MINUTES OF THE PEORIA CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PEORIA, ARIZONA COUNCIL CHAMBER August 21, 2006 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 7:02 p.m. Following a moment of silence, Councilmember Evans led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members Present: Mayor John Keegan; Vice Mayor Vicki Hunt; Councilmembers Pat Dennis, Joan Evans, Pat Hickson, Cathy Carlat, and Carlo Leone. Members Absent: None Other Municipal Officials Present: Terrence Ellis, City Manager; Carl Swenson, Deputy City Manager; Susan Thorpe, Deputy City Manager; John Wenderski, Deputy City Manager; Steve Kemp, City Attorney; Mary Jo Kief, City Clerk; David Leonardo, Neil Mann, Bill Mattingly, Bob McKibben, Grady Miller, Dave Moody, Steve Prokopek, Jeff Tyne, Glen Van Nimwegen, and Carolyn Hinderliter. Audience: Approximately 40 Note: The order in which items appear in the minutes is not necessarily the order in which they were discussed in the meeting. AGENDA PRESENTATION: Certificates of Appointment were made to the following Board and Commission members: Chuck Fitzgerald – Parks and Recreation Board Robert Belanger – Youth Advisory Board Jake Blevins – Youth Advisory Board Brooke Ferguson – Youth Advisory Board Lili Fernandez – Youth Advisory Board Kristen Matheson – Youth Advisory Board Kelly Quinn – Youth Advisory Board Shelbie Staley – Youth Advisory Board Gilbert Romero – Youth Advisory Board Mayor Keegan also acknowledged the appointment of Tyler Ashcroft to the Youth Advisory Board. He was not in attendance. REGULAR AGENDA NEW BUSINESS 1R PUBLIC HEARING – Liquor License, Various Locations PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Keegan opened the Public Hearing and asked if any Councilmember or citizen wished to comment on the following liquor applications: a) A New Wine & Beer License (Series 10) for ARCO AM/PM, located at 9102 W. Peoria Avenue; and b) A Person-to-Person Transfer of an Off-Sale All Liquor License (Series 9) for CVS/Pharmacy #9237, located at 9848 W. Peoria Avenue; and CVS/Pharmacy #9294, located at 9172 W. Union Hills Drive. Staff Report/Public Comment: Mary Jo Kief, City Clerk, reported that the properties were posted in accordance with Arizona law, all reviewing departments recommended approval, all fees were paid, and no comments were received in the City Clerk’s Office. There being no comments from those present and none received in the City Clerk’s Office, Mayor Keegan declared the Public Hearing closed. Council Action: Motion was made by Councilmember Carlat, seconded by Councilmember Leone, to approve: a) A New Wine & Beer License (Series 10) for ARCO AM/PM, located at 9102 W. Peoria Avenue. Applicant: Russell G. Scaramella. LL#10006630; and b) A Person-to-Person Transfer of an Off-Sale All Liquor License (Series 9) for CVS/Pharmacy #9237, located at 9848 W. Peoria Avenue; and CVS/Pharmacy #9294, located at 9172 W. Union Hills Drive. Applicant: Jason B. Morris. LL#10006856, LL#10006857. Councilmember Evans stated for the record that due diligence is important when submitting an application. Councilmember Evans reported that an elementary school and certain churches were within a one mile radius of the property. Mayor Keegan also commented on due diligence and the importance of accurately completing the application. Steve Kemp, City Attorney, advised that there is some difficulty in obtaining accurate information. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 2R PUBLIC HEARING - Permanent Extension of Premises, Moon Saloon PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Keegan opened the Public Hearing and asked if any Councilmember or citizen wished to comment on a request for approval of a Permanent Extension of Premises for Moon Saloon, located at 16554 N. 83rd Avenue. Staff Report/Public Comment: Mary Jo Kief, City Clerk, reported that the property was posted in accordance with Arizona law, all reviewing departments recommended approval, all fees were paid, and no comments were received in the City Clerk’s Office. Councilmember Hickson asked if the enclosed patio already existed or if it is a planned addition. Councilmember Hickson noted that the applicant was not in attendance so there could be no response to his question. There being no comments from those present and none received in the City Clerk’s Office, Mayor Keegan declared the Public Hearing closed. Council Action: Motion was made by Councilmember Hickson, seconded by Councilmember Carlat, to recommend to the State Liquor Board a Permanent Extension of Premises for Moon Saloon, located at 16554 N. 83rd Avenue. Applicant: H.J. Lewkowitz. LL#31274. Councilmember Dennis stated that she wished the applicant was present in order to ask about the permanent extension, noise mitigation, and other issues. Vice Mayor Hunt commented that Council had very little information on which to base a decision. Councilmember Hickson amended the original motion, seconded by Councilmember Leone, to carryover the item to the next Council meeting when the applicant or representative could be in attendance. Upon vote, the motion to carryover this item to the next Council meeting was carried unanimously. 