HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 2/28/2012 '1
GLE E
MINUTES OF THE
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
5850 West Glendale Avenue
February 28,2012
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: Norma S. Alvarez, Joyce V. Clark, Yvonne J.
Knaack, H. Philip Lieberman and Manuel D. Martinez.
Also present were Ed Beasley, City Manager; Horatio Skeete, Assistant City Manager; Craig
Tindall, City Attorney; and Pamela Hanna, City Clerk.
Mayor Scruggs called for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence was observed.
COMPLIANCE WITH ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6(c) OF THE GLENDALE CHARTER
A statement was filed by the City Clerk that the 5 resolutions to be considered at the meeting
were available for public examination and the title posted at City Hall more than 72 hours in
advance of the meeting.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 14, 2012 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
It was moved by Martinez, and seconded by Knaack, to dispense with the reading of the
minutes of the February 14, 2012 Regular City Council meeting, as each member of the
Council had been provided copies in advance, and approve them with corrections. The
motion carried unanimously.
BOARDS,COMMISSIONS AND OTHER BODIES
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND OTHER BODIES
This is a request for City Council to approve the recommended appointments to the following
boards, commissions and other bodies that have a vacancy or expired term and for the Mayor to
administer the Oath of Office to those appointees in attendance.
Board of Adjustment
Jeff Blake—Chair Mayoral Appointment 02/28/2012 06/30/2012
Cathy Cheshier—Vice Chair Cholla Appointment 02/28/2012 06/30/2012
Citizens Bicycle Advisory Committee
Garrett Simpson!Vice Chair Barrel Reappointment 03/05/2012 03/05/2013
Commission on Persons with Disabilities
Joan Brainard Pinson Barrel Reappointment 02/28/2012 02/27/2014
Karin Kellas Barrel Reappointment 02/28/2012 02/27/2014
Shirley Galvez—Chair Yucca Appointment 02/28/2012 02/26/2013
Raymond Yaeggi 1-Vice Chair Cactus Appointment 02/28/2012 03/22/2013
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Robert Portillo—Vice Chair Yucca Appointment 02/28/2012 02/26/2013
The recommendation is to make appointments to the boards, commissions and other bodies and
administer the Oaths of Office.
It was moved by Clark, and seconded by Frate, to appoint Jeff Blake and Cathy Cheshier
to the Board of Adjustment; Garrett Simpson to the Citizens Bicycle Advisory Committee;
Joan Brainard Plinson, Karin Kellas, Shirley Galvez and Raymond Yaeggi to the
Commission on Persons with Disabilities; and Robert Portillo to the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Commission, for the terms listed above. The motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Scruggs called the appointees in attendance forward and issued the oath of office.
CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the consent agenda are of a routine nature or have been previously studied by the
City Council at a work session. They are intended to be acted upon in one motion.
Vice Mayor Frate asked that item number 1 be heard separately.
1. LIQUOR LICENSE NO. 5-3457, CIRCLE K STORE#3441
This item was heard after the consent items.
CONSENT RESOLUTIONS
2. TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT GRANT
This is a request for City Council to adopt a resolution authorizing the application for, and
acceptance of, a 20112 Transportation Enhancement grant from the Arizona Department of
Transportation (ADOT). Grant funds will be used to design and construct a one-quarter-mile
segment of the multi use pathway along New River.
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Transportation Enhancement is a federal program that provides funding for design and
construction of pedestrian and bike trails. ADOT administers this federal program and requires a
resolution from the applicant city to ensure that, if approved, the city will be responsible for the
matching funds, design and construction of the project in a timely manner.
Upon Council approval, a Transportation Enhancement grant application will be submitted to
ADOT in order to secure funding for design and construction of a one-quarter-mile segment of
the multi-use pathway in the area of 75th Avenue and Hillcrest Boulevard. This missing segment
will connect two existing multi-use pathways on the east bank of New River, and will complete
Glendale's portion of the New River Pathway. In addition to the concrete pathway, two bridges
will be constructed over existing drainage canals at either end of this segment, and an at-grade
connection to Hillcrest Boulevard will complete the path.
