minutes wickenburgcommon council regular meeting...

MINUTES

WICKENBURG COMMON COUNCILREGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2015- 5:30 P.M.155 N. TEGNER - COUNCIL CHAMBERS

WICKENBURG, ARIZONA 85390

A. CALL TO ORDERMayor Cook called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Bill Johnson, former Vice Mayor

C. INVOCATION - Offered by Steve Boyle, Community Development, and Neighborhood Services Director

The Invocation May Be Offered By a Person of Any Religion, Faith, Belief, or Non-Belief, as Well as By Council Members. A List of Volunteers is Maintained By the Town Clerk and Interested PersonsShould Contact the Clerk for Further Information.

D. ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor John CookVice Mayor Royce Kardinal Council Member Kelly Blunt Council Member Chris Band Council Member Sam CrissmanCouncil Member Ruben Madrid Council Member Everett Sickles

Staff Present: Josh Wright, Town Manager Gloria Leija, Town Clerk Pete Wingert, Police ChiefEd Temerowski, Fire ChiefSteve Boyle, Community Development, and Neighborhood Services DirectorRobert Carmona, Parks, Recreation, and Facilities DirectorVince Lorefice, Public Works DirectorStephanie Wojcik, Finance Director

E. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBERS REPORT ON CURRENT EVENTS

Vice Mayor Kardinal reported that a school reunion was held on Saturday, June 13, 2015, atthe Community Center with approximately 500-600 attendees.

Mayor Cook congratulated Del E. Webb Center for Performing Arts on the Camp Imagination

Town Council Meeting of June 15, 2015

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performance of Aladdin. He stated the students performing in Aladdin did an excellent job.

F. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT

Josh Wright, Town Manager, reported that the Town will host the 4th of July Spectacular activitiesstarting at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Sunset Park. Fireworks will start at 9:00 p.m.

Pete Wingert, Police Chief, requested that Mayor Cook join him on the floor to recognize threeofficers for their extraordinary actions at recent calls for service in the Town, and read the below information into the record:

Officer Christopher RalphOn Friday, May 8, 2015, while on patrol in the town of Wickenburg, Officer Ralph came upon a twovehicle collision on W. Wickenburg Way at the entrance to Safeway. Upon exiting his patrolvehicle, he observed a brown GMC van with heavy front end damage traveling in circles in themiddle of the roadway. Officer Ralph looked inside the van and observed the driver was slumpedover the passenger seat with an apparent head injury. An off duty LifeLine paramedic member and Officer Ralph were able to enter the vehicle, which was traveling in circles and stop the vehicle'smomentum. Once the vehicle was stopped, Officer Ralph and Keith entered the vehicle and began rendering first aid to the unconscious male driver. Within minutes of rendering first aid, the driver was awake and began speaking. The driver was transported to a valley hospital, where he was admitted for medical treatment.

Chief of Police Wingert and Mayor Cook presented Officer Ralph with a Meritorious ConductCertificate.

Officers Zachary LaJeunesse and Aaron UrlaubOn Sunday, May 24, 2015, Officer LaJeunesse was dispatched to an address in Maricopa County foran agency assist to Wickenburg Fire and LifeLine Ambulance for a report of a male not conscious and not breathing. Upon arriving on scene, Officer LaJeunesse was advised that the male needing medical assistance was on the porch, unresponsive. Officer LaJeunesse observed a male laying on the porch face up, his lips blue and his face was flushed. Officer LaJeunesse recognized the male was in agonal breathing. An unidentified male was performing CPR. Officer LaJeunesse advised themale to continue while LaJeunesse set up an Automated External Defibrillator. Officer LaJeunesse advised the male to stop CPR to allow the AED to assess the unresponsive male. The AED advised no shock was necessary, and to continue CPR. Officer LaJeunesse took over chest compressions atthis time. Officer LaJeunesse advised dispatch the male was in agonal breathing, that CPR was in progress and he needed additional units.

