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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 5/5/2009 *PLEASE NOTE: Since the Glendale City Council does not take formal action at the Workshops,Workshop minutes are not approved by the City Council. rig& GLEE MINUTES OF THE GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SESSION Council Chambers-Workshop Room 5850 West Glendale Avenue May 05,2009 1:30 p.m. PRESENT: Vice Mayor Manuel D. Martinez and Councilmembers Joyce V. Clark, Steven E. Frate, David M. Goulet, Yvonne J. Knaack, and H. Phillip Lieberman ABSENT: Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs ALSO PRESENT: Ed Beasley, City Manager; Pam Kavanaugh, Assistant City Manager; Nick DiPiazza, Deputy City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk 1. COUNCIL ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Mr. Ed Beasley, City Manager This is the quarterly opportunity for City Council to identify topics of interest they would like the City Manager to research and assess for placement on a future workshop agenda. Staff is available to answer any questions regarding information provided. Staff also requests Council to identify items of interest for follow-up by staff during the next quarter. Vice Mayor Martinez opened the workshop on Council Items of Special Interest. He asked Councilmember Frate to introduce the Veteran's Day Parade item. Councilmember Frate indicated that he had asked staff to look into the Veteran's Day Parade and the city possibly being the facilitator. He stated the city has never taken the lead on this event and would like to see this change. He asked staff for their update. Ms. Julie Frisoni, Assistant Deputy City Manager, stated the Veteran's Day parade has been happening in Glendale for a long time. The event has always been produced by outside event producers. Additionally, the city's role has always been a facilitator, as with all outside events. She stated they work coordination for police, fire, barricades, traffic and transportation. However, the city does not handle the day-to-day logistics. She explained that in 2006, the producers cited a lack of resources as the reason for not hosting the event, The event has not been hosted for two years and her understanding was that discussions were ongoing with Westgate as a possible host. She noted they were now looking at Murphy Park on November 7, 2009, as a possible site. The park would be closed at that time; however, they could possibly use part of the annex area around the Bead Museum. She added she believes Westgate provided a lot more opportunities than the downtown area. She explained that facilitating was something the city was happy to do for this event; however, helping financially, was not an option at this point because of all the cuts associated with the struggling economy. Councilmember Lieberman commented he was a part of a group that had been working on this event. He stated they were in attendance today. He asked them to stand and be recognized. He thanked them publicly for all the work they were doing. He added that the city was happy to facilitate their event and would like to have a representative from staff involved in this year's event. He explained they did not need any funding at this time. He said there were over 20,000 veterans in the City of Glendale. Ms. Frisoni stated that the city facilitates more than 100 events every year around the city and are happy to do so. Councilmember Lieberman commented that their next meeting was this Thursday, in his office at 3:30 p.m. He would like to have someone from city staff attend the meeting. Councilmember Goulet thanked the members of the Veteran's committee for being here today. He inquired why the committee had preferred the downtown area instead of Westgate. Ms. Frisoni stated staff had only just learned of this development. She explained they had been under the impression that things were working well with Westgate since Westgate had been very enthusiastic to host the event. She noted that possibly, the committee believed downtown was a more historic location. Councilmember Goulet inquired as to what amount of attendance the plaza would be able to handle. Ms. Frisoni indicated she believes that area would be more than sufficient. Councilmember Goulet asked if there were any cost incurred by using the annex area. Ms. Frisoni answered, no. Councilmember Frate commented he had brought up this issue because he felt it was important to keep people interested and mobilized. He noted he was glad to see citizens and the city working together to make this event take place. He stated he believes Westgate would be a good experience for families with the water feature. However, any venue would be acceptable. He added he appreciates this event will also have booths to assist veterans, as well as honor them. Vice Mayor Martinez introduced the next item, Unpaid Water Bills. Mr. Horatio Skeete, Deputy City Manager, provided a memo which outlined the current process for unpaid bills. He stated that at the last workshop of Council Items of Special Interest, there had been some concern with the procedures followed and how they compared with other cities, He stated the memo provided presented the steps used for disconnection, as well as rates and fees. Those steps took approximately 46 days from the first delinquent date. He explained this places Glendale's in the middle compared to other cities. He noted that Goodyear was the most aggressive, with 30 days disconnection to Avondale being the most lenient with 60 days. The 2 disconnection and reconnection fee for Glendale is a $50.62 administrative fee. An $82.96 fee is typically charged for a deposit for all utility accounts in Glendale, which is in the middle compared to other cities. Councilmember Clark commented on several calls she had received from seniors who were having a hard time being able to pay their water bills. She asked if there was a mechanism where these people could pay part of the bill or in payments. She noted this would be beneficial to citizens, especially in this economy. Mr. Skeete stated he was aware of a process where an owner can contact the city and request a payment plan. The city is also able to put them in contact with regional