City of Scottsdale
NEWS RELEASE
May 29, 2015
Contact: City Engineer Derek Earle, 480-312-2776, dearle@ScottsdaleAZ.gov
Council to consider plan for November bond election
Scottsdale voters could head to the polls in November to consider a variety of bond-funded civic improvements totaling nearly $100 million.
“Nature’s Canopy” by Frank Biondo of north Scottsdale
The City Council discussed the proposed bond election plan at an April work-study session. Next Tuesday, June 2, members are scheduled to formally vote on calling the election, determining the project list, and establishing the ballot language. The meeting takes place at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Bonds are a method used by cities to finance major capital projects. They work similar to a home mortgage, through which a large purchase is financed over time.
Scottsdale’s last successful bond election took place in the year 2000. Voters turned down bond proposals in 2010 and 2013.
In announcing their intention to move forward with a bond proposal this November, Council members cited the need to replace aging equipment and facilities, improve roads and bolster public safety by among other things, constructing new fire stations and improving training sites.
“This is a focused, vetted and needed set of projects,” said Mayor Jim Lane. “These improvements are necessary to maintain our quality of life and to keep Scottsdale a world-class community.”
“That’s why our City Council is moving forward to refer these projects to voters. It is time.”
The list of proposed projects was put together from input gathered during 2013 hearings conducted by a Citizens Bond Task Force and from recent staff recommendations.
For more information on the proposed bond, visit: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/2015-bond.
Below is the list of proposed projects and ballot questions along with estimated costs:
Proposed 2015 Bond Program
Question 1: Parks and Community Facilities
- Renovate the Vista del Camino Park/Indian Bend Wash area from McKellips Road to Thomas Road, $18,500,000
- Upgrade chemical treatment systems in four city aquatic facilities, $3,500,000
- Replace aging restrooms, maintenance and storage buildings at four city parks $3,400,000
- Replace outdated irrigation systems, $1,900,000
- Install energy-efficient sports field lighting at four facilities, $4,600,000
Category Total — $ 31,900,000
Question 2: Transportation
- Improve the intersection of Hayden and Chaparral roads, $2,510,000
- Widen Happy Valley Road from Pima Road to Alma School Road, $4,830,000
- Improve Highland Avenue intersections at Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard, $2,100,000
- Improve Sidewalks in Downtown Scottsdale, $4,000,000
- Add Bike Lanes on McDowell Road, $3,100,000
Category Total — $16,540,000
Question 3: Citywide Technology
- Replace energy control systems at five city buildings, $1,500,000
- Improve WiFi in public buildings, $470,000
- Purchase disaster recovery technology infrastructure, $4,900,000
Category Total — $6,870,000
Question 4: Street Pavement Replacement
- Replace 140 miles of deteriorated pavement on city streets, $12,500,000
Category Total — $12,500,000
Question 5: Public Safety – Fire
- Build Fire Station 613 (Desert Foothills), $5,100,000
- Design and build Fire Station 616 (Desert Mountain), $3,700,000
- Relocate Fire Station 603 (McCormick Ranch Area), $6,750,000
- Renovate Fire Station 605 (75th Street & Shea Boulevard), $800,000
Category Total — $16,350,000
Question 6: Flood Control
- Improve flood protection near Indian Bend Road and Lincoln Drive, $2,700,000
Category Total — $2,700,000
Question 7: Public Safety – Police
- Expand and renovate the Civic Center Jail and police station, $10,100,000
- Rebuild the public safety vehicle training track, $1,700,000
Category Total — $11,800,000
Bond Program Grand Total — $98,660,000
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