Council HQ

At its regular meeting on Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council approved code amendments regarding accessory dwellings, residential rezoning reviews, and standards on domesticated fowl to meet new state law requirements.

Earlier this year, the Arizona state legislature passed two significant housing bills regarding regulating development standards for accessory dwellings and reviewing deadlines for residential rezonings. The first eliminates architectural design requirements for accessory dwellings and removes restrictions for those units if they are more restrictive than those for single-family dwellings with regards to height, setbacks, lot size or coverage, or building frontage.

The second sets review deadlines for rezoning applications. Both laws intend to address statewide housing shortages. The amendments passed by City Council bring Sierra Vista’s Development Code into compliance with these new state laws.

City Council also passed an amendment to the ordinance regarding domesticated fowl, which caps the total number of allowed domesticated fowl on detached, single-family dwellings to six regardless of lot size. Priorly, the ordinance language allowed one fowl per 1,000 square feet up to a maximum of eight. This ordinance amendment complies with the new state law governing domesticated fowl.

The state set a deadline for municipalities to adopt these standards by Jan. 1, 2025, and the City Council votes to approve the amendments meet these requirements.

In other business:

• Mayor Clea McCaa presented Certificates of Appreciation to outgoing City Commissioners.

• Council voted to approve the transfer of a Series 6 Liquor License to Chiragkumar Patel on behalf of Shree Hanuman Inc. dba Jr’s Bar, and to approve two new applications for Series 6 Liquor Licenses for Vanessa Lea Laurin on half of Beatnik LLC and Aaron Isaac Dawson on behalf of Jar Enterprise LLC dba Vista Beverage House.

• Council moved forward code of ordinance amendments regarding parks for public comment. The public can review the proposed changes and submit comments on Engage.SierraVistaAZ.gov during the 30-day public comment period. Comments must be submitted by Sunday, January 12, 2025.

• Council approved amendment updates to the City Code relating to the office of the City Manager regarding requirements, powers and duties, and various other specifications related to the position. These changes update outdated provisions within the code to reflect state laws and current practices.

• Council approved amendment to the City Manager’s contract to adjust the annual base salary to $197,083, provide 20 days of administrative leave that may be used as additional vacation days, and compensate the City Manager for any unused vacation leave that exceeds the accrual limit of five days or 40 hours of administrative leave.

• Council voted to amend the Personnel Rules & Regulations to allow the extension of light duty past the current six-month limit with approval of the City Manager and to provide paid military leave.

• Council voted to approve the Industrial Development Authority issuance of an Education Facility Revenue Bond to Signature Preparatory and another to Champion Schools Project.

• Council approved an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement between Cochise County, City of Sierra Vista, and Cochise County Community College District regarding the Southeastern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy. The amendment includes the dates of the spring semester and requirements for on-campus housing and meal plans for non-resident participants.

• Council approved the Estates II at Holiday final plat.

• Council approved an amendment to the Southeastern Arizona Communications Intergovernmental Agreement regarding human resources services and governing board makeup. The amendment begins to shift human resources and administrative services from the City of Sierra Vista to Cochise County and adds the Cochise County Sheriff in an “ex officio” capacity, to serve as the non-voting Chairman of the Board with limited authority to cast a vote only in the case of a tie.

At a special meeting on Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council voted to certify the official canvass of the Nov. 5, 2024, General Election.

The returns of the Sierra Vista City Council General Election, as well as the conduct of the election, were examined by Sierra Vista City Clerk Jill Adams who certified that, to the best of her knowledge and belief, all election proceedings were accomplished according to federal, state, and local laws.

A total of 19,929 City ballots were cast in the recent election, which represents a 60% voter turnout. The City had six candidates on the ballot, with David Jones, Faye Jackson, and Angelica Landry receiving the most votes. They will receive certificates of election as council members and take office on Jan. 1, 2025.

The City’s Vista 2040 General Plan was also on the ballot. The adoption of the plan failed with 7,807 votes for and 9,472 votes against. With the failure of that measure, the City will continue to use the Vista 2030 General Plan as mandated by state law. Over the next two years, City staff will seek further public input to revise the plan before putting a new draft on the ballot in the 2026 General Election.

At the Sierra Vista City Council meeting on Thursday, City Manager Chuck Potucek was recognized as a 2024-2025 Defense Community Champion. The award was presented on behalf of the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) in partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union.

Potucek is one of only 19 leaders nationwide to be recognized by ADC this year. He was nominated for his history of remaining engaged in a spirit of cooperation with Fort Huachuca and his advocacy for its soldiers and their families.