charities that provide help in those situations. The number for assistance is located on the back of the utility bill. Councilmember Frate commented on Peoria having a $250 dollar deposit and the City of Glendale only being $82.96. Mr. Skeete explained some of the other city's procedures. Councilmember Knaack asked if there had been any change in the landlord situation pertaining to tenants not paying water fees and leaving the landlord to pay those fees. Mr. Skeete explained that the city was in the process of activating a new system which allows for additional opportunities for property owners and tenants to view their accounts and history on-line. This system will be active starting July 1, 2009. Vice Mayor Martinez commented that currently any property owner can call the city directly to obtain information on their property to see if it was delinquent. Mr. Skeete stated he was correct. Vice Mayor Martinez introduced that next item, Residential Rental Property Sales Tax. Mr. Skeete stated the city had sent out notices regarding the enforcement of landlord liability for delinquent utility bills effective January 1, 2009. He explained all owners who rent residential properties must obtain a business license with the city, file a sales tax and pay sales tax related to rental income. Approximately, 70% of the 400 leads received where found to be unlicensed. He explained that several of these houses were in foreclosure or bankruptcy. He stated staff will continue to make contact with these owners to bring them into compliance. The total number of active licensed landlords in the City of Glendale is 11,694. Councilmember Knaack inquired if there was a process to notify tax and licensing when a tenant applies for water. Mr, Skeete stated that in the application form, it was required that the tenant disclose if they were renters and provode a copy of their lease. Vice Mayor Martinez introduced the next item, Council Subcommittee's. He introduced a memo from staff stating that at this time, there are no specific Council guidelines regarding this matter, therefore no action can be taken. Councilmember Clark stated she understood the memo; however, once they develop the process, she hopes they can have a discussion about other possible Council subcommittees. She noted she had been disappointed in receiving no feedback from staff as to whether they would support additional subcommittees or this process. 3 Councilmember Lieberman asked to make a correction on page seven, paragraph six of the January 20, 2009 minutes. He asked to change the phrase "Congress to Council" to"Campus to Council". Vice Mayor Martinez stated Ms. Pam Hanna, City Clerk, would make the correction. Vice Mayor Martinez called for new Council Items of Special Interest. Councilmember Frate commented on his constituents commenting on people transitioning their garages to living quarters and it becoming too frequent. He would like staff to explain and update Council on how that process works. Councilmember Lieberman asked staff to research ways in which the city can help local merchants make purchases from the city. He noted he was very interested in helping the city's merchants thrive and succeed. He asked staff to find some sort of mechanism where they can get away from national spending and help locally within the city. He discussed the many stores that have closed in the area and the need for the city to explore a better system. Councilmember Lieberman inquired why the city was not a member of the Fighter Country Partnership. He would like an update from staff on this matter. Councilmember Goulet inquired about a Hall of Fame for the city. He stated there were many individuals, businesses and organizations that over the years have contributed significantly to the development of this community. He explained that coming up with a way to recognize and acknowledge individuals and groups might be appropriate. He would like staff to look into it. Councilmember Knaack commented on a Green Cities Conference she and Councilmember Goulet had attended in Portland. She stated the conference was overwhelming in what the city can do. She indicated she would like the city to have a sustainability policy. She noted that Councilmember Goulet had previously discussed a Green Committee and believes that committee can help develop a sustainability policy. She remarked she would like the City of Glendale to take a lead in this matter. Vice Mayor Martinez commented that he would like to introduce an amnesty program similar to what Phoenix has for businesses that have fallen behind in their sales taxes. He explained he had discussed this matter with Mr. Skeete and possibly something being done. He remarked that many restaurants were having problems with that very issue. He stated he would like staff to explore this issue and see if anything can be done to help business owners in this bad economy. 2. 2009 STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Jessica Blazina, Intergovernmental Programs Director; Jenna Goad, Legislative Coordinator; and Ryan Peters,Legislative Coordinator This is a request for City Council to provide guidance on proposed state legislation, consistent with the 2009 state legislative agenda; and to also provide a 2009 federal legislative update. 4 The purpose of the federal and state legislative agendas is to affect federal and state legislation and regulations as they relate to the interests of the city and its residents. The 2009 state and federal legislative agendas provide the policy framework by which Intergovernmental Programs staff engages on state and federal legislative issues. Throughout the 2009 legislative sessions, policy direction will be sought on proposed statutory changes which fall under the adopted Council policy statements relating to the financial stability of the city, public safety issues, promoting economic development, managing growth and preserving neighborhoods. The Intergovernmental Programs staff recommends prioritizing the state legislative agenda to a few key issues to allow the city to have a stronger, more consistent message on the items of greatest priority. The legislative agenda defines the city's priorities for the upcoming session and will guide the city's lobbying