Council Executive Report

Council
Executive Report
Charles P. Potucek, City Manager
January 2016
City Manager's Message
Highlights
 A.L.I.C.E. training, conducted
by the Police Department, is
demonstrating significant
success.
 In the past two months, 72% of
open code enforcement cases
have been closed.
 60th Anniversary celebration
plans underway, with "My
Sierra Vista Sixty" community
video program in the works.
 Cyr Center Park closed Jan. 1
for intensive repairs.
Scheduled to reopen in
September with soccer season.
 Community Tailgate Party
planned for February 7,
10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Mall at
Sierra Vista.
Departments
Page
Police
3
Fire and Medical
6
Community Development
8
Leisure & Library
10
Public Works
12
Economic Development
15
Marketing & Public Affairs
18
Administration
21
Page |1
I appreciate the valuable feedback I have received from the
Mayor and City Council regarding this report. Discussion of this
month's Executive Report will be scheduled for your regular
work session of February 23. Please note that your work
sessions will be returning to a 3:00 p.m. start time as a result
of discussion by the Council at the January retreat.
December City Manager Highlights
SB1268 has been filed by Senator Gail Griffin, cosponsored by Representatives Gowan and Stevens. This
bill would remove the ability for a county to take a
regulatory action otherwise delegated to a local
government, and give the elected bodies in the county
an opportunity to determine on their own whether they
wish to be subject to A.R.S. 32.2181. The bill was
scheduled for a committee hearing on February 1, but at
the request of ADWR, it was postponed. ADWR has
requested some minor changes, and Triadvocates is
working on the City's behalf to have an amendment
prepared. We anticipate it being rescheduled for Senator
Griffin's committee again in the near future.
Starting February 4, an invitation for bids (IFB) will be
advertised in the Sierra Vista Herald for a portion of the
City's property formerly known as the Kings Court Tennis
Center. As you know, the intent of the partial sale is to
secure funds to reinvest into the remaining six courts in
order to meet the City Council's strategic direction to
have a neighborhood park at that location. Proposals are
due on February 25, and once evaluated, I will let the
Council know if there was a successful submittal.
My staff is in the process of preparing an application for
the City of Sierra Vista to be considered for a national
award sponsored by the Association of Defense
Communities (ADC), the Great American Defense
Community award. It will be the first year this award is
Council Executive Report, January 2016
Upcoming Council
Meetings
(City Hall Council Chambers
except where noted)
Feb. 9, 3:00 p.m. - Work Session
• Cybersecurity Market and
Targeted Industry Analysis
• CDBG Annual Action Plan and
Upcoming Grant Process
• Proposal for Board and
Commission Task Force
• Update on Development Fee
Study
Feb. 11, 5:00 p.m. - Council Meeting
Feb. 23, 3:00 p.m. - Work Session
• Council Executive Report
Feb. 25, 5:00 p.m. - Council Meeting
Other Meetings and
Events
Feb. 9, 6:00 p.m. - CDBG Public
Meeting, American Legion, 12 E.
Theater Drive
Feb. 7, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Community Tailgate Party, Mall at
Sierra Vista Parking Lot
Feb. 11, 7:00 a.m. - Good Morning
Sierra Vista Informational
Networking Breakfast, Thunder
Mountain Activity Center
Feb. 13, 10:00 a.m. - Cochise
County Law Enforcement Memorial
Dedication Ceremony, Sierra Vista
Police Department
Feb. 15 – Offices are closed in
observance of Presidents’ Day
Feb. 16, 2:00 p.m. - CDBG Public
Meeting, City Manager Conference
Room
City Manager's Office Contacts
Charles.Potucek@SierraVistaAZ.gov
Mary.Jacobs@SierraVistaAZ.gov
Pam.Weir@SierraVistaAZ.gov
520-439-2147
www.SierraVistaAZ.gov
Page |2
offered, and ADC intends to select ten recipients. The
award is intended to recognize those communities that
show exceptional support to service members, their
families and veterans. We have reached out for letters
of support from federal, state and local officials as well
as the Fort. The application is due on February 11 and
the ADC expects to name the successful awardees within
a short time following the deadline.
You may have seen in the news that Bob Gent has been
very active in getting some excellent publicity regarding
the proposal to make the Chirichaua National Monument
a national park. Congresswoman McSally intends to file
legislation to make the change. Based on the resolution
passed by the City Council supporting the proposal, the
Marketing and Public Affairs Division will contribute the
City's support through existing city communication
mediums as appropriate.
At the request of the School District, City staff reviewed
and approved the establishment of a school crosswalk
across Avenida del Sol north of Snyder Blvd. The
neighborhoods on the east side of Avenida del Sol are
technically within a short enough distance to the Pueblo
del Sol elementary school to restrict bussing, but without
a staffed crosswalk, it is too dangerous. The crosswalk
will be installed during spring break, and the District will
begin having a crossing guard the following week.
Families in the neighborhoods will be encouraged to walk
their children to school, and the SVMPO will assist the
District in developing a plan to do so. Starting next
school year, those neighborhoods will not receive bus
service.
