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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, May 19, 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:
Mayor Gordon called
the meeting to order at 2:17 p.m. Councilmembers Mattox, DiCiccio,
Johnson, Baier,
Neely, and Nowakowski were present. Vice Mayor Simplot joined at 2:49pm.
Councilwoman Williams was 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 Neely moved approval of items in the Consent Agenda. Councilman Mattox seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously.
CALL FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
A vote to call an Executive Session may be held.
Action Taken:
Councilwoman Neely moved that the Phoenix City Council, pursuant to
Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 38-431.02.A, meet in Executive Session on Tuesday,
May 26, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. an Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at 1:00 p. m. in the East Conference Room, 12th
Floor of the Phoenix
City Hall, 200 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona. Councilman
Mattox 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 May 20, 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 included in the
Council packet are four add-ons that will allow City staff to apply for
additional stimulus funding from the federal government. Mr. Fairbanks also provided an update on
Water System Revenue Bonds and Water System Revenue Refunding Bonds. He stated that the City has sold $540.3
million in water revenue bonds and refinanced $98.4 million of outstanding
bonds for a present value savings of $10.6 million. He added that approximately $100 million of
those bonds were sold to Arizona
investors. Mr. Fairbanks stated that by
refinancing the City’s true interest rate is 4.5%. Mr. Fairbanks also stated that the City of Phoenix
still maintains a AAA rating from Standard and Poor’s.
Mayor Gordon inquired about the credit status of some of
our neighboring regions. Mr. Fairbanks
replied that Phoenix is one of the
few major cities to maintain a AAA rating. Mr. Fairbanks stated that typically those
with B ratings are unable to sell their bonds, however due to the current
market those ratings are being accepted on a case by case basis. Mr. Fairbanks stated that the City of Phoenix
maintains a great credit rating because we have historically always been able
to repay our debt.
Mayor Gordon inquired about the credit rating of the
State. Mr. Fairbanks replied that the
State does not use bonds, but rather shares in other areas.
Mr. Fairbanks also stated that City revenues are still down
and current numbers show a $4.7 million difference from where the City was last
year. Mr. Fairbanks stated that
projections were only off by $2.7 million, and the federal stimulus program can
help offset those differences. Mr.
Fairbanks stated that staff is continuing to look for cost savings in every
area possible so that the City can come in under the Council approved budget
for the fiscal year.
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ESTIMATED
2. 2:30 P.M.-
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Recognition of uss phoenix commissioners
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Staff: Naimark
(Presentation 10 min.)
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This report provides the City Council with information on
the accomplishments on the U.S.S. Phoenix Commission.
This item is for information only. No City Council action is required.
Action Taken:
Rick Naimark, Deputy City
Manager, introduced the item stating that the City would like to recognize the
accomplishments of the U.S.S. Phoenix Commission.
Brandie Ishcomer, Management
Assistant, stated that upon the recommendation of Mayor Terry Goddard, the
Phoenix City Council created the U.S.S. Phoenix Commission on January 31, 1990 to have a direct
impact on the United States Navy and Phoenix
veterans. Ms. Ishcomer
stated the Commission is scheduled to sunset soon, however at this time they
wish to celebrate their accomplishments and their positive working relationship
with City staff.
George Weisz, Senior Assistant to
the Mayor, thanked the City Council for actively
engaging the Commission. Mr. Weisz stated the City would like to celebrate Phoenix Navy
veterans for their lifetime of continued service, and commemorate them with a
monument site at Steele Indian
School Park. Mr. Weisz stated
that the monument location will be near the Arizona Veterans Home and adjacent
to the Veterans Administration
Medical Center.
