CITY OF PEORIA, ARIZONA COUNCIL CHAMBER December 13, 2005 A Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Peoria, Arizona was convened at 8401 W. Monroe Street in open and public session at 7:01 p.m. Following a moment of silence, Scouts representing Cub Scout Pack 94 and Boy Scouts including Webelos, Bears, and Tiger Cubs from Pack 90 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Mayor John Keegan, Vice Mayor Patricia Dennis; Councilmembers Bob Barrett, Cathy Carlat, Joan Evans, Vicki Hunt, and Carlo Leone. Members Absent: None Other Municipal Officials Present: Terrence Ellis, City Manager; Prisila Ferreira, Deputy City Manager; John Wenderski, Deputy City Manager; Steve Kemp, City Attorney; Mary Jo Kief, City Clerk; Constance Copeland, Assistant City Clerk; David Leonardo, Bob McKibben, Grady Miller, David Nakagawara, Neil Mann, Dave Moody, J.P. de la Montaigne, Chad Daines and Bill Mattingly. Audience: Approximately 85 individuals were present. Note: The order in which items appear in the minutes is not necessarily the order in which they were discussed in the meeting. PRESENTATIONS: Presentation of Gila River Indian Community Grant Funds to the Peoria Educational Enrichment Foundation Mayor Keegan invited members of the Peoria Education Enrichment Foundation (PEEF) to the podium and asked them to introduce themselves. Susan Hedges explained that she was a member of the Board of Directors serving her fifth year. Cynthia Marin, Board Member, stated that this was her second year on the Board. Bonnie Apperson introduced herself as Liaison between the PEEF and the Peoria Unified School District. Bob Ware, Board Member, explained that he is Director of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce and he is interested in good schools for Peoria. Kris Murray, PEEF President, stated she was honored to be present. Ms. Murray explained that through a partnership with the City of Peoria, PEEF is able to receive grant funds from the Gila River Community to start the Smart Project, a program to use innovative technology to assist 300+ special education students in the District. This will fulfill the guidelines of the Gila River Community on the grant and meets the PEEF mission to make an excellent education extraordinary. Mayor Keegan reported that the City of Peoria is proud to serve as the fiscal agent for a Peoria Educational Enrichment Foundation (PEEF) Grant proposal from the Gila River Indian Community. Mayor Keegan presented a check for $77,000 on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community to representatives of Peoria Educational Enrichment Foundation. Presentation to Carlos Rojas on His Retirement Mayor Keegan; Terry Ellis, City Manager; and Neil Mann, Public Works Director; presented Carlos Rojas of the Public Works Department with a plaque commemorating his retirement after more than 37 years of service to the City of Peoria. Mr. Mann showed several photos of Mr. Rojas over the years with other members of his department. Mayor Keegan noted that the City was fifty-one years old and that Mr. Rojas had been with the City the majority of that time from 1968 through 2005. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rojas were present for the presentation. REGULAR AGENDA 57R Hurricane Katrina Adopted City Assistance Bob McKibben, Peoria Fire Chief, provided an update on the Katrina Hurricane devastation to the east coast. He reported on the participation of eight Peoria Fire officers who were deployed to the disaster area. Chief McKibben explained that the City of Peoria developed a sister-city relationship with Long Beach, Mississippi, upon direction from Mayor Keegan. Chief McKibben explained that Long Beach was chosen based on their need and after Officer Billy Morse served as the liaison to the Mayor of Long Beach for a few months. Karen Daines, Fire Administrative Services Manager, presented an overview of the two-fold approach that the City of Peoria developed to assist Long Beach. She explained that the City Staff and citizens were invited to provide direct assistance to Long Beach citizens identified by their needs through the donation of gift cards from local stores that also have a presence in the Long Beach community. In addition, the City of Peoria had developed a plan to contribute to the municipal operations of Long Beach. Ms. Daines introduced Bob Kranz, President of the Long Beach Rotary Club, and his wife. Mr. Kranz described some of the destruction in his community and shared some pictures of their city after the hurricane. Susan Fitzgerald representing Shari Guida, President of the Peoria Rotary, and Maryanne Baker, President of the Peoria North Rotary, presented Mr. Kranz with a new Rotary Bell and gavel for his Rotary Club. Ms. Fitzgerald noted that the Rotary Bell is a symbol of new beginnings as the bell is rung at the beginning and ending of all club