TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOR CITY COUNCIL PACKET

October 20, 2009

 

The October 20, 2009 Executive Session has been Cancelled

 

The October 20, 2009 Policy Session has been Cancelled

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Ÿ	Liquor License Applications Received for the Period of October 7, 2009 through October 13, 2009
Ÿ	Police Department Recommendation for Three Liquor License Items on the October 21, 2009 Formal Agenda
Ÿ	Follow-up:  October 13, 2009 Policy Session Minutes and Announcements

 

 

RESPONSES TO REQUESTS FROM COUNCIL/CITIZENS

 

The following information report(s) responds to requests from citizens at the Citizen's Request Sessions:

 

Ms. Mary Noriega

·

Ms. Noriega expressed dissatisfaction with her experience residing at the City’s Pine Towers Apartments, a Senior and Disabled Housing Community.  She stated she had expressed specific concerns to City staff about issues with regards to her residence and her concerns were not addressed.

 

 

Packet Date:  March 27, 2009

 

CITY COUNCIL REPORT
GENERAL INFORMATION
TO:	Lisa Takata Executive Assistant to the City Manager	PACKET DATE:		October 15, 2009
FROM:	Mario Paniagua City Clerk
SUBJECT:	LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 7, 2009 THROUGH OCTOBER 13, 2009

 

This report provides advance notice of liquor license applications that were received by the City Clerk during the period of Wednesday, October 7, 2009 through Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

 

INFORMATION

The liquor license application process includes the posting of a public notice of the application at the proposed location for twenty days and the distribution of an application copy or a copy of this report to the following departments for their review: Finance, Planning, Police, Fire, Street Transportation, Development Services, and the Maricopa County Health Department.  Additionally, License Services mails a notice to all registered neighborhood organizations within a one-mile radius of each proposed business location (excluding Special Events).

 

Additional information on the items listed below is generally not available until the twenty-day posting/review period has expired.

 

LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATIONS

 

Application Type Legend

O- Ownership

L- Location

N- New

OL- Ownership & Location

AOC- Acquisition of Control

SE- Special Event

 

Liquor License Series Definitions

	1     In State Producer	*	7     On sale-beer & wine		11  Hotel/Motel-all liquor on premises
	3     Microbrewery		8     Conveyance license-sale of all liquor on board planes & trains		12  Restaurant-all liquor on premises
	4     Wholesaler
	5     Government		9     Off sale-all liquor		14  Clubs-all liquor on premises
*	6     On sale-all liquor		10  Off sale-beer & wine		15  Special Event
*	On-sale retailer means any person operating an establishment where spirituous liquors are sold in the original container for consumption on or off the premises and in individual portions for consumption on the premises.

 

Dist		App. Type		Agent/Owner Name Business Name/Address Phone		Lic. Type		Protest Period Ends		Within 2,000 Feet of Light Rail		Proposed Agenda Date
4		L		Linda Jarnagin, Agent Jungle Cabaret 2502 West Camelback Road 602-793-3337		6		11/3/09		No		11/18/09
6		SE		Theresa Crandall-Kimble Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce (10/24/09) 16035 South 48th Street 231-499-3664		15		N/A		N/A		*10/24/09
6		N		Andrea Lewkowitz, Agent Bluewater Grill 1720 East Camelback Road 602-667-6767		12		10/30/09		No		11/18/09
7		AOC		Jinan Toma, Agent Virginia Market 702 East Virginia Avenue 602-541-9471		10		11/3/09		No		11/18/09
8		O		Gene Cox, Agent Capitol Sports Lounge 1801 West Van Buren Street 602-758-1798		6		10/30/09		No		11/18/09
8		SE		David Campbell Grand Canyon Men’s Chorale (11/6/09) 214 East Roosevelt Street 305-394-5164		15		N/A		N/A		11/4/09
8		SE		Dragomir Mikalacki St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church (11/7-11/8/09) 4436 East McKinley Street 480-343-7431		15		N/A		N/A		*11/7/09
8		SE		Nellie Sanchez St. Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Parish Phoenix (10/17/09) 4410 East Southern Avenue 602-431-0736		15		N/A		N/A		*10/17/09
8		SE		Francine Hardaway Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation (11/12/09) 4340 East Cotton Center Blvd. 602-910-5622		15		N/A		N/A		*11/12/09

 

*Event Date – Application not received in time for Council review.

