Minutes of the Special Meeting held October 22, 2002 at  6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Members Present                                 

Mayor Ronald Drake and Council Members                                         Peggy Jones

                                                                                                            Raymond Shuey

                                                                                                            Betty Lynch

                                                                                                            Albert Carroll, Jr.

ALSO PRESENT                                           

Todd Hileman, City Manager

Andrew McGuire, City Attorney

ABSENT/EXCUSED

Marie Lopez Rogers

Stephanie Karlin

2)                  INTERVIEWS FOR LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD, WATER/WASTEWATER ADVISORY BOARD AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN COMMITTEE
The Council interviewed applicants for positions on the Library Advisory Board, Water/Wastewater Advisory Board and the Capital improvement Plan Committee.

Mayor Drake stated that the candidates would be interviewed and no decision would be made that evening.  He stated that the purpose of the meeting was to obtain information and form opinions.

Linda Farris, City Clerk, stated that JoAnn Hernandez, candidate for the Library Advisory Board, could not be present for the meeting but still wished to be considered for the position.

Todd Hileman, City Manager, stated that seven positions were open for the Library Advisory Board.  He stated that Dan Davis, Director, Community Recreation Services, proposed that the Board, which had been dormant since 1999, be reactivated to encourage citizen input on programming and capital needs. 

Council Member Lynch stated that if Council members forwarded their names for appointment via e-mail, the information could be compiled before the November 4^th meeting.

Council Member Shuey asked that names only be forwarded to Mr. Hileman or the City Attorney, and not other Council members to ensure that no discussion ensued.

Mr. Hileman stated that the item would be placed on the November 4^th meeting agenda for ratification for each board.

Library Advisory Board

Interview with Library Advisory Board Candidate, Janet Crockett

Mayor Drake asked if Ms. Crockett could tell the Council about herself.

Janet Crockett stated that she lived in Garden Lakes, had lived in Arizona for 11 years, had a degree in accounting and was a homemaker.

Council Member Jones asked if Ms. Crockett had been on a library board before.

Ms. Crockett stated that she had.

Council Member Jones asked what she thought of the library’s role in the community today?

Ms. Crockett stated that the library provided recreation, education, research, access to the computers and the Internet.

Council Member Shuey asked what was her vision of the Avondale Public Library in three years?

Ms. Crockett stated that the need for a library would continue to grow as the community was growing.

Council Member Lynch asked how she plans to promote the library in the community?

Ms. Crockett stated that the library could be promoted through advertisement, mailing, or other means of introduction to new areas as they developed.

Council Member Carroll asked what type of programs did she think the library should provide?

Ms. Crockett stated that some important programs that needed to be provided were children’s programs and community awareness programs.

Council Member Shuey asked what Ms. Crockett thought the most underserved area of the community was.  He indicated there was no right or wrong answer and the answer could include geographical area, ethnicity, etc.

Ms. Crockett stated that more computer systems needed to be provided.

Mayor Drake asked how Ms. Crockett would contribute to the vision that the library had to grow if she was on the Library Board.

Ms. Crockett stated that she would like to make the community more aware of the library.

Mayor Drake thanked Ms. Crockett for her time.

Mayor Drake stated that he thought the question about which areas were underserved was difficult.

Council Member Lynch stated that she thought it was a good question.

Council Member Shuey stated that it was a way to ask the community what they thought was lacking in library services.

Interview with Library Advisory Board Candidate, Linda Webster

Mayor Drake asked if Ms. Webster could tell the Council about herself.

Linda Webster stated that she had been a resident of Avondale for four years, was retired from Maricopa County, worked part-time and stayed active in community affairs.

Council Member Jones asked what she thought was library’s role in the community today?

Ms. Webster stated that the library was a vital asset to the community.

Council Member Shuey asked what was her vision of the Avondale Public Library in three years?

Ms. Crockett stated that the library should provide activities for children and service for all areas.

Council Member Shuey asked what Ms. Webster thought was lacking in library services for the community. He indicated there was no right or wrong answer and the answer could include geographical area, ethnicity, etc.

Ms. Webster stated that young children were in need of services to help them be more active teens and adults in the library process.

Council Member Lynch asked how she plans to promote the library in the community?

Ms. Webster stated that the library should be visible through articles or advertised activities in the newspaper.

Council Member Carroll asked what type of programs did she think the library should provide?

Ms. Webster stated that weekend programs and children’s programs should be provided.

Mayor Drake asked how Ms. Webster would contribute to the vision of having weekend and programs.

Ms. Webster stated that she would donate time to assist in the growth of the library.

Mayor Drake thanked Ms. Webster for her time.

Interview with Library Advisory Board Candidate, David Johnson

Mayor Drake asked if Mr. Johnson could tell the Council about himself.

David Johnson, stated that he was 35 years old, married with no children, grew up in Chicago, had been an Arizona resident for 4 years and had spent 7 years in Colorado.  He stated that he spent the majority of his life teaching and coaching sports and was working as a salesman while waiting for his certification in Arizona.

Council Member Jones asked what she thought was library’s role in the community today?

Mr. Johnson stated that the library served as a part of the education system for resources, research,  technology and reading.  He stated that it was also important for the senior community.

Council Member Shuey asked what was his vision of the Avondale Public Library in three years?

Mr. Johnson stated that a new facility was needed.  He stated that as the community grew, more resources and technology would be needed.

Council Member Shuey asked what Mr. Johnson thought was lacking in library services for the community. He indicated there was no right or wrong answer and the answer could include geographical area, ethnicity, etc.

Mr. Johnson stated that the library did a great job and the vision to serve each part of the community was a good one.

Council Member Lynch asked how he plans to promote the library in the community?

Mr. Johnson stated that it would be good to expand programs such as the summer book club and get the word out about the Avondale Library at the Estrella Mountain Community College.

Council Member Carroll asked what type of programs did he think the library should provide?

Mr. Johnson stated that some important programs would include more technology for students and seniors, language programs and book clubs.

Mayor Drake asked how Mr. Johnson would contribute to the vision that the library.

Mr. Johnson stated that the Board could advise on issues dealing with the community, be a voice for the community and hear what the youth in the community needed.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Johnson for his time.

Interview with Library Advisory Board Candidate, Tammy Humiecki

Mayor Drake asked if Ms. Humiecki could tell the Council about herself.

Tammy Humiecki stated that she was a CPA, worked for an insurance company in Scottsdale, uses the Phoenix Library system most often, had lived in six states and in South America and was interested in learning how others would like to use the library system.

Council Member Jones asked what she thought was library’s role in the community today?

Ms. Humiecki stated that the library served as a central source of information for job resources, entertainment and education.  She stated that the library should have programs for all the different sectors of the community.

Council Member Shuey asked what was her vision of the Avondale Public Library in three years?

Ms. Humiecki stated that the library should work with the regional library coming to the area, should be involved with the schools and the Boys and Girls Clubs, and expand services.

Council Member Shuey asked what Ms. Humiecki thought was lacking in library services for the community.  He indicated there was no right or wrong answer and the answer could include geographical area, ethnicity, etc.

Ms. Humiecki stated that there was a tremendous opportunity to expand training and services for the Hispanic community such as ESL and even cooking classes.  She indicated she speaks Spanish.

Council Member Lynch asked how did she plan to promote the library in the community?

Ms. Humiecki stated that there should be a strategic program to give presentations about the library to the schools and the community.

Council Member Carroll asked  what type of programs she thought the library should provide?

Ms. Humiecki stated that she wanted to see more programs to teach the Spanish language and to bring people into the library.

Mayor Drake asked how Ms. Humiecki would contribute to the vision that the library.

Ms. Humiecki stated that she would work with the Board to present programs and enhance the capacity of the library.

Mayor Drake thanked Ms. Humiecki for her time.

Mayor Drake asked that in the future interviews be scheduled by boards to avoid making people wait too long.

