HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 6/2/2009 *PLEASE NOTE: Since the Glendale City Council does not take formal action at the
Workshops,Workshop minutes are not approved by the City Council.
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GLENEST
MINUTES OF THE
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SESSION
Council Chambers—Workshop Room
5850 West Glendale Avenue
June 02,2009
1:30 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. Phillip Lieberman
ALSO PRESENT: Ed Beasley, City Manager; Pam Kavanaugh, Assistant City Manager;
Craig Tindall, City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk
1. PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL
CITY STAFF PRESENTING THIS ITEM: Steven Conrad, Police Chief, Mark Burdick, Fire
Chief, and Dave Villalovos, Assistant Fire Chief(ret.)
This is a request for City Council to review the presentation and provide guidance regarding the
creation of a Public Safety Memorial.
The Public Safety Memorial Committee is recommending artist Hai Ying for this project. The
committee also recommends Mr. 's design concept, and is recommending the memorial be built
on the north end of the Civic Center Plaza.
The creation of a Public Safety Memorial addresses the Council goal of one community focused
on public safety for citizens and visitors by recognizing the support from our community by
providing a place to reflect.
As a result of a request made by Mayor and Council following two subsequent workshops, a
Public Safety Memorial Committee was formed consisting of representatives from families of
two fallen public safety personnel, the Arts Commission, the Police and Fire unions, interested
citizens and city staff members.
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The committee reviewed examples and types of memorials; participated in tours at local
memorials; reviewed and toured potential locations; provided input for the Requests for
Qualifications, which resulted in over sixty proposals from artists from around the country;
reviewed and ranked the proposals; selected and interviewed finalists; and developed
recommendations for Council consideration.
This project will be funded by the Municipal Art Fund at an estimated cost of$200,000.
At the August 21, 2007 Council Workshop, a report was presented providing follow up
information about a Public Safety Memorial.
During the May 1, 2007 Council Workshop, Council requested that a Public Safety Memorial be
considered.
With the creation of a memorial, the citizens of Glendale will have an opportunity to have a
place to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made by public safety personnel who lost their lives in
the line of duty.
The memorial will also provide a location for annual recognition and memorial services
honoring fallen public safety personnel.
After an outpouring of calls, letters, and citizens comments, following the on-duty death of
Officer Anthony Holly, the public expressed a need and desire to have a Public Safety Memorial
in Glendale to honor those employees that have paid the ultimate price for their service.
Several citizens volunteered to participate on the committee. They were involved in every
committee meeting, all committee actions and were instrumental in the development of the
committee's final recommendations to the City Council.
Staff is seeking guidance from Council to move forward with the Public Safety Memorial
Proj ect.
Chief Conrad presented an overview of this item. Once the committee selected Mr. for this
project, the committee provided a great deal of input for his final proposal. Examples included a
project that was unique and very original. Additionally, they wanted a project to include a
plaque with the names of the fallen public safety personnel and the two department logos. The
community also asked that the memorial be positioned in a way that people could sit and reflect
on the art which includes seating as well as being a setting for memorial services. They wanted
to insure the memorial demonstrated this community's level of commitment and support of
public safety and at the same time capture the closeness felt in the community. The committee
also indicated they wanted the memorial to include lighting to facilitate nighttime viewing. He
presented a slide presentation of art renderings of the proposed memorial.
Chief Conrad stated the actual memorial design consisted of four parts. The central sculpture is
a fifteen foot tall bronze statue with a 28 foot wide and four feet tall memorial wall directly
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behind it. In front of the memorial are two historical markers, one for Police and one for Fire, as
well as several benches located around the memorial. The central statue depicts five figures, two
fire fighters and two police officers in the heroic act of rescuing a child. He explained that in the
depiction, the bodies naturally bend in a form of a flame rising from the base of the statue,
symbolizing an eternal flame. The memorial wall itself will include the names, photographs and
other information about each of the public servants who have given their lives in the protection
of the city. The wall will also include the department logos and the police officers' and fire
fighters' prayers. The historical markers in front of the wall will provide information about both
departments. He explained the second most important consideration from the committee
involved the location of the memorial. The committee considered 18 different sites in Glendale.
