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Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38.431.02, notice
is hereby given to the members of the City Council and to the general public
that the City Council will hold a meeting open to the public on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at 2:00 P.M.
located in the Subcommittee Room, 200
West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona.
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THE TIMES LISTED
FOR AGENDA ITEMS ARE ESTIMATED. ITEMS MAY
BE DISCUSSED EARLIER OR IN A DIFFERENT SEQUENCE.
Action Taken:
Mayor Gordon called
the meeting to order at 2:13 p.m. Vice
Mayor Simplot and Councilmembers Mattox, Johnson, Baier, Nowakowski, and Williams were
present. Councilmembers
Neely and DiCiccio were absent.
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ESTIMATED
1. 2:00 P.M.-
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COUNCIL INFORMATION AND
FOLLOW-UP REQUESTS.
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This item is scheduled to give City Council members an
opportunity to publicly request information or follow-up on issues of interest
to the community. If the information is
available, staff will immediately provide it to the City Council member. No decisions will be made or action taken.
Action Taken:
There were no
information requests.
CONSENT AGENDA.
There is no Consent Agenda for consideration this week.
CALL FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
A vote to call an Executive Session may be held.
Action Taken:
There was no call for an Executive Session. A call for an Executive Session was made at
the May 19, 2009 City
Council Policy Session.
REPORTS AND BUDGET UPDATES BY
THE CITY MANAGER.
This item is scheduled to allow the City Manager to report
on changes in the City Council Agenda and provide brief informational reports
on urgent issues. The City Council may
discuss these reports but no action will be taken.
Action Taken:
Frank Fairbanks, City Manager, stated that City sales tax
revenues are continuing to fall and have shown no sign of an immediate
recovery. Mr. Fairbanks stated despite
falling City sales tax revenue the City of Phoenix
is also faced with dwindling Transit 2000 (T2000) and Convention Center
funds. Mr. Fairbanks stated that both
the T2000 and Convention Center funds are collecting significantly less than
originally projected and noted that both funds have reported earnings far less
than the General Fund. Mr. Fairbanks
added that the Convention Center is reporting the least amount of collections
because the hospitality industry, including restaurants and hotel stays, is
down citywide.
Vice Mayor Simplot inquired about the Convention Center and
its ability to pay back its bond investment.
Mr. Fairbanks stated that the Convention Center has a General Fund
guarantee where if the Convention Center was unable to make its payments, the
money would then be paid from the General Fund.
Mr. Fairbanks stated though a majority of Phoenix
Convention Center costs are tied to
its operations, staff is looking at every option to reduce those costs where
possible. Mr. Fairbanks also noted that
the Phoenix Convention
Center is currently able to make all of its
payments but the continued decline in revenues is still significant.
Mayor Gordon stated he and the City Council will continue
to discuss Phoenix issues to
national organizations such as the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM)
and the National League of Cities (NLC), but mentioned that aid for the Phoenix
Convention Center is unlikely. Mayor Gordon added that the USCM,
NLC, and others are hoping to have dollars for some city operations included in
any future stimulus program.
Mr. Fairbanks stated that in previous years the City received up to 50 percent
for various transit projects and other operational costs. Mr. Fairbanks stated that those funds were
drastically cut over the last eight to ten years, and any increase would
greatly help.
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ESTIMATED
2. 2:30 P.M.-
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TREE
AND SHADE TASK FORCE OVERVIEW
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Staff: Naimark, Larsen
(Presentation 10 min.)
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This report provides
the City Council an overview of the activities of the Tree and Shade Task Force
and progress on the City’s Tree and Shade Master Plan.
This item is for information only. No City Council action is required.
Action Taken:
Rick Naimark, Deputy City
Manager, introduced the item stating that creating a more environmentally
friendly city has been put at the forefront of the Phoenix
agenda in recent months. Mr. Naimark stated as a means to facilitate smart growth and
reduce the heat impact in urban areas, a task force was created to monitor the
City’s activities with regards to its tree and shade. Mr. Naimark stated
that this item will report to the City Council an overview of the Tree and
Shade Task Force as well as present progress on the Tree and Shade Master Plan.
