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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013.0919.TCREM.Minutesz:\council packets\2013\r131003\130919m.docx Page 1 of 9 TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND REGULAR SESSIONS OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 EXECUTIVE SESSION  CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kavanagh called the Executive Session to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Fountain Conference Room - 2nd Floor at 5:30 p.m. AGENDA ITEM #1 – ROLL CALL AND VOTE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: PURSUANT TO A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(1), DISCUSSION OR CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT, ASSIGNMENT, APPOINTMENT, PROMOTION, DEMOTION, DISMISSAL, SALARIES, DISCIPLINING OR RESIGNATION OF A PUBLIC OFFICER, APPOINTEE OR EMPLOYEE OF ANY PUBLIC BODY, EXCEPT THAT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SALARY DISCUSSIONS, AN OFFICER, APPOINTEE OR EMPLOYEE MAY DEMAND THAT THE DISCUSSION OR CONSIDERATION OCCUR AT A PUBLIC MEETING. (SPECIFICALLY, THE PRESIDING JUDGE POSITION.) ROLL CALL: Present for roll call were the following members of the Fountain Hills Town Council: Mayor Kavanagh, Councilmember Yates, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Leger, Councilmember Hansen, Vice Mayor Elkie and Councilmember Dickey. Town Manager Ken Buchanan, Town Attorney Andrew McGuire and Town Clerk Bev Bender were also present. Councilmember Yates MOVED to enter into the Executive Session at 5:30 p.m. and Vice Mayor Elkie SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). AGENDA ITEM #2 – ADJOURNMENT. Without objection, the Executive Session adjourned at 6:09 p.m. REGULAR AGENDA * CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Kavanagh called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. * INVOCATION – Stewart Larsen, the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints * ROLL CALL Present for roll call were the following members of the Town Council: Mayor Kavanagh, Vice Mayor Elkie, Councilmember Yates, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dickey, Councilmember Leger, and Councilmember Hansen. Town Manager Ken Buchanan, Town Attorney Andrew McGuire and Town Clerk Bev Bender were also present. Mayor Kavanagh thanked the students from Notre Dame Prep for their attendance at the meeting. * MAYOR'S REPORT i) The Mayor may review recent events attended relating to economic development. z:\council packets\2013\r131003\130919m.docx Page 2 of 9 Mayor Kavanagh stated that she wanted to talk about an organization that she is a part of, the Fountain Hills' Coalition, which is really making a difference in the community. She explained that this organization is dedicated to keeping youths off of drugs and alcohol. She said that the group is comprised of representatives from MCSO (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office), School officials, lots of volunteers from all walks of life, from a treatment program, adrugfreeworld.org, a DEA agent, parents and residents in the Town who all want to help out, in addition to Town staff and herself. She stated that this group started the effort and it has become a valuable tool to help the Police Department deal with teenage drinking and drug issues. She explained that they initiated a Safe Home Network where each home pledges to guarantee a safe environment in their homes fo r all youths. Parents are supplied with a resource kit as a tool for drug screening and early intervention information when possible teen drug use is suspected. She noted that they are the founders and sponsors of the Be Above That Club, designed to build youths' skills and minimize risky behavior and choices. The Mayor said that she wanted to call attention to this group that is doing amazing work in their schools, in the court system and on the streets of the Town to keep kids safe. She added that they are truly a part of making Fountain Hills a great place to live. ii) The Mayor will read a Proclamation declaring September 22 - 28 National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve week. Mayor Kavanagh stated that the National Guard and Reserve forces comprise nearly half of the nation's military strength and are essential to America's national security. She said that the Reserve Component forces stand ready to answer the call to serve, whether serving alongside active duty counterparts all across t he globe or responding to humanitarian crises at home and abroad. She noted that employers provide critical support to members of the National Guard and Reserve, allowing Citizen Warriors to serve whenever the nation calls, often foregoing financial gain and making sacrifices in the process. She explained that employer support is stronger than ever, more than 41 years after President Richard Nixon authorized the Secretary of Defense to establish the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. She further stated that our nation is in debt to the Citizen Warriors departing the comforts of home to ensure that our freedoms remain intact and, likewise, America pays special tribute to the commitment of dedicated and supportive employers who continue to make service in the Reserve Components possible. The Mayor declared September 22 - 28 National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve week in Fountain