HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 9/2/2009 MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF GLENDALE
CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION ON NEIGHBORHOODS
Glendale City Hall — Room 8-3
Wednesday September 2, 2009
6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharon Sprague, Chair
Vickie Loya, Vice-Chair
Sharon Heatwole
Mathew Versluis
Bill Jocewicz
JoAnn Caufield
Frank Hinds
Ron Abrahams
Sharon Brown
Barbara Cole
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Matt Cohrs, Neighborhood Partnership Administrator
Josie Romero, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Patrick Krause, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Shabbeer Shaik, Planner
Erik Strunk, Community Partnerships Director
Cathy Gorham, Deputy City Manager
I. Call to Order
Chair Sprague called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed all Commissioners to
the meeting.
II. Roll Call
Chair Sprague conducted roll call and noted that all Commissioners were present.
III. Approval of Minutes — Auaust 8. 2009
Commissioner Brown motioned to approve the August 8, 2009 meeting minutes as
written. Commissioner Caufield made the second. The motion passed 10 - 0.
IV. Business from the Floor
None.
V. Director Update
Mr. Strunk introduced Ms. Cathy Gorham, who is the interim Deputy City Manager filling the
vacancy of the retired Gloria Santiago-Espino. Ms. Gorham gave a brief description of her
background and many years of experience serving the city of Glendale. Ms. Gorham was
very excited to be part of the Community Services Group because it directly impacts and
encourages citizen involvement.
Mr. Strunk welcomed new Commissioners Hinds, Abrahams and Cole to the meeting and
each gave a brief background of themselves.
Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Meeting Minutes
September 2, 2009
Page 2 of 6
VI. Review of Neighborhood Small Grant Applications
Mr. Cohrs stated that this evening, eight small grant requests will be presented to the
Commission for discussion and consideration of approval.
1. Arrowhead Ranch Phase II HOA: Ms. Rose Jacobsen, neighborhood leader, stated
that the HOA is requesting $5,000 to refresh the granite along the city right-of-way on
the north side of Union Hills between 77th and 79th avenues. Ms. Jacobsen stated that
the HOA recently patched and repainted the community walls along Union Hills and in
the future will be working on landscaping and irrigation issues in that same stretch.
Mr. Cohrs explained that the following are requests for permission for the Neighborhood
Partnership Office to partner with these neighborhoods to request funding for a Community
Connections grant for GAIN night events to be held on October 3, 2009.
2. Friends and Neighbors of Montara Park Neighborhood Association: Jennifer
Metro, Block Watch Captain, was in attendance to request $500 for a dee-jay,
generator, food, drink and paper products for a GAIN night event.
3. Shangri-La Road Neighborhood Association: Mr. Tim O'Day, neighborhood
representative, was in attendance to request $500 for food for their GAIN night event.
4. Mercer Lane Neighborhood Association: Mr. William Blum, neighborhood
representative, requested $500 for food for their GAIN night event.
5. Maryland Heights II HOA: Ms. Romero explained that this neighborhood was
requesting a total of $500 ($150 for a dee-jay and $350 for a bouncer and other items
for the event.) This event will be held on Friday, October 2nd
6. Tierra Buena Park: Mr. Chris Flippen, neighborhood representative, requested $500
($150 for food such as pizza, soda, water, snow-cones and $350 for tables, chairs and
other items.)
7. Thunderbird Paseo Condominiums HOA: Ms. Michelle Maddox, neighborhood
representative, requested $500 ($250 for the Balloon Man, $225 for food and $25 for
decorations.)
8. Thunderbird Palms/Hickory Shadows Neighborhood: Mr. Cohrs stated that this
neighborhood was requesting $300 for food, water, paper products and advertisement.
Commissioner Loya motioned to approve the NPO to partner with the
requesting neighborhoods or HOAs on the seven Community Connections
grant requests as presented for $500 or less. Commissioner Versluis made the
second. The motion passed 10 - 0.
