HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998.0611.TCSM.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING OF THE
FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
JUNE 11, 1998
A public meeting of the Fountain Hills Town Council was convened and called to order by Mayor
Morgan at 6:30 P.M., Thursday, June 11, 1998, in the Fountain Hills Town Hall Council Chambers,
located at 16836 E. Palisades Blvd., Building B,Fountain Hills,Arizona.
ROLL CALL — Mayor Morgan led the Pledge to the flag and Councilwoman Hutcheson gave the
invocation. Present for roll call were the following members of the Fountain Hills Town Council:
Mayor Sharon Morgan, Vice Mayor Al Poma and Councilmembers John Wyman, Sharon Hutcheson,
Sid Apps, Marianne Wiggishoff, and Penfield Mower. Also present were Town Manager Paul Nordin,
Town Clerk Cassie Hansen, Director of Parks & Recreation Robin Goodman, Marshal Steve Gendler,
and Town Engineer Randy Harrel.
AGENDA ITEM #2 - REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR
THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS FOR THE 98/99 FISCAL YEAR. ALL ASPECTS OF
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES WILL BE DISCUSSED AND CONSIDERED.
Mayor Morgan said she had asked the Town Attorney to review the statutes and past Council practices as to
whether public input would be allowed during the budget hearing process. As a result of the Town
Attorney's review, she deemed it appropriate for public comment at the beginning of the meeting. Also,
(111111, public comment would be allowed during the public hearing for the tentative budget on July 2"d and the final
adoption of the tentative budget on August 6`h. Both Bruce Hansen and Susan Neuhart thanked the Council
for the opportunity to provide public input.
Mayor Morgan asked if any Council members wished to reconsider any discussions of the previous
meeting.
Councilman Wyman said he wanted to reconsider two items previously discussed. He MOVED to
reconsider the budget section, Community Center Construction. Councilwoman Wiggishoff SECONDED
the motion. Councilman Wyman said he took exception to making budget cuts in other departments in an
attempt to increase the reserve funds for the Community Center construction project. He suggested that the
Council commit $1.5 million as a down payment for the Community Center from the reserve funds and
review each item in the budget separately on its own merits. Councilwoman Wiggishoff stated she didn't
want the Council's actions on any section of the budget to be perceived as taking away from that particular
section in an attempt to build funds for the reserve fund. She suggested the Council could revisit this item
after the budget review was completed to contemplate adding even more money for the down payment as
previous budgets had earmarked $1.6 million as the down payment. Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED
to reconsider the approval of the Community Center Construction budget. Councilman Apps SECONDED
the motion, which CARRIED unanimously. Councilman Wyman MOVED to rescind the amendment to
the motion regarding the incorporation of any monetary reductions that would be made in the proposed
budget. Councilman Apps SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED unanimously. Councilman
Wyman MOVED to approve the Community Center Construction budget with the revised figure of
$1,500,000 to the Capital Expenditures-Construction line item. Councilman Apps SECONDED the
motion,which CARRIED unanimously.
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Councilman Wyman said he also wanted to reconsider a portion of the Administration budget, Capital
Outlay-Improvements, Town Hall. He MOVED to reconsider the motion to delay the expansion of offices
into Building "A". Councilman Mower SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED with a 5-2 vote.
Councilwoman Wiggishoff and Vice Mayor Poma cast the nay votes. Councilman Wyman stated that even
though the lease for the existing Town Hall spaces would expire on February 1, 2000, there would not be
enough time to make arrangements for the purchase, lease, or construction of another building. He said with
the addition of new employees, especially in the Parks and Recreation Department, and the possibility of the
Town Hall offices remaining in the existing buildings, he suggested the amount of money being requested to
expand into Building"A"be approved. Vice Mayor Poma said he thought staff had provided improvement
estimates that were too high and revisions were necessary. He suggested the estimates be reduced by 50%
and eliminate some of the requests in the estimates altogether. Councilman Apps said he thought modest
revisions could result in better estimates. He MOVED to reduce the remodeling estimates from$43,478.50
to $27,000. Councilman Poma SECONDED the motion. Councilman Mower suggested the remodeling
estimate figure of$43,478.50 remain in the budget with directions to staff to reduce this amount as much as
possible. Town Clerk Cassie Hansen said the current floor plan of Building"A" would not fit the Parks and
Recreation Department's needs and that she had thoroughly reviewed all steps in the remodeling process.
