HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-05 City Council Regular Minutes Meeting location:
City of Apache Junction, Arizona g
`o, City Council Chambers
x 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,August 5,2025 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
Councilmember Soller gave the invocation and Councilmember Johnson 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
Rob Wisler, Management Analyst
Michael Pooley, Police Chief
Michael Beaton, Commander
Cindy Ewer, Commander
Rudy Esquivias, Development Services Director
Sidney Urias, Development Services Deputy Director
Nicholas Leftwich, Planner
Michael Morris, Engineering Manager
Ted Wolff, Public Works Director
Doug Wirthgen, IT Director
Casaundra Wallace, City Attorney 1
D. CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Cross moved,seconded by Councilmember Nesser to approve the Consent
Agenda.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona page 1
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 5,2025
Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember
Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember
Soller
No: 0
1. 25-254 Consideration of acceptance of agenda.
2. 25-379 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of July 15, 2025.
3. 25-351 Consideration of approval of the procurement of city vehicles and equipment
for FY26 making the purchase through Arizona State Cooperative Contract
#CTR059323 with San Tan Ford, Sourcewell Contract 011723 with Crafco,
Sourcewell Contract 080521-CFC with RDO Equipment and State of Arizona
Cooperative Contract#CTR049799 for lighting and equipment for a total not to
exceed $1,716,000.00.
4. 25-374 Consideration of approval of First Amendment to Telecommunications
Services License Agreement between MCI Metro Access Transmission
Services Corp. and City of Apache Junction Agreement.
5. 25-378 Consideration of approval, retroactive to July 1, 2025, of an amended
agreement for bulk fuel between the City of Apache Junction and Senergy
Petroleum, LLC, for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an
amount not to exceed$840,000.00, utilizing the State Cooperative Contract
No. CTR063147.
6. 25-383 Consideration of Resolution No. 25-09, a Federally Patented Easement(FPE)
Extinguishment of Stagecoach Road (alignment)from Scenic Street to
Tamarisk Street(alignment)for purpose of future development and
landscaping that would enhance both parcels of which applicant owns both.
E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
F. REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES
7. 25-385 Brief summary of intergovernmental updates from mayor and
councilmembers.
Councilmember Cross attended the farewell party for Greater Phoenix Economic Council
(GPEC) CEO Chris Camacho. He stated that many people spoke highly of Apache Junction and
the staff.
Mayor Wilson shared there will be an upcoming Town Hall meeting with Senator Ruben Gallego
on August 11, 2025 at the Apache Junction Library from 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Senator Gallego
will be addressing issues facing Veterans and how federal policies are impacting them.
Mayor Wilson also shared the annual Boards and Commissions application process is open.
He encouraged the community to apply and explained the reasons why it is an important role for
the City. Applications will be accepted until September 15, 2025.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 5,2025
G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
8. 25-386 City Manager's Report
City Manager Bryant Powell invited the community to apply for a Board or Commission. He
stated this is the best way to get involved in the City and that the City Clerk's office can help with
any questions on the application.
Mr. Powell spoke about the vote for San Tan Valley incorporation to be a city. He stated the
results are being monitored and briefly went over the impact to Apache Junction if the
proposition passes.
Mr. Powell announced that the Animal Shelter's original facility is done with renovations and will
be back open for business on August 12, 2025.
9. 25-333 Presentation and discussion with Republic Services regarding operational
updates.
City Manager Bryant Powell introduced General Manager Charlotte Thomas and Municipal Sales
Manager Emma Reyes with Republic Services. Ms. Thomas thanked the City for its partnership
and shared her appreciation for the collaboration. She stated that Republic Services operates
daily with their landfill and trash/recycle collection. She also announced that this week, August
4-9, 2025, is free dump week.
Ms. Reyes shared the community engagement events that Republic Services has participated
in this year and the holidays with no collection services. She also listed statistics from quarter
one (1) and quarter two (2)for free dump week and the bulk service requirements and items not
accepted.
Councilmember concerns included adding plants to the north slope, weight versus volume at
the landfill, recycling plastic, appliances being accepted and the recent fire at the facility.
Ms. Thomas responded to all concerns.
10. 25-387 Announcement of Current Events
There was no current event report.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 5,2025
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. 25-384 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of Resolution No.
25-23 of Conditional Use Permit Case P-25-28-CUP, a request by Dane Astle
of Edifice Architecture, to permit an event center and venue on Parcel
100-25-043E, zoned "B-1" General Commercial, at the southeast corner of
Lost Dutchman Boulevard and Apache Trail.
Councilmember Johnson moved,seconded by Councilmember Soller that Resolution No.25-23,
Conditional Use Permit Case P-25-28-CUP,a request by Dane Astle of Edifice Architecture,to
permit an event center and venue on Parcel 100-25-043E,zoned"B-1"General Commercial,at
the southeast corner of Lost Dutchman Boulevard and Apache Trail be approved with the
following change to condition:
Replace the updated condition number five(5)that stated no outside music with the words
amplified outdoor sound is permitted for duration of booked events ending no later than 10:00
p.m.
Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember
Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember
Soller
No: 0
Planner Nicholas Leftwich presented a summary of P-25-28-CUP. It is a request for the
approval of a Conditional Use Permit(CUP)for parcel 100-25-043E to authorize the operation of
an event center and venue, per the requirements of the Apache Junction Zoning Ordinance, §
1-5-3 Non-Residential Use Regulations. The recent text amendment Ordinance No. 1563
amended the Zoning Ordinance Land Use Regulation tables to assign the City Council as the
decision authority for certain land uses requiring conditional use permits, including the"Event
Center&Venues" land use category.