Interview with Library Advisory Board Candidate, Jack Donovan

Mayor Drake asked if Mr. Donovan could tell the Council about himself.

Jack Donovan stated that he had lived in Avondale for nine months and before that spent most of his adult life in New Jersey.  He stated that he frequented the library and had a Bachelor’s degree in English literature.

Council Member Jones asked what did he think was library’s role in the community today?

Mr. Donovan stated that the library should be a place to get books and periodicals to read for pleasure or for reference.  He stated that the library should have programs for children and try to stimulate more people to get library cards.

Council Member Shuey asked what was his vision of the Avondale Public Library in three years?

Mr. Donovan stated that the library should have a larger selection of new books to draw people in.

Council Member Shuey stated that was something he had also thought about and asked if Mr. Hileman would put the issue of obtaining more library books on the Council’s agenda for their retreat.

Council Member Shuey asked what Mr. Johnson thought was lacking in library services for the community.  He indicated there was no right or wrong answer and the answer could include geographical area, ethnicity, etc.

Mr. Donovan stated that he lived close to Cashion and many of those residents did not have library cards or would have some difficulty in getting to the library.  He stated that a book mobile might be helpful for that area.

Council Member Lynch stated that a book mobile visited the senior center and had books in English and Spanish.  She stated that the library staff often fulfilled requests for new books.

Council Member Lynch asked how he plans to promote the library in the community?

Mr. Donovan stated that the library could be promoted in the schools and the newspaper.

Council Member Carroll asked what type of programs did he think the library should provide?

Mr. Donovan stated that the library should provide programs on learning how to use a computer, and have automated check-out systems.

Mayor Drake asked how Mr. Donovan would contribute to the vision that the library.

Mr. Donovan stated that he would be a member of the Advisory Board.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Donovan for his time.

Interview with Library Advisory Board Candidate, Katherine Gillen

Mayor Drake asked if Ms. Gillen could tell the Council about herself.

Katherine Gillen stated that she had lived in Arizona for 20 years, worked for the air force, was involved in Leadership West and was a civic minded person with some professional expertise.

Council Member Jones asked what did she think was library’s role in the community today?

Ms. Gillen stated that the library was vital in any community, provided quality of life and was an educational source.

Council Member Shuey asked what was her vision of the Avondale Public Library in three years?

Ms. Gillen stated that hopefully the library will be expanded or an additional branch will be added.

Council Member Shuey asked what Mr. Johnson thought was lacking in library services for the community.  He indicated there was no right or wrong answer and the answer could include geographical area, ethnicity, etc.

Ms. Gillen stated that the library needed to reach out to the lower demographic areas and encourage those people to use the library.

Council Member Lynch asked how she plans to promote the library in the community?

Ms. Gillen stated that she would go to the schools to speak about the library and do personal outreach.

Council Member Carroll asked what type of programs did she think the library should provide?

Ms. Gillen stated that the online book clubs and involvement with City events would be good.

Mayor Drake asked how Ms. Gillen would contribute to the vision that the library.

Ms. Gillen stated that she would volunteer to help with events.

Mayor Drake thanked Ms. Gillen for her time.

Capital Improvement Plan Committee

Interview with Capital Improvement Plan Committee Candidate, David Johnson

Mayor Drake asked Mr. Johnson to tell the Council about himself as it related to the Citizens’ Capital Improvement Committee.

David Johnson stated that he understood the general plan, had done strategic plans and budgets in his professional background and would serve as a voice for the community.

Council Member Jones asked what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s capital improvements?

Mr. Johnson stated that the growth needed to expand the way the City wanted it to regarding the agriculture community and new growth.

Council Member Shuey asked how many hours per month was he willing to devote to the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Johnson stated that he worked during normal working hours but was available on evenings and weekends and would give as much time as needed.

Council Member Lynch asked although he would be selected to serve a particular ‘zone’ of the City, what criteria would he use in recommending approval of capital projects throughout the City?

Mr. Johnson stated that he would support what the general plan was and what the community needed and wanted.