 

For further information regarding any of the above applications, please contact the City Clerk Department, License Services Section, at 602-534-3365.

 

RECOMMENDATION

This report is provided for information only.  No Council action is required.

 

 

 

CITY COUNCIL REPORT
GENERAL INFORMATION
TO:	Lisa Takata Executive Assistant to the City Manager	PACKET DATE:		October 15, 2009
FROM:	Mario Paniagua City Clerk
SUBJECT:	POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THREE LIQUOR LICENSE ITEMS ON THE OCTOBER 21, 2009 FORMAL AGENDA

 

The attached memorandum supplements the Request for Council Action reports for three liquor license items on the October 21st Formal Council Agenda.  This memorandum provides the Council with additional information regarding Police Department disapproval recommendations for the following items:

 

New Items

 

·        District 2, Cocomo Joe’s

 

·        District 3, The Beer Shoppe

 

·        District 7, El Tejano

 

For further information regarding these items, please contact the City Clerk Department, License Services Section at 602-262-7003.

 

Police Department Liquor License Disapproval Recommendation

 

Application Information
Business Name	COCOMO JOE'S		District	2
Business Location	28244 N. Tatum Blvd.
Applicant Name	Robert Norman MacDonald		Series Type	6

The Police Department recommends disapproval of this liquor license application for the following reasons:

 

Since 2004, the applicant, Mr. Robert Norman MacDonald has been a member of the limited liability company that has had control of several liquor licenses in Arizona and other states.  The names of the businesses are Maloney’s Tavern, Ocean Club and Cocomo Joe’s.

 

Mr. MacDonald explained that he was involved with development of new concepts and building new stores.  He stated that he also wrote the training manuals for the business that are used to train employees in dealing with customer service and in house alcohol sales.  He said that he did not have involvement in the day-to-day operations of the stores.

 

The applicant has disclosed that the Maloney’s Tavern in Denver, Colorado had a one-day suspension on 11/23/08 for sale to a minor.  The applicant also disclosed that the Maloney’s in New Mexico had a one-day suspension on 03/07/05 for a minor in a restricted area of the premises.

 

The following criminal activity has occurred at other locations under the control of the applicant:

Maloney’s Tavern

325 Central Ave.

NW Albuquerque NM

License # 0459

 

Currently the Maloney’s in New Mexico has several serious pending violations:

 

01/29/07: Minor in restricted area of premises.

01/29/07: Sale of alcohol to a minor

01/29/07: Minor in restricted area of premises

01/29/07: Sale of alcohol to a minor

01/29/07: Sale to intoxicated person

03/17/08: Sale to intoxicated person

03/17/08: Sale to intoxicated person

03/17/08: Sale to intoxicated person

03/18/08: Sale to intoxicated person

05/31/08: Sale to intoxicated person

10/11/08: Sale to intoxicated person

 

       The following criminal activity has occurred at this location while under the control of the applicant:

      

       Cocomo Joe’s has operated with a series 6 liquor licenses since 2001.  In 2001 the location had one police report of an assault.

 

       Over the next eight (8) years the number of assaults has increased.

 

            2003: Two police reports of assault.

 

            2004: Motor vehicle crash involving a driver who was a patron of the bar.

      

            2005: Four police reports of assault.

                        Two police reports of Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer.

 

     2006: Field report of two very intoxicated patrons who required Police to ensure

                 that they left the property without further incident.

    

     2007: One police report of assault.

                 One police report of criminal damage to the establishment by an

                 intoxicated patron.

 

     2008: Three police reports of assault.

                

     2009: Two police reports of assault.

