HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 1/11/2011 r A,
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MINUTES OF THE
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
2011 INSTALLATION CEREMONY
Council Chambers,5850 West Glendale Avenue
January 11,2011
7:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs, with Vice Mayor
Steven E. Frate and the following Councilmembers present: Joyce V. Clark, Yvonne J.
Knaack, H. Philip Lieberman, Manuel D. Martinez and Councilmember-Elect Norma S.
Alvarez.
Also present were Ed Beasley, City Manager; Horatio Skeete, Assistant City
Manager; Craig Tindall, City Attorney; Pamela Hanna, City Clerk.
The "Presentation of Colors" was performed by The Luke Air Force Base, Honor
Guard.
The "National Anthem" was performed by Staff Sgt. Alisha Pasco, Luke Air Force
Base. The pledge of allegiance was recited.
Mayor Scruggs presented the following prepared comments:
Good Evening. Welcome to the January 11, 2011 meeting of the Glendale City
Council.
The agenda for tonight's meeting is simple. To administer the oath of office to
three Glendale residents - each elected by residents of the districts in which they
live - to represent all residents of the city of Glendale.
Their duties are the same as voted upon in 1957 when Glendale residents
approved the government of the city of Glendale as a Home Rule city. "All
powers of the city, not in conflict with the constitution and subject to the
limitations of this charter, shall be vested in the council, who shall enact
appropriate legislation and do and perform any and all acts and things which may
be necessary and proper to carry out these powers or any of the provisions of
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this charter." It all sounds very dry and bureaucratic when read aloud but when
put into practice in real life is alive, dynamic, and sometimes dangerous. On last
Saturday, January 8, it was very, very dangerous for 20 Arizonans. Please join
me in reflecting for a few moments on the events of last Saturday.
I ask that you think about Dorothy Morris, age 76, married 54 years to her high
school sweetheart, George. Dorothy and George Morris went to
Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford's Congress on the Corner event in Tucson last
Saturday, only to be caught in the line of fire. Dorothy was declared dead on the
scene, and her husband is in critical condition.
I ask that you think about Dorwin Stoddard, age 76. Dorwin Stoddard died while
shielding his wife Mavy from the barrage of bullets in Tucson last Saturday.
Dorwin and Mavy have been active in ministry at their church helping the sick
and homeless. They were at the supermarket last Saturday because Mavy
wanted to tell Congresswoman Giffords she was doing a good job. Mavy was
shot several times in the leg but her beloved husband, Dorwin, did save her life-
while giving up his own.
I ask that you think about Phyllis Schneck, age 79, a widow who spent summers
in New Jersey and winters in Tucson. Phyllis Schneck had recently listened to
Congresswoman Giffords on a conference call and had gone to the Congress on
the Corner event hoping to shake Giffords' hand.
I ask that you think about Christina Greene, age 9. Christina was excited about
the political process. She was a member of the student council at her school and
went to the Congress on the Corner event to learn more about the political
process. Christina Greene's life ended on Saturday, January 8.
I ask that you think about Judge John Roll, federal judge for the District of
Arizona since 1991. Judge Roll began his career as a bailiff in the Pima County
Superior Court. He served as an assistant city attorney for Tucson, a deputy city
attorney for Pima County, and numerous other judicial positions prior to joining
the U. S. Attorney's Office. Judge Roll was a friend and supporter of
Congresswoman Giffords'. He was killed Saturday, January 8 when he stopped
by Congresswoman Giffords' event to say hello.
As you think about these innocent Tucson residents, I ask that you think about
how similar they are to you. You are all here because you know and support one
or more of the members of the Glendale City Council. You are here because you
care about the City of Glendale. You care about the important issues facing
governments everywhere and you want to be part of the process to do what is
right and what is best for the most people. Many of you attend my Community
Conversations and the Councilmembers' District Meetings - which are the same
type of event as Gabrielle Giffords' Congress on the Corner.
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You are not much different from Dorothy Morris, Dorwin Stoddard, Phyllis
Schneck, Christina Greene and John Roll.
I ask that you also think about Gabe Zimmerman, age 30. Gabe was the Director
of Community Outreach for Congresswoman Giffords. He was a master's
degree social worker who handled thousands of constituent matters, from
questions about Medicare to benefits for veterans. Gabe Zimmerman did his job
exceedingly well. Gabe Zimmerman lost his life on Saturday, January 8.