Council Member Carroll asked why he wanted to be appointed to the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Johnson stated that it was an important part of being a citizen of the community and the City and to volunteer and speak one’s voice.  He stated that he was a proud resident of Avondale and wanted to do his part.

Mayor Drake asked what qualified him to serve on the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Johnson stated that he desired to be on the committee and had integrity and a strong work ethic.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Johnson for his time.

Interview with Capital Improvement Plan Committee Candidate, Peter Zipp III

Mayor Drake asked Mr. Zipp to tell the Council about himself.

Peter Zipp III stated that he had been in Arizona for 10 years, in Avondale for one year, and had a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.

Council Member Jones asked what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s capital improvements?

Mr. Zipp stated that after evaluation, he would put the money where it was needed most.  He stated that there were a lot of good programs but the downtown area needed improvement.

Council Member Shuey asked how many hours per month was he willing to devote to the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Zipp stated that he worked for himself and had quite a bit of time to contribute.

Council Member Lynch asked what Mr. Zipp’s degrees were in.

Mr. Zipp stated that he had a degree in accounting with a master’s degree in business with an emphasis in international business.

Council Member Lynch asked although he would be selected to service a particular ‘zone’ of the City, what criteria would he use in recommending approval of capital projects throughout the City?

Mr. Zipp stated that he would recommend a project if it was needed and budgeted properly.

Council Member Carroll asked why he wanted to be appointed to the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Zipp stated that he had a background in capital improvements and budgeting and wanted to help the community in which he lived.

Mayor Drake asked what qualified him to serve on the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Zipp stated that he had worked for construction development companies for six years, did SunCor’s budget, had a lot of experience in budgeting and wanted to use it in the City.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Zipp for his time.

Mayor Drake asked how the candidates would be notified.

Mr. Hileman stated that the candidates would be notified that the Council would be making their official appointments on November 4^th and would send a letter to that effect.

Interview with Capital Improvement Plan Committee Candidate, Edward Meringer

Mayor Drake asked Mr. Meringer to tell the Council about himself.

Edward Meringer stated that he was 26 years old, married with two children, had been an Avondale resident for over four years and was employed full-time by Albertson’s.

Council Member Jones asked what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s capital improvements?

Mr. Meringer stated that the most important thing was street widening, lighting and sidewalks.

Council Member Shuey asked how many hours per month was he willing to devote to the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Meringer stated that he would devote as many hours as needed.

Council Member Lynch asked what Mr. Meringer’s occupation was.

Mr. Meringer stated that he was a liquor supervisor for Albertson’s.

Council Member Lynch asked although he would be selected to service a particular ‘zone’ of the City, what criteria would he use in recommending approval of capital projects throughout the City?

Mr. Meringer stated that he would recommend projects that were needed and proposed.

Council Member Carroll asked whay he wanted to be appointed to the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Meringer stated that he was very interested in what would be built in Avondale and wanted to be a part of that.

Mayor Drake asked what qualifies him to serve on the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Meringer stated that he had been involved in meetings regarding sales and labor, provided input on all aspects of the company and had a willingness to be a part of the Committee.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Meringer for his time.

Interview with Capital Improvement Plan Committee Candidate, Paul Lopez

Mayor Drake asked Mr. Lopez to tell the Council about himself.

Paul Lopez stated that he graduated from ASU over one year ago with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering, had done a lot of capital improvement projects for municipalities and had done a lot of primary design for major arterials.

Council Member Jones asked what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s capital improvements?

Mr. Lopez stated that servicing the people required water, sewer and transportation.  He stated that all of those things were critical and needed to be prioritized.

Council Member Shuey asked how many hours per month was he willing to devote to the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Lopez stated that he worked 40 hours per week and coached a little league team but had plenty of time to devote to the cause.

Council Member Shuey asked if Mr. Lopez would have a conflict of interest with the type of job that he did.

Mr. Lopez stated that he did not have any part of the projects that his company did for the City of Avondale.

Council Member Lynch asked although he would be selected to service a particular ‘zone’ of the City, what criteria would he use in recommending approval of capital projects throughout the City?

Mr. Lopez stated that the effect that the projects would have in the future needed to be taken into consideration.  He stated that there would be some critical traffic issues in the area in the future.

Council Member Carroll asked why he wanted to be appointed to the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Lopez stated that it would be a great experience for him to learn how a Council decided on projects and see how the financial portion would be carried out.

Mayor Drake stated that some of the people on the committee did not have the type of background that Mr. Lopez did and asked him how he would transfer his ideas to them about the project being the best for the City.

Mr. Lopez stated that he would not be too arrogant and would be objective and listen to others.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Lopez for his time.

Interview with Capital Improvement Plan Committee Candidate, Chuck Wolfe

Mayor Drake asked Mr. Wolfe to tell the Council about himself.

Chuck Wolfe stated that he moved to Avondale over two years ago, recently completed his doctorate in civil engineering and got his professional engineering license.

Council Member Jones asked in his opinion, what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s capital improvements?

Mr. Wolfe stated that there was a need to manage growth from a development standpoint.  He stated that there was a need to be cognizant regarding public facilities and to  meet needs on water supply.  He stated that infrastructure would be a major issue.

Council Member Shuey asked how many hours per month was he willing to devote to the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Wolfe stated that he could allocate at least 40 hours per month including meetings and preparation for meetings.

Council Member Shuey asked if Mr. Wolfe would have a conflict of interest with the type of job that he did.

Mr. Wolfe stated that he would not but if there was, he would recuse himself.

Council Member Lynch asked although he would be selected to serve a particular ‘zone’ of the City, what criteria would he use in recommending approval of capital projects throughout the City?

Mr. Wolfe stated that projects needed to be prioritized according to need and that the need should be weighed against the cost.

Council Member Carroll asked why did he want to be appointed to the Citizens’ CIP Committee?

Mr. Wolfe stated that a city should have effective planning and hopefully his qualifications would bring something to that.  He stated that he was very interested in seeing how the decisions were made and wanted to be a part of them.

Mayor Drake asked if Mr. Wolfe would pick a project dealing with water or streets as far as being more important to the people.

Mr. Wolfe stated that streets were most important because they had an enormous psychological effect of adding stress to one’s day.  He stated that having a good transportation system was critical after meeting all of the safety requirements for water and wastewater.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Wolfe for his time.

Mayor Drake declared a 5 minute recess.  The Council reconvened 5 minutes later in the same location with all members present.

Water/Wastewater Advisory Board

Interview with Water/Wastewater Advisory Board Candidate, Gary Gable

Mayor Drake asked Mr. Gable to tell the Council about himself.

Gary Gable stated that he had lived in Avondale for three years, had lived in Arizona for 18 years, had a bachelor’s degree in business management and worked for the Agua Fria Union High School District as a facilities engineer.

Council Member Jones asked what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s Water/Wastewater?

Mr. Gable stated that the single most important need was to provide infrastructure to take Avondale into the future by taking into account what the impact was on the community and what  the cost would be to implement that plan.

Council Member Shuey asked what would he like to accomplish as a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Gable stated that he wanted to be personally involved in the community and give his experience and knowledge back to the community.

Council Member Lynch asked what he believed is the primary responsibility of a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Gable stated that representing the community and listening to what the needs were and taking that input and developing a plan or making recommendations would be in congruent with the City’s needs.

Council Member Carroll asked what are the necessary qualities to serve on the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Gable stated that a person serving on the board should have a background in dealing with people, had the ability to interact with different types of people, listen to staff’s input and take all of that to create the recommendation required.

Mayor Drake asked what expertise he would bring to the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Gable stated that his background was in manufacturing and had to deal with different aspects such as people, labor unions and so forth.  He stated that he also had a background in water and energy conservation.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Gable for his time.

Interview with Water/Wastewater Advisory Board Candidate, James Garner

Mayor Drake asked Mr. Garner to tell the Council about himself.

James Garner stated that he grew up in the Avondale/Goodyear area, was in the U.S. Army, had lived in Glendale, had worked for the City of Phoenix as a wastewater treatment plant operator, supervisor and plant manager.  He stated that he held the highest level of certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in wastewater treatment, water treatment and wastewater collection systems.  He stated that he had a grade 3 level of certification in water distribution.  He stated that he had additional college credits in civil engineering, water and wastewater technology

Council Member Jones asked what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s Water/Wastewater?

Mr. Garner stated that the entire spectrum of the service was critical.  He stated that the City had to get quality drinking water to the citizens that met all of the standards. 

Council Member Shuey asked what would he like to accomplish as a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Garner stated that it would be interesting for him to learn what the revenue requirements were, how rate and fee structures were determined and how efficient collection was made while meeting all of the requirements.  He stated that he would be of assistance in determinations of capacities and needs as determined by the predicted population growth.  He stated that he wanted to give something back to the community.

Council Member Lynch asked what he believed is the primary responsibility of a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Garner stated that there were numerous annual reviews regarding revenues, rate and fee structures, determined recommendations for adjustments education of the community.

Council Member Lynch asked if Mr. Garner was willing to look at conservation as one step further as opposed to just working with water and wastewater.

Mr. Garner stated that conservation was essential and the area was in a drought currently.  He stated that there was a need to look for ways to compensate for shortages.

Council Member Carroll asked how many hours per month was he willing to devote to the Citizens’ Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Garner stated that he was free on the evenings and weekends to devote to the Board.  He stated that he expected to prepare for and attend the meetings.

Mayor Drake asked what would he like to accomplish as a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Garner stated that he would like to continue to see that the citizens were adequately served concerning their water and wastewater needs, come in on budget, accurately project what future needs would be and have a plan for handling those.

Mayor Drake asked if Mr. Garner felt that had been happening so far.

Mr. Garner stated that, to his knowledge, the annual water quality report looked very good.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Garner for his time.

Interview with Water/Wastewater Advisory Board Candidate, Kofi Awumah

Mayor Drake asked Mr. Awumah to tell the Council about himself.

Kofi Awumahstated that he had lived in the valley for 11 years, moved to Avondale one year ago, was a civil engineer and wanted to get involved in the community.

Council Member Jones asked if Mr. Awumah was presently serving on a board.

Mr. Awumah stated that he served on the Citizens’ CIP Committee.

Council Member Jones asked what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s Water/Wastewater?

Mr. Awumah stated that the most critical need was to be able to meet demands for quantity and quality.  He stated that he was not sure that the system could meet future demands.

Council Member Shuey asked if Mr. Awumah had a doctorate in civil engineering.

Mr. Awumah stated that he did.

Council Member Shuey asked what would he like to accomplish as a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Awumah stated that he wanted to contribute by bringing his professional knowledge to the table and helping the Council make decisions.

Council Member Shuey asked if Mr. Awumah would have a conflict of interest with the type of job that he did.

Mr. Awumah stated that he did not, was present at his own accord on his own time, would not do anything to embarrass his company and would do everything above the table.

Council Member Lynch asked what he believedis the primary responsibility of a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Awumah stated that the primary responsibilities were to make oneself available for all sessions once deciding to serve on a board.  He stated that there were responsibility to be familiar with the issues and contribute positively meetings.

Council Member Carroll asked what are the necessary qualities to serve on the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Awumah stated that he would put in as many hours as needed.

Mayor Drake stated that he was amazed at the credentials of the people that wanted to serve the community.

Mayor Drake asked how Mr. Awumah felt the City was doing as far as water delivery was concerned.

Mr. Awumah stated that he felt the City was doing a good job to meet the pressure and quantity and quality.  He stated that more needed to be done to meet future needs.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Awumah for his time.

Interview with Water/Wastewater Advisory Board Candidate, Rob Layman

Mayor Drake asked Mr. Layman to tell the Council about himself.

Rob Layman stated that he moved to Avondale a few months ago, was from Michigan, had a background in construction, had a bachelor’s degree in environmental health and was currently looking for a job.

Council Member Jones asked what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s Water/Wastewater?