Mayor Mueller and I attended the most recent
Installation Planning Board (IPB) on Fort Huachuca in
January. This is the second time we have been invited to
attend, with the goal of keeping the City better informed
on IMCOM's priorities for the installation. The IPB
involved all the various commanders as well as other
community partners, such as Cochise County and the
Sierra Vista Unified School District.
You may have already heard, but in April, Pam Weir will be
starting a new position as Assistant to the City Manager for the
City of Goodyear. We have already started recruiting for the
position in hopes of attracting someone who can start prior to
her departure. She is striving to get a significant portion of the
budget completed before she leaves. Although we are sad to
see such an accomplished professional leave the City, we are
happy to see her progress in her chosen career of city
management and will send her off with our best wishes.
Chuck Potucek, City Manager
Council Executive Report, January 2016
Police Department
Last month, the Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD) focused on providing information regarding
year-to-date data of calls for service, accident data, and 911 call data. Full year 2015 data
indicates a continuation of the trends for calls for service identified in last month’s report, with a
slight increase in vehicle burglary and burglary calls in the month of December. Crime statistics
are still being analyzed as crime reports are being closed out and, as a result, information
regarding Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data will be provided in the department’s year-end report.
As stated in last month’s report, the department has developed a two-year strategic plan that
complements the Council’s strategic plan by focusing on two of the identified critical success
factors: efficient and accountable city government; and a safe and welcoming
community.
The department identified three major law enforcement outcomes that affect these two critical
success factors:
1) Community safety and security;
2) Community perception of safety and security; and
3) Community confidence, trust, and satisfaction.
The department is involved in many programs, community partnerships, and initiatives that
impact all three law enforcement outcomes. This month's report will introduce the council to four
specific programs and partnerships; A.L.I.C.E active threat training, school district training
exercises, the adopt-a-school program, and the Eagle Scout Cochise County Law Enforcement
Memorial partnership.
A.L.I.C.E. Training
In 2014, former Chief Tom Alinen directed personnel at the police department to explore A.L.I.C.E.
training for active shooter response. A.L.I.C.E. stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and
Evacuate. This training brings a new mindset in school personnel response to an active threat and
provides options instead of just the standard lockdown procedures. The department contacted the
Cochise County Sheriff’s
Office (CCSO) and began
a partnership with the
86.00%
goal of training every
school district in the
100.00%
county in this new
80.00%
response.
60.00%
A.L.I.C.E. Success Rates
40.00%
20.00%
0.00%
3.65%
1.87% 4.00%
3.17%
As of the end of
December 2014, SVPD
and CCSO have jointly
Shot during Shot during Shot during Shot during Chance of
trained 37 schools or
Standard Barricade Evacuate
Counter being shot
churches in the AL.I.C.E.
Lockdown Procedure Procedure Procedure
using
response methods. A
A.L.I.C.E.
total of 1,233 people
Options
have actively
participated in the training. During the training, the participants engage in exercises involving
each of the types of responses to include the use of a shooter with Airsoft pellets. The graph
represents statistics gathered during all of the training exercises and demonstrates the
effectiveness of the A.L.I.C.E. options. Using only the standard lockdown procedures employed in
most schools before this training, 86% of participants were shot. Using responses that include
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
barricading, evacuating, and countering, the chances of being shot were considerably reduced to
under 4%. We believe this training will significantly save lives if the unthinkable occurs in our
community.
School District Training Exercise
As part of the continuing efforts to
ensure that our community is
prepared for the unthinkable, the
department is partnering with the
Sierra Vista Unified School District to
conduct a full-scale active shooter
training exercise. Department
personnel began planning for the
exercise in late 2014 and kicked off
with a table-top exercise in January
2016 that included staff from the
school district, fire department, and
police department. This tabletop was
designed to cover response plans and
procedures of each entity in order to
better coordinate a unified response.
The next step in this process is a
multi-agency training exercise that will take place over a 2-day period on March 7-8, 2016, at
Buena High School. Participants will include the City of Sierra Vista, Sierra Vista Police
Department, Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, United States Border Patrol, Sierra Vista Fire and
Medical Services, and the Sierra Vista Unified School District. This will be one of the first exercises
of its kind in Arizona, and members of the
Arizona Department of Education will be
present to observe the exercise.
Adopt-a-School Program
The Sierra Vista Police Department
remains committed to the Sierra Vista
Unified School District to provide School
Resource Officers (SRO) at the high
school and middle schools. Unfortunately,
due to staffing shortages, the department
removed the full-time SRO from the Joyce
Clark Middle School; however, the officer
still teaches the Gang Resistance
Education and Training (GREAT) program
on a part-time basis at all of the
elementary schools. A full-time SRO
remains at Buena High School.
