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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997.0109.TCRM.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL JANUARY 9, 1997 A public meeting of the Fountain Hills Town Council was convened and called to order by Mayor Miles at 6:30 P.M.,Thursday, January 9, 1997, in the Fountain Hills Town Hall Council Chambers, located at 16836 E. Palisades Blvd., Building B, Fountain Hills, Arizona. ROLL CALL- Following the pledge to the flag by Boy Scouts Kyle Larkin and Aaron Helton from Troop 343 and the invocation by Pastor Dennis Daniel of the First Baptist Church, roll call was taken. Present for roll call were the following members of the Fountain Hills Town Council: Mayor Jerry Miles, Vice Mayor Lawrence and Councilmembers Bill O'Brien (7:35), Marianne Wiggishoff, Sid Apps,Al Poma and Penfield Mower. Also present were Town Manager Paul Nordin, Town Attorney Bill Farrell, Town Clerk Cassie Hansen, Director of Community Development Gary Jeppson and Town Engineer Randy Harrel. Mayor Miles asked to remove Agenda Item #9 from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. He read the remainder of the Consent Agenda which consisted of the following agenda items: AGENDA ITEM #2 - CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 19, 1996. AGENDA ITEM#3-CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 1997-01,ABANDONING WHATEVER RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST THE TOWN HAS IN THE CERTAIN PUBLIC UTILITY AND DRAINAGE EASEMENTS ALONG THE SOUTHERLY PROPERTY LINE OF LOT 5, BLOCK 9, PLAT 212 (16415 EAST MONTROSE), AS RECORDED IN BOOK 141 OF MAPS, PAGE 17, RECORDS OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA. (SHULER - EA96-51) AGENDA ITEM #4 - CONSIDERATION OF A FINAL PLAT FOR THE MAJESTIC POINT CONDOMINIUM PROJECT, (FORMERLY THE CLIFF HOUSE PROJECT), LOCATED AT 16637 E. WESTBY DRIVE, PLAT 102, BLOCK 1, LOT 3, CASE NUMBER S96-047. AGENDA ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF FINAL PLAT FOR THE SAN LORAIN CONDOMINIUMS PROJECT LOCATED AT 16637 E.ALMONT DRIVE,PLAT 102,BLOCK 3,LOT 3,CASE NUMBER S96- 052. AGENDA ITEM #6 - CONSIDERATION OF A FINAL PLAT FOR THE PALM TREE VILLAS CONDOMINIUM PROJECT LOCATED AT 16677 E. WESTBY DRIVE,PLAT 102,LOTS 7,8 &9,CASE NUMBER S96-057. AGENDA ITEM#7-CONSIDERATION OF A FINAL PLAT FOR THE FOUR PEAKS A CONDOMINIUM PROJECT V LOCATED IN PLAT 102, BLOCK 5, LOTS 5 AND 13A. CASE NUMBER S96-058. AGENDA ITEM #8 - CONSIDERATION OF A FINAL PLAT FOR THE PROPERTIES OF PACIFIC SOUTHWEST CONDOMINIUM PROJECT LOCATED AT 14215 ASHBROOK DRIVE,PLAT 111,BLOCK 5, LOT 24, CASE NUMBER S96-059. Vice Mayor Lawrence MOVED to approve the Consent Agenda items #2-8 as presented. Councilman Poma SECONDED the motion. A roll call vote was taken with the following results; Minutes of the Regular Session of the Town Council 01/09/97 Page 1 of 5 Vice Mayor Lawrence Aye Councilman Mower Aye Councilman Poma Aye Councilwoman Wiggishoff Aye Councilman Apps Aye Mayor Miles Aye The motion CARRIED. AGENDA ITEM #9 - CONSIDERATION OF THE FINAL PLAT FOR WESTRIDGE VILLAGE SUBDIVISION, A 84.7 ACRE, 87 LOT SUBDIVISION LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SHEA BOULEVARD AND PALISADES BOULEVARD; CASE NUMBER S95-080. Planner Geir Sverdrup stated the Final Plat was in compliance with the formerly approved Preliminary Plat. He explained that minor changes included reduced cut and fill areas and the overall reduced height of retaining walls in the project. Vice Mayor Lawrence MOVED to approve the Final Plat for Westridge Village Subdivision, Case Number S95-080. Councilman Apps SECONDED the motion which CARRIED unanimously. AGENDA ITEM#10 - CONSIDERATION OF A TEMPORARY USE PERMIT REQUEST TO PERMIT A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION STORAGE YARD AT 16811 EL PUEBLO AKA LOT 1, BLOCK 4, FINAL PLAT 106; TU96-20. Mr. Sverdrup explained that the parcel had been used as a construction storage yard and a temporary use permit had not been previously approved. He said a total of three letters of protest had been received which dealt with the appearance of the site, hours of operation, parking and debris problems. He said staff recommended denial and that L he had been informed the construction company presently using this area as a storage yard had selected an alternate site at Laser & Technology. Since there was no motion, the matter DIED. AGENDA ITEM #11 - CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING A NON-BUDGETED EXPENDITURE TO FUND AN ADDITIONAL DEPUTY MARSHAL AT THE FOUNTAIN HILLS JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS. Marshal Steve Gendler reported to the Council that during the past four months an officer from the Marshal's Department had been assigned to the High School which had resulted in a 58% decrease in the number of incidents on the school campus. He urged the Council to approve an additional officer to work with the existing Deputy Marshal to provide security on the large middle school and high school campus areas. He noted other advantages with providing two officers would result in increased assistance with extra-curricular activities during non-school hours. Councilwoman Wiggishoff asked whether there was an additional person assigned to the schools with duties as a drug task force officer. Marshal Gendler stated there was one person from the State Gang Task Force that would visit the school campus which was funded by a grant. Councilman Poma asked what responsibilities the two officers would have during the summer months. Marshal Gendler answered that they would be used to support summer Park& Recreation youth programs as well as additional law enforcement protection and crime prevention program purposes. Councilman Apps suggested an officer from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office be assigned as the second officer on the school campus rather than the Town's Deputy Marshal. Town Manager Nordin explained that the cost for a second officer from the Marshal's Department for the remaining half of the present fiscal year would be between Minutes of the Regular Session of the Town Council 01/09/97 Page 2 of 5 $18,000-$19,000 and that funds were available. Vice Mayor Lawrence MOVED to approve the authorization of a non-budgeted expenditure of$18,000 to fund an additional Deputy Marshal at the Fountain Hills Jr./Sr. High School campus. Lieutenant Gary Gregory from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office stated when officers were assigned to the Fountain Hills office they were not rotated with other offices. He assured the Council only one deputy would be assigned to the school and would not be interchanged with other officers. He said on non-school days the officer would be assigned regular patrol duties in town. Superintendent of Schools Walt Dunne thanked the Council for the first officer, commended his effectiveness on campus, and approved of the assignment of a second officer from the Marshal's Department. Joyce Szeliga asked if a Marshal were on campus and a drug bust occurred, would the Marshal need to call for backup services. She supported the authorization of funds for a second Marshal's Department officer. Mary Pilarinos asked whether security could be provided for adult students during evening hours at the High School. Mayor Miles said this matter could be considered in the future. Bruce Hansen encouraged the Council to approve an officer from the Marshal's Department as a local officer would relate better to students than a non-resident officer. Lt. Gregory said if there were two officers on the campus, they would back each other during a drug matter. Councilman Apps requested this matter be discussed during the quarterly meeting with the Sheriff's Department as soon as possible and at the next scheduled Council meeting. The motion CARRIED with a 5-1 roll call vote. Councilman Apps cast the nay vote. AGENDA ITEM #12 - CONSIDERATION OF CHANGES TO THE TOWN'S PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS INCORPORATING COUNCILMAN MOWER'S RECOMMENDATIONS AND REQUESTING COUNCIL DIRECTION. r Councilman Mower reviewed the changes he proposed to the Town's personnel rules regarding merit increase categorization,timing of evaluations and an increased probationary period. He said increases should be between 2% and 8%and that employees who reach the top of their pay range should be given a lesser percentage salary increase. Town Manager Nordin supported Councilman Mower's recommendations and indicated there were two items in the Employee Manual that would need to be approved, the nine month probationary period and the requirement for one evaluation date for all employees. He said he favored the nine-month probationary period as well as the 5% budgeted amount for raises for the fiscal year. He reiterated the problems department heads had in terms of completing employee evaluations in a timely manner and approved of the September 1st evaluation date for all employees. Councilman Mower MOVED to approve the salary range and pay scale changes to the Personnel Manual as suggested. Councilwoman Wiggishoff SECONDED the motion for discussion purposes. Councilwoman Wiggishoff said she thought the suggestions needed more discussion and opposed the 2% merit increase to probationary employees the Town intended to dismiss. She proposed a bonus system to increase incentives for production by department heads who reach their peak salary ranges rather than a lesser increase. Mayor Miles suggested this matter be referred to the sub-committee that was appointed to submit a salary/pay resolution. Vice Mayor Lawrence suggested the employees and/or department heads be consulted regarding personnel policy changes. Councilwoman Wiggishoff WITHDREW the second to the motion and Councilman Mower WITHDREW his motion. Minutes of the Regular Session of the Town Council 01/09/97 frr Page 3 of 5 Councilman Poma MOVED to refer this matter to the Employee Benefits Committee and the Sub-Committee working with the pay resolution as well as including Councilman Mower. Councilwoman Wiggishoff SECONDED the motion which CARRIED unanimously. L AGENDA ITEM #13 - DISCUSSION OF ALTERNATIVE PLANS FOR THE FOUNTAIN HILLS BOULEVARD MEDIANS FROM PALISADES BOULEVARD TO PALISADES PLAZA 3RD DRIVEWAY, WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF. Mayor Miles said he had received a call from the owner of the Safeway store who requested a postponement. Vice Mayor Lawrence asked if the Tokpela subdivision had started construction. He said he was concerned about delaying discussion before construction commenced. Vice Mayor Lawrence MOVED to continue discussion regarding Fountain Hills Boulevard medians to the next scheduled Council meeting. Councilwoman Wiggishoff SECONDED the motion which CARRIED unanimously. Charles Boyd said he assumed construction would not occur before the next meeting. AGENDA ITEM #14 - PURSUANT TO A.R.S. 38-431.03.A.7. AND A.R.S. 38-431.03.A.3.; VOTE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OR CONSULTATION WITH DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PUBLIC BODY IN ORDER TO CONSIDER ITS POSITION AND INSTRUCT ITS REPRESENTATIVES REGARDING NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OR LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY; AND FOR DISCUSSIONS OR CONSULTATION FOR LEGAL ADVICE WITH THE ATTORNEY OR ATTORNEYS OF THE PUBLIC BODY REGARDING NEGOTIATIONS WITH MCO PROPERTIES FOR THE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT. Mayor Miles stated there was no need for an Executive Session. AGENDA ITEM #15 - CONSIDERATION OF AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN ADDENDUM TO THE FOUNTAIN AND FOUNTAIN PARK TRANSFER AGREEMENT DEALING WITH THE ISSUES OF TRANSFER DATE, ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED to not authorize the execution of either addendum to the transfer agreement and direct staff to inform MCO that negotiations on the transfer agreement closing date remain open until the Phase II environmental report had been reviewed. Councilman Mower SECONDED the motion. Councilman Poma criticized the actions of the Council regarding the assumption of Fountain Park as wasteful and expensive as well as the hesitancy of MCO officials. He maintained the Council should cancel their negotiations and build the proposed Civic Center on the property currently owned by the Town. Councilman O'Brien joined the meeting at this point. The motion CARRIED with a 6-1 vote. Councilman Poma cast the nay vote. AGENDA ITEM #16 - REPORT TO COUNCIL BY TOWN ATTORNEY BILL FARRELL ON TRANSFERRING THE EXISTING MCO PROPERTIES'SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS FOR THE FOUNTAIN AND FOUNTAIN PARK TO THE END OF THE TOWN'S CURRENT (1996/97) FISCAL YEAR. This agenda item was not relevant due to the actions of the Council in Agenda Item #15. Minutes of the Regular Session of the Town Council 01/09/97 Page 4 of 5 AGENDA ITEM#17 - CALL TO THE PUBLIC. (PUBLIC COMMENT IS ENCOURAGED BUT PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE COUNCIL HAS NO ABILITY TO RESPOND OR DISCUSS MATTERS cir BROUGHT UP DURING THE CALL TO THE PUBLIC AS SUCH DISCUSSION IS PROHIBITED BY THE ARIZONA OPEN MEETING LAW.) No one came forward from the public. AGENDA ITEM #18 - ADJOURNMENT. Councilman O'Brien MOVED to adjourn the meeting. Councilman Poma SECONDED the motion which CARRIED unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS By: Je Mir-Mayor A I hST: `mod 43 1`ylL/► ' Cassie B. Hansen, Town Clerk cor PREPARED BY: Linda D. Lemm , Administrative Assistant CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Session Meeting held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills on the 9th day of January, 1997. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 6th day of February, 1997. Cassie B. Hansen, Town Clerk Minutes of the Regular Session of the Town Council 01/09/97 Page 5 of 5