This project will allow expanded use of planned and existing New River multi-use pathways in
Glendale, and provide continuity of pathways throughout the West Valley and central Phoenix.
This project is included in the Glendale Onboard Transportation Program and the Glendale
Transportation Pla . If selected for Transportation Enhancement funding, project-specific
informational public meetings will be held for the citizens and businesses in the area.
The grant request totals $745,201. There is a $45,044 financial match required. Funds for the
financial match and ongoing maintenance will be funded in the GO Transportation Program.
Grants Capital Expense One-Time Cost Budgeted Unbudgeted Total
X $745,201
Account Name, Fund,Account and Line Item Number:
A specific project account will be established in Fund 1650, the Transportation Services grant
fund, once the grant agreement is formally executed.
The recommendation is to waive reading beyond the title and adopt a resolution authorizing the
application for, and acceptance of, a 2012 Transportation Enhancement Grant from the Arizona
Department of Transportation to design and construct a one-quarter-mile segment of the multi-
use pathway along New River.
Resolution No. 4546 New Series was read by number and title only, it being A
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, MARICOPA
COUNTY, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF
A TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT GRANT FROM THE ARIZONA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DESIGN AND BUILD A MULTI-USE
PATHWAY ON THE EAST BANK OF NEW RIVER NORTH OF HILLCREST
BOULEVARD.
3. INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH SALT RIVER PROJECT FOR
ELECTRICAL SERVICE AT 67TH AND MARYLAND AVENUES
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This is a request for City Council to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into
an intergovernmental agreement with Salt River Project (SRP) in the amount of$2,650 for the
design, construction and installation of electrical facilities that provide power to the traffic signal
controller at the intersection of 67th and Maryland Avenues.
During recent capital improvement projects on 67th Avenue from Camelback Road to Grand
Avenue, SRP overhead power distribution lines and facilities were relocated underground to
accommodate road improvements. The relocation of these facilities has provided the opportunity
to uprade the existing electrical service to power the traffic signal controller at the intersection
of 67t and Maryland Avenues. The minimum design fee charged by SRP is $2,650;the scope of
this project falls within that fee structure.
Funding is available in the FY 2011-12 capital improvement plan. There are no additional
operations and maintenance expenses associated with this project.
Grants Capital Expense One-Time Cost Budgeted Unbudgeted Total
X X $2,650
Account Name, Fund,Account and Line Item Number:
67th Avenue—Canielback to Grand, Account No. 2000-68909-550800, $2,650
The recommendation is to waive reading beyond the title and adopt a resolution authorizing the
City Manager to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Salt River Project in the amount
of$2,650 for the design, construction and installation of electrical facilities that provide power to
the traffic signal controller at the intersection of 67th and Maryland Avenues.
Resolution No. 4547 New Series was read by number and title only, it being A
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, MARICOPA
COUNTY, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE ENTERING INTO OF
AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT ENTITLED, "CITY OF GLENDALE
DISTRIBUTION DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT" WITH SALT RIVER
PROJECT AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENT AND POWER DISTRICT FOR A NEW
TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROLLER AT THE INTERSECTION OF 67TH AND
MARYLAND AVENUES.
4. RIGHT-OF-WAY LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH SALT RIVER PROJECT FOR 95TH
AVENUE,NORTH OF MISSOURI AVENUE
This is a request for City Council to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into
a right-of-way license agreement with Salt River Project (SRP) for use of 95th Avenue between
Missouri Avenue and the north property line of the Pendergast West subdivision (approximately
280 feet north of San Miguel Avenue).
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SRP is installing a new irrigation pipeline within 95th Avenue. In order to preserve rights for the
presence of city facilities and continued public use of the road, SRP is granting a right-of-way
license to the city over this segment of 95` Avenue.