In order to ensure for increased police presence at all of the schools, the department implemented
an adopt-a-school program in the patrol bureau. During the fall semester of 2014, the day shift
patrol sergeant assigned each officer a school that they were to “adopt.” The officers began close
patrolling these schools on a regular basis to provide a more visible police presence. The officers
work traffic issues and walk around the schools, interacting with students and teachers. This
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
program has had the effect of increasing police presence at all of the schools despite the decrease
of one full-time SRO.
The department has also adopted the criminal justice program classroom at Buena High School.
As part of this program, the department assists with teaching criminal justice classes and
interacting with the students. In addition, the department is partnering with the criminal justice
program to run a camp over spring break to give the students an idea of what the life of a police
officer is like. We hope this effort will spur the next generation to dedicate themselves to the
service of others as police officers.
Eagle Scout Cochise County Memorial Partnership
In 2014, Eagle Scout candidate Zachary Chrzanowski approached the department with the idea of
building a memorial to Cochise County law enforcement officers that have been killed in the line of
duty. Zach’s idea was to build the memorial in front of the police department. With the support of
the police department, Zach contacted the Arts and Humanities Commission for input. After many
long hours of planning and
building, the project is
nearing completion. A
dedication ceremony is
planned for February 13
at 10 a.m. at the Sierra
Vista Police station, and
will include a joint
honor guard and
speakers from the
agencies that have
officers represented on
the memorial. We are
grateful for Zach’s
thoughtfulness and
dedication to this
memorial to officers
that have given the
ultimate sacrifice, and
invite all to attend to
honor those officers
and Zach’s efforts.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Fire and Medical
CARE Program
The CARE program has been busy during
the month of January. Even though some
of the clients have been a "one time"
visit, i.e., home safety inspection, we
have continued to see four of our already
enrolled clients through to the end of the
30 day out-of-ER period. Two clients
gained a new found confidence in their
disease processes because of the CARE
program and have discontinued services.
The program is designed to be available
to our clients for any purpose, be it
medical, home inspection, or simply
emotional support.
Six new referrals were sent in January; four hospital referrals and two field referrals. Fire and
Medical staff went to the community and presented information about the CARE program to
70 people.
Response Data - December
As of the end of December, the total calls received and responded to by Sierra Vista Fire and
Medical Services and the Fry Fire District year-to-date was 8,468, a 7% increase from the total
calls in 2014. A further review of the data shows that the trend of increasing medical-related calls
can be attributed to most of the increase. The automatic aid agreement with Fry is helping to
ensure that as the call load increases, citizens are still receiving quick responses.
During the month of December, 729 calls were responded to by the two fire departments. A
break-out of the data is in the chart to the left. Approximately 91% of the calls were EMS, and
over 54% of those calls required transport to Canyon Vista Medical Center.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Annual Awards Banquet
Each year, the department honors the best of its department in an annual awards banquet. This
year's banquet was held on January 30 at the Windemere hotel. A number of the department's
excellent employees were nominated for these prestigious awards, and we are proud of the work
of them all.
The award recipients for 2015 were as follows:
Capt. Brad Dever -- Firefighter of the Year
Capt. Brad Dever -- Paramedic of the year
Firefighter Brett Scheib -- EMT of the Year
Firefighter Michael Quarto -- Special Recognition Award
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Community Development
Planning & Zoning Administration
Ordinance 2015-109 (Building and Property Maintenance) was adopted by City Council on
December 17, 2015, and is now in effect. Staff is in the process of implementing the vacant
building/foreclosure registry which will require a separate resolution to be passed establishing the
fee schedule.
Ordinance 2016-001 (FH, Flood Hazard) was approved by City Council on January 28, 2016, and
took effect upon adoption. The City's floodplain management measures now fully comply with
federal requirements for National Flood Insurance Program communities.
Resolution 2016-001 (General Update to Development Code) was approved by the City Council on
January 14, 2016. The proposed amendments, primarily relating to the reorganization and
standardization of district regulations and performance standards for certain uses, are in a public
comment period. Staff anticipates the implementing ordinance to be placed on the Council's
February 25 agenda.
Code Enforcement
Over the past six months, overgrowth cases
(grass and weeds exceeding 12-inches in
height) comprise 62% of the complaints
received by Code Enforcement with the highest
volume during the rainy season. This category
is followed by sidewalk and clear vision
obstructions, and litter, debris, and dumping.
Code Enforcement Staff has increased the rate
of voluntary compliance through enhanced
communication and outreach efforts. In the
past two months, 72% of open cases have
been brought into compliance.
In January, Staff completed an existing
conditions assessment of six of the ten mobile
home parks within the city limits. This
documentation phase is anticipated to be
wrapped up in February.
Community Development Block Grant Program Administration
The Veterans Memorial Park ADA Construction was completed in January.
In January, the 2016 CDBG Notice for two public meetings and one public hearing was
published in the Herald, posted on the web site, posted on the notice boards, e-mailed to the
Continuum of Care members, and e-mailed through the Cenpatico e-mail list to Cochise
County agencies (approximately 600 organizations and individual providers are on the list).
