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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPAC.2011.0713.Minutes C TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING July 13,2011 AGENDA ITEM#1—CALL TO ORDER Chair Koester Thomas called the meeting to order in the Navajo Room of the Fountain Hills Community Center at 3:03 p.m. AGENDA ITEM#2—ROLL CALL Present for roll call were the following members of the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (SPAC): Commissioner Nick DePorter, Commissioner Mike Dooley, Vice Chair Curt Dunham, Chair Audra Koester Thomas, and Commissioner Alan Magazine. Commissioner Barry Spiker was excused from the meeting. Commissioner Richard Schultz was absent. Present from Town staff were Town Manager Rick Davis and Recording Secretary Shaunna Williams. AGENDA ITEM#3—CALL TO THE PUBLIC No one appeared at the Call to the Public. AGENDA ITEM#4—ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chair Koester Thomas opened nominations for Chair. Commissioner Magazine nominated Audra Koester Thomas. There being no other nominations,the Commission proceeded to vote. Audra Koester Thomas was elected as SPAC Chair UNANIMOUSLY by those present. Chair Koester Thomas opened nominations for Vice Chair. Commissioner Magazine nominated Curt Dunham. There being no other nominations, the Commission proceeded to vote. Curt Dunham was elected SPAC Vice Chair UNANIMOUSLY by those present. AGENDA ITEM #5 — CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 15,2011 Commissioner Dooley MOVED to approve the June 27, 2011 meeting minutes and Vice Chair Dunham SECONDED the motion,which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY by those present. AGENDA ITEM#6—TOWN MANAGER'S UPDATE a. Town Manager transition—Mr. Davis stated that, based upon his resignation as Town Manager, Council will be hiring a firm to conduct a search for the new Town Manager in order to (1) depoliticize the search as much as possible,and(2)obtain a wide variety of candidates. b. Trash implementation update — Mr. Davis noted that 53% of Town residences have signed for trash service with Allied Waste, 78% of which have elected to have one trash and one recycle pickup each week. He stated that signups are occurring at a rate of 300 residences per day. c. Economic development update—Mr. Davis reported that the Town has been visiting with a firm that would like to bring a holistic spa/resort to Fountain Hills on property near the intersection of Page 1 of 3 Palisades and Shea. He noted that medical tourism is a rising star in economic development. He also stated that the second Senior Taco location will open in about one month. d. Citizen survey — Mr. Davis reviewed the report on the 2011 Citizen Satisfaction Survey. He stated that the Town tried to get a good mix of demographics in the responses,but that the largest number of responses came from seniors. He stated that overall the responses were complimentary of Town services. He noted that a copy of his report is available on the Town's website. With respect to information in the report regarding "Respondent Age," Chair Koester Thomas noted that the data does not accurately correspond to the pie chart. Mr.Davis stated that he has enjoyed working with SPAC and that he appreciates the kindness extended to him. He stated that he believes SPAC to be the most valuable Town commission and that the work done on the Strategic Plan should be a model for other communities. Commissioner Magazine MOVED that SPAC resolve to thank Mr.Davis for his service to the Town and Commissioner Dooley SECONDED the motion,which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY by those present. AGENDA ITEM#7—UPDATE ON TOWN FINANCES Mr.Davis reported that the Town ended the year with a surplus. He noted that the Census does not affect the Town this year;that austerity measures(staff reorganization)undertaken a year ago had full force this year; that a deficit of$300,000 to $500,000 is anticipated next year; and that Town departments have learned frugality. He stated that he is composing a final document for the Mayor that lists ongoing Town issues. He further stated that he is supportive of assembling a Blue Ribbon Commission in order to plan for Town revenues that are sustainable,diversified and equitable. IL, AGENDA ITEM #8 — DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE CONSIDERATION REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF RECOMMENDED APPROACH(ES) FOR COUNCIL TO INITIATE ITS FY2010-11 GOAL $.5 TO "ASSEMBLE A CITIZEN BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP A FINANCIAL ROADMAP FOR THE TOWN'S FUTURE" Chair Koester Thomas stated that at the last SPAC meeting there had been discussion but no decisions due to the loss of a quorum. She noted that Commissioners appear to lack confidence that there will be an audience willing to hear the end result of what the Blue Ribbon Committee puts together. Chair Koester Thomas distributed copies of a revised timeline and recruitment piece for the Blue Ribbon Committee(copies attached)that have been updated based on discussions that occurred at the last SPAC meeting. She stated that the capacity in which SPAC will serve with the Blue Ribbon Committee is yet to be determined. She noted that no resources (staffing or funds) were dedicated to this endeavor in the FY 11-12 budget. Commissioner DePorter reported that a group of graduates and MBA students at ASU have offered their time to work pro bono with the Blue Ribbon Committee in a consulting capacity. Commissioner Dooley stated that two things will be necessary