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

Mayor Loomis introduced Coalition for the Sonoran Desert Protection Director Carolyn Campbell.

Ms. Campbell began by stating that conservation and land use considerations from the Catalina Mountains to the Tortolita Mountains were critical to maintaining the wildlife linkage. She noted that the Arroyo Grande area contained key areas of connectivity for wildlife and vegetation.

She stated that the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection was formed in 1998 to create a comprehensive plan for growth in Pima County. She noted that the Coalition based their plan on the principles of conservation biology to provide the greatest protection for endangered and threatened species and their habitats.

Ms. Campbell stressed that:
~The Sky Islands Network was critical to the basic needs of animals. 
~Core areas and linkages needed inner and outer buffer layers to protect wildlife.
~Urban growth was the cause of habitat fragmentation which threatened species diversity.
~Linear landscape facilitated the transportation of wildlife between habitats. 

She stated that Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan noted Pima County's commitment to protect natural resources from further deterioration.

Ms. Campbell stated that Sound Science consisted of:
~Eco-regionally based conservation planning.
~Identifying and prioritizing species for protection.
~Sound biological assessment.

She noted that the lack of sound science to guide conservation plans was the downfall of many programs.

Ms. Campbell stated that the Conservation Lands System (CLS) was designed based on science with the aide of the Science Technical Advisory Team (STAT). She noted that the CLS was created according to the five tenets of conservation biology and biological reserve design:
~Perpetuates the comprehensive conservation of vulnerable species.
~Retains those areas that contain large populations of focal vulnerable species.
~Provide for the adjacency and proximity of habitat blocks.
~Preserves the contiguity of habitat at the landscape level.
~Retains the connectivity of reserves with functional corridors.

Ms. Campbell discussed adherence to SDCP and CLS:
~Natural undisturbed open space set aside:
  *Important Riparian area = 95%
  *Bio Core = 80%
  *Multiple Use = 66 2/3%
  *Critical Landscape Connections equal to Land-use changes should protect
    existing biological linkages. High priority shall be given to indentifying, preserving and re-
    establishing the connection between native biological communities. 
~Planning and rezoning must actively contribute to the conservation of native floral and 
  faunal species.

She discussed the role of appropriate Adaptive Management:
~68% of 9,000 acres = 6,120 acres
~Detailed protective management and monitoring plans for all lands dedicated to the 
  preserve system
~Enforcement of conservation easements
~Adjustments in management based on results of monitoring

She noted that:
~Some Homeowners Associations (HOA’s) held conservation easements and that HOA’s often were unable to enforce the easements.
~Riparian area should be left undisturbed as this area is critical for wildlife and vegetation.

Ms. Campbell briefly presented the historic milestones identifying Arroyo Grande’s conservation significance.

She proceeded to note that:
~The Sky Island Alliance, an Arizona Wildlife Linkage Partner, trained citizens to track wildlife.
~Linkage 81, between the Santa Catalina and Tortolita mountains, identified 81 species.
~SDCP had created a priority list of vulnerable species that inhabited the Arroyo Grande planning area.
~Steps to Success were:
  *Sound science
    -Eco-regionally based conservation planning
    -Identifying and prioritizing species for protection
    -Sound biological assessment
  *Broad public participation
  *Partnerships
  *Commitment to implementation

Council Member Gillaspie asked for suggestions for Council and the Town to orchestrate the process. Ms. Campbell recommended that:
~The General Plan and Rezoning policies could be amended. 
~Adherence to SDCP and/or SCL guidelines.
~Zoning policies should be specific.

It was clarified that:
~Species were tracked via the number of animals killed on the road and radio tags.
~The Arizona Game and Fish Department performed the tracking.
~An independent third party to enforce conservation easements would be preferable to HOA’s involvement.
~Easements should be designed with foresight.

She noted that conservation opportunities were lost by not looking beyond the boundary to study how a project could affect the landscape and resources essential to maintaining the biological diversity of the area.

Oro Valley resident, Hector Conde cited the Town's General Plan. He noted that the Plan did not preclude the Council from assisting other institutions protect the environment and that the Plan insisted the Council do so. He stated that the number of road kills were likely to be much higher because the animals that survive initially could crawl away and die elsewhere.

Discussion noted the following:
~The coalition was working with Pinal County to extend the habitat areas north of Oro Valley.
~The Game and Fish Department listed on their website where dead animals were found
~Pima County Animal Control was responsible for the removal of animal remains.
~The Sky Island Alliance is developing software for citizen based reporting to track wildlife.
~The public would need to be well educated to insure the success of the plan. 

Town Engineer Craig Civalier introduced Transit Coordinator Amie Ramsey. Ms. Ramsey began her presentation with a brief summary of the Regional Transit Authority's (RTA) formation and functions.

Ms. Ramsey stated that the RTA has planned for an Oro Valley Park-and-Ride. She noted that the $2.45 M designated for this Park-and-Ride would include:
~Land acquisition
~The design
~Construction
~Maintenance
  *Shaded waiting areas
  *Comfortable seating
  *Bus schedules

She stated that the Park-and-Ride would create transit connectivity and regional seamlessness. She noted that it will serve as a hub for future transit service:
~Coyote Run
~Neighborhood circulator
  *The proposed service would run from Oracle Road through Rancho Vistoso Boulevard to
    Tangerine Road, then west to La Canada Drive, south to Lambert Lane and east to First
    Avenue and over to Oracle Road.
~Two Sun Tran Express commuters to:
  *Central Business District
  *Raytheon Missile Systems
  *Proposed to run Monday through Friday
~One regular Sun Tran Fixed Route Extension
  *Van Tran Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) comparable para transit
~Car pools

Ms. Ramsey noted the benefits to the community:
~Provide residents with parking to access and support commuter services from Oro Valley 
  to two major employment centers.
~Provide for future growth
  *Sun Tran’s extension Route 62 - Oracle Road Monday through Sunday
    -Provide employment opportunities to regional transit riders wishing to work in Oro Valley.
    -Provide regional connectivity between the proposed circulator service and Sun Tran
     services.
    -Increase mobility options to the community.

She discussed the site evaluation criteria:
~Adjacent to transit services identified in the RTA plan
~North of Tangerine Road to expand fixed route transit options
~Near Oracle Road for accessibility
~1+ acres to accommodate 100 parking spaces

Ms. Ramsey stated that the lot next to Vistoso Memorial Chapel and across from the Municipal Operations Complex (MOC) located on Rancho Vistoso Boulevard just west of Oracle Road was chosen as the proposed site. She noted that this site met the aforementioned criteria and was supported by the RTA Transit Working Group and RTA consultant for the circulator study.

She noted the goals for the program:
~Increase bus patronage
~Strengthen public transport and local links
~Reduce car miles travelled
~Reduce traffic accessing employment centers
~Increased employment pool by providing transit to the community

Ms. Ramsey reviewed the process for implementation post Council approval:
~Develop an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the RTA to gain approval from the RTA Board to proceed.
~Proceed with negotiations with property owner
  *Determine land purchase feasibility
~Bring forward IGA to Council
~Purchase land
~Develop preliminary site design
~Develop communication plan - public outreach
~Complete design and build

Ms. Ramsey stated that completion by June 2009 was possible.

Discussion noted the following:
~The appraised value for the site was $700,000 for 1+ acre.
~Coyote Run eligible riders could transfer to Sun Tran for $1.00.
~The RTA has funds to expand Coyote Run’s services.
  *Services could expand in the mornings, evenings or the weekends.
~The fixed route would have stops every quarter mile every thirty minutes.
~Commuter services would consist of three trips in the morning and evening.
~RTA would want their branding/logo on the Coyote Run vehicles
~Equip vehicles with Smart Card technology to allow riders to use one card to transfer to any bus in the RTA system.
~Coyote Run would retain identity unless Oro Valley voters decide otherwise.
~Unable to fence the parking area due to requirements that the property be open on either side.
~Security cameras could be used.
~RTA has funds to maintain the parking lot.
~The site will be equipped with shaded structures, bike lockers and bike racks.
~The site will not have restrooms.
~RTA would purchase the land and design and develop the property.
~The Town sill own the property.

Council Members questioned the cost analysis of using prime commercial property that could potentially yield revenue for the Town instead of being used as a parking lot.

Council Member Gillaspie wanted Staff to research the funding model with regionalization. He questioned who would fund the bulk of the operating costs of Coyote Run. 

Mayor Loomis stated that the next step would be for Ms. Ramsey to return with an IGA for Council to consider.

Finance Director Stacey Lemos presented a draft of Financial and Budgetary policies.

She stated the benefits of adopted financial policies were to:
~Reflect the Town’s commitment to sound financial management and fiscal integrity.
~Have consistent and stable fiscal planning.
~Have guidelines to measure budgetary performance and program evaluation.
~Enhance Town’s standing with bond rating agencies and investors.

Ms. Lemos noted that industry recommendations were derived from the following professional associations: 
~National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting (NACSLB)
~Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
~Fitch Ratings, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s

Ms. Lemos discussed the components to the focus areas ot the Draft Financial Policy:
~Financial Planning Policies
  *Balanced budgeting & fiscal planning
  *Long range planning/forecast
  *Cash management & investments
  *Capital asset inventory/accounting
~Revenue policies:
  *Revenue diversification
  *Periodic evaluation of fees and charges
  *Use of one-time revenues
  *Use of unpredictable revenues
~Expenditure policies:
  *Debt capacity, issuance and management
  *Capital Improvement Plan policies
  *Reserve (Contingency) or Stabilization accounts
  *Operating Expenditure accountability
~Financial Reporting Policies
  *Conformance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  *Annual independent audit
  *Comprehensive Annual Financial Report submitted to GFOA Certification of Achievement 
    for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program
  *Annual budget submitted to GFOA for Distinguished Budget Presentation Award program
  *Maintain adequate internal controls.

Mayor Loomis noted that comments on the draft were included in the presentation. He noted that he and Ms. Lemos had discussed the budget reports and identified and explained the variances to make corrections.
 
He recommended to revise the first sentence of paragraph 9 on page six to read:
  "...will strive to maintain a 1.3 times debt service or the required ratio in the bond
  indenture (whichever is greater) coverage ratio to ensure debt coverage in times of revenue fluctuation."

He also recommended deleting the last line of the paragraph. 

Council directed Ms. Lemos to return with a resolution when corrections to the draft have been made.

Council members complimented Ms. Lemos on a job well done.

Town Manager David Andrews introduced the item.

Town Attorney Tobin Rosen stated that the State was working to prohibit the Town from increasing or creating new development fees. He noted that the proposal was likely to pass and would impose a 24 month moratorium that would become effective January 1, 2009.

Mr. Rosen noted that the statute had a savings provision for impact fees that were indexed to a set inflator. He stated that he believed the Town’s water fees would fall under that provision. He noted that if new fees were adopted or existing fees were altered after January 1, 2009, then the two year moratorium would apply.

Discussion noted that water fees had been approved to increase over the next three years. Mr. Rosen stated that, unless these fees were indexed to a recognized cost based index, the portion of the water impact fees set to increase after January 1, 2009 could be subject to the moratorium. He noted that it may be necessary to enter into litigation.

Management Assistant Tori Schlievert stated that a draft was being reviewed by Staff and that it will be ready for the April 23rd Council meeting. She confirmed that representatives from Tischler Bise will attend the meeting.

Mayor Loomis stated that all fees will need to be reviewed and indexed for inflation. He noted that Staff should return with this information along with a recommendation by the April 23rd Council meeting. He noted that the ramifications to the Alternative Water Impact Fee needed to be understood.  

Assistant Town Manager Jerene Watson noted that the League of Cities and Towns conveyed that this deal was the best agreement the League could make with a group called The Home Builders. She stated that a letter had been sent to legislators noting the bind this imposed on the Town.

Discussion clarified that an impact fee voted into effect after January 1, 2009, would be imposed for 24 months after development approval. Mr. Rosen hypothesized that if a developer built and sold property within 24 months of development approval, that property would not be subject to any impact fees.

MOTION: A motion was made by Council Member Carter and seconded by Vice Mayor Kunisch adjourn

MOTION carried, 6-0.