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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 12/7/2010 *PLEASE NOTE: Since the Glendale City Council does not take formal action at the Workshops,Workshop minutes are not approved by the City Council. 'l'i III GLENDr MINUTES OF THE GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SESSION Council Chambers—Workshop Room 5850 West Glendale Avenue December 07, 2010 1:30 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs, Vice Mayor Steven E. Frate and Councilmembers Joyce V. Clark, David M. Goulet, Yvonne J. Knaack, H. Phillip Lieberman, and Manuel D. Martinez, ALSO PRESENT: Ed Beasley, City Manager; Horatio Skeete, Assistant City Manager; Craig Tindall, City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk 1. COUNCIL ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST 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. On September 7, 2010, Council asked that staff provide information on several items of special interest. These items of special interest requested by Council will be addressed at today's workshop. 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. Mr. Ed Beasley, City Manager, introduced the item. Dinners with other City Councils and Organizations City staff presenting this item: Kristen Krey, Council Services Administrator Ms. Kristen Krey, Council Services Administrator, asked for any questions or comments on the first item of Council Items of Special Interest. 1 Councilmember Lieberman noted that dinner meetings with other city officials on specific issues was not what he had in mind when bringing this item forward. He explained his intent was to meet with other city officials as well as command officers at Luke Air Force Base (LAFB) in order to form a social connection so we can work better together. He indicated there was a time when the City Council knew the officers at LAFB, which they do not anymore. He noted there was a time when Council would receive invitations to various events at the base such as Installation Ceremonies. He noted however, that at this last Installation Ceremony only Mayor Scruggs received an invitation. He explained his suggestion is based on trying to build friendships with the officers as well as them getting to know the City Council. He stated we do not need an issue to meet in order to build camaraderie. He listed several issues Luke Air Force Base was considering in which the City Council might be interested. In addition, Councilmember Lieberman stated he has noticed his suggestions have been met with negative connotations and would like that to stop. He added he did not want any excuses from staff, but action to get things done. Councilmember Martinez stated he appreciates Councilmember Lieberman's comments; however, he did not believe staff was making any excuses. He believes the City Council should make the decision as to whether we should have those types of meetings. He agrees with the memo that if a specific issue merits the need for City Council to meet with other local City Councils or LAFB, a meeting will be facilitated. Additionally, in regards to invitations for events, any Councilmember can request an invitation on their own. Councilmember Clark commented that she had recently attended General Harris' holiday gathering. She stated General Harris had asked her if she had attended his Installation Ceremony, to which she replied that she had not received an invitation. She explained that in the past, the city worked more diligently at building relationships with other stakeholders. She noted the city has neglected to do this for quite a while. She agrees with Councilmember Lieberman's remarks that getting together does not necessarily have to be because of an issue. She stated that as the largest city in the west side of the valley, they need to take a lead in building those relationships. She noted staff's memo referenced the National League of Cities Conference, as an opportunity to meet with other city counterparts individually; however, this year the Glendale City Council did not attend. She stated she would like the city to begin developing something of a social nature where they can begin to re-establish relationships with their counterparts in other cities as well as the ranking officials at LAFB. Mayor Scruggs commented that she believes General Harris' Installation Ceremony invitation list was handled by the protocol office at LAFB. She explained the City of Glendale does not have any input as to who is invited to those ceremonies. She stated that seating for those events is very limited because of space which might be the reason for limiting the invitation list. She reiterated that LAFB has their own protocol book they follow with great rigidity. Vice Mayor Frate commented that LAFB officers' time was very precious since this was a time of war. He believes social gatherings at this time were not appropriate especially in a down economy and when budget issues were on everyone's mind. He stated he was confident the city will be contacted by LAFB should any serious issues arise. Additionally, in regards to General 2 Harris' holiday gathering, the Council was invited, therefore, there is ongoing social contact with the base. Vice Mayor Frate noted that Glendale had recently hosted the Arizona League of Cities and Towns Conference. He took that opportunity to socialize with many city officials with whom he has good relationships. He reiterated he believes meeting only for socializing was not appropriate at this time and could be done individually. Councilmember Martinez commented that General Harris has an outgoing personality; therefore, the city might become more involved with LAFB simply because of that fact. However, he believes the level of involvement comes from the different styles of commanders. Councilmember Knaack remarked that the command changes every two years, therefore, it is very hard to build relationships when changes continue to occur. She added that every Councilmember can belong to Fighter Country Partnership individually as a way to become more involved. She stated she was currently a member. Councilmember Lieberman noted he was as well. Mayor Scruggs asked for comments to give staff direction on this item. Councilmember Clark suggested staff create a small social event and invite council's counterparts from other west valley cities. She stated this would be a way of building relationships and connections. Mayor Scruggs asked for Councilmember Clark to be more specific in her direction as well as stating where the funding for this event would come from. Councilmember Clark remarked that since there was no sense of support, she did not know where to begin. Mayor Scruggs stated that at this point, they need to know what they were supporting, the cost, as well as who would pay for it. She asked Mr. Beasley for guidance on this matter. Mr. Beasley explained staff needs more clarification as to what type of meeting this will be and when. He stated that if the invitation was for a social event, it should come from the City Council and not from staff. Mayor Scruggs explained that having any type of meeting with city officials required an agenda and city posting. She provided an example of when El Mirage had an event and the media portrayed them badly for spending limited resources for a party by invitation only. She explained these types of questions needed to be asked since we are a government dealing with tax payer money. Councilmember Lieberman stated he was in favor of an annual meeting with the command officers at LAFB. He explained his work with the Veteran's Organization which raised $7,300 without any help from the City Council. He indicated that if he had to raise the money separately to meet with Luke's command officers, he would do that. However, he believes the city should be behind it. He questioned the negativity and resistance to this item when LAFB was such a positive part of Glendale. He reiterated that the city needs to be friendlier and on a first name basis with the command officers at Luke. Councilmember Martinez restated that he did not support this item at this time. Councilmember Clark suggested that next year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Glendale host a networking event. She added she will contribute $250.00 from her budget for this event. 3 She explained that if it's successful, hosting it might rotate throughout other west valley cities and become an annual social event. Councilmember Knaack suggested they approach other west valley councilmembers for their input to see if they were interested. In regards to socializing with LAFB, she wondered if Luke had any interest in meeting socially since they were so busy with other important issues. She remarked this was not a bad idea; however, believed it was an inappropriate time. Councilmember Goulet commented that this was not the time to approach something like this when there were so many other pertinent issues to consider. He questioned even considering this item for next year instead of looking at other issues. He remarked that any socializing can be done privately. He does not believe the public would approve of a social gathering and felt there would not be any interest from other cities. Vice Mayor Frate suggested the city invite other cities to Glendale Glitters and have a simple meet and greet in a certain area with minimal expense. Mayor Scruggs remarked she does not agree with comments made that the city ignores Luke or does not know the command officers. She explained there were numerous opportunities throughout the year to attend events at Luke and invite them to city events. She stated she would not support a dinner because of the cost. In order to move this item along and not have this be something divisive, she will direct staff to contact General Harris' staff to see if there is any interest in this item. She stated that many meetings occur at LAFB; therefore, they do not have to have a dinner. She commented on how the Council often interacts with other west valley officials throughout the year and especially if they serve on any regional committees. Mayor Scruggs expressed her support for finding out Luke's opinion on this matter; however, does not support a big dinner, only a meeting. Thus far, she sees no majority support for this item from the Council. Councilmember Clark stated her support for a closer relationship with LAFB. Mayor Scruggs reminded everyone that Luke Days was in March. She stated this was a great opportunity to meet everyone at the base as well as the elected officials from other west valley cities. She noted that as far as caring about LAFB, everyone from the Air Force Chief of Staff down recognizes how much Glendale supports Luke. Additionally, Washington, DC perceives Glendale as leading all efforts supporting LAFB including Luke Forward and a big part of Fighter Country Partnership. She reminded everyone that this year, Glendale's contribution for a successful Luke Days was $65,000. Councilmember Martinez remarked on comments he heard at the gathering last Saturday. He stated the General's aid remarked they had been very pleased to learn they were coming to Glendale because of the great reception and treatment they receive in the valley. He stated that was a testimony to how well the valley is perceived and the great job everyone is doing. Mayor Scruggs briefly discussed the Eglin Air Force Base issue and how it had been a political decision. She stated Glendale did not have any say in the matter. Therefore, Glendale did not 4 lose any opportunities in that project. She was proud of Glendale's tightly woven relationship with Luke, which helps them prevail in many of their choices. Mayor Scruggs asked Mr. Beasley to coordinate the appropriate personnel to determine LAFB thoughts on this matter. She restated her support of a simple meet and greet with no dinner. Mr. Ed Beasley, City Manager, introduced the next item. Simple Ideas for Going Green City staff presenting this item: Deborah Mazoyer, Assistant Deputy City Manager and Stuart Kent, Interim Deputy City Manager Ms. Deborah Mazoyer, Assistant Deputy City