for the Blue Ribbon Committee to function:(1)a thorough understanding of the Town's financial situation;and(2)comparative data on how the Town is doing with respect to other communities. Commissioner Magazine questioned whether or not SPAC should proceed with this project at all and a lengthy discussion ensued. The Commission determined that a memorandum should be drafted to the Council in order to(1)outline what SPAC has been working on and transmit the recruitment piece for the Blue Ribbon Committee, and (2) articulate reasons for SPAC's lack of confidence that the Blue Ribbon Page 2 of 3 Committee's work will be seriously heeded. Commissioner Dunham accepted the assignment to draft the memorandum and bring it to the next SPAC meeting for review. It was agreed that the method in which the memorandum will be delivered to the Council will also be determined at the next SPAC meeting. Items on SPAC's task list were discussed, included a review of Strategic Plan 2010 and recommending priorities for next year's budget process. An additional item was suggested, i.e., working on a branding strategy for the Town. These items are to be included on the agenda for the next SPAC meeting. AGENDA ITEM#9—SCHEDULE UPCOMING MEETINGS It was noted that SPAC meetings have been previously scheduled on August 23, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. and September 13, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. Following discussion, an additional SPAC meeting was scheduled on October 18,2011 at 3:00 p.m. Chair Koester Thomas noted that she has communicated with the Mayor about the Youth Commissioner opening on SPAC. AGENDA ITEM#10—ADJOURN Vice Chair Dunham MOVED to adjourn at 4:45 p.m. and Commissioner Magazine SECONDED the motion,which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY by those present. Shaunna Williams,Recording Secretary Cr Page 3 of 3 • 'Chh k� Proposed Timeline QaJ �f. Blue Ribbon Committee Proposal C May 17 SPAC Meeting ✓ Finalize recruitment piece ✓ Discuss BRC "work program" ✓ Outline timeline for committee membership recruitment June 27 SPAC Meeting • Discussed BRC co-chair candidates • Discussed BRC membership • Discussed BRC "work program" • Discussed proposal delivery/presentation to Council July 13 SPAC Meeting • Identify BRC co-chair candidates • Finalize BRC membership • Finalize BRC "work program" • Discuss proposal delivery/presentation to Council • Discuss/prepare/finalize August delivery/presentation of proposal to Council (note: Council does not typically meet in July) Draft—July 13, 2011 • I Fountain Hills Citizen Blue Ribbon Committee Purpose: To develop a financial roadmap for the Town's future Problem Statement The Town of Fountain Hills has long embraced a strategic planning process that has focused on the long-term viability of the community. The citizen-crafted vision for Fountain Hills is to be a distinctive community designed to invigorate the body, mind and spirit, and that we strive to: • Be stewards of this unique enclave, dedicated to preserving the environment and visual aesthetic and to living in balance with the Sonoran Desert; • Champion the diversity of experiences our residents bring to our community and rely on this depth of experience to innovatively address our challenges; • Be economically sustainable and anchor our vitality in an active, vibrant town core that serves us culturally, socially and economically; and, • Be civic-minded and friendly, taking responsibility for our Town's success by building partnerships and investing our talent and resources. Recent events and the ongoing financial crisis now deeply threaten the fulfillment of this vision and bring to question the basic survival of our beloved town. Town Finances A fundamental element of the Town's continued success is its financial health and security. The Town of Fountain Hills General (operating) Fund is fueled primarily through two revenue sources: local sales taxes and state shared revenues. Fountain Hills already has one of the highest combined sales tax rates in Arizona (9.9%). As Fountain Hills reaches build-out, Town revenue streams will continue to diminish as sales tax and permit fees from new construction dwindle and communities within Arizona grow at a faster pace than Fountain Hills. _ _ — The current economic recession has magnified the impact of the Town's unbalanced fiscal portfolio. High unemployment rates, home foreclosures and the General Fund Revenues crash of the construction industry have led to reduced (in millions) revenue. Furthermore, local government should $17 expect ever-decreasing revenue streams from the state. 516 - In five years, the Town's General(operating) $15 revenues have dropped by nearly 30%(or nearly$5 million). This drop in revenue has translated into $14 service delivery impacts including program cuts, staffing reductions and even more concerning, $13 - deferrals of infrastructure maintenance. While everyone has tightened belts, the projected long-term $12 costs of operating and maintaining our community FYO7-08 FY0809 FYO910 FY1011 FY11-12 indicate that this trend seriously jeopardizes our future. Page 1 of 3 DRAFT— FOR INTERNAL DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY (July 13, 2011) Changing Demographics .111 Fountain Hills' demographics are changing. Most notably: we're getting older. In 2000, 19% of our town's population was under 18; in 2010, youth make up only 14% of our total population. According to the 2010 Census, the average age of our residents is 54 years old, compared to 36 statewide and 37 nationally, making Fountain