Pete Lumianski, Charter Member
and Vice Chair of the U.S.S. Phoenix Commission, stated that the U.S.S. Phoenix
Commission has worked with City staff to determine the perfect location for the
naval monument. Mr. Lumianski
stated that during the first seven years of its existence the Commission
maintained a positive relationship with crew members aboard the U.S.S. Phoenix,
a nuclear submarine. He stated that that
relationship provided a way for over 300 Phoenix
residents to participate in trips aboard the vessel while it was still in
operation. Mr. Lumianski
stated that those trips allowed for residents to ask questions and become
educated on the unique relationship between the City and its namesake
ships. Mr. Lumianski
also stated that the Commission helped to establish three active school
partnerships where students have the opportunity to interact with crew members
and learn about life aboard a submarine.
Mr. Lumianski continued that when the ship was
officially deactivated from the fleet, the Commission worked with its sister
boat, the U.S.S. Helena, to continue the education of residents and
students. Mr. Lumianski
added that recently, the Commission has been working to consolidate and
preserve all artifacts, memorabilia, and histories of naval combatants named
after the city of Phoenix. He noted that the United States Navy granted
permission for the submarine conning tower and various other related parts to
be incorporated into the monument which will be placed at Steele
Indian School Park
near the Carl T.
Hayden Veterans Administration
Medical Center
in District Four. Mr. Lumianski stated that though the Commission will sunset
soon, members are going to continue to work independently to raise all private
funds for the establishment of the naval monument.
Mayor Gordon thanked the Commission for all of their hard
work and stated that the entire Council would love to sign a certificate of
appreciation for their service.
Councilman Mattox thanked the Commission for their lifetime
of service, and stated that he looks forward to helping in anyway he can to
help raise additional funds for the monument.
Vice Mayor Simplot thanked the Commission and staff for
their diligent efforts and stated that the monument will be a great addition to
the park.
Councilman DiCiccio thanked the
Commission for their work on this project and stated that their efforts help
shape the entire state.
Councilwoman Neely expressed her
gratitude to the Commission and looks forward to the unveiling of the monument.
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ESTIMATED
3. 2:40 P.M.-
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EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARD
ANNOUNCEMENTS (NO REPORT)
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Staff: Washington, Smith
(Presentation 10 min.)
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This item is for information only. No City Council action is required.
Action Taken:
Councilwoman Neely introduced
Bryant Johnston. Mr. Johnston was
acknowledged for 25 years of service.
Vice Mayor Simplot introduced David Golembeck. Mr. Golembeck was
acknowledged for 25 years of service.
Councilman Johnson introduced Barb Petsche. Ms. Petsche was
acknowledged for 25 years of service.
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ESTIMATED
*4. 2:50 P.M.-
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DOWNTOWN HOTEL – APS
INCENTIVE REBATE
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Staff: Krietor, Chan, Bearup
(Presentation 10 min.)
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Arizona Public
Service (APS) will present the City Council with a
$97,170.08 rebate check for the City’s use of environmentally responsible
design and construction methods on the publicly financed and privately operated
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. APS representatives will discuss their solar
rebate program.
This item is for information only. No City Council action is required.
Action Taken:
David Krietor, Deputy City
Manager, introduced the item stating that Arizona Public Service (APS)
will present the City Council with a $97,170.08 rebate check for the City’s use
of environmentally responsible design and construction methods on the Sheraton
Phoenix Downtown Hotel. Mr. Krietor stated that staff worked very hard on putting this
project together, and expressed his thanks to APS
for helping the City identify various energy cost savings ideas at the newly
erected Sheraton Hotel.
Tamie McLeod, APS Chief
Customer Officer, expressed her thanks to the City for working with APS
on the project, and added that this rebate check is for choosing to be
environmentally conscious and ahead of the curve when it comes to energy
efficiency and sustainable efforts. Ms.
McLeod stated that she hopes the City will continue to add other energy cost
savers throughout its properties.
Kendra Cea, APS
Account Manager, stated that APS offers
solutions for businesses to become more environmentally friendly. Ms. Cea stated that
APS offers monetary incentives to business
customers to improve energy efficiency which is paid for by APS
customers. Ms. Cea
added that to date, APS business customers
have received more than $12 million in incentives, and are projected to save an
estimated $208 million over equipment lifetime.
