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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, June 2, 2009, at 2:00 P.M.
located in the City Council Chambers, 200
West Jefferson, 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.
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THE TIMES LISTED
FOR AGENDA ITEMS ARE ESTIMATED. ITEMS MAY
BE DISCUSSED EARLIER OR IN A DIFFERENT SEQUENCE.
Action Taken:
Vice Mayor Simplot called the meeting to order at 2:16 p.m.
Councilmember’s Baier, Nowakowski,
Neely, DiCiccio and Williams were present. Mayor Gordon and Councilmember’s Johson and Mattox were absent.
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ESTIMATED
1. 2:00
P.M.-
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COUNCIL INFORMATION AND
FOLLOW-UP REQUESTS.
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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:
There were no
information requests.
CONSENT AGENDA.
This item is scheduled to allow the City
Council to act on the Mayor’s recommendations on the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda has been publicly posted.
Action Taken:
Councilwoman Williams moved approval of items in the Consent
Agenda. Councilwoman Baier seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
CALL FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
Action Taken:
Councilwoman
Williams moved that the Phoenix City Council, pursuant to Arizona Revised
Statutes, Section 38-431.02.A, meet in Executive Session on Tuesday, June
9, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the East Conference Room, 12th Floor of
the Phoenix City Hall, 200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona. Councilwoman
Baier seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
AGENDA ITEMS.
This item is scheduled to give City Council members an
opportunity to ask questions about the Formal Agenda on June 3, 2009.
If the information is available, staff will immediately provide it to
the City Council member.
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:
Frank Fairbanks, City Manager, stated that Phoenix Police
Officer Fabian Gonzalez was acknowledged by the National Association of Police
Organizations at the White House with a “Top Cop” award for outstanding
service. Mr. Fairbanks stated that John
Chan, Convention Center Director, received the Economic Developer of the Year
award from the State of Arizona. Mr. Fairbanks stated that Palo Verde Library
received an award for Education Excellence, and added that Yolanda Martinez,
Program Manager in Neighborhood Services, was acknowledged by the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development for her outstanding work to
eliminate Lead Hazards in homes with seniors and children. Mr. Fairbanks also stated that the Public
Works Department received an award for Outstanding Achievement from the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the “Bag Central Station”
program. Mr. Fairbanks added that the
City also won awards for its Sister Cities Program and Phoenix Workforce
Connection, as well as by the Phoenix Visitor’s Bureau for hosting the NBA
All-Star Game.
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ESTIMATED
2. 2:30 P.M.-
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DONATION TO THE AQUATICS
SECTION FOR THE 2009 CIGNA SUMMER PROGRAM BY CIGNA HEALTHCARE OF ARIZONA
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Staff: Naimark, Larsen
(Presentation 10 min.)
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This report informs the City Council of a $37,500 CIGNA
HealthCare contribution and requests City Council to formally receive the
donation for the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD). The donation will fund the 2009 CIGNA Summer
Water Safety program. Specifically,
$30,000 will sponsor CIGNA Summer and $7,500 will sponsor the Senior Water
Aerobics Program.
This item is for information only. No City Council action is required.
Action Taken:
Rick Naimark, Deputy City
Manager, introduced the item stating that this presentation will inform the
City Council of a $37,500 CIGNA HealthCare contribution. Mr. Naimark stated
that staff is requesting Council approval to formally receive and accept the
donation for the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD). Mr. Naimark stated
that the donation will fund the 2009 CIGNA Summer Water Safety and Senior Water
Aerobics programs.
Dale Larsen, Interim
Parks and Recreation Director,
stated that CIGNA has been a partner with the City of Phoenix Parks and
Recreation Department for eighteen consecutive years. Mr. Larsen stated that through their
willingness to participate and fund water safety awareness programs they have
touched over 30,000 lives. Mr. Larsen
stated that over 2,000 Junior Life Guards have been trained, many of which
choose to continue their work with the City of Phoenix. Mr. Larsen stated that the City of Phoenix
has one of the most diverse programs in the country, and noted that this check
will help sponsor more programs in the future.
Becky Hulett, Aquatics Recreation
Supervisor, stated that CIGNA has donated over $547,000 since 1992. Ms. Hulett stated
that CIGNA donations have provided funding for an array of water safety
programs for children ages 6 to 15. Ms. Hulett stated that the “Itty Bitty Beach Party” is for
children six and under where participants and their families are exposed to
various elements of water safety while enjoying activities around the
pool. Ms. Hulett
stated that the “Cub Club” is for children seven to ten years old and they meet
two days a week working to improve their swimming techniques and learn basic
water safety methods and maneuvers. Ms. Hulett stated that “Discovery Guards” was created for pre
teens to learn and develop their elementary lifesaving skills. Ms. Hulett
continued on to say that “Junior Lifeguard Training” is for youth ages thirteen
to fifteen and is the most extensive element of the CIGNA Summer Water
Programs. Ms. Hulett
stated that first year participants learn Community Water Safety, SPR,
fulfill volunteer hours, and make pool visits.
Ms. Hulett stated that second year Junior
Lifeguards further develop leadership skills and assist with lesson
instruction. Ms. Hulett
stated that all Junior Lifeguards have the opportunity to become CPR certified
and typically longstanding and helpful volunteers at public pools citywide. Ms. Hulett stated
that CIGNA has also helped to create and sustain the Senior Water Aerobics
Program with a $7,500 donation.
Frank Benedetto, Vice President
of Sales for CIGNA, expressed his thanks to the Phoenix City Council for being
a great partner. Mr. Benedetto
stated that their primary objective is to improve the health and benefits of
all those who reside in the State of Arizona. Mr. Benedetto
stated that CIGNA staff has continued to work extremely hard in maintaining
great partners, and added that the CIGNA Corporation is happy to support water
safety and aerobic programs.
Mr. Larsen recognized the late Kerry Martin for her efforts
to sustain water safety programming throughout the City. Mr. Larsen stated that Mrs. Martin fundraised
for this initiative for many years, and many of these programs would not be
around today without her willingness to support this great cause.
Councilwoman Neely expressed her
thanks to both City and CIGNA staff for supporting this cause. Councilwoman Neely
stated that the “Itty Bitty Beach Party” was extremely close to the heart of
Mrs. Kerry Martin and looks forward to seeing it succeed in the future. Councilwoman Neely
suggested staff look into renaming a program as a way to commemorate the work
of Mrs. Martin.
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ESTIMATED
3. 2:40 P.M.-
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2009 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM RESULTS
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Staff: Osuna, Lyons
(Presentation 10 min.)
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This report informs the Mayor and City Council of the 18th
Annual International Women’s Day Scholarship Program sponsored by the Phoenix
Women's Commission and International Women’s Day Steering Committee. Members of the Commission and Steering
Committee, as well as the program’s corporate sponsors, will attend the June 2,
2009 City Council meeting to report on 2009 fundraising results.
This item is for information only. No City Council action is required.
Action Taken:
Ruth Osuna, Deputy City Manager,
introduced the item stating that this presentation will inform the Mayor and
Council about the 18th Annual International Women’s Day Scholarship
Program which is sponsored by the Phoenix Women’s Commission, International
Women’s Day Steering Committee, and many corporate partners. Ms. Osuna stated
that adjustments to the scholarship celebration had to be made due to the
current economic situation, however, she noted that
every corporate partner still donated their original amount. Ms. Osuna stated
that $69,000 was raised for the International Women’s Day Scholarship Program.
Lionel Lyons, Equal Opportunity Director, stated that
International Women’s Day (IWD) was created to recognize the historic struggle
of women and to celebrate significant social achievements. Mr. Lyons stated that IWD seeks to improve
the lives of all women while working to eliminate all forms of
discrimination. Mr. Lyons stated that
the International Women’s Day Steering Committee and Phoenix Women’s Commission
partnered with an array of city departments in order to maximize scholarship
support. Mr. Lyons expressed his thanks
to the Mayor and City Council, City Manager’s Office, Public Information
Office, the Finance Department, and Equal Opportunity Department staff. Mr. Lyons stated that due to the current
economic situation the committee decided to cancel its March 4, 2009 scholarship celebration, and chose
instead to reduce costs and allocate all funds raised to scholarships. Mr. Lyons stated that it was a very difficult
decision to not publicly acknowledge the scholarship recipients and sponsors,
but staff and the committee were very pleased that all of their corporate
sponsors still decided to donate their money to the program. Mr. Lyons stated that was a great testament
to the character of each of their sponsors.