Hills the fourth-oldest municipality in Arizona. Twenty-two percent of Fountain Hills' homes are vacant, half of which are used only occasionally as secondary (vacation) homes. However, trends indicate that smaller, urban-setting housing will become the norm, with families and retirees having little interest (or funding) in maintaining multiple residences in far-reaching suburban neighborhoods. If the previous generation of Fountain Hills' residents is not being replaced, who will buy large, expensive homes in our suburban "bedroom" community? Without a solution, the 22% residential vacancy rate will climb rapidly. Downward Business Trends A significant reason for the downward town revenue trend is the significant decline in business activities in Fountain Hills. In FY'05-06, sales taxes topped $11 million, but through April of FY '10-11, town sales tax revenues have dropped nearly 40%, to $6.5 million. Business and growth-related investment also has stagnated over the last several years. In 2005, building permits for 478 residential dwelling units (with a total estimated valuation of$153 million) and 9 commercial units were issued by the town; by 2010, building activity had plummeted to only 11 residential dwelling unit permits issued (at $8 million valuation) with no new commercial activity. As a community reliant on sales taxes and other growth-based revenues, this kind of slowing has had a critical impact on the vitality of our community. =_ Diminishing Students Over the course of the past five years, Fountain Hills Unified School District enrollment has diminished, from 2,453 students in 2006-07 to 1,971 students in 2010-11, or a 20%decline in total enrollment. While the District has struggled to find solutions to close its considerable budget gap as a result of declining enrollment, at the end of April a decision was made to close one of two elementary schools, Four Peaks Elementary, consolidating students into its three remaining campuses. Our community is now faced with the consequences of a vacant school property which perpetuates the stigma of decline and also negatively impacts the community's image to potential new residents and businesses. Home Values Declining Property Value $500,000 Over the course of the past five years, the average home value has declined significantly. In February of 2006, the average home value 5450,000 �— in Fountain Hills was $467,000. In the five years since, the average $400,000 home value has dropped nearly 50%, to$244,900. Data does not $350,000 !, indicate that this trend has reversed, or that Fountain Hills' home values have hit "the bottom". $300,000 5250,000 $200,000 lD LD N N CO CO Cl C1 0 0 ,-1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .-'1 ,4 N N N N N N N N N N N .0 CO A CC r CC . CC Q CC _0 LL7 U 7 U 7 U 7 U 7 U Q LL Q LL Q LL Q LL < LL Page 2 of 3 DRAFT— FOR INTERNAL DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY (July 13, 2011) A • Proposed Work Program The volunteer Citizen Blue Ribbon Committee is being asked to provide recommendations to Town Council 'r.. regarding a roadmap for the community's long-term sustainability. To accomplish this task, the following questions are recommended for research by the Committee: • How has other master planned communities transitioned from reliance on the developer for infrastructure development and maintenance? • How have other communities addressed a significant non full-time resident/second home population from a social, economic and service perspective? • How have other communities dealt with the declining school enrollments and closing of facilities? • How have other communities successfully transitioned from a retirement-based population to a more age-balanced community? How can Fountain Hills attract more young people and families? • How can Fountain Hills address the continuing erosion of state shared revenues? What is the universe of responsible revenue options that the Town of Fountain Hills might employ? Are there services the Town of Fountain Hills should no longer provide? • How can Fountain Hills attract more basic employment (non-retail)jobs? Committee Design and Resources The Citizen Blue Ribbon Committee will be led by co-chairs and and will be joined by the following volunteers to research, analyze and prepare a recommended roadmap for the community's long-term sustainability. Committee Members Timeline The process will begin in the fall of 2011, initiating with a joint planning retreat of the Council, Committee and SPAC members to obtain a thorough understanding of issues outlined in the "Problem Statement". The Committee will be tasked deliver its recommendation (and associated research product) to Council by the end of June 2012. Resources The Co-Chairs will be responsible for progress of the Committee. However, SPAC is willing to participate (in what capacity?). SPAC recommends that the Committee be assisted by the Town by providing (total hours/FTE) of staffing and (budget/resources). This project was not included in the FY 2011-12 budget. Previous reports and documents, including the Town of Fountain Hills Revenue Enhancement Analysis (2007), will be provided to all Committee members to initiate this effort. Sources: Revenue Enhancement Analysis(2007); Fountain Hills Strategic Plan (2010),Town of Fountain Hills(2011), Fountain Hills , Land Use Analysis and Statistical Report(2010);Arizona Office of the Auditor General (2011); Fountain Hills Unified School District (2011);Zillow(2011); Census 2010 Page 3 of 3 DRAFT—FOR INTERNAL DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY (July 13, 2011)