HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 4/8/2021City of Glendale
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Glendale, AZ 85301
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Glendale
A R I Z O N A
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, April 8, 2021
9:00 A.M.
Budget Workshop Meeting
Civic Center
City Council
Mayor Jerry Weiers
Vice Mayor Ian Hugh
Councilmember Jamie Aldama
Councilmember Joyce Clark
Councilmember Ray Mainar
Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff
Councilmember Bart Turner
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Weiers called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Jerry Weiers
Vice Mayor Ian Hugh
Councilmember Joyce Clark
Councilmember Ray Malnar
Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff
Councilmember Bart Turner
Absent: Councilmember Jamie Aldama
Also Present: Kevin Phelps, City Manager
Michael Bailey, City Attorney
Julie K. Bower, City Clerk
Vicki Rios, Assistant City Manager
Jack Friedline, Assistant City Manager
Councilmember Aldama arrived after the roll was called at 11:18 a.m.
WORKSHOP SESSION
1. FY2021-22 BUDGET WORKSHOP
Presented by: Lisette Camacho, Director, Budget and Finance
Amy Lindsay, Budget Administrator, Budget and Finance
Ms. Bower read the item by title.
Mr. Phelps provided follow-up information on two items from the April 6th budget workshop: the
FY22 employee benefits changes; and absorbing the 1.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA)
within the fund balance.He requested Council feedback and would return with revised budget
figures based on Council consensus.
Councilmember Malnar was in favor of the COLA increase to 1.5% in addition to the 1.5% for
merit.
Vice Mayor Hugh was in support.
Councilmember Turner said the additional 0.2% of the COLA increase from the requested 1.3%
could have gone to the merit portion of the increases. He wanted to be sure the merit increase
was the same for all City employees.
Mayor Weiers said there was consensus to proceed.
Ms. Lindsay said there would be budget presentations for the following departments:
• City Attorney's Office
• Police Department
• Development Services
• Economic Development
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• Public Facilities, Recreation and Special Events
• Mayor and Council Offices
• Fire Department
• Organizational Performance
• Audit Department
• Water Services
• Public Affairs
Michael Bailey, City Attorney, presented the City Attorney's Office operating budget,
performance measures and accomplishments. There were no supplemental requests for the
Attorney's Office.
Rick St. John, Deputy City Manager, presented the Police Department's operating budget,
performance measures and accomplishments. The department's FY2022 supplemental
requests included:
• New Full Time Employee (FTE) Communications Specialist (3) $230,343
• New FTE Media Relations $143,764
• New FTE Persons Crimes Detective $144,792
• New FTE Vehicular Crimes Detective $147,910
• FY21-22 IT Projects $1,200,861
• Drone Program O&M $18,000
• Equipment for Growth Police Vehicles $32,915
• Vehicle — Persons Crimes Detective $35,000
• Vehicle —Vehicular Crimes Detective $50,461
Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if the $91 million in Police salary included the Public Safety
Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) contribution.
Mr. St. John said it was included.
Councilmember Tolmachoff asked how much of the 31 % of reported aggravated assaults was
domestic violence.
Chief Chris Briggs, Police Chief, explained there was an increase in domestic violence calls but
a decrease in offence reports which resulted in lower arrests made. He said with businesses
opening back up, the number of arrests had increased. There had been an under -reporting of
vehicle theft and aggravated assault, but it had been corrected.
Mayor Weiers clarified the figures displayed were not necessarily a higher number of offenses,
just correctly reported.
Chief Briggs said that was correct but the increase in violent crimes was correct for the 2021
figures.
Councilmember Clark asked how the estimates for 2021 were calculated.
Chief Briggs said a predictive spreadsheet was used based on past information.
Councilmember Clark asked what the average response time was for Priority 2 and Priority 3
calls.
Mr. St. John said Priority 2 calls averaged six minutes and thirty-seven seconds, Priority 3 calls
averaged twenty minutes and Priority 4 calls averaged fourteen minutes and twenty-nine
seconds. Each of the response times were decreased from the previous year.
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Councilmember Clark asked why the Priority 4 calls had a faster response time than Priority 3
calls.
Mr. St. John said Priority 4 calls were sometimes taken by individuals on administrative
modified duty, usually due to an injury. Officers in the field responded to Priority 3 calls.
Councilmember Tolmachoff asked for clarification on the officer -initiated call volume and an
explanation on the projected decrease in number of traffic stops.
Chief Briggs said an officer -initiated call occurred when an officer witnessed a crime in
progress. Although there was a projected decrease in traffic stops, he explained why it would
actually increase.
Mayor Weiers asked if the mobile data computers rollover would begin next year for new
equipment.
Chief Briggs said it would be four to five years before there would be a need to purchase new
equipment.
Jamsheed Mehta, Development Services Director, presented the Development Services
Department operating budget, performance measures and accomplishments. The
department's FY2022 supplemental requests included:
• New FTE Administrative Support Specialist $59,881
• New FTE Development Services Rep $72,437
• New FTE Residential Building Inspectors (2) $168,478
• New FTE Inspector Specialist $98,707
• Travel and Memberships $4,000
• BlueBeam Annual Maintenance $1,200
• Board and Committee Expenses $1,300
• City Initiated Applications $2,000
• Vehicles — Building Inspectors (2) $58,1000
• Vehicle — Inspector Specialist $29, 050
Councilmember Clark asked for an explanation on the deficiencies within the first and second
plan review stages for 3% of cases to require a third review. She asked if there was emphasis
to reduce the need for additional plan reviews.
Mr. Mehta said, at times, the applicant had obstacles that could not be avoided so conditional
permits were issued with the understanding issues would be reviewed again before final
permits were issued.
Councilmember Clark asked if the 3% consisted of major development projects or individuals
who might not be familiar with the process.
Djordje Pavlovic, Building Safety Official, said a majority of the 3rd reviews consisted of
commercial projects. The City was unable to make changes to the plans directly.
Councilmember Turner asked how long it took to process an annexation.
Mr. Mehta said it averaged three months before it came to Council.
Councilmember Turner asked whether the timeframe of three to six months was feasible.
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Mr. Mehta said three months was on the low end of the average. It could take longer
depending on the complications.
Councilmember Clark asked how many commercial inspectors were on staff.
Mr. Pavlovic said the title was Inspector Specialist, but the position was actually a commercial
inspector. There was a total of six inspectors which included a contract employee. The
requested additional inspector would allow specialized inspections in the Loop 303 area.
Councilmember Clark said with the upcoming construction beginning with Crystal Lagoons, the
new position would be inundated with inspections in the next 24 months.
Mr. Mehta said the use of contract employees would be used during slight peaks. He felt
staffing was sufficient.
Mayor Weiers was in favor of plan submittals being done electronically.
Brian Friedman, Economic Development Director, presented the Economic Development
Department operating budget, performance measures and accomplishments. The
department's FY2022 supplemental requests included:
• New FTE Arts & Culture Coordinator $64,323
Councilmember Tolmachoff did not see the Business Support position that was funded through
the CARES Act on the list of FTEs.
Jessi Pederson, Assistant Economic Development Director, said it was listed as an Economic
Development Program Manager, which was the position's title.
Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if the position was effective.
Ms. Pederson explained the individual was being trained and brought up to speed on the
internal systems and would begin outreach with the business community.
Councilmember Clark asked if the requested position duplicated the work already done by the
current Arts employee.
Ms. Pederson said the administrative functions of the Arts Department was done by one
person without consistent support. The new position would allow for adequate support so the
division could utilize the CIP funding for the Arts Fund.
James Burke, Public Facilities, Recreation and Special Events Director, presented the
department's operating budget, performance measures and accomplishments. The
department's FY2022 supplemental requests included:
• Glendale Adult Center Fitness Equipment $30,000
• Heroes Splash Pad Repairs and Maintenance $92,000
• Paint Park Amenities $40,000
• Glen Lakes Park Maintenance $50,000
• Convention & Visitors Bureau Tohono O'Odham Grant $2,122
• Custodial Services for Park Restrooms $16,000
• New FTE Parks Service Worker $64,644
• Vehicle Costs for Parks Service Worker $2,500
• New FTE Senior Service Worker $70,037
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• Temporary General Laborers $70,000
• Temporary Park Rangers (2) $50,000
• Vehicle — Parks Service Worker $29,036
• Vehicle Purchase — CIP Project Manager $29,036
Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if it was typical for 52% of the department's budget to be
salaries.
Mr. Burke said it was lower than most other parks departments. The City was staff intensive
and utilized part-time and temporary staff.
Councilmember Tolmachoff requested the funds from the sale of Glen Lakes be moved to the
department's budget as a placeholder and distributed to parks within each district.
Ms. Rios said the Glen Lakes funds were appropriated in the budget to combine with the
American Rescue Plan funds. A workshop would be held in the future for Council to determine
how the funds would be used.
Councilmember Turner asked for Council to consider a specific line item within the contingency
for the Glen Lakes funds to ensure it would be used within the parks. He also agreed with
Councilmember Tolmachoffs suggestion for the funds to be distributed to each district.
Councilmember Turner asked if additional festivals would be added to achieve the increase in
festival attendance and appeal to more segments of the community.
Mr. Burke said in refining the pivot strategy previously discussed, the allocation of resources
would reflect what staff was trying to accomplish in the performance measure to increase
festival attendance.
Councilmember Tolmachoff agreed with Councilmember Turner's suggestion to keep the Glen
Lakes funds in contingency for parks.
Mr. Phelps said a workshop would be scheduled for Council direction on the use of Glen Lakes
and federal funds. The funds would not be spent until Council provided direction.
Councilmember Clark supported a broader discussion before earmarking the funds.
Councilmember Tolmachoff explained her goal was to be transparent with the use of funds.
With the deferred maintenance within all of the parks, it was important to the community that all
of the available funds were utilized.
Ms. Handlong reviewed the Mayor and Council Office operating budgets, performance
measures and accomplishments. The department's FY2022 supplemental requests included:
• New FTE Communications Project Manager
Brent Stoddard, Deputy City Manager, reviewed the Public Affairs Department operating
budget, performance measures and accomplishments. The department's FY2022
supplemental requests included:
. Link Electronics — Maintenance Contract $7,000
Councilmember Clark suggested a media screen with highlights at the Adult Center.
Councilmember Turner suggested using YouTube as a way to search for City highlights and
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create continuous content.
Mr. St. John shared additional FY2022 supplemental requests for the Police Department:
• Motorola Premier One Suite Maintenance $708,108
• Cell Phones for all sworn personnel $104,304
• Schedule Express Expansion $20,856
• Security Contractor Cost Increase $21,000
• Temporary Pay — Video Redaction Specialist $38,323
Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if it was beneficial for the media to access redacted video
using an open government portal to save staff time on media requests.
Mr. St. John said conversations had been held but additional IT support and data space would
be needed.
Councilmember Aldama asked if sworn officers received a cell phone stipend.
Mr. St. John said the new model was more cost efficient and ensured the officers' personal
phone was not subject to subpoena.
Mr. St. John presented the Fire Department operating budget, performance measures and
accomplishments. The department's FY2022 supplemental requests included:
• Administrative Medical Director $39,200
• Smart Gov Data Service for FMO $4,500
• CAD Dispatch $198,453
• Drug Box Refrigerator with Comp X -E -Lock $35,000
• Radio Repairs $7,642
• SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) $58,000
• Thermal Imaging Cameras $105,300
• Turnouts $332,640
• Radios TDMA Upgrade $24,750
• Operations Overtime $600,000
• New FTE Firefighters Equipment -SAFER Grant Positions (8) $188,064
• 2nd Medical Response Unit (MRU)-Equipment $231,265
• 2nd MRU — Vehicle $65,000
• Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center (GRPSTC) Audio Visual Equipment
Replacement $17,500
• New FTE Firefighters SAFER Grant Positions (8) $660,256
Mayor Weiers asked if the City was charged for fire emergency calls that another city
responded to within Glendale.
Chief Garrison, Fire Chief, explained charges were per incident within the City. Glendale was
not charged for incidents responded to within another city.
Councilmember Clark asked that there be an emphasis on solving the issue of overtime within
the Fire Department in future budget years.
Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if the two MRUs would be staffed by the eight new positions.
Mr. St. John said the previously approved MRU would be 40 hours per week staffed by four
firefighters. The second MRU would be 70 hours per week MRU with an overlap day for
training.
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Councilmember Malnar asked if there was technology or equipment available to mitigate
firefighter exposure to carcinogens.
Chief Garrison said better equipment could be developed in future years.
Councilmember Turner asked if the initial two -person units would still be used.
Chief Garrison said the Low Acuity (LA) units were very effective for basic life support (BLS)
responses and had a positive impact on response times.
Councilmember Clark asked if police officers had protective equipment when responding to a
toxic fire.
Mr. St. John said training and direction had been given to officers on how to proceed if on
scene before the Fire Department and while the fire was being extinguished. He anticipated a
supplemental request when the protective equipment technology advanced to request chemical
masks for officers.
Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if the $231,265 for the 2nd MRU was for the vehicle and
equipment.
Mr. St. John said $65,000 was for the vehicle and $231,265 was for the vehicle equipment for a
total of $296,265.
Khala Stanfield, Organizational Performance Director, presented the Organizational
Performance operating budget, performance measures and accomplishments. There were no
supplemental requests for the department.
Councilmember Clark asked for an example of how the department assisted other departments
with its goals.