Ms. Cea stated that Aviation, Transit and
Light Rail, Water, Convention Center and Downtown arts facilities, and Public
Works benefit from APS incentives, and are
able to receive up to $300,000 a year in rebate checks. Ms. Cea stated that
the Downtown Sheraton Hotel was able to receive nearly $100,000 because they
installed Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) on motors,
energy efficient motors, energy efficient lighting options, and high efficiency
ice makers. She stated that those
installations will save 7,351,000 kWh annually and 79,094,000 kWh over a
lifetime. She also stated that over its
life time the hotel would save 36,265 tons of carbon dioxide and 18 million gallons
of water. She stated that the CO2
reduction is equivalent to taking 506 cars off of the road per year. Ms. Cea stated that
APS offers a variety of programs for its
residential customers such as high efficiency air conditioner rebates, energy
star appliance rebates, energy star compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb
rebates, and green choice rate options.
Ms. Cea stated that 39% of the energy used in
an average Phoenix home comes from
its air conditioner. She added that a
family could receive up to $525 for utilizing a high efficiency air
conditioner. Ms. Cea
also added that a family could reduce their light usage by 75% if they switched
to CFL bulbs because they use a quarter of the energy and last ten times
longer.
Mayor Gordon inquired if residents could upgrade their
homes to be more energy efficient and still take advantage of the “Time of Use”
billing option. Ms. Cea
replied stating yes, all residential customers are still able to take advantage
of that option even if they upgraded appliances and bulbs in their home.
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ESTIMATED
**5. 3:00 P.M.-
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TIGER GRANT FOR PHX SKY TRAIN
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Staff: Krietor, Murphy
(Presentation 10 min.)
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This report requests City Council approval to submit and
enter into grant agreements for a Stimulus-Funded Transportation Investment
Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER GRANT) under the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for PHX Sky Train at
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PSHIA). The completed Grant Application would request
up to $300 million to complete the PHX Sky
Train from Terminal 4 to Terminal 3 with a walkway to Terminal 2.
This item is for information, discussion and possible
action.
Action Taken:
David Krietor, Deputy City
Manger, introduced the item stating that staff was charged with the task to
seek out funding for the Phoenix Sky Train.
Mr. Krietor expressed his thanks to Mayor
Gordon for working with staff and federal representatives in identifying money
for the Sky Train that may have otherwise been unnoticed.
Mayor Gordon stated that a lot of people were involved with
this issue and expressed his thanks to staff for putting together a great
proposal in a short amount of time.
Mayor Gordon inquired about the specifications of this
grant. Jane Morris, Assistant Aviation
Director, replied that this competitive grant application is for a total of
approximately $300 million and if awarded will accelerate the Phoenix Sky Train
seven years. Ms. Morris stated that this
money will allow the City to complete this project by 2013, and noted that the
final application is due in early September.
Mayor Gordon inquired if this project was
shovel-ready. Ms. Morris responded that
this project is ready to go once funding has been awarded. Ms. Morris stated that once funding has been
awarded staff will be able to hire a substantial amount of additional workers
to complete the Sky Train on schedule and within budget. Danny Murphy, Aviation Director, stated that
the City will be able to put 1,000 people to work as soon as funding has become
available.
Mayor Gordon inquired about the amount of people currently
working on the project. Mr. Murphy
replied that 6,000 people are working on the Sky Train, and the additional
funds will allow the airport to hire 1,000 more statewide. Mr. Murphy stated that the Phoenix Sky Train
will connect the Light Rail Station to Terminals 4 and 3 with a walkway to
Terminal 2.
Councilwoman Neely thanked staff
for their work on this application. She
also thanked the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG)
for working with the City of Phoenix
on this project that will have a positive effect on the entire region.
Councilman Mattox moved to approve the agenda item. Vice Mayor Simplot seconded the motion which
passed unanimously.
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ESTIMATED
**6. 3:00 P.M.-
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PHOENIX LIGHT RAIL UPDATE
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Staff: Zuercher, Hyatt
(Presentation 10 min.)
