General Obligation Bond Committee Meeting 3-10-09 - City of Surprise

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Mr. Lynch provided an overview of the five project categories: (1) Transportation ($159,761,800) includes arterial road improvements (north/south connectivity, right-hand turn lanes, scalloped streets) and drainage, lighting and landscaping improvements around the city; (2) Economic Development ($34,500,000) includes potential purchase of land as possible incentives for new businesses and infrastructure; (3) Parks and Recreation ($96,958,100) includes community parks, libraries, Surprise Farms Park improvements, trails/open space and recreation centers; (4) Public Safety ($34,592,000) includes radio equipment for Fire and Police, future fire stations, police substation, and training facilities; and (5) Infrastructure ($104,507,500) includes water reclamation facilities, a surface water treatment plant, public works yards, recharge wells and water/sewer and reclaimed lines. Mr. Lynch requested comments on any category area of interest and that the public think projects rather than people (bond money is not utilized to hire personnel). He indicated comment cards are available for written comments and will become part of the official record. Mr. Lynch reminded everyone of the city’s web site for community input on the bond issue (www.surpriseaz.com/bondsite). The web site affords an opportunity to select individual categories, see other people’s comments and react to those comments. There is also a video about bonds for informational purposes on the web site. The web site is not meant to be anything but an opportunity to provide input on where the city should be going. Randy Oliver, City Manager, indicated that the city was upgraded on some existing bonds from AA- to AA last week. Mr. Oliver stated this shows the strength and commitment of the city’s management team and Council on decisions that have to be made even in critical economic times. Mr. Oliver indicated he expects the GO bonds to be rated as an AA category; they could be rated higher, but it is more likely to be an AA rating. Mr. Oliver related how the city has made changes to adjust to the current economic conditions including right-sizing departments that have been most affected by the decrease in residential and commercial permits. He expressed concern that when the market does start to turn around, that there may be an inflationary environment. This may cause the cost of the bonds to rise. Mr. Oliver stated that there are two projects in the Federal Stimulus Plan that should have an effect on Surprise residents. They are the widening of Grand Avenue from 83 rd Avenue to the Loop 303 (estimated $56 million) and the widening of I10 from Dysart Road west. The biggest challenge will be to have the Grand Avenue project under contract not later than June 30, 2009. This funding does not include an overpass at Bell Road. The City would need to determine improvements and infrastructure requirements such as landscaping and irrigation before construction. Mr. Oliver stated he receives a lot of questions regarding scalloped streets. Developers are required to pay for two lane roads. The city
does have a repayment ordinance that states if a developer develops within ten years, the city receives reimbursement for street improvements. Mr. Oliver indicated the city wants development to pay for itself, either through repayment ordinances, requiring that infrastructure be provided by the developer, or through development impact fees. Mr. Oliver stated that because Maricopa County is not in agreement about the proposed aerial tramway in the White Tanks, that project is off the list. He is considering a venue at or near the tennis center to seat 2500- 5000 patrons. Mr. Coronado of the Community and Recreation Services Department is researching the feasibility of such a venue. It could include a retractable screening device. Mr. Oliver spoke of the Loop 303 which will be funded with state money. The City has a commitment from the state to proceed North to South on construction which will commence December 2010 and be completed by December 2011. This does not include the bridges at Bell Road. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Johnny Montoya: Mr. Montoya asked: in regards to the Property Valuation Assessment, would a $400K home be assessed higher than a $200K home? He also asked if this General Bond request is consistent with the 2001/2002 General Plan? Mr. Askelson responded that a $400K home would indeed be twice the amount of a $200K home. Mr. Elkins responded that the General Plan is being followed. Billy: Mr. Billy stated he thinks there is pork in this program. He stated that Public Safety should be the #1 priority and there should be more money dedicated to the Fire Dept. and the Police Dept. He reiterated that we need more protection. Martha Bails: Ms. Bails suggested the Project Categories list be added to the City of Surprise website. She said she would like residents who can’t attend these meetings have the opportunity to see the projects listed. She also stated that when a new City service is added/built, an additional maintenance cost is added to the City’s annual budget which cannot be funded by funds from the bond. Ms. Bails also asked what our current primary and secondary property tax is. Ms. Bails also stated her real concern is the $25 million allocated to economic development. She asked what the land is intended for and where is it? She as a resident would not vote for something that does not explain what the money is intended for. Parks and Recreation could be removed because if you add a park, you will need to use general fund money to support the park. Transportation – she is concerned about the current issues the City faces. She stated the City could better help residents understand the true impact. Ms. Bails also stated the residents could be paying for this bond for 30-40 years.
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General Obligation Bond Committee Meeting 3-10-09 - City of Surprise

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