She pointed out that the 1995 remodeling costs had been completed under the budgeted amount and
anticipated that the remodeling of Building "A" could also be completed under the estimates. Councilman
Apps objected to providing improvements and wanted to save taxpayers money. Councilwoman
Wiggishoff suggested the present offices of the Parks and Recreation Department could accommodate the
additional personnel with some reconfigurations and that the Town could get a better lease agreement for
Building "A" when the lease for all office spaces was negotiated. The motion FAILED with a 5-2 vote.
Councilmen Apps and Vice Mayor Poma cast the aye votes. Councilman Mower MOVED to approve the
remodeling estimates of $43,478.50 with instructions to staff to reduce the costs as much as possible.
Councilman Wyman SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED with a 4-3 roll call vote. Councilmen
cif Apps,Vice Mayor Poma and Councilwoman Wiggishoff cast the nay votes.
Councilman Mower said he would like to reconsider the Community Benefit Program budget figure of
$115,000. Since no one from the prevailing side (Morgan, Apps, Wyman and Poma) moved to reconsider,
this matter was not discussed.
Marshal's Department
Mr. Nordin reviewed the budget for the Marshal's Department and stated the largest section of the budget
was for law enforcement contract services to increase from 2.5 beats to 3.0 beats and the addition of one
vehicle. No additional Town personnel were requested. Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED to approve
the budget for discussion. Councilman Poma SECONDED the motion. Marshal Steve Gendler informed
the Council that at present 17 officers from MCSO and 14 Town employees provided services to the Town.
He stated the request for an additional vehicle would lesson the number of miles on existing vehicles.
Councilman Apps questioned the line item for recruitment costs. Marshal Gendler stated that both selection
costs and the rate of turnover of employees and volunteers figured into the request for$4,560. The motion
CARRIED unanimously.
Parks and Recreation
Mr. Nordin pointed out that an administrative assistant and recreation coordinator were being requested
along with an increase in part-time hours. He stated 28 new programs were added last year without any
increase in staff and 15 new programs along with the expansion of 9 existing programs was proposed for the
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next fiscal year. In response to last year's request by the Council to review program fees and related
expenses, the report for the last fiscal year indicated that user fee revenues had exceeded program
expenditures. He explained that off-leash dog fencing was requested in the amount of$18,000 for the 302
Park, if the park were to be developed. Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED to approve the Parks &
Recreation budget as presented. Councilman Wyman SECONDED the motion. Director of Parks &
Recreation Director Robin Goodman stated two acres of land was proposed to be designated for an off-leash
recreational area for dogs and only the fencing costs were included in the Parks & Recreation budget. She
said the turf maintenance costs were included under the 302 Park budget. Councilman Apps MOVED to
amend the budget to delete the $18,000 expenditure under Capital Outlay-Projects for the off-leash dog
fencing. Since there was no second to the amendment--the amendment FAILED. The vote on the motion
to approve the budget CARRIED unanimously.
Golden Eagle Park
Mr. Nordin stated the added personnel was proposed in an effort to create a crew for maintenance of all of
the parks as required, including weekends. He explained that one additional maintenance position was
requested and that mowing contract increases were anticipated due to a 70% increase in turfed areas.
Councilman Mower MOVED to approve the Golden Eagle Park budget as presented. Councilman Poma
SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED unanimously.
Four Peaks Park
Mr.Nordin stated the addition of one staff member was requested for maintenance purposes. Also proposed
were expenditures for preliminary design work for Phase II, increased mowing contract and one vehicle.
Vice Mayor Poma MOVED to approve for discussion. Councilman Apps SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Morgan asked about the $20,000 requested for a truck. Director Goodman explained that a half-ton
truck pickup truck would be bought under the state contract or the best bid price available. She said a half-
ton truck was requested because equipment would be loaded onto the truck and a trailer occasionally hauled.
