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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991.0402.TCWSM.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE WORK/STUDY SESSION OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 1991 A public meeting of the Fountain Hills Town Council was convened and called to order by Mayor John Cutillo at 6:30 p.m. , Tuesday, April 2, 1991, in the Town Hall Conference Room located at 16836 E. Palisades Blvd. , Building C, Fountain Hills, Arizona. ROLL CALL - Following the pledge to the flag roll call was taken. Present for roll call were the following members of the Fountain Hills Town Council: Mayor John Cutillo, Vice Mayor Frank Clark and Councilmembers Peg Tibbetts, Mike Minarsich, Charlie Fox, Wally Hudson and Bill O'Brien. Also present were Town Manager Paul Nordin, Director of Community Development Gary Jeppson, Town Attorney Bill Farrell and Town Clerk Cassie Hansen. Mr. Farrell introduced Mr. Nick Dottermann to the Council. He stated that Mr. Dotterman had joined his firm as of April 1, 1991 and would work with the Town for a couple of months. AGENDA ITEM #2 - TOWN MAGISTRATE'S MONTHLY REPORT `401v Magistrate Shoob reported that the Supreme Court Grant had been awarded and that the new computer equipment was in place. He mentioned that the software program "Locus" was not working well and that the Supreme Court was no longer distributing this program to the courts. He stated that the Supreme Court was in the process of finding a new program to take its place as "bugs" had been found in this program and the courts were finding they were not getting true case load readings. He later commented that the new software which would be provided by the Supreme Court would not be free as Locus had been. He mentioned that he planned to request another Supreme Court grant in order to pay for the new software. Magistrate Shoob stated that he would be completing the "New Judges Orientation" class run by the Supreme Court within the next three days. He said that completion of this course certified him as a qualified judge. Magistrate Shoob reported that for the month of March, 1991 the Court had approximately 108 cases pending, 202 cases filed and had filed 2,088 cases year- to-date. He further reported that as of year-to-date he had completed 103 hearings, terminated 1,914 cases and by the end of the month had 174 cases pending. Gross revenue for the Court was $9,705 for March, 1991 and was $85,018 year-to-date. He stated that their outstanding accounts totalled $62,722 and commented that the Court 's staff was working very hard on their collection efforts. (11118, Town Council Work/Study Meeting Minutes - 04/02/91 Page 1 of 6 j Magistrate Shoob commented that at any time when there was probable jail time involved in a hearing the court was under obligation to appoint a public defender and said that he had appointed a public defender in approximately 40 cases. He stated that the cost for the public defender was reflected in the budgetary figures. Magistrate Shoob commented on the situation concerning the addition to his judge 's bench and reminded the Council that in order to save money, the Court had originally built a small bench. He stated that he felt the original bench required some rework and contracted Fountain Hills Wood Whims, the original vendor, to do the work. He said the final product was much improved over his original bench and that it was usable and workable although had cost more than expected. Councilman Fox commented that he realized the Court was expected to go over budget by 10Z and said he felt that $1,300, the cost to rework the bench, was a "big chunk. " Magistrate Shoob explained that the Court was originally set up for a court load 1/4 of their actual load and stated that they had expected to process much less than 2,800 cases involving the number of people for that fiscal year. He stated that, originally, they had anticipated a $50,000 annual budget and a $50,000 income. He pointed out that the Court had already shown an income of $145,000. Because of this, he said he did not feel that going over their budget by 10% was out of line. He said that he had already discussed a sizably larger budget for the next fiscal year with the Town Manager. Councilman Fox mentioned that revenue generated by the Court could also be considered as having been generated by law enforcement and said he felt the Court should not consider all revenues as theirs to spend. Mr. Nordin explained that even if the Court ran at a deficit the Town had adequate funds to staff and run the Court. AGENDA ITEM #3 - MAYOR'S REPORT A. Landfill Siting Committee report Mayor Cutillo stated that at the last meeting of the Landfill Siting Committee, Waste Management argued that Phoenix was needing more landfill space. He said that it was his argument at that meeting that sludge removal was more of an immediate crisis than was landfill. He said that, generally, the members agreed and he stated that an ongoing study had resulted in which they were trying to solve the sludge problem. He said that the committee