This is the second year that the City will allow requesters for funding will be given the
opportunity to complete a form and send it in rather than attend a meeting. Public meetings
are scheduled for February 9 and 16, and the Council will hold a public hearing on March 10.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Building & Inspection Services
The City has averaged 77 permit applications per month over the past six months. Over the past
two months, the City averaged 65 permits per month, resulting in eight inspections per day. The
inspection load has been covered by the Acting Building Official and Building Inspector. However,
to maintain the current staffing level and effectively utilize our on-call building inspector as
needed, Staff has revised the Department's inspection policy to establish 5:00 p.m. as the cut-off
time for next day inspection service (previously, a contractor or homeowner could request same
day inspection service by calling in prior to 8:30 a.m.).
Community Involvement
On January 17, 2016, Community Development Staff joined
forces with the Cochise Bicycle Advocates Group to pick up
trash along Highway 90 east and west of Moson Road. Several
bags of litter and debris were collected to keep our highway
beautiful and free of potential safety hazards.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Leisure and Library
December Dashboard
Library circulation
28,239
Library program
attendance
1,016
Library patron
count
New library cards
13,470
225
Total Monthly
revenue
Leisure
class/program
registration
Facility/field/room
rentals
Library meeting
room use
$79,912
4,710
2,445
72 groups
The Cove: Back in Action
December was a tough month for the Cove with an unexpected
motor failure in the circulation pump just before Thanksgiving.
Since the plumbing and concrete were built around the existing
pump, just installing a new motor wasn't possible without
extensive remodeling, and the health code prevents a pool from
operating without circulating water. Staff worked diligently with
the motor company to encourage expedition wherever possible,
and the length of time was unfortunately extended when some
of the parts were difficult to locate. In the meantime, a number
of maintenance items were addressed while the pool was closed
which will shorten the length of time it will be closed in the
spring for the bulkhead replacement. A replacement of the
bearings in the wave machine motor, a repair that had been
scheduled before the issue with the circulation pump occurred,
delayed the operation of waves for open swim on January 9, but
the Cove was otherwise open for business as normal. Waves
returned for open swim the following week, and the Cove is
once again fully operational.
The bulkhead replacement will take place later this spring. When the new bulkhead is installed,
staff expects the shutdown to last 1-2 weeks, excluding any unforeseen circumstances.
Children's Holiday Party Volunteer
Recognition
At the January 12 SVUSD Board meeting, the
Buena groups and clubs who supported the
2015 Leisure Services Children's Holiday Party
were recognized by Ken James, Recreation
Supervisor (far right). From left to right: CTE
Photography Club, JROTC, BHS 4-Seasons
Catering, Criminal Justice Club, HOSA Nursing,
Buena Performing Arts Center, Education
Professionals and the National Honor Society
(bottom). The free event was staffed by the
student volunteers, and drew an estimated
crowd of 2,000 people.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Sierra Vista 60th Anniversary Celebration
The Sierra Vista Historical Society, Henry F. Hauser Museum, and Sierra Vista Public Library are
planning some fun and exciting exhibits, contests, and programs to celebrate Sierra Vista's 60th
anniversary this year. A special exhibit at the
museum will showcase Sierra Vista's evolution from
incorporation in May 1956 to the present day with
"60 Objects in 60 Years" and "60 Photographs for
60 Years." The exhibit open house will be held on
Saturday, May 21.
Beyond the museum exhibit, there will be two
opportunities offered for residents to join in the fun,
and become a part of history. The first opportunity
will be a video contest where participants are
invited to submit a short video titled, "My Sierra
Hwy 90/92 Intersection – 1970s
Vista Sixty," showcasing what Sierra Vista
means to them in sixty seconds.
Pueblo del Sol golf course – 1970s
In addition to a video competition, library
staff will be hosting a writing contest to
describe Sierra Vista in a sixty word essay.
Sixty of the best essays will be chosen as part
of a "60 Words for 60 Years" booklet, and the
contest is open to all ages.
February Events
February 2: Amazing Arizona – B-Troop 4th
Cavalry Regiment – "A Most Distinguished
Past", 1-2 p.m., SVPL
February 13: Community Garden – Soil
Preparation: Will anything grow now?,
10:30 a.m., SVPL
February 3, 10, 17 & 24th: Conversational
Spanish, 2-3 p.m., SVPL
February 13: Valentine Dance, 7-10 p.m.,
Teen Center
February 6, 20: STEAM Saturday,
11-12 p.m, SVPL
February 13: Using Your Camera: Pt 2,
1-3 p.m., SVPL
February 9: Tuesday Talks - Wounded
Knee, 1 p.m., SVPL
February 17: Medicare 101 Presentation,
10-12 p.m., EBC
February 10: Wild Horse Pass Casino trip,
EBC
February 22, 24, 26-29, March 2, 4:
Lifeguard Training Class, The Cove
February 11: Dine-A-Night, 4:30 p.m.,
Hibachi Grill
February 28: Sunday Concert: SV
Community Band, 2-3 p.m., EBC
February 29: LEGO club, 3:30 p.m., SVPL
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Public Works
Parks and Park Facilities
Eddie Cyr Park. Eddie Cyr Park was completely
closed for all reservations starting January 1st,
and the closure will remain in effect until
September 2016 for intensive field maintenance.
