HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-15 City Council Regular Minutes City of Apache Junction, Arizona Meeting location:
City Council Chambers
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.`z1 at City Hall
Meeting Minutes 300 E.Superstition Blvd
Apache Junction,AZ
City Council Meeting 85119
apachejunctionaz.gov
Ph:(480)982-8002
Doors are open to the public at least 15 minutes prior to the
posted meeting start time.
Tuesday,July 15,2025 7:00 PM City Council Chambers
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Schroeder gave the invocation and Councilmember Heck led the meeting attendees in
the Pledge of Allegiance
C. ROLL CALL
Present: 7- Mayor Wilson
Vice Mayor Schroeder
Councilmember Nesser
Councilmember Heck
Councilmember Johnson
Councilmember Cross
Councilmember Soller
Staff in Attendance:
Bryant Powell, City Manager
Matt Busby, Assistant City Manager
Evie McKinney, City Clerk
Joel Stern, City Attorney
Ryan Kaup, Economic Development Director
Rudy Esquivias, Development Services Director
Sidney Urias, Development Services Deputy Director
Nicholas Leftwich, Planner
Anna McCray, Human Resources Director
Joseph Penze, Commander
Cindy Ewer, Commander
Angelie Hawley, Finance Director
For the record Councilmember Soller attended via phone.
D. CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Johnson moved,seconded by Councilmember Heck that the consent agenda be
accepted as presented.
Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser,
Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and
Councilmember Soller
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 1
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes July 15,2025
No: 0
1. 25-253 Consideration of acceptance of agenda.
2. 25-327 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 1,
2025.
F
3. 25-326 Consideration of approval of Map of Dedication for Blossom Rock Trail
Phase 2 (SV-22-36-BI).
4. 25-334 Consideration of approval of award of contract to Public Sector Personnel
Consultants, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $67,000.00, for a
Classification and Compensation Study under the City of Apache Junction
RFP#25-001.
5. 25-343 Consideration of approval of agreements for Job Order Contracting services
between the City of Apache Junction and various trade service contractors
for projects ranging from $2,500.00 to $500,000.00 each, not to exceed
$1,000,000.00 each year.
6. 25-344 Consideration of approval of agreements for Job Order Contracting services
between the City of Apache Junction and various general construction
contractors for projects ranging from $500,000.00 to$5,000,000.00.
7. 25-337 Consideration of approval of First Amendment to City of Apache Junction
Agreement with Primary Construction Inc. for Prospector Park Drainage
Improvements, extending the contract term to October 31 st, 2025.
8. 25-342 Consideration of approval of Resolution No. 25-21 authorizing acceptance of
a DUI abatement grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
9. 25-350 Consideration of approval of an agreement with the Greater Phoenix
Economic Council (GPEC), retroactive to July 1, 2025, for economic
development services for the term of one year(FY2025-26) in the amount
of$20,392.00, and the appointment of Councilmember Bambi Johnson as
the City of Apache Junction representative to the GPEC Board of
Directors.
10. 25-331 Consideration of approval of retroactive ratification of contract to M.R. Tanner
Construction for project HFS24-21 for the drainage improvement of Palm
Wash located south of 16th Avenue between Ironwood Drive and Delaware
Drive in the amount of$407,928.00.
11. 25-365 Consideration of approval of agreements, retroactive to July 1, 2025, for
on-call engineering services between the City of Apache Junction and
various consultants through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed
$300,000.00.
E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes July 15,2025
F. REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES
12. 25-328 Brief summary of intergovernmental updates from mayor and
councilmembers.
Mayor Wilson shared a video from the Apache Junction 4th of July celebration that honored
fallen Police Officer Gabriel Facio. The beginning of the fireworks show was dedicated to him,
and everyone in attendance participated in a moment of silence.
Mayor Wilson attended the Cadet Graduation at Mesa Police Academy. Apache Junction
Police Department's new officer Joshua Shipp completed the program and was honored at the
ceremony. Mayor Wilson shared a photo from the graduation and welcomed him to the City.
G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
13. 25-329 City Manager's Report
City Manager Bryant Powell thanked the Parks and Recreation department for the tribute to
Officer Facio and the 4th of July event. He expressed the importance of reflecting on the life of
Officer Facio and highlighted the Adopt A Street done in his name.
Mr. Powell shared the monsoon hotline and encouraged the community to be prepared in the
event of much needed rain.
Mr. Powell also thanked the departments and Council for their support in making the 4th of July
event happen each year. He spoke about the unique events that Parks and Recreation host
during the hot summer months and shared a photo from the movie night at the pool event.
14. 25-330 Announcement of Current Events
There was no current event report.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
15. 25-307 Consideration of application for a new Series 6 Bar liquor license for
Dutchman's Country BBQ located at 1615 N. Apache Trail,Apache Junction,
AZ. The next step in the process is for the council to hold a public hearing on
the application and make a recommendation of approval or denial to the
Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control.
Councilmember Heck moved,seconded by Councilmember Nesser that the application for a new
Series 6 Bar Liquor License for Dutchman's Country BBQ,located at 1615 N.Apache Trail,
Apache Junction,AZ,be recommended to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control
for approval.
Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser,
Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and
Councilmember Soller
No: 0
City Clerk Evie McKinney stated the city received an application for a new Series 6 Bar liquor
license for Dutchman's Country BBQ located at 1615 N. Apache Trail, on June 12, 2025, and
the Notice of Posting was placed at the establishment on June 18, 2025. The posting
requirement has been met with no comments from the public.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes July 15,2025
Correspondence related to inspections of the premises for safety and code compliant matters
have been received from the Apache Junction Police Department, Planning and Zoning
Department, Building and Safety Division and the Superstition Fire and Medical District. All four
entities find compliance with the inspection requirements and recommend approval.
Development Services noted that the liquor license application can go through the process, but
until the business is complete with the renovation and an approved inspection and Certificate of
Occupancy have been granted, no business will be allowed at the location.
Councilmembers had no concerns.
Mayor Wilson opened the Public Hearing.
Andre Meek, 1327 S. Belair Road, Apache Junction, expressed his support of the business.
Mayor Wilson closed the Public Hearing and asked for a motion.
16. 25-313 Consideration of application for a permanent extension of premises for First
Water Cocktail Bar located at 1545 W. Broadway Ave, Suite 101, Apache
Junction,AZ 85120. The next step in the process is for the council to hold a
public hearing on the application and make a recommendation of approval or
denial to be forwarded to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and
Control.
Councilmember Johnson moved,seconded by Councilmember Cross that the application for a
Permanent Extension of Premises for First Water Cocktail Bar, located at 1545 W. Broadway
Avenue,Suite 101,Apache Junction,AZ, be recommended to the Arizona Department of Liquor
Licenses and Control for approval.
Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser,
Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and
Councilmember Soller
No: 0
City Clerk Evie McKinney stated the city received an application for a permanent extension of
premises for First Water Cocktail Bar located at 1545 E. Broadway Avenue.
Correspondence related to inspections of the premises for safety and code compliant matters
have been received from the Apache Junction Police Department, Planning and Zoning
Department, Building and Safety Division and the Superstition Fire and Medical District. All four
entities find compliance with the inspection requirements and recommend approval.
Councilmembers had no concerns.
Mayor Wilson opened the Public Hearing, receiving no comments from the public, he closed
the Public Hearing and asked for a motion.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes July 15,2025
17. 25-325 Presentation, discussion and public hearing to receive input and discuss
potential projects for the utilization of Fiscal Year 2025 ("FY25")
Community Development Block Grant("CDBG") Regional Account("RA")
funds and State Special Project("SSP") funds.
Assistant City Manager Matt Busby introduced Angela Gotto,Administrative and Special
Projects Coordinator with Central Arizona Governments (CAG). She presented the purpose of
the Public Hearing was for input regarding possible projects for the 2025 Community
Development Block Grant(CDBG)funding cycle. The City is expected to receive
approximately$156,800.00 in federal fiscal year 2025 CDBG regional account funds from the
Arizona Department of Housing. All proposed regional projects must meet one(1) of three (3)
national objectives: benefit low to moderate income persons in the area, alleviate slum and
blight in the community, or address an urgent need. She gave examples of possible uses for
the funding and stated that the City may also apply for approximately$750,000.00 in State
Special Projects Funding. The next Public Hearing is to make a decision on which projects the
City would like to apply for.
Mr. Busby listed the possible projects that Staff suggested:
1. Apache Villa subdivision sidewalk project- repair sidewalks and bring up to modern
standards
2. Palm Springs drainage improvements- repair curbs and gutters
3.Construction of the library reading garden
5. Loan an Air Conditioning program -for residents to borrow until their air conditioning is
repaired
6. Emergency Rehab Program - household repairs for up to$15,000.00 per household
Councilmember Johnson expressed her concern for the timeline on choosing the projects and
needed more time to discuss each one.
City Manager Bryant Powell asked if there was enough time to bring this topic back for further
discussion before the next Public Hearing.
Ms. Gotto responded they could move the second Public Hearing to September 2, 2025, to
allow further discussion at the August Council Meetings. She informed the Council that the
application for the grants are due November 1, 2025 and they could do another first Public
Hearing if the Council wanted to.
Councilmember Cross suggested a full list of the projects listed and an explanation for each of
them before the next meeting so council has more time to consider.
Ms. Gotto stated if she receives the list of potential projects in advance then she can confirm
they are eligible for the grant funds before they are voted on.
Vice Mayor Schroeder asked for clarification on the eligibility of the projects.
Assistant City Manager Matt Busby responded that they must meet one (1) of the three (3)
national objectives.
Councilmember Heck asked for clarification on the emergency rehab program.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes July 15,2025
Mr. Powell responded to Councilmember Heck and stated more information will be presented
when this topic is brought back for further discussion at the September 2, 2025, Regular
Council meeting for an additional first Public Hearing.
Mayor Wilson opened the Public Hearing, receiving no comments from the public, he closed
the Public Hearing.
