Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 6/22/2021City of Glendale 5850 West Glendale Avenue Glendale, AZ 85309 Glendale A R I Z O N A Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 22, 2021 12:30 P.M. Workshop Meeting Civic Center City Council Mayor Jerry Weiers Vice Mayor Ian Hugh Councilmember Jamie Aldama Councilmember Joyce Clark Councilmember Ray Malnar Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff Councilmember Bart Turner CALL TO ORDER Mayor Weiers called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Jerry Weiers Vice Mayor Ian Hugh Councilmember Jamie Aldama Councilmember Joyce Clark Councilmember Ray Malnar Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff Councilmember Bart Turner Also Present: Kevin Phelps, City Manager Michael Bailey, City Attorney Julie K. Bower, City Clerk Sheryl Rabin, Deputy City Clerk Vicki Rios, Assistant City Manager Jack Friedline, Assistant City Manager WORKSHOP SESSION DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF 91 ST AVENUE AND CARDINALS WAY Presented by: Kevin Phelps, City Manager Brian Friedman, Director, Economic Development Ms. Rabin read the item by title. Mr. Phelps said the site was known as the "Black Lot" and was located at the southwest corner of 91 st Avenue and Cardinals Way. The presentation covered the following items: • History of the Area and Site • Subject Site and Obligations • Development Opportunities • Plaza Companies • Consensus on Recommendation • Next Steps Councilmember Tolmachoff asked for clarification on the idea of retaining ownership of the land. Mr. Phelps reviewed the possible options available for Council's consideration regarding the parcel. Councilmember Tolmachoff said the obligated portion of the lot could potentially increase in value as time went on and wanted to leave it as it was. She favored developing the unincumbered portion of the parcel. Councilmember Aldama asked how long it would take for the return on investment (ROI) to arrive. City Council Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2021 Page 2 of 11 Mr. Phelps said staff would work closely with the developer to determine different options and said ROI could be linked to incoming projects. Recommendations would be developed that had minimal risk on the front end. Councilmember Aldama supported moving forward with determining a strategic plan for the area. Councilmember Clark outlined several reasons why moving forward would be beneficial to the City. Councilmember Turner asked how it would be considered a redevelopment project. Mr. Phelps said it would be a redevelopment if the intended use was other than a parking lot. Councilmember Turner said redevelopment should not be used for a paved area. He asked for more information on how City taxpayers would retain ownership with future development. Mr. Phelps said a team would be developed to determine the best projects and development to ensure taxpayers retained ownership. Sharon Harper, CEO for Plaza Companies, said a similar agreement with the City of Scottsdale had put items in place such as specific timeframes and returns on land investments. Mr. Phelps said there would be minimal risks to taxpayers. Councilmember Turner said taxpayers were already invested in much of the development taking place in the City, but did not have a return on investment. It was not the time to develop the area. Taxpayers would benefit more when there was more development in the area. Mr. Phelps was confident there would be long-term benefits for residents. Councilmember Malnar was concerned about moving forward without knowing all of the possible stipulations. He supported moving forward with the Plaza Companies service agreement. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if Plaza Companies was offering an all -or -nothing concept or would it be open to multiple options on how to move forward. Mr. Phelps said Plaza Companies would analyze options and then return to Council with recommendations. Councilmember Tolmachoff wanted assurance there would be a variety of options available not just Class A office space. Mr. Phelps reviewed the challenges of the site. The goal was for it to add value to the sports and entertainment district. Class A office space was needed in Glendale. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if there would be concepts that did not include Class A office space. Mr. Phelps said all opportunities would be explored, based on market needs. Councilmember Tolmachoff said it was unknown whether additional office space was City Council Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2021 Page 3 of 11 necessary. Vice Mayor Hugh looked forward to the staff recommendation. Mayor Weiers confirmed consensus to explore opportunities to develop the Black Lot. Mayor Weiers confirmed consensus to establish a working relationship with Plaza Companies through a professional services agreement. 2. PENSION FUNDING POLICY Presented by: Lisette Camacho, Director, Budget and Finance Levi Gibson, Assistant Director, Budget and Finance Guest Presenter: Kurt Freund, Managing Director, RBC Capital Markets, LLC Ms. Rabin read the item by title. Ms. Camacho said the presentation included information on the proposed changes to the pension funding policy for fiscal year (FY) 2022. Mr. Gibson provided the following information: • Background • Pension Funding Policy • Council Feedback & Next Steps Councilmember Tolmachoff was interested in setting aside savings for future presumptive cancer claims. Ms. Rios explained discussions were typically held during the early stages of the budget process. The surplus could be directed toward future claims at Council's direction. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if the contribution for FY 2021 was $30 million. Ms. Camacho said the contribution was approximately $32 million. 3. GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND COMMITTEE Presented by: Lisette Camacho, Director, Budget and Finance Levi Gibson, Assistant Director, Budget and Finance Ms. Rabin read the item by title. Ms. Camacho said the presentation covered General Obligation (G.O.) bonds. She presented information from other cities' successful bond elections. She requested consensus on the formation of a bond committee for the 2022 bond election. She provided an overview which included: • General Obligation Bonds • Information on Successful Bond Elections • Consensus on 2022 Bond Election • Formation of a Bond Committee • 2022 Bond Election Timeline Mayor Weiers asked of the cities that had a committee, how many were successful. City Council Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2021 Page 4 of 11 Mr. Gibson said Tempe, Scottsdale and Mesa did not have committees and bonds had been approved. The City had formed a bond committee for the 2022 election but the bonds were not approved. Mayor Weiers questioned if it was necessary to appoint ten committee members per Councilmember. He hoped the committee members represented a mix of business owners, residents and stakeholders. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if other West Valley cities had bond committees beyond 2020. Ms. Camacho said the information was not available. Councilmember Tolmachoff preferred a larger bond committee than the previous committee. She asked if pro/con statements had been received for the 2020 bond election. Ms. Camacho said statements had been received either for or against. Councilmember Turner asked if there were any common elements amongst the successful cities. Ms. Camacho said arguments for the bonds were helpful as well as election signs supporting the measures posted throughout the City. Scottsdale's political action committee (PAC) hired someone to manage the campaign. Councilmember Turner felt a campaign committee would be beneficial to effectively market the bond election. Councilmember Clark said the 2007 bond committee was larger so there were more citizens sharing the positive effect the bonds had on the City. Information on the positive impact the bonds would have on the City needed to be shared with residents. Mayor Weiers said the bond committee was not at fault and better community outreach would need to be done. Councilmember Tolmachoff supported each Councilmember appointing five members to the bond committee. Councilmember Malnar agreed a larger number of members on the bond committee would be an advantage. Councilmember Turner asked if was lawful for Councilmembers to be on a campaign committee. Mr. Bailey said City resources could not be used to support or oppose a campaign. Councilmember Turner said, as an individual Councilmember not using City resources, the Councilmember would be able to participate on a campaign committee. Mr. Bailey said if the Councilmember was acting as an individual citizen, it was not a concern. Councilmember Turner said the community would benefit from a campaign committee rather than another bond committee. City Council Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2021 Page 5 of 11 Mayor Weiers asked if there was any objection to asking the former bond committee members to return. Mayor Weiers confirmed there were no objections. Mayor Weiers recommended the committee review the same bond items from 2020 and form a fundraising committee and campaign committee. Mr. Bailey said if the bond committee members chose to form a PAC as individuals, there was no problem. Vice Mayor Hugh supported moving forward with Mayor Weiers' recommendation. Councilmember Tolmachoff suggested conducting a resident satisfaction survey to measure the community's interests before any campaigning was done. Mayor Weiers asked if there was a deadline to discuss possible new bonds. Mr. Gibson displayed the bond election timeline for a 2022 bond election. 4. PRESENTATION ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 GILA RIVER ARENA CAPITAL REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM Presented by: Michelle Woytenko, Director, Field Operations Lisette Camacho, Director, Budget and Finance Ms. Bower read the item by title. Ms. Camacho said the presentation regarding FY 2022 was for informational purposes only. Ms. Woytenko presented information on following five recommended projects: • Cooling Tower Replacement • Chiller Replacement • Roof Replacement • Magnetometers • Key Scan System 5. COUNCIL ITEM OF SPECIAL INTEREST — CAMELBACK RANCH CAPITAL FUNDING Presented by: Michelle Woytenko, Director, Field Operations Charles Thomas, Field Operations Administrator Ms. Bower read the item by title. Ms. Woytenko said the goal was to obtain Council direction on the concept and possible strategies to ensure anticipated and unanticipated funding for capital maintenance, repairs and replacement of assets. She reviewed past discussions and directions regarding Camelback Ranch. Councilmember Tolmachoff had concerns regarding the $1,673,504 requested for repairs and capital improvements. She asked for additional information on the access layer network switches for $122,450 and interior and exterior access points for $167,400. City Council Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2021 Page 6 of 11 Ms. Woytenko said the access points were for the network. The request had been reviewed by the City Attorney's Office to be sure it was a contractual requirement. It had also been reviewed by Innovation Technology (IT) to ensure the quality of the product. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if it was an upgrade or replacement of the Wi-Fi system. Ms. Woytenko did not have the information but would provide it to Council. Councilmember Tolmachoff was concerned with the everyday use of the facility and suggested setting aside funds for larger unanticipated items that might arise. Councilmember Aldama asked if there was an assessment which identified deferred maintenance of capital equipment for the facility. Ms. Woytenko said there was a five-year plan that was nearing its completion. It would need to be revisited. Councilmember Aldama suggested a building assessment and a deferred maintenance budget with an amount approved by Council. Ms. Woytenko said an upcoming workshop item for long-term expense projection would include an assessment. Councilmember Clark did not support setting aside reserve funds until additional information was provided. Councilmember Turner asked if the purpose of the item was to determine whether staff should invest time in developing a presentation for future discussion. Ms. Woytenko said that was correct. Councilmember Turner supported staff developing a presentation on the subject for additional discussion. Councilmember Aldama asked if the assessment would be done by staff or a consultant. Ms. Woytenko said the assessment would be completed by staff. Mayor Weiers recalled funds were already set aside for unanticipated items. Mr. Phelps said there was $50 million in the General Fund's reserve balance that could be used with Council direction. Mayor Weiers agreed with a future presentation on the topic. He did not think it was necessary to set aside additional funds. Mayor Weiers confirmed consensus to proceed with a presentation on Camelback Ranch. 6. COUNCIL ITEM OF SPECIAL INTEREST — ALLEY GATES Presented by: Michelle Woytenko, Director, Field Operations City Council Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2021 Page 7 of 11 Ms. Bower read the item by title. Ms. Woytenko said staff was seeking Council direction on expanding the gates standards created as part of the Alley Access Control Program as well as funding options. Mayor Weiers asked if different versions of alley gates would be used depending on the neighborhood. Ms. Woytenko said the item would provide additional options besides a chain link fence. Mayor Weiers asked if Councilmembers could use allocated district budgets to upgrade designated gates. Councilmember Turner had requested the item because he was told using his district funds for a gate upgrade would require Council approval. Mayor Weiers agreed that Councilmembers should be able to use budgeted district improvement funds to pay the difference in gate designs. Councilmember Tolmachoff also agreed that Councilmembers should be able to pay the difference of an upgraded gate. Councilmember Turner said alleys were not evenly distributed throughout the City. Improving the gates could drain the budget for one district more than another. There was reason to discuss whether the expense should be a City expense or a district expense. Mr. Phelps said staff could return with additional information on the different types of gates, standards and understanding ongoing maintenance costs. Councilmember Aldama had received only one concern regarding the type of gate. Information on why the alleys were closed without notice to residents should be discussed. He supported moving forward with a discussion after additional information was provided. Councilmember Clark agreed with Councilmember Aldama's comments. Unintended consequences could result in changing the style or upgrading gates. She did not support changing the style of gate being used. Mayor Weiers asked if being able to see through the gate was a concern. Ms. Woytenko said that was correct. Councilmember Tolmachoff requested information on the cost to upgrade existing gates. If the gate style upgraded an area's look, it should be considered depending on the cost. Councilmember Aldama requested that known alleyway access challenges be addressed at the workshop. Mayor Weiers asked for information on where gates could and could not be used. Mayor Weiers confirmed consensus to discuss the item at a future workshop. 7. COUNCIL ITEM OF SPECIAL INTEREST — BULK TRASH COLLECTION IN GATED ALLEYS Presented by: Michelle Woytenko, Director, Field Operations City Council Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2021 Page 8 of 11 Ms. Bower read the item by title. Ms. Woytenko requested Council direction for future discussion on the placement of bulk trash in gated alleyways. Staff would return to a future workshop to discuss operational analysis and financial impact of bulk trash placement in gated alleyways. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if the policy required bulk trash to be placed in front of the property. Ms. Woytenko said the City Code allowed the placement of bulk trash in alleyways, depending on the home's location. Councilmember Turner agreed with bringing the topic back for further discussion. Mayor Weiers confirmed consensus to discuss the item at a future workshop. 