Dale Larsen, Interim
Parks and Recreation Director,
stated that the wife of Arizona State Treasurer Dean Martin passed away during
childbirth on May 25, 2009. Mr. Larsen stated that Kerry Martin has
worked with the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department Aquatics
Division for numerous years and that the family will remain in staff’s thoughts
and prayers.
Mr. Larsen stated that both natural and artificial shade
can provide comfort and much needed protection from the sun. Mr. Larsen added that there is an innate
connection between children and nature, and that connection can be fostered
with the recommendations of the Tree and Shade Task Force. Mr. Larsen also noted that due to significant
budget reductions in the Forestry section and the elimination of the Urban
Forestry Program, the Parks and Recreation Department has been charged with the
task of leading the interdepartmental group to tackle citywide shade issues.
Ken Vonderscher, Deputy
Parks and Recreation Director,
stated that the percent of urban forest cover in the Phoenix
area is very low compared to regional standards. Mr. Vonderscher
stated that currently trees are being removed for various reasons at a faster
rate than they are being planted. Mr. Vonderscher noted that the severe storm that took place on August 8, 2008 was a prime example of
why so many trees were uprooted this past year.
Mr. Vonderscher stated that the Tree and Shade
Task Force is a cooperative effort between multiple departments that work to
find solutions to shade and tree issues.
Mr. Vonderscher stated that the task force has
met approximately twelve times since is formation, and its purpose is to
design, install, and evaluate a downtown shade demonstration project, establish tree canopy and shade goals,
develop a comprehensive tree maintenance plan, complete a downtown tree study,
expand education and partnership opportunities, and review all City codes and
compliance ordinances. Mr. Vonderscher stated that the downtown shade project could
potentially be located at 3rd Avenue and Washington Street. Mr. Vonderscher continued to say that the first phase of the
design and install process would be to evaluate all engineered shade structures
such as the Maryvale Pool House and Civic Space Park. Mr.
Vonderscher also stated that the task force found it
important to plant only trees with structural soil and those that will yield 70
percent shade at maturity.
Mayor Gordon inquired about the shade structures currently
located around the 24th Street
and Camelback area. Mr. Naimark stated that those structures are very small and
provide very little shade. Mr. Naimark stated that those shade structures will remain in
place until this study has been completed and other options have proven
themselves to be a better fit for the area.
Mayor Gordon inquired about structural soil and how it
would be beneficial to our urban landscape.
Mr. Naimark stated that structural soil is
extremely important because it allows for trees to survive a long time in a
desert area. Mr. Vonderscher
stated that the structural soil is a ten-by-ten square that limits where the
roots and water can go. He stated that
trees planted in structural soil in July are still flourishing.
Mr. Vonderscher stated that the
Arizona State University School of Nursing site is an example of engineered
shade. Mr. Naimark
stated that shade at this location goes out into the Right of Way (ROW)
where it is also needed. Mr. Vonderscher also noted that the Maryvale
Pool House has solar panels on its roof that also provide shade and creative
lighting depending on the positioning of the sun. Mr. Larsen stated that the Maryvale Pool House had its grand opening last week and it
went over extremely well with the community.
Mr. Vonderscher stated that the Office of Arts and Culture
worked with the task force on a “Gimme Shelter Shade
Design” Request for Proposal (RFP). Mr. Vonderscher stated that the RFP was a citywide application for streets, Downtown,
parks, and other City facilities where artists could submit up to ten entries
for various shade designs. Mr. Vonderscher stated that the RFP received approximately ten
designs from over 190 applicants. Mr. Vonderscher stated that the Tree and Shade Task Force will
review projects in June 2009. Mr. Vonderscher stated that the industry recommendation for
urban areas is that western cities provide 25 percent of shade. Mr. Vonderscher
stated that the Phoenix Task Force is recommending 30 percent shade cover for
City facilities and parks, and 50 percent for right-of-way projects.
