5 4 2021 Minutes REG DRAFT
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D R A F T REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL MIRAGE EL MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 10000 N. EL MIRAGE ROAD 6:00 PM -TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2021 Minutes 1. ROLL CALL - The meeting was held online and publicly; called to order at 6:00 pm. Present: Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Vice Mayor Monica Dorcey; Councilmember Roy Delgado; Councilmember Anita Norton; Councilmember Mike Hutchinson; Councilmember David Shapera; Councilmember Donna Winston 2. CALL TO ORDER Pledge of Allegiance Moment of Silence 3. PRESENTATION 1. Presentation by Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) to provide Council with an update on Homelessness and Affordable Housing trends in Maricopa County (Grants and Special Programs) Grants and Special Programs Administrator Dr. Autumn Grooms introduced MAG Deputy Executive Director Amy St. Peter and MAG Regional Analytics Director Anubhav Bagley. Mr. Bagley presented on emerging trends in the economy and housing. He began by reviewing a chart showing the unemployment rate from March 2020 through March 2021 with the region unemployment rate at 6.1%, a growth of 35% from 2020. Mr. Bagley stated MAG staff has been working with the Department of Economic Security and reviewed a map of Maricopa County unemployment claims by zip code. Mr. Bagley referenced the housing market and its affordability by reviewing charts showcasing the median house sale prices for Maricopa County. The region has seen a big run-up, 13.8% in housing prices since January 2019. Property value increases have brought the availability of homes in the $200k price range down by as much as 60% in the past ten years; El Mirage has decreased more than 85% in the past ten years. Mr. Bagley reviewed charts and identified rental property price increases from 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2020; $1k rentals have decreased by more than 60% in the past ten years and rental prices have increased between 9.6% to as much as 17.8%. Mr. Bagley presented an area map from the American Community Survey which identified household incomes in Maricopa County. The blocks reflect the level of income being used to cover household payments, i.e. rent and mortgage. Mr. Bagley's definition of "vulnerable households" relates to the increased income amount to cover household costs and stated 512,000 households spend more than 30% of their income on rent/mortgage and 229,000 households spend more than 50%. He further touched on the fact that 17 % of home buyers are from out of state and are willing to pay up to 11% above market value. He further reviewed data provided by Maricopa County Justice Courts and identified Maricopa County Eviction trends showing that pre-Covid (March 2020), the number of evictions averaged five to six thousand monthly. The courts are now seeing home eviction numbers climbing (in part by the expiration of rental moratoriums) with 60% of evictions in high minority areas. Higher poverty areas reflected 62% for evictions in Maricopa County and El Mirage had 38% percent of the population that was considered higher poverty. The U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey (March 2021) showed 25% of survey respondents lacked confidence in the ability to pay next month's rent and 70% were not current on rent. Deputy Executive MAG Director Amy St. Peter presented on "Mobilizing the Regional Response to Homelessness" and identified MAG partners to include Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care, cities, towns, counties, Native nations, Regional collaborative on homelessness, subject matter experts in diverse sectors, and several more. The focus is to create a coordinated, regional approach to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness, increase access to homeless assistance programs throughout the entire region, and strengthen the safety net for all people. Ms. St. Peter added the mission of MAG is to reduce and prevent homelessness through collaboration across all sectors, making homelessness rare, brief, and one time. The housing crisis (lack of affordable housing) has greatly contributed to the rise in homelessness (11% increase), with more people living on the streets. Over 7400 individuals are experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County with the number increasing faster than those able to get into shelters. African Americans represent four times greater than the general population and Native Americans are two times greater. She further added that older generations are also facing tough decisions, i.e. choosing between buying medications or paying rent/mortgage. Early forecasting conducted by the University of Arizona suggest that the homeless population could double when all moratoriums are lifted. Ms. St. Peter identified key steps in moving forward to include developing cost analysis for additional shelter beds, housing units and strategies, calculating regional funding targets, creating regional funding scenarios, offering the regional strategy portfolio for action in May, launching the development of the implementation plan on June 10th, and offering the implementation plan for approval in August. Ms. St. Peter explained MAG has conducted a tremendous amount of outreach to ensure MAG includes diverse perspectives in all its work. Councilmember Delgado expressed his appreciation for this informative presentation. Councilmember Hutchinson stated his concerns with what he believes to be falsely inflated economic and jobless numbers and inconclusive homelessness data. Ms. St. Peter responded that the data was provided by Dr. Keith from the University of Arizona and forecasting indicates the real possibility of homelessness doubling; she expressed her apologies for any miscommunications. Councilmember Winston asked if there are free legal resources available to renters, and are locations available for displaced animals due to their owners becoming homeless. Ms. St. Peter confirmed the availability of free legal resources and stated MAG was looking at forming a work group to address homeless individuals and their animals. Councilmember Winston addressed the large amount of Federal rental assistance funds available and asked what measures were being taken to ensure the message is relayed to those in need. Ms. St. Peter responded by addressing the Public education campaign underway which included media and social media outreach to communities. Councilmember Dorcey expressed her concerns for more affordable housing noting her belief that future homeless people would more likely be whole families as opposed to single individuals. Ms. St. Peter stated the data actually indicates higher homeless numbers for single individuals but both families and single individuals are targeted for assistance. Dr. Grooms addressed Mayor and Council and explained there was a local organization working to set up provisions to allow options for displaced animals due to owner homelessness. She explained resource messaging was being conducted through social media campaigns, digital message boards, and marketing materials provided from the County. 2 Regular Meeting - Council Minutes May 4, 2021 2. Presentation to the Mayor and City Council of the Government Finance Officer's Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Award for fiscal year 2021. (Finance) Finance Director Robert Nilles introduced Mr. Jerry Hart/Board Membership Committee with GFOA. Mr. Hart presented the City of El Mirage with the award for Distinguished Budget for the year 2021 and stated it is the hightest form of budgeting recognition for government budgeting. A video hosted by Executive Director of GFOA, Mr. Christopher P. Morrill was played to highlight the first time the City of El Mirage has earned this award, with all criteria being met. Mayor Hermosillo expressed her gratitude to both City Manager Dyches and the City's Finance Department. 4. PROCLAMATION 1. To proclaim May 16-22, 2021 as Emergency Medical Services Week in the City of El Mirage. (Fire) Fire Chief Michael Long presented and stated the American Council of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) announced the theme for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week (May 16-22, 2021) was "This is EMS: Caring for Our Communities". The theme highlights the commitment of EMS in responding to, caring for and supporting the needs of our communities each and every day. First celebrated in 1974, EMS Week celebrates EMS practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. Annually, EMS Week brings together local communities and the medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line." Mayor Hermosillo proclaimed the week of May 16-22, 2021 as National Medical Services Week in the City of El Mirage. 5. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Citizens desiring to speak on any issue within the jurisdiction of the public body may do so at this time. Comments shall be limited to three (3) minutes per person and shall be addressed to the City Council as a whole. At the conclusion of the Call to the Public, individual City Council Members may (1) respond to criticism made by those who have spoken, (2) direct staff to review or follow up on the matter, and/or (3) direct that the matter be put on a future agenda. No Public comment cards were received. 6. CONSENT AGENDA All items listed under the Consent Agenda will be voted on with one motion. If discussion is desired regarding any Consent Agenda Item, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and voted on separately. 1. Consideration and action to approve the minutes of the Council Work Session and Regular Council meeting held Tuesday, April 20, 2021. (City Clerk) 2. Consideration and action to approve Amendment #1 to C18-0520 IGA, expiring June 30, 2021, with the City of Glendale Stadium Coalition to reflect the name change of the Stadium and extend the existing contract to June 30, 2024. (Police Department) 3 Regular Meeting - Council Minutes May 4, 2021 3. Consideration and action to extend contract EM20-INSP01 with Consultant Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $50,000 and approve the Finance Director to make necessary budget transfers. (Community Development) 4. Consideration and action to approve a secondary contract with Skillsoft Corporation for web-based Information Technology training. (Information Technology) 5. Consideration and action to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Northwest Valley Connect (NVC), a nonprofit 501(C)3, for local Dial-a-Ride transit services for FY21-22 in an amount not to exceed $140,368. (Grants) 6. Consideration and action to request, and accept if awarded, a recycling grant from the Carton Council Community Education Award grant program in an approximate amount of $2,000 to support recycling education, communication and marketing efforts and authorize Finance to make necessary budget transfers. (Grants/Public Works). Vice Mayor Dorcey moved to approve Consent Agenda Items 1 through 6 as presented; seconded by Councilmember Shapera. Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously 7. REGULAR AGENDA 8. CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS & SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS The City Council may not act upon any matter in the City Manager's summary but may have general comment or questions. City Manager Dyches announced in partnership with the Dysart Unified School District the City will be holding a School Fields opening ceremony on May 13, 2021 at 9:00 am at the El Mirage Elementary School. She further added that a dedication to the new Veteran's monument at Veteran's Park for May 18, 2021 at 9:00 am was scheduled. 9. MAYOR'S COMMENTS and COUNCIL SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS The Mayor and City Council may not discuss or act upon any matter in the summary unless the specific matter is properly noticed for legal action. Council Mayor Delgado stated no CDAC meetings were scheduled. Councilmember Hutchinson expressed his appreciation to Department Heads for providing a tour of their respective departments. He also expressed his appreciation to the Judge and court staff and stated the court was in need of upgrades as the building was too small with outdated equipment. Councilmember Shapera expressed his interest in attending upcoming pinning ceremonies within the Police Department and would like to be notified when these events happen Councilmember Winston agreed with Councilmember Shapera and expressed interest in any upcoming Fire Department ceremonies as well. 10. EXECUTIVE SESSION 4 Regular Meeting - Council Minutes May 4, 2021 1. Consideration and action to adjourn in to Executive Session per A.R.S. § 38-431.03.A.7 regarding discussions or consultations with designated representatives of the public body in order to consider its position and instruct its representatives regarding negotiations for the purchase, sale or lease of real property. (City Manager) Vice Mayor Dorcey moved to adjourn into Executive Session per A.R.S. §38-431.03.A.7 regarding discussions or consultations with designated representatives of the public body in order to consider its position and instruct its representatives regarding negotiations for the purchase, sale or lease of real property; seconded by Councilmember Shapera. Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously 12. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm. _____________________________ Alexis A. Hermosillo, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ Sharon Antes, City Clerk I hereby certify the aforementioned minutes are a true and accurate record of the Regular El Mirage City Council Meeting held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, and a quorum was present. 5 Regular Meeting - Council Minutes May 4, 2021