their support of the public safety tax had ensured that Glendale will keep pace not only with their population but also their immergence as a destination city for the hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Mayor Scruggs commented on how well the city has fared without having to make drastic cut backs that other cities have had to do. She explained that the city had created new ways to earn the revenues needed to provide the types and quality of services the citizens deserve. She expressed her gratitude for their continued support and enthusiasm for decisions the Council has made. She said that those decisions are the ones that put Glendale on the path to creating the sports and entertainment district. She listed Glendale's successes of the stadium, arena, hotels, Westgate, and the numerous mega events that had catapulted Glendale as a premier city with tremendous economic opportunities. Mayor Scruggs remarked that they were very aware of the budget crisis; however, tonight she would like to discuss new beginnings and look forward to the future. It is a time for the city to strengthen the economic development policies and programs and expand the business community in ways that will sustain growth. She stated that the Council will be directing Mr. Ed Beasley, City Manager, to implement new actions including the Centerline Project, which will yield many development projects and the new city courthouse on Glendale Avenue. Mayor Scruggs thanked the citizens once again for their continued service and support. She discussed the city's desires to assist in efforts to build Glendale's economy. Their highest priority is to bring jobs into the city. She explained that they all had diverse ideas; however, they were all focused on the same result, a stronger Glendale economy. She noted that only a year from now in 2010; Glendale will celebrate the centennial of its incorporation as a city. She 2 stated that her hopes for the next centennial is that together that we will make a city which exemplifies the very best of dreams and visions that they all have for this city they call home. Mayor Scruggs added a personal note to thank everyone for the cards, flowers, and prayers sent to her and her husband during their very sad time in 2008. She appreciates all their support which helped them get through a very difficult time. OATH OF OFFICE - PHIL LIEBERMAN, COUNCILMEMBER - CACTUS DISTRICT The Honorable Quentin Tolby, Administrative Justice of the Peace Pro Tempore Maricopa County Justice Courts, Administered the Oath of Office to Phil Lieberman, Councilmember—Elect. Councilmember Lieberman thanked everyone for being here tonight especially some of his closest friends who have come to see him take his oath. He introduced his wife, Anita. He stated that this was a great week which included the Cardinals game and the Glitter and Glow party. These two events will bring a tremendous amount of people and revenue into Glendale. He said that he was elected in 1992 and the only member that has served longer than him was Mayor Scruggs who was elected in 1990 as a Councilmember. He commented on the bad economic times in 1992, 1993, and 1994. He noted that economic times were very hard on the city at that time; however, the city has prospered to the city it is today. He said that he was proud of the citizens for their support which made it possible for the Council to create an unbelievable amount of opportunities since 1994. He reviewed the many successes the city had seen throughout the years such as new fire stations, the police training facility, libraries and parks, adult center, convention center, waste water treatment plant, as well as many others. He added that they still have many more projects coming in the future. Councilmember Lieberman commented that the city and Council have been very blessed with the Glendale staff. He stated that they were very fortunate to have Mr. Ed Beasley as their City Manager. He explained that they have been careful in these economic times on some of their spending. However, it was his belief that they will continue to move forward with the public's support. He once again thanked everyone for making Glendale the most progressive city in this state. He noted that he was very proud of being re-elected once again. He added that Chicago had seen nothing yet, because Glendale was where it was at! 3 OATH OF OFFICE — STEVEN E. FRATE, COUNCILMEMBER - SAHUARO DISTRICT The Honorable Jean Baxter, Assistant City Judge, Glendale City Court, Administered the Oath of Office to Steven E. Frate, Councilmember—Elect. Councilmember Frate thanked everyone for their attendance this evening. He introduced his wife Sandy, daughters Susan and Stacie and Tom, Stacie's fiancé. He invited everyone to the Sahuaro Spring Fling, on Saturday, February 21, 2009, from 11:00pm to 2:00pm at the Paseo ball fields. He explained that this event will be great fun for the entire family with inflatables for kids, as well as refreshments. The police and fire departments will have informational material and safety vehicles on site. He will also be introducing a special guest at the event. Councilmember Frate thanked the citizens of the Sahuaro District for voting and supporting him. He stated that Glendale has changed from a bedroom residential community to a city that is now a destination spot for tourist, sports fans and shoppers. He promises to continue to support programs to ensure Glendale does not forget its deep roots in agriculture and keeps their home town feeling and values. While in office, he will continue to serve the community to the best of his ability and continue to be assessable to the citizens and their ideas. He added that the last eight years has seen a tremendous amount of change in Glendale, and change is not always easy nor is it easily accepted. The future of the country and city seem uncertain at times, however, this Mayor and City Council is dedicated and working diligently for the city and their well being for decades to come. The city of Glendale has a bright future, however, we are in challenging times, but with hard work and strong commitment, together we can make it even brighter. He added that the best thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow. OATH OF OFFICE — JOYCE V. CLARK, COUNCILMEMBER - YUCCA DISTRICT The Honorable Jean Baxter, Assistant City Judge, Glendale City Court, Administered the Oath of Office to Joyce V. Clark, Councilmember—Elect. Councilmember Clark thanked everyone for their attendance this evening. She also thanked the Honorable Jean Baxter for administering her oath of office. She acknowledged Judge Baxter's years of dedication and service to the Glendale City Court. She stated that Judge Baxter was greatly respected and admired by all. Councilmember Clark expressed her gratitude to the Yucca District for returning her to the City Council for her fourth term. She noted that it was almost as many terms as Councilmember Lieberman and Mayor Scruggs. She stated 4 that she will do her best to live up to their expectations by continuing to represent their interest and concerns. She stated that Mayor Scruggs and Councilmember Lieberman had covered Glendale's past, present and future accomplishments and visions, therefore, her comments tonight will be on a more personal level, thanking many of her friends and family. Councilmember Clark thanked her husband Charles, son Kevin, and her long-time good friend Mr. Don Monahan. She remarked that Mr. Monahan's counsel and observations were invaluable. She also thanked her Council assistant, Ms. Martina Castaneda, who kept the office running while she was running for re-election. She also acknowledged the financial support given by many of the citizens. Councilmember Clark commented on how she walks and covers about 250 homes a week every election cycle; however, because of a knee problem, she was unable to do so this year. She explained that she had asked for help in this matter. She stated that two families had come to her aid and helped distribute her informational material. She remarked that she could not thank them enough and was extremely grateful for their support. Councilmember Clark commented on the current economic climate and stated that the Council will do their very best to deal with these serious financial issues while continuing to maintain the high-quality services that the citizens are used to receiving. She quoted Oprah Winfrey: "I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's unique, as a fingerprint, and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love, and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard and allowing the energy of the universe to lead you." She noted that her fingerprint throughout her entire life both public and private has been to provide service to others. She added that her greatest joy and satisfaction is to solve a problem or correct a perceived wrong and, in so doing, provide advocacy for all Glendale residents. She stated that she looks forward to making the difficult decisions and to provide the services that benefit all the residents of Glendale. Mr. Pfeffer asked for a round of applause for the newly-inducted Council and invited all the Councilmembers to the podium for the official group photo. Mayor Scruggs stated that it had been a wonderful ceremony. She said that with all the excitement, she had forgotten to introduce some of the city's former elected officials such as Max Klass, her mentor and former Mayor, Quentin Tolby, former Mayor, Bruce Heathole, former City Councilmember and Tom Eggleston, former Vice Mayor. She also introduced her husband, Larry Scruggs, who has always been her greatest supporter. The meeting ended with Glendale Police Detective Roger Glisler singing "God Bless America". 5 There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Pa ela Hanna — City Clerk 6