Tisha Diffie,
President of TMD Investment Strategies and Honorary Co-Chair of the IWD
Steering Committee, thanked the International Women’s Day Steering Committee
and the Phoenix Women’s Commission for their hard work. Ms. Diffie stated
that throughout the 18-year history in working with the City of Phoenix,
the International Women’s Day Steering Committee has raised over $900,000 in
scholarship funds. Ms. Diffie stated that $60,000 will be distributed to nine
local schools for scholarships to benefit women beginning or re-entering the
educational system and $2,500 will go directly to the Mary Ann Huerta Jenkins
Fellowship program within the Arizona State University School of Public
Affairs.
Jessica Parsons, editor of Phoenix Women’s magazine and Honorary Co-Chair
of the IWD Steering Committee, expressed her thanks to the Mayor and Council
for their on-going support. Ms. Parsons
stated that all schools which have agreed to accept scholarship funds have
signed a memorandum of intent and are extremely appreciative of the efforts all
put in to make this possible. Ms.
Parsons also noted the great work put forth by all media partners to spread the
word about the program.
Councilwoman Neely thanked all
staff who worked to raise money for the scholarship program. Councilwoman Neely
stated despite the outstanding work she would like to challenge all in the
future to still hold an event.
Councilwoman Neely stated the scholarship
program is typically a great event where everyone can see who all is receiving
the scholarships. Councilwoman Neely stated that the program celebration is an integral
part of the process, however acknowledges the hard decision it must have been
to forego it this year.
Councilwoman Baier expressed her
thanks to all for working on this program.
Councilwoman Baier stated that she admires the
difficulty with the decision to not hold a celebration program, and stated that
the act was selfless and looks forward to participating in the future.
Councilwoman Williams thanked everyone for their work and
stated that in the future she hopes the program will return. Councilwoman Williams stated that the program
is very powerful, however noted that the hard work of staff and the committee
is the inspiration for this year.
Councilman Nowakowski thanked all
of the corporate sponsors for staying committed to the scholarship program.
Councilman DiCiccio thanked the
International Women’s Day Steering Committee and Phoenix Women’s Commission for
their work during this difficult economic season.
Vice Mayor Simplot expressed his
thanks to everyone who worked on this initiative. Vice Mayor Simplot
stated that though it was a risky decision to not hold the formal celebration
for sponsors and the scholarship recipients, it was a great choice given
current economic conditions.
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ESTIMATED
4. 2:50 P.M.-
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PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
FOR VOTING CENTERS
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Staff: Takata, Paniagua
(Presentation 10 min.)
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Staff seeks approval from the City Council to adopt the Voting
Center proposal and proposed
sites. If adopted, staff will request
City Council approval of the necessary changes to Chapter 12 of the City Code
at the June 17, 2009 Formal Council Meeting.
This report describes a proposal to use Voting Centers in
City of Phoenix elections,
addresses the anticipated benefits and concerns of City of Phoenix
voters and taxpayers, and provides a timeline for implementation.
This item is for information only. No City Council action is required.
Action Taken:
Mario Paniagua, Phoenix City
Clerk, introduced the item stating that this presentation will outline the
proposed implementation plan for Phoenix Voting Centers. Mr. Paniagua stated
that staff is seeking Council approval to adopt the Voting
Center proposal along with proposed
sites. Mr. Paniagua
expressed his thanks to all councilmembers for
working with staff to actively engage the community throughout the public
hearing process. Mr. Paniagua
also thanked Phoenix Channel 11 for the segments illustrating proposed changes.
Mr. Paniagua stated that there has been a substantial
change in voting habits over the past fifteen years. Mr. Paniagua stated
96% of all ballots cast in the May 2008 citywide election were submitted early
via mail as opposed to done at a polling place.
