Scottsdale voters could head to the polls in November to consider a variety of bond-funded civic improvements totaling nearly $100 million.
The City Council discussed the proposed bond election plan at an April work-study session, and it appears that the City is pressing ahead. It announced that 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 incur debt to finance preferred, unessential, and essential capital projects. The City is aking taxpayers to allow more debt to rebuild the public safety vehicle training track, for $1,700,000.
Scottsdale’s last successful bond election took place in the year 2000. Voters turned down bond proposals in 2010 and 2013.
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•Replace outdated irrigation systems, $1,900,000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, $12,500,00
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