meetings. Ms. Baker also presented Mr. Kranz with a club exchange banner and Mr. Kranz promised to reciprocate when their club was able to organize again. Bob Ware, President of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, explained that the Peoria Chamber wanted to do something to help improve the economic level of the Long Beach community. Mr. Ware advised that the Chamber had raised a total of $650 to help maintain the cell phone for the President of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Ware also reported that some businesses in the devastated area of Long Beach were returning to begin business again. Ms. Daines described the generosity of other Peoria organizations that also provided assistance to Long Beach residents. Local Boy Scouts had raised $500 and the Diamondbacks and Coyotes organizations provided wrapped Holiday gifts. Ms. Daines provided an overview of the list of computers, surplus furniture, sporting equipment and 24 vehicles being donated to the City of Long Beach from the City of Peoria for their municipal operations. The vehicles included cars, trucks, and 12 heavy utility vehicles. Ms. Daines noted that Mayor Keegan would travel to Long Beach, Mississippi, to formally convey the donated items. Mayor Keegan thanked Ms. Daines for her efforts on this assignment. He invited other groups and organizations in the City to continue to participate. Individuals or organizations may call City Hall for more information. Motion was made by Councilmember Hunt, seconded by Councilmember Dennis, to approve a plan to provide surplus City vehicles and equipment to Long Beach, Mississippi. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 58R PUBLIC HEARING – Restaurant Liquor License, Peter Piper Pizza #217, 10006 North 91st Avenue PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Keegan opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone present wished to comment regarding an application for a new Restaurant Liquor License (Series 12) for Peter Piper Pizza #217 located at 10006 North 91st Avenue. Applicant: Steven Dunsire. LL#17883. Staff Report/Public Comment: Mary Jo Kief, City Clerk, reported that the property was properly posted in accordance with State Law, all appropriate fees were paid, all reviewing departments recommend approval and there were no comments received in the City Clerk’s Office related to this application. There being no comment from those present, Mayor Keegan declared the hearing closed. Council Action: Motion was made by Councilmember Leone, seconded by Vice Mayor Dennis, to recommend approval to the State Liquor Board of a new Restaurant Liquor License (Series 12) for Peter Piper Pizza #217 located at 10006 North 91st Avenue. Applicant: Steven Dunsire. LL#17883. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 59R Specific Plan, Loop 303 Freeway (Item 32R, November 15, 2005; Item 22R, October 18, 2005) RESOLUTION NO. 05-191A A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEORIA, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA ADOPTING SP 04-02, THE LOOP 303 CORRIDOR SPECIFIC AREA PLAN FOR THE CITY OF PEORIA, ARIZONA; AND PROVIDING FOR SEPARABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Chad Daines, Planning Manager, reported that the City of Peoria initiated the application for a Specific Area Plan based on the finalization of the alignment for the Loop 303 corridor in 2004. The effort was to reorient commercial, employment and residential uses along the freeway corridor and adjacent lands. The planning area covers approximately 32± square miles in the northern portion of the City. The corridor is approximately two miles wide along the planned freeway alignment with expanded area based on the impact of the modified land use plan. Mr. Daines reported that the City Council had considered the Loop 303 Specific Area Plan on October 18, 2005. At that meeting, a motion to approve the plan failed. Mr. Daines outlined the concerns of City Council at that meeting and explained how Staff addressed those issues. He advised that one concern was with the reduction of the Agua Fria Open Space. Staff addressed this issue by increasing the width of the open space designation south of SR-74. Mr. Daines explained that a concern for providing for public trails through the planning area was addressed by a provision that all future development must provide for trails in accordance with the proposed Trail Plan. Mr. Daines reported that neighbors from the Pleasant Valley community had expressed concerns with the impact of Lone Mountain/Dynamite Roadway on their neighborhood. The City removed the area north of the Pleasant Valley neighborhood and south of the business park from the planning area for the Loop 303 Specific Area Plan to allow additional time to find a solution to their concerns. Mr. Daines advised that the property owner for a 426 acre parcel, Agua