I ask that you think about how many times you have seen City of Glendale staff
members from the Councilmembers' offices and from my office out setting up
tables and chairs, asking people to sign registration sheets, providing assistance
as requested - all on their own time usually in evenings or on weekends. They,
too, are loyal to the City of Glendale and those they represent.
There are countless other staff members who attend the Councilmembers'
District Meetings to present information, answer your questions, hear your
opinions, and help solve problems you may be experiencing.
Our Glendale staff members are no different in what they do than Gabe
Zimmerman. It would be understandable if they now have second thoughts
about whether they feel comfortable being in the situations they are often asked
to be in. Our City Manager, Ed Beasley, will have to carefully consider their
concerns and make decisions in everyone's best interest.
I ask that you consider Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, age 40, who served
us as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 2001 — 2003 and
as a member of the Arizona Senate from 2003 — 2005. At the time of her
Congress on the Corner event last Saturday, Gabby Giffords was serving
Arizona as a member of the U. S. House of Representatives, 8th Congressional
District- an office to which she had been elected in 2007.
Congresswoman Giffords was out doing what you want all elected officials to do -
be accessible to you at times and places convenient for you - be prepared to
hear your concerns and answer your questions - understand and represent you
on issues most important to you.
Today Congresswoman Giffords and 13 other individuals lay injured in hospitals.
Finally, I ask that each of you observe a moment of silence and respect for the
20 individuals whose lives were either taken or forever changed on Saturday,
January 8, 2011, as they tried to participate in our representative form of
government.
Tonight we are gathered to congratulate, support, and encourage three Glendale
citizens who have offered themselves in the service of others. Before I turn this
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program over to our emcee, I want to recognize others who are with us tonight
who have also been elected by you to represent you.
Glendale Vice Mayor and Sahuaro District Councilmember Steve Frate
Councilmember Phil Lieberman elected from Glendale's Cactus District
Councilmember Joyce Clark elected from Glendale's Yucca District
Former Glendale Mayor and retired Justice of the Peace Quentin Tolby
Former Glendale Vice mayor and Glendale Barrel District Councilmember Tom
Eggleston
Former Glendale Elementary School District Governing Board President and
former Glendale Yucca District Councilmember Martin Samaniego
I want to also introduce a man who is not in elected office but who definitely has
dedicated his life to service to us - Brig. Gen. J. D. Harris, Commander of the
56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base.
Public service is a noble profession. We choose it because we believe in public
service. We believe in people. We believe we can help make people's lives
better in various ways.
We must continue to believe - and to be available and accessible. We must do
so with courage and with reasonable caution.
We must use our actions to encourage you to participate in all matters - not just
the ones where you think something might happen that you don't like and we
must all renew and strengthen our commitment to communicate with courtesy
and civility.
This was the end of Mayor Scruggs prepared comments.
Mayor Scruggs invited Ms. Julie Watters to the podium to proceed as the
Mistress of Ceremonies this evening.
Ms. Watters welcomed everyone to the Installation Ceremony for the Glendale
City Councilmembers. She stated this ceremony was part ritual, part tradition and part
celebration. She stated it was a tradition that has taken place over the course of the
country's history, from civic and religious leaders, to those in education and public
safety. She explained that at today's Installation Ceremony, three elected Glendale
officials will be formally sworn into office and bestowed the powers and responsibilities
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outlined in the City Charter. The Councilmembers will be given the opportunity to share
their vision and their priorities for the City of Glendale while they are in office.
OATH OF OFFICE— MANUEL D. MARTINEZ
The Honorable Quentin V. Tolby, Judge Pro-Tempore, Maricopa County Justice
Courts, Administered the Oath of Office to Manuel D. Martinez, Councilmember Cholla
District.
Councilmember Martinez thanked everyone for attending tonight. He stated after
Mayor Scruggs' eloquent words, his words seem inconsequential. He stated he was
excited and honored, even if this was his fifth time taking the Oath of Office. He noted
he wanted to thank the 5,252 Cholla residents who made this possible.
Councilmember Martinez thanked his wife Mary, his bed-rock, his sons David
and Manny Jr. as well as the rest of his family, friends, volunteers and campaign
donors. He thanked Judge Tolby for once again taking the time to administer the oath.
Councilmember Martinez stated he has been fortunate to have served in the
Glendale City Council during the good times and what he considers to be the most
exciting period in the city's history. He realizes no one is indispensible, but he chose to
run because he did not want to leave when times were not so good.
Councilmember Martinez noted that they face many challenges but there were
three issues he would like to touch-on, which were very important. The first one was
the arena and the Coyotes, second the budget, and third the Tohono O'odham Tribe
application to place 135 acres of land on 91st and Glendale Avenues in trust with the
Department of Interior to create a reservation with the intent to build a casino. The
application was later amended to 54 acres. He noted he will not go into much detail;
however, would like to touch on these three issues.
Councilmember Martinez stated that with respect to the arena and Coyotes, the
Council adopted ordinances on December 14th, approving the arena lease and
management agreement, a use and non-relocation agreement, an acquisition of parking
rights and revenues and authorizing the sale of municipal property corporation excise
tax revenue bonds. He noted in his heart, he knows this was the right decision.
Councilmember Martinez stated one of his favorite quotes was from Theodore
Hesburg, former president of The University of Notre Dame who said, "My basic
principal is that you don't make decisions because they are easy, you don't make them
because they are popular, you don't make them because they are cheap, you make
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them because they're right." He remarked he firmly believes the Council made the right
decision.
Councilmember Martinez said, with respect to the budget, their budget for fiscal
year 08/09 was $925 million and two years later, it is now $676 million, a decrease of
$249 million. However, with good planning and sacrificing by a lot of folks, the City
Manager, Staff and the Innovation Team, having done a great job with less, as well as
employees volunteering to go on 13 day furloughs and this year having to take
involuntary furloughs with a 5% cut, they have managed well.
Councilmember Martinez also acknowledged the sacrifice of the police officers
and fire fighters. He stated the next budget will be coming up very soon. He noted it
will be difficult, but he thinks manageable. He remarked a big concern was that given
the enormous state budget deficit, if state revenues were decreased, it will pose a
serious problem.
Councilmember Martinez stated, in respect to the O'odham Tribe application, on
April 7th 2010, the City Council passed Resolution 4246, opposing the creation of an
Indian Reservation on a parcel within the Glendale municipal planning area. He stated
in July 2010, the Department of Interior approved the Tribe's application to take 42
acres into trust and in September 2010, the City of Glendale sued the Department of
Interior's decision. He noted if this application is not overturned in the courts, this would
mean a sovereign nation coming into the City of Glendale can build anything they want,
including a casino. They would pay no state, county or city taxes. He noted there
would be millions of dollars in costs to Glendale residents, and the private sector which
has invested millions of dollars in Westgate and surrounding areas would be at a severe
competitive disadvantage.
Councilmember Martinez stated the Gila River Indian Tribe has also filed a suit
against the application. He stated Governor Brewer, Congressman Franks, Senators
Kyl and McCain, as well as several legislators were also opposed. He noted Mr. William
R. Rhodes, Gila River Indian Communities Governor, summed this up in one sentence.
He quoted, "We believe that the Tohono O'odham's Nation, with the assistance of the
federal government, has disrespected the rule of law, the balance so carefully struck
among Indian gaming tribes, our community, Glendale, and every Arizonan."
Councilmember Martinez stated in regard to the economy, it was still down, but
there are some positives to talk about. He acknowledged new firms like Humana, a
Fortune 500 Company, which opened an office in Westgate, as did Devry University.
He added the U.S. Marshall's Office and an Assistant Living Center also located in
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Glendale as well as others. He stated a remarkable statistic he heard from staff was
that Glendale filled more than one million square feet of industrial and office space last
year. In addition, business expansion has added hundreds of jobs, including Arrowhead
Hospital, Banner Thunderbird Hospital, Coca Cola and Conair.
He added that Midwestern University, in the past year, completed a $150 million
expansion that included a dental and optometry clinic. Councilmember Martinez stated
when they first opened in 1996, they had a staff of 19 and 144 students; today they
have 29 buildings, over 500 in staff and over 2,400 students, as well as being the
largest medical school in the state.
Councilmember Martinez stated he was proud of the many achievements of the
Council especially in dealing with these tough economic times with minimal impact to
services and the avoidance of massive layoffs.
Councilmember Martinez acknowledge his colleagues, staff, especially City
Manager, Mr. Beasley, Assistant City Manager Mr. Skeete, City Attorney, Mr. Tindall,
City Manager, Mr. Colson, and Financial Advisor, Mr. Lynch. He also acknowledged the
good work done by their City Judge, Ms. Elizabeth Finn and City Clerk, Ms. Pam
Hanna.
Councilmember Martinez recognized the contributions of Councilmember Goulet
and congratulated Mrs. Alvarez on her election. He looks forward to working with her
for a better Glendale.
Councilmember Martinez closed his speech by stating he was the eternal
optimist. He noted his pledge was to work as hard as ever, to provide the best quality of
life for all the citizens of Glendale. He thanked everyone once again for attending.
OATH OF OFFICE —YVONNE J. KNAACK
The Honorable Elizabeth Finn, Presiding City Judge, Glendale City Court,
Administered the Oath of Office to Yvonne J. Knaack, Councilmember Barrel District.
Councilmember Knaack welcomed everyone to City Hall. She said it was
wonderful to see so many people here.
Councilmember Knaack stated after the tragedy Saturday in Tucson, she did not
really feel like giving a speech or celebrating, but she was sure Congresswomen
Giffords' would say "get on with it" so she would like this opportunity to publicly
acknowledge the people who have supported her and Glendale.
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Councilmember Knaack first thanked her family. She thanked her husband
David, in attendance tonight. She thanked her daughters, Seanna, Jessica and Kali,
her stepdaughter Kathy who supported her from Texas with her husband, Matt and
granddaughter Charley. She thanked her 91 year old mother who is watching on
Channel 11. She thanked her brother, Gary, his wife JoDee, her nephews and niece,
her father-in-law, Don Knaack and all the Knaack family. She thanked her
grandchildren, Zachary, Devin and Kaydance. She thanked her office staff both at State
Farm and Council Office. She also thanked the many longtime friends she has here.
She stated she was truly blessed.
Councilmember Knaack stated that the last four years have brought some
significant decisions in the city and she acknowledged her fellow Councilmembers,
including Councilmember Goulet and especially Mayor Elaine Scruggs for being so
conscientious in leading the City of Glendale. She indicated the city was respected
worldwide.
Next, she applauded city staff from management to each department. These
were the most incredibly talented, hardworking and innovative people, you could ever
wish to have taking care of business. They initiated a program called Innovate that has
saved the city a lot of time and money and has allowed employees to be a part of the
solution of keeping the city running at the highest level in these tough economic times.
She stated they were a customer service organization and should be proud of what has
been accomplished; no one does it better than their police and fire departments. She
thanked Chief Conrad and Chief Burdick for their support and leadership.
Councilmember Knaack noted their neighborhoods were top priority. Her goal is
to support the health and safety of their residents. She stated the residents and
volunteers are the real assets of the city. She stated many of them are on the 19
Boards and Commissions that help the Council make appropriate decisions affecting
them all. She noted their other assets were their non-profit organizations. She stated
she was involved with the Kiwanis Club of Glendale, The Salvation Army, The
Glendale/Peoria YMCA, The YWCA and the Glendale Family Development Center.
She also acknowledged the Rotary Clubs, The Soroptomists, The Lions, The Glendale
Historical Society, Glendale Women's Club and The Glendale Civic Pride Ambassadors.
She noted all of these organizations make Glendale a better place to live. She added
she would be remiss if she did not thank their Veteran Organizations, The American
Legion, The Disabled American Veterans and The Veterans of Foreign Wars. She
thanked all the men and women for their service.
Councilmember Knaack stated that as a State Farm agent and property owner
downtown, she supports the Centerline Project and will work diligently to see it comes to
fruition. She acknowledged all the business owners and the Glendale Chamber of
Commerce. She would like to see funding restored to the Visual Improvement Program
and other programs that help small businesses succeed. She also thanked corporate
businesses, and their medical and education communities for their continued support of
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Glendale. The quality of service provided to residents depends on tax revenue,
employment and investments from these entities.
Councilmember Knaack noted that as Chairman of Glendale's Sustainability
Committee, she has been awed by what their staff has done to make Glendale socially,
economically and environmentally sustainable in the future.
Councilmember Knaack stated she has lived in the West Valley for 50 years and
knows the future for this region is unlimited. She remarked that they will work in
partnership with all cities to support economic growth, protect Luke AFB and to support
the State of Arizona.
Councilmember Knaack stated she was proud to represent the Barrel District,
which is one of six districts in Glendale. She noted it did not matter if you lived in or
represented the Cholla, Sahuaro, Barrel, Ocotillo, Cactus or the Yucca Districts, they
were all Glendalians and will work together for the greater good of the entire city. They
will not let anything or anyone diminish the greatness of this city, this state or this
country. She once again thanked everyone.
