MINUTES OF THE MARICOPA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS REGIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

March 28, 2018 MAG Office, Saguaro Room Phoenix,

MEMBERS ATTENDING

* Mayor Jackie Meck, Buckeye, Chair Mayor Thomas Schoaf, Litchfield Park Mayor Gail Barney, Queen Creek, Vice Chair *Mayor Christian Price, City of Maricopa Councilmember Robin Barker, Supervisor Denny Barney, Maricopa County Apache Junction Mayor , Mesa Mayor Kenneth Weise, Avondale Councilmember Scott Moore for Mayor Councilmember Mike Farrar, Carefree Michael Collins, Paradise Valley # Councilmember David L. Smith, Cave Creek Mayor Cathy Carlat, Peoria Mayor , Chandler *Mayor Greg Stanton, Phoenix Mayor Lana Mook, El Mirage *Supervisor Todd House, Pinal County * Mayor Tara Walter, Florence *President Delbert Ray, Salt River President Bernadine Burnette, Fort Pima-Maricopa Indian Community McDowell Yavapai Nation Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane, Scottsdale * Councilmember Nick DePorter, Fountain Hills Mayor Sharon Wolcott, Surprise Mayor Tommy Lee Sikes, Gila Bend Mayor Mark Mitchell, Tempe * Governor Stephen Roe Lewis, Gila River #Mayor Anna Tovar, Tolleson Indian Community Mayor Everett Sickles, Wickenburg Mayor Jenn Daniels, Gilbert Mayor Michael LeVault, Youngtown Mayor , Glendale Mr. Sam Elters, State Transportation Board Mayor Georgia Lord, Goodyear Mr. Jack Sellers, State Transportation Board * Mayor Valerie Molina, Guadalupe

* Those members neither present nor represented by proxy. # Attended by telephone conference call. + Attended by videoconference

1. Call to Order

A quorum of the MAG Regional Council was present and a video on MAG meeting guidelines and public input opportunities was played.

The meeting of the MAG Regional Council was called to order by Vice Chair Gail Barney, Town of Queen Creek, at 11:33 a.m.

-1- 2. Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Councilmember David L. Smith and Mayor Anna Tovar joined the meeting by teleconference.

Vice Chair Barney welcomed Councilmember Scott Moore as proxy for Mayor Michael Collins.

Vice Chair Barney noted items at each place: For agenda item #6C, the confidential memorandum announcing the Executive Committee action to appoint Eric Anderson as the Executive Director, effective April 9, 2018; for agenda item #10, information on Senate Bill 1147 and House Bill 2514.

3. Call to the Audience

An opportunity was provided to members of the public to address the Regional Council on items that are not on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of MAG, or on items on the agenda for discussion but not for action. Citizens were requested not to exceed a three minute time period for their comments. A total of 15 minutes will be provided for the Call to the Audience agenda item, unless the Regional Council requests an exception to this limit. Those wishing to comment on agenda items posted for action will be provided the opportunity at the time the item is heard.

Vice Chair Barney recognized public comment from Ms. Dianne Barker, who stated that she had been a resident in seven cities in the region over the past 30 years. She stated that her family came before that from the Midwest and was associated with the Air Force. Ms. Barker extended her appreciation to the Chair and to Ms. Kelly Taft for improving the dialogue with citizens. She expressed appreciation to Mr. Dennis Smith for his efforts to include the citizens and to develop a multimodal transportation system, which is important in reducing congestion and pollution from single occupant vehicles. Ms. Barker stated that she did not want to see Mr. Smith leave and she wished him a happy future. She urged improving safety for pedestrians, especially since the region is getting a higher population density. Ms. Barker stated that people will exceed posted speed limits and she added that more than half of the vehicles are in the intersection when she is in the crosswalk. Vice Chair Barney thanked Ms. Barker for her comments.

4. Executive Director's Report

Mr. Dennis Smith, MAG Executive Director, provided a report to the Regional Council on activities of general interest. Mr. Smith expressed appreciation to everyone who submitted a nomination for the 2018 Desert Peaks Awards. He stated that the judges met March 27. Mr. Smith noted that the Desert Peaks Awards will take place June 27, 2018, and all nominees will be recognized.

Mr. Smith stated that 20 applications have been received from international trade businesses for the Sun Corridor EDGE ExporTech event, which will be held on April 26, 2018, at the Wild Horse Pass.

