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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011.1117.TCREM.MInutesz:\council packets\2011\r12-15-11\111117m.docx Page 1 of 7 TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE, SPECIAL AND REGULAR SESSIONS OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL NOVEMBER 17, 2011 EXECUTIVE SESSION AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Mayor Schlum called the Executive Session to order at 5:01 p.m. in the Fountain Conference Room AGENDA ITEM #1 – ROLL CALL AND VOTE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: PURSUANT TO §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 (SPECIFICALLY, FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVIEWING TOWN MANAGER CANDIDATES' APPLICATIONS). ROLL CALL: Present for roll call were the following members of the Town Council: Mayor Schlum, Councilmember Contino, Councilmember Hansen, Councilmember Elkie, Vice Mayor Dickey, Councilmember Leger and Councilmember Brown. Human Resource Administrator/Risk Manager Joan McIntosh, Jim Mercer with the Mercer Group (via teleconferencing), Town Attorney Andrew McGuire, and Town Clerk Bev Bender were also present. Councilmember Elkie MOVED to enter into the Executive Session at 5:02 p.m. and Councilmember Brown SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). AGENDA ITEM #2 – ADJOURN TO THE SPECIAL SESSION Without objection, the Mayor adjourned the Executive Session at 6:25 p.m. SPECIAL SESSION * CALLTO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Schlum called the Special Session to order at 6:32 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. * ROLL CALL: Present for roll call were the following members of the Town Council: Mayor Schlum, Councilmember Contino, Councilmember Hansen, Councilmember Elkie, Vice Mayor Dickey, Councilmember Leger and Councilmember Brown. Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti, Town Attorney Andrew McGuire and Town Clerk Bev Bender were also present. AGENDA ITEM #1 - CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 2011-48, DECLARING AND ADOPTING THE RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2011. Vice Mayor Dickey MOVED to approve Resolution 2011-48 and Councilmember Brown SECONDED the motion. There were no citizens wishing to speak on this agenda item The motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). AGENDA ITEM #2 - ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Contino MOVED to adjourn the Special Session and Vice Mayor Dickey SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The Special Session adjourned at 6:36 p.m. z:\council packets\2011\r12-15-11\111117m.docx Page 2 of 7 REGULAR SESSION AGENDA * CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Schlum called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. * INVOCATION – Pastor Tony Pierce from the First Baptist Church * ROLL CALL Present for roll call were the following members of the Town Council: Mayor Schlum, Vice Mayor Dickey, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Leger, Councilmember Elkie, Councilmember Contino and Councilmember Hansen. Interim Town Manager Julie Ghetti, Town Attorney Andrew McGuire and Town Clerk Bev Bender were also present. * MAYOR’S REPORT None. * SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS (i) RECOGNITION OF SERVICE TO THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS BY RICHARD HOLPER AS A COMMISSIONER ON THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. Mayor Schlum stated that Commissioner Holper was not able to attend the meeting this evening. He said that Mr. Holper served on the Commission from October 1, 2010 until October 13, 2011 and was a valuable member of that body who brought his knowledge and capable decision making to every meeting. He stated that the Town wishes to thank Mr. Holper for his valuable contributions to the entire community and added that they wish him the best. The Mayor stated that they will miss having him as a member of the Commission but will see him around Town. CALL TO THE PUBLIC None. CONSENT AGENDA AGENDA ITEM #1 – CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 11, OCTOBER 12 AND NOVEMBER 3, 2011. AGENDA ITEM #2 – CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING A LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY AMER JOHN DELLY, OWNER/AGENT OF FOUNTAIN HILLS DELI, LLC DBA FOUNTAIN HILLS EXPRESS CONVENIENCE STORE AND DELI, LOCATED AT 11829 N. SAGUARO BOULEARD, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ. THIS IS FOR A SERIES 10 LICENSE (BEER & WINE STORE). AGENDA ITEM #3 - CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY JEAN LINZER, REPRESENTING THE FOUNTAIN HILLS SISTER CITIES CORPORATION, FOR THE PURPOSE OF A CARNIVAL COSTUME BALL. EVENT TO BE HELD AT FOUNTAIN HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER, 13001 N. LA MONTANA, SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2012, FROM 5:00 P.M. TO 12:00 P.M. Councilmember Elkie MOVED to approve the Consent Agenda as listed and Councilmember Brown SECONDED the motion. z:\council packets\2011\r12-15-11\111117m.docx Page 3 of 7 A roll call vote was taken as follows: Mayor Schlum Aye Vice Mayor Dickey Aye Councilmember Leger Aye Councilmember Hansen Aye Vice Mayor Contino Aye Councilmember Brown Aye Councilmember Elkie Aye The motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). REGULAR AGENDA AGENDA ITEM #4 - CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 2011-47, RENAMING THE STREET AVENIDA VIDA BUENA TO KEITH MCMAHAN DRIVE ACCORDING TO THE GUIDELINES IN THE TOWN'S ADOPTED NAMING POLICY. Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti addressed the Council relative to this agenda item and stated that the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution to honor the late Councilmember Keith McMahan by re naming a Town street to Keith McMahan Drive. She noted that the Council adopted Resolution 2011-31 authorizing the renaming of Avenida Vida Buena to Keith McMahan Drive. She added that the resolution before the Council this evening is the final step in the renaming process and said that if approved the Chamber will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, November 22nd at the corner of Fountain Hills Boulevard and the new Keith McMahan Drive to recognize the name change. She said that his sister will be attending the ribbon cutting and added that she would like to offer a thank you to Joe and Debby Skehen for bringing this forward (and they are in the audience this evening). She referred to the street sign displayed in the Chambers. Mayor Schlum thanked Ms. Ghetti for her presentation. There were no citizens wishing to speak on this agenda item. Councilmember Elkie MOVED to approve Resolution 2011-47, renaming Avenida Vida Buena to Keith McMahan Drive and Councilmember Hansen SECONDED the motion. Mayor Schlum advised that the public notices were sent out and law enforcement was informed as well as neighbors and asked if any feedback had been received. Ms. Ghetti discussed that the public notices went out on October 12th and no feedback has been received. The notices went out to all the utilities, law enforcement, neighbors and anyone who will be affected in that area. Councilmember Contino expressed the opinion that Councilmember McMahan deserved more than just having a street named after him and that is the reason why he will be voting nay. Mayor Schlum commented that they could always take further action later as well. The Mayor said that he looks forward to the ribbon cutting and thanked Mr. & Mrs. Skehen for their efforts. He stated that having Councilmember McMahan's sister present will be wonderful. He added that there will be op portunities to do other things in the future as well. The motion CARRIED by majority vote (6-1) with Councilmember Contino voting nay. AGENDA ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH THE FOUNTAIN HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-12, IN THE AMOUNT OF $103,200, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING TOURISM IN FOUNTAIN HILLS. z:\council packets\2011\r12-15-11\111117m.docx Page 4 of 7 Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti addressed the Council relative to this agenda item and advised that the Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget included an appropriation for funding for four agencies that have provided services to the Town in the past through a competitive bidding process and contracts that expired June 2011. Three of the agencies were considered at the August 18, 2011 meeting, leaving the Fountain Hills Chamber Tourism contract to be approved (in the amount of $103,200 for the purpose of promoting tourism in Fountain Hills). Ms. Ghetti stated that members of the Executive Budget Committee and staff have worked with the Chamber to create the scope of work before the Council this evening. There were no citizens wishing to speak on this agenda item. Councilmember Brown MOVED to approve the Professional Services Agreement between the Town of Fountain Hills and the Chamber of Commerce Tourism and Councilmember Elkie SECONDED the motion. Councilmember Hansen asked whether the other contracted services are required to do bi-annual reporting (as the Chamber is being required to do). Town Attorney Andrew McGuire stated that he does not recall the freq uency of the reporting but they are all required to report. He added that it might be quarterly for the Boys & Girls Club. Councilmember Hansen stressed the importance of consistency and said it would be good to have everyone on the same reporting schedule. Mayor Schlum noted that the Chamber used to report quarterly. He stated that the schedules may vary depending upon how the Town is paying the funding out. He asked how the Chamber is being paid. Ms. Ghetti replied that payment is made depending on the scope of work in the contract. She confirmed that the Boys & Girls Club is quarterly and added that the Food Bank she believes is quarterly in advance and the Theater is based on their performances (the specific ones that the Town is sponsoring). She explained that as far as the payout schedule for tourism, the Chamber has submitted their billing already and if this is approved tonight they would get their first payment tomorrow. She said that as soon as they submit invoices for the items listed they receive reimbursement. Mayor Schlum commented that they spoke quite a bit about this item and the importance of generating tourism in Fountain Hills. He asked if the Council was satisfied with what is being proposed for this year. Councilmember Elkie responded that he is satisfied and added that this is just one small step in the direction of the branding. He noted that the proposed amount is not considerable compared