These 18 sites were narrowed down to two sites, Murphy Park and the Civic Center Plaza. He
stated that after looking at both locations closely, the committee is recommending the memorial
be built on the north end of the Civic Center Plaza. The appeal of this location is its downtown
location, openness to the public, visibility from the street and the ability to accommodate large
crowds. He indicated the committee believes they have accomplished two goals with this
memorial. They have created an enclosed quiet place where visitors can go for reflection and
mediation, as well as a large place to gather for ceremonies to remember the heroes who have
given their lives in service of the city. He noted the committee and Mr. Woo had worked very
hard to bring them this presentation today. He added they were all very excited to proceed with
this project and hope to get direction today to move forward.
Vice Mayor Martinez commented on the beauty of the memorial. He expressed his thanks to the
families of the fallen officers, committee and all staff who participated on this project. He stated
this piece was very unique and cannot remember seeing anything comparable. He was very
impressed by all they were able to incorporate in this piece of artwork.
Councilmember Frate remarked that this memorial piece was breathtaking. He indicated the
lighting aspect was tremendous and the art piece was very dramatic. He stated it was easy to tell
a lot of time and effort was expended in the preparation and research of this project. He said the
committee and everyone involved had hit a home run.
Councilmember Clark thanked the committee participants for the excellent job they did in
spending many hours trying to develop something that would satisfy the needs of the families,
public and city. She noted they had all done an outstanding job on a beautiful memorial. She
noted her only concern was the wall might look too busy and suggested they keep it simple.
Chief Conrad explained the information regarding the departments will actually be depicted on
the markers set out in front of the wall. He explained what kind of information will be portrayed
on the memorial for the fallen officers. Councilmember Clark thanked Chief Conrad and added
that she now understands how the department's information will be demonstrated on separate
markers below the wall, with which she agreed. Chief Conrad explained that what they were
also trying to achieve with the markers was providing the observer with an historical perspective
of the departments along with the information pertaining to our fallen heroes.
Mayor Scruggs asked how many names can be accommodated on the wall the way it was
designed. Chief Conrad explained the size and description information can be adjusted. He
noted the wall can also be extended in the future. Mayor Scruggs remarked that although it was
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unpleasant and uncomfortable to ask this question, too many opportunities exist for mass
casualties. She also thanked everyone involved in this project and added the memorial was
simply breathtaking. She noted this piece transcends, stands above and sets the bar to a new
level. She stated they all had done an incredible job.
Councilmember Lieberman stated the piece was magnificent. He thanked the committee and
families for all their work on this project. He noted the artwork was a great addition to the
public artwork around Glendale.
Councilmember Goulet stated the committee had done an outstanding job with a very difficult
and sensitive subject. He asked if Homeland Security had at any time come into the discussions
to be a part of the memorial. Chief Conrad replied they did not. He explained this project was
intended to be a public safety memorial and their focus was on the Fire and Police Department's
fallen officers and their history. Councilmember Goulet stated he also had concerns on the wall
possibly being too busy. He remarked that the public may want to add a personal message and
suggested possibly purchasing a brick or part of a walkway. He noted the issue might be
discussed or could be incorporated at a future point.
Councilmember Knaack thanked everyone who had worked on this project. She stated the one
word which came to mind when looking at it was "emotion". She said she appreciates the fact
that Police and Fire are depicted together and united, which speak volumes for the city.
Mayor Scruggs asked to discuss the funding for this project. She inquired if the funding will be
coming out of the municipal arts fund. Chief Conrad stated she was correct. The direction
provided by Council had been to look to that fund for a budget for this project. Mayor Scruggs
remarked it was the consensus of the Council for this project to move forward and asked for a
timeline. Chief Conrad stated the next step was to secure a contract with Mr. Woo and bring it
back for Council review after the summer break. He noted he hopes to have it completed by
February 13, 2010, which was the third anniversary of Officer Holly's death.
