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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, April 28, 2009, at 2:00 P.M.
located in the Subcommittee Room, 200
West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona.
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The minutes reflect
the order in which the items were heard.
Action Taken:
Mayor Gordon called
the meeting to order at 2:11 p.m. Vice
Mayor Simplot and Council members Mattox, DiCiccio,
Williams, Nowakowski,
Baier, and Neely were
present. Councilman Johnson 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 Item:
Vice Mayor Simplot
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 Item:
A call for an Executive Session was made at the April 14, 2009 City Council Policy
Session.
AGENDA ITEMS.
This item is scheduled to give City Council members an
opportunity to ask questions about the Formal Agenda on April 29, 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 though the City
took early precautions and made adjustments to the budget three months early as
a means to generate more cost savings, there is still a decline in revenue
larger than what was anticipated. Mr.
Fairbanks explained that after three months of collections the City is
currently under estimate by approximately $10 million. Mr. Fairbanks stated that though the estimate
is off, it is necessary to keep Council informed as numbers become
available. Mr. Fairbanks stated that due
to extremely conservative planning, the City is prepared to handle slight
variations in the budget; however if the decline continues more changes to the
budget will have to occur.
Mayor Gordon inquired how the numbers for each month were
being collected. Mr. Fairbanks stated
that the month illustrated represents the previous month’s business activity.
Mr. Fairbanks stated that though the City has low revenue
collections, the State is having a difficult time as well. Mr. Fairbanks stated that though the City is
currently $10 million under estimate, other areas have been on target and
exceeding projections by $1 or $2 million dollars. Mr. Fairbanks stated three months of being
under estimate collections is bad, however it is small enough for the federal
stimulus program to help.
Mayor Gordon inquired if the areas in which that are
exceeding projections could help the General Fund budget. Mr. Fairbanks stated that that is not
possible, and the current projections that include all of our revenue
collections show that we are $10 million dollars short of what was originally
expected.
Mayor Gordon inquired if the City looked like it was going
to break even at any one month snapshot.
Mr. Fairbanks stated that at this time it was not likely. Mr. Fairbanks stated part of the issue is
that the State is currently reviewing plans that would require cities to pay a
percentage of money back to the State.
Mr. Fairbanks stated that if that passed, the City of Phoenix
would need to readjust its finances to make that payment causing even more
fiscal stress. Tom Remes,
Government Relations, stated that at this time that information is still
speculation. Mr. Remes
stated an impact fee rebate from the cities to the State is being looked at as
an alternative to reassessing state shared revenue, however due to the high
price tag for some cities it has not passed the legislature.
Councilman DiCiccio inquired if
all sales tax is being discussed in this presentation. Mr. Fairbanks stated that all General Fund
sales taxes are being discussed. Mr.
Fairbanks stated that for these purposes Phoenix
Parks and Preserves (PPPI), Transit
taxes, and others were not included in the report though they are having
similar struggles as well.
Councilman DiCiccio inquired if
the City is going to readjust budget projections. Mr. Fairbanks stated that collections have
always fluctuated and currently the City is strong and able to meet all
obligations. Mr. Fairbanks stated that
if things do not change however a budget adjustment is inevitable.
Councilwoman Neely stated that a
budget adjustment should happen sooner than later as to avoid having to make
drastic cuts to City programs and staff at the last minute. Councilwoman Neely
stated that due to heightened concerns she would like to see staff take extra
precautions when dealing with the City budget.
Mr. Fairbanks stated that due to the fast growing concerns
over “swine flu” staff has prepared a short presentation to Council on what is
currently being done to prepare for a potential occurrence.
Scott Krushak, Fire Battalion
Deputy Fire Chief, stated that there have been several reported swine flu cases
throughout the nation and world. Chief Krushak stated that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is
the lead federal agency on this initiative.