activities at the Arizona State Legislature. The Intergovernmental Programs staff will update Council on a regular basis throughout the session for guidance on bills and amendments that may be introduced. The city's legislative agenda is a flexible document and may change, based on activities at the Legislature and Council direction. The Intergovernmental Programs Department has conducted a city-wide assessment of potential federal funding opportunities to be included in the 2009 Federal Legislative Agenda. Based on this assessment, staff recommends pursuing federal funding opportunities, including grant opportunities, line-item appropriations and earmarks. On March 17, 2009, the Intergovernmental Programs department presented the State Budget Update and the Federal Stimulus Update. On March 3, 2009 the Intergovernmental Programs department presented the 2009 State Legislative Update and 2009 Federal Legislative Update. On February 3, 2009, the Intergovernmental Programs department presented the 2009 State Legislative Update. On January 20, 2009, the intergovernmental Programs department presented the 2009 State Legislative Update and 2009 Federal Legislative Update. The priorities and principles of Glendale's 2009 state legislative agenda provide the venue for the city to identify and engage on state legislative issues. The key principles of the state legislative agenda are: to preserve and enhance the city's ability to deliver quality and cost- effective services to citizens and visitors; to address quality of life issues for Glendale residents, and to enhance the City Council's ability to serve the community by retaining local decision making authority and maintaining state legislative and voter commitments for revenue sources. 5 Development of a 2009 federal legislative agenda provides the venue for the city to identify and engage on federal issues of concern to the community, which will enhance the ability of the city to deliver superior services and to address quality of life issues for the residents of Glendale. Staff is requesting Council to provide policy guidance on the proposed state legislative issues and federal legislative program development. Ms. Jessica Blazina, Intergovernmental Programs Director, stated they will update the Council on the state budget process, the federal stimulus program and the transportation reauthorization request. Ms. Blazina stated today was the 114th day of legislative session. The Senate has heard no bills relating to policy issues and is holding firm to not do any policy work until they reach a decision on the fiscal year 2010 budget. She noted that some committee chairs have been holding stakeholders meetings in hopes those bills can have most of their problems resolved and move forward quickly. The House does continue floor debates on bills and today conducted an appropriation hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2010 budget package they released late yesterday. Mr. Ryan Peters, Legislative Coordinator, stated that finding a solution for the state budget deficit had dominated the 2009 legislative session. After several weeks, the House leadership has moved the draft budget to the appropriation committee. He noted contained in that budget, were approximately $650 million in agency spending reductions, fund sweeps of$400 million, temporary assistance of $1 billion and non-tax revenue enhancement of $570 million. He explained that part of the revenue enhancement dollars include $210 million in city impact fees sweeps. He remarked this proposal was different from the one that surfaced last week. He noted that although the proposal now makes the contribution voluntary, they continue to have concerns since it remains unclear about the legality of the proposal. Councilmember Lieberman commented on California's sales tax increase from 5.6% to 6.6%. He remarked on Mayor Scruggs' memo regarding Jack Lunsford and Westmarc suggesting that it was an equitable solution for the city's budget. He requested an update on the matter as well as when they anticipate the legislature resuming bill hearings on the floor. Ms. Blazina remarked that in regards to the Westmarc issue, there were still a lot of questions in regards to the plan, as well as trying to gather that information. In regards to bills moving forward, President Burns continues to hold firm that no bills will be heard until there is a budget resolution. Councilmember Clark asked staff what revenue enhancement meant to the House leadership. Mr. Peters stated it was revenue enhancement without raising taxes. He explained that they were looking at the $210 million voluntary contribution from city impact fees as well as excess balances. Councilmember Clark asked what the $400 million sweeps entailed. Mr. Peters indicated they were sweeps from other funds that agencies rely on such as Game and Fish licenses and other miscellaneous funds. 6 Councilmember Clark remarked that in a $3 billion shortfall, the state legislature is willing to cut $1 billion by issuing department cuts and sweeps of other agencies of which the state had control. She explained they were also looking for another billion from the government and the last billion taken from cities, municipalities and school districts. Mr. Peters stated she was correct. Councilmember Clark asked to revisit the city sweeps which has now become voluntary. She explained that whether it was mandatory or voluntary, she believes it was still illegal. She asked if that was the consensus of other cities. Mr. Peters responded, yes. He added there had been legislature testimony today which questioned the legality of this provision. Councilmember Clark noted that the Governor has proposed a one cent increase and asked how much revenue it was expected to generate. Mr. Peters explained the Governor has not proposed a one cent sales tax increase, but rather a $1 billion revenue enhancement program. Councilmember Clark asked if this would be a combination of a sales tax increase, as well as raising fees on licenses or state park activities. Mr. Peters stated there have been no specific proposals; however, they were exploring every avenue. Councilmember Clark commented that no city will voluntarily provide their funds, therefore, where did