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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 4/30/2012 MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE AD HOC CITIZEN TASK FORCE ON WATER AND SEWER PALO VERDE ROOM ADULT CENTER 5970 W. BROWN STREET GLENDALE,ARIZONA 85301 MONDAY,APRIL 30,2012 6:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Craig Johnson, P.E., Executive Director, Water Services Department and his welcoming remarks were made. ROLL CALL WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Welcoming remarks were made by Councilmembers in attendance. Task Force members were welcomed by Vice-Mayor Frate, Councilmembers Martinez and Clark, and Assistant City Manager Skeete. Vice-Mayor Frate began the remarks and called for seven commissioners to come forward to take the oath of office. Commissioners Flippen, Schwartz, Short, Ray, and Rex came forward to be sworn. Councilmembers Martinez and Clark followed with their welcomes, followed by Asst. City Manager Skeete. PUBLIC MEETING REQUIREMENTS Russ Romney, Deputy City Attorney, discussed public meeting requirements, explaining the need for an agenda and working from it, the processes involved, reasons for the requirements, possible penalties, and the Code of Ethics binding all members. AGENDA OVERVIEW Craig Johnson, P.E., Executive Director, Water Services Depaitment explained that the task force was formed at the request of the mayor and discussed the information that will be provided to the members. He introduced staff members present and the staff facilitator team. He discussed the overall desired outcome of the Task Force. He also introduced the professional facilitator for the sessions, Michael Ashcraft. Commissioner Livingston questioned why the task force had been formed. He asked if it was because rates were to be raised. Craig Johnson explained that the rate process will be explained step by step during the Financial Planning meeting currently scheduled for September 17, 2012. • April 30,2012 Ad Hoc Citizen Task Force on Water and Sewer Minutes Page 2 Vice-Mayor Frate offered his views on how important clean and safe drinking water was and how technical the process was to get it to that level. He also stated that well contamination was a constant problem because of agriculture and mining operations. Michael Ashcraft discussed process vs. task of the facilitated sessions and timeline of events. He explained what role the facilitators will play in the process. He discussed the vital role the commissioners will have and encouraged active leadership. He discussed the handouts and the thought processes they should trigger. Commissioner Liebman requested more information on the recommendations that will be made to Council based on their findings. Michael explained the hoped for results criteria and that there are no minimum or maximum number of recommendations expected. He explained that the Task Force would also be charged with setting priorities. Commissioner Livingston asked for information on number of employees, rates, customer rates, and where the water comes from. Craig explained that each division would be presenting information to the Task Force and that would be covered in one of those presentations. But he emphasized that any special questions or areas of interest should be requested so that the individual presenter could incorporate it into their information for all members' use. INTRODUCTION TO PROCESS APPROACH aka"TWO MINUTE DRILL" Michael provided direction to Task Force members who began their work on an exercise to gather feedback on their needs and expectations related to their efforts. Topics centered on each group working to develop solutions and recommendations and group dynamics. Concerns from the members: Better water Make rate structure right, not just keep them low Full disclosure on financial sheets, projections Don't print the posters; not legible from the tables Is there a hidden agenda? Is this Task Force formed so that rates can be raised? What are the expectations of this Task Force? Doug Kukino directed members to the schedule specifically Meeting #3 the tour of Pyramid Peak Water Treatment Plant. He requested that they wear comfortable shoes, hats, bring water, etc. everything needed as there will be a bit of walking. He expanded the information on other meeting topics that will be encompassed. Commissioner Livingston asked when purchasing will be discussed. He stated that he doesn't see it addressed at any of the meetings. Each division will explain their purchases since different chemicals and equipment are used when treating and producing water and reclaiming water. ADJOURNMENT Craig Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. April 30,2012 Ad Hoc Citizen Task Force on Water and Sewer Minutes Page 3 The next meeting is scheduled for May 1, 2012 at the Adult Center, Palo Verde Room. Respectfully submitted, Sally elling, Recording Secretary