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This report provides the City Council with
information about the METRO Light Rail, Central Phoenix/East Valley line, which
opened December
27, 2009 and has been operational for nearly five
months with great success. This report
also requests approval to extend weekend hours of operation to allow a last
train through downtown Phoenix at 2:00 a.m.
This item is for information only. No City Council action is required.
Action Taken:
Ed Zuercher, Deputy City Manager,
introduced the item stating that the Phoenix Light Rail has been operational
for nearly five months with great success.
Mr. Zuercher stated that staff is requesting
approval to extend weekend hours of operation to allow a last train through
downtown Phoenix at 2:00 a.m.
Rick Simonetta, Valley Metro
President, stated that the initial 20 mile construction of Light Rail has
proven to be very successful. He stated
that the next phase, the Northwest Extension, will break ground this summer,
and noted staff is currently studying an area for future rail lines along I-10
West. Mr. Simonetta
stated that in April the Light Rail celebrated its one millionth rider.
Mayor Gordon inquired if that was within initial ridership
projections. Mr. Simonetta
replied that it has surpassed all monthly ridership projections to date.
Mayor Gordon inquired if Phoenix
operated the only Light Rail in the United
States that came in on time, under budget,
and exceeded all government regulations with regards to safety and
sustainability. Mr. Zuercher
replied stating that Phoenix is the
largest city to have done so. Mayor
Gordon added that those statistics will be beneficial in the Phoenix Sky Train
application packet to the federal government due in September.
Mr. Simonetta stated that
ridership has continued to exceed monthly projections, and added that April has
been the best month to date. Mr. Simonetta also noted that staff will be providing a
detailed report on ridership statistics every quarter. He stated that those statistics will include
information such as rider numbers by station, days, and outside activity that
could have an effect. Mr. Simonetta stated that they are continually working on
improvements, and have identified some areas for enhancements. Mr. Simonetta
stated that they are working to improve safety signage at stations, bicycle
safety brochures at each stop, and adding more detailed maps inside of the
trains. Mr. Simonetta
stated that they have already adjusted the volume of announcements and added
train tracking at each stop. Mr. Simonetta continued on to say that they are always working
to educate riders on the fare policy.
Mr. Simonetta stated that to date fare
inspectors are checking approximately 16% of all riders. Mr. Simonetta added
that their goal is to reach 20% or 1 in 5 within the next few months.
Councilman Mattox stated that often he has missed a train
because he was waiting in line to tap his card while others were figuring out
how to pay. Councilman Mattox inquired
if anything was going to be done about that in the near future. Mr. Simonetta
replied stating that additional fare validation kiosks will be needed as
ridership numbers continue to grow. He
added that those kiosks will be added as resources become available.
Mr. Simonetta stated that a pilot
program between the US Airways Center and METRO will begin at the start of the
next basketball season that will allow a rider to use his or her ticket to
count as a Light Rail fare. Mr. Simonetta stated that the Light Rail fare will be added
into the cost of the ticket as a surcharge.
Mr. Simonetta stated that staff will be using
$3.9 million in stimulus dollars to add shade
canopies at park-and-rides at 19th Ave and Montebello, 19th Ave and Camelback,
the new park and ride station at 7th Ave and Camelback, Central and Camelback,
and the 38th St. and Washington stop.
Maria Hyatt,
Assistant to the City Manager, stated that connection from the Light Rail to Sky Harbor Airport has also been very successful in that the
free shuttle service mirrors the Light Rail hours of operation. Ms. Hyatt stated that operation maintenance
costs are split between the three cities according to the amount of tracks that
each holds. Ms. Hyatt stated that Phoenix has 67%, Tempe has 28%, and Mesa has 5%.