Mayor Gordon
inquired about the possible impact of these recommendations on the City code or
other existing ordinances. Mr. Larsen
stated that enforcement is going to be key in this
initiative, and a complete evaluation of the City code and all ordinances will
have to occur before moving forward with any formal implementation of these
recommendations.
Mr. Vonderscher stated that it is imperative to choose the
right tree for the right place. Mr.
Larsen stated that City of Phoenix parks are efficient at this and added that effective irrigation is good
for water supplies and potential runoffs.
Mayor Gordon stated
that currently the City requires the adjacent property owner to maintain trees
in the area because it adds value to the entire area. Mayor Gordon inquired if staff was still
looking to enforce that requirement. Mr.
Naimark stated that staff is looking to keep that
requirement.
Mayor Gordon
inquired if staff intended to put property owners on notice about all old and
new property requirements regarding trees and proper maintenance. Mr. Fairbanks stated that though the City
plants the trees, all maintenance requirements are included in notices to the
property owner. Mr. Fairbanks stated
that staff will continue to make all information available to property owners
as early as possible should any ordinance or code changes occur.
Mr. Vonderscher stated that staff is working on a shade study
from the Margaret T. Hance Park near
the Government center downtown to the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. Mr. Vonderscher
stated that the study will follow the north and south rail lines while also
including all major centers along the way.
Mr. Naimark stated that the first step is to
identify the major corridors where shade is likely to be an immediate
necessity.
Mr.
Larsen stated next steps for the Tree and Shade Task Force include completing the master plan by July 2009,
creating an RFP for an urban forest canopy assessment in October 2009, applying
urban forestry best management practices, promoting partnerships within the
community, soliciting volunteers to help with planting and maintenance,
educating the community about importance of shade, creating tree planting
projects, revising City codes, if necessary, complying and enforcing all
ordinances, and planting more trees. Mr.
Larsen noted that a twenty-four-inch box for one tree can range anywhere from
$125-$175, and a forty-eight-inch box can cost up to $1000 per tree. Mr. Larsen stated that this is a very
expensive undertaking but very much needed in the community.
Mayor Gordon stated that partnerships are extremely
important and that during the last few months partners have helped to plant
over 300 trees. Mayor Gordon inquired if
schools or individuals could adopt a tree to get them involved with maintenance
costs. Mr. Larsen stated that was
something staff would look into as another way for community partners to get
more involved.
Mayor Gordon stated previously the City donated money to
the ASU Engineering Department to develop a program that would pinpoint the
areas in greatest need of shade. Mayor
Gordon urged staff to follow up with ASU on that initiative so that we are not
repeating efforts. Mayor Gordon also
inquired if a study had been done on solar panels to provide lighting to an
area and power for fans. Mr. Vonderscher stated that study has not been done in Phoenix.
Councilman Johnson stated that he is happy to see these plans, however, he urges staff to consider all options
before presenting any final recommendations to plant more trees. Councilman Johnson stated that the City is
responsible for what it plants but is concerned about resources in the future.
Mayor Gordon stated that planning standards are going to be
critical in this development. Mr. Naimark stated that staff is researching low maintenance
trees that will thrive in this climate.
Mr. Naimark stated that will allow the City to
operate under a better maintenance cycle.
Mayor Gordon stated that staff should also be cognizant of
all safety issues that may arise in the right-of-way due to tree maintenance.
ESTIMATED
3:12 P.M. -
ADJOURNMENT
For further information, please call the Management Intern,
City Manager's Office, at 602-262-4449.
For reasonable accommodations, call the Management Intern
at Voice/602-262-4449 or TTY/602-534-5500 as early as possible to coordinate
needed arrangements.
Si necesita traducción
en español, por favor llame a la oficina del gerente
de la Ciudad de Phoenix, 602-262-4449 tres días antes de la fecha de la
junta.
PHOENIX
CITY
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Councilwoman Baier
Councilman DiCiccio
Councilman Johnson
Councilman Mattox
Councilwoman Neely
Councilman Nowakowski
Councilwoman
Williams
Vice Mayor Simplot
Mayor Gordon