3R PUBLIC HEARING – Off-Track Wagering License Renewals, Various Locations PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Keegan opened the Public Hearing and asked if any Councilmember or citizen wished to comment on a request for approval of Off-Track Wagering License Renewals for Ramada Inn, located at 8955 N.W. Grand Avenue; McDuffy’s Sports Bar, located at 15814 N. 83rd Avenue; and Gallagher’s Food & Fun, located at 6750 W. Peoria Avenue. Staff Report/Public Comment: Mary Jo Kief, City Clerk, reported that the properties were properly posted in accordance with Arizona law, all reviewing departments recommended approval, all fees were paid, and no comments were received in the City Clerk’s Office. There being no comments from those present and none received in the City Clerk’s Office, Mayor Keegan declared the Public Hearing closed. Council Action: Councilmember Hickson asked if there was any history of off-track wagering causing problems. David Leonardo, Police Chief, reported that there had been no calls to the Police Department from the establishment at either location during race times which is when off- track wagering occurs. Vice Mayor Hunt explained that the Council does not rubber stamp approvals and that applications must be filled out completely and honestly. Due diligence is needed, and it is important that applicants attend the public hearings to address any questions from Council. Motion was made by Councilmember Dennis, seconded by Councilmember Hickson, to recommend approval to the Arizona Racing Commission of Off-Track Wagering License Renewals for Ramada Inn, located at 8955 N.W. Grand Avenue; McDuffy’s Sports Bar, located at 15814 N. 83rd Avenue; and Gallagher’s Food & Fun, located at 6750 W. Peoria Avenue. Councilmember Hickson stated that he seconded the motion only for the purpose to allow discussion of the applications. Upon vote, the motion carried by a vote of six to one with Councilmember Hickson voting “no.” 4R PUBLIC HEARING – Proposed Annexation, 83rd Avenue and Northern Avenue PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Keegan opened the Public Hearing and asked if any Councilmember or citizen wished to comment on a request for approval of a proposed annexation of 5.5± acres, located north of Northern Avenue and 253± feet west of 83rd Avenue. (ANX 05-04) Staff Report/Public Comment: Glen Van Nimwegen, Director of Community Development, reported that the proposed annexation is for five and a half acres which wraps around the northwest corner of 83rd Avenue and Northern Avenue. The property is currently zoned in Maricopa County for light industrial. The land owner is interested in developing it into a light industrial campus. The process of annexation included: filing a petition on July 28, 2006 giving the City of Peoria a 30-day period, posting the site, sending notices to the land owner and to Maricopa County, and holding a public hearing. The purpose of public hearing is to receive input. At this time, no action will be taken. The petition must be signed, turned in and the item brought back to Council at a future meeting for action. In response to questions from Council regarding the corner parcel, Mr. Van Nimwegen explained that there was no request to annex the corner parcel of land from the property owner. The general plan shows the corner property zoned as low-density residential. Mr. Van Nimwegen further explained that if the two parcels were considered together for annexation and one owner declined annexation, the annexation of the remaining parcel could not be approved as over 50 percent of the owners must agree to the annexation. There being no further comment from those present, Mayor Keegan declared the hearing closed. Council Action: No Council action was necessary. 5R PUBLIC HEARING – Annexation of Proposed Right-of-Way, 67th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road to Happy Valley Road PUBLIC HEARING: Mayor Keegan opened the Public Hearing and asked if any Councilmember or citizen wished to comment on a request for approval of an annexation of proposed right-of-way, located along 67th Avenue, north of Pinnacle Peak Road to Happy Valley Road. (ANX 06-05) Staff Report/Public Comment: Glen Van Nimwegen, Director of Community Development, reported that this annexation of future right-of-way is for the 67th Avenue road project. This includes about 15 acres. The goal is to acquire all the right-of-way, develop the roadway and later de-annex it to the City of Phoenix per an agreement with the City of Phoenix. The annexation was posted in three different places, notices were mailed to the different land owners and a public hearing was held within the 30-day required period. In response to questions from Councilmember Carlat, Mr. Van Nimwegen and David Moody, Engineering Director, clarified that ownership of the annexed ROW will remain the ownership of the City of Peoria until the ultimate improvements of 67th Avenue are completed in the year 2011. There being no further comments from those present, Mayor Keegan declared the hearing closed. Council Action: No Council action necessary. 6R Neighborhood Grant Program Glen Van Nimwegen, Director of Community Development, reported that the Neighborhood Grant Program is an opportunity for neighborhoods to have more control over their neighborhoods. The program received $75,000 funding in this year’s budget. Mr. Van Nimwegen introduced Millie Peterson, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, to provide Council an overview of the program. Ms. Peterson explained that the purpose of the Neighborhood Grant Program is to offer funding opportunities that can assist in neighborhood-based improvement projects to prevent the decline of neighborhoods and to encourage neighborhood participation and investment. The program will help to address individual neighborhood needs before they become community challenges. Ms. Peterson explained that applications would be accepted year round. The application criteria was based on financial need; applicant’s ability to sustain any on-going costs associated with the project; the level of support and involvement of residents in the grant process and project; and the safety, aesthetic, and creative enhancements. Neighborhoods have six months to complete projects. Extension requests must be made prior to the end of the six- month deadline. Ms. Peterson further explained that all neighborhoods could apply including traditional neighborhood associations, defined as neighborhoods that have organized voluntarily and therefore do not have mandated fee collection or assessment capabilities. Also eligible are Homeowners Associations (HOAs) in neighborhoods that have mandated monthly fees and assessment capabilities and therefore possess a source of revenue. There will be a 50 percent cash match with a waiver provision. Ms. Peterson reported projects must benefit the neighborhood or community and demonstrate the direct involvement of the neighborhood residents who are affected by the project. Some project examples include landscaping, entry monument/identity signs, security lighting, playground improvements and neighborhood clean-up. Councilmember Evans commented about the Neighborhood Grant Committee selection process and asked if the committee was comprised of City staff. Ms. Peterson responded that initially it was. Councilmember Hickson noted that HOA’s could apply for the 50 percent cash match. Councilmember Leone commented about the eligibility of mobile home parks. Councilmember Carlat asked if the application was available online. Ms. Peterson reported that staff was working on providing that information online. Councilmember Dennis asked about the length of time required. Ms. Peterson reported that there was no time limit. Councilmember Dennis asked questions about maintenance and neighborhood code compliance. Ms. Peterson reported that consideration would be made of maintenance done by the HOA. Councilmember Hickson commented that the program was wonderful for communities. Motion was made by Councilmember Hickson, seconded by Vice Mayor Hunt, to approve the Community Development Department’s recommendation to implement the Neighborhood Grant Program. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 7R Contract, Anthem Restaurant Group, (Salty Senorita Peoria, LLC), Monastery II Building Mayor Keegan announced that staff would present one report on both Agenda Item 7R Contract, Anthem Restaurant Group, (Salty Senorita Peoria, LLC), Monastery II Building and Agenda Item 8R, Termination of Contract with the same property. Steve Prokopek, Economic Development Director, reported on the cancellation of the lease for the Monastery site and entering into a new agreement with Salty Senorita Peoria, LLC. The location of the property is just north of the Peoria Sports Complex. It is approximately a 2.3-acre site at 77th Avenue and Paradise Lane. The Monastery Group approached the City about finding another entity to take over their lease and worked with the City to find a good fit. Mr. Prokopek advised that the Salty Senorita has two locations in the Valley and is locally owned. This will be a full service Mexican food restaurant with a family environment. The operator plans to add a kitchen, outdoor dining space and additional bar space outside. Banquet space will be added as well. The Monastery will close down during the construction of the kitchen and renovation. There are two conditions for terminating the lease and executing the new lease: Salty Senorita will get a Use Permit for outdoor dining and to acquire a Series 12 Restaurant Liquor License or a new Bar and Grill Liquor License. The plan is to have renovations done and be open by January 2007. Because the City is restructuring the rent schedule, a new lease is proposed. The new lease will have a 20-year term with two five-year options which is on the same track as with the Monastery. Anthem Restaurant Group will make a minimum capital investment of $400,000 which includes the renovations. The base will be $30,000 per year rent and every five years that will adjust up by $3,000. The other change will be the Series 12 License or a New Bar and Grill License. Mr. Prokopek further reported that the benefits of the project will be the increased sales tax revenue to the City. The Monastery averaged $22,000 a year in sales tax revenue. Conservative estimates with the new operator are to have sales revenues of $3,000,000 per year which would generate significantly more sales tax revenue for the City. Mayor Keegan clarified that Series 12 License is a restaurant license. Mayor Keegan stated that after the situation with the Wet Willy’s establishment, the City will not consider a Bar and Grill Liquor License. Only a Series 12 Restaurant Liquor License will be acceptable within the City of Peoria going forward. Councilmember Hickson asked if the exterior facilities will be retained, specifically the volleyball courts. John Casale, President of Anthem Restaurant Group, responded that the plans are to convert one volleyball court into patio dining area. The other volleyball court will be used for catering purposes only. Councilmember Evans shared concerns about having live music past midnight. Councilmember Evans stated for the public record that Salty Senorita promised that loud music after midnight would not occur. Mr. Casale confirmed that loud noise would not be a problem; they did not anticipate having music other than mariachis and acoustical music. Mr. Casale added they were going to plant a number of trees across the back of the property to mitigate noise. Discussion ensued regarding the type of liquor license for approval. Steve Kemp, City Attorney, advised that the liquor license request would come before Council for action in a future meeting. Mayor Keegan noted that Council requested that the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses not approve grill licenses within the City of Peoria. Council does not want to send mixed messages. Councilmember Evans confirmed that her motion included a stipulation that the contract specify a Series 12 Restaurant License. Motion was made by Councilmember Evans, seconded by Councilmember Dennis, to authorize the City Manager to enter into a ground lease agreement with Anthem Restaurant Group (Salty Senorita Peoria, LLC) for a restaurant located in the Monastery II building at the Peoria Sports Complex (LCON09406) with the stipulation that the contract specify a Series 12 License. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 8R Termination of Contract Clerk’s Note: The Staff Report and discussion of this agenda item was completed in conjunction with Agenda Item 7R Motion was made by Councilmember Evans, seconded by Councilmember Hickson, to authorize the City Manager to terminate the lease agreement with Monastery II, LLC. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 9R Contract, CHI Construction Company, Camino á Lago South Development Dave Moody, Engineering Director, presented an overview of the history of building Lake Pleasant Parkway that included an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona State Land Department for certain City contributions to and development of the portion of State Land south of Deer Valley Road. Mr. Moody explained that the contract before Council was the culmination of the completion of Lake Pleasant Parkway and the culmination of a truck route that Council adopted many years ago. With the approval of the development agreement with Continental Homes Inc. (CHI), the City will be constructing five different capital projects: Mr. Moody outlined the capital projects that have already received budgetary approval and will be disbursed in coordination with this development agreement: * $3.5 million to pay the developer for improvements of Lake Pleasant Parkway between 95th Avenue and Deer Valley Road and for construction on Lake Pleasant Road, from Rose Garden Lane to Lake Pleasant Parkway. * $3.1 million to pay for the construction of two northbound and two southbound lanes and a median on Lake Pleasant Parkway, from Deer Valley Road to Williams Road. * $1.3 million to pay for the construction of a 30-inch water line, from Lake Pleasant Parkway and Deer Valley Road to Lake Pleasant Road and Rose Garden Lane. * $2.5 million for the construction of a 24-inch sanitary trunk sewer along Deer Valley Road, from Lake Pleasant Parkway to 97th Avenue, and from 95th Avenue to 91st Avenue. * $44,000 to pay for the construction of a 16-inch water line to tie into the City well off of Lake Pleasant Parkway. Mr. Moody advised that because of an increase in the estimates for the utility projects, staff requests budget transfers and the use of reserves from the Water Utility Fund in the amount of $475,993 and a budget transfer and the use of reserves from the Wastewater Utility Fund in the amount of $705,095. If the bids come in over the estimates for the utility projects, Mr. Moody advised that he would bring the item back to Council in September. The projects should take approximately 12 months to complete. In response to questions from Councilmember Carlat, Mr. Moody clarified that based on the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget, the Engineer’s estimates came in higher than anticipated. These two utility transfers will transfer additional money, but the other estimates are still within the CIP budget. Motion was made by Councilmember Carlat, seconded by Councilmember Evans, to: a) Approve the development agreement with CHI Construction Company for improvements in, or adjacent to, the Camino á Lago South development (LCON09506); b) Approve a budget transfer and the use of reserves in the amount of $475,993 from the Water Utility Fund Contingency Account to the Water Utility Fund Water System Account; and c) Approve a budget transfer and the use of reserves in the amount of $705,095 from the Wastewater Utility Fund Contingency Account to the Wastewater Utility Fund Wastewater System Account. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 10R Contract, State of Arizona Department of Emergency Management, Terrorism Liaison Officer Program Robert McKibben, Fire Chief, introduced Larry Rooney, Deputy Fire Chief, to provide an overview of an intergovernmental agreement between the State of Arizona Department of Emergency Management and the City of Peoria Fire Department in order to establish a Terrorism Liaison Officer program. Deputy Chief Rooney explained that a Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) performs threat value assessments, shares information between the Police and Fire Departments, serves as contact point to report suspicious activity, responds to major incidents, and provides needed training to the rest of the Fire Department on Homeland Security issues. Deputy Chief Rooney reported that the City of Peoria Fire Department has been identified as a partner through the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC). The intergovernmental agreement (IGA) will be administered through the Arizona Department of Emergency Management via funding received through the Urban Area Security Initiative. The IGA provides $68,600 for funding of one TLO Response vehicle and related equipment. The period of commitment is two years, and Peoria’s commitment is 40 hours a month for TLO’s who will be assigned to the ACTIC. Mr. Rooney reported that staff recommended acceptance of the IGA and subsequent funds for a TLO response vehicle and related equipment, authorization of a related budget transfer to appropriate funding, and support of the Fire Department TLO commitment to ACTIC. Motion was made by Vice Mayor Hunt, seconded by Councilmember Hickson, to: a) Approve an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Arizona Department of Emergency Management to establish a Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) program; b) Accept a reimbursable grant to purchase a vehicle and equipment for the TLO program (LCON09606); and c) Approve a budget transfer in the amount of $68,000 from the Proposed Grant Contingency Account to the Homeland Security Grant Fund. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 11R Contract Amendment, Haydon Building Corporation Neil Mann, Director of Public Works, introduced Ed Striffler, Public Works Construction Superintendent. Mr. Striffler provided a brief presentation on the contract amendment with the Haydon Building Corporation. He reported that the staff recommendation was to approve Haydon Building Corp.’s Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $19,616,252, to construct the Development and Community Services Building and a 247-space parking garage, construct modifications to the campus-library parking garage including 44 new parking spaces, and for construction administration by the design professionals. Mr. Striffler further reported that staff’s recommendation is for Council to authorize the expenditure of $795,000 for project expenses including plan review and permit fees, impact fees, water/sewer fees, arts assessments, and contingency for the unforeseen; and authorize an advance of $416,000 from the project’s FY’08 budget forward into FY’07 to allow for the award of the entire GMP. Mr. Striffler provided a project update and reported that design tasks should be completed by July 2007, and City and County permits are in progress and aligned with planned construction start. Mr. Striffler advised that long lead procurement items (steel, precast, masonry) were awarded, and utility relocations in Cinnabar Road were substantially complete with Qwest finalizing their splicing efforts. Mr. Striffler discussed design updates including the Development and Community Services Building and library parking and access modifications. Financial actions would include a net award to Haydon of $15,811,377 with expenditure authority of $795,000. The GMP Schedule included a date of September 1, 2006 to mobilize, survey, and do mass grading with December 7, 2007, the expected final completion date. The top three schedule risks include a continued shortage of subcontractor labor, timely delivery and erection of masonry, and the potential for setbacks due to weather-related issues. Motion was made by Vice Mayor Hunt, seconded by Councilmember Carlat, to: a) Award Contract Amendment No. 5 in the amount of $19,616,252 to Haydon Building Corporation for the construction of the Development and Community Services Building and library parking modifications projects (LCON08005E); b) Authorize an expenditure in an amount up to $795,000 for project-related expenses; and c) Authorize the use of funds in the amount of $416,000 in the Fiscal Year 2008 Capital Improvement Project budget and a budget transfer from the Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund Contingency Account to the Half-Cent Sales Tax Fund Buildings Account. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. 12R Authorize Expenditure, Jomax Water Reclamation Facility Expansion Shawn Kreuzwiesner, Engineering Manager, provided a brief presentation on the Jomax Water Reclamation Facility expansion. He reported that the Jomax Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) Phase One was completed in 2005. Phase 1 has a treatment capacity of 0.75 million gallons per day (MGD) and cost $14.1 million to construct. The Jomax WRF service area has a projected build-out population of 129,500 with a wastewater flow of 12.5 MGD. Mr. Kreuzwiesner described the Peoria sewer service areas and the Jomax WRF service area. The current capacity is 0.75 MGD, the added capacity is 1.50 MGD and the final Phase 2 capacity will be 2.25 MGD. The capacity allowance for Peoria is 0.81 MGD, and the capacity allowance for the Vistancia Community Facilities District (VCFD) is 1.44 MGD. Major components of the expansion included the new Headworks Building; the new process structures, equipment, and odor control; and expansion of the disinfection system and pump stations. Mr. Kreuzwiesner reviewed the total Jomax WRF Phase 2 Expansion Project costs including the MGC’s pre-construction services for $51,022; MGC’s Amendment 1 at construction GMP for $14,374,634; and design, construction administration, and other costs for $2,824,200. Total project costs are $17,249,856. Mr. Kreuzwiesner reported that the total Jomax WRF Phase 2 Expansion funding included two funding sources. Peoria would contribute $9,560,861 and the VCFD would contribute $7,688,995 with a total funding cost of $17,249,856. Mr. Kreuzwiesner reviewed the project schedule. The award of MGC’s pre-construction services contract was made July 11, 2006 at the VCFD District Meeting. The award of MGC’s GMP contract will be made at the August 21, 2006 VCFD District Meeting this evening and construction will begin October 2006. The project is expected to be completed by January 2008. Motion was made by Councilmember Carlat, seconded by Councilmember Leone, to: a) Authorize an expenditure in the amount of $9,560,861 for the City’s portion of the Jomax Water Reclamation Facility Phase 2 expansion; b) Authorize additional project funding utilizing Proposed Water Bond Funds and Proposed Wastewater Bond Funds; and c) Approve a budget transfer in the amount of $1,389,889 from the General Fund Contingency Account to the Proposed Water Bond Fund Account in the amount of $694,944 and to the Proposed Wastewater Bond Fund Account in the amount of $694,945. Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously. CALL TO THE PUBLIC: (NON-AGENDA ITEMS) None Reports from the City Manager: Terry Ellis, City Manager, asked the City Clerk to give an update on early balloting and the satellite voting facility. Mary Jo Kief, City Clerk, reported that early voting started on August 10th for the primary elections. There will be an early voting satellite location at the City Council Chamber in the Executive Session meeting room beginning August 28, 2006. Requests for early ballots may be made by calling the City Clerk’s Office. September 1st is the last day that people may request to have an early ballot mailed to them. Ms. Kief reported that there was a link to the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office on the City Clerk’s webpage. Councilmember Dennis commented about voting resources, specifically on-line capabilities for requesting early ballots. Reports from City Council: Vice Mayor Hunt reported that Peoria High School will have their first home game of the year on September 8th with a tailgate party beginning at 5 p.m. Vice Mayor Hunt emphasized that there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new sports complex as well as the two story education building. Councilmember Hickson announced a candidate forum was to be held on August 23rd at 6 p.m. at the Westbrook Village Recreation Center. Councilmember Leone reported about several Special Olympics fundraising events including the golf ball drop at the Peoria Sports Complex and “Tip a Cop” event at Applebee’s. Councilmember Leone also encouraged everyone to vote on September 12th. Reports from the Mayor: Mayor Keegan commented about the need to promote the arts in the West Valley. He had an opportunity to tour the construction site of the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts and reported that the project is much bigger than he had envisioned. Mayor Keegan stated that he wanted to look at the next step in providing quality art and cultural opportunities for the community. Mayor Keegan asked staff to look at cultural activities that are offered in the West Valley and provide Council with an update during the Council Workshop scheduled in mid-September. ADJOURNMENT: Being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was duly adjourned at 8:37 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 Special Meeting of the City Council of Peoria, Arizona held on the 21st day of August, 2006. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 17th day of October, 2006. (Seal) ______________________________________________ Mary Jo Kief, City Clerk