Ms. Hyatt stated that if services were to be extended, cities would also
have to extend dial-a-ride services, security, and fare enforcement. Ms. Hyatt noted that those additions for
extended service past 11:00 p.m. would cost a maximum total around $200,000
for the City of Phoenix, with a grand total ranging up to $300,000. Ms. Hyatt stated that as a means to fund the
extended hours, staff suggests using $600,000 of Congestion Mitigation Air
Quality (CMAQ) unobligated funds from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) to fund the service for two years. Ms. Hyatt stated that if those funds are not
available, Phoenix’s share could be funded from finance cost
savings on bonds from the advancement of $24.1 million in federal stimulus
funding. Ms. Hyatt added that two nights
a week is the maximum for extended service so that regular maintenance can
occur.
Mayor Gordon
inquired if the three cities voted to use the funds from MAG if that would guarantee a majority. Frank Fairbanks stated that though the three
cities have a considerable amount of voting power it is a very complicated
system that cannot promise any results.
Councilwoman Baier inquired if
the two nights of extended service would have any effect on the extra hours for
special events. Ms. Hyatt replied that
those hours will not have an effect on special event service. Frank Fairbanks stated that the challenge is
turning off the power at night so that routine maintenance can occur to keep it
operational. Mr. Fairbanks stated that
other cities have alternate tracks they are able to switch to which Phoenix
does not. Mr. Fairbanks also added that
cities that operate a light rail system do not offer late night service.
Dave Roderique, Downtown Phoenix
Partnership, stated that he and his organization are in complete support of
this initiative to extend light rail hours.
Vice Mayor Simplot inquired about marketing for this new
extended service. Mr. Roderique stated that his organization will work with City
staff on that issue. Mr. Simonetta stated that they will work on that once approval
has been formally granted to extend service hours. Mr. Simonetta added
that they will work to tie in the extension with 4th of July
activities.
Councilman Johnson inquired if staff could let his office
know of any downtown planning so that they can be involved.
Bill Smith, resident, expressed his support of the
extension of Phoenix light rail
hours.
Mayor Gordon inquired if staff had prepared for any type of
revenue loss due to summer break from ASU and U of A. Mr. Simonetta
stated that they are prepared to handle historical trends such as a summer
decrease in ridership numbers. Mr. Simonetta added that Council approved a fare increase to
begin on July 1.
Vice Mayor Simplot moved to approve the agenda item. Councilman Johnson seconded the motion which
passed unanimously.
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ESTIMATED
**7. 3:20 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 has passed the FY 2009 budget. Mr. Peters stated that the $650 million shortfall
in FY 2009 would be fixed with a combination of $300 million from K-12 funds,
$250 million in federal stimulus monies, and $100 million in university funding
rollover. Ms. Peters stated that the
estimated deficit for FY 2010 will be $3 billion. Ms Peters stated that the House did hear a
few bills regarding the FY 2010 budget and it is rumored to include some impact
fee funds. Ms. Peters stated that has
not been confirmed, however City staff plans to continue to make their voice
heard in opposition to that idea. Ms.
Peters also stated that the State is considering utilizing city vehicle license
tax revenue and then allowing cities to backfill that with impact fee
funds. Ms. Peters stated that they are
recommending disapproval of that as well since it will target impact fee
revenue from the City. Ms. Peters added
that the State could impose a moratorium on impact fees as a way to jump start
construction efforts, however at this moment staff is unsure if that will be
included in the final bill.
Mayor Gordon stated that a potential moratorium on impact
fees could pose a serious problem to those areas that experience sharp
growth. Mayor Gordon stated that those
fast growing areas will need impact revenue services more than ever, and a
moratorium will limit how much a city has to spend. Mayor Gordon also added that there is a two
to three year backlog of vacant homes that need to be identified, and a
moratorium on impact fees so builders can build next to already vacant homes
will be a great challenge. Mayor Gordon
stated that those areas with high vacancies are in need of services that impact
fees currently provide. Mayor Gordon
urged staff to make those points to the Legislature. Ms. Peters responded that staff thinks the
proposed ideas are short sighted. Ms.
Peters stated that buyers are very dependent on impact fee resources, and that
they intend to continue to make that point to the State Legislature.
Vice Mayor Simplot moved for approval of this agenda
item. Councilman Johnson seconded the
motion which passed unanimously.
4:20 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