Mayor Scruggs commented she would like it completed by the Christmas; however, that might
be an unreasonable goal. Chief Conrad agreed and noted Mr. Woo believed he would have a
difficult time making the February deadline; however, he would do his best to meet that date.
Vice Mayor Martinez commented on another project sometime ago that had been proposed on
that same site, but did not move forward. He said he was thankful it was not approved since he
cannot think of a better site for this memorial. Mayor Scruggs agreed.
Councilmember Frate commented they had placed it in an area where the public could show
more respect. He indicated that in a busier area, it would have take away from what they were
trying to represent. He approves of the location and believes it is a great site to gather people
together. Chief Conrad thanked Councilmember Frate for his approval of the site. He stated that
a lot of thought, time and deliberation went into selecting that particular location and believes it
will be a wonderful addition to the plaza.
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Mayor Scruggs stated the Council was very pleased with the presentation and recommends
directing staff to work as quickly as possible to review the contract after the summer break in
August, to hopefully achieve the February goal.
2. CITY COUNCIL GUIDELINES: VICE MAYOR APPOINTMENT
Mayor and Council adopted the City Council Guidelines at the May 26, 2009 Council meeting.
The Guidelines state that at the first workshop in June of each year Mayor and Council are to
consider the appointment of a Vice Mayor for the following fiscal year.
As stated in the City Council Guidelines, if nominations are indicated by Councilmembers at this
workshop, the Guidelines state that a formal nomination and selection process will be placed on
the agenda for the next regular Council meeting.
Mayor Scruggs read the new appointed City Council Guidelines that related to the
responsibilities of the Vice Mayor. She opened the discussion on Vice Mayor selection and
appointment.
Councilmember Clark commented that she had previously brought up the issue of seniority,
which was not adopted by the majority of the members of the Council. However, she believes
this particular selection process lends itself to recognition of seniority. She explained the
seniority process offers certainty and consistency to Councilmembers who are involved in the
process. She noted if seniority was not adopted, it would be difficult to figure out who would be
selected. Additionally, it was a process which offered no room for bias or favoritism. She added
it was also an unemotional clean cut process, recognizing the length of seniority and service of
individual Councilmembers. She indicated there were other cities using seniority to determine
who will be the next Vice Mayor. She stated that based upon her suggestion that they recognize
the process of seniority, she recommends Councilmember Lieberman, who has the most
seniority. She remarked Councilmember Lieberman had served on this Council honorably with
distinction and nominates him with a great deal of pride.
Councilmember Goulet remarked this has become a sensitive subject which he raised a year and
a half ago. He raised it because he believed it was important the position be rotated. He
explained other cities use seniority, as they do at times for other matters, such as seating and like
issues. He indicated that although seniority should be one of the components, he does not
believe it should be the sole component or necessarily the best way to judge who or when they
should make the change. However, he believes it was important to make the change since all
Councilmembers had earned the opportunity to serve in the position. In addition, this change
enables a different prospective to come forward, as well as a new leadership style. He noted that
to deny anyone this opportunity because of personality clashes was unfair, even if they disagreed
with each other's ideas. He stated his first advocacy was that the position be rotated with either
seniority or other factors as the reason. However, if they fail to include seniority, they remove a
critical component of the process that has worked well in other situations.
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Mayor Scruggs asked Councilmember Goulet for his nomination and asked if he just wanted to
express his opinion on the matter. Councilmember Goulet said he only wanted to express his
opinion. No nomination.
Councilmember Frate stated he believed in the democratic process. He favors the idea of them
all voting instead of just appointing a Councilmember because of seniority. He explained that
not all Councilmembers become Vice Mayor and are possibly not meant to. He noted that
seniority was important; however, he encourages a democratic vote such as how their
constituents had elected and voted for them.