Chief Krushak stated that the County Health
Department and State Health offices are going to be lead agencies for the State
of Arizona. Chief Krushak
stated that the City of Phoenix is
working closely with state agencies to collaborate on operation
procedures. Chief Krushak
stated that currently there have been no confirmed cases of “swine flu” in the
state of Arizona, however
stressed that that information can change at anytime due to the nature of the
virus. Chief Krushak
stated that the CDC website (www.cdc.gov) is
updated every twelve hours with new information, and should serve as the
primary source of information for Phoenix
residents. Chief Krushak
stated that the current plan for Phoenix
first responders is so stay in constant communication with federal, state, and
county offices in monitoring the situation so that everyone is able to work
fast. Chief Krushak
stated that at this time masks are not required or encouraged in public settings, however they are being used in other areas as a
means to stop the respiratory virus from spreading from one person to
another. Chief Krushak
stated that like the typical flu, washing hands frequently, not touching your
face, and limiting contact with surfaces that may have been contaminated with
the virus are all good ways to protect yourself.
Mayor Gordon stated that the only difference between this
flu and the “swine flu” is that there is no vaccine for humans to protect
themselves at this time. Chief Krushak stated that that is correct. Chief Krushak also
stated that this virus is affecting typically healthy populations of young
adults. Mayor Gordon stated that the
City has personal contacts with various individuals at surrounding health
offices, and will share that information with staff if needed to facilitate a
more timely response.
Councilwoman Neely inquired if it
was true that the virus could stay alive for 72 hours in dry climates. Chief Krushak
stated that he was unaware of that answer and would have to get back to Council
with that answer. He stated that www.cdc.gov would be able to provide individuals
answers to those types of questions in a faster manner than he would be able
to.
Bob Khan, Fire Chief, stated that information regarding
this flu is moving very fast, and that as information becomes available Council
will be updated accordingly.
Mayor Gordon announced that the City of Phoenix
will receive an award of $36.4 million in stimulus for the Tres
Rios project. He stated that this
project will continue to fund construction jobs that were scheduled to end this
summer.
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ESTIMATED
2. 2:30 P.M.-
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STIMULUS PROGRAM REVIEW
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Staff: Washington, Zuercher,
Peters
(Presentation 10 min.)
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This
report provides an update on the federal economic stimulus legislation,
benefits received to date, and a proposed City approach for obtaining these
funds to create jobs and needed benefits for the community. The City Council is requested to approve this
staff proposal.
Action Taken:
Alton Washington,
Assistant City Manager, introduced the item stating that the City Manager
created a Task Force to address the federal stimulus program that was signed
into effect in February 2009. Mr. Washington
stated that the Phoenix Task Force consists of three interdepartmental teams:
public safety, transit, and social services.
Mr. Washington stated that
the task force has seen a tremendous amount of success.
Tom Remes, Government Relations,
stated that the stimulus bill was passed in February 2009 and is broken down
into two major sub categories of funding: formula based and competitive
grants. Mr. Remes
stated that formula funding is money that comes directly for the federal
government to cities and towns based off of preexisting calculations. Mr. Remes stated
that the City of Phoenix has
received notice of over $100 million in formula funding. Mr. Remes continued
to say that the task force is currently working to identify as many projects as
they can that would benefit from federal funding. Mr. Remes stated
that though staff us actively preparing projects for various grants to go
after, they are still waiting for application criteria to be finalized in Washington
DC.
Mayor Gordon inquired if there will be some competitive
grants that are still formula driven.
Mr. Remes stated that is currently being
talked about however nothing has been finalized due to the evolving nature of
the program.
Mr. Remes stated that Public
Transit, Aviation, Streets, Neighborhood Services, Human Services, Community
and Economic Development, Housing, and public safety departments have all
identified several shovel ready projects that can fit into potential
competitive grant applications. Mr. Remes stated that these projects have the potential to
generate numerous jobs and a substantial amount of money to the City of Phoenix.
Ed Zuercher, Deputy City Manager,
stated that the Housing Department will be most likely to spend the very first
stimulus dollars in the City.
Mayor Gordon inquired if the City has any signed contract
of money, or just formal notification of an award. Mr. Zuercher stated
that there are signed contracts for a few awards but the majorities have yet to
receive formal notification to spend actual dollars.
Councilman Mattox inquired if the state would be able to
have a share of City stimulus funds. Mr.
Remes replied that at this time it was unlikely but
more information would have to be obtained.
Mr. Remes stated that the City of Phoenix
is constantly sharing its story with the legislature and believes they
understand the importance of stimulus dollars and the well being of their
residents.
Councilwoman Williams inquired if it were possible to
charge an administration fee into some of the grant applications. Mr. Washington
responded that the rules are still being finalized for many of the
applications. Councilwoman Williams
inquired if additional staff was necessary for some projects, if staff would
look to hire some laid off employees first.