Mr. Smith recalled the Regional Council action on April 27, 2016, to support improvements to SR-189 through an application for a TIGER grant. He noted that the TIGER application was not funded, but the

-2- Arizona Department of Transportation and Mr. Randy Heiss tirelessly pursued funding for this project, and it has received $25 million. Mr. Smith stated that these improvements to SR-189 will make a significant difference.

Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Marvin Rochelle, a citizen activist for those with disabilities and transit, has passed away. He noted that Mr. Rochelle was a faithful attendee at MAG meetings. He was a positive person whose input on MAG plans will be missed.

5. Resolution of Appreciation

Vice Chair Barney stated that the retirement of Mr. Dennis Smith is an historic moment at MAG. Vice Chair Barney stated that a Resolution of Appreciation has been prepared to honor Mr. Smith's many contributions to the MAG region. He remarked that he had been at MAG for only eight years and Mr. Smith had been at MAG for 41 years. Vice Chair Barney stated that anyone who worked that long at an organization leaves giant footprints. He read the Resolution of Appreciation.

Mayor Jerry Weiers moved to adopt a Resolution of Appreciation for Dennis Smith for his service to the MAG region. Mayor Jenn Daniels seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Smith was applauded.

After presentation of the Resolution of Appreciation, Mr. Smith thanked the Regional Council. He remarked that he could not take credit for all of MAG’s successes mentioned in the Resolution, but great MAG staff helped make them happen. Mr. Smith displayed a graphic of all of the MAG Regional Council Chairs and said he had worked with all but the first. He credited the elected officials with having the knowledge of coalescing the region and what is important to residents.

Mr. Smith displayed a timeline of designations and milestones. He noted that besides transportation, MAG efforts include domestic violence, homelessness, and 9-1-1. Mr. Smith stated that at the first Regional Council meeting in 1967, the elected officials decided that standardization of public works projects was needed and this led to the development of the MAG Specifications and Details. He stated that more people know of MAG because of the MAG Specifications and Details.

Mr. Smith stated that MAG is one of five metropolitan planning organizations in the U.S. that has an air quality plan. He remarked that MAG has the best air quality staff in the nation and this is important due to all of the growth in the region.

Mr. Smith stated that the Chamber of Commerce proposed a sales tax in 1985, which became the first sales tax in the nation for transportation, and is responsible for development and growth in this region. He displayed a slide progression of the growth over the years. Mr. Smith remarked that an aggressive freeway program like the MAG system does not happen without cooperation between the Federal Highway Administration, Arizona Department of Transportation, and MAG.

Mr. Smith stated that when he started working at MAG in 1976, there were no employees on the MAG payroll, and there are now more than 100.

-3- Mr. Smith stated that he staffed the committee when 9-1-1 was implemented in this region. He reported that at the time, MAG was told by experts that 9-1-1 could not be implemented, but MAG gathered together all of the technical experts from jurisdictions, hired a consultant, and 9-1-1 was implemented in this region.

Mr. Smith stated that no plan was developed until after Proposition 300 passed, and then the Regional Council discussed who went first. He stated that the members trusted one another to get it done right.

Mr. Smith recalled that weighted voting in 1992 almost destroyed MAG and it occurred at the time former Mesa Mayor Peggy Rubach was Chair.

Mr. Smith stated that in July 1996, he and Eric Anderson visited with then Glendale Mayor , who had just been elected Chair. They informed her that $500 million had not been programmed, and by October and November, the Regional Council successfully programmed the funds. Mr. Smith pointed out what was important is that Mayor Scruggs, as a West Valley Mayor and Chair, was putting back on the funded program the Red Mountain and the Santan freeways that Governor Symington had removed. He commented that was true leadership.

Mr. Smith recalled that rubberized asphalt really made a difference in the region. He pointed out the MAG regional freeway system is the only system in the U.S. entirely surfaced with rubberized asphalt. He added that the cities liked it so well, like the City of Scottsdale, they used its own funds to accelerate the installation of rubberized asphalt. Mr. Smith stated that MAG also installed sound walls in addition to the rubberized asphalt.

Mr. Smith stated that MAG was warned that it was too insular and decided to add business seats to the Transportation Policy Committee who would develop the Regional Transportation Plan for Proposition 400. He remarked that MAG gave up some of its authority doing this, but the business representatives had ownership of the plan and were the swing vote.

