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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - City Council - Meeting Date: 6/13/2023 City of Glendale 5850 West Glendale Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301 Glendale ARIZONA Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 13, 2023 12:30 P.M. Workshop Meeting Council Chambers City Council Mayor Jerry Weiers Vice Mayor Joyce Clark Councilmember Jamie Aldama Councilmember lan Hugh 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 Joyce Clark Councilmember Jamie Aldama Councilmember Ian Hugh Councilmember Ray Malnar Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff Councilmember Bart Turner Also Present: Kevin Phelps, City Manager Michael Bailey, City Attorney Julie K. Bower, City Clerk WORKSHOP SESSION 1. UPDATE ON THE SMART IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PARKS Presented by: Jim Burke, Director, Parks and Recreation Ms. Bower read the item by title. Mr. Burke presented information regarding park irrigation. The goal was to use technology to reduce water usage. The system had been installed at 57 parks. The costs were covered in the current utility budget, but staff would return to Council to ratify an additional $1.5 million in costs. Councilmember Aldama asked if the system had a flow meter device to shut off a zone and not the whole park. Mr. Burke said that was correct. All 57 parks that were on the system could do that. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if the system transmitted a message to the vendor, was the whole system shut off or just the area that was affected. Mr. Burke said the system was automatic and real time and the base station was always receiving updates. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if there was a time gap between an issue with the water at a park and the vendor notifying the City. Mr. Burke said there could be a gap because most parks were watered on a nightly basis. If there were issues at night, the vendor would contact the City when the error was noticed. The system was implemented on a trial basis for two years. The goal was to look at other vendors and eventually choose a similar type of system at all City parks. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if the system was being used at parks using effluent water or just potable water. City Council Meeting Minutes-June 13, 2023 Page 2 of 10 Mr. Burke said only potable water sites were being tested. It would eventually be used at parks using effluent water, but the principal goal was to save water. Vice Mayor Clark asked what the total savings was. Mr. Burke said that the City had saved 370 million gallons of water and $2 million. Councilmember Malnar was impressed with the amount of water being saved. He asked if the irrigation systems were being upgraded or were new control boxes being installed. Mr. Burke said initially it was just the automation, control boxes and valves. The system was working well. Councilmember Malnar would support allocating additional money to parks next fiscal year. Councilmember Turner asked if there was a similar system for the rights-of-way. Shahid Abbas, Transportation Director, said a similar system would be used next year. Mayor Weiers supported the system and was pleased the City was saving money. 2. COUNCIL ITEM OF SPECIAL INTEREST - RETIREE HEALTH CARE Presented by: Jim Brown, Director, Human Resources and Risk Management Ms. Bower read the item by title. Mr. Brown was seeking direction on whether Council would like to see a more in-depth analysis of retiree health care in Glendale. The scope included: •A briefing over what the City currently offered to retirees •Overview of the City of Mesa's retiree health plan and impact •Other cities considering similar retiree health plans •Analysis of implementing a retiree health plan similar to Mesa's for the City Mr. Brown said staff would work with the City's benefits consultant to develop the retiree plan model. It would take approximately 6 weeks to work with the consultant. The cost would be approximately$45,00 to $50,000. Mayor Weiers said the City Manager could spend $50,000 without Council consensus. He supported getting more information. Councilmember Aldama said a recent survey of City employees indicated health benefits were the number one priority for employees. The City of Mesa's program began with public safety but was expanded to all departments. It was a retention tool for employees. He asked why the City needed the consultant. Mr. Brown said the consultant would extrapolate information over the past 5 to 10 years, explain what types of tiered plans would be available and what the cost would be. Councilmember Aldama asked for consensus to move forward with the item to find out if it was affordable, if it was what employees wanted and if it was a good retention tool. City Council Meeting Minutes -June 13, 2023 Page 3 of 10 Councilmember Tolmachoff supported moving forward. Vice Mayor Clark agreed additional information was necessary. She recommended contacting the National League of Cities to find out what it knew about the issue. Mesa was not the only city working on the issue. Councilmember Turner said when he was elected 8 years ago, there was a retiree health benefits program. Mr. Brown said that was correct. The City used to offer a retiree health care plan but it was discontinued during the recession. Mr. Phelps said there were several differences in the retiree health care plan the City had 10 years ago. The new plan would pay 100% up until 65 years of age. Councilmember Turner said if it would help employee retention, he would support it. Councilmember Malnar supported using a consultant. Councilmember Tolmachoff agreed the City should not copy Mesa but find what suited the City. Mayor Weiers confirmed consensus to move forward. 3. COUNCIL ITEM OF SPECIAL INTEREST- CITY'S RESPONSE TO SOBER LIVING HOMES Presented by: Rick St. John, Deputy City Manager Ms. Bower read the item by title. Mr. St. John provided information on the City's plan to address the response to unlicensed sober living homes. There were 2 or 3 sober living homes in Glendale that were properly licensed. Mr. St. John said sober living homes were required to obtain a City business license pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance. There were two different business license options, Class 1 or Class 2. Sober Living homes required a Class 2 license. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) required the homes to operate under the City's Zoning Ordinance which required the Class 2 license. Councilmember Turner asked about homes that remained noncompliant after receiving a 7-day notice. He asked if the homes could come into compliance within the allotted time. Mr. St. John said it took over 12 months to receive a license. He did not think it would be possible. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked about the conditional use permit and if the reason for the Class 2 business license was the people in and out of the house receiving assistance. She asked how the City would know how many people were living in the house. Mr. St. John said that when applying for a license, the homeowner must inform the ADHS how many people would live in the home. The ADHS would inspect the home. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if the homes were required to have sprinklers because of the City Council Meeting Minutes-June 13, 2023 Page 4 of 10 number of people residing in the home. There would be an incentive to say fewer people resided there to lessen the cost. Mr. St. John the Fire Code mandated sprinklers for any amount of people living in a sober living home. The state amended its adopted Fire Code to allow homes with 1-5 residents to operate without sprinklers. The City would accept a variance from the state stating the home did not need sprinklers. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked if the variance was only for 5 or fewer residents. Mr. St. John said that was correct. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked how the City was going to be proactive on the problem of unlicensed homes. Mr. St. John said Code Enforcement had a plan to visit all properties every 4 months. Inspectors were actively looking for signs of unlicensed group homes of any kind. There was a database of approved, licensed homes and if not licensed, the home would be issued a notice of violation. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked what residents should do about an unlicensed home. Mr. St. John said residents should call Code Compliance. Councilmember Malnar asked about the state statute regarding 6 or fewer people living in a home and if the City could do anything about the home. Mr. St. John said it could not. The protections only applied to properly licensed homes. The City was required to treat the home as it would any other residential property and home based business. The law applied to developmentally disabled homes. It was not clear what a developmentally disabled home was, and a sober living home was not the same thing. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked for an update in 90 days. 4. COUNCIL COMMITTEES Presented by: Julie K. Bower, City Clerk Ms. Bower read the item by title. She said new appointments needed to be made to the Government Services Committee. Council's guidelines stated that a Councilmember could serve for 2 consecutive years. Current committee members, Councilmember Turner and Councilmember Hugh, had served 3 years and Councilmember Tolmachoff had served 2 years and new members were required. Councilmember Malnar, Vice Mayor Clark, and Councilmember Aldama volunteered to serve on the committee. 5. DOWNTOWN CAMPUS REINVESTMENT PROJECT UPDATE Presented by: Eddie Garcia, Principal Architect Diane Jacobs, Holly Street Studio Michael Jacobs, Holly Street Studio City Council Meeting Minutes-June 13, 2023 Page 5 of 10 Ms. Bower read the item by title. Mr. Garcia provided an update on the Downtown Campus Reinvestment Project. He said the design process was at 30% completion. Ms. Jacobs reviewed the floor plan organization, the reorganization of campus space and the architectural expression of the building. Mr. Jacobs reviewed the base budget and presented options and costs for a 5th level terrace, interior Council Chambers renovations, and parking garage upgrades. He requested information, questions, and guidance on the options. Mayor Weiers said the parking garage was a focal point from the west. The façade needed to be changed and he liked the electronic billboard. He asked if there was an item in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)to invest money in the Council Chambers. Mr. Phelps said there was a placeholder of approximately$4.5 million to update the Council Chambers in year 5 of the CIP. It would be more efficient and cost effective to do it as part of the current project. Mayor Weiers was not in support of the 5th floor terrace. He wanted to stay in budget. Vice Mayor Clark would not support the 5th floor terrace. She was in support of the interior renovation of the Council Chambers. Vice Mayor Clark asked what was in the budget for the amphitheater and the budget for Murphy Park upgrades. Mr. Garcia said there was approximately $10.3 million for the amphitheater and $4.5 million for Murphy Park. Vice Mayor Clark asked what was budgeted for the parking garage Mr. Garcia said $1.7 million had been budgeted. Vice Mayor Clark asked the total spending on those items. Mr. Jacobs said the total was approximately$22 million. Vice Mayor Clark said outside sources were interested in the the Downtown Campus Reinvestment Project and there was the possibility of a major hotel in downtown Glendale. Councilmember Malnar liked the solar panels on the parking garage and the 5th floor terrace. However, to be fiscally responsible, the items needed to wait. Reinvigorating the downtown would be an asset for the City. Councilmember Tolmachoff said all of the costs would total $97 million. She asked where the Council Chambers funding was in the CIP. Mr. Phelps said that it was in year 5. Councilmember Tolmachoff said the amounts stated for renovating the Council Chambers interior was $2.5 million and $4.5 million. She asked which was correct. City Council Meeting Minutes-June 13, 2023 Page 6 of 10 Mr. Phelps said the $2.5 million was for the executive session room addition. Councilmember Tolmachoff supported the investment in the building but the total cost was too much money to spend. Councilmember Turner supported the solar panels if it generated revenue. He would like the top floor shaded on the garage. He also liked the screens for the stairways on the eastside of garage, but the screens on the westside were too overpowering. He was supportive of the 5th level if it was enclosed for business and supported improvements to Council Chambers. Councilmember Aldama said that if the project remained on budget, it provided a catalyst for development and revitalization of downtown. He could not support any more money for the project budget. The City did not need solar at this time. Any additional monies should be put into renovating the Velma Teague Library. Councilmember Aldama was concerned that there were no strong timelines to share with the community. Councilmember Hugh agreed City Hall needed the improvements. Mayor Weiers confirmed consensus to move forward without the 5th floor addition. Mr. Garcia reviewed the next steps in the process. He said staff was working on a timeline and a construction plan and would have an estimate in early August. 6. GENERAL FUND - FUND BALANCE UPDATE AND POLICY REVIEW Presented by: Vicki Rios, Assistant City Manager Levi D. Gibson, Budget and Finance Director Mr. Gibson presented information about the Fund Balance Policy for the General Fund. Information included: •The definition of fund balance •The accounting standards for fund balance • Best practice recommendations •The current Glendale General Fund Balance Policy and valley-wide comparisons. Mr. Gibson requested a consensus for the recommendation. Ms. Rios said that compared to other cities, the City's policy did not define what year or timeframe the fund balance was referring to. Councilmember Turner asked what the number would be based on the current policy. He thought it was $77 million. Ms. Rios said that number was based on the 2023 budget, not the 2022 budget. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked why the numbers could not be based on the previous fiscal year ongoing operating revenue. Ms. Rios said staff forecasted the amount. Councilmember Tolmachoff asked why the actual numbers from the previous year were not City Council Meeting Minutes-June 13, 2023 Page 7 of 10 used to calculate the fund balance. Every year the fund balance could be based on the previous year's numbers. Mr. Phelps said that the numbers could be calculated that way but the best way was the recommendation presented. Councilmember Tolmachoff said the new policy reduced the total fund balance. Mr. Phelps said that if revenues decreased, the fund balance would be reduced. If the fund balance was based on expenditures, it would give the City more reserves. Councilmember Tolmachoff said expenditures would have to be lowered if revenue went down. The policy could be a specific amount. Councilmember Malnar said a reserve fund was to cover the City's expenses. Vice Mayor Clark approved the recommendation from staff. Councilmember Turner approved basing the fund balance on expenses. He would prefer more money in reserves. Councilmember Aldama approved the recommendation from staff. He was concerned that there was not a policy in place. Ms. Rios said the policy stated that it was to be replenished within 5 years. Councilmember Aldama asked if that policy needed to be brought before Council. Ms. Rios said it did not need to come before Council. Councilmember Aldama asked where the 25% amount came from. Ms. Rios stated the minimum recommended amount was 2 months or 18% in reserve. The City decided on 25%. Councilmember Aldama asked if the sales tax was lower, would the fund balance percentage be lower. Ms. Rios said if the City was not as reliant on sales tax, it could have a lower fund balance. Councilmember Tolmachoff said that the budget adoption on the regular agenda was based on revenue. Ms. Rios said staff would bring the updated version of the policy to the June 27 meeting for approval. Mayor Weiers was comfortable with the recommendation. He confirmed there was a consensus for the recommendation. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Phelps said Chicken and Pickle would open at Westgate on July 18th. City Council Meeting Minutes-June 13, 2023 Page 8 of 10 CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT No report COUNCIL ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST None MOTION AND CALL TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION A motion was made by Councilmember Jamie Aldama, seconded by Councilmember Ian Hugh to hold an executive session. AYE: Mayor Jerry Weiers Vice Mayor Joyce Clark Councilmember Jamie Aldama Councilmember Ian Hugh Councilmember Ray Malnar Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff Councilmember Bart Turner Passed EXECUTIVE SESSION Council met in executive session at 3:26 p.m. for: • 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 city-owned property near 57th Avenue and Palmaire Avenue pursuant to A.R.S. §§ 38-431.03 (A)(3)(4)(7) • 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 city-owned property near 91 st Avenue and Cardinals Way pursuant to A.R.S. §§ 38-431.03 (A)(3)(4) • 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 city-owned property near 95th Avenue and Cardinals Way pursuant to A.R.S. §§ 38-431.03 (A)(3)(4) • Discussion regarding appointments and matters relating to various boards, commissions and other bodies pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3)(4) A motion was made by Councilmember Ray Malnar, seconded by Councilmember Ian Hugh to adjourn the executive session. AYE: Mayor Jerry Weiers Vice Mayor Joyce Clark Councilmember Jamie Aldama Councilmember Ian Hugh Councilmember Ray Malnar City Council Meeting Minutes-June 13, 2023 Page 9 of 10 Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff Councilmember Bart Turner Passed Mayor Weiers adjourned the executive session at 4:03 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Weiers adjourned the meeting at 4:03 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 13th day of June, 2023. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 21st day of June, 2023. Oldie K. Bower, MMC, City Clerk City Council Meeting Minutes-June 13, 2023 Page 10 of 10