The recommendation is to waive reading beyond the title and adopt a resolution authorizing the
City Manager to enter into a right-of-way license agreement with Salt River Project for use of
95t Avenue between Missouri Avenue and the north property line of the Pendergast West
subdivision(approximately 280 feet north of San Miguel Avenue).
Resolution No. 4548 New Series was read by number and title only, it being A
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, MARICOPA
COUNTY, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
RIGHT OF WAY LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH SALT RIVER PROJECT FOR THE
USE OF 95TH AVENUE BETWEEN MISSOURI AVENUE AND THE NORTH LINE OF
THE PENDERGAST WEST SUBDIVISION (APPROXIMATELY 280 FEET NORTH OF
SAN MIGUEL AVENUE) FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES.
It was moved by Frate and seconded by Martinez, to approve the recommended actions on
Consent Agenda Item Nos. 2 through 4, including the approval and adoption of Resolution
No. 4546 New Series, Resolution No. 4547 New Series, and Resolution No. 4548 New Series.
The motion carrietd unanimously.
1. LIQUOR LICENSE NO. 5-3457, CIRCLE K STORE#3441
Susan Matousek, Revenue Administrator, presented this item.
This is a request for City Council to approve a location-to-location transferable series 9 (Liquor
Store - All Liquor) license for Circle K Store #3441 located at 4303 West Glendale Avenue. The
Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control application (No. 09070190) was submitted
by Kim Kenneth Kwiatkowski.
The location of the establishment is 4303 West Glendale Avenue in the Cactus District. The
property is zoned C-3 (Heavy Commercial). The population density within a one-mile radius is
24,403. This series 9 is a location-to location transferrable license, therefore, the approval of this
license will increase the number of liquor licenses in the area by one. The current number of
liquor licenses within a one-mile radius is as listed below.
Series Type Quantity
06 Bar-All Liquor 3
07 Bar-Beer and Wine 1
09 Liquor Store - All Liquor 4
10 Liquor Store - Beer and Wine 9
12 Restaurant 3
Total 20
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The City of Glendale Planning, Police, and Fire Departments have reviewed the application and
determined that it meets all technical requirements.
No public protests were received during the 20-day posting period.
Based on information provided under the background, it is staff's recommendation to forward
this application to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control with a
recommendation of approval.
Vice Mayor Frate inquired why the applicant was asking for a series 9 liquor license when this
was only a conveniece store and not a liquor store. He wondered why they were not asking for a
series 10 which was the normal application for this type of store. He will not vote to support this
with a series 9 liense. Susan Matousek, Revenue Administrator, noted the City of Glendale
currently has 3 Circle K stores with an active series 9 liquor license and 16 with an active series
10 license.
Councilmember Lieberman indicated this store will be in his district replacing an old Denny's
Restaurant that has been vacant for three years. He believes supporting a liquor license at that
location was not a detriment since three other stores that had liquor licenses in that area are now
closed. He supports this item.
Councilmember Knaack noted there were 20 liquor licenses in that one mile radius which seems
like a lot for that stretch of road.
David Cisiewski, representative for Circle K, stated he was available to answer any questions.
Vice Mayor Frate asked Mr. Cisiewski if Circle K will still build the store if they only approve a
series 10 license. Mr. Cisiewski explained the new Circle K Stores are now obtaining the series 9
license across the valley since they offer a small selection of hard liquor which is placed behind
the counter in a rack. He noted Circle K has an ongoing working relationship with the police
department to help them make adjustments on security and other areas regarding liquor safety.