Mayor Scruggs interjected stating she disagrees and was very disappointed in the things said
about the Vice Mayor position. She believed the position has been diminished by the comments
and it was made to appear that all the Vice Mayor had to do was show up to the meetings. She
explained the position of Vice Mayor might go an entire year with no significant issues or they
might be called upon to represent the city as a chief elected official. She explained several
abilities that were very important to the position and how seniority did not guarantee any of
them. She indicated that alertness, full participation, being detail oriented, demeanor,
professionalism and trust of the colleagues all were essential attributes not necessarily found in
seniority. She noted she disagrees with the notion that everyone deserves a rotation as Vice
Mayor, even if they do not conform to these particular attributes. She explained that trust of the
colleagues, as well as needing someone to keep confidences, work as a team member and their
willingness to represent and accept the majority decision in any given policy matter was
extremely important. She explained there were many more requirements; however, she had
offered those because she was concerned that the Vice Mayor's role continues to be diminished
as a perfunctory caretaker type of position. She added she does not accept the premise that
seniority should be the decision maker in determining the best nominee.
Councilmember Knaack commented on Vice Mayor Martinez's noteworthy qualifications as
Vice Mayor. She commented on his demeanor in public, respect of the city's positions,
statesmanship, and support of the code of ethics and conduct as well as the guidelines. She
explained that an important factor was also to have a good working relationship with the Mayor.
She nominated Vice Mayor Martinez to continue the role as Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Martinez remarked he considers seniority as part of the consideration for Vice
Mayor, however, he does not believe it should be the only issue. He believes the Vice Mayor
should have a certain trust and working relationship with the Mayor since they will be working
as a team.
Councilmember Clark stated she had listened with interest to Mayor Scruggs' list of attributes
provided for Vice Mayor. She noted that after listening to them, she believed it denigrates
everyone and assumes that none could rise to the occasion to learn and grow into the position.
She remarked that for many years, no rotation occurred and sees that pattern currently emerging
again. She believes this was an excellent opportunity to take a new direction. She stated she
was very concerned that in an effort to be democratic, this will devolve into a popularity contest.
She noted that when someone is appointed to Vice Mayor, it brought a new prospective for that
individual and believes any individual appointed can step up to the position. She added it was
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always nice when the Vice Mayor was a buddy, however, it can also provide an opportunity to
build bridges between different points of view and perhaps build that level of trust which may
not have been there previously. She indicated the issue of seniority was impartial and it offered
everyone at some point in their careers to serve and to serve well. She remarked she remains
committed to the concept of seniority.
Mayor Scruggs remarked she was extremely disappointed that Vice Mayor and Councilmember
Knaack had brought up the issue of the ability to work with the Mayor as one of the key factors.
She stated that what she expects above all else was trust among colleagues. She noted there was
always the ability for people to change; however, she will be making her decision based on past
performance, rather than performance based on a decade. She explained that meant not having
to open the newspaper and finding yourself ripped apart by a member of the City Council. She
stated she does not see the position of Vice Mayor as being a personal buddy and added she and
Vice Mayor Martinez seldom ever talk other than when conducting business. However, should
she need the Vice Mayor to represent her in a business organization, she does need someone she
can trust and understands the issues in such a way that things can keep moving forward. She
reiterated she was not looking for a best friend and because of the open meeting law; they
seldom have the opportunity to talk to each other anymore. She noted she was looking for
someone who the entire Council can trust, have confidence in, and not have to worry about an
unprovoked attack.
Mayor Scruggs asked Mr. Craig Tindall, City Attorney, for guidance on the next step and
procedure. Mayor Scruggs asked if both nominations move forward to a future meeting. Mr.
Tindall replied that nominations would move forward to an evening meeting for a formal vote.
Councilmember Clark inquired if the two nominees would also be able to vote. Mr. Tindall
replied they could, if they so choose.
Mayor Scruggs asked for any new nominations. None heard.
Mayor Scruggs commented that next week's agenda will reflect there will be a vote on nominees
Councilmember Lieberman and Vice Mayor Martinez for the next fiscal year.
Councilmember Lieberman remarked there was sometimes a problem with being viewed as an
individual thinker and expressing one's viewpoint. He stated he would like to point out that he
has attended 371 Council Meetings and has voted on 3,710 items.
