MINUTES
ORO VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL
Town Council Special/Study Session
April 30, 2008
ORO VALLEY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
11000 N. LA CANADA DRIVE
 
CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PRESENT:
Paul Loomis, Mayor
Al Kunisch, Vice Mayor
Paula Abbott, Council Member
K.C. Carter, Council Member
Helen Dankwerth, Council Member
Barry Gillaspie, Council Member

EXCUSED: Terry Parish, Council Member

Council Member Gillaspie arrived at 5:37 p.m.

1.

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW FEES RECOMMENDED CHANGES


Finance Director Stacey Lemos presented a brief overview of the residential and commercial scenarios.

Ms. Lemos stated that the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) considered a review of user fees to be a best practice to ensure effective and efficient cost recovery. She noted that the following as considerations for Fee Update:
~The last review of development fees was in 2003.
~To increase cost recovery percentages in development review process.
~To provide incentive for 1st plan submittals to be correct and complete.
~Remain competitive with surrounding jurisdictions.

Ms. Lemos reviewed the proposed fee highlights:
~Increased cost recovery percentages for development review fees
~New fees for 3rd & 4th plan submittals
~town remains competitive with surrounding jurisdictions
~Proposed fees modeled after Town of Marana fee structure

Ms. Lemos summarized the residential and commercial fee scenarios.

Cost Recovery Summary
Development Scenario Current Cost Recovery % Proposed Cost Recovery %
Residential 1 12% 50%
Residential 2 18% 92%
Residential 3 34% 204%
Commercial 1 9% 56%
Commercial 2 11% 62%
Commercial 3 16% 111%

Development Review Division Manager Paul Keesler noted that each project averaged 3.3 reviews.

Mayor Loomis noted that it would be helpful to have a flow chart of the processes; noting where the cost of the processes are recovered. The Mayor listed items to be addressed:
~Identification of total cost
~Summary of the cost of the development fees
~Separate grading permit costs as something extra.
  *Possibly identify as a separate fee structure
~Define improvement plans and permits.
~Define construction costs
~Recovery costs and rates of surrounding communities; to include the City of Scottsdale
~Cost of new construction of custom and tract homes.

Mayor Loomis called for a recess at 6:32 p.m. The meeting resumed at 6:39 p.m. 

2.

REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF THE VOLUNTARY RESIDENTIAL GREEN BUILDING STANDARD PROGRAM


Assistant Building Official Jack Holden noted the following about the voluntary program:
~For residential only
~Creates parameters to grant credit to a home that met one of the standard four levels.
  *The 4 levels were determined by points accumulated in the following areas:
    -Location on the lot and lot development
    -Resource efficiency
    -Energy efficiency
    -Water efficiency
    -Indoor environmental quality
    -Operation and maintenance
~Building "green" is becoming more common
  *Necessary to prepare the building community for conservation.

Discussion noted:
~The City of Scottsdale had a 60-70% participation rate
  *The only concession was a quicker turn around time for plan reviews.
~The cost of green building for residences would be marketable.
~Retrofitting current residences was possible.
~Homeowners would see a rapid return on their investment particularly with a reduction in utility bills.
~Municipalities and State have taken the lead on encouraging or achieving certification.
~The Town could offer incentives the use of solar energy or water conservation; however it would be separate from LEED certification.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Gillaspie and seconded by Council Member Carter to adjourn at 7:11 p.m.

MOTION carried, 6-0.