Vice Mayor asked again if Circle K will still build the store if they only approve a series 10
license. Mr. Cisiewski explained the plan was to have a series 9 in order to build this store. He
added the older Circle Kon 43rd and Maryland will be closing to make room for this new store
thus reducing a liquor license in the area. Vice Mayor Frate stated he was glad they were willing
to reinvest in the area but was concerned with the level of liquor license they wanted. He
reiterated his concern of selling hard liquor and also selling gas. Mr. Cisiewski explained they
were trying to provide a consistent product throughout their stores. Therefore, their plan was to
obtain a series 9 liquor licenses for all new stores, not just in Glendale, but Phoenix and all other
cities in the valley for the convenience of their customers. He added this was all in response to
customer demand.
Vice Mayor Frate asked if their competitor Quick Trip also had a series 9 license. Mr. Cisiewski
replied he did not know. Vice Mayor Frate said he did not think so but was also not sure.
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Councilmember Clark stated she wanted to give Circle K kudos for the new facility they built in
her district. She indicated the new facility replaced an older store. She was very pleased with
how clean and well-run the store was. She explained that as long as they were getting rid of old
buildings and replacing them with cleaner, safer, brighter stores, she was fine with whether they
needed a series 10 or 9 license and she will support it. She added that no matter what they
decide, the State Liquor Board will approve it.
Councilmember Lieberman commented on the liquor licenses around the area and believes they
are not flooding the area with new liquor licenses.
Councilmember Martinez wondered what happens to the liquor license for the Circle K on 43rd
and Maryland when it closes. Mr. Cisiewski stated that series 10 licenses essentially goes back
to the state since it was a non-transferable license.
Councilmember Martinez stated he appreciated Vice Mayor Frate's concern; however, this was a
new store that will help the Centerline project. Therefore, he will vote to support it.
Mayor Scruggs said she wanted to ask Mr. Cisiewski a question that's a little bit different. She
heard this conversation about how nice looking the new stores are and how really attractive. Has
Circle K changed their policy of plastering their windows with all the signs about beer and other
things so that you can't see what's going on inside?
Mr. Cisiewski replied yes and added they have worked very closely with the police department
on that matter. He explained the procedure.
Mayor Scruggs asked is it still one person working all the time.
Mr. Cisiewski stated it really depended on the shift hours and store volume.
Mayor Scruggs said she was with friends the other evening and they were just discussing this
very thing. About how Circle K covers all their windows — this is nothing new. There was a
huge article in the Arizona Republic that has to do with more theft from Circle K than anybody
else because of the preference of the company to cover up its windows. So if Circle K was going
to change that in their new stores, she did like those new redesigned stores and they are very
nice, but she would like the word carried back to Circle K and she encouraged them to make
their stores safer regardless of where they are located in Glendale or any city. She would really
appreciate that.
Mr. Cisiewski stated he would.
It was moved by Lieberman and seconded by Clark to forward Liquor License Application
No. 5-3457 for Circle K Store #3441 to the State of Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses
and Control,with the recommendation for approval. The motion carried with Frate voting
nay.
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RESOLUTIONS
5. INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF PEORIA FOR SOLID
WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES
Stuart Kent, Executive Director, Public Works, presented this item.
This is a request for City Council to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into
an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Peoria (Peoria) for solid waste disposal
services.
In an effort to seek new opportunities, the City of Glendale is offering solid waste disposal
services to Peoria through an IGA. The agreement is mutually beneficial to both parties in that it
secures tonnage with guaranteed annual revenue for the Glendale landfill, and it provides Peoria
with an alternate disposal location for greater flexibility and efficiencies while routing solid
waste collection vehicles. Additionally, the proposed annual tonnage will have no significant
impact on the life�of the landfill with current projections at close to forty years.
Peoria proposes to deliver 5,000 to 10,000 tons of solid waste eachyear to the Glendale landfill.
For this tonnage amount, Peoria will pay a disposal rate of$25.00 per ton through June 30, 2012.