3. CITY COUNCIL GUIDELINES: COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Mayor and Council adopted the City Council Guidelines at the May 26, 2009 Council meeting.
The Guidelines state that at the first workshop in June of each year Council will appoint
membership to standing Council committees for the following fiscal year.
Pursuant to City Council Guidelines, discussion of appointing members to standing Council
committees.
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Mayor Scruggs read from the City Council Guidelines on appointments to standing Council
committees for the following fiscal year.
Councilmember Clark asked to also consider additions and deletions of committees. Mayor
Scruggs read from the section Guidelines pertaining to Special Items of Interest, where this
proposal could be found. Councilmember Clark explained she had brought this up at a
workshop, however, no solution had been found and staff had left it up to the Council to decide.
She believes this might be the appropriate venue to decide. Mayor Scruggs disagreed and asked
for guidance since she was not at that workshop. She indicated the report she received stated the
issue had been brought up with no discussion or support for adding, deleting or adjusting
committees. Councilmember Clark explained there had been support for a discussion on the
concept; however, there had been no support at that moment to actually consider additions or
deletions of committees. Mayor Scruggs asked Vice Mayor Martinez to explain since he had
chaired that meeting.
Vice Mayor Martinez stated they had discussed it, however, they did not come to a conclusion.
He explained they had just approved the Council Guidelines and everyone had an opportunity to
bring any suggestions or problems up at that point.
Mayor Scruggs discussed the timeline of when Councilmember Clark first proposed the item.
She asked if at the last meeting, there had been any direction to move forward with creating new
committees. Vice Mayor Martinez noted he did not believe so. Councilmember Knaack
indicated this item had not even been on the agenda, however, when discussed; it was left up in
the air. Councilmember Clark remarked she was not sure if this discussion should occur in this
forum, however, if it did not, then there was no mechanism providing for that decision. Mayor
Scruggs disagreed. She stated she did not know who said it was up to the Council; nonetheless,
it was the correct answer. She noted if a majority of the Council had approved creating or
deleting committees, staff would have worked with the Council on that issue. She asked if that
direction was given. Vice Mayor Martinez responded, no. Mayor Scruggs explained that if the
direction was not given at that time, they cannot insert the item now in today's agenda that had
already been set and posted.
Councilmember Lieberman stated it was his understanding that they would be discussing the
issue of new committees today. He indicated he understood this would be a good time to
investigate their position on other committees. Councilmember Clark remarked she was not
happy this was not being taken into consideration and she will be bringing this item up again at
the next Council Items of Special Interest. She expects it to be dealt with and not just shoved
onto the back page again, Mayor Scruggs suggested they not make it personal and try to
attribute motives to people. She reiterated it was difficult to understand what action happened at
the meeting she had not attended, when the six of them cannot agree as to what happened. She
explained this was not a "who wants what" forum, but rather they are required to follow the
written posted agenda. She noted she did not understand why this issue was not dealt with
earlier.
Councilmember Knaack asked Mr. Craig Tindall, City Attorney, if under this posting it would be
acceptable to talk about this. Mr. Tindall stated anything related to guidelines and council
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committees would be acceptable under the posting. Mayor Scruggs stated the agenda she was
looking at did not allow for that, however, if the attorney assures it legally, she will consider the
item. Mr. Tindall explained she might be referring to the Council Communication's agenda,
which might be different than the posted agenda. He noted the actual posted agenda was what
was required by law, not Council Communications. Mayor Scruggs commented that under this
decision, she will also be inquiring about items not specified that are under a broad posting. She
noted she had learned a new process today.
Councilmember Lieberman listed his Chairmen positions to date and suggested they restart the
Transportation Committee since it has worked well in the past. Vice Mayor Martinez remarked
he thought anything connected with Transportation was handled by the Oversight Committee.
He asked staff to confirm. Mr. Ed Beasley, City Manager, stated he was correct. However, the
Council could decide to have a Council Committee above a Citizen's Committee.