Mr.Nordin stated that all measures would be taken if the Council wanted to purchase the two vehicles at the
lowest price possible. Councilwoman Wiggishoff asked for an estimate of costs to extend effluent pipes to
Four Peaks Park. Bruce Hansen, Chairman of the Sanitary District, stated a 10,000-gallon holding tank
would need to be installed at the Park to facilitate effluent distribution. He suggested the Sanitary District
could truck effluent to the holding tank. Director Goodman said when a master plan for the Four Peaks Park
was developed, one of the locations for a holding tank could be under the parking lot adjacent to the tennis
courts or in that area. Mr. Nordin suggested that the $15,000 amount for design fees should cover the
master planning and if more money was needed, a separate request would be presented to the Council. The
motion CARRIED unanimously.
Fountain Park
Mr. Nordin stated one additional person was requested along with an additional vehicle. He said the
continued development of a master plan for Fountain Park was ongoing and that$165,600 was included for
engineering and design fees. Applications for grants were being made for amenities detailed in the Master
Plan. Another major expenditure for equipment repair($72,000) was for pump overhaul work. Councilman
Wyman asked if the contribution from MCO for maintenance fees was included in the budget. Mr. Nordin
answered that the $215,000 received from MCO would offset the projected costs for Fountain Park.
Councilman Mower MOVED to approve the Fountain Park budget. Councilman Wyman SECONDED the
motion, which CARRIED unanimously.
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cov 302 Park
Mr. Nordin stated he was not proposing an off-leash area be commenced at the 302 Park at this time but
would look for further direction from the Council. He said the Sanitary District would provide over
$330,000 in funds and the Town's share would be $225,000 along with engineering design fees of$22,500.
Councilman Wyman MOVED to approve for discussion. Councilman Mower SECONDED the motion.
Councilwoman Wiggishoff supported adding this site to the park system, working with the Sanitary District
and establishing an off-leash area at this location. Councilman Wyman asked if the Sanitary District
provided any maintenance of the park. Mr. Nordin answered that the Town would assume all maintenance
costs. Councilman Poma asked about future amenities for the park. Director Goodman stated a future
master plan would be developed and public input would be welcomed. Mr. Nordin stated the transfer of the
property in question was in progress at this time and that if approved, work would commence as soon as
possible to meet the Sanitary District's November 1st deadline. The motion CARRIED unanimously.
Engineering Department
Mr. Nordin stated this budget requested to upgrade the traffic engineer position from part-time to full-time
and included increased engineering fees and a request for one additional four-wheel drive utility vehicle.
Councilman Poma MOVED to approve for discussion. Councilman Mower SECONDED the motion.
Councilwoman Wiggishoff asked about the request for five new radios with chargers. Town Engineer
Randy Harrel stated these radios would be shared between the plan checkers and new personnel as well as
loaners for public works contractors. Councilman Wyman asked for clarification about the $7,000 item for
communication expense. Peter Putterman, Information Technology, stated that radio technology expenses
coy were not included in the computer hardware budget requests. The motion CARRIED unanimously.
Public Works,Median,Dams &Washes
Mr. Nordin stated this budget had substantial increases in it due to the Town's ownership of 178 wash
parcels and a large number of medians. An additional position was requested for the next fiscal year and a
public works maintenance I position, authorized last year for median work but not filled, would be filled in
the next fiscal year. He said the Capital Outlay-Projects request for$150,000 would include the renovation
of Avenue of the Fountains in the amount of $100,000 with $60,000 of that amount used for electrical
repairs. Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED to approve for discussion. Councilman Apps SECONDED
the motion. Mayor Morgan asked Mr. Harrel if the electrical repairs would be completed by November Is`
Mr. Harrel answered that the repairs would be completed by November ls`. After questioning the need for a
winch on the four-wheel drive vehicle,Councilman Apps MOVED to amend the budget by deleting$5,000
for an electric winch. Because there was no second to the motion, the amendment DIED. Councilwoman
Wiggishoff asked if the Lakeside medians were included. Mr. Harrel answered affirmatively. He stated the
$100,000 costs included both electrical upgrades and deficiency correction measures. Councilman Poma
asked staff to review the electrical upgrades request because he felt that a previous figure of $17,000 had
been given to the Council which varied from the present request of $60,000. Councilwoman Wiggishoff
suggested staff review the potable water expenses for Four Peaks Park when Director Goodman indicated
that the revised, increased prices from Chaparral City Water Commission were not included in that budget.
The motion CARRIED with a 5-2 vote. Councilmen Apps and Poma cast the nay votes.
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Street Department
Mr. Nordin stated no additional staff was being requested in the Street Department budget this year. He
pointed out the detailed breakdown of the major road improvements in the amount of$1.4 million. Also a
new street sweeper was requested in the amount of$135,000. Councilman Poma MOVED to approve for
discussion. Councilman Mower SECONDED the motion. Councilwoman Wiggishoff questioned the need
to replace the street sweeper after the expenditure of$40,000 for repairs during the last two years. George
Roth, a mechanic from the Street Department, told the Council that due to the high usage of the street
sweeper, he expected the sweeper to undergo repairs of between $15,000 to $20,000 this year.
Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED to amend the Street Department budget by deleting the request for
$135,000 for a street sweeper. Councilman Mower SECONDED the amendment. Town Engineer Randy
Harrel estimated that if the present street sweeper ceased to operate, it would take two months to complete
the bid process and 3-4 months to acquire delivery and during that time, a rental sweeper would cost the
Town $65 per hour. The amendment FAILED with a 5-2 vote. Councilwomen Wiggishoff and Hutcheson
cast the aye votes. Another item discussed was the request for a sign machine in the amount of $10,000.
Mr. Harrel said the costs of the sign machine would be captured over the next 3-4 years and would enable
the street crew to create signs without the long waiting period experienced at present. Councilman Mower
asked when the opticom detectors would be installed at the major intersections of Shea & Fountain Hills
Boulevard and Palisades & Saguaro. Mr. Harrel answered that the detectors were not designed yet and it
would take 6-8 months to complete installation of the detectors. Councilman Mower suggested the
detectors be acted upon immediately and bill back MCO Properties for their share of the expenses.
Councilwoman Wiggishoff questioned the need for the $30,000 canopy for the street yard. Councilman
Poma asked how large the canopy would be. Mr. Harrel stated the proposed canopy at the Street
Department would be ten stalls long with an overall area of 40' x 100'. The motion to approve CARRIED
unanimously.
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Debt Service
Mr. Nordin explained that the Debt Service portion of the budget provided for the principal and interest
payments on the General Obligation and Highway User Fund bond issues. He noted that because of the
increased assessed valuation and some carry-forward amounts,the property tax levy would be reduced from
230 per $100 valuation to 190 per $100 valuation. Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED to approve the
Debt Service budget. Vice Mayor Poma SECONDED the motion,which CARRIED unanimously.
Grants
The Grant Fund was set up to receive grant funds such as the Heritage Fund and COPS funds and other
miscellaneous grants. Mr. Nordin stated $130,000 was carried forward for work not yet completed at
Golden Eagle Park, Phase V and Four Peaks Neighborhood Park. Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED to
approve for discussion. Councilman Wyman SECONDED the motion. There was no discussion. The
motion CARRIED unanimously.
Eagle Mountain Community Facilities District
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Mr. Nordin stated the debt service for the payment of the District's principal and interest was included under
this section. Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED to approve for discussion. Councilwoman Hutcheson
SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED unanimously.
Cottonwoods Improvement Districts
Mr. Nordin stated the Town will be purchasing bonds and be reimbursed through assessments to property
owners. Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED to approve the Cottonwoods Improvement Districts budget.
Vice Mayor Poma SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED unanimously.
McDowell Mountain Preserve
Mr. Nordin explained that this section of the budget provided for the spending of funds as approved by the
voters in 1997 for McDowell Mountain property. Councilman Apps MOVED to approve for discussion.
Councilwoman Wiggishoff SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED unanimously.
Councilwoman Wiggishoff MOVED to direct staff to have a representative of the McDowell Mountain
Preservation Commission appear at the June 18th Council meeting to discuss the budget requests under the
Administration section of the budget. Councilman Wyman SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED
unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM#3-CALL TO THE PUBLIC.
No one came forward from the public to speak.
Lie AGENDA ITEM#4-ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Morgan adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
TOWN OF UNTAIN HILL
By:
haron Morgan,Mayor
A 1"1'EST:
Cassie B.Hansen,Town Clerk
PREPARED BY: .
Linda D.Lemm n,Executive Assistant
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Special
Budget Meeting held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills on the 11th day of June, 1998. I
further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 2nd
day of July, 1998.
(42-44.-(-4- 45
L. Cassie B. Hansen,Town Clerk
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