Heavy use due to a year-round soccer schedule
caused the condition of the field to deteriorate
rapidly, and the City was receiving a lot of
complaints regarding the patchy and uneven
playing surface. The intensive maintenance will
help to restore the playing surface and alleviate
safety concerns noted by the local soccer league.
Other City fields have been striped to
accommodate soccer use, so the impact to the
leagues from the closure of Eddie Cyr should be
minimal.
Cove Repairs. The Cove reopened on Monday, January 4th, after a one month shut-down due to
failure of the main circulation pump. Other updates were included under Leisure and Library
Services.
City Facilities
Staff is currently in the process of updating the 5-year
capital maintenance and replacement plan, based on the
additional funding allocated by Council for the current
fiscal year and the new challenges that have emerged as
the year has progressed. One area which is likely to
need attention in the coming area is the translucent roof
over the library entrance and atrium. A portion of the
roof on the exterior of the building was destroyed in a
storm several years ago and has not been replaced due
to funding limitations. Unfortunately, the same roof
system over the atrium saw some significant leaks
during a storm on January 4th. Large-scale repairs are
likely to be needed in the near future as the roof system
approaches the end of its useful life.
Street Maintenance
Crack Sealing. Streets Maintenance crews are currently
working on crack sealing on those streets which will not
be part of the more intensive annual street maintenance
program. Crack sealing helps to fill gaps which develop
as pavement ages. If left unfilled, these gaps allow
water to saturate the roadway base and can lead to
bigger problems like potholes. Crack sealing is an
important part of a comprehensive street
maintenance program and helps to prolong the
life of this important City asset.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Weed Control. Crews also continue to work on weed control throughout the City. Tasks include
right-of-way and detention basin mowing, wash maintenance, and spraying pre-emergent to help
control weeds before they sprout. The wash maintenance process in particular is very time
consuming and will be ongoing for the next few months. In order to be as fair as possible, the
maintenance order will remain relatively unchanged from last year. A higher priority is typically
given to drainage ways bordering Fort Huachuca since the upland area is largely undeveloped, and
the drainage culverts provide a means for fire to spread into the City.
Engineering Projects
Annual Street Maintenance. The first phase of the City’s annual street maintenance project will
be going out to bid within the next few weeks. The first phase includes preparatory work such as
patching and crack sealing on roadways that will be chip sealed later in the spring.
North Garden. Engineering recently selected a design consultant for the North Garden
Improvement Project, and the consultant is working on refining three conceptual plans to be
presented at a public meeting on Monday, February 8th, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Garden Place
Suites. All three plans include features such as “green infrastructure” to help manage stormwater,
enhanced landscaping, and roadway narrowing. However, the consultant will be looking to get
input from the public on items such as the remaining roadway width, plant density and
appearance, and other desired amenities. After a preferred concept is selected, the consultant will
move into a full design of the first phase of the project.
Coronado Drive. The Coronado Drive Expansion
Project is expected to go out for bids within the
next few weeks. The project will widen the
roadway between Busby and Crestwood Drives
from two to five lanes. The existing pavement will
be completely rebuilt as part of the project. Traffic
signals are tentatively planned at the intersections
of Coronado/Busby and Coronado/Golf Links,
although the installation of the signals will be
contingent on available funding. The project is
being constructed using development impact fees.
Commercial Recycling
City staff continues to promote recycling opportunities to large commercial customers. During the
month of January, recycling education site visits were provided to the following commercial
customers:
Ace Hardware
New Frontier Animal Center
La Casita
SSVEC
These businesses are ready to join the growing list of commercial recycling partners that have
been contributing to increased diversion of materials from the solid waste stream.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Airport Part 139 Inspection
The Sierra Vista Municipal Airport will be participating in a Part 139 inspection scheduled for
February 25-26. This inspection is conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration who will audit
the airport to assure that it meets the minimum standards for maintaining and operating the
physical airport environment. A Part 139 certificate is required for the airport to provide
commercial airline service, and although commercial service is not currently present at the SVMA,
maintaining the Part 139 certificate helps to ensure that the option remains open should the
opportunity arise.
Transit Services
Ridership and Fare Revenues both declined slightly during the second quarter of FY16 when
compared to the previous year.
Passenger Revenues
Passengers
18,000
16,000
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
$12,000.00
$10,000.00
$8,000.00
2014
2015
2014
$6,000.00
2015
$4,000.00
$2,000.00
$0.00
Oct
Nov
Dec
Oct
Nov
Dec
Wastewater Bureau of Reclamation Report
The “BOR report” is a required yearly submittal to substantiate the quantity of treated effluent
recharged at the City’s Environmental Operations Park. The 2014 Sierra Vista Water Reclamation
Facility Monitoring Report was submitted to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) on March 26,
2015. On January 15, 2016, the City received comments back from the BOR which will be
reviewed and incorporated into the 2014 report. The 2015 report is currently in development and
will be submitted to the BOR no later than March 31, 2016.
Wastewater Treatment Factoids
FY16 - Second Quarter Statistics (October – December 2015)
Cleaned 122,595 feet (23.1 miles) of sewer lines.
Inspected 141,383 feet (26.7 miles) of sewer lines.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Economic Development
Retention and Entrepreneur
Mayor’s Visitation Program (MVP).
In January, the economic development Division
held a number of firsts. The Mayor’s Visitation
Program (MVP) launched with the Mayor and
staff spending time with tenant representatives
at the Mall at Sierra Vista. Holiday sales
seemed to be a mixed bag, with some stores
reporting lower sales than last year and others
saying their revenue had increased.
Nationwide, holiday sales increased 3% to
$626.1 billion. Online and other non-store
holiday sales grew 9 percent to $105 billion.
Mayor's Visit at the Mall at Sierra Vista
Les Orchekowski with Ace Hardware hosted the second Mayor’s visit of the month. He started in
the business at 14 when he worked in his now father-in-law’s Ace store, and has owned the Sierra
Vista Ace Hardware for 35 years. With many long-time employees, Les emphasized the need to
shop local to keep sales tax dollars within our community and support those who in return give
back to the local community.
West End Business Walk. On January 21, the Sierra Vista Chamber of Commerce and the City's
Economic Development Division held the first business walk. At the end of
the morning, it was deemed a success by all. 18 volunteers from the Sierra
Vista City Council, West End Commission, Chamber of Commerce and City
staff, along with Chamber of Commerce and Southeast Arizona Workforce
Connection employees, talked to 40 businesses in the West End.
The business walk was all about establishing relationships and opening lines
of communication along with collecting essential data to better understand
how business-support organizations can improve their offerings. A short
survey was included during the walk. Preliminary results show that the
primary programs businesses are interested in include marketing,
advertising, business training, simpler permitting, tax abatement, and labor
force training. Major obstacles or barriers to business expansion include
building space, parking, funding, the closing of the main gate, and landlord
rent. When asked, “What do you think is the most important factor to help
your business grow,” respondents said foot traffic, additional customers,
signage and advertising, and clean up and improvements. City staff is
following up on specific questions and concerns expressed by owners and
employees.
Collaborative Class Portal. In an effort to create additional collaboration with existing partners
offering a variety of business classes, the City ED Division has researched a number of Internet
platforms that would create one portal to all classes offered in the region. In this way, interested
businesses could see all offerings in one place. Additionally, a collaborative platform would allow
the partners to better understand the most requested topic areas and look for gaps. Course
Storm has been identified as having a web-based software program that will satisfy the need.
Their customers include the State of Maine and a large number of agencies within the state.
Currently, the partners are completing their review and will begin loading up the data. A formal
launch will begin soon.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Upcoming events
Superbowl Tailgate Party - In an
effort to help promote local business
and create a fun family-friendly event,
the ED Division is working with
Distinctive Soirees, LLC, and
community volunteers to host the first
Super Bowl Tailgate party at the Mall at
Sierra Vista. The fun begins at
10:00 am on Sunday, February 7, and
ends at 4:00 p.m., just before game
time. Already, more than 30 vendors
have signed up for the free event and
local bands have been booked.
Good Morning Sierra Vista – The
Sierra Vista Chamber and City ED
Division have partnered to create Good
Morning Sierra Vista (GMSV). This
networking event will occur on the
second Thursday of each month and is
designed to bring together the entire
Sierra Vista community. Business
owners, community leaders, nonprofits, and their staff members can
benefit from attending. This breakfast
will include City, Fort, community, and
Chamber updates and be a great
networking opportunity. The first GMSV
will be Thursday, February 11, at
7:00 a.m. at the Thunder Mountain
Activity Centre. The program begins at
7:30 a.m.
Business Recognition – On
February 25, the Council will recognize
Eric Potvin and Kristine Wolfe at
Hoppin’ Grapes as the business of the
month.
Cyber Security. On February 8, the ED Division,
along with Tom Rainey and Associates, will present
the Cybersecurity Market and Targeted Industry
Analysis to the City Council in their work session. The
report will provide an overview of the market and an
analysis of how Sierra Vista can create a cybersecurity
business cluster, which would help to create highpaying jobs within Sierra Vista.
Sierra Vista Leadership Forum. In January, the
Sierra Vista Leadership Forum met for the second
time. The Forum acts as an advisory group for
economic development within Sierra Vista. An update
on economic development was presented along with
an overview of the City’s tourism efforts. Ideas for
the City’s future vision as well as possible obstacles
and challenges were discussed.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS). SEAGO (SouthEastern Arizona Governments
Organization) has started to revise the CEDS for the
County. This is a once every five-year process. The
CEDS will provide a roadmap for County efforts. It is
important to the City in that our projects must appear
in the CEDS to receive future Economic Development
Agency funding in the future.
