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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
COUNCIL MINUTES
October 19, 2009
The City Council of the City of Mesa met in a Study Session in the lower level meeting room of the Council Chambers, 57 East 1st Street, on October 19, 2009 at 4:47 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT |
COUNCIL ABSENT |
OFFICERS PRESENT |
Mayor Scott Smith |
None |
Christopher Brady |
Alex Finter |
Debbie Spinner | |
Dina Higgins |
Linda Crocker | |
Kyle Jones |
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Dennis Kavanaugh |
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Dave Richins |
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Scott Somers |
Mayor Smith excused Vice Mayor Jones from the beginning of the meeting. He arrived at 4:52 p.m.
1. Review items on the agenda for the October 19, 2009 Regular Council Meeting.
All of the items on the agenda were reviewed among Council and staff and the following was noted:
Conflicts of interest declared: None
Items added to the consent agenda: None
Items removed from the consent agenda: None
2. Hear a presentation and discuss the Central Main Street Plan.
Economic Development Specialist Shea Joachim introduced Planning Director John Wesley and Deputy Transportation Director Mike James. Mr. Joachim displayed a PowerPoint presentation (see Attachment 1) and stated that the following key words and phrases in the Council’s Strategic Initiatives provided the framework for the Plan: innovative, business friendly, strategic tools, redevelopment, and a focus on the downtown area. He advised that the Economic Development Office serves as the coordinator for the various efforts that are underway.
Mr. James continued the presentation by noting that light rail is a catalyst for redevelopment. He stated that developers would begin to assemble properties when the City receives the final grant award, and he noted that the development would be very flexible and supportive of pedestrian uses. Mr. James said that the Federal “Small Starts” grant applications would be less competitive, and he added that the City’s data is modeled on the year 2015 rather than 2030, which indicates to the Federal government that the project is financially viable and ready to move forward.
Mr. Wesley stated that the light rail extension would create the opportunity for changes in land use from suburban to mixed use, urban and pedestrian friendly, sustainable development. He outlined the reasons for beginning the planning process (see Pages 2 and 3 of Attachment 1), including the fact that Energy and Environment Stimulus Grants are available and that the timing is appropriate to initiate an update of the 2000 Town Center Plan.
Mr. Wesley reviewed the objectives of the Central Main Street Plan (see Page 4 of Attachment 1). He stated that the planning area boundaries incorporate the Town Center and extend on Main Street to Gilbert Road. Mr. Wesley advised that the Department of Energy stimulus grant would fund a staff position to oversee and develop the plan. He added that the grant funds would enable the City to enter into a contract with a consultant to develop a form-based code option and to prepare a plan to apply the form-based code to the Main Street corridor. Mr. Wesley reviewed the participation process and the draft timeline (see Pages 7, 8 and 9 of Attachment 1).
In response to a question from Mayor Smith, Mr. Wesley advised that Jeff McVay has been contracted as a Senior Planner to oversee the process. He added that he and Mr. McVay plan to attend the Light Rail Stakeholders Committee meetings. Mr. Wesley summarized that the end product would be a form-based code applicable for other areas of the City with regard to station areas, redevelopment and public improvements.
Councilmember Somers said that the period prior to the construction of light rail is the opportune time to address land use in the area. He noted that his recent visit to Mountain View, California, provided a vision of what Mesa could become with the extension of light rail. He congratulated staff on their recent award and for their efforts regarding form-based codes.
Councilmember Richins said that government works best when private sector opportunities are increased.
Mayor Smith stated the opinion that downtown Mesa has a bright future with the addition of light rail transit. He thanked staff for the presentation.
3. Hear a presentation and discuss the Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) and status of Stations 215 and 218.
Assistant Fire Chief Jim Bloomer introduced Firefighter Tony Lo Giudice, who spent many hours preparing the construction grant applications.
Fire Chief Harry Beck noted that Chief Bloomer, who was recently appointed as an Assistant Fire Chief, led the effort with regard to the successful application process. He stated that Chief Bloomer will supervise the support services area, which includes fire station construction and apparatus maintenance.
Chief Bloomer displayed a PowerPoint presentation (see Attachment 2) and outlined the purpose of the grant programs, which include improving firefighter safety and response capability/capacity based on need through the construction, renovation or modification of fire stations. He noted that other departments assisted in providing information for the extensive application process. Chief Bloom reported that a notice was received on October 2nd advising that the City was awarded 100 percent of the grant application request ($2,020,000 for Station 219 at Elliot and Signal Butte Roads and $2,020,000 for Station 220 at 58th and Main Streets).
In response to comments from Mayor Smith, Chief Bloomer confirmed that the design of Station
219 would replicate the basic design of Station 218.
Chief Bloomer also provided updates on Station 215, which is scheduled for completion in August of 2010, and Station 218, which is scheduled for completion in February of 2010. He stated that the design phase of Station 219 would be completed by the end of October of 2009 and that the design of Station 220 is scheduled for completion in January of 2010. Chief Bloomer added that any activity beyond the design phase for Stations 219 and 220 cannot begin until an Environmental and Historic Preservation Review required by the Federal government has been completed and approved, which may take three to six months.
Responding to a question from Councilmember Richins, Chief Bloomer advised that both sites had a Phase I environmental survey at the time of purchase, in addition to an archeological review that was completed on the Station 219 site.
Mayor Smith credited staff for the City’s success in securing the competitive grants, and he thanked staff for their efforts and for the presentation.
4. Hear reports on meetings and/or conferences attended.
Councilmember Higgins: Fundraising event for Homeward Bound.
Vice Mayor Jones: Lowell Elementary School’s library makeover funded by Target.
Opening of new exhibit at the Arizona Museum for Youth.
District 4 Pancake Breakfast.
5. Scheduling of meetings and general information.
City Manager Christopher Brady stated that the meeting schedule is as follows:
Thursday, October 22, 2009, 7:30 a.m. – Special Council Meeting
Thursday, October 22, 2009, 7:35 a.m. – Study Session followed by Executive Session
Thursday, October 22, 2009, 9:00 a.m. – Public Safety Committee Meeting
Saturday, October 24, 2009, 5:00 p.m. – Annual GAIN (Getting Arizona Involved in
Neighborhoods) Event
Saturday, October 31, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – City Hall at the Mall (Superstition Springs Mall)
6. Adjournment.
Without objection, the Study Session adjourned at 5:21 p.m.
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SCOTT SMITH, MAYOR
ATTEST:
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LINDA CROCKER, CITY CLERK
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Study Session of the City Council of Mesa, Arizona, held on the 19th day of October, 2009. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
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LINDA CROCKER, CITY CLERK
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Attachments (2)