Minutes of a Public Meeting
PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED SUMMARY
OF A PUBLIC INPUT MEETING,
HELD IN THE CITY OF CHANDLER, FOR THE
GOVERNOR’S TRANSPORTATION VISION 21 TASK FORCE
5:04 p.m., Tuesday, July 13, 1999
Chandler City Hall
22 South Delaware
Chandler, Arizona
The Governor’s Transportation Vision 21 Task Force met in official session for a Public Meeting at 5:04 p.m., Tuesday, July 13, 1999 with Co-Chairpersons Martin Shultz and Sharon Megdal presiding. Other members in attendance were Lisa Atkins, Malcolm Barrett, Steve Basila, John Bivens, Joe Herrick, Diane McCarthy, Dave Olney, Mary Peters, Ingo Radicke, Barbara Ralston, Rene Redondo Jim Shipman, Lela Steffey and Frank Thorwald. Also present were Stephanie Bondeson, ADOT Project Manager for the task force, and John Carlson, Governor’s Transportation Advisor.
Welcome, Introductions
Mr. Martin Shultz called the meeting to order and members in attendance introduced themselves. Mr. Shultz provided a brief history of the task force and its committees.
Comments from Local Elected Officials and from the Public
Mayor Tibshraeny was introduced and spoke regarding the approach the City of Chandler has taken to meet its local transportation needs. He provided examples of how innovation and partnering have helped the City of Chandler succeed in meeting many of its transportation goals.
Mr. Bryan Patterson, deputy public works director, began by providing a brief description of the community’s population and demographics. He stated that traditional sources of funding, including a gas tax, have not kept pace with the city’s needs. He explained that all gas tax monies now go to maintenance and operation leaving no monies for new construction. He highlighted 100 to 120 million dollars in street projects the City of Chandler has planned, which will be paid for with the city’s impact fees program. Mr. Patterson also touched on some of the city’s developing congestion problems and its proposed solutions, including improvements to its mass transit system. He stated that a recent proposal for a three-eighths increase is sales tax which would have been used to fund these solutions, was defeated. Mr. Patterson also spoke regarding the state infrastructure bank and its affect on the city. Mr. Patterson concluded by asking for the committee’s assistance in having the flight property tax funds restored.
Mr. Redondo asked Mr. Patterson how much money the three-eighths cent sales tax would have generated. Mr. Patterson answered approximately 10 million dollars annually. Mr. Patterson also explained that, in reference to the impact fees, developers are given the choice of building the arterial streets themselves instead of paying the fee. He stated this means the city is actually getting more dollars worth of construction than just the actual fees collected.
Mr. Patterson explained for Mr. Shultz how the impact fees are assessed and explained that the city is very careful to make sure fees are tied directly to the demand that growth is creating.
In response to Mr. Basila’s question, Mr. Patterson stated the City of Chandler’s top three priorities would be finishing the freeways, developing the transit system and relieving congestion.
Mr. Radicke questioned Mr. Patterson as to whether the impact fees would be increased over time. Mr. Patterson stated that his expectation is that roughly every four years the base of the fee would be increased on master plan updates and in between increases would be tied to some measure of inflation.
Mr. Bivens asked Mr. Patterson if he had done any studies on how much of the city’s transportation problems are internally generated versus those generated by people who do not live in Chandler. Mr. Patterson stated that he believed the majority of the traffic congestion is probably generated by traffic either coming to Chandler to work or people going to work somewhere else, but that no official studies had been done. Mr. Bivens followed up by asking if Mr. Patterson had specific recommendations as to how the task force could help alleviate the regional kinds of problems in Chandler relative to traffic. Mr. Patterson suggested getting more of the arterial traffic onto freeways would be very helpful and that any thing the task force can do to secure funding for building freeways earlier would be very beneficial.
Mr. Patterson stated for Mr. Redondo that long-term maintenance for the streets created by the impact fees has not yet been addressed.
Mr. Keno Hawker, Mesa city council member, spoke regarding his vision for transportation for the next 20 years. He stated that any light rail transit system would need to be rapid to encourage usage. He stated his appreciation for the acceleration of the freeway system and suggested that on the San Tan and Red Mountain freeways that more right of way be acquired so the center corridor could be used for some kind of rapid transit system. Mr. Hawker stated he hoped that any interim ballot initiatives would be structured so that if a regional one passes, the local initiative is then dropped.
Mr. Shultz asked if Mr. Hawker would support giving local elected officials the authorization to make decisions rather than going to public votes. Mr. Hawker stated he would not support that and didn’t believe the public would either.
Ms. Barbara Ralston inquired as to the cost of the different modes of rail transportation. Mr. Hawker stated he did not have those numbers and felt there were others more qualified to answer that question.
Mr. Shultz asked that the City of Mesa provide a set of priorities and be responsive to some of the issues that the task force has to deal with to develop a comprehensive transportation plan for the state. Mr. Hawker agreed and briefly described what his top priorities would be.
Mr. Hawker confirmed for Mr. Radicke that Mesa does utilize impact fees, but not to the extent of the City of Chandler. He explained they are trying to figure out a fair method for assessing those fees.
Mr. William Beyer described the findings of the Citizen Transportation Oversight Committee. He explained that the public is split on many issues and he feels it is due to the lack of public leadership in terms of transportation. He stated his hope that the task force will provide a plan that the political leadership in this state can get behind which will, in turn, start bridging together the public on the issues which they are presently so strongly split. Mr. Beyer warned not to base any opinions or recommendations on the psychological speculation of what the public’s reaction may be. Mr. Beyer stated that he did not believe the public would support putting a freeway through an area that is already relatively settled. He cited the Paradise Freeway as an example. He also explained that the public is vitally interested in getting a smooth flow of traffic in their local communities. He touched on the need to have city-to-city planning regarding cross street traffic. Mr. Beyer recommended that future technology, both in forms of transportation and ways in which that transportation can be handled, be taken into consideration when planning for the future. He mentioned teleconferencing and computer controlled street traffic as issues which could have a great impact on transportation in the future. Mr. Beyer also explained that there is a strong element in the valley of subregional interests and concerns. He recommended that any plan for the future produce a sense of equity and fairness amongst the people.
Mr. Shultz asked that, in the interest of time, Mr. Beyer provide additional input he may have in writing. Dr. Megdal suggested that copies of maps indicating the changes that have been made in the valley be distributed.
Mr. Fulton Brock, chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, spoke regarding mass transit and the possibility that it may need to be subsidized. He questioned who would pay for it if a mass transit system were created. He suggested allowing public authorization or right of ways and then opening up mass transit to the private sector.
Mr. Bivens asked Mr. Brock if he would support privatizing other components of the transportation system. Mr. Brock indicated he would.
Mr. Brock described various cities’ mass transit systems which can be looked at as models. Mr. Shultz requested that Mr. Brock submit copies of any data, documentation and/or articles he had regarding these transit systems.
The meeting was recessed for a short break from 6:25 p.m. to 6:36 p.m.
Mr. Roc Arnett suggested that the task force examine how ADOT employees are paid. He expressed his concerned that ADOT has lost a tremendous number of employees. Mr. Arnett requested that the task force respond to the one person, one vote issue and when doing so, not only look at the state board, but at all MAGs, PAGs and COGs. Mr. Arnett presented a written report concerning this issue to the task force. He also submitted a map and presentation regarding the CANAMEX Corridor. Mr. Arnett also suggested that a system of prioritization for funds be created. He cited Yavapai County as an excellent model for matching funds. Mr. Arnett also suggested the issue of privatization be looked at.
Mr. Shipman questioned Mr. Arnett as to the number of members he feels the statewide transportation board should have in regards to the one man, one vote issue. Mr. Arnett stated he believed there should be no more than nine members.
Mr. Bill Reutter, Department of Public Safety requested that the task force, in making its recommendations, form the best, most appropriate and inexpensive way of managing the freeway system and supporting the law enforcement people that need to be out there. He suggested partnering with other boards including ADOT and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Mr. Reutter stated that a lack of manpower makes it physically impossible for all of the highways to be covered 24 hours a day.
Ms. Peters offered her support of Mr. Reutter’s comments that adequate enforcement is a vital issue.
