Vice Mayor Hampton called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.

Development Services Director Christopher Baker presented the report regarding a 355-acre annexation request for Terrasante. Mr. Baker provided an overview of the request that included plans for a 930-acre project proposed in the northern waterman wash area that would bring approximately 7,500 residents to Goodyear. He discussed the concern for fire response times and resources including water and wastewater that are not currently available to service the project area. He further explained that if Council desired staff to pursue the annexation request, staff is proposing that they work with the property owner and developer to develop a development agreement that would address solutions for public service utility delivery needs to the area including water and sewer, fire, parks and transportation concerns. He also explained that radio communications would need to be improved in this area and that the closest medical facility is approximately 30 minutes away.

Additionally, Mr. Baker discussed the opportunity of potentially annexing a portion of open space owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that is contiguous to the Terrasante project. He added that the BLM properties are separate from the Terrasante request and that staff would seek BLM’s interest pending Council direction.

Council discussion ensued in support of staff pursuing the Terrasante annexation request, however, Council expressed concerns for water and wastewater service to the area and emergency response time and transportation to the Abrazo West Campus. Council discussed the possibility of annexing the BLM properties and requested additional information including future costs and plans for the property prior to supporting an annexation.

In response to Council inquiry regarding staff time and effort, Mr. Baker explained that the Terrasante project will have similar park solutions to the Rainbow Valley rezone, however, water and sewer solutions will require significant staff time and be unique to this project.

In response to Council inquiry regarding emergency response times, Fire Chief Luizzi explained that the protocol for use of a helicopter depends on time and severity of the incident and that most patients are transported by ground to the Abrazo West Campus.

Council directed staff to pursue the Terrasante annexation request, contact BLM for their interest in pursuing an annexation and schedule a future work session regarding the BLM annexation opportunity.