Mr. Smith stated that a press conference announcing the implementation of Text to 9-1-1 in the Maricopa Region will occur on April 2, 2018. He stated that Maricopa Region 9-1-1 and some of the cities were sued over not having this capability, so the Regional Council approved funds for the software purchase. Mr. Smith stated that Text to 9-1-1 will make a difference for victims.

Mr. Smith stated that MAG is known as a transportation agency, but during the economic downturn when there were 64,000 pending and foreclosed homes, MAG formed the Economic Development Committee.

Mr. Smith stated that the cities and towns need to rely on themselves and support each other to get things done, things the Legislature will not do. He recalled problems with Proposition 400 and Mayor Scruggs advised to run up the middle and get it done. Mr. Smith noted the call to the TPC to “Build the Plan and Declare Victory.” He noted that the last two legacy projects carried over to Proposition 400 from Proposition 300 are Loop 303 and Loop 202/South Mountain, which is nearing its completion. Mr. Smith thanked the Regional Council for their support for him and MAG staff. Mr. Smith was applauded.

-4- Vice Chair Barney called forward Mr. Scott Smith, former Mesa Mayor, to offer his comments. Mr. Scott Smith stated that before Mr. Dennis Smith was MAG Executive Director, transit in this region was bifurcated. He remarked that this region has accomplished a truly regional transit system and a truly multimodal system. Mr. Scott Smith stated that the transit system accommodates approximately 70 million riders annually – 56 million passengers on buses and 17 million on light rail and paratransit. He stated that this would not have happened without the Regional Council and Mr. Dennis Smith. Mr. Scott Smith presented Mr. Dennis Smith with a token of Valley Metro’s appreciation.

Ms. Amy St. Peter, MAG Assistant Director, read a letter from Mr. Farhad Moghimi, Executive Director of the Pima Association of Governments, on behalf of the Arizona COG/MPO Directors Association, congratulating Mr. Smith on his retirement.

MAG Regional Council members gathered with Mr. Smith for a group photo.

Vice Chair Barney requested that everyone remain after the meeting for cake and a video celebrating Mr. Smith’s retirement. He added that there would also be an opportunity for the public to comment.

6. Approval of Consent Agenda

Vice Chair Barney noted that agenda items #6A, #6B, and #6C were on the Consent Agenda.

Vice Chair Barney asked if members had questions or requests for a presentation on any of the Consent Agenda items.

None were noted.

Councilmember Michael Farrar moved to approve the Consent Agenda items #6A, #6B, and #6C. Councilmember Robin Barker seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Vice Chair Barney extended his congratulations to Mr. Eric Anderson on being appointed MAG Executive Director. Mr. Anderson was applauded.

6A. Approval of the February 28, 2018, Meeting Minutes

The MAG Regional Council, by consent, approved the February 28, 2018, meeting minutes.

6B. Text to 9-1-1 Regional Policies

The MAG Regional Council, by consent, approved the Text to 9-1-1 Policies for Maricopa Region 9-1-1. The implementation date for Text-to-9-1-1 in the MAG region is April 2, 2018. To prepare for this implementation, the multi-agency Next Generation 9-1-1 Working Group developed draft Text to 9-1-1 policies. The draft policies were reviewed and recommended for approval on February 8, 2018, by the MAG Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Managers Group, on March 7, 2018, by the MAG 9-1-1 Oversight Team, and on March 14, 2018, by the MAG Management Committee.

-5- 6C. Ratification of Executive Committee Action to Appoint Eric Anderson as the MAG Executive Director

The MAG Regional Council, by consent, ratified the Executive Committee action to appoint Eric Anderson as the Executive Director, effective April 9, 2018. On March 2, 2018, the MAG Executive Director notified the MAG Regional Council of his retirement effective April 6, 2018. At the March 19, 2018, MAG Regional Council Executive Committee meeting, it was moved that the Executive Committee instruct the MAG General Counsel, Sam Coffman, to enter into contract negotiations with Eric Anderson to prepare a contract as the MAG Executive Director and if successful, move that contract on to the Regional Council for ratification. On March 27, 2018, the Executive Committee the Executive Committee took action to appoint Eric Anderson as the Executive Director, effective April 9, 2018.

7. Resolution of Support for the Rio Salado Project

Mr. Dennis Smith stated that a Resolution of Support for the Rio Salado Project was included in the agenda packet. He stated that the Rio Salado Project effort is being driven out of Arizona State University and has been supported by Senator John McCain and former Congressman Ed Pastor. Mr. Smith stated that MAG has been sharing its tools to use in the effort. He noted that the Rio Salado Project will launch Friday, March 30, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

Mr. Smith stated that many jurisdictions situated along the corridor are passing agreements, and the Rio Salado Project could have a major economic development impact for the entire region, even for cities not on the corridor. Mr. Smith noted that the corridor has great significance for Native American communities. It is being proposed that MAG join with the member agencies that are supporting this project. Mr. Smith added that if the Regional Council approved the Resolution, staff would ensure that it was provided for the project launch. He noted that future updates on the project would be brought to the Regional Council.

Vice Chair Barney thanked Mr. Smith for his report and asked if there were questions. There were none.

Councilmember Robin Barker moved to adopt the resolution supporting the Rio Salado Project. Mayor Thomas Schoaf seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

8. Glendale Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Mexico Initiative

Mayor Jerry Weiers first provided background on the evolution of the Glendale Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Mexico Initiative. He stated that he was invited last year by Mayor Enrico Munro of Puerto Peñasco to a baseball game in Puerto Peñasco. Mayor Weiers stated that he has a friend who builds resorts in Puerto Peñasco and introduced him to Mayor Munro. He stated that good relationships were established at this event.

Mayor Weiers recalled that the mayor of Puerto Peñasco told him that his budget is $13 million per year, and Mayor Weiers noted that the City of Glendale budget is $800 million. Mayor Weiers stated that he asked the mayor if there was anything the region could do to help. He said that he realized that police cars are auctioned when they are retired; they have a lot of mileage, but have been well-maintained.

-6- Mayor Weiers said that he asked the mayor if he wanted two police cars and he replied that would be very significant for them.

Mayor Weiers displayed a photograph of him with their group, "Friends Helping Friends, which also included the Puerto Peñasco police chief and City Council, Mr. Robert Heidt, President and CEO of Glendale Chamber of Commerce, and the Glendale Assistant City Manager. Mayor Weiers stated that he approached Mr. Jerry Petty, owner of Avanti Industries, and asked if Mr. Petty would purchase a police car, to which Mr. Petty volunteered to purchase two. He stated that the cars received fresh coats of paint at no charge courtesy of Sands Chevrolet. Mayor Weiers noted that official Puerto Peñasco Police Department markings for the vehicles were provided at no charge by Bell Signs.

Mayor Weiers stated that on February 14, 2018, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce hosted a bon voyage breakfast. He noted the Glendale Chamber of Commerce now numbers 1,200 members. Mayor Weiers stated that the contingent left the next morning for the trip to the City of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico to deliver the vehicles. Mayor Weiers stated that they were overwhelmed by the reception when they arrived. He noted that one woman was crying because she could not believe that anyone in the U.S. would care that much about people in Mexico. Mayor Weiers stated that there was a huge celebration.

Mayor Weiers stated that they encountered unexpected issues by the Federal government to bring cars from the U.S. to Mexico. He urged that people work out the details before attempting a mission like this. Mayor Weiers stated that the vehicles were finally in Mexico five weeks later, on March 21. He spoke of the great relationships that were established during this effort, and he added that Puerto Peñasco calls Glendale its Sister City, even though this is not official. Mayor Weiers stated that many Arizona citizens visit Rocky Point and he was proud to lead this effort. He added that he will be looking for more opportunities for partnerships. Mayor Weiers recognized Ms. Susana Martinez, MAG staff, for her assistance on this effort.

Vice Chair asked members if they had questions.

Mr. Dennis Smith stated that the key to donating items is the gift clause. He noted that the private sector purchased the vehicles. Mr. Smith stated that there could be a program for retired garbage trucks. Mayor Weiers noted that his taxpayers might not agree with him giving away the vehicles. He added that these types of programs allow for building relationships that will pay dividends in the future.

Mayor Weiers was applauded.

9. Development of the FY 2019 MAG Unified Planning Work Program and Annual Budget

Ms. Veronica Martinez, MAG Fiscal Services Manager, presented the draft FY 2019 MAG budget. She indicated that the draft budget is approximately 60 percent complete. Ms. Martinez stated that the draft FY 2019 MAG Programs in Brief and draft FY 2019 MAG Unified Planning Work Program and Annual Budget were included this month in the agenda packet.

Ms. Martinez stated that the draft FY 2019 MAG Unified Planning Work Program and Annual Budget includes narratives by division and associated program costs, draft schedules in the budget appendix,

-7- including overall program allocations, allocation of funding by funding source, dues and assessments and consultant pages for new and carryforward consultants.