Mr. Shultz requested that Mr. Reutter provide a more complete list of partnering opportunities in writing.
Mr. Thorwald inquired as to the usefulness of cameras and video camera systems for augmenting officers for enforcing laws. Mr. Reutter stated the legal, moral and ethical issues involved in the use of cameras needs to be addressed.
Ms. Gena Trimble introduced Mr. Carlos De Leon who presented a brief description of the projects implemented in the City of Tempe as a result of the 1996 transit tax. Mr. De Leon also submitted a pamphlet outlining the details of the program. Ms. Trimble suggested the region and state would best be served with an expansion of programs like Tempe’s and should be a top priority. She stated that a balanced system of transit and roadways needs to be developed throughout the state for quality growth to occur, and that she would support state legislation including new funding for transit systems statewide.
Mr. De Leon stated he would provide additional information on the demographics of Tempe’s ridership pursuant to Dr. Megdal’s request.
Ms. Christine Simmons highlighted major points from the written testimony she submitted. She stated there needs to be a comprehensive freeway street system, signal synchronization, a solid infrastructure with an ongoing maintenance plan as well as choices in transportation modes.
Mr. Redondo questioned Ms. Simmons as to whether Mesa and Tempe coordinate to see that bus routes are aligned to work together. Ms. Simmons indicated they do that as much as possible, but unfortunately riders do have to change buses. This issue is being considered.
Ms. Debra Astin, transportation planner for the City of Scottsdale, stated that growth and related issues of traffic are of highest concern to residents of Scottsdale. Ms. Astin gave a brief description of the traffic issues faced by Scottsdale both now and those projected for the future. She highlighted the findings of a telephone survey conducted by West Group Research and the conclusions of more than 20 meetings held by the Transportation Commission and staff. She outlined Scottsdale’s "Let’s Get Moving" transportation plan and provided committee members with a handout she described as a call to action for the citizens of Scottsdale.
Mr. Paul Dunakin suggested looking to San Diego, San Francisco and Boston for working models of a light rail system. He complimented ADOT on allowing everyone to use HOV lanes during non-rush hour times. Mr. Dunakin also suggested looking at the rapid transit monorail systems in Europe.
Ms. Fran Emerson stated her support for equitable funding distribution for all modes of transportation. She explained that due to the temporary status of current transit subsidies and matching funds programs, individual municipalities have exhibited reluctance to rely on funding which may not be there in another five years.
Mr. Gerald Spellman spoke regarding SkyTran. He also provided members with handouts for their review. Mr. Spellman explained SkyTran’s proposal to put up a 175 mile grid system linking Mesa and Tempe as well as Phoenix and Glendale at no cost to taxpayers.
Mr. Rex Kent spoke of the deficiencies in transportation for people with disabilities.
Mr. Charlie Deaton asked the committee to continue to look at and share with the public exactly what the nine billion dollar shortfall is and how it got to be there. He commented that a future transportation system has to include more than just roads. He explains that mass transit and air transportation also need to be taken into consideration. Mr. Deaton stated that mass transit is necessary to deal with air quality issues even more so than actually moving people.
Mr. Gareth Thorne stated he believes Amtrak service needs to be restored to Phoenix. He recommended pursuing the development of a high speed rail corridor between Phoenix and Tucson, and creating a rail transportation system in northern Arizona as well.
Dr. Megdal requested that Mr. Thorne provide copies of the cost information he has collected to members of the task force.
Ms. Stacy Howard gave a brief description of the air services which use airports throughout Arizona. She listed delivery operations such as Federal Express and UPS, the National Forest Service fire fighting unit, the Department of Public Safety and Air Evac as examples. Ms. Howard asked for the opportunity to provide a formal presentation to the task force in the future to explore the needs and alternatives to preserve, develop and refine Arizona’s aviation system. Ms. Howard offered to provide copies of information for the task members pursuant to Ms. McCarthy’s request.
Mr. Toni Di Bonito spoke regarding the use of electric vehicles and the impact they could have.
Closing comments and adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
MARTIN SHULTZ, Co-Chairperson
SHARON MEDGAL, Co-Chairperson
A complete transcript of this meeting is available for review, upon request.