The proposed development comprises a 4,927.5 square foot building, with an adjacent outdoor
ceremony area. At this time, only the west half of Parcel 100-25-043E is proposed to be
developed, replacing the existing storage use with the new event venue and its associated
parking and landscaping.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing for P-25-28-CUP on June 24, 2025.
During the meeting the Planning and Zoning Commission evaluated the proposal and the
Conditional Use Permit approval criteria, and subsequently voted 5-0 to recommend approval of
P-25-28-CUP, subject to the conditions of approval that were recommended in the Staff Report.
Work Session Update
Pursuant to the direction received at the July 14, 2025, City Council Work Session, staff updated
Resolution No. 25-23 with the recommended conditions of approval. Condition three (3) has
been revised to specifically identify the requirement for a fence east of the venue, in compliance
with the proposed site plan. Condition five(5) has been revised to prohibit outdoor music, with
the exception of brief amplified sound during wedding ceremonies.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 5,2025
Applicant Dane Astle of Edifice Architecture introduced himself and stated he could answer any
questions.
Councilmember Johnson stated her concerns about outdoor noise that she had brought up
during the neighborhood meeting.
Mr.Astle responded that they would be following the noise ordinance regarding outdoor music.
The intention is that music will be presented indoor. He stated there will not be live music or
amplified music as the venue was not designed with an outdoor stage.
Mayor Wilson opened the Public Hearing.
Cindy Rhule, 2650 N. Prospector Road, Apache Junction, supports growth for the City but has
concerns about the increased traffic on State Route 88.
Pamela Bradshaw, 3405 S. Tomahawk Road,Apache Junction, stated she is in favor of the
proposed project.
Andre Meek, 1327 S. Belair Road,Apache Junction, is supportive of this type of venue but has
concerns about traffic.
Donna Carr, 2178 W. Virginia Street,Apache Junction, approves of the idea of the venue but
has concerns with traffic.
Vicky Mclaughlin, N. Winchester Road, Apache Junction, is supportive of this project and
believes that the traffic issue is not the business owner's responsibility. She suggested a traffic
light is needed.
Catherine Meek, 1327 S. Belair Road,Apache Junction, shared her concerns about the unsafe
road and asked if Arizona Department of Traffic(ADOT) has required any traffic studies.
Howard Stone, 2137 S. Tomahawk Road,Apache Junction, is not against growth but has
concerns of traffic and safety.
Barbie Engle, 4980 N. Ironwood Drive,Apache Junction, is supportive of this project and stated
the business owner should not be responsible for traffic issues.
Lee Cooper, 2777 N. Winchester Road,Apache Junction, shared his concerns with noise from
the venue.
Laura Jones, S. Midland Drive,Apache Junction, is in full supportive of this project and stated
the business owner should not be responsible for traffic issues.
Councilmember Soller inquired when the last time a traffic study was conducted on that
intersection.
City Manager Bryant Powell stated the Public Works Department works with ADOT regularly
regarding the traffic patterns. This project did not trigger a traffic study to be completed at this
time.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 5,2025
Councilmember Nesser asked for clarification that State Route 88 is not an Apache Junction
road and we cannot require a traffic study.
Mr. Powell stated that she is correct and this is an ADOT road. The City provides data to them
and partners with them but cannot require them to do a traffic study.
I. OLD BUSINESS
J. NEW BUSINESS
12. 25-388 Presentation and discussion of first amendments to the agreements between
Entellus and the City of Apache Junction, not to exceed $200,000.00 per year
for the Master Planned Communities of Radiance(DU1) and Blossom Rock
(DU2)for engineering plan review. The term of the agreements will be from
August 6, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
Engineering Manager Mike Morris presented the background of the Entellus, Inc.,Agreement. He
stated construction at Superstition Vistas commenced during the summer of 2022.As part of
their development plan, DR Horton and Brookfield Residential agreed to pay for outside
consultants to perform civil plan review and inspections. An escrow account was created for
each developer to pay for the agreed upon civil review and inspection services.As a result,
Entellus Inc. was chosen in January of 2022, to be the consultant to represent the City. As
mutually agreed upon, Entellus invoices the City each month for services rendered and the
invoices are paid from the respective developer funded escrow accounts.
For over three years, Entellus has served the City well.As the terms of the original contract are
nearing an end, both parties desire to extend the term of the Agreement for three additional
years. The rates have been adjusted based on the US Government's published data by the
Bureau of Labor Statistic's Employment Cost Index.
Staff recommends approval of the proposed contract Agreement.
Councilmembers had no concerns.
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, shared her concerns about the proposed
data processing center in Pinal County, the lack of funding to schools in Apache Junction, and
rezoning concerns of residential property.
Julia Morales, 502 E. Navajo Avenue, Apache Junction, requested that the Council dedicate the
2025 Christmas tree lighting to Kristen and Amber Salem and other victims lost to the desert.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 6
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 5,2025
N. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
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ACCEPTED THIS �` DAY OF -31! tt" '� , 2025, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS �d DAY OF en'1D�, 2025.
WALTER"CHIP"WILSON
Mayor
ATTEST:
6v-x A C
EVIE MCKINNEY
City Clerk
City of Apache Junction,Arizona page 7