                 One report / arrest of D.U.I suspect from the establishment.

 

       The seriousness of the violations and the repetitiveness that occurs at the N.M. location and the acts of violence that occur at the Phoenix, AZ location are issues that bring into question the applicant’s reliability and capability.

 

This recommendation for disapproval is submitted by: Det. L. A. Santa Cruz #3867

SIGNATURES
Investigating Detective
Liquor Enforcement Detail Supervisor

 

 

Police Department Liquor License Investigative Summary

 

Application Information
Business Name	THE BEER SHOPPE		District	3
Business Location	15249 N 32nd St
Applicant Name	Steven Sliwa Hermiz		Series	10

 

            The Police Department shares the following concerns of the area's neighborhood associations:

            The Beer Shoppe is located across the street from the Palomino Neighborhood.  The Palomino Neighborhood boundaries are Bell Road on the North, Greenway Road on the South, Cave Creek Road on the West and N. 32nd Street on the East.

            Since 1991 the City has invested close to five million dollars on improving this area and deterring crime and blight to increase the quality of life for our residents.  There have been several Fight Backs and a continuing rental renaissance program focusing on crime prevention in multi-housing complexes.  In addition, enhancements to Palomino Park, neighborhood sidewalks, graffiti removal, and a “Safe Route” to school have helped to improve the safety and appearance of the community.  

            Another liquor store does not support the City’s effort in this neighborhood.  Due to the relationship between alcohol availability and crime, regulating outlet density and restricting sales can reduce availability, decrease crime rates, and improve communities.

 

            This area is already saturated with liquor licenses as evidenced by:

There are currently sixteen liquor licenses within a mile of The Beer Shoppe. 

There are three operating Series 10, beer and wine stores, within a half mile of the Beer Shoppe.

Mr. Hermiz lists the type of business as, “convenience store” but the name “Beer Shoppe” implies only alcohol sales.  The neighborhood will not benefit from another business dealing in alcohol sales. 

In August of 2008, this building was leased to a business named Cigarette City which later changed the name to Greenway Market.  They also had a Series 10 liquor license.  The store had been open for eleven months but went out of business two weeks prior to Mr. Hermiz leasing the building.

            Ninos Narsa and John Saro were the previous owners of Greenway Market.  On 9/3/09, during a phone conversation with Mr. Narsa, he was asked why Greenway Market went out of business.  He said “there was no business” and he could not afford it anymore.  He made the comment that his liquor sales “were not huge at all”.  He estimated that 20% of his sales were liquor and 40% were tobacco sales. 

            We are concerned that this business will not be able to continue to operate with or without the sale of alcohol.

 

            Additional reasons for disapproval include:

            Mr. Hermiz told Detective Santa Cruz during an interview that he has spent almost all of his money to start this business  and is very close to not having any money to continue and that is why there was very little inventory in the store.   

            The public convenience does not require another store for alcohol sales, and the best interest of the community will not be served by the issuance of a liquor license at this location.

 

This recommendation for disapproval is submitted by: Detective Santa Cruz #3867

SIGNATURES
Investigating Detective
Liquor Enforcement Detail Supervisor

 

 

Police Department Liquor License Investigative Summary

 

Application Information
Business Name	EL TEJANO		District	7
Business Location	1605 West Broadway Road
Applicant Name	Dolores Wilson		Series	7

The applicant has the following criminal background:

 

In compliance case number 0302-04 with the Department of Liquor License and Control Dolores Wilson was found responsible for the following charges:

 

Count one- On or about September 1, 1999, Dolores Wilson filed false or misleading documents with the Department in that she failed to disclose that Sonia Calera had a 50% controlling interest in the license, in violation of A.R.S. Section 4-210A3.

 

Count two- On or about September 1, 2004, the ownership of the business was acquired and controlled by a person other than the person originally licensed and an application to disclose such control was not filed with the Department within 30 days, in violation of A.R.S. Section 4-203F.

 

Count three- On or about September 1, 1999, the licensee’s employee, Priciliano Sanchez, had been delegated the authority to operate the licensed business as manager, without filing with the Department a Manager’s Agreement, in violation of A.R.S. Section 4-202C.

 

As a result of these charges, Dolores Wilson was assed a $1,000.00 fine and required to divest any interest in the liquor license of the El Jackal Bar no later than May 31, 2005.

 

The El Tejano Bar has an extensive history of criminal activity on the property ranging from sales of narcotic drugs to misconduct with weapons.  Between 2004 and 2005, there were 25 reports authored by the Phoenix Police Department at the El Tejano Bar for possession or sales of narcotic drugs.  Dolores Wilson’s only experience in owning a bar ended with an order to divest due to liquor law violations.  The applicant has not shown the capability, reliability or qualification to own a bar especially with the history of criminal activity that has occurred at the El Tejano Bar.

 

This recommendation for disapproval is submitted by: Michael Ballentine #7294

SIGNATURES
Investigating Detective
Liquor Enforcement Detail Supervisor

 

 

 

CITY COUNCIL REPORT
GENERAL INFORMATION
TO:	Mayor And City Council	PACKET DATE:		October 15, 2009
FROM:	Frank Fairbanks City Manager
SUBJECT:	FOLLOW-UP:  OCTOBER 13, 2009 POLICY SESSION

 

Attached are the October 13, 2009 Policy Session Minutes and City Council Requests for Information and Announcements.

 

CITY OF PHOENIX

CITY COUNCIL POLICY SESSION

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2009 - 3:00 P.M.

ASSEMBLY ROOMS A, B, AND C

200 WEST WASHINGTON

 

 

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38.431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the City Council and to the general public that the City Council will hold a meeting open to the public on Tuesday October 13, 2009, at 2:00 P.M. located in the Assembly Rooms A, B, and C, Phoenix City Hall Lobby, 200 West Washington, Phoenix, Arizona.  Council members may participate by telephone.  As indicated in the Agenda, the City Council may vote to go into Executive Session, which will not be open to the public, for the purpose of discussing those matters listed on the Agenda.

 

 

1:00 P.M. -

AN EXECUTIVE SESSION WAS CALLED FOR THIS TIME AT THE POLICY MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2009.

 

THE TIMES LISTED FOR AGENDA ITEMS ARE ESTIMATED.  ITEMS MAY BE DISCUSSED EARLIER OR IN A DIFFERENT SEQUENCE.

 

Action Taken:

Mayor Gordon called the meeting to order at 2:16 p.m., with Council members DiCiccio, Gates, Johnson, Mattox, Neely, Nowakowski, and Williams present.  Vice Mayor Simplot was not present.

 

ESTIMATED 1.    2:00 P.M.-

COUNCIL INFORMATION AND FOLLOW-UP REQUESTS.

 

This item is scheduled to give City Council members an opportunity to publicly request information or follow-up on issues of interest to the community.  If the information is available, staff will immediately provide it to the City Council member.  No decisions will be made or action taken.

 

Action Taken:

Council members made general announcements; commended staff for work completed, and submitted questions for staff follow-up.

 

CONSENT AGENDA.

 

There is no Consent Agenda for consideration this week.

 

CALL FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

A vote to call an Executive Session may be held.

 

Action Taken:

Councilwoman Neely motioned City Council, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 38-431.02.A, meet in Executive Session on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.  and Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the East Conference Room, 12^th Floor of the Phoenix City Hall, 200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona.  Councilman Mattox seconded the motion, which passed 8:0. 

 

AGENDA ITEMS.

 

This item is scheduled to give City Council members an opportunity to ask questions about the Formal Agenda on October 14, 2009.  If the information is available, staff will immediately provide it to the City Council member.

 

Action Taken:

None.

 

REPORTS AND BUDGET UPDATES BY THE CITY MANAGER.

 

This item is scheduled to allow the City Manager to report on changes in the City Council Agenda and provide brief informational reports on urgent issues.  The City Council may discuss these reports but no action will be taken.