to other cities and towns as far as marketing is concerned so he believes this is one small step in the new direction. He stated that he is really looking forward to what Tourism will be able to deliver Mark McDermott, Director of the Visitors' Bureau for the Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Council and thanked them for their support for the new direction and the branding. He commented on the fact that members of the Council have served on the Advisory Board and said that he is very excited about the direction in which they are going -- a collaborative mission -- and the goal is to make the most of it and remain engaged. Councilmember Elkie emphasized the importance of maintaining the open communication and spirit of cooperation with the Town Council and the Chamber. He encouraged Mr. McDermott and members of th e Chamber to contact Town staff if they ever want to provide the Council/residents with an update as far as the tourism progress that is being made. Mr. McDermott stated that the Bureau will not hesitate to reach out to all of the Councilmembers for assis tance and said that if there is anything that the Council feels that the Bureau can do differently or better, they would welcome the input as well. Councilmember Hansen commended Mr. McDermott and his staff on the quarterly reports they have done over the last few years. z:\council packets\2011\r12-15-11\111117m.docx Page 5 of 7 In response to a request from Mayor Schlum, Mr. McDermott shared some information about "The American Trails Symposium," a collaborative effort. He said that it entails a rather large convention, with about 800 people in attendance, and added that every hotel in Town will be filled and there will be spill over as well. He noted that this is an international symposium (renamed from American to International) and it brings together outdoor recreation enthusiasts, which makes it so perfect for Fountain Hills and the Fort McDowell Indian Nation. He reported that it will take place in April of 2013 and planning is actively underway. He advised that the participants will engage themselves in the community and see what they can do to improve it (they have gone into communities and built new trails, etc.). He commented on the positive marketing impact of being a site for this symposium and the benefits of such a collaborative effort with Fort McDowell. Councilmember Leger said that for the dollars that the Town is investing in this project they have ten deliverables and his expectation is that they will get a big bang out of their buck and he is looking forward to it. He discussed branding and stated that he hopes that as they move to the next stage that there will be an opportunity for a presentation to the Council because branding is a very visual thing. Mr. McDermott stated that nothing has been scheduled as of yet but they need to do that soon. Councilmember Leger said that he thinks that is important and noted that there have been discussions with Council and individually with the Chamber and others and noted that there is a perception in the community that the branding is narrow. He stated that he is impressed with it because it is marketing Fountain Hills so anyone involved with the Town benefits from it. He added that he wants it to be broadcast on Channel 11 so that people can see for themselves exactly what it is and what taxpayer money is being spent for. Mayor Schlum commented that at the Visitors Bureau meeting he attended he was glad to see a few more of the hotels in attendance. He said that collaboration with them is extremely important. He stated that the International Trails Symposium is similar to the Olympics and noted that the Town is an outdoor Mecca. He added that perhaps there are some things they could plan leading up to the April 2013 date (or follow up afterwards). He stressed the importance of staying engaged and communicating with one another for optimum benefit. Mr. McDermott informed the Council that a lot of fundraising will have to be done and everyone will have to pull together over the next year and a half to make this happen. The motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). Mayor Schlum thanked Mr. McDermott for his efforts and his update. AGENDA ITEM #6 - QUARTERLY REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF IMPLEMENTING THE COUNCIL'S GOALS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-12. Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti addressed the Council relative to this agenda item and stated that the report is available in the Council's packets and is on the Town's website (Copy available in the office of the Town Clerk). Ms. Ghetti highlighted the contents of the report and discussed the Strategic Value - Civility (Practice the art of civility in all public settings and encourage those around you to do the same). She said that a goal was to build on the current service events that the Town currently conducts and noted that the first "Make a Difference Day" was held on October 22, 2011. She reported that it was a huge success. She noted that a variety of projects took place and the event was coordinated by Volunteer Coordinator Heather Ware and her planning committee. She commended Ms. Ware and the members of the committee for the great job they did. She added that staff plans to make this an annual event. She advised that another initiative was to solicit