Video. The City has partnered with NCI, a local
defense contractor, to produce a series of videos that
will be used to promote the City as a potential location
for new businesses and to help existing businesses
within Sierra Vista recruit new employees to the area.
In January, the team spent two days interviewing a
variety of residents along with obtaining B-roll (video
used behind the announcer). The videos will be
completed in February and posted on the City
business website. The videos will also be available to
any business or organization that is interested in
using them for their own efforts.
Customer Relationship Management and Metrics.
In order to establish and monitor metrics along with
being able to share information within the Division, ED has purchased Sales Force. In February,
the program will be customized to the Division needs and information will be uploaded. When
completed, Sales Force will provide a detailed tracking mechanism.
Partnerships
Small Business Development Center - Shark Tank. The city is working with the Small
Business Development Center (SBDC) to help deliver Shark Tank classes, a program that will help
potential entrepreneurs develop their business case. Training on developing your pitch or big idea
will consist of five training sessions. At the conclusion of the training, a select few will move on to
Cochise College’s first Shark Tank in July 2016. One of the winners will receive six months of free
rent from the Economic Development Foundation (EDF).
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
New Development
Under Construction
• Southwest Gas
• Arizona Auto Spa
• Cochise College Downtown Center
Completed
• Fed Ex
• Chiricahua Community Health Dental
Resources & Reading. Recently, the University of Arizona Eller School of Management
presented their Economic Outlook for 2016-2017. While the presentation was Tucson centric,
there is some good data for both the region and the state. See the slides here:
https://ebr.eller.arizona.edu/research/presentations/economic-outlook-2016-2017.pdf
Stats
Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Economy at a Glance
Labor Force Data
June
2015
July
2015
Aug
2015
Sept
2015
Oct
2015
Nov
2015
Civilian Labor Force (1)
51.3
51
50.7
50.3
50
(P) 49.9
Employment (1)
47.4
47
46.7
46.5
46.4
(P) 46.5
Unemployment (1)
3.9
4
4
3.8
3.6
(P) 3.5
Unemployment Rate (2)
7.6
7.9
8
7.6
7.2
(P) 7.0
Footnotes
(1) Number of persons, in thousands, not seasonally adjusted.
(2) In percent, not seasonally adjusted.
(P) Preliminary
http://www.bls.gov/regions/west/az_sierravista_msa.htm
Ombudsman Activities
Number of
Activity
Businesses
Identification of potential additional space:
3
Possible West End Loan program application:
3
Marketing assistance:
1
Relocation assistance:
1
Workforce assistance:
1
SierraVistaAZBusiness.com
November 1 to November 30
386 Sessions
330 Users
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Marketing and Public Affairs
Public Affairs
Latest VISTAS. The February/March edition of VISTAS was inserted in the Sierra Vista Herald on
January 27. The content for each edition is planned to reflect at least one of the City Council’s
strategic goals. This edition reflects the goal of ensuring that Sierra Vista is a safe and welcoming
community that “makes a positive impression on residents and visitors, providing visible and
respectful public safety services, safe and appealing neighborhoods, and opportunities for
engagement.” To that end, the publication showcases work the City has done on building the new
Sierra Vista brand and how it's been leveraged to increase awareness of Sierra Vista, economic
development, public safety, and more. In addition to the newspaper insertion, VISTAS is
distributed to more than 30 locations around the community, including Fort Huachuca.
Brand Expansion to Community. The revised Graphic & Brand Standards were finalized and
made public (available on the City’s website) to encourage businesses to utilize and engage with
the City’s brand.
Other Communication Project Highlights.
New branded Community Overview for Economic
Development
Advertisements for recycling and tourism
Promotion for the Library’s Borrow-a-Bike program
Promotion of Fire Department’s bike helmet program
16 press releases
Redesigned Fire Department patch, incorporating
brand elements
Mayor’s Arts & Humanities Awards collateral
Door hangers for Code Enforcement and Public Works
Annual PAFR
Assisted Economic Development in planning a
community Tailgate Party for February 7
Designed logo for Good Morning Sierra Vista
Tourism
Market Segment Update. In December, staff participated in the second Arizona Office of
Tourism (AOT) World Tour, in which media representatives from six of AOT’s key international
markets presented advertising and communications information. Key takeaways which will be
incorporated into the City's strategy include:
Canadian travelers are seeking to “recharge, regroup and return” to Canada. Use a value
proposition.
French travelers prefer advertising with “glamor shots” of beautiful scenery without people.
Provide suggested itineraries.
United Kingdom travelers respond to videos and high resolution images. Interested in
history of the West.
Mexican travelers are seeking weekend getaways.
German travelers primarily travel between June and September. Interested in Old West
history. Promote our ties to Germany, including culture, restaurants and Oktoberfest.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Chinese travlers are interested in ecotourism, nature, and cultural and historic attractions.
The most common port of entry is Los Angeles, and visitors rent a vehicle upon arrival to
travel to their vacation destinations.
Staff presented tips on becoming “Bicycle Friendly” at the January SEAHA meeting to help the
hospitality industry understand what simple amenities can be provided to bicyclists to encourage
positive word-of-mouth within this market niche. The booklet is available online here.
Staff presented the economic impact of tourism at the state and local level, highlighted program
accomplishments, and communicated the current marketing strategy at the Mayor’s Economic
Forum on January 22. Feedback from the group is already being incorporated into the FY16-17
tourism marketing plan. The PowerPoint slide deck is available upon request.
Sister Cities. On January 31, staff traveled to Cananea to represent the City of Sierra Vista at
the opening ceremony for a grueling mountain bike race from downtown to the observatory.
Cochise County Tourism Council. Staff is working with Cochise County and the other members
of the CCTC to evaluate the partnership's effectiveness and develop a revised plan for the future,
including strategic marketing objectives.
Visitor Center. In addition to managing inventory and fulfilling information requests, the visitor
center assisted the following guests in December:
December Visitors
Telephone
Foreign
Out of State
AZ (not local)
Local
0
50
100
150
200
250
Advertising. December tourism ads, designed and managed by the Public Affairs team, were
submitted to Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering (CCP & MG) program and Phoenix
Magazine. The CCP & MG ad will appear in the program and reflects the event’s theme while
encouraging attendees to stay longer (or return) to explore our local culture. The Phoenix
Magazine ads (“Discover Arizona” issue) will appear in print and online, reaching nearly 80,000
readers and 13,000 online subscribers. January submissions include the Arizona Republic.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Press Coverage. Public relations efforts
netted Sierra Vista-specific press coverage
in several areas, but most notably, saw a
print circulation of 511,000 in the AAA
Highroads Magazine with a print listing for
the Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music
Gathering. The Gathering was included in
the Highroads online calendar of events as
well. The Arizona Republic also ran an
article about birding and the Folklore
Preserve on January 16, and reached
374,000 readers. Additionally, regional
coverage (not included) was earned
through participation in Cochise County
Tourism Council projects.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
Administration
Sales Tax Collection. Gross privilege tax collections for December 2015 are $212,273, or
15% higher than last December. This increase can be largely attributed to a one-time,
$143,000 audit finding in the bar restaurant classification. The all other category, which is
mostly retail, was up $182,000 over last year, but only $80,000 is due to sales growth
while $101,000 is due to the new privilege tax rate. Construction activity is still down in
the area, and December’s construction tax revenues were $54,000 below last year’s. The
chart below provides a monthly comparison of FY16 actual, FY16 budget, and FY15 actual.
The discrepancy between the FY16 budget and actual numbers is largely attributed to the
fact that the numbers lag by one month, so we do not yet have data following the increase
to the sales tax rate taking effect.
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$500,000
$0
Jul
Aug
Sep
FY15 Actual
FY16 Actual
Oct
Nov
Dec
FY16 Budget
Public Surplus Auctions. The City lists obsolete items for sale on the Public Surplus
website. To view items for sale, please visit www.publicsurplus.com and search for City of
Sierra Vista. The items are listed for sale in cycles, meaning that we list, close, collect, and have
items picked up in one auction cycle prior to beginning another. Procurement has streamlined the
process by requiring users to pay for their successful products online and requiring pickups to be
conducted by appointment, reducing the burden on staff. During the months of December 2015
and January 2016, the City collected more than $58,000 in revenue from selling obsolete items
online, with more inventory getting ready to be listed.
NAPA Integrated Business Solutions. NAPA moved into the City's Fleet shop in January
and is now available to provide parts services support to the City. In addition to filling part
request orders, they are separating our current parts inventory and identifying usable items from
obsolete ones with our fleet management staff. Obsolete parts that can be converted to Napa
parts will be sold back to Napa at fair market value. All other obsolete items will be sold on the
Public Surplus Auction website. Usable parts will continue to be used by the city until depleted at
no cost and Napa will re-stock the items as they are used. All new inventory items will be stocked
at the vendor's expense until requested by City personnel. It is anticipated that the new system
will reduce shrinkage, duplication, surplus, and obsolescence issues.
Napa has been given a list of area vendors who have been used by the City of Sierra Vista for
years, and Napa will continue to reach out to those businesses to stock the store. The Integrated
Business Solutions program will streamline the process for acquiring needed items and reduce
invoice processing from the fleet division from approximately 120 invoices per month to 3 invoices
per month, saving considerable staff time all around.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016
File Collaboration. Box has been implemented and is being utilized by almost all city
departments. Employee feedback has been great. This application has expedited collaboration/
communication with external agencies and other organizations, allowing employees to become
more proficient in accomplishing tasks.
Enhanced Cyber Security. This task has been completed. The additional real-time
protection has already proven to be very effective, as it has detected an additional 3,300 nefarious
threats in the month it has been deployed.
Spillman Regional Dispatch. Preliminary meetings and discussions are being scheduled.
This project will combine both the County and City dispatch centers into one datacenter. Initial
discussions will serve to lay the foundation for how this can best be accomplished.
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Council Executive Report, January 2016