The rate will be adjusted on July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 to $26.50 per ton, and to $28.00
for the period of July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. The pricing terms include a discounted rate
of$3.50 per ton less than the disposal rates listed above for disposing of 30,000 tons or greater at
the Glendale landfill during the term of the agreement. Landfill disposal rates are determined
and evaluated annually with assistance from a solid waste rate model provided by R.W. Beck, a
solid waste management consultant, and the proposed Peoria IGA disposal rates are consistent
with the rate model.
Upon Council approval, the IGA will become effective immediately and will continue thereafter
until June 30, 2014. The agreement contains an option that will permit the City Manager, at his
discretion, to extend the term for two additional three-year periods, on the terms and conditions
acceptable to both Glendale and Peoria. The Peoria City Council approved this agreement on
January 3, 2012.
The waste received from Peoria will result in increased revenues and will maintain low cost solid
waste disposal operations for Glendale residents.
Gross revenue friom landfill tonnage received through this agreement is projected to be
approximately $125,000 in FY 2011-12, and the revenue will be deposited into Landfill Revenue
Account 2440-02440-480600.
The recommendation is to waive reading beyond the title and adopt a resolution authorizing the
City Manager to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Peoria for solid
waste disposal services; and further authorizing the City Manager, at his discretion, to extend the
term in accordance with the provisions of the intergovernmental agreement.
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Resolution No. 4549 New Series was read by number and title only, it being A
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, MARICOPA
COUNTY, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE ENTERING INTO OF
AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR LANDFILL DISPOSAL SERVICES
WITH THE CITY OF PEORIA.
Councilmember Clark inquired that since the expansion of recyclable materials, has it created
more room in the landfill to accommodate transactions such as this?
Stuart Kent, Executive Director, Public Works, explained the new expansion made a very small
difference, however, this agreement will provide Peoria with an alternate disposal location for
greater flexibility and efficiencies while routing solid waste collection vehicles. The waste
received from Peoria will result in increased revenues and will maintain low cost solid waste
disposal operations for Glendale residents. He continued that the traffic impact would be
approximately 5 additional vehicles each day.
Mayor Scruggs asked five trucks per day? Is that what you said?
Mr. Kent replied yes.
It was moved by Martinez, and seconded by Knaack, to pass, adopt and approve
Resolution No. 4549 New Series. The motion carried unanimously.
6. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
Jim Colson, Deputy City Manager, presented this item.
This is a request for City Council to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into
a Development Agreement for Multi-Family Housing with the Norwood Village Apartments,
LLC, and Gorman & Company, Inc., (Gorman) to utilize Neighborhood Stabilization (NSP) III
funding for the acquisition and rehabilitation of Norwood Village Apartments, a 115 unit multi-
family foreclosed property, located at 6738 North 45th Avenue.
In November 20111, the City of Glendale conducted a request for proposal process, which
resulted in Gorman being selected for $1,800,000 of NSP III funding. The total project is
anticipated to represent an investment of$16,900,000 in the Centerline Area.
Gorman has developed a portfolio of over 50 properties in six states, representing over 3,500
housing units, many of which involved acquisition and rehabilitation. In 2010, Gorman
partnered with the non-profit, Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), on the
development of they Glendale Enterprise Lofts located at 6839 North 63rd Avenue. ABIL will be
used as a consultant during the rehabilitation to consult on handicap accessibility of the units.
Gorman will acquire Norwood Village Apartments, a garden-style community built in 1971,
which is located on 5.19 acres and will rehabilitate 115 multi-family units. This property was
foreclosed upon by Fannie Mae in the recent past. Gorman will partner with ABIL and Catholic
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Charities to provide accessible units and onsite services for families. These services include
before-and-after school programs, computer classes, financial literacy, and parenting classes to
residents.
In March 2011, Council formally adopted an amendment to the Community Revitalization
Annual Action Plan accepting the NSP III funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) and allocated $1,800,000 to the acquisition and rehabilitation of
foreclosed multi-family properties,targeting the Centerline Area.
The acquisition and redevelopment of this foreclosed multi-family property will help stabilize
the neighborhood and improve the quality of life for the residents of the existing apartment units.