they intend to get the money. Mr. Peters explained they might have to come back with a special session to reopen the budget. He noted there was still a lot up in the air and revenue numbers were still unclear. Councilmember Clark commented on an e-mail asking the Council's direction on whether they were to convey support for the Governor proposal on the one cent increase. Vice Mayor Martinez deferred the question to the city attorney. Mr. Nick DiPiazza, Deputy City Attorney, stated this was not on the agenda. Councilmember Frate asked if everyone at the legislator was working on the budget or was it just a group of people. Ms. Blazina stated the state legislator has been in small group meetings to determine priorities for the budget. She explained the majority was involved in those discussions on some level. Councilmember Frate remarked on how he would have liked to observe those budget discussions, much like the city's budget sessions were being viewed by the citizens. Ms. Blazina reviewed the federal legislative update. The Intergovernmental Programs Department has been working closely with a team to insure they were active and in front of opportunities for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding. They continue to participate in meetings at local and federal levels in order to learn more about the requirements for use of the funding and when deadlines are set. She explained that some of the discretionary grant opportunities have opened up, and the team was working on applying for those grants and determining which opportunities were best suited for the city's short term and long term goals. Currently, the city has applied for a public safety grant and is currently analyzing projects suitable for the energy efficiency block grant program. Councilmember Clark asked if there was a site where they could view which grants the City of Glendale was going after. Ms. Blazina informed them they had created a website at Glendaleaz.com/recovery for the public to have an opportunity to learn about what the city has 7 applied for. She noted this website contains information on how jobs are created, on-going cost, etc. Councilmember Clark asked Ms. Blazina to discuss any other grants for which the city was applying. Ms. Blazina commented on the formula distribution for transportation projects that was being worked on, as well as the energy efficiency block grants. She noted they were looking at some aviation projects as well. She explained that they first start off with a wish list of shovel ready projects. From there, they narrow it down to what they can do and what the budget can handle in terms of any matching grants that are required or any types of on-going costs associated with them. Councilmember Clark asked if most of the stimulus funding devoted to shovel ready infrastructure projects require matching grants to be eligible. Ms. Blazina explained that the majority of the projects do require them to be shovel ready; however, only some require matching funds. Councilmember Clark remarked on her concern that staff seemed to have a very conservative approach to these grants and what the city can afford. She asked what additional costs made them reluctant to apply for an infrastructure project. Ms. Blazina explained that infrastructure projects were less concerning than some of the other types of programs; therefore, they are exploring infrastructure type projects. She provided examples on types of programs that might grow into other projects the city has to fund in the future. Councilmember Clark stated she was happy to see they were moving forward regarding the airport projects. She discussed how this project might be a good fit for a stimulus grant. She noted she also believed there were opportunities to move forward on the Northern Parkway project, as well as funding for the 900 unshaded bus stops. She explained she would like to see projects that provide direct benefits and were already on the books. The funding would require the city to come up with less money from the city's budget. She asked staff to concentrate on those areas and see what funding could be available to offset any funding from the city. Councilmember Lieberman commented that he believes some stimulus transportation funds will be used in a small portion of the Northern Parkway. Councilmember Frate commented on the Pay Day Loan Reform Act of 2009. He explained that they had changed the name and have now taken it to Congress. He indicated they needed to let the legislators in Congress know that they do not support it. He stated this was predatory lending at its best. He explained if they pass a law at the federal level, it could be enforced at a state level. Ms. Jenna Goad, Legislative Coordinator, stated that the federal government is currently beginning the process to reauthorize their federal transportation program, which is known as the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act. The government reauthorizes their transportation program every five to six years and the current program is set to expire at the end of September. The Intergovernmental Program staff has worked with the transportation staff and a federal consultant to put together projects that were appropriate for the federal representative's consideration. The following projects were submitted to Congressmen Pastor's office: a traffic interchange between Northern Parkway and the Loop 303, The Arrowhead Transit Center and Park and Ride and The New River Multiuse Pathway. The following projects 8 were submitted to Congressmen Frank's office: an interchange between Northern Parkway and Litchfield Road, an overpass for Northern Parkway, and a traffic interchange between Northern Parkway and the Loop 303. Additionally, the Intergovernmental Program Department and Transportation staff recently coordinated to take a representative on a tour of where these proposed projects would be located, to see firsthand what was being requested. She noted staff does not anticipate the federal request will fully fund the projects, but rather offset the local dollars that have already been earmarked. As there were no further comments, the meeting was adjourned by Vice Mayor Martinez. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:15 p.m. 9