HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-17 City Council Regular Minutes Meeting location:
i iArizona
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it r City Council Chambers
Meeting Minutes at City Hall
300 E.Superstition Blvd
CityCouncil Meeting Apache Junction,AZ
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apachejunctionaz.gov
Ph:(480)982-8002
Tuesday,August 17,2021 7:00 PM City Council Chambers
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
B. INVOCATION L ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Rizzi gave the invocation and Councilmember Evans led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. ROLL CALL
Present: 7- Mayor Wilson
Vice Mayor Rizzi
Councilmember Evans
Councilmember Schroeder
Councilmember Biggs
Councilmember Nesser
Councilmember Gremmel
Councilmember Schroeder participated by phone.
City Staff in Attendance:
Bryant Powell, City Manager
Matt Busby,Assistant City Manager
Joel Stern, City Attorney
Jennifer Pena, City Clerk
AI Bravo, Public Information Officer
Thomas Kelly, Chief of Police
Larry Kirch, Development Services Director
Liz Langenbauch, Parks and Recreation Director
Riley King, Parks and Recreation Management Analyst
Rudy Esquivias, Planning Manager/Zoning Administrator
Nick Leftwich,Associate Planner
D. CONSENT AGENDA
1. 21-409 Consideration of acceptance of agenda.
2. 21-410 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of August 3rd,
2021.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona page'
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 17,2021
E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
F. REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES
3. 21-411 Brief summary of intergovernmental updates from mayor and
oounuUmembera.
Councilmember Biggs announced the Pinal Partnership meeting on Friday,August 20th that will
be held in Casa Grande and the topic will be"Where|o the VVater'.
Mayor Wilson provided an update and video on the raising and setting of the new air traffic
control tower at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport.
G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
4' 21-412 City Manager's Report.
City Manager Bryant Powell announced the city's board and commission application process is
open for anyone wishing to apply and serve on one and the submittal deadline is September 15,
2021.
He presented the American Planning Association award the city recently received.Apache
Junction was recognized for its 2D2O-2O5O General Plan update.The General Plan was
produced entirely in house with no outside consultant required.
5~ 21-41[3 Announcement of current events.
A| Bravo, Chief Information Officer provided en update on the following:
The Founders Centennial Celebration begins on January 8,2022.The committee would like to
thank those who have helped sponsor the celebration,this included:
Republic Services,AJ| Sporting Goods,Ted and Kelly Gmemme|. Braden Biggs,Aaron
K8uDenn|d (State Farm). Greg Davis, the Superstition Mountain Community Facilities District
and City uf Apache Junction.
October 3rd is the"Give Cancer the Boot"fashion show fundraiser at Robert Horne Ford. The
event will beoiG:OOpmat the car lot located at34OUG.Tomahawk.
VFW Post 7968, is playing host to a"meet and greet"event to get to know your local elected
offiu|a|m. Representatives from the city, county, school d|utdot, fire district and community
college district are slated to attend. It will be at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 15.
County Junction Idol continues etTaradidd{eaonSundays.
There will be a 9/11 Anniversary Dedication on Saturday, September 11 th.The dedication will be
a monument marking the 20th anniversary will be held at the Veterans Memorial Gazebo.The
event will beat 8:48a.m.
The seed library, started by Eagle Scout Lloyd Stenglein at the Apache Junction library,will be
ready on September 7th.
City uvxna"oaJunction,Arizona Page
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 17,2021
Residents interested in this can read about it on the city's home page, apachejunctionaz.gov.
There will bea blood drive sd the library on Thursday, September 2nd. There are spots available
between 1Oamand 2pm.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Wilson then moved Item 11, presentation of Parks and Recreation Fees to be next on the
agenda.
6. 21-385 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration ofproposed
Resolution No.21-3O. a resolution of the Mayor and City Council uf the City of
Apache Junction,Arizona, declaring os a public record that certain document
filed with the city clerk and entitled"August 2O2i Amendments to the Apache
Junction City Code,Volume ||. Land Development Code, Chapter 1: Zoning
Ordinance,Article 1-5:Zoning Bulk and Use Regulations, § 1-5-3
Non-Residential Use Regulations and § 1-5-4 Non-Residential Bulk
Regulations"; repealing any conflicting provisions; and providing for
sexenabi|ity.
continued
Nicholas Leftwich, city planner provided background on the changes and updates 0zthe
"document". The only comment received during the public meetings that were held was from
the owners of Bela F|ur.
BACKGROUND
The Planning and Zoning Commission met for a public hearing for Text Amendment Case
AM-1-21on July 21. 2O21.The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended
approval of the text amendment|ne vote of7-Q.
Dn August 2. 2O21. City Council held awork session for the presentation and discussion of the
proposed amendments to Apache Junction City Code,Volume 11, Land Development Code,
Chopter1:Zoning Ordinance,Article 1-5:Zoning Bulk and Use Regulations.Additional revisions
of the proposed amendments were requested bythe City Council and are reflected inthe
document"August 2021 Amendments to the Apache Junction City Code,Volume 11, Land
Development Code, Chapter 1:Zoning Ordinance,Article 1-G:Zoning Bulk and Use Regulations,
§ i-5-3 Non-Residential Use Regulations and§ 1'5-4 Non-Residential Bulk ReAu|at|ons^.
August 2.2021 City Council Public Hearing:
Resolution No. 21-30 adopts the document"August 2O2i Amendments tothe Apache Junction
City Code,Volume ||. Land Development Code, Chapter 1:Zoning Ordinance,Article i-5:Zoning
Bulk and Use Regulations, § 1-5-3 Non-Residential Use Regulations and§ 1-5-4
Non-Residential Bulk Regulations"as public record.