The units will be completely rehabilitated and additional onsite amenities will provide the
families with a community room, onsite playground, and interior and exterior modernization of
the units. Some two bedroom units will be converted to accessible three bedroom units,
addressing an unmet housing need as identified by Gorman through a recent marketing study.
HUD requires cities to solicit comments through their public participation plan. On December
16, 2010, during a public meeting, the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC)
reviewed and approved the eligibility of the NSP III funding. Public Notice was published in the
Glendale Star on December 23, 2010 and December 30, 2010 informing the public about the
amendment to the Community Revitalization Annual Action Plan, the five locations in which to
view the amendment, and the 15-day public comment period.
The public comment period began on January 7, 2011 and ended January 24, 2011. On January
19, 2011, CDAC conducted a public hearing on the Annual Action Plan to accept the NSP III
funds, and the proposed eligible uses. No public comments were received.
This development will be publicly and privately funded. Stimulus funding is being provided
through NSP III with the rest of the funding being comprised from Low Income Housing Tax
Credits, and other private financing. The anticipated project budget is $16,900,000. The NSP III
funding portion, which is administered by the City of Glendale, is $1,800,000.
Grants Capital Expense One-Time Cost Budgeted Unbudgeted Total
X $1,800,000
Account Name, Fund,Account and Line Item Number:
Neighborhood Stabilization Program III, Account No. 1311-30910-518200, $1,800,000
The recommendation is to waive reading beyond title and adopt a resolution authorizing the City
Manager to enter into a Development Agreement for Multi-Family Housing Development with
Norwood Village Apartments, LLC, and Gorman & Company, Inc.
Resolution No. 4550 New Series was read by number and title only, it being A
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, MARICOPA
COUNTY, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE ENTERING INTO OF
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A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM III
WITH NORWOOD VILLAGE APARTMENTS, LLC AND GORMAN & COMPANY,
INC.; AND DIR CTING THAT THE AGREEMENT BE RECORDED.
Councilmember Clark commented that Gorman has an excellent track record in Glendale. She
stated she was looking forward to their work and the opening of something that is sure to
stabilize the entire area. She thanked them for their work on this item.
Vice Mayor Frate stated it should be noted that Brian Swanton was a Glendale resident and a
champion for housing revitalization. He noted Mr. Swanton had companies all over the county;
however any chance he gets to do something good in Glendale, he takes it. He publicly thanked
him for all he does in the community.
Councilmember Martinez stated this was a great project and was glad to see it happen in the area.
Mayor Scruggs said she had asked Mr. Colson, especially to emphasize the use of the federal
funds, she was sire all the Councilmembers were asked - what about all that money that's
coming from Washington? Does any of it come to Glendale and how does the city use it when it
gets it? So this is one example. So she really wanted him to emphasize the use of the
Neighborhood Stabilization funds that they are going to do a great thing in Glendale.
Andrew Marwick, a Phoenix resident, stated he was in agreement with what the city was doing
and believes they are getting an incredible bang for their buck.
It was moved by Lieberman, and seconded by Clark, to pass, adopt and approve
Resolution No. 4 50 New Series. The motion carried unanimously.
REQUEST FOR FUTURE WORKSHOP AND EXECUTIVE SESSION
It was moved by Frate, and seconded by Knaack, to hold a regularly scheduled City
Council Workshop at 8:30 p.m. in Room B-3 of the City Council Chambers on Tuesday,
March 6, 2012, to be followed by an Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. 38-431.03. The
motion carried unanimously.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mayor Scruggs said there are a significant number of comment cards this evening, so in
accordance with the guidelines for citizen comments which have been adopted by the City
Council, she was going to establish a time period of 45 minutes to receive comments. That
means if everybody wants to speak for five minutes then we won't get though the entire cards. If
those who speak first use shorter amounts of time, then everyone can be heard within the 45
minutes time period.
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Sandi Burr, a Barrel resident, stated she attended the budget workshop today and wanted to thank
the Council for the work they are doing. She indicated how important the library programs are to
her and explained a great literacy program being offered as well as other wonderful programs
being offered to all age groups. She explained how the library helps the entire community with
their problems and therefore has become a big part of their everyday life. She also commended
the many librarians that work in the Glendale libraries. She suggested that instead of cutting
library hours and programs,they should charge a small fee for them.
Ken Jones, an Ocotillo resident, commented on the suggestion for library customers to pay for
program services. He stated if that's the case, hockey players should also pay for their services.
He voiced his support for the casino and added that the City of Glendale had treated the Tohono
O'odham Nation very badly. He noted that if the city was able to prevent the building of the
casino, the land will still belong to the Tohono O'odham Nation. He said there were many other
things that were much worse than a casino.
Dr. James Sanders, a Cactus resident, stated he was the president of an HOA in a community that
has a major problem with sex offenders in their area. He explained that this group has relocated
from California because of a new law. He explained these offenders were being placed in a unit
in their community and he was not aware how many there were. He noted some of these sex
offenders are level 3 offenders. He stated they needed the Council's help with zoning as well as
finding out public documentation on who was funding this unit in their community.
Mayor Scruggs said Council is not able to converse at this time because this is not posted. She
advised Mr. Beasley, that one of the police officers did mention this to her as she walked in, that
this neighborhood was suffering from this problem. And she knew the police have been working
with them. But she asked that Mr. Beasley talk with some of our folks that are in neighborhood
service or work with grant programs or some of the other areas and possibly work with the
owner of the property and to see if there is any federal funding going back and forth. And maybe
to see if there are other departments that can help Dr. Sanders and the neighborhood besides the
police who are already trying to help. Mr. Beasley will make sure there is a follow up.
Andrew Marwick, a Phoenix resident, commented on the Sports Entertainment District in west
Glendale which was in the Yucca District. He reiterated his support of the casino and the
benefits it will bring to west Glendale. He believes the Coyotes have been a drain on Glendale
and does not support the city's continued involvement with the NHL.
Darcy Serlin, a Ph1oenix resident, remarked on how hockey teams around the country were not
good revenue generators. She read from an article which noted hockey teams were being bought
and sold at reduced prices and how they ended up partnering with other organizations. She
recommends the city partner with an organization such as the Tohono O'odham Nation to create
a consortium to purchase the Coyotes. She believes this was the only way they can keep the
team in Glendale. She supports the building of the Wal-Mart Market Place at 83` and
Camelback as well as approving their liquor license.
Arthur LaRoy Thurston, a Cactus resident, stated he really loved living in the City of Glendale
and believes they have a wonderful bunch of people working for the city. He noted the many
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problems plaguing the city including library cuts, airport, ballpark, Coyotes and casino.
Therefore, because of all these money issues, the casino looks like a very good venture. On the
Coyote matter, he believes they should do everything in their power to help the team stay in
Glendale. He commented on the individual meetings the Council has in their districts. He has
attended several but believes Councilmember Alvarez really knows how to throw a party at her
meetings. He saic she had Chief Norris from the Tohono O'odham Nation meet with people in
her district to answer their questions. He noted the highlight was that the Tohono O'odham
Nation announced their donation of$65 million to the Glendale Elementary School District and
$10,000 to the Fie to Mexicana Dance Team.
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Jo Ellyn Lock, an Ocotillo resident, stated she was a 53 year resident of Glendale. She noted she
came from a long line of teachers and reading has always been a big part of her life. She was
attending tonight's meeting because of the possible closure of two out of the three libraries and
wanted to voice hrr concerns. She expressed the importance and impact of reading and library
books have on the young and old. She noted that closing a library was closing education and
taking valuable things away in a democracy.