Councilmember Lieberman asked Mr. Tindall if it was possible to have two committees. Vice
Mayor Martinez remarked it would be a duplication of effort having two committees. Mr.
Tindall stated that CTOC was defined by ordinance and has an advisory board providing advice
to Council. He noted if Council wanted to create a committee, it would still have to go to
Council.
Councilmember Goulet commented that committees should have a rotation on a regular basis,
such as a two year term. He explained this changes the perspective on the committee and brings
different leadership styles into those positions to interact with colleagues, as well as the public.
He indicated he was ready to step down from a sub-committee and offer its rotation. He stated
he would also like to suggest the creation of a Green Committee and believes it was critical in
current times. He believes they were behind on this item and in the public's interest in having
such a committee. He hopes staff can provide some input in the matter.
Councilmember Clark prefaced her comments by stating that the number of sub-committees
should not be an issue. She indicated that most cities have numerous sub-committees serving the
public's interest. She recommends bringing back the sub-committee on Property Maintenance.
She noted that once Council gets to the point where they consider and adopt the zoning code
revisions, their work will diminish considerably. She also offered for consideration the
resurrection of the Utilities Committee and a new Committee on Public Safety. She stated these
two committees were major areas in the city budget where they only get reviewed at budget time.
She noted public safety was half or two thirds of their budget, as well as one of the largest
expenditures they make to keep Glendale citizens safe.
Vice Mayor Martinez stated he did not have any committees to bring forward, however, would
support the creation of a Green Committee.
Councilmember Knaack remarked she would like to change the name of the Green Committee to
the Sustainability Committee. She believes the "Green" name was very volatile and was
associated with a lot of controversy. However, sustainability included everything they would
consider green and was a broader subject. She supports the committee creation. Vice Mayor
Martinez and Councilmember Goulet agreed to support the name change and the committee.
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Mayor Scruggs stated she would be the fourth to support of the Sustainability Committee and
gave direction to staff that this committee be formed. She explained the Transportation
Committee already had 12 different groups that have input on transportation and it would be
almost impossible to work on any issue because it was already being done. See listed the main
committees already working on this issue. She indicated that to try and interject an additional
committee would be a tremendous strain on staff, There was no support for the creation of the
Transportation Committee.
Mayor Scruggs discussed Councilmember Clark's suggestion to eliminate the Code Review
Committee, She said she would support eliminating the Property Maintenance Committee or
Code Review Committee. Councilmember Goulet stated the committee itself would request to
be dissolved once staff adopts the zoning code revisions. Mayor Scruggs asked Councilmember
Goulet if everything the committee votes on came to the Council. Councilmember Goulet
replied that some things are passed through different departments that adopt or incorporate them.
Councilmember Clark noted the major issues are brought before the Council, while others, such
as administrative issues, are dealt with by staff.
Councilmember Knaack commented that she supports having the committee remain active until
Council approves the new zoning ordinance. Councilmember Clark stated it was her
understanding the Council will be discussing the code revisions in August. Therefore, they
should move forward with the understanding that in August the committee would disband.
Mayor Scruggs asked if the three committee members agreed to disband once the zoning
ordinances come into effect and no later than 12/31/09. They all agreed.
Mayor Scruggs asked for suggestions or comments on creating a Utilities Committee. Vice
Mayor Martinez stated he did not see the need for the committee since they receive all the
information needed from staff, as well as it being a very complicated subject. Mayor Scruggs
asked Councilmember Clark to define the committee's role. Councilmember Clark explained
that good things had emerged from the previous Utilities Committee. She noted the whole
recycling issue came about from the Utilities Committee who looked into landfill, water and
sanitation issues. She explained the role of the committee would be an oversight committee
devoted to things that are normally utility items including water, sewer, landfill and sanitation.
She indicated they might be able to offer suggestions from the start before any rate increases take
place. She noted there was plenty of opportunity for education, oversight, and monitoring of the
services provided to the citizens. The committee will be able to provide feedback and direction
for the members and Council to make informed decisions.