Jenny Durda, Business Intelligence and Analytics Officer, provided an example of the
assistance provided to the Community Action Program's COVID response.
Mayor Weiers asked how departments requested assistance.
Ms. Durda said some departments reached out directly and Ms. Stanfield had developed an
assessment of department's needs on how services could be provided.
Councilmember Aldama asked if staff monitored the City's goals to serve the public.
Ms. Stanfield said the goals were monitored.
Ms. Stanfield presented the Audit Department operating budget, performance measures and
accomplishments. There were no supplemental requests for the department.
Craig Johnson, Water Services Director, presented the Water Services Department operating
budget, performance measures and accomplishments. The department's FY2022
supplemental requests included:
• Increase for Raw Water Costs $100,000
• Increase for Additional Costs at Pyramid Peak Water Treatment Plant (PPWTP) $160,000
• Increase for Chemical Costs $350,000
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• Increase for Building Maintenance Costs $220,000
• Increase in Additional Costs at WARF $110,000
• Increase for Chemical Costs $50,000
• Increase for Building Maintenance Costs $70,000
Mayor Weiers recalled a request for a truck that would recirculate water released from fire
hydrants for maintenance.
Mr. Johnson said it was a listed project within the CARES Program.
Mayor Weiers wanted the City to be prepared to cover the costs of presumptive cancer for
firefighters. He requested Council provide consensus for a 2% increase in the primary
property tax rate.
Councilmember Tolmachoff suggested setting aside some of the American Recovery Plan
funds. She wanted a discussion on the possible use of federal recovery funds before
supporting a consensus to raise the property tax.
Mayor Weiers said the amount from the property tax would not be large and could be defended
with the citizens. It was unknown if the American Recovery Plan funds could be used. If it was
allowed, in addition to the one-time increase, he was in favor of it.
Mr. Phelps said one presumptive cancer claim had a projected cost of $5 million over a long
period of time. The was not collected in one amount upfront. The suggestion was to create an
account where the property tax funds and possible state funds could be held.
Mayor Weiers did not want to depend on state funding alone because the budget plans were
unknown.
Councilmember Malnar said there was a recent article which said the state legislature was
setting aside $20 million to help cover costs. An ongoing funding source that increased
annually was necessary. He was not in favor of raising property taxes but was open to
discussing it further.
Councilmember Clark was opposed to raising property taxes and would not support
the concept. She suggested using the new growth within the City as a funding source.
Councilmember Aldama was supportive of the concept. He asked for further discussion to be
held at a workshop. He suggested a compromise of reducing the food tax.
Vice Mayor Hugh was in favor of raising the property tax in order to create a fund for future
firefighter claims.
Councilmember Tolmachoff said the property tax levy did not need a decision until June 8,
2021. More information would be available in the upcoming weeks and further discussion could
be held.
Ms. Rios said if Council decided to move forward with raising the property tax by 2%, a series
of notices had to be published. She said in order to meet the deadlines, a decision would have
to be made at the meeting.
Councilmember Turner recommended working with the Arizona League of Cities and Towns to
create a small statewide tax on insurance premiums for property and casualty insurance. If a
pool of funds was created, all fire jurisdictions could use the funds for excess cancer claims.
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Mayor Weiers restated the urgency of creating a fund for future cancer claims.
Mayor Weiers asked if state funding did come through, the process of raising the tax could be
stopped.
Ms. Rios said that was correct but there was a point at which it could not be reversed.
Councilmember Tolmachoff said if a decision was needed immediately, she was opposed to
raising the property tax.
Mayor Weiers said the City was required by law to cover presumptive cancer costs. The
increase would average $10 per home, per year.
Councilmember Aldama asked if it was possible to reduce the food tax by $25,000 per year.
Mr. Phelps said if the Council needed more time to study the issue and options, the increase
could be posted to provide time before a decision on an increase had to be made.
Councilmember Aldama supported Mr. Phelps' suggestion.
Councilmember Tolmachoff was not in support.
Vice Mayor Hugh supported moving forward.
Councilmember Clark was not in favor of moving forward.
Mayor Weiers said there was Council consensus to move forward.
Ms. Lindsay said the tentative budget and Capital Improvement Program would be presented at
the next budget meeting on April 20, 2021.
Councilmember Aldama wished his wife happy birthday.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Weiers adjourned the meeting at 1:57 p.m.
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the
meeting of the Glendale City Council of Glendale, Arizona, held on the 8th day of April, 2021.
1 further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 20th day of April, 2021.
Jfilie K. Bower, MMC, City Clerk
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