Olivia Khiel, a Sahuaro resident, stated she was here to support the library and also attended the
budget meetings. She believes the libraries in Glendale were a valuable resource they could not
afford to give up. She noted that in this economic crisis, libraries were more important than ever
since many did n t have the funds to go out and participate in activities. These people can
always turn to the libraries to get music, books or movies. She explained the many programs and
services the librar provides to the community for all ages. She noted the city could not afford to
give up the budge for community activities since many relied on that needed resource.
Cristian Martinez, a Barrel resident, stated his support of the library and expressed all it meant to
him and his family
from an early age. He noted that as a volunteer in the library, he has seen
firsthand all the good the library does in the community and that was why he was studying to
become a librari n. He explained that he had accessed the library to find information and
support for his life choices. He indicated that cutting this budget beyond what is necessary was
ridiculous and without this support system the community was losing a vital part of the city.
Julia Christy, a Sahuaro resident, stated her support of the library and does not recommend the
Council making anymore cuts to their budget. She noted the incredible opportunity she received
from obtaining i formation from libraries and that was why she was studying to become a
librarian. She ex lained that high school and college students still need libraries for research
papers.
COUNCIL.COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Councilmember Lieberman commented on the two new projects that will go into his district as
discussed today. He thanked all the Councilmembers who voted for the Circle K at 43rd and
Glendale as well ,s the housing project. He expressed his respect for the library system from an
early age and will support keeping the libraries open.
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Vice Mayor Frate commented on new economic news in Glendale. He stated the American
Automobile Association (AAA) on Bell Road will be hiring 300 IT employees over the next four
years at the Glendale campus. Additionally, AAA will be investing $750 million in new
technology in infrastructure for their facilities. He also reported on a new traffic signal on 83rd
by Wal-Mart and Sam's Club that will make things safer in the area. He mentioned a new
business coming to the city called Hospice of the Valley. They are building a 12 bed facility in
the Sahuaro District on 59th Avenue south of Thunderbird. He reminded everyone to watch
children around water.
Mayor Scruggs said she just had one thing and this is on behalf of all of her colleagues here on
the City Council, on behalf of all of the staff, the residents of Glendale, the citizens of the valley
and all the law enforcement agencies. Chief Conrad, God be with you, congratulations on going
back home to Louisville. This is Chief Conrad's last meeting that he will be attending. He came
in at a time when Iie was really needed; he's done wonderful, wonderful things for she thought
everybody that is a member of the Glendale police department. Done wonderful things in terms
of morale boosting and engaging the citizenry through — she got so many notes about the
Citizen's Academy and how he has engaged the citizenry, a friend to so many people here in the
audience. His positive attitude and his professionalism go beyond words.
Mayor Scruggs continued that Chief Conrad's dedication to law enforcement as a profession,
there is no standard too high for him; he's faced some real challenges. Since Chief Conrad has
been here,the city has built a few of those sports facilities that people tell us were really a stupid,
dumb, bad thing td do and with them came millions and millions of visitors to Glendale. He had
to work with dedicated men and women of the police department to come up with procedures
and ways to handle all those crowds that the city had never been seen before. She meant who
really came to Glendale before, there wasn't much going on here? He did all that; he also faced
two tragedies that no police officer ever wants to face. The loss of two sworn officers and he
handled it all with an ease and a grace that she felt instilled in everybody else a sense of comfort,
confidence and r assurance that it would be okay. That it wasn't going to be good getting
through it, but it would be okay. There is no way she could name all the things that he's done in
what, is it six sholrt years? She knew most of the audience here probably knew Chief Conrad
because he is out and about and accessible to everybody. So please join her in thanking Chief
Steve Conrad and wishing him well in his new job. And in case anybody has been under a rock,
what he is doing is going home to Louisville because they realized what they lost when he came
to Glendale, Arizdna and he is their new Police Chief so congratulations to Chief Conrad.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
..ti.. Pamela Hanna - City Clerk
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