Mr. Zuercher stated though staff is working
heavily with volunteers and public private partnerships, Personnel does have
lists ready of former employees who can be asked to come back if needed.
Chief Jack Harris, Public Safety Manager, stated that the
Phoenix Police Department is going after funds to expand and modernize police
precincts. Chief Harris stated that they
are also prepared to apply for funding that will improve security for light
rail transportation.
Bob Khan, Fire Chief, stated that the Phoenix Fire Department
is prepared to apply for federal funding for four fire stations. Chief Khan stated that they are applying in
conjunction with the United States Fire Administration.
Gloria Hurtado, Human Services
Director, stated that they are in preparation for the second phase of the
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).
Ms. Hurtado stated that there are no rules for
the second phase as of yet, however the dollar amount is expected to be between
$40 and $50 million dollars. Ms. Hurtado also stated that they are looking at funds that
allow them to expand the Head Start Program, provide housing opportunities for
a greater HOPE VI project, as well as other community and economic development
initiatives.
Mr. Washington
stated that trips to Washington D.C.
have proven themselves to be very helpful in that Phoenix
is getting a first hand in shaping the final rules. Mr. Washington
expressed his thanks to the Mayor and Council for their support with these
travel efforts.
Carolyn Bristo, Acting Public
Works Director, stated that the Public Works Department is focused on a variety
of energy related grants. Mr. Bristo stated that they recently submitted a grant
application for $1.6 million and they are also applying for other funding to
replace solid waste trucks with more energy efficient ones by the end of June.
Mayor Gordon inquired about various public private
partnerships. Mr. Zuercher
stated that public private partnerships are extremely important in the stimulus
program. Mr. Zuercher
stated that the United States Department of Interior and Commerce may have some
other grants the City may be able to apply for, however those are not totally
known at this time. Mr. Zuercher stated that in particular the Parks and Recreation
Department as well as Information Technology may be able to apply and receive
other stimulus dollars with these departments.
Mr. Zuercher stated that there
are talks of a $200 million public transit grant that many municipalities are
going to target to expand their programs.
Mr. Zuercher stated though there has been no
formal word on the final language of that grant, the City of Phoenix
is actively preparing itself to apply.
Mr. Zuercher stated that the Aviation
Department was recently in DC to discuss the rules of that grant. Mr. Zuercher stated
that though the “Sky Train” project could benefit from that stimulus funding,
it is necessary to ensure that there are no provisions that would limit an
airport from applying. Mr. Zuercher stated that the City of Phoenix
has a great mechanism in place to go after as many stimulus dollars as
possible. Mr. Zuercher
stated that accountability is a high priority of this program, and also stated
that Arizona will be one of
sixteen states that will be particularly monitored and audited.
Mayor Gordon inquired if any money is going to be held back
for future dates even after the initial award notification. Mr. Zuercher stated
that many of the grants will allot a certain amount of money in the first year
to ensure the plan is properly in place before releasing the balance over a
given time period. Mr. Zuercher continued on to say that most grants have a
specific time constraint.
Councilwoman Neely inquired about
the process if a city decides not to take federal money. Mr. Remes stated
that in some instances that money will get redistributed, however each case is
different.
Councilman DiCiccio inquired if
it was possible to add anything to the list of projects that staff has already
created. Mr. Zuercher
stated that formula money was distributed without much input from staff,
however for competitive funding there is some room to think about additional
projects.
Councilman DiCiccio inquired if
staff was partnering with other local organizations to go after funding that
the City may not have been able to get alone.
Rick Naimark, Deputy City Manager, stated that
staff is working with universities and others to help them apply for funding on
projects that can also benefit the City of Phoenix
as a whole.
Mr. Fairbanks stated that this is a multi year stimulus
program, and things that are not done this year have the opportunity to get
funded in another round.
Mayor Gordon urged everyone to think creatively, and stated
that public private partnerships are going to be essential in all future City
of Phoenix developments.
Frank Fairbanks stated that staff wants to capture all
ideas and asked that Council continue to share their thoughts on what all they
would like to go after.
Back-up included in Council packet/City Clerk's Office.
ESTIMATED
3:35 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