 

Action Taken:

None.

 

ESTIMATED 2.      2:30  P.M.-

Federal/Phoenix Joint Task Forces

Staff:  Washington, Harris (Presentation 10 min.)

 

This report provides information to the Mayor and City Council on the types of interagency cooperative agreements the Phoenix Police Department maintains with Federal law enforcement partners.

 

This item is for information only.  No City Council action is required.

 

Backup included in Council Packet/City Clerk’s Office.

 

 

Action Taken:

Jack Harris, Public Safety Manager introduced the item and Jerry Harper, U.S. Attorney; Nate Gray, FBI SAC – Phoenix Field Office; Jim Needles, ATF SAC – Phoenix Field Office; Beth Kempshall, DEA SAC – Phoenix Field Office; Jason Kidd DHS ICE SAC – Phoenix Field Office.

 

Mr. Harris provided information on the types of Interagency Cooperative Agreements the Phoenix Police Department maintains with Federal law enforcement partners, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF); Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).  Mr. Harris highlighted various interagency programs, including the Home Invasion Kidnapping Enforcement (HIKE) Task Force; FBI Violent Street Gang Task Force; FBI Bank Robbery Task Force; AZ Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC); and Phoenix Arizona High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Initiative. 

 

Mr. Harris stated Interagency Cooperative Agreements served to build strong law enforcement partnerships geared toward reducing crime within the City, noting additional collaboration and partnerships with the U.S. Attorney, State and County Attorney General’s Offices.  Mr. Harris then introduced Federal law enforcement personnel from the Phoenix Field Office, including officers from the FBI, ATF, DEA, and DHS: ICE.  Federal law enforcement personnel each thanked Mr. Harris and the City of Phoenix for ongoing partnerships and active participation on each of their respective task forces.  Mr. Harris summarized by thanking the U.S. Attorney and Federal personnel in attendance while also acknowledging the many officers serving in the field.

 

Mayor Gordon thanked the group for their effort and dedication to enhancing law enforcement operations, offering his appreciation for the many officers in the field who selflessly risked their lives every day.  He added he would be remiss not to mention the recent passing of a Phoenix Police Officer, noting the heartfelt sorrow of the community and the City’s desire to honor its fallen officer.

 

Councilman Johnson stated he was proud to have been a member of the Phoenix Police Department and continues to have working relationships with the department and many of its state and federal partners.  Mr. Johnson expressed his appreciation for each officer’s dedication to ensuring the safety of Phoenix.

 

Councilman Mattox noted the significant impact law enforcement collaborations made in reducing instances of crime in Phoenix.  Mr. Mattox thanked the officers for their hard work and commitment to reducing crime.

 

Councilwoman Williams commented on her longstanding involvement with the Phoenix Police Department, noting her husband’s career as a Phoenix Police Officer.  Ms. Williams thanked the officers for their continued efforts and ongoing support of the Phoenix Police Department.

 

Councilman Nowakowski thanked Mr. Harris and the Phoenix Police Department for their hard work and dedication, acknowledging recent police work to reduce crime in the Lindon Park Neighborhood of District 7.

 

Councilman Gates commented on the high level of collaboration between Phoenix Police and Federal law enforcement entities, noting such partnerships serve as a model for other agencies.

 

Mayor Gordon noted the importance of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding in providing additional support to local law enforcement agencies that are under funded and under staffed.  Mayor Gordon urged City staff, law enforcement personnel, and residents to continue to express their support for additional federal funding opportunities for local government.

 

ESTIMATED 3.      2:40  P.M.-

VALLEY FORWARD AWARDS

Staff:  Seelhammer, Diane Brossart (Valley Forward Association) (Presentation 10 min.)

 

Valley Forward and SRP presented 18 first-place Crescordia Award winners and 31 Awards of Merit through this year’s Environmental Excellence Awards program.  The awards set standards for achieving a balance between the built and natural environment in the region’s physical, technical, social and aesthetic environment.

 

This item is for information only.  No City Council action is required.

 

Backup included in Council Packet/City Clerk’s Office.

 

Action Taken:

Deputy City Manager Cynthia Seelhammer introduced the item and Diane Brossart, President of the Valley Forward Association.

 

Ms. Brossart stated the City of Phoenix has been a member of Valley Forward for over two decades, noting the City’s visionary projects in the area of renewable and sustainable resources.  Ms. Brossart described the 29^th annual award ceremony as the most competitive yet, with over 150 total entries.  Ms. Brossart acknowledged Valley Forward’s partnership with Salt River Project (SRP) in maintaining the program, introducing Lori Singleton, Manager of Environmental Initiatives at SRP.  Ms. Singleton congratulated the City of Phoenix on its numerous Valley Forward awards and encouraged the City to continue its leadership in environmental excellence.

 

Mayor Gordon left the meeting at 3:18 p.m.

 

Ms. Brossart presented a video highlighting the Crescordia Awards and Awards of Merit the City of Phoenix received during the 29^th Annual Valley Forward event.

 

Councilwoman Neely stated Mayor Gordon has had a unique vision for downtown Phoenix incorporating sustainability as a key element.  She said staff has worked hard to develop a variety of sustainable and renewable resource projects.  Ms. Neely expressed her enthusiasm over the City’s leadership in sustainability efforts.

 

Councilman Mattox acknowledged the wealth of sustainability efforts in Phoenix and across the Valley, noting the diversity of projects represented at Valley Forward.  Mr. Mattox thanked Valley Forward for its recognition of the City’s continued commitment to sustainability.

 

Councilman DiCiccio left the meeting at 3:35 p.m.

 

City staff from departments who won Crescordia Awards and Awards of Merit joined the Council on stage for a photo opportunity.

 

Councilman DiCiccio rejoined the meeting at 3:44 p.m.

 

ESTIMATED 4.      2:50  P.M.-

Employee service recognition announcements (no report)

Staff:  Washington, Smith (Presentation 10 min.)

 

This item is for information only.  No City Council action is required.

 

Action Taken:

 

Councilwoman Williams presented an Employee Service Recognition award to Ms. Nora Vega Cruz for 25 years of service with the City.

 

Councilman Gates presented an Employee Service Recognition award to Ms. Pamela Lansden for 30 years of service with the City.

 

Councilman Johnson presented an Employee Service Recognition award to Mr. Dale Larsen for 25 years of service with the City.

 

Mayor Gordon returned to the meeting at 3:47 p.m.

 

ESTIMATED 5.      3:00  P.M.-

Budget Status update and calendar recommendation

Staff:   Zuercher, Gleason (Presentation 10 min.)

 

This report provides the first discussion about the upcoming budget.  It is being presented about three months earlier than it would be in a year without a severe revenue shortfall.  In this early report, results are provided from the recently completed 2008-09 fiscal year, initial estimates for the 2009-10 fiscal year, limited information available for the 2010-11 fiscal year, and a recommended calendar for the 2010-11 budget process.  Staff recommends adopting the April calendar that requires final Council decisions in March with reductions to programs and services implemented in April.  This allows the City to take advantage of 15 months of savings, while giving time to understand the implications of labor negotiations on the 2010-11 budget.

 

This item is for information, discussion and possible action.

 

Back-up included in Council packet/City Clerk's Office.

 

Action Taken:

Deputy City Manager Frank Fairbanks introduced the item, explaining the report was an early briefing on the City’s budget.  Mr. Fairbanks explained the City’s ongoing cost-savings activities had served to prevent a serious budget crisis.  Mr. Fairbanks introduced Deputy City Manager Ed Zuercher and Budget and Research Director Cathy Gleason.

 

Councilwoman Neely left the meeting at 4:05 p.m.

 

Mr. Zuercher stated that City departments performed admirably in enacting cost-savings measures, noting many were able to save more money than expected.  He added the budget update was intended to provide a look at year-to-date numbers and an outlook for the rest of the year and the following year.  Mr. Zuercher deferred to Ms. Gleason for specific budget details.

 

Councilwoman Neely rejoined the meeting at 4:14 p.m.

 

Ms. Gleason outlined the 2008-09 General Fund Results.  She reviewed 2009-10 City and State Sales Tax figures and provided a budget outlook for 2009-10, noting General Fund revenues are anticipated to be flat.  Ms. Gleason stated City departments had implemented several City Council ideas for generating additional revenues and creating budget savings.  Ms. Gleason explained the 3+9 budget process was revised to provide incentives for departments to recognize efficiency savings.  

 

Ms. Gleason reviewed the City of Phoenix’s Credit Rating, noting S&P and Moody’s affirmed the City’s AAA and AA1 credit ratings, and noting Moody’s changed the ratings outlook from stable to negative due to local economic conditions.  Ms. Gleason attributed Phoenix’s strong bond ratings to the City’s strong, conservative fiscal management practices.  Ms. Gleason stated the revenue shortfall was leveling out and no longer declining, noting a bottoming out of the sales tax.

 

Mayor Gordon asked if the Federal government’s auto purchase incentives program played a role in mitigating a larger sales tax decrease.  Ms. Gleason explained that overall, no significant improvement in retail sales tax could be attributed to the program.  Mr. Zuercher added the car program did not have the huge impact on sales tax as initially expected.  Mr. Fairbanks commented predicted budget numbers were lower than expected; however, relative to last year, sales tax revenue seems to have found the bottom.  He indicated the sooner the City began planning and implementing its cut process, the less it would have to cut later.

 

Councilman Mattox asked if Moody’s projected negative outlook was due to the state legislature’s inability to balance its budget.  Ms. Gleason stated state budget considerations were a factor, but noted Moody’s could revisit Phoenix’s outlook rating and upgrade it to stable or positive, depending on how the year progresses. 

 

Ms. Gleason presented three budget calendar options for the Council to consider, recommending the April calendar option as the most appropriate course of action.

 

Mayor Gordon called attention to the potential for more unfunded mandates from the State, commenting the City would have to make a strong claim to the legislature about the adverse effects to critical services such mandates would have.  Mayor Gordon noted the difficulty in motivating stakeholder groups to lobby against such cuts and stressed the importance of informing the public and media early, to provide sufficient time to act.

 

Mr. Fairbanks explained the City’s methodology in conducting the reduction process, noting the first round of reductions entailed reducing what least affected the community.  Mr. Fairbanks added that additional rounds of reductions would have significantly more impact to City programs and services.

 

Councilwoman Neely stated the April calendar implementation date was appropriate, but noted the need for a contingency plan if the state legislature had not resolved its budget issues.

 

Councilwoman Neely moved to adopt the April calendar, stipulating City staff also develop a list of contingencies exploring possible shortfalls ranging from $25 million to $100 million.  Councilman Johnson seconded the motion, which passed 8:0.

 

Mayor Gordon indicated the budget update included several assumptions, noting there were still additional considerations that could affect budget projections. 

 

Mr. Fairbanks concurred, clarifying the update was a broad look at the budget that did not include specific projections.  Mr. Fairbanks added increases in wages would also serve to increase potential shortfalls, noting a cost of at least $10 million for every 1% wage increase in staff salaries.

 

Mayor Gordon commented past increases in revenue and staff attrition allowed for sustainability and continued growth.  Mr. Fairbanks responded the situation was a result of 18-months of declining revenue.

 

Mayor Gordon stated unless the economy changed dramatically, the City could be faced with potential layoffs.  Mr. Fairbanks added the situation posed a difficult situation with a need for unavoidable trade-offs.

 

Councilman DiCiccio stated departmental incentives to save were a good approach for the City, adding the City should mitigate budget cuts to direct services.  Mr. DiCiccio suggested revisiting staff pay raises and income levels to determine constructive solutions to dealing with the possibility of cutbacks in staff.

 

ESTIMATED

3:40  P.M.- ADJOURNMENT

 

Action Taken:

Mayor Gordon adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m.

 

For further information, please call the Management Intern, City Manager's Office, at 602-262-4449.

 

For reasonable accommodations, call the Management Intern at Voice/602-262-4449 or TTY/602-534-5500 as early as possible to coordinate needed arrangements.

 

Si necesita traducción en español, por favor llame a la oficina del gerente de la Ciudad de Phoenix, 602-262-4449 tres días antes de la fecha de la junta.

 

PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

 

Councilwoman Baier

Councilman DiCiccio

Councilman Johnson

Councilman Mattox

Councilwoman Neely

Councilman Nowakowski

Councilwoman Williams

Vice Mayor Simplot

Mayor Gordon

 

City Council Requests for Information and Announcements

City Council Policy Session

October 13, 2009

 

 

Mayor Gordon

Mayor Gordon congratulated the Phoenix Mercury basketball team on winning the 2009 WNBA Championship, honoring Phoenix Mercury staff Jay Parry, President and COO, and Ann Meyers Drysdale, General Manager, with a Friend of Phoenix Certificate of Appreciation.  Mayor Gordon and Council thanked Ms. Parry and Ms. Drysdale for their championship performance and for continuing to serve as an inspiration to young women.

 

Councilwoman Williams

Councilwoman Williams thanked community volunteers for assisting with the recent Pioneer Village neighborhood event in District 1 that included home restoration assistance and neighborhood cleanup activities.

 

Councilman DiCiccio

Councilman DiCiccio noted the success of the October 10, 2009 car theft prevention event held in District 6.  Mr. DiCiccio thanked the public, volunteers, and the Phoenix Police Department for their support and participation.  Mr.  DiCiccio requested that neighborhood associations hosting community GAIN events contact his office to inform them of event scheduling.  Mr. DiCiccio noted several upcoming events, including the Arcadia Crime Prevention event on October 21.  Mr. DiCiccio also acknowledged October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, noting the harmful impact of domestic violence in our communities.

 

 

 

 

 

CITY COUNCIL REPORT
CITIZEN REQUEST
TO:	Mayor and City Council	PACKET DATE:	October 15, 2009
FROM:	Lisa Takata Executive Assistant to the City Manager
SUBJECT:	RESPONSES TO REQUESTS FROM COUNCIL/CITIZENS

 

The following information report(s) responds to requests from citizens at the Citizen's Request Session:

 

Ms. Mary Noriega

·

Ms. Noriega expressed dissatisfaction with her experience residing at the City’s Pine Towers Apartments, a Senior and Disabled Housing Community.  She stated she had expressed specific concerns to City staff about issues with regards to her residence and her concerns were not addressed.

 

 

CITY COUNCIL REPORT
CITIZEN REQUEST
TO:	Rick Naimark Deputy City Manager	PACKET DATE:		October 15, 2009
FROM:	Kim Dorney Housing Director
SUBJECT:	RESPONSE TO CITIZEN COMMENT from OCTOBER 7, 2009 CITY COUNCIL FORMAL MEETING – MS. MARY NORIEGA

 

The purpose of this report is to provide a response to a citizen comment recorded at the City Council Formal meeting of October 7, 2009.

 

THE ISSUE

 

Ms. Noriega expressed dissatisfaction with her experience residing at the City’s Pine Towers Apartments, a senior housing community.  Ms. Noriega stated she had expressed specific concerns about issues with her residence to City staff and that her concerns were not addressed.  Ms. Noriega noted that the issues are still unresolved.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Ms. Noriega was contacted by staff to confirm the nature of the unresolved issues.  A process and timetable were agreed upon to address the issues and Ms. Noriega expressed her satisfaction with both during the call.  Issues ranged from the condition of carpeting in her apartment to other customer service-related issues.

 

Staff will continue to make frequent contact with Ms. Noriega until the issues are resolved.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

This report is for information only.  No Council action is required.