OATH OF OFFICE— NORMA S. ALVAREZ
The Honorable Manual Delgado, Jr., Court Hearing Officer, Glendale City Court,
Administered the Oath of Office to Norma S. Alvarez, Councilmember-Elect Ocotillo
District.
Esta noche esta dedicada a mis padres, Alfredo Silva que fallecio en Junio, 1983
y Maria Silva que esta aqui presente.
Councilmember Alvarez stated she dedicated today to her parents. She thanked
them for making her into the person she is and the Councilmember she intends to be.
Councilmember Alvarez said it's been said that a thankful heart was the parent of
all virtues. So first and foremost, she was thankful for the many blessings, family, and
friends with which God has showered her.
Councilmember Alvarez stated she was also thankful for her husband Fernando.
(Gracias por to apoyo y paciencia).
Councilmember Alvarez stated she was thankful for her sons, Fernando Jr. and
Jeffrey, and for her grandchildren, Gabriella, Ariel, Noah and Jason.
Councilmember Alvarez stated she was also thankful for her brothers and sisters,
Emerita, Paul, Lupe, Joe, Alfredo Jr., Libby, Frank, Ramiro, Protacio, Katy, Becky as
well as very thankful for her friends, volunteers, and supporters. She stated all of them
made the difference between losing and winning the election.
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Councilmember Alvarez noted all of their suggestions were valued and
appreciated, but added after hotdog cookouts in every neighborhood, she never wants
to eat another hotdog again.
Councilmember Alvarez was often asked "who ran my campaign?" Her answer
was always Team Alvarez.
Councilmember Alvarez said she owed much gratitude to her consulting team.
Their support was her source of strength and motivation to get through the campaign.
Councilmember Alvarez said they did not have the power of money, but they had
the power of the people! She thanked the residents of Ocotillo District for their trust and
faith.
Councilmember Alvarez stated that many viewed the diversity of the Ocotillo
District as a weakness; however she disagrees. She views their diversity as their
strength. She stated that during this election, she broke bread with individuals from
every race, color, religion and political belief, young and old, poor and wealthy, skeptics
and believers.
The residents of the Ocotillo District are some of the most dynamic, powerful and
careful individuals in their city. From the downtown small business owners who work
hard each day to make Glendale a special place to'shop, dine or visit, to the single
moms doing their best to keep their family afloat, to educators who have spent their
lives and careers caring about the future success of their children.
Councilmember Alvarez stated she loves her district, and believes in the power
of its people and its neighborhoods.
Ocotillo District residents are no different than any other. They want and deserve
clean and safe neighborhoods. She remarked that it was why she will not tolerate any
negative attitude because residents are listening to what they say and do.
Councilmember Alvarez stated she looks forward to working with the Mayor and
Council to build a stronger community. She looks forward to working with Ed Beasley
and staff to maintain and improve the quality of life of their residents and also provide
the excellent customer service for which Glendale is known.
Councilmember Alvarez stated as a child growing up in Glendale, she
experienced discrimination and hardships on a daily basis. Through these experiences,
she learned the importance of family, of caring for others and organizing to make a
difference.
Councilmember Alvarez noted it was her parents who taught her how to stand up
for what she believed in. Her parents instilled in her the value that you must first serve
others before you can lead them.
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Councilmember Alvarez stated that after 30 years of serving others as a city
employee assisting those who have fallen on difficult times...after a lifetime of serving
the community through the partnerships with schools, neighborhood organizations, non-
profits, churches and families.... after serving on numerous boards and committees
over the last three decades.... she was more than ready to serve the residents of
Glendale in the leadership role as Councilmember for the Ocotillo District.
Councilmember Alvarez blessed and thanked everyone attending tonight. She
also acknowledged several people by name in the audience who helped in the Ocotillo
District and have made a huge difference.
Ms. Watters asked for a round of applause for the newly-inducted Council and
invited all the Councilmembers to the podium for the official group photo.
Mayor Scruggs stated the ceremony had come to a close and thanked everyone
for attending tonight. She invited back Staff Sgt. Alisha Pasco, Luke Air Force Base, to
lead them with the closing hymn.
The meeting ended with "America, the Beautiful" performed by Staff Sgt. Alisha
Pasco, Luke Air Force Base.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
' amela Hanna — City Clerk
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