Officer Aaron Urlaub arrived on scene and took over chest compressions for Officer LaJeunesse.After several minutes, the AED reassessed Officer Ralph, again advised no shock was necessary and to continue CPR. Officer LaJeunesse replaced Officer Urlaub and continued CPR chestcompressions. Upon their arrival, Life Line paramedics injected the unresponsive male with threedoses of Naloxone, "NARCAN", at which time he regained consciousness and was transported toWickenburg Hospital.

Chief of Police Wingert and Mayor Cook presented Officers Zachary LaJeunesse and Aaron Urlaub Life Saving Awards.


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Police Chief Wingert noted that Officer LaJeunesse has saved two lives in one year.

G. NEW BUSINESS

1. Approval of the Consent AgendaAll items under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine matters and will be enacted by one motion and vote of the Town Council. There will be no separate discussion on these itemsunless a Council Member requests, in which event the item will be removed from the consentagenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

MOVED BY Council Member Ruben Madrid to approve the Consent Agenda for items a, b, and d.

SECONDED BY Council Member Kelly Blunt

AYE: Mayor John CookVice Mayor Royce Kardinal Council Member Kelly Blunt Council Member Chris Band Council Member Sam Crissman Council Member Ruben Madrid Council Member Everett Sickles

a. Approval of Minutes - Study Session Meeting of May 26, 2015, and Regular Meeting of June 1,2015

b. Consider Approval of the Mayor's Recommendation for Appointments to the CommunityDevelopment Advisory Committee (CDAC)

The Maricopa County Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), which administersCommunity Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds on behalf of the Town, requires the Council to approve the Mayor's recommendation for appointments to the Committee. Mayor Cook is recommending the Council appoint Council Member Everett Sickles as the Primary Representativeand Vice Mayor Royce Kardinal as the Alternate Representative for FY 2015-16.

c. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 1837, Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) withthe Arizona Department of Revenue for Administration, Collection, Audit and/or Licensing ofTransaction Privilege Tax, Use Tax, Severance Tax, Jet Fuel Excise and Use Taxes and RentalOccupancy Taxes Imposed by the State or Town, and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute theAgreement

Responding to Council Member Sickles, Stephanie Wojcik, Finance Director stated the IGA is a standard IGA. This IGA has been reviewed by the League of Arizona Cities and Town’s Attorney and other city/town officials. Every city/town must sign an IGA with the Arizona Department of Revenue.

MOVED BY Council Member Everett Sickles to approve Resolution No. 1837, Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of Revenue for Administration, Collection, Audit and/or Licensing of Transaction Privilege Tax, Use Tax, Severance Tax, Jet Fuel


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Excise and Use Taxes and Rental Occupancy Taxes Imposed by the State or Town, and Authorizing the Mayor to Execute the Agreement.

SECONDED BY Vice Mayor Royce Kardinal

AYE: Mayor John CookVice Mayor Royce KardinalCouncil Member Kelly BluntCouncil Member Chris BandCouncil Member Sam CrissmanCouncil Member Ruben MadridCouncil Member Everett Sickles

d. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 1836, Ratifying a Pipeline License Agreement withBNSF Railway Company for the Yavapai Waterline Project, and Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute the Agreement

2. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 1838, Approving the Salary Plan for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 and New Job Descriptions that Coincide with the Salary Plan

Josh Wright, Town Manager, reviewed the below information in a PowerPoint presentation:

RFP 14-05 Compensation History:

Town Council approved $50,000 for a Classification and Compensation Study in the FY2014-15 budgetStaff prepared RFP 14-05 and received three proposalsOn October 6, Council directed staff to perform the study in-house

Compensation History:

Town's Approach: Acknowledge that we compete for talent with other cities and towns


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Fair and equitable for all employees across all departments Affordable and financially sustainable Needs to make sense for Wickenburg: “A rural town in an urban county.”

Employee SurveyIn November, conducted an employee surveyAsked which employers employees thought were our main competition

- Majority of employees listed cities in the West Valley including Surprise, Peoria,Goodyear, Avondale, El Mirage and Buckeye

Also asked employees to rank their benefits

1. Wage2. Retirement3. Health Insurance

Collection of Data: Initially looked at five cities above us in population and five cities below us in population

- Above = Winslow, Safford, Globe, Page and Tolleson- Below = Youngtown, South Tucson, Snowflake, Bisbee, Guadalupe and Litchfield Park

Also West Valley and Prescott/Prescott Valley- West Valley = Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, El Mirage, Tolleson, Youngtown, and Litchfield Park.

Initial Review:Compared each position in the annual League survey with cities/towns listedTook out Town Manager and Town Magistrate(contract employees) Took out volunteer/PT FireMore information from the West Valley/North Cities to do a comparisonLooked at the range for each position, not what the individual in that position made- Individual pay varies widely based on years of service, education, prior experience, etc.

Compensation Trends:

No comprehensive study since 2002 has lead to compression and lack of an underlying “compensation philosophy.”

Employees range from 108% of West Valley average to less than 50% Overall average for all Town employees vs. West Valley average is 75% Goal of recommended option is to get everyone on same system

Calculations:To match average minimum of range for West Valley would cost approximately$672,000 and 76 employees would receive an increase (unsustainable)Took 80% of average range to come up with new ranges for each position- Reflects “rural town in urban county” philosophy- Same as WUSD compensation philosophyTo new minimum of range - 40 positions increased– 24 positions decreased – 19 stayed thesame


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Fit for Wickenburg:Also reviewed job descriptions and recommend four positions be reclassifiedAll Department Heads in same rangeAll PW Maintenance, Parks Maintenance, Meter Reader and Sanitation EquipmentOperators in same rangeAll Operations Managers in same rangePatrol Officers and Police Detectives in same range (common in West Valleys special assignment) Ensured no department heads made less than non-directors (separated civilian and sworn)

Years of Service:Just taking employees to the new range minimum creates fairness problem

- Employee A and Employee B have same title but hired ten years apart- New range minimum would mean their pay is now equal, so an adjustment should be madeCalculated 0.5%, 1% and 2% for each year of service in current position

2% COLA:If current pay already falls within new minimum range, then a simple COLA is recommended2% COLA at a cost of approximately $70,000

- 54 employees recommended for COLA only- 29 employees recommended for new range plus 0.5% per year of service

Recommended Option:Option 4: 2% COLA or new minimum +0.5% YOS- $241,000 total cost is budgeted and affordable- $45,000 of that is the 2% COLA for 54 employees- $196,000 for 29 employees to get to new range minimum + 0.5% per year of service

Phased Option:Option 5: Phases Option 4 into two yearsYear one cost = $144,000- $96,000 for 25 employees to receive an increase- $48,000 for 58 employees to receive a COLAYear two cost = $145,000- $96,000 for the other half for 25 employees- $49,000 COLA for second year

Other Considerations:Option 4 is recommended because it allows the existing structural problems in our compensation system to be corrected immediately at a price that is affordable and forecastedas sustainableAllows performance-based evaluation system to be implemented in following year

- Wickenburg Strategic Plan (2012 & 2013): “Institute a performance-based employee evaluation and compensation system.”


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Job Descriptions: New format for Job Descriptions – added Town logo and information at top Added physical and non-physical demands of the job – to help with ADA issues Added expected behaviors Job descriptions are set for option 4, so if option 5 is selected then we will just have the

change the ranges

Town Manager Wright presented the below salary plan options:

Option 1 - Match 100% of the West ValleyCost= $672,000 76 employees would receive an increasePlus COLA for other 7 employees

Option 2 - 80% of West Valley plus 2% per years of service in current positionCost= $314,000 40 employees would receive an increasePlus COLA for other 43 employees - $36,000Total Cost= $350,000

Option 3 - 80% of West Valley plus 1% per years of service in current positionCost= $234,000 32 employees would receive an increasePlus COLA for other 51 employees- $43,000Total Cost = $277,000

Option 4 - 80% of West Valley plus 0.5% per years of service in current positionCost Year 1= $196,000 29 employees would receive an increasePlus COLA for other 54 employees - $45,000Total= $241,000COLA Year 2 = $74,210, or we could look at merit increasesTotal for 2 years= $315,210

Option 5 - 80% of West Valley plus 0.5% per years of service in current position - Split into 2 yearsCost= $96,00025 employees would receive an increasePlus COLA for other 58 employees - $48,000

Total Year 1= $144,000Cost Year 2 Increases= $96,000 COLA Year 2 = $49,000Total for 2 years = $289,000

Town Manager Wright stated he would not recommended Option one, because he doesn't believe it'ssustainable at this time. However, options 2, 3, 4 and 5 are sustainable. He recommended Council approve Option Number 4.

Council Member Madrid asked why a Fire Captain position is proposed to be in salary range 29 and Police Lieutenant position in range 48. He taught that these positions were similar with regard to responsibilities.

Responding to Council Member Madrid, Town Manager Wright stated that the proposed salary schedules for fire department employees are calculated differently than other employees; e.g. they


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work different work schedules (48 on and 96 off). He feels confident that the ranges are reflectedcorrectly for the Fire Captains and Police Lieutenants.

In response to Council Member Crissman, Town Manager clarified that option #4 includes 40 position ranges that will need to be adjusted; 54 employees will receive a COLA and 29 employees will receive more than the COLA to get them to the minimum range. If an employee is already at theproposed minimum range - the employee will only receive the 2% COLA. Further, he stated that money for this option is not coming from the contingency fund.

Mayor Cook voiced that he likes option 3, because it gives employee 1% for each year of service. Council Member Blunt stated he liked option #2, but it scares him a little. He can support option 2 or 3.

Council Member Madrid expressed support for Option #2.

Council Member Sickles stated that this decision is very difficult. He believes that every employee deserves a raise. But with that being said, he has a problem with the proposed raises. The people elected him. Town employees have good perks - now they need more perks. But, how about theperks of the local businesses and the perks of the employees that work for local businesses. The Town employee salaries have been compared to other cities. But, have the Town employee salaries been compared to the economy of the Town. When the economy of the community improves, thenthe employees deserve a raise. The business community sees that forthy-one (41) businesses have closed. Many of these business owners are asking themselves if they will be the next business to close - they are worried. His position is when the economy turns around, and the people believe it'sturned around; then the employees should get a raise and more perks.

Council Member Blunt voiced that he totally disagrees with Council Member Sickles' comments.He noted that store employees have different job description than police and fire employees. Thelevel of training required for police and fire positions are much more than required for a storeemployee.

Council Member Sickles voiced that his store employees feel the pain. They have to work many hours for less pay. If the community was aware of the department directors' pay, along with theother proposed salary adjustments, he is not sure there would be support for the proposed salary adjustments if a poll were conducted.

Mayor Cook voiced that Council Members are elected to make decisions. He concurs with Council Member Blunt's comments. Town employees have special training and many with higher education, Bachelors and Master Degrees. Mayor Cook noted that it is open for everyone to try tobetter themselves and obtain higher education and better jobs.

Bill Johnson, In-Town resident and former Vice Mayor voiced that he was on the Council when theTown started the fire department. Since this time, they have not received any salary adjustments.The community wants highly trained firefighters that can put out fires in the community. He believes that the community's greatest asset is the equipment, and most valuable asset is the Town's employees. He support the proposed pay raises, and appreciates the Council Members that are thinking positive.


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Tom Hunt, 55 Howard Court, voiced that as a business owners and community member he supportthe proposed salary raises. Many of the employees are friends, family members and customers.

John Zerby, In-Town residents and former Council Member expressed support for the proposed salary raises. He believes the fire department employees' salaries are extremely low. Firefighters puttheir life on the line every time they respond to a call. The community should invest in the Town'sfirefighters. Many of the Town's firefighters could take another job in another community receiving more pay, but they elect to stay in Wickenburg. He asked that Council consider approving Option #2.

Aaron Ernsberger, Out-of-Town resident, thanked Council Member Sickles for the excellent service his has provided through his businesses in the community. He voiced that he was present to express support for the proposed salary raises for the fire department. The fire department employees recognize that in the past the Town has not financially been able to make salary adjustments. The firedepartment employees just want equal pay. The Town’s firefighters are committed and put their lifeat risk every time they go out to a fire call. He asked that Council approve Option #2.

Luke Meister, In-Town resident, expressed his gratitude to the Wickenburg Fire Department for saving lives and protecting property. Mr. Meister read a letter into the record, which included:

Fire department is grossly under paid compared to other municipalities in Arizona.Staff has provided information on salary adjustments necessary to bring the firedepartment employees into a competitive salary environment and which is available in the Town's budget.There is no longer a debate on a hyperthical amount of money available to either theLibrary or Fire Department. The Library Friends have gotten new paint, equipment, etc. forthe library.Many fire department employees cannot survive on the Town's salary, and, therefore, have other jobs.

Mr. Meister recommended Council approve Option #2, immediately.

Julie Brooks, Out-of-Town resident, noted that approximately two (2) years ago, Council approved a special tax for public safety and to build a fund to provide the proposed salary adjustments. She also stated that many firefighters have other jobs because they cannot sustain with the pay they receive from the Town. She expressed support for the Option #2.

Vice Mayor Kardinal stated it was great to hear from everyone supporting the fire department. Shewants to do what is fair and equitable and will support Option #2 if staff can ensure this option is sustainable over a period of time.

Council Member Crissman asked what would happen if the Town took a financial downturn in thefuture.

Town Manager Wright voiced that he does not know if the Town can sustain the proposed salary adjustments in the future. However, based on the trends that staff analyzed very carefully in puttingthe budget together, he believes the Town can sustain Option #2. The Town is in a better financialposition today than in past years. With the Town's strategic plan, great council and staff, if the Town experiences another economic downtown, the Town will make the necessary decision to allow theTown to continue to functions.


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Responding to Vice Mayor Kardinal, Town Manager Wright stated Council can approve a salary option plan and job descriptions with one motion.

Mayor Cook stated he ran for Council ten years ago because he was concerned with the town employees' low wages. He made a commitment to try to improve wages. In previous years, the Townwas not in a position to increase wages. If the Town experiences another economic downturn, thenthe Town will do what is necessary.

MOVED BY Council Member Kelly Blunt moved to approve Resolution No. 1838, approving a Salary Plan, Compensation Option #2 for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 and New Job Descriptions thatcoincide with the Salary Plan.


AYE: Mayor John CookVice Mayor Royce Kardinal Council Member Kelly Blunt Council Member Chris Band Council Member Sam Crissman Council Member Ruben Madrid

NAY: Council Member Everett Sickles

At 6:40 p.m., Mayor Cook called for a recess. At 6:55 p.m., Mayor called the meeting back to order.

3. Presentation by APS Regarding General Updates and Summer Preparedness

Patrick McDermott, Community Affairs Manager for Arizona Public Service, offered a PowerPoint presentation to the Council regarding general company updates as well as summer preparedness efforts.

4. Presentation Regarding Narcotics Activity and Enforcement Initiatives

Pete Wingert, Police Chief, reported that three (3) years ago, Council approved a narcotic's officerposition. Officer Takashige has been working as the narcotic's officer.

Wickenburg Police Department Detectives Ken Lutkiewicz and Ian Takashige provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding narcotics activity and trends in the Wickenburg area and discussed Wickenburg Police Department's current enforcement and interdiction initiatives. The PowerPoint attached as Exhibit “A.”

Responding to Vice Mayor Kardinal, Detective Takashige stated they have identified persons under the age of 18 involved in minor drug sales. However, because they are minors they cannotdiscuss the activities.

Responding to Mayor Cook, Police Chief Wingert stated that the recent police officer resignationsmay have a little affect on the efforts of the Detectives, because they may have to cover some


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shifts for a short period of time; e.g., 10 hours a week.

In response to Council Member Madrid, Police Chief Wingert stated that to address drug issues at theJr. High and High School, the Police Department's K9 dog goes through the schools at least once a month. The 2015-16 budget includes the implementation of a police Explorers program, which willallow the Police Officers to serve as role models and have a positive affect on students.

5. Public Hearing and Consider Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Rosewood Ranch for a Health Rehabilitation Facility at an Existing Residence Located at 1505 Jack Burden Road on Parcel Number 505-01-011G (Note - Applicant has withdrawn the application)

The Property Consists of Approximately 10 Acres

Steve Boyles, Community Development and Neighborhood Services Director, reported that theapplication for the conditional use permit for Rosewood Ranch for a health rehabilitation facility atan existing residence,1505 Jack Burden Road, has been withdrawn by the applicant.

Since the public hearing for the conditional use permit was continued from the Council meeting of May 18, 2015, Mayor Cook reopened the public hearing. There being no comments, Mayor Cook closed the public hearing.

No further action was required for this item.

6. Public Hearing on a Liquor License Application for Acquisition Control for the Safeway Food &Drug #1584, Located at 1999 W. Wickenburg Way, Applicant, Andrea D. Lewkowitz, and Forward a Recommendation to the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control

Gloria Leija, Town Clerk, reported that Andrea D. Lewkowitz, agent for Safeway Food & Drug #1584, located at 1999 W. Wickenburg Way, submitted a liquor license application for acquisitioncontrol. As required by ARS 4-201, the liquor license application for acquisition control was postedfor twenty days to allow for public comments. The Town Clerk’s Office did not receive any comments on the application.

Mayor Cook declared a public hearing open to allow comments on the liquor license application foracquisition control. There being no comments, Mayor Cook declared the public hearing closed.

MOVED BY Council Member Chris Band to forward a recommendation to the Arizona Departmentof Liquor License and Control to approve the liquor license application for acquisition control for theSafeway Food & Drug #1584, located at 1999 W. Wickenburg Way.



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AYE: Mayor John Cook

Vice Mayor Royce Kardinal Council Member Kelly Blunt Council Member Chris Band

Council Member Sam Crissman

Council Member Ruben Madrid Council Member Everett Sickles

7. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 1830, Establishing the Base Rate for Water and WastewaterService Furnished by the Town Pursuant to Section 13-4-3 of the Town Code of Wickenburg

Stephanie Wojcik, Finance Director, reported that on April 6, 2015 staff notified Council that a 6"meter was discovered in use, without a rate having been set for that size meter. Because a rate for thismeter does not exist, establishing a proposed rate is considered a rate increase. The Council approved the Intent to Increase rates for 6", 8" and 10" meters. The adoption of the proposed Resolution is thefinal step in establishing rates for the three meter sizes. At this time, there are no 8" or 10" meters in use but adoption of rates prevents this discrepancy in the future. The required notice was advertised on the Town website, and a public hearing is now required prior to approval of the Resolution.

Mayor Cook declared a public hearing open. There being no comments, Mayor Cook closed the public hearing.

Responding to Council Member Crissman, Director Wojcik reviewed the below water and wastewaterproposed monthly rates:

Water Rates

Description Residential Commercial

Monthly Service Charge

6" Meter 0 $75.00

8" Meter 0 $125.00

10" Meter 0 $175.00

12" Meter 0 $225.00


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Wastewater Rates

Description Residential Commercial

Monthly Service Charge

6" Meter 0 $155.00

8" Meter 0 $185.00

10" Meter 0 $215.00

12" Meter 0 $245.00

In response to Vice Mayor Kardinal, Director Wojcik stated that the proposed rates follow Council'smethodology used for previously approved water and waterwater rates.

MOVED BY Council Member Sam Crissman to approve Resolution No. 1830, Establishing the BaseRate for Water and Wastewater Service Furnished by the Town Pursuant to Section 13-4-3 of the TownCode of Wickenburg.


AYE: Mayor John CookVice Mayor Royce Kardinal Council Member Kelly Blunt Council Member Chris Band Council Member Sam Crissman Council Member Ruben MadridCouncil Member Everett Sickles

8. Presentation and Public Hearing Per Truth In Taxation For Fiscal Year 2015-16 Regarding theProposed Property Tax Levy Increasing from $310,000 to $322,500

Stephanie Wojcik, Finance Director, stated in order to adopt the Town's Final Budget for Fiscal Year2015-16 in the amount of $31,854,277 Council will first need to approve the proposed property taxlevy of $322,500. Per the Council's direction, the proposed property tax rate will not change from FY2014-2015 to FY 2015-2016. The rate will be .5270. The levy (total actual dollars collected) is expected to rise, primarily due to new construction.

Mayor Cook opened the public hearing to allow comments on Truth In Taxation for Fiscal Year2015-16 regarding the proposed Property Tax Levy increasing from $310,000 to $322,500.


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John Fisher, In-Town residents, voiced that last year the Town had a property tax rate increase and he was pleased that the Town was not proposing an increase for this year. He noted that the Townfinds ways to spend money, such as the raises for Town employees, which he hopes the Town has money to cover these raises without having to rely on property tax revenues. He has attendedseveral Council meetings and is surprised to see that staff does not offer methods to save money.He believes if the Town is going to need to spend money - the Town should also find ways to save money; e.g., if the Town needs to spend money to fund public safety, then the Town should also finds ways to save money to cover the additional expenditures for public safety.

There being no further comments, Mayor Cook closed the public hearing.

Mayor Cook voiced that he has been on the Council for 10 1/2 years, and the Council has cutproperty taxes to almost nothing. Other, than the rate increase to help with Public Safety, during the past 10 years Council has not increased property taxes.

Council Member Sickles voiced that he could not find where in the proposed 2015-16 budgetthe property tax revenues were included.

Responding to Council Member Sickles, Finance Director Wojcik stated that the proposed propertytax revenue was included as a line item in the 2015-16 tentative budget, which was approved by Council on May 18, 2015. Further, the proposed property tax revenue is included in the final 2015-16 budget in schedules A and B.

9. Presentation and Public Hearing on the Proposed Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16 in theAmount of $31,854,277

Stephanie Wojcik, Finance Director, stated that annually the Town prepares a budget to let the public know how tax dollars and other revenues collected will be utilized to benefit the community. A public hearing is required to answer questions members of the public may have about the final budget before Council votes on it in a Special Council Meeting following the Regular Meeting.

Mayor Cook declared a public hearing to allow comments on the Proposed Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16 in the amount of $31,854,277. There being no comments, Mayor Cook declared the public hearing closed.

Council Member Sickles expressed concern regarding the contingency fund. He stated it appears to him in the proposed budget that the Town anticipants it will spend the contingency fund.

Responding to Council Member Sickles, Finance Director Wojcik stated that the Town needs to budget foreverything that may be spent. The Town is not intending to spend the contingency fund. However, if there is a disaster, emergency, etc., Council will have the authority to spend money from the contingency fund. She noted all forms (schedules) included for the budget are all approved forms provided by the State.

H. EXECUTIVE SESSION - (Council May Vote to Go Into Executive Session Pursuant to A.R.S §38-431.03(A)(3) to Receive Legal Advice from the Town Attorney on Any of the Above AgendaItems.)


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I. SCHEDULING OF FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS

None

J. CALL TO THE PUBLIC

None

K. ADJOURNMENT

MOVED BY Council Member Ruben Madrid to adjourn the meeting at approximately 7:37 p.m.


AYE: Mayor John CookVice Mayor Royce Kardinal Council Member Kelly Blunt Council Member Chris Band Council Member Sam Crissman Council Member Ruben MadridCouncil Member Everett Sickles

Mayor CookATTEST:

Gloria Leija, MMCTown Clerk

CERTIFICATION

I, Gloria Leija, the duly appointed and qualified Town Clerk of the Town of Wickenburg, an ArizonaCorporation, do hereby certify that the foregoing MINUTES of the REGULAR MEETING of June 15, 2015, is a full, true and correct copy of the Wickenburg Common Council and that a quorum was present atthe meeting.

Gloria Leija, MMCTown Clerk


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EXHIBIT “A”


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minutes wickenburgcommon council regular meeting...

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