VII. City of Glendale Procurement Process
Mr. Krause gave a presentation on the City of Glendale Bidding and Selection Process:
Bidding Options
• $5K and under
o Single bid required
o Telephone bid or"scope of work" bid acceptable
Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Meeting Minutes
September 2, 2009
Page 3 of 6
• 55K to $50K
o Minimum of three bids required based on scope of work
o Three contactors can be selected specifically or advertised for
• 550K plus
o Formal advertisement or posting required (such as Glendale Star)
o Council approval necessary
Mohave Contract
• State Approved contract with list of pre-approved contractors
• No bidding necessary
• 1% Administration fee charged
• Best for projects over $50K
Bidding and Selection Variables
• Licensed, bonded and insured contractors used
o Some flexibility is present on projects under $5K, although the project then
requires more Staff supervision
• Three bid rule utilized. All projects are not created equal
o Supplier relationships impact bids
o "A" license versus license specific (i.e. "L" license for landscaper or "C" license for
contractor
• "A" license has higher costs (license, insurance and possibly overhead)
• License specific (lower costs but may be more transient)
• Comparison of bids versus scope of work
Risk Management of Bidding Process
• Single bid and Mojave may miss the "lowest bidder"
• Consider start time, availabilities and completion of project
• Consider available budget
• General Engineering license versus specific license
• Timing of neighborhood spark
• Management direction may impact project
Contractor Selection
• Registrar of Contractors 602-542-1525
o License Verification
o Complaint History
o Contractor Complaints
o Registrar's Recovery Fund
Chair Sprague inquired if bids were kept to local Glendale companies. Mr. Krause replied in
the negative. Commissioner Heatwole asked if there was any preference to women or
minorities in the selection process. Mr. Krause again replied in the negative explaining that
this is not a current city directive.
VIII. 5-Year Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Review
Mr. Cohrs stated that the Commission will be heavily involved in the drafting and review of
the 5-Year Neighborhood Revitalization Plan as the large grants program is currently on
hold. Mr. Cohrs explained that the last 5-Year Plan was done in 2005 and thus, it is time to
draft the plan for 2010-2015. The Commission will be instrumental in producing the broad
outline of the plan and Staff will focus on the plan details.
Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Meeting Minutes
September 2, 2009
Page 4 of 6
Mr. Cohrs presented Strategies 1 through 3 of the Plan Progress Report:
1. Maintain and Revitalize Glendale's Neighborhoods
• Maintain Current Services: (Including neighborhood grants, newsletters, mediation
program, Glendale University, volunteer projects, Commission on Neighborhoods,
registered neighborhoods)
• Enhance Code Compliance Review: Code Compliance newly utilizing Neighborhood
Focus areas as a tool to target specific neighborhoods in need of stronger code
compliance efforts. Mr. Cohrs will invite a representative from the Code
Compliance Department to give a presentation to the Commission.
• Continue to Improve on Infill Housing Efforts: This is a specific responsibility of the
Revitalization Division who strives to examine, assess and implement improvement
via infill housing.
• Pursue External Partnerships: Past and current partnerships can be pursued and
maintained for the benefit of both parties and the entire community.
2. Implement new revitalization strategies to capitalize on neighborhood/community
resources and opportunities.
• Pilot New Innovations through Neighborhood Grant Programs: Utilizing the
Neighborhood Grant Program to support and improve community connections and
neighborhood projects in Glendale. Includes small and large grant programs,
community connections, partnership with the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) program for federal funding opportunities for neighborhoods, and
streamlining the grant process.
• Renewed Focus on CDBG Program: Beginning in 2006, CDAC identified several
funding categories and implemented a 2-year funding commitment. In 2007, the
application process was converted to a paperless, web-based function saving time
and expense for all parties.
• Implement MEGA-EVENT Strategies: This was accomplished in FY 2006-2007 during
the use of Cardinals Stadium for any event over 40,000 attendees.
3. Sustain and enhance neighborhood capability in order to strengthen civic involvement
by all members of the community.
• Implement a New Marketing Strategy: Includes current marketing strategy
combined with landlord-tenant training and fair-housing requirements training,
implementation of the Neighborhood Indicators System using GIS, publishing of
English/Spanish brochures and promotion of the Glendale University Alumni
Association
• Develop a "New Resident Welcome" Program: This strategy needs to be fully
developed and implemented.
• Further Enhance the use of GU: In 2009, the course curriculum and presentation
formats were revamped to make the classes more interactive.
• Coordinate City Educational Efforts: The goal is to involve and include all Glendale
residents and business owners to become part of Glendale's "civic fabric." Encourage
enrollment of GU residents in the Fire and Police Department Academies.