agreed with the plan to hire a consultant to make a landfill site recommendation to the County. He stated that the consultant would probably make his recommendation within the next three to six months and commented that the most likely area in which to place a new landfill was in Final County. He mentioned that, currently, the problem with the landfill site situated close to Mobile, Arizona was transportation. He explained that from Fountain Hills the trash was moved to a downtown transfer station before being taken to Mobile and stated that by utilizing this extra transfer the cost is an extra $11.00 per ton. Town Council Work/Study Meeting Minutes — 04/02/91 Page 2 of 6 ,•. B. GPEC Mayor Cutillo stated that he felt he had accomplished a great deal by attending the GPEC meeting in Los Angeles as he found many businesses were very ready to relocate outside of Los Angeles. He said that he felt the "timing was great" for becoming involved in GPEC. He explained that he had two potential leads which he would discuss at the next EDC Council. AGENDA ITEM #4 - TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT A. Discuss the Following: a. Special event request by the Sunset Kiwanis for a circus on April 22, 1991. Mr. Nordin explained that the Sunset Kiwanis organization was seeking to have a circus on April 22, 1991. Town Marshal Ron Dean stated that there was no need for off-duty deputies at this function and said that the only reason reserve officers would be there was for traffic control. He commented that he would have three uniformed reserve officers at each event. He further commented that he would follow up with the fire department to make sure that the tent met fire codes. b. 1990-91 budget for the Town Marshal Department, including the Police Reserve budget Mr. Nordin stated that the most important issue when presenting a budget for law enforcement in Fountain Hills was to clearly determine what all the law enforcement related expenditures were. He also discussed the types of uniforms and weapons required for the reserve officers and said he felt it was very appropriate to pursue a reserve officer program at this time. Mr. Nordin stated that he felt the Town should reimburse 100% for uniforms and training expenses for each officer so as to demonstrate full support of the program. Mayor Cutillo asked Mr. Nordin what was meant by the "90-day service" before a $25 uniform allowance would be given and how this was accumulated. Mr. Nordin answered that the intent was to provide a uniform allowance 90 days from beginning of service. Marshal Dean stated that each reserve officer would have to work a minimum of 16 hours per month. He further stated that if an officer did not meet the minimum number of hours per month, they would not receive their uniform allowance. Mayor Cutillo asked where the radio facilities and communication . equipment would be located. Marshal Dean said that at that time they had not determined the exact location but elaborated that the Lio Town Council Work/Study Meeting Minutes - 04/02/91 Page 3 of 6 J equipment would need to be locked up and kept secured. Mr. Nordin pointed out that the Motorola sub-base unit which was to be purchased was not as large as a base station. Marshal Dean stated that the unit was portable with a charger and would be very small. Marshal Dean explained that the reserve officers completing the fully-certified course would be considered fully certifiable as police officers and stated that the reserve unit may have as many as four cars for their use. Mr. Nordin commented that upon close review of the November 15, 1990 meeting there was no evidence which he could find that any funding had been approved for the program. He stated that he only saw indication that funding had been discussed. He said that this fact made him feel uncomfortable when authorizing expenditures for the reserve program and was asking for approval of the recommended funding for the fiscal year and the policy of 100Z reimbursement for uniforms and training. c. Filling the vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Commission Mr. Nordin referred to the memo distributed by Associate Planner Ms. Loras Rauch indicating those people who were willing to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission. He commented that none of the individuals on the list had received a clear majority of votes from Cor the Councilmembers and made various suggestions. The Town Manager requested that the Councilmembers submit one name to him from those who were willing to serve and recommended that this item be agendized for the next regular meeting. AGENDA ITEM #5 - DISCUSS RESOLUTION 1991-13. APPROVING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY CONTRACT NUMBER 91-810. ACCEPTING THE AWARD AMOUNT OF S17.061 FROM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ENHANCEMENT FUND FOR THE STREET CRIME AND BURGLARY GRANT Mr. Nordin explained that approval of Resolution 1991-13 would approve the Criminal Justice Enhancement Fund grant in the amount of $17,061. Councilman O'Brien commented that the conditions of the