public feedback and said that staff has used the Town's website and other social media to accomplish this goal as well. She sai d that three Citizen Town Halls have been held in an effort to obtain input and provide citizens with an opportunity to meet and talk with staff. She reported that on the Environmental Stewardship Value the Town is in the process of installing a new energy management system that will implement energy saving measures that can be measured. She discussed the promotion of water conservation through the "Water ... Use it Wisely" campaign. z:\council packets\2011\r12-15-11\111117m.docx Page 6 of 7 Ms. Ghetti stated that under Civic Responsibility one of the initiatives is to communicate the role of local government and noted that the Town will be conducting the second annual Citizens Academy in February at the Community Center (it will include presentations from all of the departments). She said that citizens are encouraged to register for the classes and learn about how their government works. She added that under Education, Learning and Culture, the Town has supported the Art Walk and is working with the Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation on joint programs and special events. She further stated that on Economic Vitality the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (SPAC) and the Chamber are working on creating a brand to market the Town and efforts are underway to promote the retention of businesses (this is moving forward with an outreach plan/coordination with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)). She noted that under Recreational Opportunities and Amenities, the initiative is to provide an interconnected, multi-use trail and bicycle system that promotes active living, physical activity, education and appreciation of our parks and natural resources. She informed the Council that this is moving forward with the Urban Trails Plan that will be presented to the Council during the December Work Study Session. Ms. Ghetti indicated her willingness to respond to questions from the Council. Mayor Schlum thanked Ms. Ghetti for her presentation. AGENDA ITEM #7 - COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION TO THE INTERIM TOWN MANAGER/FINANCE DIRECTOR JULIE GHETTI. 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 #8 – SUMMARY OF COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORT ON RECENT ACTIVITIES BY THE INTERIM TOWN MANAGER/FINANCE DIRECTOR JULIE GHETTI. Ms. Ghetti said that a Tourism presentation to the Council will be scheduled. In response to a request from the Mayor, Vice Mayor Dickey provided a report on her attendance at the National League of Cities & Towns Conference. She noted that the theme was infrastructure and very interesting (she will try and get more information to the Council). She asked how the mobile workshops went and Mayor Schlum advised that staff did an awesome job. He noted that the mobile tour cost $2,000 (the Town applied to do this over a year ago) and said that the Town's prior Town Manager and Katie Decker were the contacts at the time so they did not receive word that the Town had been selected until an invoice came in -- about ten days before the tour. He stated that staff pulled together a great tour and format and the focus of the format was to emphasize the experience that the Town's volunteers have in Fountain Hills and they basically led the presentation. He expressed appreciation to Jerry Butler, Jerry Miles and Jenny Willigrod and other volunteers associated with the Greening of Downtown. He noted that public art was a huge focus of the tour as well as the Greening effort. He reported that the attendees were in Town for a little over three hours and Kathy Worrell from Parks & Recreation went on one bus and the Mayor went on another and they showcased the Town for approximately forty minutes. He added that everyone pitched in to make it a success (the presentations were wonderful) and they also went over to the Centennial Circle where they looked at some of the art work and a Docent gave them a tour. He said that they also went down to the Performance Pad and walked along the Fountain and all in all it was a wonderful time and a great opportunity to showcase Fountain Hills and all it has to offer. Mayor Schlum stated that he is confident that many of the attendees, who were very impressed with the Town, will vacation here in the future and noted that the group was mainly composed of elected officials. He added that an e -mail was sent to the attendees thanking them for visiting Fountain Hills and said that it was fun to show off the Town. AGENDA ITEM #9 - ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Contino MOVED to adjourn the meeting and Councilmember Elkie SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m. z:\council packets\2011\r12-15-11\111117m.docx Page 7 of 7 TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS By __________________________ Jay T. Schlum, 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, Special and Regular Sessions held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills in the Fountain Conference Room and the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 17th day of November 2011. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 15th day of December 2011. _____________________________ Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk