November 10, 2004
The Scottsdale City Council meant to narrow its list of priorities Tuesday night, but after three hours of discussion, the list actually grew.
During a planning workshop, the council added water conservation and expanding Scottsdale’s environmental programs to its "critical" proposals list.
Councilwoman Betty Drake and Councilman Kevin Osterman said they would support a tougher green building standard for the city, along with directing staff to explore what other environmentally friendly activities Scottsdale can consider.
Several council members also voiced support for renovating the Scottsdale Center for the Arts to keep up with new venues. "I think (the arts center) deserves a lot more attention than we’re giving it," Councilman Wayne Ecton said. "They’re already being impacted now that Mesa’s bringing their (arts) center on."
Mayor Mary Manross said the center should be renovated, and possibly a new theater built somewhere in Scottsdale.
Councilmen Ron McCullagh and Jim Lane proposed that Scottsdale aggressively lobby the state Legislature to ban Arizona cities from providing subsidies and tax incentives to lure businesses.
Many projects discussed have been approved or staff has begun work on them. Priorities include revitalizing south Scottsdale, stiffer criteria for residents to serve on boards and commissions and keeping the ASU Scottsdale Center for New Technology and Innovation on its tight construction schedule.