• Train Rental Property Owners: Implement new training program in conjunction with
Code Compliance, the Tax and License Division, the County Recorder's Office and the
Glendale Police Department.
• Legislative Link: NPO coordinates "Neighborhood Day with the Legislatures: in
collaboration with Inter-Governmental Department.
• Establish Annual CRA Fair
Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Meeting Minutes
September 2, 2009
Page 5 of 6
• New Neighborhood Training: HOA foreclosure seminar was held in 2008. More
training seminars to be developed and implemented.
Mr. Cohrs stated that the Commission will review Strategies 4 and 5 at the next Commission
meeting. Mr. Cohrs asked that the Commissioners review the strategies and send
comments regarding which plan specifics should continue in the future to assist with the
broad outline and then specifics will be discussed in future meetings.
IX. Commission on Neighborhoods Work Plan
The Commissioners reviewed a document detailing the current Commission Work Groups
and Work Plan. Mr. Cohrs asked the Commissioners to inform him (via email or phone call)
which Work Group each had an interest in. Furthermore, Commissioners were asked for
additional comments or suggestions regarding the Work Plan.
Mr. Cohrs suggested that because the large grants program was on hold this fiscal year, the
Neighborhood Grants Work Group might focus more in depth on the 5-Year Revitalization
Plan.
Commissioner Caufield sat on the Partnerships Work Group last year and felt that the Work
Group was lacking direction and struggled with a definition of outcomes. Mr. Cohrs made
note of the comment.
X. Staff Updates
Ms. Romero provided an update which included the following:
• East Catlin Court Historic District: Due to the Turken vs. Gordo court ruling,
the original approved grant to be used for eleven various projects was on hold.
Instead, funds were re-allocated for other right-of-way projects. A contract has
been awarded for the design of streetscape improvements on 57th Avenue from
Northview to Gardenia and Gardenia from 55th to 56th Avenues. Residents have
identified aprons in the neighborhood for replacement.
• East Catlin Court Historic District: The grant agreement for right-of-way
streetscape improvements on Gardenia has been signed. CDBG funding approval
was given by the City Council in March. Funds are expected to be received in
September 2009. Staff will meet with the Engineering Department regarding the
bidding process.
• Floralcroft: The design project for the new pedestrian lighting throughout the
neighborhood is close to being completed. This project was approved for full
CDBG-R funding at the Council meeting on May 12, 2009. Funds should be
received shortly.
Mr. Cohrs provided an update which included the following:
• Thunderbird Palms/Hickory Square: The new shade structure was installed over
the EVOS playground at Sunset Palms Park the week of May 11. The ramada was
installed the week of June 15. The basketball court was resurfaced the week of
July 6. The drinking fountains and doggy bowl fountain will be installed soon.
• Neighborhood Outreach: Staff attended 3 neighborhood meetings in August.
• Staff edited, printed and distributed 441 newsletters and flyers on behalf of three
neighborhoods in August.
• In August, volunteers from Christ's Church of the Valley assisted an elderly
resident with yard maintenance and logged 40 hours on the project.
Mr. Krause stated that a new class of Glendale University recently began with 16 students
and is a very young group.
Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Meeting Minutes
September 2, 2009
Page 6 of 6
Commissioner Cole requested all materials in hardcopy form as she does not have the
capability of printing at this time.
Commissioner Versluis felt the meeting was very good and felt that the city and Commission
should focus on making the renters in neighborhoods feel welcome and part of the
community.
Commissioner Jocewicz enjoyed the meeting and felt that the aspect of the Welcoming
Program in the 5-Year Plan could be expanded.
Commissioner Brown enjoyed the meeting.
Commissioner Loya agreed that renters should simply be considered neighbors just as
homeowners are.
Commissioner Caufield welcomed the new Commissioners.
Commissioner Abrahams enjoyed the meeting.
Commissioner Heatwole requested nametags for the Commissioners' use at public events.
Commissioner Hinds enjoyed the meeting.
Chair Sprague thanked all for their participation and looked forward to a great year on the
Commission.
XI. Adiournment
At 7:53 p.m., Commissioner Jocewicz motioned for adjournment. Commissioner
Loya made the second. The motion passed 10 - 0.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Denise Kazmierc'
Recording Secretary eir