Mr. Layman stated that there was a critical need to make sure the water supply was safe and that future needs were met.

Council Member Shuey asked what would you like to accomplish as a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Layman stated that he wanted to get involved in the community and it would be a learning experience for him.

Council Member Lynch asked what he believed is the primary responsibility of a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Layman stated that the water supply and sewer system needed to be adequate and safe for the general public.

Council Member Carroll asked how many hours per month was he willing to devote to the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Layman stated that he needed to educate himself and become a productive member of the committee and would put some time and effort into it.

Mayor Drake asked what expertise he would bring to the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Layman stated that he worked in a rural community but the delivery system was the same with the same product, and the same service had to be provided.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Layman for his time.

Interview with Water/Wastewater Advisory Board Candidate, Bruce DiFrancisco

Mayor Drake asked Mr. DiFrancisco to tell the Council about himself.

Bruce DiFrancisco stated that he lived in Garden Lakes, was married with a 5 year old son, was the engineering manager of the Arizona American Water Company and had been in the civil engineering, water/wastewater field with consulting firms.

Council Member Jones asked what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s Water/Wastewater?

Mr. DiFrancisco stated that the water supply needed to stay ahead of the development of the City and the water side took precedent over the wastewater side.

Council Member Shuey asked what he would like to accomplish as a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. DiFrancisco stated that he wanted to use his experience and pass it along to gain the best quality of the water/wastewater infrastructure at the most reasonable cost.

Council Member Shuey asked if Mr. DiFrancisco’s company might do business within the City of Avondale limits.

Mr. DiFrancisco stated he would excuse himself from the Committee at that time.

Council Member Lynch asked what he believed is the primary responsibility of a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. DiFrancisco stated that he would do his best to see that the City’s tax dollars were spent wisely.  He stated that if the right process was used, the City could get a quality construction and design product for a reasonable cost and that was what he would strive to get done.

Council Member Carroll asked how many hours per month was he willing to devote to the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. DiFrancisco stated that he would be willing to devote the time it took and was available and able to serve.

Mayor Drake asked why do you want to be appointed to the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. DiFrancisco stated that he had the ability to serve the City in his own way and wanted to do that and have fun.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. DiFrancisco for his time.

Interview with Water/Wastewater Advisory Board Candidate, Don Elmore

Mayor Drake asked Mr. Elmore to tell the Council about himself.

Don Elmore stated that he was a systems engineer at Lockheed Martin, lived in Avondale for 5 years, had been marred for 35 years, had three sons and had a long history of community service.

Council Member Jones asked what is the single most critical need relating to the City’s Water/Wastewater?

Mr. Elmore stated that the most critical need was tri-fold with water supply, water distribution and wastewater treatment.

Council Member Shuey asked what he would like to accomplish as a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Elmore stated that he wanted to learn more about how water worked in Arizona and the desert.  He stated that there would be a lot of growth in the next few years and wanted to make sure the water supply was adequate and that the infrastructure was in place to serve the citizens of the community.

Council Member Lynch asked what do you believe is the primary responsibility of a member of the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Elmore stated that members needed to educate themselves on the issues at hand ans provide advice to the City government.  He stated that a big part of that was the generation of the annual report each year.

Council Member Carroll asked why he wanted to be appointed to the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Elmore stated that he was qualified because he had a degree in engineering, a degree in business and a master’s degree in business administration.  He stated that he had a long history of community service and could apply his education and experience to make sure the City was something he wanted it to be.

Mayor Drake asked how many hours per month he was willing to devote to the Citizens Water/Wastewater Advisory Board?

Mr. Elmore stated that he would devote as many hours as it took.

Mayor Drake thanked Mr. Elmore for his time.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council, Council Member Jones moved to adjourn.  Council Member Lynch seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

                                                                                                                     Mayor Drake

            Linda M. Farris, CMC

                     City Clerk

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the special meeting of the City Council of the City of Avondale held on the 22^nd day of October, 2002.  I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that the quorum was present.

                     City Clerk