Hills. * SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS i) Transit Planning Study Update by Deron Lozano and Janet Strauss from the Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority. Janet Strauss addressed the Council relative to this agenda item and highlighted a brief presentation on the Town of Fountain Hills' Transit Feasibility Study (Copy available on line and in the office of the Town Clerk). She stated that Valley Metro was tasked with identifying transit system connection opportunities, determining the transit ridership market and examining transit mode alternatives. She outlined the following: * A project task update * Current community patterns * A travel survey that was conducted * The reasons people gave for their transportation choices * The most important transit needs for Fountain Hills and the Northeast Valley * A chart that showed if using transit was more convenient, 50% of the respondents stated that they would use it, 27% did not respond, 13% said they were not sure and 10% said no * Locations that people who would use a convenient transit service would travel to * A chart showing that if light rail/commuter rail service was available, 49% of respondents would use it, 45% would use a local bus/neighborhood circulator, 56% would use an express bus/downtown service, and other options that rated lower percentages z:\council packets\2013\r131003\130919m.docx Page 3 of 9 Ms. Strauss discussed the following survey findings: * 50% would consider using transit service if more convenient * The increasing age of the Town's population will require more transportation services (Dial-A-Ride, taxi voucher program) * 83% are either full-time or part-time Fountain Hills' residents * 81% are 41 years or older Ms. Strauss commented on service concepts and the variables that were considered (concepts included doubling Route 514 trips, a community connector service (three options), coupons for cabs and a van purchase). She provided detailed information regarding the service concepts, including associated costs, etc. She also discussed existing transit funds (Proposition 400 -- the Public Transportation Fund and the Local Transportation Assistance Fund II) and noted potential funding sources. She provided data on travel demand estimates and listed preliminary service recommendations (Coupons for Cabs program and a localized van/connector service). Ms. Strauss informed the Council that the next steps would be to finalize the transit service recommendations and performance criteria (September) and develop short and long-range transit investment strategies (October - December). She said that she will come back before the Council in December for the Council's final acceptance of the study. Mayor Kavanagh thanked Ms. Strauss for her presentation and asked why the service to connect the Town to the Country Club or Sycamore locations were only for Monday through Friday and said that the light rail runs on weekends too and Ms. Strauss explained that that was done to limit the cost but if it was the desire of the Council they could add some weekend trips to the schedule. Councilmember Dickey stated that she wanted to confirm that the LTAF (Local Transportation Assistance Fund II) money is about $60,000 to $65,000 but the PTF (Public Transportation Fund) money is $26,000 that they contribute for the bus (the 514) and if they want to maintain the 514 service and that is off the table then they are really talking about the $65,000. Ms. Strauss confirmed Councilmember Dickey's statements. Councilmember Dickey referred to Proposition 400 and noted that originally there was going to be an extension of the 106 bus in Scottsdale that would come to Saguaro and she believes that that might have been postponed. She asked if it was even on the table anymore. Ms. Strauss responded that she does not believe it is on the table any more. Councilmember Dickey noted that with Alternatives 1 and 2, they could have Saturday and Sunday service. She said it looks like it would be pretty cost prohibitive but it could be part of that especially if Mayo is closed on the weekends. She referred to the cab program and asked if they would be able to accommodate wheelchairs and Ms. Strauss replied yes. Councilmember Dickey commented that it would be a private cab company and asked whether there would be any costs to them that Valley Metro was administering it or is that somewhere you do the program and the Town just has to pay for the subsidy. Ms. Strauss called on Arlene Shank to respond to Councilmember Dickey's question. Ms. Shank advised that there would be a small administrative fee, less than 5% of the cost of the program. She added that she wanted to let the Council know that they no longer sell coupons for cabs -- on July 1st of this year they went to an electronic fare card that eliminates the need for people to have to rip out coupons. Councilmember Dickey asked if there would be cabs that would stay in th e area and Ms. Shank responded that they actually contract with about ten different cab companies. Councilmember Dickey questioned whether the person who leases the cab would always be legally bound to drive the cab and Ms. Shanks said if they lease the cab, yes. Councilmember Dickey asked if service would be on a "first come, first serve" basis and Ms. Shank stated that an individual can call and schedule whenever they want. She noted that the rates have