Ms. Martinez stated that the draft budget totals $31.9 million, with $2.7 million budgeted for future years. She added that changes are anticipated to be made to the budget and will be presented to the committees. Ms. Martinez stated that the federal agencies will review the MAG Work Program at the Intermodal Planning Group meeting scheduled for April 13, 2018. She indicated that any comments from the meeting will be brought to the committees.

Vice Chair Barney thanked Ms. Martinez. No questions from the Council were noted.

10. Legislative Update

Mr. Nathan Pryor, MAG Government Relations Manager, provided an update on legislative issues of interest. He stated that Senate Bill (SB) 1147 is the county excise tax for transportation. MAG currently has a half cent sales tax through Proposition 400 and this would be an extension. Mr. Pryor noted that SB 1147 has passed the Senate and moved to the House, where it has been subject to a number of amendments that are included in the fact sheet at each place. He noted that the amendment by Representative Ugenti-Rita defines 60 percent of the funding from a half cent sales tax being allocated to freeways and highways. Mr. Pryor stated that this is problematic because MAG is in a nonattainment area and a plan is required to be developed first to meet air quality standards. He cautioned that this could result in the loss of transportation funding for the region.

Mr. Pryor stated that SB 1147 has passed the House Transportation Infrastructure and the House Ways and Means Committees and is headed to Rules and ultimately the floor. He added that any assistance on this legislation is appreciated.

Mr. Pryor stated that companion bill House Bill 2162 is a strike everything and is the legislation to support. He remarked that it is working through the Senate and is a more clean version that does not include the amendment by Rep. Ugenti-Rita.

Mr. Pryor stated that a map regarding HB 2514 was at each place. He pointed out that this bill would shift Highway User Revenue Funds from Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties and cities and towns greater than 7,500 in population to rural areas. Mr. Pryor said that this would mean a $5.5 million negative impact to Maricopa County. He added that this is on top of the $2.5 million taken from Maricopa County a couple of years ago to fund the Arizona Department of Administration.

Mr. Pryor provided an update on federal legislation. He indicated that MAG has been working for the past few years on the Tourism and Trade Initiative that would expand the border crossing card zone statewide to vetted Mexican visitors. He added that an analysis showed that this expansion could result in a $180 million increase in spending statewide. Mr. Pryor stated that MAG’s lobbyist, Capitol Strategies, has been working on this effort for a couple of years. He said they were trying to attach it to a spending bill but were unsuccessful. Mr. Pryor stated that Representative McSally has been supportive of this effort. Staff continues to work on this initiative.

-8- Mr. Pryor stated that the legislation for early implementation of air quality contingency measures was introduced by Representative McSally. He stated that it did not make it onto the appropriations bill. Mr. Pryor stated that they will reassess this with the MAG lobbyist. Mr. Pryor stated that they also have been developing legislation regarding background ozone targeting FY 2019 appropriations.

Mr. Pryor stated that MAG is beginning coordination for Census 2020 in this region. He stated that there have been calls for citizenship questions on the questionnaire that could result in a negative impact to Arizona. Mr. Pryor stated that he would be reporting about this in more detail at a future Regional Council meeting.

Vice Chair Barney asked members if they had questions. None were noted.

11. Request for Future Agenda Items

Topics or issues of interest that the Regional Council would like to have considered for discussion at a future meeting were requested.

Mayor Kenneth Weise stated that the $180 million of improvements to the ISM Raceway are nearing completion and the owners would like to provide an update in the next 90 days or so.

12. Comments from the Council

An opportunity was provided for Regional Council members to present a brief summary of current events. The Regional Council is not allowed to propose, discuss, deliberate or take action at the meeting on any matter in the summary, unless the specific matter is properly noticed for legal action.

Councilmember Michael Farrar stated that the Town of Carefree is holding an Italian Festival on April 14 and 15, 2018. He said that everyone is invited and there will be a number of free events.

Mayor Kenneth Weise invited everyone to attend Good Friday services at the Wigwam Resort that begin at 7:30 a.m. He noted each year, approximately 1,100 people break bread and pray at the service.

13. Celebration of Service

MAG Regional Council members and members of the public were invited to view a video presentation celebrating Dennis Smith’s tenure with MAG.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:35 p.m.

______Chair ______Secretary

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