Manager, provided a brief summary. She explained there were a variety of green programs and resources available to Glendale residents at www.glendaleaz.com/green. Additionally, the city recently began airing a new television program called Project Green, which helps citizens practice sustainability. Also, the city's Water Conservation Office has expanded programming using two federal grants. She asked for any questions. Councilmember Clark stated it was clear the city could not offer any incentives at this time; however, would like citizens to know what other entities are offering as incentives. Mr. Stuart Kent, Interim Deputy City Manager, stated there were numerous opportunities to consider depending upon the provider. He encouraged citizens to contact their service providers. He indicated there were links to those providers on Glendale's Green Website. Councilmember Clark remarked that even though Glendale cannot offer any financial incentives at this time, they are directing citizens to financial incentives. Mr. Kent agreed. Councilmember Clark asked for clarification on what is meant by "Distribution of free energy conserving devices for Glendale residents" as stated on the memo. Mr. Kent explained that the energy conserving devices involve an opportunity received through a federal grant. The grant helps residents with updating their thermostat to save water with controllers. Councilmember Clark asked if this program applied to any resident. Mr. Kent replied yes. Councilmember Clark asked who should be contacted for this program. Mr. Kent replied that residents should contact the Environmental Resources Department. Councilmember Clark asked for clarification on a new program called "Watt Watchers". Ms. Mazoyer explained this program targets school aged children and educates them on energy savings and how to reduce their footprint at home. Councilmember Clark asked staff to discuss other programs Glendale was working on for going green, such as green living classes. Ms. Mazoyer explained those classes were for adults and include landscaping, composting,planting and water efficiency. 5 Councilmember Clark inquired about the new Smart Landscape Exhibit. Mr. Kent explained the Smart Landscape Exhibit is located at the Main Library in Glendale. He stated this will enhance the existing Xeriscape Garden and will educate the public about sustainable landscape practices to improve water and energy efficiency. Vice Mayor Frate commented on a letter he received from APS regarding a new solar hot water program. He stated anyone interested in this program should go to the APS website for more information. He added that APS has funds available for that project. Councilmember Knaack remarked that the City of Glendale does a fabulous job of being sustainable. She noted the Sustainability Committee receives a report every month on what the city was doing and accomplishing. She commended staff for all their hard work on this item. NEW COUNCIL ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Mayor Scruggs called for the any new items. Councilmember Clark stated she has not given up on the prescription discount cards. She read a news article regarding Phoenix's discount prescription card program aimed at reducing medical cost for the uninsured, while at the same time raising revenue for the city's budget. She read the requirements of the card. She stated Phoenix will receive $1.00 from each transaction conducted with these cards. She noted that no city dollars are being expended for this program. She hopes staff is willing to look further into the prescription discount card program to see if this could work in Glendale. Councilmember Clark stated her second item regarded planning. She would like to receive traffic impact information on the nearest arterial streets to new projects. She believes that kind of information is important to the Council. She noted it would be helpful to know the capacity of homes in a subdivision because of the impact on the fire and police departments. Additionally, she would like information on how developing projects impact existing infrastructure such as water and sewer delivery. She remarked that this type of information should be included in the narrative material developed and presented by the developer of the project. Mayor Scruggs commented that Councilmember Clark had given staff direction on an item that is not an Item of Special Interest. She asked Mr. Beasley for guidance. Mr. Beasley agreed with Mayor Scruggs that this was not an Item of Special Interest. He explained the city does not develop a project unless traffic studies are done. He stated he will be happy to include that information in their packet as well as briefing Council on any project, if the Council provides that direction. He added the city was also working on an innovative idea regarding prescription discount cards. Mayor Scruggs asked staff to bring this information back for the next Council Items of Special interest. Mr. Beasley explained they can provide Councilmember Clark's planning information in the next couple of weeks instead of waiting until the next meeting. 6 Councilmember Clark remarked she does not remember ever reading material on how traffic affects the level of service on arterial streets or intersections in a project narrative. Mr. Beasley explained they complete those analyses on every project; however, they might not always be included in their report. He indicated staff has no problem including that additional information. However, he wants to make clear that those analyses always take place before any residential component is developed. Councilmember Clark noted that the analysis might take place; however, they are not always shared. She explained that things cost a lot these days which requires Council become well informed about new projects and their impact on communities. Mr. Beasley reiterated the information was there and is done through impact fee studies. As no there was no further business, Mayor Scruggs adjourned the meeting ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m. 7