Fria Investments, requested developing a mixed-use resort oriented development. The Planning and Zoning Commission modified the applicant’s request and reduced the density. Staff recommended granting the applicant’s request based on the additional open space incorporated on the property. The developer for Vistancia had requested the redesignation of a portion of the power line corridor from Open Space to Regional Commercial and Mixed Use Regional Commercial to provide for ancillary uses such as parking and retention areas within the corridor. Mr. Daines advised that modified language had been incorporated into the development standards to address these issues. Regarding the concern over the development standards, Mr. Daines reported that modified language had been incorporated in the development standards to address marketing of business parks, aesthetic treatment of bus shelters and bus pullouts and a reference correction was made to the Carefree Highway SR74 Traffic intersection. Mr. Daines reported that concerns had been raised about the impact on future long-term water resources for the City resulting from the increase in land use. Mr. Daines acknowledged that the City has a strategy in place to accommodate the increase in water supply demands and water resource issues. Derek Smith, a resident of Pleasant Valley, requested that a road be moved north of their subdivision. He stated that once the road is relocated, future residents will be able to see the road before they purchase their home in the area. Anthony Blackford, a resident of Pleasant Valley, stated that he represented the homeowners in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. He stated that he understood that the road issue was removed from the Specific Land Use Plan. He explained that he looked forward to the meetings to discuss the road alignment to find an adequate compromise. Ms. Blackford stated that Peoria’s water charges were the highest in the area. He asked at what cost the City had water resources for future development. Ken Varga, a resident of Pleasant Valley, stated that he had been told at a previous community meeting that the City had a guaranteed water supply. Mr. Varga stated that the City was using reserves of the City to further growth. He added that his major objection to the plan was with the road alignment. Mr. Varga stated that neighbors had informed him that no one at the City had answered their telephone calls nor had the documents on the plan been available to the public so they could prepare for tonight’s meeting. Mayor Keegan stated that the Council had taken the road alignment issue out of the Specific Area Plan at Mr. Varga’s request. Mayor Keegan told Mr. Varga that he found his comments offensive. Robert Pizorno, representing the law firm for the 426-acre plan, stated that his client supported the modified plan. Mayor Keegan asked Bill Mattingly, Deputy Utilities Director, to explain the City’s plans for water once resources are exhausted. Bill Mattingly reported that the cost of water is attached to each home. The City looks at the available water supply and the projected demand. He outlined the water resources including: CAP canal, and recharge projects. Mayor Keegan asked Mr. Mattingly to confirm if the City requires developers to bring projects for approval without water resources. Mr. Mattingly responded that developers are required to make up any water shortages by identifying and paying for additional water resources. Vice Mayor Dennis stated that originally she had a number of concerns regarding the Specific Area Plan including whether there were adequate levels of fire, police and water resources for the new area. She also had concerns with the amount of designated trails. Vice Mayor Dennis explained that she was also concerned with the long-term costs for the water. She advised that she now believes that Staff has brought back a balanced plan and sufficiently addresses her concerns and she would support the modified plan. Councilmember Carlat commented that Council would continue discussions regarding the road alignment concerns with residents in Pleasant Valley Estates. Motion was made by Councilmember Barrett, seconded by Councilmember Evans, to concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation and adopt RES. 05-191A for a Specific Plan for the corridor and area adjacent to the Loop 303 Freeway encompassing approximately 32+ square miles, from the El Mirage Road interchange to the eastern City border. (SP 04-02) Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 60R PUBLIC HEARING – General Plan Amendment, Carefree Highway and the Agua Fria River (Item 22R, November 15, 2005; Item 21R, October 18, 2005) PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Keegan announced that the public hearing for the request to amend the Land Use Plan of the Peoria General Plan from Park/Open Space to Residential Low (3-5du/ac) and Mixed Use located at Carefree Highway and the Agua Fria River was withdrawn based on the action of the previous agenda item, 59R. (GPA05-05) Staff Report/Public Comment: There was no comment. Council Action: No action was taken on this agenda item - a request to amend the Land Use Plan of the Peoria General Plan from Park/Open Space to Residential Low (3-5du/ac) and Mixed Use located at Carefree Highway and the Agua Fria River. (GPA05-05) 61R Lake Pleasant Heights Specific Area Plan Amendment, 115th Avenue and Lone Mountain Road (Item 27R, November 15, 2005) RESOLUTION NO. 05-215A A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEORIA, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT OF THE LAKE PLEASANT HEIGHTS SPECIFIC AREA PLAN, FOR THE CITY OF PEORIA, ARIZONA; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Chad Daines, Planning Manager, presented an overview of the Lake Pleasant Heights Specific Area Plan (SAP) to update the conceptual land use, circulation and open space maps and the development standards for the +3,268-acre site. He reported that 1,872 acres are privately owned and 1,396 acres are owned by the State Land Department. The Plan originally adopted in 1994 provided for general land use and transportation framework encompassing approximately 9,000 acres which included the area discussed today. The Plan was accompanied by an Annexation and Development Agreement that established a set of basic land use rights and entitlement for the whole area. Mr. Daines advised that the original Lake Pleasant Heights property was split into three ownership groups. Each group received approval for amendments to their portion of the original SAP. The current SAP proposes a diversity of housing types and densities, commercial nodes, natural open space, opportunities for resort and golf course development, parks and public facilities. The area topography is Sonoran desert with numerous rock outcroppings, wash corridors and encompasses portion of mountains and wetlands. The SAP promotes development of medium residential densities along the El Mirage transportation corridor and transitioning into larger-lot custom and semi-custom area beyond the corridor. The SAP also contains three community commercial nodes and proposes the development of a golf course and resort. Mr. Daines reported that the applicant submitted an accompanied Lake Pleasant Heights Planned Community Development (PCD) rezoning application for the entire property. The amendment to the SAP is to provide modification to the Land Use and Circulation Map so that the information will correspond with the PCD report. Mr. Daines advised that the proposed amendment complies with the goals and objectives of the Peoria General Plan. The planned Loop 303 alignment affects future circulation in the area and contributed to the changes in land use planning around the vicinity. The amendment will provide more refined details on the land use designations, the redistribution of open space area and the relocation of the public facilities within the Lake Pleasant Heights community. Mr. Daines described the acreage and target density for the state land and private land components. He advised that the proposed target project density will be 1.98 dwelling units per acre on private land; 1.62 dwelling acres for state land and 1.83 dwelling units per acre for the combined land ownership. Mr. Daines reported that the El Mirage Road alignment was to pass through the property owned by Diamond Venture, but after a number meetings with the owners and the City Engineering Department, the realignment has now been designed to remain within the Lake Pleasant Heights property. Police and Fire department proposed to establish a joint facility within the Lake Pleasant Heights community and is part of this amendment. Bob McKibben, Fire Chief, advised that the City had not yet determined when the new fire station would be built. Mr. Daines noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the request to amend the Lake Pleasant Specific Area Plan. Motion was made by Councilmember Carlat, seconded by Councilmember Leone, to concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation and adopt RES. 05-215A to amend the Lake Pleasant Heights Specific Area Plan to update the conceptual land use, circulation and open space maps and the development standards for the +3,268-acre site. (GPA01-04A.1) Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 62R Rezoning, 115th Avenue and Lone Mountain Road (Item 28R, November 15, 2005) ORDINANCE NO. 05-66A AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PEORIA, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA ZONING PROPERTY FROM SR-43 (SUBURBAN RANCH), R1-35 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) AND AG (GENERAL AGRICULTURAL) ZONING DISTRICTS TO A PCD (PLANNED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT) ZONING DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING MAP AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. RESOLUTION NO. 05-216A A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEORIA, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, ADOPTING AND APPROVING PLANNED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ZONING AS A PROTECTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHT PLAN FOR A PHASED DEVELOPMENT. Chad Daines, Planning Manager, reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the adoption of an ordinance to rezone approximately +3,268 acres, located near the northwest corner of 115th Avenue and Lone Mountain Road and bounded by the Joy Ranch Road alignment to the north and 123rd Avenue and 131st Avenue alignments to the west, from Suburban Ranch (SR-43), Single-Family Residential (R1-35) and General Agricultural (AG) to Planned Community Development (PCD). Mr. Daines provided an overview of the property and rezoning requests. Mr. Daines reported that 1,872 acres are privately owned and 1,396 acres are State Land. The combined density per acre is reduced to 1.83 dwelling unites. The zoning is for a mixed use of estate, low, medium and high density residential land uses, resort developments, golf courses, commercial developments, public facilities, and public parks. Mr. Daines stated that there are three commercial nodes and medium to high density development proposed along the El Mirage transportation corridor. There is a potential 18-hole golf course and resort planned as a focal point for the development. Mr. Daines reported that El Mirage Road will serve as the main access for the Lake Pleasant Heights Community. Westland Drive will serve as a minor arterial. The Police and Fire departments have proposed to develop a joint facility and the applicant has dedicated 2.5 acres for this future facility. Mr. Daines reported that the applicant has coordinated with the Peoria Unified School District and identified a more appropriate location for the public school on the Land Use Plan, and the applicant has met with the Community Services Department and coordinated on proposed trails, parks, and open spaces. Mr. Daines reported that the applicant has added language related to waters systems and the formation of a Community Facilities District and met the standards on the drainage system as requested by the City’s Utilities Department. Mr. Daines advised that the Planning and Zoning Commission on October 20, 2005 recommended approval of the request to rezone the land. Vice Mayor Dennis questioned why the changes affected State Lands. Mr. Daines responded that the 3,268 acres included State Land. In response to questions regarding water resources, Bill Mattingly, Deputy Utility Director, reported that the City identifies the deficit and the quantity of water needs. When the State Lands Department chooses to develop the land, they will need to make up any deficit water resources. This is explained in the Master Plan. Mayor Keegan added that the State holds water rights and may makes those rights available and release the hold on that water. Mr. Mattingly reported that there was no allocation specific to this property, but the State Land Department can decide to use their allotment if they develop the property. The City has the authority to approve the water resources. Councilmember Barrett added that the State holds a large amount of CAP water rights and can assign what they want to whatever property they wish. Councilmember Carlat raised questions related to the hillside ordinance and asked why the discussion was separated into two parts. Mr. Daines clarified that the City was conveying one zoning document as the conservation plan was within the Master Plan. Motion was made by Councilmember Carlat, seconded by Vice Mayor Dennis, to: a) Concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation and adopt ORD. 05-66A to rezone approximately +3,268 acres, located near the northwest corner of 115th Avenue and Lone Mountain Road and bounded by the Joy Ranch Road alignment to the north and 123rd Avenue and 131st Avenue alignments to the west, from Suburban Ranch (SR-43), Single-Family Residential (R1-35) and General Agricultural (AG) to Planned Community Development (PCD); and b) Adopt RES. 05-216A establishing protected development rights enabling the applicant to carry out the proposed development project. (Z03-05) Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 63R Rezoning, Jomax Road and Lake Pleasant Parkway (Item 29R, November 15, 2005) ORDINANCE NO. 05-67A AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PEORIA, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA ZONING PROPERTY FROM SR-43 (SUBURBAN RANCH) ZONING DISTRICT TO A PAD (PLANNED AREA DEVELOPMENT) ZONING DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING MAP AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mayor Keegan stated that the applicant had requested that this agenda item be carried over until the second meeting in January to allow more time to meet with residents in the area. Motion was made by Councilmember Leone, seconded by Councilmember Hunt, to carryover until January 17, 2006, the discussion and possible action to concur with the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation and adopt ORD. 05-67A to rezone approximately 44 acres, located south of the southeast corner of Jomax Road and Lake Pleasant Parkway, from Suburban Ranch (SR-43) to Planned Area Development (PAD). (Z05-08) Upon voting, the motion to carryover the agenda item passed unanimously. 64R Contract Amendment, Haydon Building Corporation, Rio Vista Community Park Improvements J.P. de la Montaigne, Community Services Director, described the planned amenities for the Rio Vista Community Park Phase II which includes developing a 52,000 square foot recreation center; adding lighted youth and adult sports fields, batting cage, two indoor racquetball courts; and accommodation for seating 300 individuals for special events. Mr. de la Montaigne also described the new Veteran’s Memorial and the bridge that will connect the Park to the Memorial over the lake. Councilmember Barrett stated that he was very excited with the planned amenities and the additions to the Park. Motion was made by Councilmember Barrett, seconded by Councilmember Carlat, to approve Contract Amendment No. 2 in the amount of $15,281,958 with Haydon Building Corporation for the construction of park and recreation center improvements for Rio Vista Community Park Phase II (LCON13004B) which: a) Authorized expenses in the amount of $787,500 for electrical, water, and sewer fees and charge accounts in the Rio Vista Community Park project; and b) Approved the appropriation and transfer of funds in the amount of $3,333,287 from the General Fund Contingency Account to the Rio Vista Community Park Project, Citywide Park Impact Fee Account. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. CALL TO THE PUBLIC: (NON-AGENDA ITEMS) None. Reports from the City Manager: Terry Ellis, City Manager, stated that Staff would present a status report on the Downtown Irrigation District. Bill Mattingly, Deputy Utilities Director, reported that the City authorized the grant program. The City received 37 grant applications and has processed 36 checks to those applicants. One application was returned to the applicant for additional information. Mr. Mattingly noted that Council had authorized $180,000 for the grant program. Four previous customers of the irrigation district had not responded to the grant program. Staff would be contacting them to be sure that they had an opportunity to apply. Mr. Mattingly reported that the City was working with the Peoria Historical Society and the Peoria Community Center to help them convert to low water use landscaping. The City has also notified Salt River Project (SRP) about the City’s intentions to no longer take irrigation downtown. Mr. Mattingly reported that on October 31, 2005, just before the November 1, 2005 deadline to notify the City of their intentions, some residents talked with City Staff about forming a Water District. The City was informed that this group has begun the process of forming a corporation. The City has set March 1, 2006 as the deadline for a new Water District to be formalized. The City intends to decommission the irrigation system before the next irrigation cycle and has set March 1, 2006 as the deadline. Mayor Keegan asked Steve Kemp, City Attorney, what must be accomplished before conveying the system. Mr. Kemp advised that the group must become a legal entity. They have proposed to become a not-for-profit corporation. The corporation will have to complete a publication process and meet fee application requirements before the City may convey assets of the system. The City will then provide an operating agreement for the new entity to operate the Water District within the City Right-of-Way and a “no-sale” to convey any personal property to the corporation. The franchise will ultimately be put on the ballot for approval of the franchise by the public like any other public service corporation operating within the City Right-of- Way. Mr. Kemp noted that the organization has advised the City that they will complete their requirements by early December. Mr. Kemp emphasized that the new corporation will need to allow the City lead time to draft legal documents in order for them to meet the March 1st deadline. The City cannot execute documents to an entity that is not a legal entity. Mayor Keegan stated that he was concerned that they had waited until the last few days to decide to form an entity even though the City has been talking to this group for over a year. Mayor Keegan asked if the City could provide any latitude in meeting the deadline with SRP. Bill Mattingly, Deputy Utilities Director, reported that the City has already notified SRP that the City will not take irrigation next year. There will be no water delivery next year unless someone steps forward or SRP changes their policy. The City’s system connects to their system and we must take steps to insure that we do not create leaks and other issues that cause property damage. On March 1, 2006 the City will take steps to decommission the system and make it inactive. In response to questions from Mayor Keegan, Mr. Kemp explained the deadline of March 1, 2006 is for the whole transaction to be completed and closed; it is not the deadline for the formation of the corporation. Terry Ellis, City Manager, advised that the City will provide this information to the entity in writing this week with instructions on what is expected and emphasize the March 1, 2006 deadline. Discussion ensued regarding the deadline. Councilmember Barrett noted that SRP requires a November deadline to order water from SRP. Mr. Mattingly confirmed that unless SRP decides to change the policy, the District would not be able to order water at that time. Vice Mayor Dennis wanted to be sure that the group is given specific information about what must be done by March 1, 2006, but Vice Mayor Dennis did not have a problem with the set deadline. Mr. Kemp explained that the information was provided to the group in detail during the October Council Meeting which included information on the deadline. Reports from City Council: Councilmember Evans welcomed Cactus High School students who were present in the audience and encouraged them to take the message back to their school about the opportunity to participate in assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina. Councilmember Evans noted the new Paseo Verde Park in the Willow District. Councilmember also recognized the achievement of two schools who were awarded excelling recommendations in Peoria which brings the total to three schools with this ranking. Councilmember Evans noted that Peoria is a great place to live and raise a family. Vice Mayor Dennis commented that she had missed the last Council meeting and wanted to express her support and congratulations to Theater Works. Vice Mayor Dennis stated that the new Theater will be a catalyst for revitalizing the downtown. Vice Mayor Dennis also recognized Cactus High School winning the Football 4A State Championship. Councilmember Carlat stated that she is proud to be part of the City and appreciated the efforts of the City of Peoria in providing assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina in Long Beech, Mississippi. Councilmember Carlat applauded the Journey Church in North Peoria for providing hands-on assistance to victims of Katrina and also collecting a truck load of basic necessities to send. Councilmember Leone described the Thanksgiving Run at the Peoria Sports Complex. He also noted that he participated in serving 135 Thanksgiving meals to the needy. Councilmember Leone also recognized all the participants who made Gingerbread Houses on display at City Hall and expressed how difficult it was to choose the best ones. Councilmember Leone reported that he was also a judge for the Downtown Peoria Festival. He noted that Centennial High School took first place. He congratulated all the volunteers. Councilmember Hunt commented that the groundbreaking for the new Community Theater was today. Many people have waited a long time for this day. Councilmember Hunt also noted that the Holiday Festival in Peoria had the highest attendance record. Councilmember Hunt thanked the Firefighters for the Pancake Breakfasts in Councilmember Hunt’s neighborhood and at the Santa Fe Elementary School. Volunteers from the Firefighters’ Charities make the pancakes, read to the children and stress the importance of education. Councilmember Hunt also noted that she just returned from a week in Charlotte, North Carolina where she attended a Municipal Government Conference and is really excited about the number of things that she would like to implement in Peoria. Councilmember Hunt stated that she will share more about her ideas in the future. Reports from the Mayor: None. There being no further comments, Mayor Keegan closed the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 8:58 p.m. ______________________________________ John C. Keegan, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________________ Mary Jo Kief, City Clerk CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council of Peoria, Arizona held on the 13th day of December, 2005. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 17th day of January, 2006. (Seal) ______________________________________________ Mary Jo Kief, City Clerk Special City Council Meeting Minutes December 13, 2005, 7:00 p.m. Page 21 of 15