Councilmember Lieberman commented that the past Utilities Committee played a big part in
protecting the landfill. He also mentioned a picnic that the Utilities Committee decided to host
because of complaints and ever since then, there has not been a complaint against the landfill.
He noted the Utilities Committee had been very successful. Mayor Scruggs commented that she
remembers the picnic being done for the awareness of recycling. Councilmember Lieberman
stated the reason for the picnic was to show people what a scientific landfill looked like and it
had worked.
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Councilmember Frate asked what ended the Utilities Committee. Mayor Scruggs stated that
everyone would have their own opinion, however, as she remembers, the committee did a lot of
research only to come up short at the City Council and them going another direction.
Councilmember Frate remarked it must have not had great support from the Council.
Councilmember Clark commented the committee had been disbanded abruptly. Mayor Scruggs
indicated the Mayor had not disbanded it since the Mayor has no authority to disband a Council
committee.
Mayor Scruggs stated the only reason she was considering this committee was because of the
way they have passed on utility rate increases, which has done a disservice to the citizens and to
themselves. She noted she was extremely uncomfortable with this year's increases more so than
last years. She explained it was getting to the point where she did not know whether people
would be able to afford their utility bills. She indicated they did not have in-depth information
or investigative research as to what was really driving these increases and what can be done
differently. She added that possibly having a Utilities Committee as Councilmember Clark
stated, they could get in front of the problem before they had to vote on the issue. She stated she
was leaning towards a Utilities Committee for all the reasons mentioned.
Councilmember Clark commented that she would like to respond to Mayor Scruggs' assumption
regarding the disbandment of the pervious Utilities Committee. She indicated she had not
accused or created any disparaging comments on what happened to the committee. She
remarked that Mayor Scruggs' thoughts and feelings were not hers and added she did not suggest
anything along those lines. Mayor Scruggs commented it was a relief to hear that.
Vice Mayor Martinez said after hearing the many comments pertaining to this committee, he
could see a benefit for things such as recycling, however, when it came to rate increases, he
cannot remember any city lowering their rate because there was always a demand for more
services, facilities and infrastructure. He noted he sees no way to avoid rate increases,
distasteful as that may seem, it was just a fact of life. He added if the city is to provide a quality
service, the city must invest in it.
Mayor Scruggs explained one of the reasons rates went up this year was because the city made
investments too early. She noted there were huge investments that were expected to happen,
however, did not happen. As a result, they now have fewer rate payers and non-existing
development impact fees to fund the improved expanded infrastructure. She noted that possibly
a committee would have concluded they were reaching too far too fast.
Councilmember Clark thought exploring new efficiencies and technologies was important as
well. The committee can explore potential innovations and technologies and recommended them
for adoption, which might stabilize rates. She indicated the Council needed to get a handle on
these rate increases.
Councilmember Goulet stated he was not sure he would support a Utilities Committee, not
because of the value of it, but because it would be a critical component of the Sustainability
Committee. He indicated it was a way they could look at adopting policies that could affect
utilities. He noted if they could offer alternatives to the community through other technologies,
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it may enable them to recover some cost and keep overall cost down. He agrees rate increases
have a way of suddenly appearing and by necessity, having to be adopted.
Councilmember Knaack agreed it should be part of the Sustainability Committee. She believes
the Public Works Department works very hard to keep cost in line and does a great job with city
water. She noted no one wants to raise rates; however, sometimes they have no choice.
Mayor Scruggs asked to move on to the Public Safety Committee recommendation.
Councilmember Clark stated that public safety was a major expense for this community. She
explained what happens with those dollars in terms of initiatives, policies and expenditures are
issues that could also benefit from oversight by a Council sub-committee. She explained that
some time back, the Police Department was behind 100 officers for a period of five years. She
stated that by possibly having a Public Safety Committee, they might have raised the alarm a lot
sooner. She proposes this committee bring items of interest to the whole Council while they are
investigating operations.
Mayor Scruggs asked for any comments.