been negotiated with the providers to minimize customers' costs. z:\council packets\2013\r131003\130919m.docx Page 4 of 9 Councilmember Dickey said that they are talking about the $65,000 minus the 5% fee and then they would decide what their subsidy would be, whether 70% or whatever and if a residents wants to buy in -- get a fare card -- how would this happen (how do they become eligible). Ms. Shank advised that in order to become eligible, the resident would simply call them and they would send the person the application, which will then be reviewed by someone in her office and authorized. She added that they subcontract with the other companies to maintain it and would send the applications to them and they immediately would send the person a welcome packet with the card and if they choose to go 50%, the customer would pay $50 a month and $100 would be loaded onto their card for them to use. Councilmember Dickey referred to the vans and said that they have it set up so that the Town would actually buy the van with their money. She asked what if the van could be purchased with Federal money and then the $65,000 would be used maybe for the operation. She noted that it looks like Senior Services would be in charge of the operation and that would be an expense to them so is there a way to get help with the purchase of the vehicles and then the Town could help with the operational side of the program. Ms. Strauss replied yes, there is Federal money available but it does come with all the requirements of Federal grants (there are strings attached). Ms. Shank interjected that 90% of the vehicles have to be made in the United States so someone has to go and physically be there when they are putting the vehicles together to make sure that everything, nuts, bolts and even screws, came from the United States (part of the FTA requirements). Councilmember Dickey commented that the fact that the Federal Government would be granting money to buy vans with qualifications required isn’t that unusual; she asked if a lot of other communities purchased these vans taking advantage of 5310 funds and is there a way to make it a little easier to do. Ms. Strauss responded yes they do -- she stated that the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) deals with van sharing as well and so there are resources out there and if the Council would like, in addition to adding costs on fo r weekend trips, she would also be happy to examine some Federal funding opportunities for purchasing the vans. Mayor Kavanagh indicated that she wanted to talk about connectivity and stated that obviously the Town's senior population is a group that they are concerned with -- getting them to the Mayo Clinic, doctor's appointments etc. and their volunteer program is not adequate enough to cover all of that. She said if they are connecting to the Mayo what kind of connectivity is there from the Mayo into the rest of the Valley from there? Ms. Strauss stated that that it would have to be extended to 90th Street and Shea. The Mayor commented that she is talking about just weekdays and asked what kind of connectivity is there from the Mayo to the Valley from there. Ms. Strauss replied the entire regional system. Vice Mayor Elkie said for the sake of discussion, let's just say that the Town just has the LTAF II money to spend on transportation, and, as pointed out, sometimes it's there and sometimes it's not but they are assuming that it is going to be there. He asked if that was the only money that the Town could spend, what would get them the biggest bang for the buck in the form of transportation based on the needs that Ms. Strauss has seen so far. Ms. Strauss responded probably the preliminary recommendation would be to join the cab or ride choice program because there would be flexibility. Vice Mayor Elkie questioned how the Town could ensure they didn't spend over the amount available (LTAF II funds) and Ms. Strauss stated that they could set up a cap. Mayor Kavanagh thanked Ms. Strauss for her input and also expressed appreciation to members of staff who have put a lot of hard work into this. z:\council packets\2013\r131003\130919m.docx Page 5 of 9 ii) My Republic Rewards Community Grant Committee representative Chris Coyle will provide an update on the Committee's recent activities. Mayor Kavanagh thanked Mr. Coyle and Republic Services for their generous donation to the Press Box at the Fountain Hills football stadium. Mr. Coyle highlighted a brief PowerPoint presentation, which provided an overview of the Committee's recent activities (Copy available on line and in the office of the Town Clerk). He discussed the following: * Giving Back and the My Republic Rewards curbside recycling program * The kinds of projects they are looking for * Grant requirement highlights * Each resident participating in the My Republic Rewards program has a vote and the more reward points they earn the more votes they have to put towards their favorite project(s) * Residents can sign up for the program on the Town's website * Important dates for grant applicants Mr. Coyle introduced the members of the Committee that were present and thanked Raymond Rees who serves as the Town liaison. Mr. Coyle indicated his willingness to respond to questions from the Council. Mayor Kavanagh said that this is a very exciting program and thanked Republic Services for coming up with it and for all their hard work. She