“Chuck’s leadership continues to challenge [City staff] to find more ways to partner with Fort Huachuca,” Tourism & Economic Development Director Tony Boone noted in the nomination. “From Intergovernmental Support Agreements (IGSAs) and partnerships to efforts on the environmental issues, Chuck remains the catalyst.”

The nomination specifically spoke to Potucek’s work with Congress to develop Section 321 of the National Defense Authorization Act in 2003; his leadership on IGSAs to provide refuse, ambulance, and other services to the fort; his support on identifying off-base housing opportunities for soldiers; and his proactive approach to military/civilian community challenges, including responsible water management.

The last local recipient of the Defense Community Champion award was former Mayor Rick Mueller. During Mueller’s nomination process, he expressed that Potucek deserved the credit and asked that Potucek be nominated next.

In other business:

• City Council conducted a standing roll call and observed a moment of silence for former City Council Member Gregory Johnson who passed away last week.

• Mayor McCaa proclaimed November as Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Month. Former Mayor Thomas Hessler also said a few words, including honoring Sierra Vista’s two new Veteran Hall of Fame inductees Theresa Walsh and Jane Strain.

• City Council accepted the resignation of Keith Landry from the Transportation Commission.

• City Council reappointed Randy Wilcox and Daman P. Malone to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

At its regular meeting on Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council voted to dedicate the central event space at Veterans Memorial Park as the Frederick W. “Rick” Mueller, II Parade Field, honoring the former Sierra Vista mayor who passed away on May 29, 2024.

The resolution to dedicate the space to Mueller was brought forward by Parks, Recreation, & Library Director Laura Wilson on behalf of City Manager Chuck Potucek. It was first presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission, which, along with City staff, recommended approval.

“Naming the central area of Veterans Memorial Park as the Frederick W. “Rick” Mueller, II Parade Field would be a fitting tribute to Rick’s lifetime of service and his tireless dedication to Sierra Vista,” Wilson said. “It would honor not only his military service but also his unparalleled commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all who live in and visit our community.”

The space will be dedicated to Mueller during the Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park on Monday, Nov. 11.

In other business:

• Mayor Clea McCaa proclaimed the week of Oct. 27 through Nov. 2, 2024, as Veterans Small Business Week in Sierra Vista.

• The Economic Development Commission honored Urban Axe Yard with a Business Recognition Award. Urban Axe Yard owners Cary Brown and Vish Hirani, accompanied by family, friends, and employees, accepted the award for 2024 Veteran-Owned Business of Year. Learn more of Brown and Hirani’s story on the “City of Sierra Vista” Facebook page and at www.SierraVistaAZ.gov.

• Council voted to dedicate the dog parks at Thompkins Park to Canine Bones, who worked alongside Sgt. Allyn from 2016 to 2021 and whose contributions greatly enhanced public safety and community wellbeing.

• Council voted to approve an intergovernmental agreement between Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services and Cochise College to provide training, training facilities, and vehicular rotations for college firefighter and driver/operator students.

• Council voted to accept Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant funding in the amount of $88,099 to support DUI and aggressive driving details and equipment. The grant funds overtime costs in the amount of $54,643, Employee Related Expenses in the amount of $21,857, the purchase of new preliminary breath test devises in the amount of $2,199, and the purchase of a new Intoxilyzer 9000 device in the amount of $2,199.

• Council voted to approve a settlement in the matter of the City of Sierra Vista vs. Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America in the amount of $135,000 to cover losses incurred by check fraud perpetrated against the City last December.

• Council voted to approve amendments to the City Code to clean up outdated provisions in Chapter 31 related to the office of the City Manager.

At its regular meeting on Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council voted to approve preliminary plat for the development of Estates II at Holiday subdivision.

Castle & Cooke, in conjunction with Walston Homes, is proposing to construct 10 detached single-family homes in Estates II, located northwest of the intersection of Canyon de Flores and Great Basin Lane. The subdivision will encompass 4.5 acres and be developed in one phase.

This preliminary approval begins the process as development plans move forward to bring a final plat before Council. After approval of a final plat, construction can begin.