8. COUNCIL ITEM OF SPECIAL INTEREST — FACILITY MAINTENANCE IN NEIGHBORHOODS Presented by: Michelle Woytenko, Director, Field Operations Ms. Bower read the item by title. Ms. Woytenko requested Council direction on the completion by staff of an amendment to the Building Asset Philosophy to add aesthetics of City -owned facilities in residential neighborhoods and a mechanism for ranking or accelerating deferred maintenance for buildings in close proximity to residential properties. Councilmember Clark asked for information on what was considered a facility within a neighborhood. Ms. Woytenko explained the request was related to the outside appearance of a building. Councilmember Clark asked why the exterior was not included in the building's facility assessment. Ms. Woytenko said the exterior would also include landscaping to improve the aesthetics of the area. Councilmember Tolmachoff provided background information on the item. Councilmember Clark said the request could be included in the annual capital maintenance requests rather than presenting the item separately. Mayor Weiers wanted to include bridges in the process. Councilmember Aldama agreed with a ranking system and using a capital assessment method to determine what needed to be addressed first. Councilmember Tolmachoff said a separate City-wide policy that focused on aesthetics was necessary. Councilmember Aldama agreed aesthetics of a building was important, but a structural repair City Council Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2021 Page 9 of 11 had higher priority. Councilmember Clark agreed projects needed to be prioritized through the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Councilmember Tolmachoff was requesting to have a separate category for aesthetics within the CIP. Councilmember Turner said if the condition of a facility was not measured, it would not be addressed. He supported moving forward with the item. Mayor We!ers agreed a prioritized list of facilities was important for discussion during the budget process. Councilmember Aldama said the aesthetics and painting of a building was important throughout the City, not just in neighborhoods. He supported the item if the plan included all City buildings. Councilmember Tolmachoff said it was important to hold City assets to the same standard that residents had to follow. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Phelps said the Live! @ Murphy Park concert series generated a $7,000 increase in May's sales tax collections compared to May 2019. An October series was in its planning phase. Mr. Phelps said a new Regional Transportation Plan was being finalized that would serve as the basis for a Proposition 400 extension which might go to voters by 2025. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT No report COUNCIL ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST Councilmember Aldama requested summer youth sports be moved to spring due to the number of canceled games related to high temperatures. Councilmember Clark requested a discussion on the procurement policies and processes used for bids and contracts. Mayor Weiers shared information regarding the Proposition 400 discussion with the Transportation Policy Committee. MOTION AND CALL TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was made by Councilmember Jamie Aldama, seconded by Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff to hold an executive session. AYE: Mayor Jerry Weiers Vice Mayor Ian Hugh City Council Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2021 Page 10 of 11 Councilmember Jamie Aldama Councilmember Joyce Clark Councilmember Ray Malnar Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff Councilmember Bart Turner Passed EXECUTIVE SESSION Council met in executive session at 3:43 p.m. for legal advice, discussion and consultation with the City Attorney regarding the City's position in pending or contemplated litigation, including settlement discussions conducted in order to avoid or resolve litigation pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3)(4) and discussion/consultation with the City Attorney and City Manager to receive an update, to consider its position, and to provide instruction/direction to the City Attorney and City Manager regarding Glendale's position in connection with pending or contemplated litigation, or in settlement discussions conducted in order to avoid or resolve litigation regarding PSPRS and Johnson Family Partnership pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03 (A)(3)(4). A motion was made by Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff, seconded by Councilmember Joyce Clark to adjourn the executive session. AYE: Mayor Jerry Weiers Vice Mayor Ian Hugh Councilmember Jamie Aldama Councilmember Joyce Clark Councilmember Ray Malnar Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff Councilmember Bart Turner Passed Mayor Weiers adjourned the executive session at 4:51 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Weiers adjourned the meeting at 4:51 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 22nd day of June, 2021. 1 further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 30th day of June, 2021. J li . Bower, MMC, City Clerk City Council Meeting Minutes - June 22, 2021 Page 11 of 11