grant stated that the purpose of the grant was to prevent residential and criminal burglary and to reduce street crime and did not specify the use of the funds for special events. He said that he felt that according to the law the Town would be required to reimburse the Arizona Department of Public Safety when utilizing funds for special events. Mr. Nordin stated that Marshal Dean had discussed this special use and that no problems existed. Marshal Dean commented that the funds would be utilized to purchase a computer system for the law enforcement department and the Department of Public Safety realized that the system would also be used for other matters. Town Council Work/Study Meeting Minutes - 04/02/91 Page 4 of 6 • Mr. Nordin requested input from the Council as to whether or not planning for the establishment of a full-time Fountain Hills Police Department should begin. He mentioned that establishment of a police department would require a great deal of money and time and said he desired the inclusion of a "police package" in the 1991-1992 fiscal year budget. Before allowing his staff to begin their research he stated that he desired the Council 's direction. He said that he recommended the Council study the materials provided from DPS. He reminded the Council that their decisions would effect his recommendation concerning the number of hours for which Marshal Dean would receive monetary compensation. He commented on the decision the Council would be required to make as to the importance of this program versus the importance of the Parks and Recreation program. Councilman Fox stated that he felt the development of a five-year plan should be addressed. Mr. Nordin commented that the development of a police department would be included in a five-year plan. Councilman Fox stated that he felt the Town could begin planning the formulation of a police force during the next fiscal year of 1991-1992 and recommended waiting for the next fiscal year of 1992-1993 until the force actually formed. He mentioned that the Council should weigh the cost of utilizing the County Sheriff versus creating a police force. Mr. Nordin said he felt that the approximate cost for creating a police force would be between $800,000 to $17 million and said that through the direction of the Council he would prepare a report of the costs and time frame for the establishment of a police department. He stated that he would attempt to prepare some information by the next week. AGENDA ITEM #6 - DISCUSS RESOLUTION 1991-14. ORDERING THE SALE OF TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. SERIES 1991, IN THE TOTAL AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $3.530,000. FIXING THE DATE OF HOUR OF SALE, AND DIRECTING THE PUBLICATION OF NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS FOR PURCHASE OF BONDS. AGENDA ITEM #7 - DISCUSS RESOLUTION 1991-15. ORDERING THE SALE OF TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS. ARIZONA STREET AND HIGHWAY USER REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 1991. IN THE TOTAL AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF $1,200,000, FIXING THE DATE AND HOUR OF SALE AND DIRECTING THE PUBLICATION OF NOTICE INVITING PROPOSALS FOR PURCHASE OF BONDS Mr. Nordin explained that he recommended the Council vote in favor of each of the above Resolutions which ordered the sale of the GO and HURF bonds. AGENDA ITEM #8 - DISCUSS ORDINANCE 91-5. AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS AS AUTHORIZED IN ARTICLE XXXI, SECTION 31.1 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS, DESIGNATING THE ZONING OF LOS ALTOS HILLS AS "RURAL" 43 Mr. Jeppson explained that the Town was required to zone the Felker parcel to very closely resemble the County's zoning and stated that pursuant to the Planning & Zoning Commission 's recommendation, Rural-43 was very similar to the area 's previous zoning. Town Council Work/Study Meeting Minutes - 04/02/91 Page 5 of 6 j AGENDA ITEM #9 - DISCUSS THE REPLAT OF LOTS 41 AND 42, PLAT 414 Mr. Jeppson explained that MCO desired to sell the lot but stated that the buyer did not wish to purchase the entire lot. Councilman Minarsich commented that the half lot which the buyer did not wish to purchase could not be used for anything except public utilities. Mr. Jeppson said that they would want to stipulate on the plan that the owner would pave the accessway. He stated that the fire district was requesting a 45 ' radius cul-de-sac. Mr. Farrell clarified that the ultimate owner of the property would be responsible for the easement. AGENDA ITEM #10 - ADJOURNMENT The Work/Study session was adjourned at approximately 8:27 p.m. TOWN 0 FO N HILLS By: • Johr(17 Cutillo, Mayor ATTEST: LacLit /,L Cassie B. Hansen, Town Clerk CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Work/Study Session held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills on the 2nd day of April, 1991. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 1O44'-'day of April, 1991. C°0_44- )6 . Cassie B. Hansen, Town Clerk cro Town Council Work/Study Meeting Minutes - 04/02/91 Page 6 of 6