added that they have a great committee made up of residents and stated that she knows that they have been working tirelessly and quickly to get this all together and Raymond has been directing them. She said that she appreciates all the effort that is going into this program and commented that it is going to be really great for the Town. Councilmember Dickey stated that on a future agenda maybe they could talk about applying for an award because there are several -- the MAG Award and the Arizona Forward Award. She added that she and perhaps other members of the Council have been receiving emails from residents asking them to enter an Earth Hour Challenge and she believes that sometimes they can do that retroactively with some of the things they have already done and they have done quite a few things over the last several years. She said that in the future this is something that she would like to do and she knows that Raymond has the group to help them. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Town Clerk Bev Bender advised that there are two citizens who would like to speak to the Council. Dina Galassini addressed the Council and said she had some comments to make on the study that was presented earlier by Valley Metro. She stated that she understands that Town representatives are addressing the results of Valley Metro's survey and the Transit Feasibility Study tonight and surveys are usually designed to achieve favorable outcomes. She noted that now the Town is faced with transit mode alternatives. She commented that last spring she spoke to the Council and wrote to the newspaper about the Town not spending the $130,000 for the inner city trails because a lot of the biking and walking trails have the possibility of having a mass transit system being built alongside them. She asked if it was possible that the Town and Valley Metro have identi fied transit system connection opportunities under the guise of biking and walking trails in the Town. She added that that means the citizens are paying for the possible connection opportunities for Valley Metro transit systems. She noted that the survey states that a majority of the residents in the Town are over 41 years of age and asked if they also stated how many of them are senior citizens on a fixed budget. She commented that her concern is for who will pay for the transit services because that makes a big difference. She discussed the contents of the sur vey, particularly the cost for service to Mesa and asked how many residents travel to Mesa every day or at all. She urged the Council to pay attention to the "or " options listed in the study. She added that she didn't see costs for repair and maintenance in the study (for police or whatever the Council decides on). She questioned what the qualifications are to obtain a Ride Choice Fair card and how many residents would not qualify under those t wo choices that were presented. She thanked the Council for considering her comments. z:\council packets\2013\r131003\130919m.docx Page 6 of 9 Linda Bordow addressed the Council and stated that she had a couple of questions for the Valley Metro people. She said that she was surprised to learn that 400 people were surveyed and out of that 81% are from Fountain Hills and out of that they didn't say how many are here full time and part time. She questioned how people will get to the bus to take them to the light rail hub in Mesa -- will they drive to the Target parking lot and park there or will they park somewhere on Palisades? She noted the estimated cost to do an extended route to the Mayo Clinic (a van) and asked whether it would have to be a Valley Metro van. She commented on the fact that the LTAF II money is not guaranteed so if they put a cap on the money and they exceed it and have to stop the service, what happens to the people who are used to having that transportation? She asked if they buy a van for the Senior Center, would that have to be purchased through Valley Metro. She noted that the Town has great volunteers so they might not have to employ Valley Metro to drive the bus, they might have enough qualified volunteers to do that and that would cut down on the labor costs, etc. She said that she hopes Valley Metro will answer these questions the next time they are on an agenda. She further stated that they estimated that between 50 and 60 people could qualify for Ride Share after they submit their applications and asked what happens if they have 75 people qualify. Mayor Kavanagh said that the Council will take into consideration all of the comments and questions posed by the speakers and thanked them for their input. She added that Valley Metro will be asked to provide answers when they appear for their follow-up presentation. CONSENT AGENDA AGENDA ITEM #1 – CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2013. AGENDA ITEM #2 – CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE PERMANENT EXTENSION OF PREMISE LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY DAVID DRENTLAW, ON BEHALF OF AMVETS, POST 7, 17030 E. ENTERPRISE DRIVE, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ. AGENDA ITEM #3 - CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING RESOLUTION 2013-46, ABANDONING WHATEVER RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST THE TOWN HAS IN CERTAIN PUBLIC UTILITY AND DRAINAGE EASEMENTS LOCATED AT THE NORTHERLY AND EASTERLY PROPERTY LINE OF PLAT 