Sierra Vista City Council Work Session Minutes December 6, 2016
1. Call to order by Mayor Mueller at 3:00 p.m. in the City Hall, Council Chambers at 1011 N. Coronado Drive, Sierra Vista, Arizona.
Roll Call
Mayor Rick Mueller – present Mayor Pro Tem Bob Blanchard – present Council Member Alesia Ash – present Council Member Gwen Calhoun – present Council Member Rachel Gray – present Council Member Hank Huisking – present Council Member Craig Mount – present
Others Present: Chuck Potucek, City Manager Mary Jacobs, Assistant City Manager Adam Thrasher, Police Chief Ron York Fire Chief Victoria Yarbrough, Library and Leisure Services Director Sharon Flissar, Public Works Director Matt McLachlan, Community Development Director Jill Adams, City Clerk Jeff Pregler, Planner Laura Wilson, Procurement Manager Judy Hector, PIO Julie Reese and Lourdes Peña with TriAdvocates
2. Presentation and discussion:
A. December 8, 2016 Council Meeting Agenda Items (agenda attached)
Mayor Mueller announced that there is an Executive Session prior to the Council Meeting on Thursday, December 8, 2016. There are two items to be discussed, a real estate item that staff needs guidance on in addition to the executive compensation that was requested by Council Member Gray.
Mayor Mueller further stated that there are a number of presentations.
Item 2 Consent Agenda Item 2.1 Approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes of October 27, 2016 - There was no discussion.
Item 2.2 Resolution 2016-088, Fair/Festival License Applications for Rhona MacMillan on behalf of Zarpara Vineyard to sell wine at the Farmers’ Market on January 10, February 16 and March 16, 2017 at Veterans' Memorial Park – Council Member Calhoun asked if this is a wine tasting event. Ms. Adams explained that these are licenses to sell wine. It may cover tasting; but it is generally a sales so that they can have a tent and actually sell their product at the Farmer's Market. Mayor Mueller noted that the Council has allowed this before.
Council Member Gray asked if this is to cover the overall market or that particular winery. Ms. Adams stated that it is for a specific winery to sell their wines at the Farmer's Market on a specific day. They are required to get these licenses whenever they are out in the communities to extend their shops that they have where they generate their wines.
Item 3 Resolution 2016-089, Series 9 Liquor License Application for a person transfer, individual type of ownership for George Calvin Fisher on behalf of Sierra Vista Flowers and Gifts located at 1400 Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista, Arizona - Ms. Adams stated that this is a standard business transaction where the agent and owner of the license has changed and by law they have to actually purchase the license and then make application to the State to have the name of the license transferred over to them. The Police Department has done the background check as normal and there have been no objections to this transfer. If approved, it will go back up to the State for final action.
Item 4 Resolution 2016-090, Development Code Text Amendments, Addition of Sections 151.09.006, Bicycle Parking and 151.09.007, Parking Credits and Flexible Parking Allocations and Declaring a 30-day Public Record - Mr. Pregler stated that this is a request for the addition of two development code sections, bicycle parking and credits and flexible parking.
Historically, one of the goals of the City has been to provide and encourage bicycle transportation throughout the community. This is reflected with the multiuse paths that are seen constructed throughout the community. Dating back to the City's drawn plan, VISTA 2010, ratified in 1995, one of the policy objectives was to require adequate bicycle parking and to encourage the use of secondary transportation. This goal was later expanded upon in VISTA 2020 and 2030. Further in 2015, the Council provided guidance about the direction of the City with the adoption of the City Council Strategic Leadership Plan. One of the goals of the plan is to provide a healthy and active way of life.
One program created to help achieve this goal was the Bike Friendly Business Program, which provide recognition of those businesses that are bicycle friendly and providing amenities to those using bicycles. In addition to the Bike Friendly Business Program, another opportunity for the City to encourage bicycle transportation is to apply for a Bicycle Friendly City Designation from the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Program. The designation would recognize the City as a national bicycle friendly community that will have a positive economic impact specifically on tourism on the City. The application would be submitted on February 2017 by the Public Affairs Office; but they have requested that the Community Development Department respond to certain section of the application prior to submittal.
The Code amendments are the result of the Department addressing these sections. The City originally applied for the Bicycle Friendly Designation in 2010 and at that time the City was denied the designation; but was provided with a number of recommendations to assist in future applications. One of the recommendations was to increase the amount of secure bicycle parking throughout the community. In addition to implement a regulation that requires bike parking. Although, the Development Code currently requires new commercial, industrial and apartment developments to locate bike racks on their site, the proposed amendment will include a broader scope to include bicycle parking standards and incentives to reduce vehicular parking.
Mr. Pregler noted that one of the questions asked of the application form is how to ensure that there are end of trip facilities for bicyclists, which consists of bicycle racks, bicycle lockers, showers, water stations and etc. The City currently has a policy requiring developers to locate bicycle racks in new developments; however, a part from this, there really are no specific standards geared towards bicycles or bicycle racks, or bicycle parking. When a developer comes in, they are provided with a copy of the Cochise Bicycle Advocates (CBA) recommended bicycle guidelines.
The proposed language in Section 151.09.006, Bicycle Parking will codify these recommendations from the CBA and will also incorporate standards from the association of pedestrian and bicycle professionals, a professional organization that provides best practice standards for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The incorporation of the APBP standards is encouraged by the Bicycle Friendly Application Form.
In addition to the changes tow other amendments to this section are proposed. In addition to the existing language which requires secure bicycle racks for new developments, the new proposed language will require bicycle parking for modifications or additions to existing developments.
Mr. Pregler stressed the following distinction with regard to the term bicycle parking instead of bicycle rack, which is what the current language implies. Bicycle racks is a form of bicycle parking as this is the device that people use to park their bicycles. The second proposed amendment talks about a minimum standard for bicycle parking in new development and additions to developments. There will be a minimum of two bicycle rack spaces or five percent of the total vehicle packing installed.
Displayed were the preferred types of bicycle racks and it was noted that each rack supports two bikes and when talking about bicycle parking, the Department is talking about one bike rack which supports two bicycles. It is not a rack for each bicycle space. It is one rack that can support two bicycles.
When looking at the additional amount of bicycle racks, it is not much of a difference compared to what is currently in the Code, which states secure bicycle racks. This is wording that the staff has used to mean either one rack or many racks. If a developer wants to put in one bike rack on their property then they meet that current requirement in most instances. The cost of the bike racks is very minimal and the labor to install them is minimal as well to the developer.
Council Member Calhoun asked for clarification with regard to the five percent of vehicle parking. Mr. Pregler explained that the proposed Code will read that they are required to have a minimum of two bicycle parking spaces or up to five percent of the total amount of vehicle parking. The current Code simply states secure bicycle racks.
Mr. Pregler stated that 151.09.007, Parking Credits and Flexible Allocation Standards addresses another question on the application form that refers to whether the jurisdiction has parking policies and programs that allow for reduced vehicle off-street parking. The City does not currently have such policies; however the proposed language in this section would allow for set reductions when certain criteria is established, i.e., shared on street parking, off-street parking, submittal of a parking demand study, increased bicycle parking, carpool parking and parking within the infill incentive district area.
There is a requirement to have two bicycle parking spaces and if the developer wanted to add four bicycle parking spaces, the equivalent of two bicycle racks, they could get a reduction of one vehicle parking stall.
Some of the amendments are being relocated from other sections of the Code while other integrate parking standards from other jurisdictions throughout the country. The Planning and Zoning Commission heard the request at the November 15th meeting and they voted unanimously to approve the amendments with the following changes: - Remove the reference to bicycle locker parking because the standards that are seen in the proposed language does not reference any type of bicycle locker standard, location requirement; - Remove the reference to electrical vehicle recharge stations because the Commission had concerns about the incentive potential for the station simply because the cost to install a station would well exceed the cost of onsite parking space credit.
The City placed an ad in the newspaper, which described the amendments and provided the date and time of the public hearings. The amendments are also posted on the City's website for public viewing and the City did receive a public comment via the website (the amendments and public comment were attached to Council's packets). If Council approves the resolution, the amendments would go into a 30-day public comment period and will be brought back before Council for final consideration in January.
Council Member Mount asked if the requirements on all new business development have no respect to the type of business that could be developed. Mr. Pregler stated that he is correct.
Council Member Mount stated that it is on their private property and if he wanted to start a business where he wants to sell something fragile, i.e., big giant glass vases, does the City expect the public to show up and shop there and use a bicycle to take these vases back to their home. Mr. Pregler stated that the City has to look beyond the customer and look at the employee base as well.
Council Member Mount asked again if the City thinks that a private business owner would think that it makes economic sense for them as his point is that the City talks about this being an economic benefit because it enables the City to get an award that lets people know that the City is bike friendly; but this award was applied for in 2010. He further stated that he would like to think that the community is bicycle friendly as it is so in act, deed and it is funded as multiuse paths have been put in. He then asked if an award is needed in order to prove that and should that award come at the expense of somebody who wants to open up their own business.
Council Member Mount added that he does not mind the idea that somebody should be able to come in and choose in a capitalistic society to put bike racks down because they want that traffic to come through; but he also respects the fact that private business owners who are investing their own money despite the fact of a minimal investment of $100 should be able to choose not to take up the space in their parking lot and they want it to be clear and free so that the customers that could come in and buy the products have the ability to do so with no loss of income to the business owner. He then asked why the City is in such a hurry to shape the way that a capitalistic market would take place in order or the City to benefit by getting a badge. It should be the other way around because the City is here to protect those businesses to make sure that they have the opportunity to operate free and clear without interference, regardless of whether or not some other organization that is not affiliated with that business or the City respects the City or not.
Mayor Mueller does a business have the opportunity under the Code to request a variance. Mr. Pregler stated that they do for any type of requirement in the Development Code.
Mayor Mueller added that it may take a little longer and patience on behalf of the company; but they can in fact do that. He noted that it is his understanding that the City is pursuing not to get a badge from outside organization; but to add something to the City's portfolio so that the City can advertise and be nationally recognized by a group to be able to attract additional tourism through bicycles.
Mayor Mueller asked if this is for new development. Mr. Pregler stated that currently the new requirement is for new development.
Mayor Mueller asked that at what point will a current business that is reinvesting in their business be required to put in a bike parking space. Mr. Pregler stated that staff will make an independent analysis on the site and if the building expansion or the addition affects the site improvements on the property, i.e., additional parking, landscaping, lighting or whatever the case may be, they will be required to submit modified site plan. During the modified site plan process is when they would be to put in the additional rack.
Mayo Mueller asked where in the Code does it indicate that the threshold has been passed to have to put in a bike rack. Mr. Pregler explained that typically what happens is that the Department will have a pre-submittal meeting with the developer and where the developer will be proposing to the Department what they plan to do on the property and at that point a decision will be made whether a modified site plan will be required or if they have to go through a building permit process, which would not require a bike rack.
Mayor Mueller stated that it needs to be clear in the Code where the line is crossed even if it is only $100 to install the bike rack because the business owner needs to know that and if it is going to take more time to go through a bureaucratic process, which is also going to cost the business owner money. Mr. McLachlan stated that in his experience there is usually a threshold for a major modification and it is tied to the percentage of the expansion.
Mayor Mueller asked if it is specifically in the Code. Mr. McLachlan stated that it is not currently in the Code.
Mayor Mueller stated that in his mind, at a minimum the City needs to explain that to anybody that is in development. It needs to be clear in the Code that they are going to be potentially subject to a different process.
Council Member Gray concurred with Mayor Mueller and added that some of the complaints that she has received over the years is that some of the City's decisions on what businesses need to do are subjective based on who is making the inspections or who is making those decisions. It is very clearly what Mayor Mueller has stated that the City needs to have it clearly outlined so that business know what will be expected of them. Mr. McLachlan agreed.
Council Member Mount asked if the City is willing to let a business walk away if that business states that under no conditions will they have bike racks and decide that they will not come to Sierra Vista. The primary concern is meeting business growth and jobs. Mayor Mueller stated that it would have to be referred from the Director to the Manager to Council to make a decision whether or not the City could waive that process. It is a variance. Mr. McLachlan stated that in his experience, developers are indifferent to a bike rack as that would be at the bottom of their list when doing their due diligence.
Mayor Mueller asked if the proposed document address requirements for lockers and places to wash off. Mr. Pregler stated that there is a statement in the language that talks about an equivalent either a bicycle rack or form of bicycle parking, which could be a locker. Two lockers are the equivalent of two parking spaces would suffice in meeting the requirement.
Mayor Mueller asked if it is an option for the developer. Mr. Pregler stated that he is correct and there were not best practice standards for the location of lockers, which is why there is no specific language to define standards in the Code.
Mayor Mueller asked if the City has to provide showers. Mr. Pregler stated no.
Council Member Ash stated that she whole heartedly agrees with the intent of the changes and asked that if the City is going to impose the requirements on business can the City pay for the bike racks. This would show that the City is serious about this and that the City supports the bike community and that the City is willing to support the requirements fiscally. Mr. Pregler stated that the City has done that in the past. The City has purchased bike racks and provided them to various businesses throughout the community; but Council would have to decide to provide the funds to provide the racks.
Council Member Mount stated that he does not mind that compromise because Council Member Ash is right. The point of the businesses is to stand up and make money and it should be the City's business to make sure that it is as easy as possible without them having to spend more money out of their pockets. He also added that if the City is interested in being a bike friendly place, then it should be in the budget that invests in being a bike friendly place as an incentive.
Council Member Gray stated that she agrees with that as well and asked for clarification on the changes being asked for as far as being very clear on what constitutes this item being enacted. Mr. Potucek stated that this is the opening of the 30 day comment period and those changes can be made during the course of that time before taking final action.
Council Member Gray asked if a yes vote only agrees to the 30 day public hearing. Mr. Potucek stated that she is correct.
Council Member Calhoun stated that she agrees with the compromise to share the cost of the bike racks.
Mayor Mueller stated that if the City states that they are going to provide the bike racks, they still have to pay to have it installed and there is a shared cost.
Council Member Gray asked about the cost of the bike racks. Mr. McLachlan stated that the blue one with the City's logo is more expensive than what Mr. Pregler quoted.