In other business:

• Mayor Clea McCaa proclaimed the week of Oct. 13-19 as Women in Business Week.
• The Economic Development Commission honored Seasun Creations with a Business Recognition Award. Seasun Creations owner Marisol Tabler, accompanied by family and friends, accepted the award for 2024 Women-Owned Business of the Year. Learn more of Tabler’s story on the “City of Sierra Vista” Facebook page and at www.SierraVistaAZ.gov.
• Mayor Clea McCaa proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month.
• Chief Procurement Officer Kennie Downing accepted the 2024 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award on behalf of the City’s Procurement Department.
• City Council voted to accept the submission of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Program Year 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER).
• City Council voted to rescind Resolution 2024-029, donation of two surplus vehicles to Sister City Cananea, Sonora, Mexico. At this time, Cananea is unable to accept these donations and requested the City to rescind it. The 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500 truck and 2005 Ford F250 truck will be auctioned off by the City instead.
• City Council approved an amendment to the Personnel Rules and Regulations to add paid paternal leave.
• City Council voted to appoint Daniel D. Haws, II as counsel for water representation.
• City Council voted to abandon a sewer easement and accept a sewer, drainage, and public utility easement on lots 8-11 of the Crossroads Commerce Center subdivision.
• City Council approved an owner transfer of a Series 6 Liquor License for Sara Jill Adams on behalf of Sierra Vista Golf Center at Pueblo del Sol.
• City Council approved a limited liability-type of ownership for a Series 12 Liquor License for Kevin Arnold Kramber on behalf of Guadalajara’s Sierra Vista located at 99 S. Highway 92.

At its regular meeting on Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council voted to accept a Tohono O’odham Nation grant to fund new air bag lifting equipment.

The City of Sierra Vista was recently chosen as a recipient of a Tohono O’odham Nation 12% Distribution Grant in the amount of $36,000 to fund the new emergency equipment.

These life-saving lifts are primarily used for vehicle stabilization, building collapse, or heavy rescue (when someone is pinned beneath a vehicle).

Although Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services already has two air bag lifting systems, they have reached the end of their recommended lifespan and may not be deployable due to rubber degradation. The new equipment will ensure SVF&MS has these important tools in case they are needed in future emergencies.

In other business:

• Mayor Clea McCaa proclaimed the week of Sept.16 through 22, 2024, as Minority Enterprise Development Week.
• The Economic Development Commission honored Sakura with a Business Recognition Award. Sakura owner Ruby Tran, accompanied by family and friends, accepted the award for 2024 Minority-Owned Business of the Year. Learn more of Tran’s story on the “City of Sierra Vista” Facebook page and at www.SierraVistaAZ.gov.
• City Council voted to amend the City’s Development Code to expand the hours of operation for recreational marijuana facilities from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• City Council voted to allow the City Attorney to pursue legal action against Charles Long to collect a debt owed to the City.
• City Council authorized the Industrial Development Authority to issue a bond in the amount of $3,500,000 to Liberty Traditional Private School.
• City Council appointed Iris Allison and Lana Tompkins-Stutzman to the Commission on Disability Issues.
• City Council accepted the resignation of Alvira (Vera) Gates-Williams with regret and appointed Presence Massie, Roger Hunter, and Angela Givens to the Sierra Vista Neighborhoods Commission.
• City Council appointed Gregory Loughran to the Sierra Vista Transportation Commission.
• City Council accepted the resignation of Ryley Absalon with regret from the Youth Commission.

At its meeting on Thursday, Aug. 8, the Sierra Vista City Council moved forward development code amendments for public comment that would expand the hours of operation for recreational marijuana facilities.

The amendments were requested by Trulieve, a recreational marijuana dispensary in Sierra Vista. The change would expand the hours of operation from no earlier than 9 a.m. and no later than 7 p.m. to no earlier than 8 a.m. and no later than 10 p.m.

To review the proposed amendments and make comments, go to Engage.SierraVistaAZ.gov. Please submit comments by Monday, Sept. 9.

In other business:

• The City Council adopted the primary tax levy rate of $0.1033 per $100 of assessed value, generating an estimated $387,167 this fiscal year. This is a slight increase from the $382,261 collected in the prior fiscal year due to new construction. The rate was decreased so the amount paid by citizens is the same as the prior year.
• The City Council approved acceptance of a $120,000 grant from the Arizona State Parks, Heritage Fund, Non-Motorized Grant Program for the construction of an Americans with Disabilities Act accessible public restroom at Garden Canyon Linear Park off of St. Andres Drive. The City will provide an in-kind match of $30,000.
• The City Council approved amendments to the City’s tax code in accordance with the state’s Model City Tax Code.
• The City Council approved acceptance of the resignation of Bruce Phillips and appointment of Karen LeMay to the Sierra Vista Environmental Stewardship Commission, said term to expire April 30, 2026.
• The City Council approved designation of David Felix as the Chief Financial Officer authorized to submit the Annual Expenditure Limit Reports for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, Aug. 8, City Council meeting. They can be accessed via the City’s website at www.sierravistaaz.gov/government/city-council/council-documents.

City Council meetings can be streamed live and past meetings can be viewed on YouTube. The meetings are also aired on Cox Channel 12. Learn more at www.sierravistaaz.gov/government/city-council/council-meetings or in the “Council HQ” page at Engage.SierraVistaAZ.gov.

At its regular meeting on Thursday, July 25, the Sierra Vista City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Final Budget.

The final budget amount of $172,359,341 remains unchanged from the tentative budget approved on June 27, 2024. The final budget book will be developed and made available in early October. The public will be able to access the budget book on the City’s website, at the Sierra Vista Public Library, and at City Hall. The City’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.

The City Council also held a public hearing on the adoption of the proposed property tax levy rate at $0.1033 per $100 of assessed valuation, which would generate an estimated $387,068 in FY24. The tax levy rate was decreased slightly due to an increase in valuation of taxable property, so the amount paid by citizens remains the same. The total revenue is slightly higher than the $382,261 collected last year due to new construction.

The City Council will take final action to adopt the property tax levy at its meeting on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 5 p.m.

In other business:

• Mayor Clea McCaa proclaimed the month of August 2024 as Hummingbird Month in and for the City of Sierra Vista.
• Heinfeld Meech and Company, P.C. presented the Fiscal Year 2023 audit as required by Arizona law.
• City Chief Financial Officer David Felix presented the City’s compliance with ARS 9-481 and ARS 41-1494.
• City Council reappointed Gary Smith and Victoria Yarbrough to the Fire and Police Pension Board.
• City Council accepted the resignations of Sophia Rosa and Lexi Prickett from the Youth Commission and appointed Ian Burnett and Anna Burnett.
• City Council authorized the Industrial Development Authority to issue Educational Facility Revenue Bonds to benefit the American Leadership Academy. As usual, the City incurs no financial responsibility or risk with these bonds.
• City Council approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with Cochise County for funding a consultant to promote retention and expansion of missions on Fort Huachuca.
• City Council approved the release of the payment plan with Castle & Cooke, contingent on the transfer of the Pueblo del Sol golf course property.
• City Council approved updates to the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations, including adding a definition of a domestic partner; changing the falsification of an employment application disqualification time from indefinite to two years from the date of the application; adding a definition for mandatory holdover and defining its compensation; changing vacation usage eligibility from six months to 30 days; adding domestic partner as an eligible family member for the purpose of bereavement leave; and modifying the amount of paid bereavement leave from 24 hours to 40 hours and from 60 to 48 for Fire personnel.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, July 25, City Council meeting. They can be accessed via the City’s website at www.sierravistaaz.gov/government/city-council/council-documents.

City Council meetings can be streamed live and past meetings can be viewed on YouTube. The meetings are also aired on Cox Channel 12. Learn more at www.sierravistaaz.gov/government/city-council/council-meetings or in the “Council HQ” page at engage.sierravistaaz.gov.

At its regular meeting on Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council approved the Vista 2040 General Plan.

The plan provides an over-arching guide for future development over the next 10 years and informs the City Council’s strategic planning efforts. It contains five themes: community growth and development; economic vitality; connectivity; public facilities and services; and environmental sustainability.

Before finalizing the plan, the City sought feedback from City commissions and offered two cycles of public feedback that included both in person and online opportunities to review the plan and comment on it. That feedback helped to shape the final draft, which will come before Sierra Vista voters in the November 5, General Election. The plan will be available for review online at www.SierraVistaAZ.gov/Vista2040 and physical copies will be available for review at City Hall and the Sierra Vista Public Library.

In other business:

• Mayor McCaa proclaimed the week of June 23 through June 29 Boys and Girls Club Week in and for the City of Sierra Vista.
• City Council approved the FY2024/2025 Tentative Budget. The tentative budget adoption effectively caps the upcoming fiscal year at $172,359,341. This means changes may be made within that spending limit prior to adoption of the final budget, but the total amount cannot be increased.
• City Council designated David Felix as the CFO authorized to submit the Annual Expenditure Limitation Report with the State.
• City Council authorized the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to issue its Charter School Revenue and Refunding Bonds to LEAD Charter Schools.
• City Council authorized the IDA to issue its Charter School Revenue and Refunding Bonds to Leading Edge Academy Maricopa Charter School Project. The City and IDA have no financial burden for these bonds.