505C, BLOCK 1, LOT 48 (16819 N. STONERIDGE COURT) AS RECORDED IN BOOK 158 OF MAPS, PAGE 42, RECORDS OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA. EA 2003-21 (SANDERFORD). AGENDA ITEM #4 - CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVING RESOLUTION 2013-47, ABANDONING WHATEVER RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST THE TOWN HAS IN THE CERTAIN PUBLIC UTILITY AND DRAINAGE EASEMENTS LOCATED AT THE SOUTHERLY AND WESTERLY PROPERTY LINES OF PLAT 505B, BLOCK 2, LOT 16 (15917 E. RICHWOOD AVENUE) AS RECORDED IN BOOK 158 OF MAPS, PAGE 43, RECORDS OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA. (EA2013-09 (ALIORY). AGENDA ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING RESOLUTION 2013-48, AMENDING AND ADOPTING THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS' LICENSING TIME FRAMES COMPLIANCE POLICY/PROCESS SUMMARY. Councilmember Yates MOVED to approve the Consent Agenda as listed and Councilmember Brown SECONDED the motion. Town Clerk Bev Bender advised that there were no citizens wishing to speak on any of these agenda items. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Councilmember Dickey Aye Vice Mayor Elkie Aye Councilmember Leger Aye Councilmember Hansen Aye Councilmember Yates Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Mayor Kavanagh Aye The motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). z:\council packets\2013\r131003\130919m.docx Page 7 of 9 REGULAR AGENDA AGENDA ITEM #6 - CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTING THREE (3) PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONERS FOR TWO (2) YEAR TERMS BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2013 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2015. Mayor Kavanagh stated that they had more applicants than available positions and th anked everyone who applied for their willingness to serve the Town. Mayor Kavanagh MOVED to appoint Michael Archambault, Lloyd Pew and Steven Harris as Planning and Zoning Commissioners for a two-year period beginning October 1, 2013 and ending September 30, 2015. She noted that all three of the candidates are incumbents and provided information on the length of their previous terms and service. Vice Mayor Elkie SECONDED the motion. There were no citizens wishing to speak on this agenda item. The motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). The Mayor thanked the Commissioners for applying again and for their service to the community. AGENDA ITEM #7 - PRESENTATION OF THE DOWNTOWN SIDEWALK PLAN AS PER THE 2010 GENERAL PLAN. Town Manager Ken Buchanan addressed the Council and stated that Development Services Director Paul Mood will present a report which is the result of a discussion that took place during the budget session. He said that they have sidewalks in the Downtown that are basically unfinished and staff wanted to bring this back to the Council for further discussion. Mr. Mood addressed the Council and advised that during the FY2013-14 budget process, the Council voted to include a capital project for Downtown sidewalk improvements. He noted that the project budget was set at $40,000 (to be paid from the Downtown Fund) for the design and construction of sidewalks along vacant property frontages ahead of any development. Mr. Mood highlighted a brief PowerPoint presentation (available on line and in the office of the Town Clerk) that showed what is included in the 2010 voter approved General Plan Update and an aerial photograph of the Downtown which shows the gaps in the sidewalks. He noted that the Plan includes five priority locations for sidewalks in the Downtown to increase pedestrian mobility and listed the following locations: * Location #1 - La Montana Drive * Location #4 - Parkview Avenue (North) * Location #2 - Palisades Boulevard * Location #5 - Parkview Avenue (South) * Location #3 - Verde River Drive Mr. Mood discussed the project requirements for each location and said that it is staff's intent to complete the design of these priority locations in-house and advertise for bids to complete the construction of the improvements. He added that the project will include new concrete sidewalks, ADA (Americans with Disabilities) ramps as well as the relocation of fire hydrants, backflow preventers, water meter vaults, etc., as required. He stated that there are currently no active development plans on the vacant lots adjacent to the identified sidewalk locations and staff will design the sidewalks to be constructed at the back of the curb. He added that future developers may elect to remove and replace the sidewalks as required to meet their specific site plans. He indicated his willingness to respond to questions from the Council. Mayor Kavanagh asked if this is covering some of the Urban Trail area so they are kind of doing both at the same time and advancing the next trail. Mr. Mood responded that the Urban Trails in the Downtown area have already been built and this project is not associated with trails. z:\council packets\2013\r131003\130919m.docx Page 8 of 9 Councilmember Brown referred comments made by Mr. Mood relative to the fact that the sidewalks will be constructed at the back of the curb and asked if Mr. Mood has checked with any of the property owners regarding this. Mr. Mood replied not yet because they were waiting direction from the Council on the areas they wish to proceed with. Councilmember Leger commented on