Council Member Huisking stated that she likes the idea that the Department applied a branding as the ones that the City had in the past were painted turquoise and had a humming bird. She believes that it should be an option depending on what type of business it is and whether they want bike transportation for their employees. This does not have much to do on whether a business can operate; but the City can use its ability to incentivize businesses by letting them say that they want to see a bike friendly community. She then asked about the reduction of parking requirements by putting in a bike rack. Mr. Pregler stated that she is correct and added that it is an incentive provided in the proposed language. For every four bicycle spaces that are put in can reduce one vehicle parking space.
Council Member Calhoun asked if the Department does not see that as an issue for a business by the loss of one space. Mr. McLachlan stated that there is a max of five percent.
Mr. McLachlan stated that he is hearing a consensus of Council to repeal the existing standard of requiring bike parking racks and instead come up with a publicly funded program to provide bicycle racks for commercial buildings. Mayor Mueller stated that he thinks that the proposal as written is fine and the consensus of Council is giving the City Manger the challenge of finding out how many racks can be funded as an incentive per year; but to still place the requirement on the new developer.
Mr. McLachlan stated that the second issue is to establish thresholds for what triggers a major modification or modified site plan, which is entirely under a different section of the Code, Site Plan Section. He also added that he will have to consult with the City Attorney to see if that can be done under the current legal ad because that is a substantive change to what was advertised.
Mr. Potucek asked if that has to be done separately. Mr. McLachlan stated that it would have to be done separately because that is an entirely different article in the Code and is not related. Mr. Potucek stated that it would be his hope that the City has many bicycle rack applications because that would mean new development and it is not necessary to have a cash out way because the City can provide some sort of offset of building permit fee or etc. to incentivize. He added that he believes that if a business feels that they need a certain number of parking spaces, then they definitely need to design their site to accommodate that. If it is a challenging site, i.e., on the west side and parking is an issue this could be a helpful thing to them.
Council Member Calhoun stated that she hopes that the community can see the spirit of this sort of thing and it is not just to have bike racks and get an award; but she really likes the idea of pulling the community together on a common theme, i.e., bicycling and a few other things that she hopes will be coming up where it is showing that the City has this commonality as a community and there is unity in it and it is all about the things that are done together, especially if a color type style for the bike racks; but she does not know how much of a requirement that would be or if that is part of this. She further stated that it is not; but perhaps, just by example using the City's basic branding colors that would really make the community be one, especially up and down Fry Boulevard that can show the fact that people are all working together when seeing bicycle racks that look similar or the fact that they are just there and that would be her hope for the community so she would go along with the proposal.
Council Member Mount stated that this is where the slippery slope comes in because it goes from having the requirement for a business to put in bicycle racks out and now it is a requirement that they have to be a color scheme to help the community versus what the business can do. He noted that if their color scheme is red and gold, now they have to put it in teal and green. Although the City is not at that point, he is just anticipating the problems of the questions that could come up from the community and the City needs to be careful on how far does the City want to get into the business of a business before overstepping.
Mayor Mueller stated that it is a valid point; but this is a 30-day public record and the consensus of Council is to use the actual purchase of the rack itself as an incentive and that needs to be funding and it may not be in the proposal; but needs to be in the budget. He then asked Mr. McLachlan what needs to be done to change the document based on the discussion. Mr. McLachlan stated that criteria needs to be established for what constitutes a major modification that would require a modified site plan; but that would not be a part of this ordinance. It would be a separate ordinance.
Mayor Mueller asked if the proposed ordinance is good to go with the 30-day comment period. Mr. McLachlan stated that he is correct.
Council Member Ash asked when the changes would be made to reflect the City incentivizing the bike rack. Mayor Mueller stated that it needs to be done through the budget process. Mr. Potucek stated that the changes can be done after the vote is taken. Mayor Mueller noted that the changes would be made in the document before the final vote. Mr. McLachlan stated that he would consult with the City Manager the mechanics.
Item 5 Resolution 2016-091, Authorization to Auction Parcels 106-70-116 and 106-70-119
Item 6 Resolution 2016-092, Approving a Pre-Annexation Agreement with Lane Balmer for ten properties located in portions of Section 34, Township 21 South, Range 20 East, of the Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian Ms. Jacobs stated that the next two items require Council's action in order to finalize some of the activities that are taking place as a result of the settlement agreement that was approved by the Bankruptcy Court last month for the partnership that the City and the County have been working on properties over the past year and a half regarding properties in the Fry town site owned by Lane Balmer (map was displayed depicting the 11 properties).
The item is an authorization to auction the two properties located at the corner of Fifth Street and Denman Avenue. These two properties together are the B&B Mobile Home Park and is part of the Settlement Agreement and they are two out of 11 properties that will be relinquished by Lane Balmer to the City except for the property on Second Street, which will be directly auctioned off by County in order get rid of title flaws as it did not make sense for the City to acquire it by direct deed per the City Attorney's perspective.
Ms. Jacobs made the following highlights on the major provisions of the Settlement Agreement: - 11 parcels will be relinquished by Lane Balmer; - Four parcels were authorized for sale by the Bankruptcy Court; - City would pay the property taxes on all properties relinquished to the City plus an additional $20,000 on the large property at the corner of Second Street and Railroad Avenue that Mr. Balmer is retaining; - The Settlement Agreement provides for up to $7,500 in a dumpster credit in order to facilitate cleanup of remaining properties that Mr. Balmer is retaining in the area; - A pre-annexation agreement is required to be signed by Mr. Balmer for all properties that he will be retaining that are located in County enclaves (next item); - The County via a Memorandum of Understanding that has been executed will pay up to $100,000 in cleanup costs for this project as well as waive the approximate $89,000 judgment on the large piece of property that Mr. Balmer is retaining.
The Council's authorization will allow the City to finalize the transfer of the properties. Staff would then advertise those two properties for auction, which is expected to be auctioned on January 11, 2017 with provisions in the successful bidder, namely that the successful bidder will have 90 days with which to clean up the property from the close of escrow. Provisions are being put in place that will allow the City to ensure that the bidders at the auction meet that requirement. Staff is working with the City Attorney regarding language and then it will be appropriately advertised in accordance with State Law. Staff is also working on the final minimum bid price for those two properties together; but it is estimated that it could cost the City as much as $8,200,000 to clean up those two pieces of property and so the minimum bid price will be fairly reasonable and the last estimate is that the property taxes that the City will pay on those on the two properties will be somewhere just shy of $15,000. The City would then use those funds and reapply them back into cleanup opportunities for additional cleanup in the Fry area.
The second item is the pre-annexation agreement that Mr. Balmer has executed and it covers 10 properties that he owns in the Fry town site area. A map of the area was displayed and it was noted that there is one property in the Sulger Subdivision on Danny Lane that will also be included and the County will essentially be paying for the cleanup of all the properties as well as the removal of junk vehicles that Mr. Balmer no longer wants on the properties that he is retaining. He will relinquish control of those as well and the City will coordinate their removal with the County reimbursing the City for the cost of the cleanup. Staff estimates that when all of the properties cleaned up, there will be about 35 mobile homes that will be eliminated from the Fry town site area within the next four months.
Mayor Mueller stated that Ms. Jacobs has done a great job as it is very complicated to motivate some property owners and it is a step in the right direction and added that he is amazed that the City had to go to extreme measures to try and get people to take care of their own property.
Mayor Pro Tem Blanchard asked if the City will eliminate the mobile homes. Ms. Jacobs stated that the City will be facilitating the cleanup of the properties labeled in red on the map as well as the property on Danny Lane. The County will be reimbursing the City for those costs. The City is investing about $90,000 of its own funds for paying off of property taxes, which will go back to the entities, namely the School District, the County, Fire District, Cochise College District. The County is investing up to $100,000 for the cleanup of the properties to include the dumpster credit if the $90,000 budget is exceeded and the removal of all of those mobile homes and the junk cars.
Council Member Calhoun asked about the benefit to the community. Ms. Jacobs stated that the benefit is multifold. First of all, cleaning up the properties in an area facilitates interest by adjacent property owners. It ends up have a huge effect on the neighborhood and is also demonstrates a real commitment on the part of the City, where hopefully there will be some interest in future annexations. The properties that will be auctioned will be cleaned up completely and that is the most egregious mobile home park in the area; but whomever the new owner is will then have that property available for reinvestment in redevelopment and the City is already seeing a lot of great activity going on in the neighborhood. Finally, it sets up Mr. Balmer for success as it has reduced his inventory of properties substantially. He is being given a credit in order to clean things up and he owns another ten properties in Fry. There will be 24 properties counting the ones that he is selling that will be cleaned up in a six month period and that is a significant community redevelopment and effort.
Mr. Potucek added that there is also a public safety consideration in cleaning up the properties as many are hazards, have hazardous materials on them or have people living in them that maybe should not be because they are not habitable and they are sources of crime and excellent business for the Fire Department and if the City wants to reduce their load, this is a good thing to do as well.
Council Member Calhoun asked if there are other properties that are equally egregious in that area and how will the City work with those. Ms. Jacobs stated that there are some that have a significant amount of junk on them; but the best effort by City at this point is to annex the areas so that the City can apply its standards. The County has rural standards for the amount of junk that one can have and etc. The Code Enforcement Officials have had success on the west end in cleaning up some properties that have been long standing and if the City were able to annex through some goodwill because there are people in that area that maintain their homes very nicely and if they see what could potentially happen over time, they might be willing to that and that would be the City's best foray into seeing these things cleaned up over time. Cochise County has been an incredibly strong partner on this and they do have a Code Enforcement Officer that spends time out here; but they have one for the entire County and there is a difference in the level of resources available.
Council Member Huisking asked if the properties once cleaned up belong to the City. Ms. Jacobs stated that they do except for the one that will be auctioned off; but the City will be a bidder and although the City may not be ultimately the one acquiring it, that property is actually in the best condition. The City will be bringing back to Council in an Executive Session in the next two months a recommended disposition plan for the properties so that Council can provide staff with guidance at that point.
Item 7 Resolution 2016-093, Intergovernmental Agreement with Cochise County for Municipal Court Services
Ms. Jacobs stated that the City has had a partnership with the County for a consolidated court since 1990. The current agreement expired in the summer. It basically involves the City's tickets that are issued to the consolidated court that serves as the City's municipal court. In addition to the County receiving all of the revenues from the tickets, the City also provides them with $99,500 from the budget to compensate for the court cost. The County Supervisors provided direction about a year ago to their staff that they wanted to see these agreements in the next iteration be standardized across the board as much as they can. Over the past year they have been working closely with the City on analyzing data and information in order to develop a standardized formula that would be applied to all communities that would reflect a fair share of the cost of providing the actual court services. The formula was developed (Appendix A of the agreement) and the revised formula currently results in a $13,000 reduction to City expenses in the current fiscal year; but that may change in the future. The current formula does not incorporate any Sierra Vista data at the moment and the reason why is because when the photo enforcement tickets were being issues to the court, it skewed information so much that the City has had to wait for all of that ticket data to neutralize back to the regular operation. The next iteration that the City will get for the next budget session will have the 2015 calendar year information in the formula and then it will be reviewed and updated every single year in order to accurately reflect the cost. The good news is that the City now knows what to expect and the data can be monitored and the City will have a better ideas as to what the costs will be in the future. It is a fair approach and the City Manager supports it and recommends approval.
Mayor Mueller asked if it is less money than last year. Ms. Jacobs stated that he is correct.
Item 8 Ordinance 2016-007, City-Initiated Amendments to Title IX, General Regulations, City of Sierra Vista Code of Ordinances, Adding Chapter 91: Public Rights-of-Way and Easements - Mr. McLachlan stated that the ordinance regulates activity within public rights of way and easements recommending that the proposed standards be put in place to codify the permitting process that has already been put into practice by the Public Works Department. Rights of ways and easements are owned and maintained by the City and the ordinance will allow the Department to better control their intended use and function and prevent modifications that are contrary to adopted standards, i.e., a drainage swell within an easement area is filled without a permit, the Department can take Code enforcement action to correct the issue. If the portable basketball hoop is blocking the sidewalk or interfering with trash pickup, which is the example that generated the most public interest, the City can ask the property owner to move it back up onto their property when not in use. If they are modifying a driveway apron or connecting to public sewer, the City needs to inspect that work.
The requirements that are being recommended are common place in municipal government and are generally found under the Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places Section of the Code. The adoption of the ordinance will address a current void and provide the City with the legal basis to protect against activities that interfere with their intended use and function, which the Department believes is in the public's interest.
The Planning and Zoning Commission agrees with the ordinance and unanimously voted in favor following a public hearing on October 27th and the 30-day public record yielded several comments that are provided in the staff memo. Based on the input received to-date, most people are in support of the ordinance and staff recommends approval of the ordinance as presented.
Item 9 Ordinance 2016-008, Approval of the revised City Procurement Code - Ms. Wilson stated that the ordinance recommends the final approval for the requested amendments to the City's Procurement Code, which was presented to Council on October 27th that started the 30- day clock for the public question and review period. There were no comments or recommendations and staff recommends approval.
Item 10 Resolution 2016-094, Support of Incorporating a Public Input Component into the City Council's 2017 Strategic Planning Process as recommended by Consultant The Novak Consulting Group - Ms. Jacobs stated that at the last work session Consultant Julia Novak presented to Council her recommended approach based on her conversations with each Council Member individually on how to address the Strategic Planning Process. There was consensus at that time to move forward, which the Mayor at the following work session requested be placed on the agenda for a formal vote in order to support a particular component of the Strategic Plan Process that was added for the next process, which is a public input component. That item would cost an additional $5,000. Council's approval or disapproval of the item will provide City staff with guidance on the final operation and procedure in which the Council will follow for the upcoming Strategic Planning Process.
Council Member Mount stated that the additional component is 5,000 people, approximately 100 opinions. Council Member Gray noted that it is $5,000 for 100 people.
Council Member Mount noted that he pushed back on this because of some scheduling confusion with the work session and added that he saw an email about the Strategic Planning Budget. He noted that staff has $20,000; but the budget states $13,500. Ms. Jacobs stated that must have been an error because the contract in place with Ms. Novak, which allowed for continuation had a base cost of $19,500. Council Member Mount noted that the one that was approved by Council was $13,500 so that is a problem.
Council Member Mount further stated that this thing is for 100 people and there are seven Council Members that basically boils down to 14.2 people that Council Members can all go out and talk to and find out what is their input and that is Council's job. He added that they are a representative government and he thinks that he can represent 14 solid Sierra Vista residents and so can the other Council Members. The $5,000 that is not even in the budget can be used for something else as Council just hit on something earlier and that was some bike racks to be publicly funded. There is this big boom in business development/economic development like Council wanted to do. This issue does not need to be on the agenda; but look at what is going on with the Strategic Planning in terms of financing.
Council Member Calhoun asked is part of the Strategic Planning Budget is in one section and the other in another section as she has run into that several times. Ms. Jacobs stated that she would have to go back and look; but she does know that the contract with Julia Novak says $19,500 and it is entirely possible that an error was made in the budget and that is within the City Manager's purview to shuffle money around if that is a priority of Council. Mr. Potucek stated that it could be a typo too and he will go back and check it.
Council Member Ash stated that the sentence, "as recommended by the Consultant, The Novak Consulting Group," seems misleading because Julia Novak was responding to Council and that should be very clear that she specifically stated during her comments that she was not necessarily advocating for that. She was responding to concerns and input she received from the Council and it is really Council who directed her to think of ideas on providing input. Ms. Jacobs thanked Council Member Ash for the clarification.
Mayor Mueller noted that he remembers hearing the same thing and asked for clarification with regard to the resolution.
Council Member Mount stated that when he talked to Ms. Novak he told her that he has the capability to go out and talk to people and get their input and do everything else. He asked if the majority of Council told the consultant that they can't go out and get the opinions of the people that they represent and they need her to do it for $5,000 in order for Council to do the Strategic Plan. Mayor Mueller stated that this is his belief. Council Member Ash added that Council will be voting for this and Council can vote how they want; but she is just saying what the consultant said clearly.
Item 11 Resolution 2016-095, Appointment of Rosa Villafane to the Cultural Diversity Commission, said term to expire April 26, 2018 and Item 12 Resolution 2016-096, Item 12 Resolution 2016-096, Appointment of John Walsh and Jacob Jones Martinez to the Library Advisory Commission, said term to expire June 30, 2018
Items 11 and 12 were not discussed.
Item 13 is a public hearing for Ordinance 2016-009, Rescinding Ordinance 658, City Code of Ordinance Chapter 41.20, 41.21, and 41.22 Financial Disclosure and Declaring an Emergency
Item 14 is a new business item for Resolution 2016-097, Prescribing Standards of Financial Disclosure for Local Elected Officials
Ms. Adams stated that every January and during the election cycles, she comes to Council looking for their financial disclosures for the calendar year. This item relates to those forms that State Law requires that Council Members file with the Clerk and that they be kept on file.
Back in 1983 for some reason they placed it in ordinance, which is not required by State Law and that is why the amendment recinds that ordinance. It is a measure that does not need to be done or codified. A resolution is fine and essentially, in the last Legislative Session, they did make a couple of changes to the requirements as the new forms will have a section that requires that Council list conferences that they attended during the year if the City's expenditure was over $1,000 and it also has removed the requirement to list family members by name.
This was pushed out to the City by the League of Cities and Towns as they are the ones who created the resolution and recommend that the City do this. The Secretary of State will be sending out forms including an electronic format to move into the 21st Century and out of paper forms. These will come out shortly after the first of the year and instruction will be provided.
Mayor Mueller asked if the first item gets rid of the ordinance that is no longer required and the second item will be a resolution that meets the new State requirements. Ms. Adams stated that he is correct and explained that the emergency clause is required because this all has to be in place for the January filings and in order to have the resolution go into effect immediately.
Mayor Mueller asked if it can't wait 30 days. Ms. Adams stated that he is correct.
B. Update by TriAdvocates
Mayor Mueller introduced Julie Reese and Lourdes Pena and added that the meeting was good with two legislators talking about legislative initiatives and issues before the City for the next year.
Ms. Reese stated that the TriAdvocates appreciates the opportunity to be present to discuss the 2017 Legislative Sessions and introduced the team at TriAdvocates.
Ms. Pena provided a legislative recap: - 117 days long, typically the standard time would be 100 days and it could go shorter or longer that depends on how the Legislature is working through their agenda/bills; - Over 1,200 bills were introduced; but only 388 passed and sent to the Governor's Office; - The Governor signed 374 bills and making 14 of those sent to him vetoed.
Major issues discussed: - Local control, i.e., water issues.
Senator Biggs had a water bill that went through the process and that was one of the 14 that the Governor vetoed.
- Deregulation as allot of this came to new business from the Share Economy Market, i.e., Airbnb and there is allot of ongoing discussion on new business models that are coming to the State and that was the major one for this year. - Pension reform;
Triadvocates has public safety personnel retirement reform that was established during the past session. Upcoming changes will be discussed because although the reform was comprehensive and it included allot of issues, the governance piece was not touched.
Ms. Pena noted that Mayor Mueller is involved as part of the Executive Board with League of Cities and Towns.
An over view of the elections was provided by Ms. Pena: - President Elect Trump won the overall election; - Senator McCain retained his Senate Seat; - Retained five Republicans and four Democrats in the Congressional Delegation for the State; - Statewide Elections included two propositions, one was Prop 205 (marijuana) that failed and Prop 206 (minimum wage) that passed. - Legislative races had both Chambers retain Republican leadership despite the talk of potential split in the State Senate.
Ms. Pena noted that Senator McCain retained his seat and noted that when he visiting Sierra Vista, he was briefed by the staff regarding cyber security and all of the great things that the U of A South Campus has done. He is being a good partner for the City and Triadvocates is working at forming the rest of the Legislators.
- Prop 205 Recreational Marijuana
Ms. Pena stated that this was a huge win for the State as far as from the Governor's leadership perspective. Arizona is the first state that has failed such proposition.
- Prop 206 State Minimum Wage
Ms. Pena stated that this passed with a significant voter support; however there is still some questions on the implications and impacts that will bring to the business community as well as the government entities. Not only for the hourly wage pay; but more importantly the benefits incorporated. When something is passed through the voter process, amending a proposition is hard to change any language and in order for that to be done and address any potential unexpected impacts, unintended consequences, it has to go to the Legislature and the Legislature can only do it to further improve the original intent and it is a much harder hurdle to go through the Legislative Process. She cautioned everyone to keep track of how this implemented as it is rolling over.
Ms. Reese stated that Triadvocates' role with the Legislature is to serve as the Council's eyes and ears and to provide a voice for Council at the Legislature.
Governor Ducey is starting his third year of his four year term and Kirk Adams is his Chief of Staff who previously served as the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives and is familiar to Council.
Matt Clark will be joining the Governor's Office later in the month and he will be the advising the Governor on issues pertaining to municipalities as we as transportation. He has the background in local government.
Council Member Calhoun asked if that is a new position. Ms. Reese stated that it is an ongoing position and it was previously held by Rene Guyan who left the Governor's Office to join the Town of Gilbert. Mayor Mueller noted that he was at the League. Ms. Reese stated that he is correct as Rene served at the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
Gretchen Martinez has been part of the Governor's staff and she was previously in the role of Legislative Affairs and has now been elevated to Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Budget and is definitely someone who will be working With Danny Seiden the Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs and Policy Development, who is very engaged in terms of the Governor's priorities.
Katie Fischer is new to the Governor's team and she is coming from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ms. Reese stated that in terms of the other individuals that they work with beyond the executive staff and the Governor is the Arizona State Legislature that has Republican majorities that are being maintained. In terms of the Senate, there are a total of 30 members and 17 of those will be Republicans in January and 13 will be Democrats. Notably, there is a great deal of institutional memory being retained because there is only one member coming into the Legislature in 2017 that is new.
Of the 60 members of the Arizona House of Representatives 35 will be Republicans in January and 25 will be Democrats. There are 13 new Democrats and 10 new Republicans.
Ms. Reese stated that with regard to the Arizona Senate Minority Leadership there is a new Senate President as Andy Biggs has been elected to Congress so Steve Yarbrough will be ascending to the role of Senate President and he is from the City of Chandler. Senator Kimberly Yee will be the Majority Leader and she is from the Greater Phoenix area as well and then there is Sierra Vista's own Senator Gail Griffin who maintains her leadership position as Senate Whip.
The Arizona House Minority Leadership is a completely new leadership team. The Arizona Speaker of the House is Representative JD Mesnard from the same district as the Senate President Steve Yarbrough. The Speaker Pro tempore is Representative TJ Shope and he is from Greater Arizona and also represents the City of Coolidge and it is nice to have perspective from outside Maricopa County on the Leadership Team.
Rounding out the Republican Leadership there is Representative John Allen from the Greater Phoenix area and Representative Kelly Townsend from the same.
On the Minority side in the Senate they maintained their Minority Leaders, Senator Katie Hobbs from Central Phoenix, Senator Steve Farley who also previously served in Leadership and is from the City of Tucson and there is perspective from southern Arizona. Senators Quezada and Contreras are continuing on in their leadership role as well.
On the House Minority Leadership side there is Representative Rebecca Rios who previously served in leadership and two new faces, Representative Friese from southern Arizona who is the Assistant Leader in January and Representative Charlene Fernandez who is the Minority Whip and her district extends from Yuma all of the way up into southern Arizona on the Tomatham Reservation.
Triadvocates thought that it was important to highlight the leadership that the City’s representation will be providing on committees of reference. These are the committees where they have a great opportunity to influence issues pertaining to the City and in particular in looking at Representative Elect Drew John who is new to the Legislature; but he brings some great experience in local government and he was chosen to be the Vice Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the House.
Mr. John will also serve on a new committee that will be created this year called Local and International Affairs and he will be joined by Representative Elect Nutt. This committee is to be determined and it is being chaired by Tony Rivero who is a Representative from the City of Peoria who previously served on that City Council. Mr. Rivero has done allot with city government as well as outreach to Mexico and interaction with former President Vicente Fox.
Mr. John is also on the Government Committee as is Senator Gail Griffin who will again be charing the Natural Resources and Water Committee as well as providing leadership on roles.
In terms of the City's delegation, there is an ordinate amount of influence over municipal issues and leadership of the legislative body.
Representation in congress was covered by Ms. Pena regarding Senator McCain and his engagement with the City on issues of interest and priorities. Senator Flake who was not up for re-election will continue on in the US Congress and Representative Martha McSally was re- elected to another two year term. She has been serving on the Committee on Arms Services as well as the Committee on Homeland Security. Triadvocates is pleased that she is now being considered to chair the Committee on Homeland Security and as the chairmanships are selected, Triadvocates will keep the City posted in terms of her role.
Ms. Pena provided an overview of the legislative priorities and emphasized that these are predictions: - Tax cuts in the form of personal income tax.
Triadvocates understands that this is a huge priority for the Governor's Office and that should be something coming up in a way of a proposal; but the details are unknown.
- Educational funding
The Governor has set up a Classrooms First Initiative Council a year ago and he tasked them with developing a new school finance formula to redesign how monies are spent; but not to spend any new funding on education. After several public meetings and discussion for the need for education funding, the Council is putting together their final report to provide to the Governor which will later be translated into possible legislation for the legislative session. At this point, there is no redesign of the school finance formula; however, there is talk about including a cost study regarding the cost for special education students as it seems that Arizona is outdated on how much funding is being provided for education for special education in the State. On top of that, something that is being pushed by the education stakeholders is the discussion of a poverty weight, basically providing additional funding for students who come from low income families and who have a higher need or higher cost to educate those individual students. The report will be presented on December 14th and an update will be sent to the City.
- Construction TPT
Since 2014 there was a change on the sales tax for construction materials. Right now there is different communications between different legislators asking for proposals on a revisit to the TPT.
Ms. Pena noted that Mayor Mueller is also a part of the Executive Board with the League and the League has done a great job of putting together a task force, which has studied different models of different proposals for the redesign of the TPT. She added that it is her understanding that they are working on their final report.
Mayor Mueller stated that they are coming up with a template of what they think that they need to do and then the next step is to talk to construction folks and get their input and it may need to be reworked completely or slightly adjusted before coming up with a proposal.
Ms. Pena stated that they know that this is going to be an issue coming up in the next session; but they don't know what that will include and it will be something that the construction folks, contractors as well as the builders association will be working on and hopefully closely with the League to make sure that everyone is on task.
An issue that has been talked about is point of sale, which allot of cities will not be a fan of because that would create loss of revenue and it is nice to see metropolitan cites, i.e., Scottsdale align their view on that with rural cities as well. This is not a geographic issue it is more of a loss of revenue in general. The City will need to look at that and be very aware of that moving forward with the proposal.
- Pension reform trailers
Ms. Pena stated that this past session a very comprehensive reform was passed; however, in that bill it was specifically stated in session law that governance of the state board and local boards regarding PSPRS is not going to be addressed until the upcoming session. This means that there is different proposals being looked at by State Board or current local board, which is what there is and there are over 240 local boards. That is different city boards, fire district boards and the idea has been to consolidate some of those smaller boards. However, proposing an opt out of that consolidation provision. Triadvocates does not know exactly where that is at; but the League has been a key stakeholder in the process and the PSPRS Board is also working and has put out a study on what they see fit for the future piece of legislation that should be introduced. Triadvocates thinks that Senator Lesko will be the person leading this effort. This will transition into manufacturing competitiveness.
Ms. Reese stated that Governor Ducey’s core priorities are: - Competitiveness as it relates to business attraction and retention in terms of being a focal point of his administration that is something that Sierra Vista also focuses on.
Triadvocates anticipates that there will be efforts within the legislative session throughout different members to provide additional funding for core infrastructure that promotes competitiveness as well as potentially economic development incentives of other kinds. Triadvocates will definitely keep the City posted as those transpire.
- Autonomous vehicles
Governor Ducey through Executive Order provided for an oversight task force that is currently meeting to consider public safety considerations as well as transportation considerations related to driverless cars.
Ms. Reese stated that Triadvocates wants to review with Council the City’s 2017 Legislative Session Priorities and gather input: - Fiscal sustainability as it relates to State Shared Revenue and transpiration funding, i.e., HURF; - Local control, a concept that the City continually reviews with Triadvocates and the importance of the Legislature having some recognition of the work done at the City; - Annexation particularly as it relates to county islands and those of a more urban nature; - Economic development, which is always on the forefront ; - Pensions; - Transportation funding; and - Public safety.
Council Member Ash asked what fiscal sustainability entail. Ms. Reese stated that this is a reference to some of the shared funding programs, where the State collects funding, i.e., State Shared Revenue. They collect the income tax and then share a portion with the cities based upon population and it relates back to HURF, which is funding from transportation users for transportation infrastructure and the same with the State Aviation Fund. This is the pass through of those funds to the cities and towns so that they can provide necessary services and infrastructure for the residents.
Mayor Mueller shared that the Governor is interested in looking at income tax reductions, which is fine as long as he only deals with the State's part of the income tax and not the county nor the city part and that is a potential mind field for him.
Mr. Potucek added that HURF has been an issue for awhile and a lot of funds have been swept. The Department of Public Safety is receiving funding from HURF as well and so the City is looking at trying to get at least the Department of Public Safety out of the HURF and hopeful increase distribution to the municipalities as a result. There is also discussion about Lottery Funds, which were swept a number of years ago that were used to match the transit grants and seeing those returned as well as a State Shared Revenue.
Council Member Calhoun asked if this is an effort being looked at by cities combined through the Arizona League. Mayor Mueller stated that yes and no as some of the fiscal stability that Ms. Pena talked about are all issues that have been discussed; but the Governor's proposal is new to the cities as a group have not had a chance to look at it; but the potential downside is understood and he does not believe that there is an actual written proposal yet.
C. Council Legislative Agenda
Mayor Mueller noted that in Council's packets there is a document called, 2017 Legislative Agenda, which is a draft document that he would like everyone to look at. The Administrative Meeting is in February and input is necessary from Council Members in order to finalize it. The idea is to give general guidance during the Legislative Session, especially since there are last minute questions or call that either Triadvocates, Ms. Jacobs or he will get. This is guidance to be able to make a decision at the last minute where the whole Council can't get together to discuss the issue and vote on it. This provides the general guidance to be able to make decisions during the process versus not being able to have any input at all.
Ms. Jacobs highlighted the few minor changes that were made the Legislative Agenda: - The Public Safety Retirement language talks about continued reforms because there were some reforms that took place; - Staff is recommending due to Council discussion over the past years that the language under Economic Development pertaining specifically to education be moved to its own separate category (it was in the previous Legislative Agenda; but this is a better reflection of that); - Updated minor language on annexation since the Council and the League are taking on the annexation of county islands.
Ms. Jacobs stated that it is hoped to have a proposed piece of legislation as staff has been working with Triadvocates, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns and other rural communities on a concept for the legislative session. As soon as there is something, staff will come before Council.
- Minor modification on public safety based on some input by the Police Chief because it is not expected for the Arizona Department of Public Safety to start showing back up and doing accident responses on the State Highways. The language was modified to say that either they take back full responsibility or they reimburse the city for doing that work for them. - Added under the Federal Legislative Agenda is the internet sales tax fairness and the impacts of the sales tax are rather or lack of that is occurring with the ever increasing number of purchases that are being made on line and simply making that a policy statement on the part of Council.
Ms. Jacobs added that the rest of the Agenda is the same as the current calendar year.
Ms. Reese stated that the Legislative Process is very fast moving in dynamics and Triadvocates appreciates the guidance that Council provides through priorities as that will enable them to work through the City staff to provide Council's voice during the session.
Council Member Calhoun made the following comment off Face book from a State Legislature that said that of the bills that were passed, 77 percent were bipartisan agreement for those bills and it was over 80 percent on the other ones. She added that it is worth noting that some are working together at the State level and that Council needs to be cognizant of that.
Ms. Pena stated that from speaking to the newly elected legislators as well as the returning legislators for the upcoming session, there is even a more optimistic perception on working together from both leaderships and chambers. Typically, those numbers are run by if both parties vote on it or if there was more than one party cosponsor the bills and that is how the bipartisanship is determined by the bills, which is great. There is much more optimistic view on the upcoming legislative session.
Council Member Calhoun stated that she would like to know what can be done as a City Council Member to support the Legislative Agenda and perhaps talking points that Council would do in public so that Council can expound on their City's view on the issues in the appropriate way, recognizing that they are always working as individuals when not together in Council Chambers. Mayor Mueller noted that the guidance will be helpful and Council Members understand the City's policies and they can articulate that to the people that the City supports.
Ms. Reese stated that Triadvocates is always happy to provide talking points specific to the adopted City Council positions.
Mayor Mueller thanked Ms. Reese and Ms. Pena for their support and effort, especially working with the Legislators as Council still has to meet with Ms. Nutt. He added that he looks forward to that and hopefully it will be a successful year at the Legislator.
D. Discussion of Council Executive Report
Mr. Potucek pointed out that last month was a very busy month because he was asked to go to Phoenix to be deposed in the Gila River Adjudication. He was deposed primarily by the Department of Justice Attorney representing the Bureau of Land Management and also the Salt River Project. On the City's side of the table was Mr. Sullivan, attorney and attorneys representing Freeport McMoran. He added that right now he is in the process of reviewing his deposition and that will be submitted for potential trial and he may be asked to testify at trial then at that point. It was an all day affair and a lot of the questions dealt with primarily the growth of the community and what the City saw in terms of the community and the future.
Mr. Potucek added that he got the impression that they needed to have 40,000 acre feet of water reserved every year to protect themselves from the City. It was clear that they really went over the City's demographics, General Plan and all of the various things that the City has and they had allot of questions during the course of the deposition. Mr. Call was also deposed as well as Mr. Coffman from Castle and Cooke.
The Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled on the Tribute Lawsuit with regards to ADWR and PDS Water Company and opposed BLM, Huachuca Audubon. The court found on matters of law in favor of ADWR and Pueblo Del Sol Water Company; but they threw in a provision that was not even a matter of what was supposed to be reviewed and that was that ADWR must consider the water rights of the BLM or the SPRNCA when making a determination of water adequacy. That has been remanded back to ADWR and now the discussion on the part of all of the parties is whether or not that will be appealed to the State Supreme Court so the City is waiting to see if that occurs and what will result from that. ADWR will need to come up with new rules that consider the water rights of the SPRNCA. Mr. Potucek stated that he suspects that there will be lawsuits that would be generated from that.
Council Member Huisking asked how ADWR considers BLM's request if the BLM does not have acceptance of its requirements for 42,000 acre feet. Mr. Potucek stated that it is a very good question and he does not have an answer. He has talked to Mr. Sullivan about that very thing. This is very important and the Fort’s rights should come out in the March timeframe and the City has opposed some of their water rights claims and more from the standpoint of the precedent that is being set there and if they get everything that they want then is it possible that then BLM would get everything that they want and leave the City in the lurch so the City's goal is to try and whittle down those numbers on both of those claims to try and ensure that the community will have water to meet its needs in the future as well without fear of litigation or being shut down in a regulatory fashion. It is very critical to the City that they get something out of this and it is a fascinating process and the City needs to pay attention to.
Council Member Calhoun asked what that something is out of this because it looks like that if both sides get what they want, it is a zero. Mr. Potucek stated that he does not know exactly how much is too much water to be asking for from the two federal entities; but he thinks that it is a large amount and especially in BLM's case, it is unclear to him why they would need so much water. In fact, the City has participated with its partners and paid for expert reports that indicate that from the City's perspective that the amount of water needed is not anywhere near what they are asking for. The bigger issue once the claims are adjudicated and allocation is given, is how they will be enforced in the future because he does not believe that the Fort necessarily will come after the community in terms of water usage; but he does not have that same feeling about BLM and they have already been on record saying that they would use litigation and etc. to enforce their water rights claim and is something that the City needs to pay attention to as well, which could be very detrimental to the community.
Council Member Huisking asked if any of the City wells fall into the after 1998 deepening. Mr. Potucek stated that the Department of Justice attorneys were basically trying to disqualify his deposition and not have him on the stand at trial because his testimony is irrelevant; but the reason for the relevancy has to do with the fact that the City’s claim is very small as the only water that the City owns is the water that they have in the wells, which are all pre 88 except for the one that acquired at Cyr Park, post 88. The City still has a water rights claims and a responsibility to the community to ensure that they have adequate water for the future. It is interesting to see how they will enforce this and there are allot of pieces that have to fall into place yet. He added that he does not anticipate any decision on the BLM claim until late next year at the earliest. The City is spending more budget dollars towards this.
Council Member Ash voiced her concern about public anxiety from Greater Sierra Vista residents who since the article came out in the Sierra Vista Herald and Cochise County Supervisor Pat Call's mass email have allot of anxiety about what this means. She asked how as a Councilor City can help provide education. She also stated that she is concerned about the standing rock bundy type of action/fear rhetoric and she is unsure if there is a way to manage that or provide more education about what the decision could mean. Mr. Potucek stated that the City did not participate in any of those and the reason for that is because he believes that it is premature to do so. The City will have a better idea when the Fort decision comes out on what that means or what it means in terms of what went into the decision and then what precedence the City thinks that might set. He added that he does not think that the City has much to fear from the Fort; but a lot of homes and allot of development occurred closer to the river since 1988 when the SPRNCA was established and where the date of their water rights will come from and for them their probably is some anxiety that may be deserved in terms of what may happen in the future and that is why the City’s goal is to try and whittle down the numbers to reasonable ones to try and mitigate any of those impacts.
Mr. Potucek stated that the Rate Review Board of Cochise County that he chairs for Solid Waste has been in discussions. There has been a rate increase in tipping fees at the landfill. The disparity was so much between direct haul and the new tipping rate that he asked Ms. Flissar to pilot doing direct haul out to the landfill and as it turns out it is probably beneficial to the City both financially and for the life of the trucks to proceed with that; however the current agreement does not particularly allow for the City to continue that. He added that he pointed out to the County group that it was indeed occurring and that there needs to be some adjustment in terms of direct haul rates. The City will be taking that up in January as well as the agreement for solid waste with Cochise County, which is coming due this fiscal year.
The MPO has agreed to fund the Transit Study for the City and so instead of the City having to pay money for that, the MPO will do that for the City; but it might take a little longer and there will be analysis in terms of the ridership and everything that Council asked for in the budget session. The MPO is also looking at potential HURF Swap Funding that the Governor is looking at bringing back, which would be a very beneficial thing. HURF swap is trading federal funds received for state funds at a discount. The State gets more of the federal funds; but then the City is not subject to all of the federal requirements, i.e., Davis Bacon and etc. and it works out well for the City in terms of some of its road projects that are coming up.
Staff will need to schedule a work session with regards to the three major road projects that are coming up: - Coronado Widening Project, which has gone back out to bid with a lesser design as the City is still some $300,000 over budget with that and that is affecting the City and an award has not been made because he would like to use HURF swap funds to assist in carrying that out. - Avenida Cochise that needs to be done and will be done in the spring; and - Garden Avenue will be the wild card and the potential to having to rebudget that for the next fiscal year. If HURF Swap Funds are able to be used, the City will be able to do Garden Avenue as well as a potion of Fry per the plan that was presented to the City earlier in the year by the MPO Consultants.
Council Member Calhoun asked if the $300,000 over budget represents that folks that are responding to the RFP are charging more because it is costing them more. Mr. Potucek stated that the City only have one bid and that is never a good thing. It is KE&G, a local bidder; but the lack of competition is always hurtful in the bidding process despite the fact that it is a local firm. The City may be experiencing some issues with regards to the price of materials as well. He added that he not sure what would be saved by redoing it and going back out to bid and that is why he would like to discuss funding alternatives with Council to see if staff can proceed with the project in the current fiscal year.
Council Member Calhoun asked if the RFP goes out all over the State. Mr. Potucek stated that she is correct and noted that Ms. Wilson tries to drum up as much business as she possibly can; but for whatever reason, the City only got one bid.
Council Member Mount asked if the City follows the Rule of Two, where there has to be two valid bids in order for it even count. Mr. Potucek stated that it is not a requirement. Council Member Mount asked if it is something that the City may want to look at in this case so that at least the City is restructuring it so that they can get something else out of it instead of being pigeonholed. Mr. Potucek stated that the City got three bids the first time that they want and that was with the full five lane configuration and it was $400,000 to $500,000 over and so the scope was narrowed and went out again; but only one bid was received.
Council Member Calhoun asked for an explanation of the Rule of Two. Mr. Potucek explained that it means to have at least two qualifying bidders. Mayor Mueller shared conversations that he has had with construction folks and he was told that gas and the cost of materials that are petroleum base have not dropped. He added that is one of the reasons why it is very difficult to get a reasonable bid. All of those market factors play into that.
Council Member Gray stated that she sees a lot of cell phone towers on the list for things that are upcoming, being built or in the process and noted that she does not recall Council approving those towers. She asked if these are falling under the new Code where Council does not have to approve them. Mr. McLachlan stated that he wonders whether it was an antenna addition or ground equipment being installed versus a new tower; but will get more detail for her.
Council Member Gray stated that there is one in November that was approved by the Church of Christ and two for T-Mobile and one for Verizon that are under construction. The projects completed in November were a Verizon Tower on Mediterranean. She asked if they are falling under the 60 feet range where they don't have to go through the permitting process. Mr. McLachlan stated that he does not believe that a new tower was installed. It is a modification to an existing tower.
E. Report on Recent Trips, Meetings and Future Meetings
Mayor Mueller reported that he meet with Drew John and Gail Griffin and talked about a number of issues that the City is facing and the idea was to orient them to some of the challenges that the City is meeting. There will be another opportunity to meet with Ms. Nutt.
Council Member Calhoun reported on the NLC conference in Pittsburgh that two Council Members and one staff member attended. She added that at the Council Meeting an award will be presented for the Let's Move, Gold Level (report in the Reading Room).
Council Member Huisking talked about the autonomous cars pilot program in Pittsburgh. The four month pilot program involved people taking trips from the airport to the City and they do not have anyone in the driver's seat, which is strange. It is a beautiful car that senses who is in the intersection, whether the light is red or green or any other obstructions and so far it has worked out. Pittsburgh has stated that if the pilot program goes well that they would like to have 100 cars by next year. They are trying to cut down on the number of automobiles.
Council Member Calhoun added that one of the biggest stats is that most car accidents are human caused. She noted that she put down several recommendations in the report that she would like for the City to look into and asked for the best process to discuss those. Mayor Mueller stated that the best process is to do it during the Strategic Planning Process, which is upcoming.
