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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-07-17 City Council Special MinutesThe special Arizona,was held Chambers pursuant CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING JULY 17,1997 meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, on July 17,1997,at the Apache Junction City Council to the notice required by law. CALL TO ORDER Vice Mayor Surra called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present:Vice Mayor Surra Councilmember McClain Councilmember Durbala Councilmember Urich Councilmember Insalaco Councilmember Eck Staff Present: Others Present: PUBLIC HEARINGS (Mayor Coleman was absent.) City Manager Curtis Shook City Clerk Kathleen Connelly Public Safety Director Robert Galloway Parks & Recreation Jeff Bell Finance Director Keith Lewis Public Works Director Doug Dobson Development Services Director Larry Harmer Library Assistant Director Spencer Paden Engineering Admin.Assistant Theryn Hansen DISCUSSION ON TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997-98 )Vice Mayor Surra opened the discussion by council on the item. Councilmember Durbala asked if the representative from Main Street could present their information. Vice Mayor Surra stated anything to help them make a decision on their vote is welcome. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 1 OF 11 Ms Rayna Barela,the executive director of Apache Junction Main Street,addressed the council.She stated their annual report was included in the council's packets.She feels they have been responsive to the needs of the community and have attempted to keep the costs down.She discussed their budget for 1996-97 in which they spent $3,000 less than they budgeted for,and they have a beginning balance for the next fiscal year of $10,436.She added they will begin the urban design process in August,using grants and matching city funds,to design landscaping or possibly the total restructuring of Apache Trail.On September 10 they will do a Businessmens Town Hall with funding by the state and their own program.In the fall they will be doing a preliminary market study with funding by grants and their own funds.They had a grant of $1600 from the arts program for the Cowboy Poets Gathering in October,which had 1,000 people in attendance,and this year the grant is for $2,550.They will start a public art planning series in the fall,initially for landscaping the Apache Trail median,and they have received a grant of $1,000 which they will match. Their total outside funding is $27,650.She briefed the council on Retail Lease Track,which gives information on businesses and services willing to locate in Arizona and their needs.She also briefed the council on the CACI Demographics.She stated the services provided to the city total $38,650. She hopes they continue to be a part of the growth of the city. Councilmember Durbala stated he would like to see another $5,000 for consultant fees for Parks & Recreation Administration,Line 13.This would allow them to find out what the community needs and those that need to be serviced.They should be able to correspond with and visit other communities to find programs that would be beneficial to our community. Vice Mayor Surra asked Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell what the present funds were earmarked for. Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell stated it was for the grant writing. Vice Mayor Surra asked Councilmember Durbala if he was asking for the additional $5,000 to be used strictly for consultants to survey the community to see what is lacking in youth activities. Councilmember Durbala stated consultants may not be needed:city staff may be able to find out how to make the recreational areas more involved.An example would be helping establish recreational activities financially or enticing other people to help finance them.He believes Parks & Recreation should be the department for these people to talk to,followed by economic development when they consider the move to the community.This is to try to set up programs that could become available to the community. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 2 OF 11 Councilmember Urich asked if he was talking about the entire community,not just the youth. Councilmember Durbala stated that was correct. City Manager Curtis Shook stated he thinks it is a good idea to find out what activities could be added for everyone,especially if it is close to the main street area.They need to draw local people into a unified main street concept,including recreation. The money is to be used to identify opportunities that would serve economic and recreational development. Vice Mayor Surra advised Councilmember Durbala that his side bar was inappropriate as an item he had initiated was being discussed. Councilmember Urich stated she could support that. Vice Mayor Surra asked if they were thinking of things like movie theatres and the like. City Manager Curtis Shook stated that and other things. Vice Mayor Surra asked if that really belongs in Parks & Recreation.It should not be limited to programs normally sponsored by Parks & Recreation. City Manager Curtis Shook stated he would leave that to council.As it involves recreational opportunities,it could be put into the recreation area,and it could be put under consultants for non -departmental. Councilmember Urich stated that would make more sense. Vice Mayor Surra stated she thought that would be better as the scope would not be limited. Councilmember Durbala stated he could go along with that,as long as it was used for those ideas. City Manager Curtis Shook stated it would be under Non -Departmental,Other Professional Services,Line 16. Vice Mayor Surra asked what the purpose should be. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 3 OF 11 Councilmember Durbala stated it was for the enhancement of recreational facilities in the community. Vice Mayor Surra asked if his intent was to explore the enhancement of recreational opportunities within the city. Councilmember Durbala stated that was correct. Vice Mayor Surra stated as this is a public hearing,any one can ask questions or make comments.She asked i f there was any additional discussion on this item.With no one wishing to speak,she asked if there was anything else to be discussed. Councilmember Insalaco stated he would like to see the proposed hourly wage increased by 25$ and increase the budget's final line by $125,000 to bring everyone else a little more in line. Vice Mayor Surra asked if that was to be across the board. Councilmember Insalaco stated that was correct. Vice Mayor Surra asked if this was to be under each individual line item under salaries. Councilmember Insalaco stated that was correct. City Manager Curtis Shook stated if this is approved the bottom expenditure line should be increased by $125,000 and direct that the final budget parcel out the individual increases to the respective department's line item. Finance Director Keith Lewis stated it would have to be parceled out before publication. City Manager Curtis Shook reminded them one of the main targets for the tentative budget is setting a ceiling. After this meeting,you can go less than that,but not higher. Councilmember Urich asked the city manager if he had any indication how this raise would compare the city employees'wages with other cities in the area. City Manager Curtis Shook stated it would be difficult to say because towns like Gilbert are giving a 9-10% increase and hiring 71 employees.Others are giving significantly less than SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 4 OF 11 that and he believes they will be gaining ground with what is proposed but more ground would be gained under Councilmember Insalaco's proposal.There is an operating surplus that would supply the money to do this.It would be another couple of percent at the beginning and would have an effect. Councilmember Eck stated he thought it would be a good idea. Councilmember Durbala asked how much the additional raise would cost the city if an additional 75$ raise is proposed the following year and possibly over the next three years. City Manager Curtis Shook stated it is difficult from year to year to predict at this point,as the city has a number of needs.Short of council directing it otherwise,his number one priority is to take care of people who are here currently.His only concern is that they do it in a measured approach,and that they not rely on one-time revenues.The success in a given year will dictate what they are able to give.He reiterated that his top priority again next year will be employees. Vice Mayor Surra stated broad adjustments to the base salary does not always take care of the employees who have been here during the leaner years.The people coming in benefit from the continual raising of the base.She suggested looking at an alternate plan that reflects keeping the base appropriate with the market to get new employees but she would like to see a secondary layer to that plan that would address those people who have been here more than one year. they could take a look at it. was a good idea. ba a goal. City Manager Curtis Shook stated Councilmember McClain stated that Councilmember Eck agreed. Vice Mayor Surra stated that would City Manager Curtis Shook stated he would like council to keep in mind through the years that we are behind and in the past a compensation progam that could be counted on was not established, contributing to the morale problem.He wants to establish a program,not do a merit one year,base wage and merit another year,base wage only the following year and so on.His largest concern is spreading the word that management and council agree that there be a standardized pay compensation program. Vice Mayor Surra stated she does not think he will get an argument from this council. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 5 OF 11 Councilmember Eck stated he thinks that is a good idea.He recalled that two of the top three items from the retreat were about the employees and this has a lot to do with what he was thinking of,among other things. Vice Mayor Surra stated in the last three retreats the council has had it has always come out as a top priority. Councilmember McClain asked if there has been a study to show if there is enough "space" between the new employees and the ones that have been here five,ten or fifteen years. City Manager Curtis Shook stated under this system they do,as the ranges are increased.The flat raise plus the percentage takes into consideration those that are already topped out. Vice Mayor Surra asked the city manager if doing a cross the board raise plus a percentage raise lets the older employees get a better merit raise.That is the way it should work. City Manager Curtis Shook stated he believes that and he also believes that it gives the merit system new meaning as well.If all they give is a merit raise,it is not a merit system.If they take into consideration the base wage adjustment for cost of living and add in the merit raise,than the merit system is a true merit system.It should stabilize the pay system and continually address being at market or close to market pay and provide incentive to employees through the merit system. Councilmember Durbala stated he does not have a problem with the extra 25$,but he would like to see it put in after another six months. Councilmember Eck disagreed. Vice Mayor Surra asked what that would do to the accounting,and does it impact as much that way. Councilmember Urich stated she could not see delaying it. Councilmember Durbala stated he wanted to make sure the sales tax increases as well.He thinks that is being overlooked.He added if you take out all of the one time tax increases such as building permits,you only have a 4-6% increase across the board.He stated he would like to give them $1.00 actually,but you have to look at what is realistic down the road.You cannot take back what you give today.They are starting a path to catch up and that is the way to go.He added if they SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 6 OF 11 give 754: this year and the tax revenues are down,they may only be able to give 254: or 2% next year. Vice Mayor Surra stated a cent or dollar amount has not been established,just that the pay would be increased every year.It could be different every year. Councilmember Eck agreed it would depend on the year and they should realize that. Councilmember Durbala stated they should start something and at least go a couple of years to see if it will be equated out,the tax dollars would be there,and that the commercial development appears. Councilmember McClain stated she does not see the council waiting for the employees to leave before the pay is raised. Vice Mayor Surra stated she thinks employees leave for other reasons besides money.Her major concern is that they try to make strides towards the goal.She does not think it is out of line if the city manager and the finance department believe there is enough money projected for next year to cover this.The council did not blanche at the additional $5,000 for consultants,the additional books or additional computer lab and police programs.These are all the same types of things.If there is concern over what has been added into the base budget,then all of these things should be looked at. Councilmember Insalaco's slightly. originally going for a d had talked about a dolla then backed off the doll Councilmember Eck stated original proposal was a dollar so it was lowered ollar. r raise earlier. ar. Councilmember Insalaco agreed he was Councilmember McClain stated they Councilmember Insalaco stated he Councilmember Urich stated a vote of confidence should be 751 at one time rather than what Councilmember Durbala is proposing. Councilmember Eck stated he thought it was a good raise. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 7 OF 11 Councilmember Durbala stated he is concerned about what is going to happen in two to four years.The wage increase approved today will automatically be there next year.The next raise will be on top of that.He proposed staying with the 50$ this year,and if there is an increase in the commercial development next year,than that would be the time to make a full $1.00 adjustment next year.He would be more comfortable with the 50$ this year. Vice Mayor Surra stated she believed the consensus is to go with Councilmember Insalaco's proposal.It should be put into the resolution motion where it would be defeated if it is not in accord with the majority.She stated there would be an amendment under Non- Departmental and to direct staff that $125,000 be added to the total budget expenditure line. Councilmember Durbala asked for the figure to be repeated as he was under the impression it was over $400,000. Vice Mayor Surra stated it was $125,000. City Manager Curtis Shook stated the number Councilmember Durbala is talking about would represent the 50(t plus 2%. When merit is added in,it is about the $570,000 range. Councilmember Durbala asked if that included all the benefits. Finance Director Keith Lewis stated it almost covers all the benefits. Vice Mayor Surra asked if there were any other discussion points regarding the budget. Councilmember McClain stated the engineering needs and engineering department needs have been discussed a little bit and she believed Mr.Shook had something worked out. City Manager Curtis Shook stated this budget anticipates the hiring of an additional engineer with the money coming from the streets and highways bonds.It is not a general fund item. In most other areas engineering is located with public works.They are anticipating a contract employee responsible for direct city supervision of the streets and roads progams,yet who would still be available to assist the city engineer in other functions. included all the benefits. it almost covers all the benefits. Councilmember McClain asked if this would be a licensed engineer. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 8 OF 11 City Manager Curtis Shook stated the person would be licensed.He has discussed it with the city engineer and the city engineer will assist them in the hiring. Councilmember McClain stated there was someone in the audience who was wanting to speak on this and she wanted to give her the opportunity. City Manager Curtis Shook stated he has talked with the department head and he believes they are in agreement. Vice Mayor Surra asked if there was any one else who wished to address the council.There being no one wishing to speak,she asked if any one would like her to read through the motion with its amendments one more time before she called for a motion. City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated the resolution does not set the time for the August 5 special meeting.She added there are two ways to do it;either start at 6:00 or do it within the regular meeting and break for a special meeting.It is required to be done in a special meeting. Councilmember Insalaco asked when it had to be done by. City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated it has to be done by August 18,but it is scheduled for the August 5 meeting.It is the council's option for the time.If council decides on 6:00,they will have the special meeting before the regular meeting;if council decides on 7:00,they will have it sometime during the regular meeting. Councilmember Insalaco asked if there is a work session that night. City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated that is a Tuesday night and there would be no work session. Vice Mayor Surra stated it would be an executive session. City Clerk Kathy Connelly clarified there may be an executive session.It is scheduled,but it would only take place if there was enough time after the special meeting. Vice Mayor Surra stated that if an executive session was required for some emergency that came up,they could always recess from the regular meeting into an executive session and reconvene the meeting afterwards. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 9 OF 11 There was general discussion between council and the city clerk about the various times and procedures for having the meeting on that date.It was decided to have the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Vice Mayor Surra asked if council wanted her to read back the proposed motion.She then read the preface to the motion and the amendments that would follow the resolution title.She then called for a motion. Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.97-23,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997-98,HEREWITH SETTING FORTH THE TENTATIVE ESTIMATES FOR THE MONIES NECESSARY FOR THE PUBLIC EXPENSES OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1997-98 AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING TAXPAYERS FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE FINAL BUDGET,BE APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS:NON -DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET LINE ITEM 16,TO ADD $5,000 FOR CONSULTANTS TO EXPLORE ENHANCEMENTS TO RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS;AND TO DIRECT THAT $125,000 BE ADDED TO THE TOTAL BUDGET EXPENDITURES LINE TO BE PARCELED OUT TO THE DEPARTMENTS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THE BUDGET;AND TO SET THE TIME OF AUGUST 5 AT 6:00 P.M.FOR FINAL ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997- 98. MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. ADJOURNMENT meeting at 6:45 p.m. Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE )Vice Mayor Surra adjourned the ACCEPTED THIS 5TH DAY OF AUGUST ,1997,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 5TH DAY OF AUGUST Mayor SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 10 OF 11 ,1997. ATTEST: City Clerk CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the special meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,Arizona,held on the 17th day of July,1997.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 24th day of July,1997. City Clerk SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JULY 17,1997 PAGE 11 OF 11