Councilmember Lieberman stated he had wondered for years why Glendale did not have certain
committees. He indicated the surrounding cities have six to nine sub-committees and of the five
major cities, four of them have public safety committees. He indicated he sees adding this
committee as a valuable piece of city government. He will support the creation of this
committee.
Mayor Scruggs stated at this time, with nothing more substantive the committee would
accomplish, she is not in support.
Councilmember Clark remarked that sometimes sub-committees do not have major
accomplishments; however, they play different roles during their life span. Other cities use sub-
committees to provide oversight, recommendations, and learn about operations. She indicated
she viewed sub-committees as a worthwhile tool for the whole Council. She noted she was truly
amazed there was no interest in the exploration or development from the rest of the Council,
other than Councilmember Goulet's recommendation of a Sustainability Committee. She
explained that an aspect of sub-committees was exploration. She said she sees no enthusiasm or
support for anything other than a sub-committee on Boards and Commissions.
Councilmember Goulet stated he believes there was enough interest in the community about
what's happening in the public safety arena, as well as what's happening in their own
neighborhoods. He believes having a committee such as this could be advantageous for certain
areas of the city to help supplement trends and get things moving faster to the police department.
He noted that they need to think about the public's interest in being able to contribute in various
ways to the community. He supports exploration of this committee further.
Vice Mayor Martinez commented on the past problems brought up earlier in the Police
Department. He stated that there had been past leadership problems, however, both Fire and
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Police were functioning extremely well under new leadership. He added that as far as assessing
and helping certain areas regarding police assistance, it was a touchy subject since some areas
feel they are not receiving adequate service, which had to do with perception. He believes they
now have the experts and the leadership that were more than capable in dealing with any issues
coming up in the future. He stated he will not be supporting a public safety committee at this
time.
Mayor Scruggs commented that Chief Conrad had created a citizen organization committee
which addresses the kinds of things Councilmember Goulet was discussing.
Mayor Scruggs summarized the direction provided on the creation and deletion of sub-
committees. She stated the Property Maintenance Committee will exist until the zoning code
revisions are brought to the Council for action, no later than 12/31/09, Councilmembers Goulet,
Clark and Knaack will continue to serve until this action is taken. The Government Services
Committee will continue. There will be a new committee formed called the Sustainability
Committee. She explained at this time, she would like each Councilmember to indicate their
desires regarding which committee on which they would like to serve. She noted they should
recognize that the Sustainability Committee will need to work with city staff to develop the
appropriate rules for the committee. She also gave direction that when the Sustainability
Committee is developed, the Council be given a briefing in a workshop session on that
committee.
Councilmember Knaack and Goulet will serve on the Sustainability Committee. Councilmember
Lieberman and Vice Mayor Martinez will stay on the Government Services Committee.
Mayor Scruggs asked Mr. Tindall if they needed a vote on this matter. Mr. Tindall responded,
no.
Councilmember Frate commented he wanted the citizens to know these are city committees;
however, he serves on several committees that were both county and regional. He explained
serving on committees takes time and energy and should be given 100% once you commit to
serving and it should be a strong commitment. He remarked it was hard to devote quality time
when many were already serving on other committees. He added there were only so many hours
in a day and he also needed to find time to spend with his family as do others, however, being a
servant for the public was a great reward.
Councilmember Clark noted that she was willing to serve on any of the committees.
Vice Mayor Martinez commented that he had served on the MAG committee for approximately
10 years and invites anyone interested in serving on that committee to let him know.
Mayor Scruggs remarked Councilmember Frate had made a good point. She stated she will have
staff put together a list of the various regional committees where Glendale has no representation
by an elected official. She explained some may be interested in serving on one of those
committees. She noted these committees research, develop recommendations, and send them to
the Regional Council. She remarked there were also State Boards and Commissions to which
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they could also apply. She noted there were a lot of areas where one can provide service to
develop recommendations to make their city, state and county, better serve the public.
As no other comments were heard, Mayor Scruggs adjourned the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
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