F. Future Discussion Items and Council Requests
Mayor Mueller talked about getting together during the Administrative Get Together in February to discuss Council procedures and the Legislative agenda.
Ms. Jacobs stated that there are only two outstanding Council requests, one of which is the follow-up from the Sister Cities conversation that will be placed in the Council Reading Room.
Council Member Huisking asked for a lineup of the events for December 8th. Mayor Mueller stated that the following events are scheduled: - Executive Session at 3:00 p.m. to discuss the real estate item and executive compensation lead by Council Member Gray; - Cake and cookies in Second Floor Conference Room to say goodbye to Council Member Huisking; - Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m. with the first presentation to Council Member Huisking.
Mayor Mueller told Council Member Huisking that she is welcomed to invite her family.
Council Member Calhoun asked if this is the last meeting of the year. Mayor Mueller stated that she is correct and meetings will start back up in January. There will be a get together ahead of time and Council Members can be sworn in before then with the Council Meeting following in Council Chambers.
Ms. Jacobs reminded Council that the photo of new council will occur after the first work session in January. Council Member Gray asked to put that off until February or March. Mayor Mueller stated that she can always have her photo retaken. Ms. Jacobs stated that a new photo is necessary of the new Council to go up on the website immediately. Individual photos will be done as well over at the Police Department's training room.
Council Member Calhoun stated that she would like to redo her bio. Mayor Mueller stated that is one thing that needs to be done on a yearly basis.
3. Adjourn
Mayor Mueller adjourned the work session at 5:02 p.m.
______Mayor Frederick W. Mueller
Minutes prepared by: Attest:
______Maria G. Marsh, Deputy Clerk Jill Adams, City Clerk
2017 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
State Legislative Agenda
In addition to targeted feedback on specific issues, these guiding principles and key priorities will guide actions of City staff and external consultants on all other legislative matters that arise during the 2017 State legislative session. The Council-approved agenda will define the City of Sierra Vista’s priorities and frame City lobbying activities at the Arizona State Legislature.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND KEY PRIORITIES
Fiscal Sustainability
The City of Sierra Vista supports the preservation of shared revenues, including state transaction privilege tax (sales) and urban revenue (income) tax at the 15% distribution level and opposes any reduction or cap, regardless of the method.
In addition, the city supports the full disbursement levels of existing revenue streams including the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) and Vehicle License Tax (VLT). The City opposes attempts to redirect those funds away from these accounts, and supports efforts to maintain HURF monies for transportation uses. The City further supports the sustainment, and advocates for the expansion of, the State Aviation Fund for the state’s portion of matching of federal grant investments in local airports.
The City also supports protection of local funding and authorities that bring revenues to local governments. The City opposes any effort to limit the elected body’s ability to collect locally established taxes or fees, as well as any action that would increase costs to the City.
Further, the City supports actions to improve the long-term viability of all state retirement systems, including the fair allocation of financial responsibility to local governments. The City advocates for continued reforms to the Public Safety Retirement System that will return the system to financial viability based upon reasonable actuarial assumptions and an increase in participant obligations.
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Local Authority
Cities and towns were voluntarily created by the residents of their communities to provide local self-government, and to allow their respective Councils to make decisions at the local level that best meet the needs of their communities. The City of Sierra Vista supports the protection of local control and decision-making authority and opposes efforts to erode this control through preemptions or mandates.
The development of infrastructure to facilitate community and economic development is a key function of local government and City supports local control as it pertains to all components of the planning and development process, including water requirements.
Economic Development
A strong and vibrant economy is essential to the quality of life for the City’s residents, businesses, and visitors. The City of Sierra Vista supports working with the State through the Arizona Commerce Authority and Office of Tourism, other governments, and private enterprises to identify sustainable economic opportunities, and supports efforts to enhance the tools available to attract and retain quality jobs. The City opposes legislation that would diminish the ability of local governments to provide supportive services to local businesses or revitalize areas within City boundaries.
The City supports efforts to protect and expand tourism assets, as well as increase the visibility of Arizona, Sierra Vista and Cochise County as tourism destinations.
Sierra Vista recognizes that access to capital is one of the major impediments to the formation and growth of new companies. Venture capital drives job creation and economic growth by helping entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas and scientific advances into products and services. The City supports efforts to enhance and facilitate venture capital investments within Arizona, including extending, enhancing or adding appropriate tax credits.
Military Preservation and Expansion
The City is an active partner in sustaining and expanding the long-term mission viability at Fort Huachuca. The City of Sierra Vista will continue to be involved in, and supports reasonable efforts to strengthen local and state efforts to minimize encroachment, enhance compatible land use planning, and elevate the advantages of the region and state for future mission expansions.
The City strongly advocates for reauthorization of the State’s Military Affairs Commission and funding of the Military Installation Fund.
The City further advocates for environmental resource policies that support military centers of excellence and facilitate continued economic development.
Transportation
In addition to the support for HURF and the State Aviation funds, the City supports strong partnerships in planning for and funding future infrastructure improvements to enhance the region’s and state’s economic competitiveness through both national and international trade and tourism, as well as the overall quality of life of area residents.
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Public Safety
The City supports efforts that preserve and enhance the ability of local governments to strategically plan for and respond to emergencies. In addition, as HURF funding is siphoned from communities to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the City strongly advocates for the state DPS taking back full responsibility for responding to calls and conducting accident investigations on state routes within the City limits, or conversely the funding distributed to the City in order to compensate it for taking on that role. In addition, the City supports the return of appropriate and statutorily required responsibilities to the State Fire Marshall’s Office.
Neighborhoods
The City of Sierra Vista recognizes that healthy neighborhoods are the cornerstone of a healthy community. Proper enforcement of uniform codes for property maintenance, criminal activity and other nuisances can greatly contribute to improving neighborhoods. County islands within the City are provided a rural level of service by their governing body, and the differing codes and higher response rates bleed into adjacent incorporated areas. The City supports efforts to enhance a community’s ability to annex County islands to improve consistency, improve government efficiency, and enhance neighborhoods. The City further supports legislation that will allow for the City's restitution of public funds utilized to clean up or secure dilapidated properties.
Education
The City of Sierra Vista supports educational programs, policies and appropriate funding that result in a college, career-bound and technically skilled Arizona workforce. A highly-qualified workforce will support Arizona’s competitiveness in the retention and attraction of quality high wage jobs.
Federal Legislative Agenda
The federal government collects resources from Sierra Vista residents and the City is committed to working with its federal representatives to assure that the community receives the benefits of these contributions in the form of investments in infrastructure, including wastewater and transportation, as well as defense. The City supports collaboration with the federal government and locally-driven decision-making. Because Sierra Vista has the primary public sector responsibility to shape regional economic development, the City advocates for and needs appropriate authority, flexibility, and resources from federal, state, and county government partners to insure it can be an effective leader in job retention and expansion in the community.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND KEY PRIORITIES
Military Preservation and Expansion
The City of Sierra Vista is committed to sustaining and expanding the long-term mission viability at Fort Huachuca. The City will continue to be involved in, and support all local, state and federal efforts and partnerships to elevate the programs and services currently provided at the Fort and also to advocate for mission expansion.
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In concert with Sierra Vista’s policy focus at the local and State levels, the City advocates for environmental resource policies that support military centers of excellence and facilitate continued economic development also extend to the federal government.
The City supports an end to the automatic sequestration of funds for purposes of budget control at the federal level because of the impact this has on the viability and capability of Fort Huachuca to meet national defense needs, and the resulting impact force structure reductions have on the local economy.
Internet Sales Tax Fairness
The City recognizes that technology enhancements are changing consumer buying patterns away from local purchases to more on-line purchases. The suspension of sales tax requirements for many internet purchases is having a negative impact on Sierra Vista and many communities in the state and nation. The City advocates for changes to national policy that will apply state and local sales taxes fairly to all internet purchases.
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Council Executive Report
Charles P. Potucek, City Manager October-November 2016
Highlights City Manager's Message
Police Reaccreditation expected to be achieved soon after recent site This edition of the Council Executive Report combines the visit from C.A.L.E.A. months of October and November. While the City did not have an election on the November ballot, the Mayor and New procedures and technology Triadvocates have already reached out to our newly elected being deployed in Fire and Medical state representatives to invite them to a briefing so they can to improve service and response. hear about Sierra Vista's issues and we can hear about their 88% of the 1,197 code own priorities for the legislative session. The Council's work enforcement cases YTD have been session on December 6 will include a presentation by closed. Proactive efforts proving Triadvocates regarding what the City can expect to see in highly successful. the new year at the state capitol. Planning for Savor Sierra Vista My office has been busy this past month helping me prepare weekend May 27-28 well for a deposition as part of the BLM's water claim under the underway. Will feature wine festival Gila River Adjudication. Several boxes of documents and Sky Island Summit Challenge. regarding the City's efforts in water conservation and related Exposure occurred state-wide for issues were compiled and provided to the City's attorney, Sierra Vista during Cyber Security Bill Sullivan, for this matter. I traveled to Phoenix for the Month in October. November 9 deposition, which included attorneys for BLM City actively participates in 2016 (U.S. Justice Department), Salt River Project and Freeport- AZ Cities and Towns Week in Mcmoran. My deposition filled nearly the entire day, but I October with great success. believe I was able to paint a strong picture of leadership and action on the part of the City of Sierra Vista, while contrasting the negligible effort BLM has made in the area of water management. It is unlikely I will be called as a Departments Page witness for the trial, but the City's story is on the record and Police 3 will be made a part of the case. Fire and Medical 4 You may have read in the paper recently that the Arizona Appeals Court rendered a decision regarding the Castle and Community Development 7 Cooke water adequacy challenge by BLM. While all of the Leisure & Library 11 legal points in the case were decided in Castle and Cooke's Public Works 14 favor, the court remanded the permit back to ADWR, Economic Development 17 requiring them to consider the BLM water claim in some fashion. Both ADWR and Castle and Cooke are evaluating Marketing & Public Affairs 20 their options and will make a determination in the near Administration 23 future regarding whether they will appeal.
Page | 1 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Other Highlights Upcoming Council The settlement agreement with Lane Balmer was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on November Meetings 18. The City is working with Pioneer Title to facilitate (City Hall Council Chambers except the transfer of 10 properties to the City. The two where noted) properties that make up the most egregious mobile home park at 5th and Denman will go up for auction Dec. 6, 3:00 p.m. - Work Session in January in order to facilitate its clean-up via the • Triadvocates Update and new owner. I have placed an authorization for the Review of Council Legislative auction on your December 8 agenda. Procurement is Agenda getting quotes for the cleanup of the majority of the • Council Executive Report parcels. It is possible the cleanup will start in mid Review December, but certainly by the start of the new year. At the November Cochise County Rate Review Board Dec. 8, 3:00 p.m. – City Council (CCRRB), the city managers were presented with Special Meeting-Executive Session additional financial analyses of the solid waste system that indicates that the County is no longer making money on recyclables due to significant changes in Dec. 8, 4:00 p.m. - Cake and the market. In addition, the data shows that 96% of Celebration of outgoing Council the recyclables come from Sierra Vista. Since the Member Henrietta "Hank" Huisking, current ten-year agreement with the County expires upstairs conference room at the end of the fiscal year, the CCRRB will be looking at what changes may need to be made in the next IGA, starting with our January meeting. Dec. 8, 5:00 p.m. – Council Meeting The MPO has agreed to fund a study analyzing the unique ridership on Vista Transit. As a result, the process may take a bit longer in order to provide Dec. 20 - Work Session Cancelled enough time to go through the procurement process to meet federal guidelines. This will be a more Dec. 22 - Council Meeting thorough review that will also include other Cancelled assessments we believe will be useful as we evaluate the system for additional efficiencies and cost savings. We expect to at least have some Other Meetings and preliminary data to provide to the City Council by Events your strategic planning retreat in March. Dec. 26 – offices closed in The state is expected to bring back the "HURF Swap" observance of Christmas Holiday program for use by the MPO. This provides an opening to address how the City best accomplishes Jan. 2 – offices closed in the Council's strategic goals of Coronado widening, observance of New Year’s Day Fry corridor and North Garden, among other needed Holiday road improvements. KE&G has extended the Coronado bid to the end of February to give my team and the MPO a chance to put a plan together that will be presented to Council at your first work session in January. City Manager's Office Contacts [email protected] With Thanksgiving behind us and the holidays well under way, on behalf of all City employees, I would like to take [email protected] this opportunity to wish you and your families the warmest Linda. [email protected] of holiday seasons. 520-439-2147 www.SierraVistaAZ.gov Chuck Potucek, City Manager
Page | 2 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Police Department
On March 22, 2014, the Sierra Vista Police Department achieved accreditation through the Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The initial accreditation period is three years, during which time the department must adhere to CALEA standards and collect proofs to demonstrate continued compliance. The department is nearing the end of the initial three year period and had two CALEA assessors visit the department November 7-9, 2016, to determine if the department should remain accredited. This report will provide a brief history of the department’s accreditation efforts and the ongoing effort to remain accredited.
Accreditation
The department’s goal of accreditation began many years ago with a review of department policies and procedures and CALEA standards. Achieving accreditation is voluntary and is a method that SVPD uses to demonstrate a commitment to continual improvement. While the department did not officially begin the CALEA accreditation process until 2010, the groundwork for making the policies and procedures CALEA compliant began in the 1990s. The department began the official CALEA process in 2010 with a mandatory three-year self-assessment period in which the department continued to refine policies related to CALEA standards. For the policies that had already been in existence and CALEA compliant, the CALEA administrator collected proofs from across the department to demonstrate the department’s compliance with its policies.
Upon completion of the self-assessment period, the department participated in its first on-site assessment, a three-day period in November 2013 when CALEA assessors reviewed policies and proofs. The assessors toured the department, interviewed employees, and rode along with officers. The department conducted a public information session, at which time the public was invited to comment regarding the department’s ability to comply with CALEA standards. The assessors prepared a report for the full commission and department members appeared in front of the commission for a hearing regarding the assessors’ findings. The department successfully completed all requirements and the CALEA Commission approved the department for Law Enforcement Accreditation on March 22, 2014.
Reaccreditation
In November 2016, an on-site assessment occurred to determine the department’s continuing ability to meet CALEA standards. CALEA assessors visited the department November 7-9, 2016. The reaccreditation assessment was similar to the initial assessment with the CALEA assessors reviewing policies and proofs, touring the department, and interviewing employees. The assessors also conducted a public information session, as well as a telephone call-in session. At the end of the three-day on-site, the assessors indicated that the assessment went very well with only a few minor policy refinements suggested. The assessors indicated that they were impressed with the professionalism and friendliness of every department member they met. The final action of the assessors will be to compile a report of their findings for the full commission to review.
In March 2017, Chief Thrasher and CALEA Administrator Jen Charest will travel to the CALEA conference to appear in front of the commission for a hearing on the assessors findings. If all goes well, the department should achieve reaccreditation at that March 2017 conference.
Page | 3 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Fire and Medical
Miscellaneous
Battalion Chief Irlmeier and Captain Wilcox traveled back to Appleton, Wisconsin, to the Pierce factory to check on the progress of the new apparatus/ambulance rig. The company made a few small changes, approved the plans, and we were advised that it may be ready for final inspection in May/June 2017. This is a MUCH better prognosis than the previous prediction of 11-14 months, which would have resulted in delivery of the rig in 2018! Still, we are keeping our fingers crossed.
AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management have begun the cleanup efforts on all state land located within the city limits, including the areas near Joyce Clark Middle School, on Tacoma near City Hall and the ball fields, and the property adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park. This has been quite an undertaking and looks very nice so far. Work should be completed shortly.
Fire station 202 suffered structural damage when a passenger car ran through the east wall in the gym. A customer was pulling into a parking stall to get a blood pressure check when she inadvertently hit the accelerator instead of the brake pedal. She jumped the parking block and the curb, and ran through 15 feet of gravel and a large, decorative boulder before hitting the building and coming to rest 2-3 feet inside the structure. Neither she nor any of our personnel was injured, as the crew was not in the station at the time of the incident. Mr. Fix It was retained to complete the repairs, which are scheduled to begin November 28th.
With the help of the awesome Linda Jones, the department applied for a FEMA grant, requesting new radios, gurney lift systems for all ambulances, and card-reader security systems for all three firehouses. A successful grant award can be for the entire amount, or any portion thereof, and we expect to hear back in March.
The department is gearing up for its 41st annual Christmas drive. Kickoff was Thanksgiving weekend, with Wednesday radio remotes beginning on November 30th in front of Ace Hardware (4-6 pm).
Fire/EMS
The department created a spreadsheet documenting all city roads and their speed limits, one of the first steps toward implementing the “Quickest Route” dispatching software. This program will allow dispatchers to “see” where any apparatus is, and queue up the closest rigs to an incident. This will help when rigs are out of quarters, whether returning from calls, during training evolutions, or out of their station for any reason, especially during very busy times when dispatchers are swamped with multiple incidents.
Page | 4 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
SVFMS personnel continue to review the incident reporting software options. We installed the HealthEMS Mobile Touch program on an old tablet and believe it will be a good addition for documentation. HealthEMS has a fire reporting system that appears to meet our needs; however, it would only be reasonable if the department stays with HealthEMS for medical patient care reports as well. The Exchange ER program of HealthEMS is now operational, enabling crews to forward patient information to the emergency department prior to arrival or while enroute to the hospital, which will be a huge benefit to the entire system. The quicker medical information is exchanged, the better the outcome for everyone, especially the patients.
Communications/CARE/Public Education
Personnel have updated Spillman dispatch guidelines to include the 1st and 2nd alarm response procedures to residential and commercial structure fires. That changed the second chief officer response from Battalion 365 (Fry Fire District, which is no longer staffed) to C1302 (Fort Huachuca Fire Department).
Eight new Toshiba Toughbook laptop computers were purchased and just received by IT. Once IT works their magic on them they will be installed on all front line apparatus, with the best of the rest placed on backup rigs and/or held as spares.
The Chamber's Leadership Sierra Vista group recently visited Fire Station 203. The group members sat through a short PowerPoint presentation, took a quick station tour, and then met the crew and were given a tour of Airevac 24 helicopter. After that, they donned some firefighting gear, rode up in the 100’ tower, worked with the “Jaws of Life,” and explored the Fire and Life Safety Simulator. Evaluations for their time here were exceptional!
Accreditation
Currently, Linda Jones is incorporating community overview content/figures for the Standards of Cover document of the accreditation process. Staff is also incorporating community risk assessment content/figures for the Community Risk Assessment document.
Prevention
A significant 57 business inspections were completed this month. Fire and Community Development personnel inspected Target as a massive solar power project was installed on the retailer's roof. The new SWG facility is finished and was occupied November 4. Lawley Honda Collision Center is also nearing completion. The final fire inspection was scheduled for the first week in November.
There have been five residential structure fires, and investigations found two to be arson-caused. Both investigations are ongoing. Department personnel also assisted CCSO in San Simon with a fatal residential fire investigation. The cause was improperly attempting to light a propane heater. Also, a local resident received severe burns while attempting to light a natural gas fireplace. The department will be working with PAO to reinforce the message to please be careful as colder weather approaches and heating appliances have been dormant for 8-9 months.
Training & Development, Special Operations
Fire/EMS • 96 hours of fire/EMS training, 216 individual personnel hours. This included 18 hours of engine company operations held jointly with FHFD personnel at their training facility.
Page | 5 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Distributive (online) Learning for September • Regional SOP Review (1 hour) • Sexual Harassment Awareness for Supervisors (1 hour) • CSV Substance Abuse Policy Review for Supervisors (1 hour) • Confined Space Awareness (1 hour)
Staff met with training officers from FHFD, PFD, and FFD to discuss regaining traction on quarterly joint training. As there are automatic or mutual aid agreements in place between all of the departments, this training is a requisite to help ensure fireground operations run smoothly. We meet again in December to map out a schedule for 2017. Crews also met with Cochise County Regional hazmat coordinators and Cochise County emergency manager Norm Sturm to plan out the quarterly training calendar for 2017. A countywide full-scale exercise will be scheduled for late 2017 at the Mall at Sierra Vista. County OEM will pursue grant monies for the exercise.
SVFMS is building special operations response plans in Spillman, which is a large project. So far, greater alarms for nature codes “gunshot” and “gunshot - multiple victims” have been completed. These alarms will allow dispatchers to easily select and dispatch the proper resources to large- scale incidents when stress, anxiety, and radio traffic are at very high levels.
We congratulate two of our newest employees, Ryan Dannels and Joseph McKearney, who successfully completed their probationary year and final testing.
Ryan Dannels Joseph McKearney
Page | 6 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Community Development
Planning & Administration
• On November 15, 2016, the Planning and Zoning Commission considered amendments to the development code relating to bicycle and shared parking standards in furtherance of strategic and general plan objectives. A public hearing before City Council on the proposed amendments is scheduled for December 8, 2016.
• On October 27, 2016, the City Council held a public hearing and voted to open a 30-day public comment period on proposed amendments to the City Code of Ordinances, to establish use permissions and permitting procedures for modifications to existing improvements inside public rights-of-way and easements. The ordinance will be presented to City Council with public comments on December 8, 2016, for final adoption consideration.
Building & Inspection Services
The department currently has 20 registered contractors using Customer Self Service (CSS), the recently released online permitting module. Of these 20 contractors, seven use the system on a weekly basis to apply for permits - most commonly for water heaters, re-reroofs, HVAC installs, and gas pressure tests. According to customer feedback, the system allows them to apply for permits more easily and quickly than before, as some have said it saves them time from having to come in the office to apply. They have also noticed a quicker approval time from our office in collecting payments and printing permits for them. We currently do not have a concrete way to track how many have applied online; however, we are working on a system to better track those who apply online, and hopefully starting 12/1/2016 can have solid numbers to give going forward. It is estimated that approximately half of new applications since the system was rolled out at the end of October have been submitted online, with expectations for more as customer education and outreach efforts continue. The next phase will enable customers to schedule inspections and make payments online. Staff is working with IT staff to implement these features in the near future.
Year to date, the City has averaged 96 permit applications per month. Staff processed 100 permits requiring 195 inspections in October and 93 permits requiring 174 inspections in November. During that timeframe, Staff worked on the following projects:
Plans Under Review: October • Got Oils - Tenant Improvement - 3676 E. Fry Blvd • SSVEC - Tenant Improvement for Large Bay - 1348 Giulio Cesare Ave • Walmart - Tenant Improvement - 500 N. Hwy 90 • Z's Restaurant - Kitchen Tenant Improvement - 3637 S. Hwy 92 November • Olympic Karate Shotokan – Commercial New – 103 N. 1st Street • SSVEC - Tenant Improvement for Large Bay - 1348 Giulio Cesare Ave • Walmart - TI Expand Pharmacy - 500 N. Hwy 90 Approved Plans: October • Cochise County Joint Communications Facility - Remodel - 1728 Paseo San Luis November • Cell Tower at Church of Christ - Cell Tower - 240 N. Hwy 90 • Walmart - TI Lighting Changes - 500 N. Hwy 90
Page | 7 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Current Projects Under Construction: • A & H Body Shop - Remodel - 4533 N. Commerce Drive B • Arizona Auto & Radiator Repairs – Tenant Improvement – 1255 E. Fry Blvd • Cell Tower at Church of Christ - Cell Tower - 240 N. Hwy 90 • Factory Auto Part Store – Tenant Improvement – 1255 E. Fry Blvd • Got Oils - Tenant Improvement - 3676 E. Fry Blvd • Hatfield Funeral Home – Tenant Improvement – Office for Animal Crematory • Lawley Honda – Tenant Improvement – 3200 E. Fry Blvd. • Mountain Vista Apartments – Patio Repairs – 4400 E. Busby Drive • Pioneer Title Agency - Adding Fire Wall - 2700 E. Fry Blvd A09 • Southwest Gas – New Construction – 4411 Industry Drive • Tacos Y Raspadas Mi Yaqui - Tenant Improvement - 1481 E. Fry Blvd • Target - Solar Panels - 4151 E. Hwy 90 • T-Mobile - Cell Tower - 2047 S. Hwy 92 • T-Mobile - Cell Tower - 260 N. Garden Avenue • Vanilla Space - Remodel - 1939 Frontage Road • Verizon Tower - Cell Tower - 5000 E. Mediterranean Drive B • Victory Christian Church - Tenant Improvement - 110 N. 5th Street
Projects completed: October • Walgreen's - Tenant Improvement - 1950 E. Fry Blvd November • Mountain Vista Apartments – Patio Repairs – 4400 E. Busby Drive • Pioneer Title Agency - Adding Fire Wall - 2700 E. Fry Blvd A09 • Southwest Gas – New Construction – 4411 Industry Drive - Has TCO • Tacos Y Raspadas Mi Yaqui - Tenant Improvement - 1481 E. Fry Blvd • Target - Solar Panels - 4151 E. Hwy 90 • Verizon Tower - Cell Tower - 5000 E. Mediterranean Drive B • Z's Restaurant - Kitchen Tenant Improvement - 3637 S. Hwy 92
Southwest Gas Z's Steakhouse
Page | 8 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
PERMITS ISSUED 350 350 300 250
200 165 141 150 123 85 83 100 70 43 31 35 29 34 50 19 15 10 4 12 2
0 Pool Sign Roof Fence Electric Building Plumbing Mechanical Tenant Improvements Tenant
YTD TOTAL OCT, NOV*
NEW CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION TYPE OCT, NOV* YTD SINGLE-FAMILY UNITS 7 51 SINGLE-FAMILY ADDITIONS 2 11 COMMERCIAL (SQ. FT.) 0 0 INDUSTRIAL (SQ. FT.) 0 0 INSTITUTIONAL (SQ. FT) 0 0 OFFICE (SQ. FT.) 0 0
*Thru November 25, 2016
Code Enforcement
• Staff continues to implement the Registration and Maintenance Program for Vacant Properties. To date, 134 bank-owned properties have been registered with the City (24 new applications were received in October and November 2016).
• The combined case load of the proactive inspection areas is equal to the number of cases being worked outside of the pro-active inspection areas. Overall, the Code Enforcement Team has closed 88% of the 1,197 cases generated this year. Of this total, one-quarter of the cases occurred on properties in Grid 3, which contains Garden Canyon Terrace, Sulger, the Meadows residential subdivisions, as well as Sierra Grande and Los Arcos Mobile Home Parks.
Page | 9 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Community Involvement
• Code Enforcement Officer Vannoy developed and oversaw a major community cleanup effort involving over 300 volunteers from the Mormon Helping Hands Group that occurred on November 5, 2016. The crew cleared brush, weed whacked along Garden Canyon Linear Trail, and cleaned out several drainage easements. They also collected litter.
• The City's Community Development Department has adopted the multi-use trail that runs along Coronado Drive, between the Highway 90 Bypass and Martin Luther King Jr. Street. On November 18, 2016, Staff walked along this stretch to pick up litter during their lunch hour.
Page | 10 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Leisure and Library
September - October Dashboard
Library circulation 26,115 – Sept Total Monthly $89,044 – Sept 24,914 – Oct revenue $88,043 – Oct Library program 853 – Sept Leisure 40,008 – Sept* attendance 1,072 – Oct class/program 12,853 – Oct participation Library patron 14,201 – Sept Facility/field/room 9,848 – Sept count 14,186 – Oct rentals 14,151 – Oct New library cards 320 – Sept Library meeting 95 groups - Sept 267 – Oct room use *includes Oktoberfest HOG Rally Feedback
By all reports, the HOG Rally went exceptionally well. Staff held an after action meeting with Jim Pittenger, the HOG Rally coordinator, and the feedback received was constructive and positive.
Jim reported 1,343 participants registered for the rally, and another 200-400 unregistered people participated in various events. The guided rides throughout the county were particularly popular, and riders have already returned to take advantage of some of the rides they didn't have time to enjoy during the rally. It was the largest rally in the 42 year history of Arizona state HOG Rallies.
Some issues discussed included the electrical capacity at the Pavilion (a problem for years) and traffic control, where we all learned some lessons for next time. The only complaints received from the public included a handful of people objecting to the closure of the park.
Staff will be checking to see if there was a noticeable increase in sales tax revenue for the month of October. Although it is not possible to determine revenue by event, beside the HOG Rally, other events of the month that contribute to hotel stays and other sales taxes included Art in the Park, Cars in the Park, the state-wide high school mountain bike tournament on Fort Huachuca, and the Thunderbolt Youth Triathlon.
Savor Sierra Vista
Planning is well underway for Savor Sierra Vista, the city's new signature event occuring Memorial Day weekend in 2017. A logo will be finalized soon, and the steering committee has begun meeting.
A wine and beer festival in Veterans Memorial Park will serve as the cornerstone of the weekend, but additional planning is underway for the Sky Islands Summit Challenge, a hiking event in the Huachuca Mountains. Hikers will be able to choose from three hikes of varying difficulty levels, and challenge themselves to summit multiple peaks. Stay tuned for more as this exciting event continues to develop!
Page | 11 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Cove Shutdown Wraps Up
As the Cove shutdown wraps up the last week of November, much has been accomplished in the past month, particularly deep cleaning. A list of the projects accomplished include:
• Pool decking pressure washed, scrubbed, and bleached (twice) • Scum line in all three pools scrubbed • Bulkhead removed and beneath cleaned and vacuumed • Bottom of pools scrubbed and vacuumed • Tiles repaired • Locker rooms cleaned top to bottom • All benches, chairs, and tables pulled apart and thoroughly cleaned • All glass and windows cleaned and washed • Weeds and debris picked up from around the building, including staff lounge and picnic areas as well as the dive well • All pool decking drains removed, bleached, and reinstalled • The guard shack and Aquatics Coordinator office cleaned top to bottom • Garage pulled apart and deep cleaned • All items to be sent to auction identified, stored, and catalogued
Staff have also been working to replace the pool lights with LED lights, which will save on energy costs, and accomplished general maintenance tasks in the mechanical room while equipment could be turned off.
Before cleaning Before cleaning
After cleaning
After cleaning
Page | 12 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
December Events
Dec 1: Digital device drop-in, 2pm, SVPL Dec 10: Kids Vintage Holiday Fun, 1-3:30pm, Museum
Dec 2: Annual Tree Lighting, 5:30pm, Dec 10: Big Screen Movie Night, 7pm, Teen Veterans Park Center
Dec 2: Holiday Card Making, 6-7:30pm, Dec 11: SV Community Band Concert, 2pm, Teen Center EBC
Dec 3: STEAM Saturdays, 11-12pm, SVPL Dec 13: Tuesday Talks: Pearl Harbor, 1pm, SVPL
Dec 3: Holiday Cookie Decorating, 2-3pm, Dec 13: Senior Holiday Dinner, 4pm, SVPL Windemere
Dec 5: Cove reopens from annual Dec 14: Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino trip maintenance shutdown
Dec 5: Adult Coloring Club, 5:15-6:30pm, Dec 16: Cookie Decorating, 7pm, Teen Center SVPL
Dec 6: Amazing Arizona: Death Clouds on Dec 17: Desert Swing Holiday Dinner and Mt Baldy, 1pm, SVPL Dance, 6-9pm, EBC
Dec 8: Dine a Night: Manda Le, 4:30pm Dec 17: Holiday Gift Exchange, 7pm, Teen Center
Dec 9, 23: Socrates Café, 10:30am, SVPL Dec 20: Teen Holiday Crafternoon, 4-6pm, SVPL
Dec 9: Family Movie Night, 4pm, SVPL Dec 27-30: Kids WORLD Winter Break program, 6:40am-5:45pm, Bella Vista
Dec 10: Children's Holiday Party, Buena HS, Dec 29: Teen Anime Club, 4-5:30pm, SVPL 10-12pm
Dec 10: Library After Dark: Laser Tag, Dec 31: Teen New Year's Eve, 7-10pm, Teen 6-7:30pm, SVPL Center
Marita Helbig (crazy cat lady) and her daughter Clarissa (the good witch) had a blast at the annual Therapeutic Recreation Halloween dance. Nineteen clients and five staff enjoyed the festivities held at the Oscar Yrun Community Center on October 29.
Page | 13 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Public Works
Parks and Park Facilities
Holiday Displays. The Santas from around the world have again been placed in Veteran’s Memorial Park, and staff is gearing up for the annual tree lighting on December 2nd. Staff has noted that time and weather has taken its toll on the Santas and will be meeting with one of the original artists in early December to discuss preservation options. The Santas were originally anticipated to last about ten years and are approaching that age. Although most are still in reasonable condition, additional effort will be needed in the near future to preserve the quality of the original work.
Water Harvesting. Staff is working with the Cochise Water Project to install a water harvesting tank at the Sierra Vista Public Library over the next few weeks. This installation will join many others at City facilities, including the Police Department, Centennial Pavilion, and Fire Station #3, to name a few.
Tot Turf Repairs. The tot turf projects that were included in this year’s budget have been completed. Len Roberts, Soldier’s Creek, and Summit all received new tot turf in late October and early November.
Engineering Projects
Coronado Widening. The bids for the Coronado Widening Project unfortunately came in above budget. Despite significant cuts made to the project from the original bid, the difference in the bid amount was less than 5%, possibly signaling a change in the contracting climate and the resulting favorable bids that the City has received over the last year or two. Estimates for future projects will be adjusted accordingly.
Entryway Monument Signs. Engineering staff is working with Public Affairs and Economic Development on the design and permitting required to install several new entryway monument signs on the major corridors approaching Sierra Vista and at other key points (Veteran’s Memorial Park, City Hall complex, etc.). The design of the signs is also being refined for constructability while remaining consistent with the original concept. The ADOT Encroachment Permits are expected to be submitted within the next few weeks, and the construction timeframe will be dependent on when the permits are released. However, we anticipate construction to be completed within the current fiscal year.
Page | 14 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
ADOT Projects. Staff is starting to see some movement on long anticipated ADOT projects located within City limits, specifically intersection improvement projects at Foothills/92 and the SR90/BST/Hatfield intersection. Although the exact timeline for the construction is still unclear at this point, the fact that intergovernmental agreements are in process and plans are being submitted is a promising development. The projects are located along ADOT corridors and therefore are being wholly managed by ADOT, but City staff is reviewing the plans and remaining involved in the projects for coordination purposes.
WIFA Grant. The City was notified in November that its grant application with the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority for an energy audit at the Environmental Operations Park had been approved. The grant amount is $40,000, and since the project is designated a “green” project, no grant match is required. The energy audit will evaluate the energy consumption and efficiency of the EOP, evaluate options, and suggest cost savings measures with a relatively short payback. The effort could potentially expand into a more in-depth audit to develop capital projects with more detailed payback calculations. A draft grant offer will be presented to Council in the new calendar year, and if approved, will be budgeted next fiscal year.
Refuse
Direct Haul. Several years ago, staff investigated the possibility of direct hauling to the landfill in Whetstone rather than taking garbage to the County Transfer Station located on the eastern edge of Sierra Vista. The data at the time showed the potential for a modest cost savings, but the increased wear and tear on vehicles would likely have offset the benefit. However, the tipping fee at the County Transfer Station recently increased to around $65 per ton whereas Whetstone remains $35 per ton. Based on this increase, staff initiated a short pilot project to direct haul to the Whetstone landfill. The pilot project indicated that a direct haul would be financially beneficial for the City, but an existing IGA with the County prevents the City from instituting an ongoing direct haul without the approval of the Rate Review Board. The IGA will be up for renewal within the next year, and additional fee changes by the RRB are also anticipated. Staff from Public Works and the City Manager's office are currently developing a scope of work for a Refuse Rate Study, and part of the outcome from that study will be to develop a clearer picture of what disposal rates are expected to do within the next few years and the options for the City in regards to waste disposal.
Airport
Taxiway G and J. Bids opened on July 26th for pavement repairs to Taxiways G and J, and the low bidder was Granite Construction Company. The total project cost is about two million dollars and will largely be paid for using federal aviation grants. The project is expected to begin in early December and last approximately three months, weather permitting.
Facilities
Fire Station #2 Damage. On October 27th, a vehicle jumped the curb at Fire Station #2 and impacted the east side of the building, resulting in damage to the exterior wall adjacent to the work-out room. The damage fortunately was not so significant to render the building inhabitable, and Facilities has temporarily patched the hole in the wall until a permanent repair can be initiated. The City Clerk’s office is working with the driver’s insurance company to implement the permanent repair.
Page | 15 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Transit New Administrator. The Public Works Department is pleased to welcome Mike Normand to our team as the new Transportation Administrator. Mike’s duties will focus on Transit and the Airport. Mike comes to the City from ADOT, where he worked on the transit grant programs. Mike’s previous work experience also included the management of transit systems similar in size and scope to Vista Transit. Mike has been on the job for about two weeks.
Branding. The last Executive Report profiled the look of the new busses expected to arrive in a few months, and the transit van has also been redesigned to match the new branding. The existing wrap on the van was showing its age, so the scheduled replacement provided an opportunity to update the look. The newly branded van is already out on the road and looks great! The similarly designed busses are expected to arrive in a few months.
Staffing. Transit has continued to be challenged by low staffing levels, and the upcoming holidays have exacerbated the situation. As a result, routes 4 and 5 have been temporarily combined into one route, running hourly from 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. The regular schedule will be restored as soon as staffing levels permit, hopefully within a few weeks. The City was recently able to hire a new full-time driver with a start date of December 12th, and there has recently been some increased interest in the part-time positions as well. We are optimistic that staffing and routes will stabilize within a few weeks.
Streets Wash, Drainageway, and Detention Basin Maintenance. The approaching new year means that Streets staff will soon begin annual maintenance work in washes and drainageways. This work is typically performed in the winter since existing weeds have dried and any new growth will be minimal until the monsoon rains arrive in the summer. Washes and drainageways are cleaned on approximately the same schedule each year, and it will take several months to get to all areas. The work is typically completed in April or May, ahead of the fire season.
Page | 16 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Economic Development – October Activities Note: December’s update will include November and December
Initiatives
Cyber Security
Presentations Last month, Sierra Vista Economic Development, Cochise College, and the University of Arizona (UA) conducted high level presentations regarding our efforts to create a Cyber Security business cluster within Sierra Vista. The month started with a briefing to Congresswoman McSally and ended with another briefing and luncheon for Senator McCain. Congresswoman McSally has already begun connecting the team with potential partners and influencers who can help increase our visibility, and Senator McCain has promised to champion UA efforts to obtain National Security Agency’s accreditation. Note: While Senator McCain was here, he also took time to visit a small business, Mr. Fix It, where he toured the company and talked to the employees.
Cyber Security Month October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. The ED Division has used this celebration to leverage our messages to the media. In October, articles appeared in the SV Herald and AZBigMedia. Additionally, Simone McFarland did a radio interview with KTAN 95 radio.
Event Promoters-New web pages
The ED Division has launched a micro-website aimed toward increasing events like the recent Hog Rally. The new site provides information that promoters and meeting planners request most often such as information lodging, attractions, and menus. Also included are maps, statistics, and permit applications. The site is embedded within the ED Business website at http://www.sierravistaazbusiness.com/events-home/.
Arizona Town Hall City ED staff presented at two regional Town Hall events this month to talk about the Arizona-Mexico border relationship, along with providing an overview of the outcomes from the statewide Town Hall held earlier in the year. The events were hosted in Sierra Vista and Douglas. Priority action items were established at both locations and will be added to local Town Halls all across Arizona who are doing the same. Next year’s Town Hall will be conducted with a series of mini, local Town Halls and will culminate in a state-wide Town Hall focusing on Financing Arizona's Future. Retention and Entrepreneurship
Mayor’s Visitation Program (MVP) On October 25, Mayor Mueller and the Economic Development team visited Orsa Technologies. ORSA Technologies is a Sierra Vista based company providing technology expertise to the military. The team is comprised of a diversified workforce to provide customers with R&D, Cyber, Information Technology, Engineering, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Program/Project Management, Operations and Maintenance, and Administrative Support Service.
Page | 17 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
During the visit, the owner, Jonathan “Woody” Woodruff, highlighted a problem facing several locally owned defense contractors. It seems that larger firms are being awarded contracts that could go to 8a certified businesses. The Orsa staff suggested a few opportunities to correct the issue including hosting continuing education classes for post procurement and requirements staff. This scenario includes having the Arizona District SBA head administrator and staff lead training on how to award contracts to 8a certified businesses based on past performance. The goal is to help participants who can receive sole-source contracts, up to a ceiling of $4 million for goods and services and $6.5 million for manufacturing. Additionally, online certification preparation training classes might be valuable for defense contractors.
Business of the Month Recognition Mayor Pro Tem Bob Blanchard nominated the Peacock Restaurant as the October Month.
When facing difficult times with a burdensome lease, the fallout from the Great Recession, and the exhaustion of more than two decades in the restaurant business, most people would quit. However, Hiep Wingate persevered. Hiep immediately began looking for a way to get back to serving locals their favorite dishes when she closed her doors in January 2016. Hiep worked with everyone willing to help to find a new home for the Peacock on The West End. Within a year, the doors were open again.
Hiep has transformed a vacant building into a modern dining establishment. The kitchen has been renovated to support a full menu, a conference room, and multiple big screens for sports enthusiasts. Hiep Wingate is exactly the type of entrepreneur Sierra Vista needs to restore The West End.
Business Walks-Overview The Sierra Vista Area Chamber, in collaboration with the Economic Development Division, launched the business walk in order to identify the needs of Sierra Vista businesses as well as to facilitate dialogue. The ultimate goal of this project is to gather information leading to better business retention and a sustained economy for the Sierra Vista area.
