03/14/2019 Page City Council Work Session & Regular Meeting

FY 2019/2020 Budget Work Session

Last night, the City Council came together to talk budgets. During the session, the City Council was guided through the City of Page Police Department’s proposed budget for the 2019/2020 Fiscal Year.

During the presentation, Lt. Jones announced that the Department is seeking to increase their dispatch crew by one full-time person. Currently, there are a total of 9 dispatchers, who are mostly part-time. According to research conducted by Lt. Jones, areas handling similar 9-1-1 call volumes have 11 dispatchers on staff.

The Council discussed increasing pay to retain current dispatch staff, increasing the request to 2 dispatchers to provide adequate staffing as evidenced by other cities handling similar call volumes, and verifying that the current budget has allocated for an additional full-time dispatcher.Also discussed was offering an increase after successful completion of dispatcher training, and reviewing any procedures that could be transferred to an administrative position.

As this was a work session, there was only discussion on the matter, and no action was taken by the Council.

Regular Meeting

Economic Development Advisory Board Swearing-In

Five of the seven members of the new Economic Development Advisory Board was sworn in. After the swearing in, Bill Diak thanked the Council for creating the Board, and that it is now time for them to get to work.

Appointment to Planning & Zoning Commission

The Council then appointed Chris Van Meenen to the Page Planning and Zoning Commission. There was only one position open, and the term for the position ends June 30 of this year.

Airport Development Reimbursement Grant

The Council approved an Airport Development Reimbursement Grant Agreement for the Updated Airport Master Plan Study with the Arizona Department of Transportation. The grant totals $512,567. Of that amount 95% is reimbursable from the FAA, and 2.5% is reimbursable from the State. The City pays 2.5% of the total cost once reimbursements are received. Reimbursement from the State to the City will be $12,815.

Capital Improvement Projects Update

Kyle Christiansen, Director of Public Works presented an updated on the Capital Improvement Projects throughout the city.

The restrooms at Golliard Park are almost complete; should be complete within the next week.

The parking lot at the Community Center had to be put on hold due to the weather and temperatures. It was stated that the contractor will begin again next week.

Those who have been wondering about the citywide street repairs, the repairs were delayed due to the weather, temperatures, and other hurdles. You will be happy to know that repairs will begin again starting in approximately two weeks. The contractor expects to be complete by the end of April, however, with the unpredictable weather we have been experiencing, repairs during this phase may continue into May.

Community Development Department Update

Tim Suan, the Community Development Director also presented to the City Council updates from his department as well. One main point Suan brought up is that the Community Development Department has scheduled a housing symposium for the community on May 25. According to Suan, during the symposium, attendees can learn about opportunities for home ownership within the area.

Suan explained that some of the opportunities include assistance that is geared for those that currently do not own homes.

Executive Session

The Council ended the meeting with an executive session on Horseshoe Bend with no information to the public.

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