18. 25-348 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of Resolution No.
25-22 of Case P-25-10-GPA, a proposed Major General Plan Amendment
requested by Sundt Construction, represented by Brennan Ray of Ray Law
Firm to amend the General Plan Land Use Map for Parcels 102-20-008A&
102-20-008C, located near the northwest corner of Cactus Road &Auto
Center Drive,from Commercial to Light Industrial/Business Park and
Industrial.
Councilmember Cross moved,seconded by Councilmember Nesser that Resolution No.25-22,the
Major General Plan Amendment Case P-25-10 GPA,to amend the General Plan Land Use Map for
Parcels 102-20-008A&102-20-008C,from Commercial to Light Industrial/Business Park and
Industrial be approved.
Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser,
Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and
Councilmember Soller
No: 0
Planner Nicholas Leftwich presented that P-25-10-GPA is a proposed Major General Plan
Amendment of the Apache Junction General Plan Land Use Map, requesting a change of the
36.60-acre subject site's designation from Commercial to Light Industrial/Business Park and
Industrial. Due to the size of the proposed change (over 10 acres), it is categorized as a major
amendment.
P-25-11-PZ is a proposed planned development rezoning of the 36.60-acre subject site
currently zoned General Rural Low Density Single-Family Detached Residential("RS-GR")to
Industrial by Planned Development("B-5/PD")with a new planned development overlay to
authorize the development of the manufacturing facility.
Planninq &Zoning Commission Hearing and Recommendation:
As the proposed rezoning by Planned Development and Land Use Map change consists of an
area greater than 10 acres, the proposal has had to comply with all requirements of a Major
General Plan Amendment, including holding two separate public hearings with the Planning
and Zoning Commission.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held the first public hearing for P-25-10-GPA and
P-25-11-PZ on June 10, 2025, at the Superstition Fire& Medical District Board Room. No
resident comments were made during the public hearing.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held the second public hearing for P-25-10-GPA and
P-25-11-PZ on June 24, 2025, at the Apache Junction City Hall. One Apache Junction resident
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 6
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes July 15,2025
provided comments supporting the project for the employment opportunities it would bring to
the community.
The Planning and Zoning Commission evaluated the Major General Plan Amendment and
Rezoning by Planned Development proposal and subsequently voted 5-0 for both items to be
forwarded with recommendations of approval for P-25-10-GPA and P-25-11-PZ to the Apache
Junction City Council.
Applicant Sundt Construction representative Brennan Ray of Ray Law Firm presented an
overview of what the building and outside area will look like. He went over the type of work that
will be done and showed examples of finished projects. He responded to the comments and
questions brought up during the Work Session on July 14, 2025, regarding landscaping. He
expressed Sundt's excitement to work with the City and the great location.
Councilmembers had no concerns.
Mayor Wilson opened the Public Hearing.
Andre Meek, 1327 S. Belair Road, Apache Junction, stated his support of this proposed
change.
Donna Carr,Apache Junction, voiced concerns about the chemicals they may be using.
Mayor Wilson closed the Public Hearing and asked for a motion.
19. 25-349 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of Ordinance No.
1565 of Case P-25-11-PZ, a proposed Rezoning by Planned Development
requested by Sundt Construction, represented by Brennan Ray of Ray Law
Firm, to rezone Parcels 102-20-008A& 102-20-008C from General Rural
Low Density Single-Family Detached Residential ("RS-GR")to Industrial by
Planned Development('B-5/PD")."
Councilmember Nesser moved,seconded by Councilmember Cross that Ordinance No. 1565 be
read by title only and the reading of the entire ordinance be waived.
Motion passed unanimously.
City Clerk McKinney read Ordinance No. 1565 by title only, repealing any conflicting provisions;
and providing for severability.
Councilmember Nesser moved,seconded by Councilmember Heck that Ordinance No. 1565,as
read by the city clerk be approved and adopted.
Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser,
Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and
Councilmember Soller
No: 0
Planner Nicholas Leftwich stated that Ordinance No. 1565 is regarding the same topic as
Resolution No. 25-22. The ordinance will allow the rezoning to take effect.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes July 15,2025
Councilmembers had no concerns.
Mayor Wilson opened the Public Hearing, receiving no comments from the public, he closed
the Public Hearing and asked for a motion.
I. OLD BUSINESS
J. NEW BUSINESS
K. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
L. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES
M. CALL TO PUBLIC
Donna Carr, 2178 W. Virginia Street,Apache Junction, apologized for a previous statement
regarding the solar energy farm and stated it was not denied by Pinal County at this time. She
also voiced frustrations with the Council's recent approval of Conditional Use Permit
P-24-104-CUP and Apache Junction Schools not offering half-day kindergarten.
N. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 743145�_,
p.m.
ACCEPTED THIS -�h DAY OF 2025, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS y4-hDAY OF �'/ �ls 2025.
`(iv
WALTER"CHIP"WILSON
Mayor
ATTEST:
EVIE MCKINNEY
City Clerk
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 8