The business walks started on January 21, 2016. Since that time, five business walks have been conducted. Community volunteers walked door-to-door to local businesses throughout the city, paired in teams of two, with one asking questions and the other taking notes and completing the survey. So far, 147 businesses have complied generating the following results:
• Help with marketing and advertising - 77 • Business training for employees - 63 • Learning about how Government Grants can help their business - 57 • Infrastructure improvement assistance - 56 • Labor force training - 56 • Taking advantage of Zero/Low Interest Loans - 52 • Using or hosting local education programs - 51 • Using tax abatements for capital reinvestment in their business - 43 • Simpler permitting processes - 38
When asked “Are any barriers or obstacles to expanding businesses,” responses fell in the following categories: • Employee Turn Over • Fort Downturn/West Gate Closure • Cash Flow • Parking Availability • Rent • Storefront Visibility
Page | 18 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
When asked “What do you think is the most important factor Upcoming Events to help your business grow,” the most popular answer was local marketing and advertising. The second most frequent • Good Morning Sierra answer was an increase in population in the area. There was Vista - No meeting in Dec. also significant mention of conversion to online storefronts, • Festival of Trees – Nov 19 better staff training, and staff retention. to Nov 30, Mall • 58th Annual Christmas Other feedback from the survey includes: The need to focus on developing local workforce Parade – December 3 capable of customer and business service positions. 5:30-7:30 pm The need for better local education programs to • Bayesian Reliability Theory provide the workforce with practical experience, not just Explained December 8 academic credentials. 5:30-7:30 pm UA South The need for access to capital, credit, and funding that allows businesses to take advantage of new business opportunities.
A notable discovery has been the fact that many businesses were actively looking for employees throughout 2016. As a result of learning which companies are hiring, the Economic Development team is able to send job-seekers to hiring employers. Often, the Economic Development team is able to provide direct referrals. In other situations, the City works with the Arizona@Work to match job-seekers with employers.
Hiring Firm List The Economic Development office was able to develop a referral process where businesses are connected with the local workforce development office, Arizona@Work. One of the questions asked on the business walk survey was “do you plan on hiring now or in the near future.” If a firm indicated they plan to hire, the company was added to a list which was updated by ED and Arizona@Work staff. The Arizona@Work team is currently using this list to contact employers and tell them about the no-cost resources to help them find qualified employees, contractors, and interns. Over the last year, Economic Development has referred over 48 businesses to Arizona@Work to take advantage of their on-the-job training programs, job fairs, candidate screening services, and numerous human resources and staffing resources.
September 2016 Ombudsman Activities
Number of Business Contacts Partner Referrals 10 SBDC 3
EDF Loan Program 0 Chambers 3 Local Business and 0 organizations ED Website 4 Workforce 9 Development Marketing/Advertising 0 Education 0 Finance / Capital 0 Site Selection 2 Ombudsman 10 Consultations Total 31
Page | 19 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Marketing and Public Affairs
Arizona Cities & Towns Week. Arizona Cities & Towns Week was celebrated October 16-21, 2016. Staff leveraged this opportunity to shine the spotlight on the City and help educate our residents about services the City provides. The program included print advertising, social media using the hashtag #SVWorks4You, a special story time at the Library, and an online contest encouraging residents to share stories about how “Sierra Vista Works for You.”
Three contest winners were selected, two of which were children who are delighted by our refuse drivers. A hand-written note from one of the winners reads in part, “I love the people who drive the garbage trucks …Someday I want to work for the City as a garbage man.”
The program was extremely engaging with the general public, earning a reach of more than 16,500 people on social media, with an average reach of 1,659 per post. The post earning the highest reach featured Fire & Medical Battalion Chief Brian Jones and Police Officer Nathan Drake helping out during the Library’s story time.
Posts were designed to highlight several public-facing City departments including the Library, Leisure, Refuse, Fire and Medical Services, Public Works (EOP), Community Development, and the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center. Comments on social media posts include: They really do have some incredible people working there [at the City]! Thank you for donating your valuable time [to the story time program] and being true models of public service to the next generation. …my little one said “Mommy, can I be anything I want when I grow up?” I told her she sure can. She said “Then I want to be a police officer like him [Officer Drake] so I can help people. He was so nice!”
Social media (above) and print ads (left) were used to engage and educate the public about the services provided by the City during Arizona Cities & Towns Week.
Leadership Program. On October 19, the City played a key role in the Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership program by hosting Government Day. This educational program is coordinated by the Public Affairs Office and invites representatives from both the City and County to educate the class about their strategic goals and programs of work in a round robin format. Additionally, the program highlighted leadership through local government partnerships and implementation of the City’s strategic plans. Tours of the Library, Police Department, Public Works, and Environmental Operations Park were provided.
Page | 20 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Tourism. Arizona Showcase. Staff again participated in the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) premier tourism event in Sonora, which promotes shopping, dining, recreation, accommodations, and attractions in Arizona to Mexican media and consumers. Called the Arizona Showcase, this two- day event provided an opportunity to meet with Sonoran media and travel agencies while putting Sierra Vista literature in the hands of consumers. VIPs to the event included Sonoran Governor Claudia Pavolich, Secretary of Tourism for Sonora Antonio Berumen, and Sonoran Government Representative of International Affairs Yamilett Martinez.
Immediate results include a two-page feature article in El Imparcial and ElImparcial.com. Web exposure alone (including social media) for the publication tops 7 million viewers worldwide, with the majority originating in Mexico and the U.S.
Arizona Media Marketplace. In November, staff participated in the biannual Arizona Media Marketplace, part of the Travel Classics West Conference, which attracted approximately 70 travel writers from across the U.S. with specific interest in writing about Arizona. Of the nearly two dozen journalists who were personally introduced to Sierra Vista at the event, staff made introductions with four who are specifically interested in writing about Sierra Vista as a bicycling destination. Additional contacts were made with tour operators interested in adding Sierra Vista to the area, one of whom is specifically interested in bringing bicycle tourists.
AOT Call Center. Right on the heels of the Media Marketplace, staff partnered with Bisbee to represent Cochise County as a destination to AOT’s call center staff in Tucson. This group of telephone operators responds to all telephone leads generated through AOT’s promotional efforts. By partnering with Cochise County Tourism Council communities, we are able to showcase all of the activities in the region, which merits an overnight visitor stay.
Bike-Friendly Business Program. Launched last August, the Bike-Friendly Business program allows local businesses to pledge services specifically sought by bicycle tourists. The program is the first of its kind in the state and has earned recognition by AOT. Further, the program caught the attention of a writer who authors articles for an upscale, travel-centric audience. In addition to serving as a tourism service and means to partner with local businesses, the program supports Council’s strategic goal of positioning Sierra Vista as a health-conscious community. Undoubtedly, services offered through the program will be utilized by residents as well as visitors.
Snowbird Advertising. With winter fast approaching— especially in the northern regions—the division launched a tourism campaign targeting snowbirds using Facebook and Google AdWords, directing viewers to a snowbird landing page on the website. Since the launch, the webpage has received nearly 2,500 views (the fourth most popular landing page). The average time spent on the page was more than 6 minutes, nearly twice the second most popular November read (a Police press release) and nearly 6 times the overall site average. Looking at the time spent on the Police press release page, the long time spent by viewers on the snowbird page indicates a high level of engagement.
The best-performing social media ad in the snowbird campaign features bicyclists on a multi-use path.
Page | 21 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Visitor Center Data
Visitor Center. Literature was provided in bulk quantities to ReMAX Realty, the HOG Rally, Arizona State Mountain Bike Race participants and fans, Ramsey Canyon Preserve, and Arizona Federation of Republican Women, among other events, as well as state visitor centers and new resident packets.
In addition to managing inventory and fulfilling information requests, the visitor center assisted the following guests in September:
Local ...... 211 Arizona (not local) ...... 114 Out of state ...... 134 Foreign ...... 10 Telephone calls ...... 184
In addition to managing inventory and fulfilling information requests, the visitor center assisted the following guests in October:
Local ...... 223 Arizona (not local) ...... 113 Out of state ...... 190 Foreign ...... 30 Telephone calls ...... 215
Page | 22 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
Administration
Sales Tax Collection. Gross privilege tax collections for August 2016 were $117,969, or 9% higher than last August. Total retail sales, including retail and food for home consumption, was up $99,684 from last year. At the old rate, the classification would have had an increase of $5,126.
Gross privilege tax collections for September 2016 were $77,544, or 6% higher than last September. Total retail sales, including retail and food for home consumption, was up $106,578 from last year. At the old rate, the classification would have had an increase of $14,776.
The chart below provides a monthly comparison of FY17 actual, FY17 budget, and FY16 actual.
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$500,000
$0 Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
FY16 Actual FY17 Actual FY17 Budget
Page 23 Page | 23 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
2,475.00 4,174.00 8,124.76 14,141.00 80,073.00 43,811.00 38,672.00 66,018.00 29,168.00 24,647.00 20,067.00 68,243.00 Apr-16 186,900.00 796,016.00 192,466.00
2,349.53 3,695.30 7,972.53 11,668.92 97,071.19 59,236.26 39,799.77 46,780.44 35,044.94 24,023.36 17,144.87 74,721.86 Mar-16 183,189.99 729,072.72 171,141.37
125.90 2,435.07 5,899.30 7,661.93 99,583.55 43,000.61 25,151.63 29,454.96 33,652.01 27,994.79 16,534.22 67,927.23 Feb-16 169,650.44 672,953.32 169,747.54
6,858.71 4,015.00 4,210.01 8,506.47 83,799.94 33,954.59 47,746.63 31,326.44 19,514.69 15,163.15 55,674.32 Jan-16 176,576.98 961,116.00 262,968.24 104,689.94
2,522.94 4,833.15 9,314.19 71,632.80 34,382.28 68,246.62 41,319.62 32,997.30 23,363.76 15,187.63 48,249.73 Dec-15 143,767.09 167,154.71 165,500.69 779,571.91
3,129.72 3,665.83 9,196.00 11,530.24 76,264.72 30,389.98 26,811.92 37,988.19 34,342.11 26,308.74 14,208.38 68,408.91 Nov-15 171,737.02 150,772.15 632,422.67
2,626.49 3,401.30 (3,505.25) 84,107.65 32,727.37 47,080.02 42,749.09 34,936.27 26,555.22 13,071.47 68,221.26 12,967.87 Oct-15 175,808.56 154,377.32 662,699.59
2,049.53 3,401.62 11,780.81 45,161.54 84,706.59 89,784.18 42,979.96 37,484.07 27,747.35 14,269.06 50,022.36 11,511.82 Sep-15 175,258.21 149,981.45 638,608.91
Description classifications busdiness old Under Residential Rental Residential Utilities Contracting - Prime - Contracting Use Tax Purchases Use Tax Rental Commercial Communicaitons Restaurant & Bar Use Tax from inventory from Use Tax Retail Food for home consumption Food for home Retail Retail Sales Retail Tangible Property Rental Property Tangible Publication Extended StayExtended Other
Page 24 Page | 24 Council Executive Report, October-November 2016
City of Sierra Vista 2017 Planning Session Topics • Introduction • Legislative Recap • 2016 Elections • Current State Environment • Looking Ahead WHO WE ARE • Our firm was created in 2002 and has established itself as Arizona’s premier lobbying and public affairs consulting firm.
• The Triadvocates team has first-hand knowledge and experience with all aspects of navigating government.
• Our strong bi-partisan relationships with, and access to local, state and federal officials make us effective advocates for our clients. Legislative Recap 2016 Legislative Session
Overview Major Issues • Days of Session: 117 • KidsCare • Bills Introduced: 1,247 • Supreme Court Expansion • Bills Passed: 388 • Local Control • Bills Signed: 374 • Education Funding • Bills Vetoed: 14 • Agency Consolidation • Deregulation • Sharing Economy • DCS Oversight 2016 Elections Overview
Presidential Election Statewide Elections • Prop. 205 th • 45 President: Donald J. • Prop. 206 Trump • Arizona result: . Trump: 49.19% . Clinton: 45.35%
Federal Election Legislature • Senator McCain retains his Senate • Republican majorities maintained in seat both chambers • AZ Congressional Delegation: • New House & Senate leadership . 5 Republicans; 4 Democrats teams Key Congressional Races U.S. Senate Final Vote Tally McCain: 53.83%
Kirkpatrick: 40.71%
Ann Kirkpatrick (D) John McCain (R) Statewide Ballot Questions
• Prop 205 Recreational Marijuana – Failed
48.33% v. 51.67%
• Prop 206 State Minimum Wage – Passed
58.18% v. 41.82% Current State & Local Environment Ducey Administration
Matt Clark Governor Doug Ducey Kirk Adams Policy Advisor on Transportation Chief of Staff Municipal Issues
Gretchen Martinez Danny Seiden Deputy Chief of Staff for Katie Fischer Deputy Chief of Staff for External Policy & Budget Director of Legislative Affairs Affairs & Policy Development Arizona State Legislature
Arizona Senate Arizona House of Representatives Total of 30 members, one senator Total of 60 members, two from each of the 30 legislative representatives from each legislative districts district • 17 Republican Senators • 35 Republican Representatives • 13 Democratic Senators • 25 Democratic Representatives Arizona Senate Leadership
Sen. Steve Yarbrough (R) Sen. Kimberly Yee (R) Sen. Gail Griffin (R) Senate President, LD17 Senate Majority Leader, LD 20 Senate Whip, LD4 AZ House of Representatives Leadership
Rep. J.D. Mesnard (R) Rep. Thomas Shope (R) Rep. John Allen (R) Rep. Kelly Townsend (R) House Speaker, LD 17 Speaker Pro-Tempore, LD 8 Majority Leader, LD15 Majority Whip, LD16 AZ Senate Minority Leadership
Sen. Katie Hobbs (D) Sen. Steve Farley (D) Sen. Martin Quezada (D) Sen. Lupe Contreras (D) Minority Leader, LD 24 Minority Assistant Leader, LD 9 Minority Whip, LD 29 Minority Whip, LD 19 AZ House Minority Leadership
Rep. Rebecca Rios (D) Rep. Randy Friese (D) Rep. Charlene Fernandez Minority Leader, LD 27 Minority Assistant Leader, LD 9 Minority Whip, LD4 Sierra Vista Legislative Representation
Senator Gail Griffin (R) Representative-Elect Becky Nutt (R) Representative-Elect Drew John (R) Senate Whip (R), LD 14 LD14 LD14 Government; Education; Government; Natural Resources, Energy & Water; Local & International Affairs; Local & International Affairs; Rules Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Transportation & Infrastructure, Vice Chair Representation in Congress
Rep. Martha McSally (R) Rep. Raul Grijalva (D) Looking Ahead 2017 Legislative Session Predictions
Key Issues • Tax Cuts • Classrooms First – School Finance • Construction TPT • Pension Reform Trailers • Manufacturing Competitiveness • Autonomous Vehicles 2017 Legislative Session Priorities
• Fiscal Sustainability • Local Control • Annexation • Economic Development • Pensions • Transportation • Public Safety Thank you!