Mr. Paniagua stated that staff went to the
community with proposals to replace 128 polling places with twenty-six Voting
Centers in the fall 2008 and spring 2009 and the general response was
overwhelmingly supportive. Mr. Paniagua stated that community residents liked the idea of
being able to cast their ballot at any of the Centers rather than only at a single
designated site. Mr. Paniagua
noted that Centers will be provide more locations for individuals to replace or
drop off early ballots, and is a direct reflection of the high number of mail
in ballots. Mr. Paniagua
stated that staff anticipates a City savings of approximately $250,000 by
implementing this Voting Center
proposal. Mr. Paniagua
added that due to distance changes neighborhoods and their polling places, site
locations were changed based on community feedback. Mr. Paniagua stated
that there is a potential for long lines at some sites, however additional
staff will be made available to help streamline the voting process if
necessary. Mr. Paniagua
stated that if approved staff is working on an extensive community outreach
campaign to educate the public on new voting procedures. Mr. Paniagua stated
that staff is recommending twenty-six Voting Centers replace 128 polling
places. Mr. Paniagua
stated that staff recommends those Voting Center sites be open Election
Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, and allow people to vote at any Center despite
their previous polling location. Mr. Paniagua also stated that the recommendation will have no
change on any early voting procedures.
Mr. Paniagua stated that all Voting
Center sites had to adhere to certain
criteria before being chosen. Mr. Paniagua stated that those criteria include being easy to
identify, accessible to various forms of private and public transit options, be
near shopping and employment cores, and have nearby parking options. Mr. Paniagua stated
that upon approval from Council next steps will be to request City Council
approval of the necessary changes to Chapter 12 of the City Code and the June
17, 2009 Formal Council Meeting, receive United States Department of Justice
pre-clearance, and conduct voter outreach and expand the education campaign on
new procedures. Mr. Paniagua
stated that the earliest possible implementation date for Voting Centers would
be in 2010.
Councilman Nowakowski expressed
his thanks to staff and congratulated them on finding savings in the City
budget.
Councilwoman Neely thanked staff
for their work and inquired if there was a Voting
Center site near I-17 and
Carefree. Mr. Paniagua
replied stating that there was an alternate site identified in that area.
Councilwoman Williams thanked staff for their work and
moved for an approval of the agenda item.
Councilwoman Neely seconded the motion which
passed unanimously.
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ESTIMATED
5. 3:00 P.M.-
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TRES
RIOS ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION PROJECT UPDATE
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Staff: Cavazos, Seelhammer
(Presentation 10 min.)
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This report provides the City Council with an update on the Tres Rios Environmental Restoration Project.
This item is for information only. No City Council action is required.
Action Taken:
Cynthia Seelhammer, Interim Water Director,
introduced the item stating that this presentation will provide an update to
the Council on the Tres Rios Environmental Restoration
Project. Ms. Seelhammer
expressed her thanks to the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Sub-Regional Operating Group, the Flood
Control District of Maricopa County, Arizona Department of Game & Fish, and
the City of Avondale for working with this City of Phoenix on this restoration project. Ms. Seelhammer
stated that the focus of the restoration project is to enhance flood
controls, comply with all new regulatory enhancements, and to restore the areas
natural habitat.
Bob Upham, Civil Engineer for Tres Rios with Water Services, stated that the Tres Rios Restoration project has been broken down into three
target phases. Mr. Upham
stated that the first phase of the project includes the Flood Control Levee,
the second phase includes Full Scale Wetlands, and the third phase includes in
river feature such as natural flood control mechanisms and habitat restoration. Mr. Upham stated
that the U.S. Army Cor ps
of Engineers announced its award of $36.43 million to the Tres
Rios Environmental Restoration Project in April 2009. Mr. Upham stated
that funds are split between two fiscal years with $15 million going towards flow regulating wetlands in FY 2009, $1.5
million in FY 2010 towards levee phase 1C, and $19.93 million in FY 2010
towards the pump station. Mr. Upham stated that approximately $4 million in matching funds are needed to
complete the 35% cost share in the FY 09/10 Capital Improvement Program for the
Tres Rios Wetlands Project. Mr. Upham stated
that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers award advances the previous schedule by
three years, completes the Flow Regulating Wetlands, completes the last phase
of the Levee, begins the Pump Station, and creates or maintains 386 jobs. Mr. Upham expressed
his thanks to the Mayor, the City of Phoenix City Council, Senator Kyl,
Congressman Pastor, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, and internal Phoenix departments for their support with this
project.
Councilman DiCiccio expressed his thanks to the Gila Tribe for the use
of their land and urged staff to engage them in all areas as this project
continues.
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ESTIMATED
6. 3:10 P.M.-
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STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
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Staff: Fairbanks, Peters
(Presentation 10 min.)
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This report seeks approval, guidance, and direction from
the Mayor and Council on state legislation of interest to the City.
This item is for information, discussion, and possible
action.
Action Taken:
Karen Peters, Government Relations Director, introduced the
item stating that the State legislature is currently reviewing three different
budget proposals from House Democrats, Republicans, and the Governor. Ms. Peters stated that House Democrats have
proposed a budget that relies heavily on federal stimulus monies and tax
reform. Ms. Peters stated that the
Democratic proposal broadens the sales tax base,
however, it suspends $1.1 billion sales tax revenue sharing. Ms. Peters also stated that the Democratic
plan would require multiple legal steps to take place prior to the FY 2010
deadline. Ms. Peters added that it is
troubling for the City that this plan discusses impacting state-shared revenue. Ms. Peters stated that the Republican plan
directs cities and towns to contribute $95 million of Vehicle License Tax to
K-12 education. Ms. Peters stated that
Budget and Research staff estimates the Phoenix
revenue loss to be near $13 million if this plan is accepted. Ms. Peters stated that under the Republican
Plan cities and towns will be allowed to tap into impact fee balances, however
the plan also calls for a three-year moratorium on impact fees and new building
codes. Ms. Peters stated that the newly
developed Governor’s plan to balance the budget has $1 billion in state agency
cuts, relies on $800 million of federal stimulus, and depends on a 1% increase
in the state sales tax rate. Ms. Peters
stated that the Governor’s plan holds cities relatively harmless and has minor
impacts on state shared revenue cuts.
Ms. Peters stated that staff is very interested in reviewing the details
of this budget proposal, and expects a plan to formally be brought before the
legislature this week.
Vice Mayor Simplot inquired what
would happen should the legislature decline an increase in sales tax. Ms. Peters replied stating that the Governor
could propose an initiative and collect signatures for the tax increase. Ms. Peters added
time may become an issue if that were to happen.
Councilwoman Neely expressed her
thanks to the Governor for proposing a plan that does not significantly impact
state-shared revenue.
Councilwoman Williams expressed her thanks to the Governor
for disregarding the political risk associated with a tax increase.
Councilwoman Baier stated that she
commends the Governor for her selfless dedication to the public by holding
cities and towns harmless from state-shared revenue cuts. Councilwoman Baier
stated that increasing taxes is no easy choice, but feels that the City of Phoenix
should support this initiative with the caveat of further investigation.
Councilwoman Baier moved to
approve the agenda item and Councilwoman Neely
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Councilman DiCiccio added that
staff should consider a citywide relief from impact fees separate from the
state as a way to generate building.
ESTIMATED
3:28 P.M. - ADJOURNMENT
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 Announcements
City
Council Policy Session
June 2, 2009
COUNCILMAN
DICICCIO
Councilman DiCiccio thanked those
that attended recent coffee chat sessions with Mayor Phil Gordon.
Councilman DiCiccio noted a
community event would be held on June 13 from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Pecos Community Center. He also stated another coffee chat with the
Mayor would be held on June 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Nello’s
Pizza, 4710 E. Warner Road.
COUNCILMAN
NOWAKOWSKI
Councilman Nowakowski encouraged
residents to attend “Movies in the Park” at Cesar Chavez Park on June 6. He also stated a water safety event would be
held on June 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at University Park.