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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 2/1/2012 Meeting Minutes CITY OF GLENDALE CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMISSION ON NEIGHBORHOODS Glendale City Hall — Room B-3 Wednesday, February 1, 2012 6:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Vickie Loya - Chair Barbara Cole - Vice Chair Sharon Brown Matthew Versluis John Geurs Alfred Dixon Rebecca Ontiveros Manuel Cruz Sharon Sprague JoAnn Caufield Jonathan Larkin MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Matt Cohrs, Neighborhood Partnership Administrator Angie Wilkie, Neighborhood Services Coordinator I. Call to Order Chair Loya called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. Roll Call Chair Loya conducted roll call and noted all commissioners were present. III. Approval of Minutes — January 4, 2012 Commissioner Cruz motioned to approve the January 4, 2012 meeting minutes as written. Commissioner Dixon made the second. The motion passed 11 - 0. IV. Business from the Floor None. V. Review of Neighborhood Capacity Grant Applications 1. Vineyard Church and Blue Sky Mobile Home Park: Mr. Cohrs introduced Pastor Dave Johnson and Mr. Jim Sumney, both of the Vineyard Church. Mr. Cohrs announced that this grant request was for $2,500. Pastor Johnson described the project which the grant funds will be used for and the highlights included the following: • The Vineyard Church will hold a "Serve Day" event on February 25, 2012. • This is an outreach to four homes in the Blue Sky Mobile Home Park. • The homes will be painted and the grant funds will be used for the paint and all painting supplies. • Furthermore, the Vineyard Church will distribute 9-volt batteries to the residents (the funds will pay for these batteries as well), for fire awareness and to ensure they have working smoke detectors. Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Meeting -Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 2 of 6 • Lastly, there will be a lunch for the residents and the volunteers on site. The lunch will be provided by the church outside of the grant request. Pastor Johnson stated that the church has already done an outreach event in the community and initially some residents were hesitant to participate. However, once the residents saw the results of the neighborhood project, the residents became more interested in responding to the outreach. Commissioner Cole asked if any of the funds would go to the church. Pastor Johnson replied in the negative and stated that all funds will be used for the paint, supplies and batteries for Blue Sky Mobile Home Park. Commissioner Cruz asked if the lunch could have been included in the grant request as long as the total was still under $2500. Mr. Cohrs replied in the positive, but stated that the church will be providing lunch from the church funds. Pastor Johnson noted that for past community projects, the church has paid for all paint and supplies and the Vineyard Church is very pleased to be able to partner with the city and hopefully receive grant funds. Commissioner Dixon felt that $950 for 9-volt batteries was a high cost. Pastor Johnson stated that the batteries cost approximately $7 and ninety batteries would be purchased. Commissioner Cole commented that she attended the last outreach in the Blue Sky Mobile Home Park and it was a great experience. Pastor Johnson noted that approximately 100 residents attended the last outreach and the goal for this outreach is 150 residents. Commissioner Geurs wondered if the residents would actually replace the batteries in the smoke detectors even if they were given free of charge. Commissioner Geurs wondered if volunteers could offer to replace the batteries for the residents. Mr. Sumney stated that due to the liability, this could not be done. Mr. Cohrs interjected that at the event, there might be an opportunity to connect neighbors who could help install the batteries for those who need assistance. Commissioner Ontiveros motioned to approve the $2500 grant application for Vineyard Church and Blue Sky Mobile Home Park. Commissioner Larkin made the second. The motion passed 11 - 0. 2. Trends 84 HOA: Mr. Cohrs introduced Mr. Jack Zatz and Mr. Gene Bouzek, who were in attendance to present the grant request from Trends 84 HOA. Mr. Cohrs announced that this grant request was for $2,473.16. Mr. Zatz thanked the Commission for the opportunity to present the grant application and provided the following information: • The HOA is basically located at 43rd Avenue and Glendale. • There are 198 units in the complex. • The HOA is looking to improve the overall appeal of the community. • Recently, there have been a lot of foreclosures in the HOA which has made a big impact on the community since the foreclosed units have not been properly maintained. • The HOA has never had an entryway monument and the community is requesting the grant funds to be used for this purpose. Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Meeting -Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 3 of 6 • There are 28 buildings in the complex and the HOA had to replace all of the roofs due to the hailstorm. • The HOA recently paved all of the roads in the community without grant assistance. • The HOA had to repair some carports in the complex. • The HOA has been spending funds on sprinkler and irrigation repair. • As described, the HOA has been working hard to maintain and improve the community and is coming to the Commission now for some assistance to construct an entryway monument. Mr. Bouzek showed a design of the proposed entryway monument. Commissioner Ontiveros asked for and received clarification regarding the location of the HOA. Commissioner Ontiveros agreed that the location would be better identified with an entryway monument. Commissioner Sprague inquired about the origin of the cash donations. Mr. Bouzek explained that this was from the HOA budget. Mr. Bouzek commented that the grant request did not include funds for the permits for the project. Mr. Cohrs stated that the $250 cost of the permit is one form of a cash match by the HOA. Mr. Cohrs stated that the HOA meets regularly, has community events and is a very engaged neighborhood. Commissioner Geurs inquired as to the timeframe for the project. Mr. Zatz replied that the project would begin as soon as possible. Commissioner Geurs inquired if there were any landscaping to be placed around the monument. Mr. Bouzek stated that there would be bougainvillea and cacti placed around the monument. Commissioner Cole asked if the homeowners would perform any sweat equity. Mr. Bouzek explained that this project really did not call for much in the way of labor, but the Board members would pitch in where necessary. Mr. Cohrs added that there could be a possible volunteer project for the HOA residents which would involve clean up of the vacant lot next to the complex. Commissioner Larkin inquired about the contractor for the project. Mr. Zatz stated that other bids were received, but the chosen contractor has a proven track record and was the best company for the price and project. Commissioner Brown motioned to approve the $2,473.16 grant application for Trends 84 HOA. Commissioner Dixon made the second. The motion passed 11 - 0. VI. New Discount Prescription Card Program Mr. Cohrs announced that the City of Glendale issued a "Request for Proposals" (RFP) in September 2011 to find a qualified vendor to implement and manage a discount drug card program in the city. Financial Marketing Concepts, Inc. was selected which currently manages a discount card program known as the Coast2Coast RX Card program for 142 county and city governments nationally, including Phoenix. Mr. Cohrs stated that Glendale residents can save up to 75% on prescription medications with the use of this card at 44 participating pharmacies throughout the city. Furthermore, the card can be used even when a card holder is traveling out of Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Meeting -Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 4 of 6 town. The program also provides discounts for dental, vision, hearing and lab and imaging tests. Mr. Cohrs noted that for each prescription filled using a Glendale prescription card, the city will receive $1.25. Mr. Cohrs stated that once the program is implemented, it is estimated that the city will receive $3,000 a month in revenues. Mr. Cohrs stated that the company has a website which provides various information on the program, as well as the prescriptions that are covered. Mr. Cohrs commented that staff is rolling out the advertising for the program and information will be placed in city buildings such as the Glendale Adult Center, City Hall, libraries, parks and recreation facilities and CAP offices. Commissioner Cole asked if a person's insurance would be utilized first and then the card discount would be applied. Commissioner Larkin explained that some pharmacies would either utilize the primary insurance or the discount card, not both, however, other pharmacies might see if both coverages could be applied. Mr. Cohrs noted that the discount card does state that the card cannot be used in conjunction with primary insurance. Commissioner Cole wondered if the discount card could be used for mail-in prescriptions. Mr. Cohrs stated that the discount card company would have to be contacted for specifics regarding mail-in prescriptions. Commissioner Brown asked if one discount card could be used per family or if it was per individual. Mr. Cohrs replied that the card could be used per family. Mr. Cohrs distributed discount cards to the Commission and held up one of the display stands that would be used in various locations to exhibit the discount cards. Mr. Cohrs stated that there will also be posters advertising the program in local pharmacies. Commission Caufield asked if there were income limitations on the use of the card. Mr. Cohrs replied in the negative. Commissioner Geurs inquired as to who was funding the discount card. Mr. Cohrs stated that the insurance companies have agreements in place with the pharmacy chains and the pharmaceutical companies. Mr. Cohrs explained that if the uninsured or underinsured cannot afford a prescription, they will not purchase the medicine and thus will not be treated, potentially costing the insurance company more money in treatment costs. Therefore, with the discount card, the insurance company may save money in the long-term and the pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies are receiving some profit, even if it is reduced. Commissioner Dixon asked if over-the-counter drugs were covered and Mr. Cohrs replied that only prescription drugs were covered. Commissioner Larkin inquired as to the length of the contract between the city and Financial Marketing Concepts, Inc. Mr. Cohrs stated that it was a five-year contract which is fairly standard. Commissioner Cole inquired as to where the funds the city receives from the program will go. Mr. Cohrs explained that all funds received will go into the General Fund. Mr. Cohrs stated that this program is a win-win for all involved. Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Meeting -Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 5 of 6 VII. Serve Day Planning Update Ms. Wilkie provided a presentation on Serve Day, which included the following information: • Serve Day will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012. • There will be up to 700 volunteers working on this day. • A great deal of planning takes place in order to make sure everything runs smoothly. • Projects are determined and staff matches partner organizations up to the different projects. • Typical Serve Day projects include neighborhood clean-ups, park clean-ups, exterior home painting, yard clean-ups and basic home repair. • Serve Day events also focus on adopted neighborhood projects. The following are organizations that will be completed projects in their adopted neighborhoods: Community Church of Joy in the Heart of Glendale Neighborhood, Vineyard Church in the Blue Sky Mobile Home Park, Faith Bible Church in Granada Estates and Christ's Church of the Valley in Casa Compana. • Any homeowners receiving assistance on Serve Day must complete an application and waiver in order to become a part of the service projects. • All Commissioners are encouraged to participate in Serve Day. Mr. Cohrs stated that a staff member serves the role of project leader in order to ensure the project is running smoothly, tasks are completed timely and the project is wrapped up promptly. Mr. Cohrs commented that Serve Day is a great event that brings communities together and is very rewarding for all participants. VIII. Commission Work Groups Mr. Cohrs announced that the Work Groups will begin meeting soon and he will send out an email to all Commissioners to schedule meeting dates. IX. Staff Updates and Commission.Items of Interest Mr. Cohrs presented a summary of key Neighborhood Partnership Office activities for January 2012: Neighborhood Outreach • The Neighborhood Partnership Office received two new neighborhood registrations in January 2012: Sahuaro Park West Neighborhood Association and the Skyview Neighborhood Association. • Staff edited, printed and distributed 55 newsletters/flyers in January for the Skyview Neighborhood Association in the Yucca District. • Staff did not attend any neighborhood meetings in January. Community Mediation During the month of January 2012: • 25 new mediation cases were received • 39 total cases were active • 6 cases were resolved with mediation services • A majority of the 39 cases relate to barking dog issues. Community Education • The Glendale University "101"Spring 2012 Semester: Classes will start on March 12, 2012. Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Meeting -Minutes February 1, 2012 Page 6 of 6 • HOA Academy: The Winter 2012 HOA Academy started on January 24 and will be held on Tuesdays and Saturdays for the next four weeks. Twenty-five students are registered. • GU Graduate Course: Staff is working with Emergency Management to reschedule the class that was postponed in December. Ms. Wilkie discussed the Community Volunteer Program: • Volunteers from Larkspur Christian Church completed their quarterly Adopt-a- Street clean-up projects. • Twenty students from Oklahoma State, who were visiting for the Fiesta Bowl, organized a service project and came to Sahuaro Ranch Park to glean fruit for three hours. Two news channels were on hand to film the project. • More than 250 volunteers participated in the January 14, 2012 MLK Day of Service and picked 20,000 pounds of grapefruit in three hours. • The Staff at Midwestern University volunteered their time to pick oranges and grapefruits at Sahuaro Ranch Park. All of the citrus that was picked in January was donated to the St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance. Commissioner Brown enjoyed the meeting. Commissioner Dixon felt that meeting was very productive. Commissioner Cruz enjoyed the grant presentations and giving back to the neighborhoods via the grant approvals. Commissioner Cole was looking forward to attending the projects in the neighborhoods during Serve Day. Commissioner Versluis felt the meeting was very good. Commissioner Sprague praised the implementation of the prescription discount card. Commissioner Geurs wondered if the Fire Department could get involved with the installation of smoke detector batteries for homeowners who were unable to install the batteries. Ms. Wilkie stated that she has talked with the Fire Department. At the end of March, the Department does have a project planned whereby one mobile home park will be chosen and cadets or firemen will install smoke detectors and/or batteries in the residences. X. Adjournment Commissioner Cruz motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Commissioner Sprague made the second. The motion passed 11 - 0. Respectfully Submitted, Denise Kazmie`r ak ,- Recording S4 tary rf