opportunities for infill and said that Mr. Mood talked about challenges in having to possibly remove/move infrastructure and he knows staff is trying to do this on the right-of-way. He asked whether a meandering sidewalk help to mediate some of those challenges. Mr. Mood advised that staff has not started the design work yet because they wanted to make sure that the Council was okay with the locations. He noted that staff would work within the limits they have in the right -of-way in an effort to try and avoid those challenges as much as possible. He added that unfortunately some of the items will have to be moved (i.e. the fire hydrant is located right where an ADA ramp needs to go and a couple of valve boxes are where they are going to connect to an existing sidewalk). He said staff has and will continue to work around the challenges as much as possible, start the design and put it out for bid. Mayor Kavanagh thanked Mr. Mood for his presentation. AGENDA ITEM #8 - CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING AN INTER-FUND TRANSFER FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE MUNICIPAL PROPERTY CORPORATION DEBT SERVICE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $209,954.13 FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 3013 TO ELIMINATE DEFICIT. Town Manager Ken Buchanan stated that Deputy Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti will speak to this agenda item. Ms. Ghetti addressed the Council and said that prior to the great recession in 2008, the Town's General Fund revenues were close to $17 million annually and that included approximately $8 million in local sales tax. She noted that a portion of the Town's local sales tax was dedicated to pay the annual debt payment for the MPC (Municipal Property Corporation) bonds that were used to pay for Town Hall. She further stated that MPC bonds were also sold in 2000 to pay for the Community Center where the annual debt payment was funded through the general fund in the Community Services' budget (approximately $387,000). She reported that as the recession continued, the Town's revenues dropped to around $13 million, with about $6 million in local sales tax. She advised that in order to balance the budget in the General Fund, several options were presented to the Town Council, one of which was to use surplus funds in the MPC debt service fund to pay off the Town Hall bonds and that is what they did. She said that that resulted in a savings of approximately $300,000 each year and was used to continue to maintain operations in the General Fund. She added that another measure was to reduce the Community Center budget by cutting the General Fund contribution to the MPC debt service by one half, from $387,000 down to $193,500. Ms. Ghetti said that at they acknowledged the risk that if the local sales tax and economy did not recover (go back to the same levels as before) that there would be a shortfall in the MPC debt service fund beginning in 2014. She reported that that shortfall became a reality in 2013 resulting in a deficit in the MPC debt service fund in the amount of $209,954. She advised that staff is requesting a transfer from the General Fund to cover the shortfall which would be taken from the Fiscal Year 2013 surplus revenues before transferring them into the Capital Improvement Fund. She added that depending on the level of economic recovery for this current year, in the next fiscal year it is likely that they will have to restore the full amount of the debt service to the Community Center budget back to the $387,000 for two more years. She said that after which time the Community Center debt will be finished. Ms. Ghetti indicated her willingness to respond to questions from the Council. There were no citizens wishing to speak on this agenda item. Vice Mayor Elkie MOVED to approve the Inter-Fund Transfer from the General Fund to the Municipal Property Corporation debt service fund in the amount of $209,954.13 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013 and Councilmember Yates SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). z:\council packets\2013\r131003\130919m.docx Page 9 of 9 AGENDA ITEM #9 - COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION TO THE TOWN MANAGER KEN BUCHANAN. Items listed below are related only to the propriety of (i) placing such items on a future agenda for action or (ii) directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the Council. A. None. AGENDA ITEM #10 – SUMMARY OF COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORT ON RECENT ACTIVITIES BY THE TOWN MANAGER KEN BUCHANAN. None. AGENDA ITEM #14 - ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Brown MOVED to adjourn the meeting and Councilmember Yates SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS By _______________________________ Linda M. Kavanagh, Mayor ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: _________________________ Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Executive and Regular Sessions held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills in the Fountain Conference Room - 2nd Floor (Executive) and Town Hall Council Chambers (Regular) on the 19th day of September, 2013. I further certify that the meetings were duly called and that quorums were present. DATED this 3rd day of October, 2013. _____________________________ Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk