Council HQ

The Sierra Vista City Council approved the codification of the City’s Code of Ordinances, declaring it a 30-day public record, at its regular meeting on Thursday.

This item will return for final action by the council after 30 days. It is an administrative process that will adopt various code amendments made since the previous codification as official record of the City. It does not impact any of the effective dates of the amendments, which have already been approved and implemented.

The City’s updated Development Code will be published and will be available on the City’s website, www.SierraVistaAZ.gov.

In other business the City Council approved:

• A Conditional Use Permit for Chabad of Sierra Vista to expand into 597 E. Fry Blvd.
• The acceptance of the resignation of Aubrey Travis from the Sierra Vista Youth Commission.
• The appointment of William Indelicato to the Sierra Vista Transportation Commission, said term to expire April 30, 2025.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, Aug. 24, 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 acceptance of a $108,000 Border Security Fund Grant from the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs that will aid the Sierra Vista Police Department.

The grant will be used to purchase five P25-compliant in-car dual band radios and eight Grappler devices for use by SVPD. The radios will be installed in SVPD vehicles to enhance public safety communications and operability daily. The Grappler bumper system will also be installed on police vehicles so they can be deployed to safely end vehicle pursuits. The Grappler system dispenses a net that tethers to a rear tie on a fleeing vehicle, enabling the officer to bring the vehicle to a stop safely.

In other business:

• The City Council adopted the proposed property tax levy rate at $0.1056 per $100 of assessed value, which will generate an estimated $382,261 this fiscal year. The rate was adjusted slightly lower than last year 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 $379,068 collected last year due to new construction.
• The City Council approved amendments to Chapter 94 of the City Ordinance after receiving no public comments during a 30-day comment period. The amendments designated specific operating hours for several sports complexes and facilities to better serve the public and mitigate safety concerns. Specifically, fields and facilities at the Cyr Center Sports Complex, Veterans Memorial Park Sports Complex, and Tacoma Sports Complex will be closed at dusk or one hour after the last reservation. In addition, pickleball and tennis courts will be closed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• The City Council approved acceptance of a Federal Aviation Administration grant for an Airport Master Plan update in the amount of $510,000. This includes $464,406 from the FAA, $22,797 from the Arizona Department of Transportation as a state match, and a $22,797 match from the City.
• The City Council approved proceedings for the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Sierra Vista to issue revenue bonds for two school projects not located in Sierra Vista. One resolution authorized the issuance of Education Facility Revenue Bonds for the Champion Schools Project not to exceed $35 million. The second authorized the issuance of Charter School Revenue Bonds for the Delta Academy Charter School Project not to exceed $30 million. The IDA receives revenue from the fees associated with these bonds, which it can then use to further economic development efforts in Sierra Vista.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, Aug. 10, 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 on this page.

The Sierra Vista City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Final Budget at its regular meeting on Thursday.

The budget amount of $175,145,445 remains unchanged from the Tentative Budget approved on June 23. Following its adoption, 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 $0.1056 per $100 of assessed value, which would generate an estimated $382,261 this fiscal year. The rate was adjusted slightly lower than last year 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 $379,068 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. 10, at 5 p.m.

In other business, the City Council approved:

· The donation of four surplus Ford Crown Victoria vehicles to Sierra Vista’s sister city Cananea, Mexico.

· The abandonment of two alleyway sections located between Cyr Center and North Garden Avenue.

· The granting of utility easements to provide Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative and Century Link access for maintaining their utilities on the alleyways being abandoned by the City.

· The rezoning of a parcel located on the southeast corner of Kayetan Drive and Elledge Drive from Neighborhood Convenience to Manufactured Home Residence.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, July 28, 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 on this page.

At a special meeting on Tuesday, the Sierra Vista City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation needed to accept $1.8 million of state funds for improvements to Theater Drive between 7^th Street and Carmichael Avenue.

Developed as a joint effort between the City of Sierra Vista and Cochise County, this project was submitted for potential appropriation by the Sierra Vista Metropolitan Planning Organization. The project will improve pedestrian and bicycle access, standardize the roadway cross section, incorporate drainage improvements, and add on-street parking along Theater Drive in Sierra Vista’s West End.

Ownership of this section of Theater Drive is split between the City and Cochise County. Both the City and County were involved in the conceptual design process. Now the City will work with Cochise County to plan next steps for the project.

In other business the City Council approved:

• Amendments to Chapters 150 and 152 of the City Code of Ordinances, adopting the latest International Building Codes and updating local codes with minor changes. One new amendment pertains to residential homes using battery storage systems.
• An amendment to Chapter 33 that cleans up a conflict found with the personnel rules regarding contracts for executive staff.
• Authorization to proceed with an intergovernmental agreement between the City, Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cochise County Community College District continuing a partnership to operate the Southeastern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy on the Cochise College Douglas Campus.
• An addendum to the City Attorney’s Contract.

More information from Tuesday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Tuesday, July 11, 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 reinstatement of a health insurance benefit that allows retired City employees, with adequate years of continuous service, to retain health coverage until they are Medicare eligible.

This allows City employees reaching a normal retirement with the Arizona State Retirement System or Public Safety Retirement System to retain healthcare coverage for themselves through the state health insurance plan. The City offered a similar benefit until July 1, 2012, when it was discontinued due to budget concerns. It is being implemented again to help retain employees longer to reduce recruitment demands.

Under the benefit, City employees reaching normal retirement who have 20 years of continuous service with the City since July 1, 2012, will be reimbursed for the out-of-pocket premium for the state health insurance coverage. Employees who have less than 20 years of service with the City but have 10 or more years of service since July 1, 2012, must pay a pro-rated share of the premium. The City will reimburse 5 percent per year worked based on years of City service with 20 years being 100%

In other business the City Council approved:

• The proceedings of the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Sierra Vista regarding the issuance of education facility revenue refunding obligations for the San Tan School Project in an amount not to exceed $18 million. This action has no impact on the City’s budget because the IDA is a separate entity, however the City Council’s approval is required to finalize the issuance of bonds by the IDA. The City has no fiscal liability associated with the issuance or repayment of the bonds.
• The designation of the City Chief Financial Officer as the City’s agent for completing all documentation for receiving donations.
• Moving forward for a 30-day public comment period amendments to Chapters 150 and 152 of the City Code of Ordinances, adopting the latest International Building Codes and updating local codes with minor changes. One new amendment pertains to residential homes using battery storage systems.
• The appointment of Chanse Frenette to the Commission on Disability Issues, said term to expire April 30, 2025.
• The appointment of Shelly Short to the Environmental Stewardship Commission, said term to expire April 30, 2025.
• The appointment of Anthony Isom to the Transportation Commission, said term to expire April 30, 2025.

The Sierra Vista City Council also recognized the 2022 Sierra Vista Police Department award winners.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, June 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 on this page.

At its regular meeting Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council approved the Plan Year 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Annual Action Plan, laying out how the City’s allocation of about $250,075 will be spent.

Under federal regulations, 15% of the funds can be used for public services (about $37,500), 20% for administration (about $50,000), and the remainder (about $162,575) for eligible projects. CDBG-funded activities must benefit low to moderate income persons, aid in the prevention of slums and blight, or meet other urgent community needs such as disaster relief.

Council approved the staff proposal to dedicate $162,575 to install fire hydrants in the Montebello subdivision that was annexed into the City in 2010. The subdivision does not meet requirements for fire hydrants in a residential area, which poses problems with emergency response and increases the possibility of increased loss due to a fire.

The portion dedicated for public services was approved to be split between three local organizations that presented requests this spring. The United Way of Sierra Vista and the Cochise County Family Advocacy Center will each receive $15,750, while Southern Arizona Legal Aid Services, which requested a smaller amount, will receive $6,000.

In other business the City Council:

• Approved an amendment to Chapter 33 of the City code for a 30-day public comment period. The change cleans up a conflict found with the personnel rules regarding contracts for executive staff.
• Approved the preliminary plat for Castle & Cooke Arizona’s Independence Village, a 376-lot residential subdivision that encompasses 109.25 acres east of Highway 92 and north of Buffalo Soldier Trail.
• Approved a request to proceed with an alleyway abandonment from Cyr Center to North Avenue.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, May 26, 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.

The Sierra Vista City Council appointed several citizens to the recently reformed Council advisory commissions at its meeting on Thursday.

Members were appointed to the Tourism; Neighborhoods; Transportation; Environmental Stewardship; Youth; and Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Diversity commissions; as well as the Commission on Disability Issues. The appointees’ terms will expire April 30, 2025.

There are still openings for additional members on many commissions. Vacancies and an application can be found online at SierraVistaAZ.gov.

New business items also approved included:

• Approval of revised City Board and Commission Guidelines
• Approval of revised City Council Policy and Procedure Guidelines, to require Council members to submit trip reports when traveling and using taxpayer funds
• Approval of an intergovernmental agreement between the City, Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, and Cochise County Community College district to operate the Southeastern Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy on the Cochise College campus
• Acceptance of a grant from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to fund Operation Stonegarden, which contributes to border and regional security efforts
• Approval of an intergovernmental agreement with Fort Huachuca to provide fire suppression systems inspection, maintenance, and repair services via a third party contractor
• Dedication of the tennis courts at Veterans Memorial Park Sports Complex to Steven Bokowski, a long-time youth tennis coach

Public hearing items included:

• Approval of a Series 12 liquor license for Tacomaki Restaurant
• Hearing of the draft project year 2023 Community Development Block Grant Program Annual Action Plan

The 2023 Water Wise Youth Poster content winners were recognized at the meeting, April was proclaimed as Water Awareness Month in Sierra Vista, and Patrick Jones, a long-time volunteer with the Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services Department, was recognized for his support and dedication.

The Sierra Vista City Council approved the adoption of a series of amendments to the City’s development code at its regular meeting on Thursday.

The amendments were approved for a 30-day public comment period on Feb. 23 and no comments were received. They were recommended for adoption by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The changes adopted on Thursday include:

· Establishing permit requirements for unattended donation containers to mitigate potential public nuisance impacts if they are not properly maintained.

· Establishing a tiered development review process with more clearly defined thresholds that better guide applicants on the permitting process. This would clearly delineate the levels of review and submittal requirements associated with site plan review to be in relative proportion to the impact on the community.

· Changes to setbacks for single-family homes to provide more flexibility and accommodate current housing trends.

· Reducing the front and side yard setbacks on multi-family parcels in the Urban Infill Overlay District to allow for design flexibility, pedestrian-orientated development, and a more diverse and attractive streetscape.

The City Council also approved the adoption of an ordinance to allow the City to assess the costs associated with the collection of delinquent refuse fees by a third-party collection agency to the delinquent customer. The only public comment received on this proposed change was in favor of it.

In other business, the City Council approved a resolution restating the City’s commitment to Fair Housing in Sierra Vista.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, April 6, 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 on this page.

The City Council approved the donation of surplus sports field lights and lighting accessories to the Sierra Vista Unified School District at its regular meeting on Thursday.

The lights were replaced in 2019 with dark sky-friendly, low-energy LED lighting as part of the City’s phase one energy initiative with Schneider Electric and the old lights have not been in use since. The current value of the equipment is about $62,500. The surplus items include 11 light bar assemblies, 78 light head fixtures with bulbs, three switch boxes, miscellaneous loose bulbs, and 33 power boxes.

SVUSD expressed interest in using the lighting equipment on its practice ballfields. The donation benefits the district’s athletic programs and saves taxpayer dollars the district would need to spend to purchase new lights. SVUSD and the City have a long history of partnership and cooperative agreements for the betterment of the community.

In other business the City Council voted 5-2 against a resolution to direct the city manager to negotiate a draft memorandum of understanding with the Professional Fire Fighters of Sierra Vista, IAFF L4492 for City Council consideration.

The council also recognized the Sierra Vista Fire & Medical Services employees of the year. The winners are:

• 2022 Firefighter of the Year Thomas Wiedemann
• 2022 Paramedic of the Year Muriel Adams
• the 2022 EMT of the Year Philip Wechsler
• the 2022 Special Achievement recipient Joshua Meeker.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, March 23, 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 on this page.

The City Council approved a series of changes to City commissions resulting from an evaluation of how to reinvigorate and update the commissions, which was the focus of three prior discussions by the council in 2022 and 2023.

The changes approved Thursday transition most commissions from being non-regulatory departmental advisory commissions to being council advisory commissions. This places appointment of commission members back under the City Council’s purview, instead of having members appointed by the City manager. In addition, some commissions were combined into broader areas of focus as it has been difficult to field enough members to meet quorum requirements needed to host meetings.

Under the new structure, the Arts & Humanities, Cultural Diversity, and Library Commissions have been combined into a single Arts, Humanities, & Cultural Diversity Commission. The West End Commission was replaced by a Neighborhoods Commission, the Airport Commission was replaced by a Transportation Commission, and the Environmental Affairs Commission was replaced by an Environmental Stewardship Commission.

The scopes and names of the Parks & Recreation Commission, Youth Commission, Commission on Disability Issues, and Tourism Commission remain unchanged.

Based on input from its members, the newly formed Economic Development Commission will remain a departmental commission with members appointed by the City Manager. This is the only commission that remains a departmental advisory commission.

Council considers CDBG proposals

The City Council heard proposals for how to use the City’s next allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds, anticipated to be about $250,075.

Under federal regulations, 15% of the funds can be used for public services (about $37,500), 20% for administration (about $50,000), and the remainder (about $162,575) for eligible projects. CDBG-funded activities must benefit low to moderate income persons, aid in the prevention of slums and blight, or meet other urgent community needs such as disaster relief.

Staff proposed dedicating $162,575 to install fire hydrants in the Montebello subdivision that was annexed into the City in 2010. The subdivision does not meet requirements for fire hydrants in a residential area, which poses problems with emergency response and increases the possibility of increased loss due to a fire.

Three area nonprofit organizations presented proposals seeking to use the CDBG funding dedicated for public services. The United Way of Sierra Vista and Cochise County and the Cochise County Family Advocacy Center each requested $37,500, while Southern Arizona Legal Aid requested $5,734.

The council expressed interest in dividing the available funds to support all three service organizations.

Based on input received on Thursday, staff will prepare the City’s draft annual action plan, which will come before the City Council at a public hearing during its first meeting in April. This will initiate a 30-day public comment period and then the plan will return to council for final consideration at its first meeting in May.

In other business, the City Council authorized staff to submit an application for a WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Project Grant through the Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation to support construction of the Riverstone Recharge Project.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, March 9, 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.