Ordinance No. 1508 amends the code through the process of repealing the current sections
and replacing them with the amended version, adopting by reference the document made public
record through Resolution No. 21-30.
Mayor opened the public hearing:
Reese Anderson, attorney with law office of Pew and Lake.
City ur Apache Junction,Arizona Page
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 17,2021
He introduced Karl Hwish, owner of Bela Flor. Mr. Huish recapped the letter he had sent is
provided the following suggestions on use regulations.
® Motor Vehicle Dealers. We suggest that the City allow new motor vehicle
dealers in a showroom environment with a maximum sq. footage of 7,000 sq.
ft. Doing so would allow new auto dealers the opportunity to showcase their
products without the traditional space necessary. As we shared on Monday,
Fashion Island in Newport each actually has four(4)of these types of uses,
Lexus, Lincoln, Lucid and Tesla all within that project.We also just learned that
Scottsdale Fashion Square has a new Lucid showroom within that project.
These uses are becoming more common in retail environments, though
unheard of just a few years ago.
• General Auto Repair. We suggest allowing general auto repair, subject to a
CUP, which will allow staff and the decision-making body,the opportunity to
ensure that the design, architecture, and location are appropriate and in
keeping with the vision of the plan. Obviously, bay doors should be in the back
and cars should not be left over night. These uses bring significant retail
customers who can patron other sites while their vehicle is being repaired. If
built with good design, this can be a positive use.
® Car Washes. For similar reasons,we suggest allowing car washes subject to
a CUP. The newer, modern tunnel car washes are attractive, in high demand
and bring a large number of people to the area.The location should be near the
higher traffic road frontage for obvious reasons.
® Automotive Parts.We can easily envision an Auto one or O'Reilly's within the
®3 area but would suggest that this use be allowed subject to a CUP for the
same reasons stated above. There should not be work done by the company
or patrons onsite.
• Appliance Sales& Parts. For similar reasons noted above,we suggest that a
CUP be used for this use. We envision small scale appliance stores or
computer stores that would fit well into the overall vision for this area. Look at
Godar Electronics in the Heritage District of Gilbert,which can be verified by
following this link to the Heritage District map:
m Building Materials. As existing today ,there is a hardware store on Apache
Trail, which we think is an acceptable use to support the residential uses that
are planned for the area. We suggest that a CUP process would be a good
approach to allow this type of use.Within the Gilbert Heritage District, is
Arizona Hardwood Flooring Supply, which would be a great use in Apache
Junction.
a Nurseries&Greenhouses. The use of a CUP is appropriate for nurseries
and greenhouses. Within the Gilbert Heritage District there is C&J's Antiques
and Garden. See Gilbert Heritage District Map, link above.
® Antique Stores.The Gilbert Heritage District also has several antique stores.
Accordingly,for similar reasons noted above,we think a CUP is a good
method to ensure the location, size, and design of this type of use. See Gilbert
Heritage District Map, link above.
® Printing Shops. In our minds,we are thinking of smaller stores like Kinkos or
other similar stores that could be allowed with a CUP, limited to under 7,000
sq. ft.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 17,2021
• Personal and Household Goods Repair. We can easily see smaller stores
allowed with a CUP,that would cater to the repair of cell phones(such as an
Apple Store or Verizon store),which would draw significant traffic to the area
for residents both far and near.
• Physician Offices. We note that footnote 6 says that these uses are allowed
when not stand alone. Our suggestion is to slightly modify this to say that they
are allowed, but a CUP is required when they are stand alone.This will provide
appropriate flexibility and control over these uses for many of the reasons
noted above.
• Distribution Centers. We suggest that a small-scale distribution centers should
be an acceptable use with the issuance of a CUP, subject to a maximum size
of 7,000 sq. ft. Examples of these uses are like the store West Elm where one
cannot buy most of what's in their stores unless it is ordered online. Perhaps
this use fits under a more traditional retail use, but wanted to share this thought
with you.
He thanked council for their time in hearing the suggested modifications.
Donna Carr, City of Apache Junction resident. Stated businesses need to look more modern
and up-to-date rather than looking old and in need of significant modifications she liked Mr.
Huish's suggestions.
Jeff Barlett, 108 N Meridian Dr., stated he had a different opinion.The agenda listed several
public hearings and it looked like a lot of earmarks and regulations. He does not believe
businesses should be required to apply for a conditional use permit.
There were several comments from council and inquired as to staffs thoughts on the
suggestions from Mr. Huish.
Larry Kirch, Development Services Director stated some of the suggestions may not need a
CUP. He would need to go back and verify the requirements on the various suggested changes
Mr. Huish presetned.
He proposed staff review the uses and see which use types could be allowed without a CUP.
The city code says the planning commission needs to conduct a finding of facts. If those are
met, then they are approved. If the city wants to us the CUP as a tool for the B3 zoned area,
then they should consider what those uses would be.
Councilmember Evans moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Rizzi to continue items 21-385 and
21-386 to the September 20th work session and the public hearing be continued to September
21 st
7. 21-386 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of proposed
Ordinance No. 1508, an ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of
Apache Junction, Arizona, amending Apache Junction City Code,Volume 11,
Land Development Code, Chapter 1:-Zoning Ordinance, by repealing and
replacing portions of Article 1-5:Zoning Bulk and Use Regulations; and by
adopting by reference that certain document entitled "August 2021
Amendments to the Apache Junction City Code, Volume 11, Land Development
Code, Chapter 1:-Zoning Ordinance,Article 1-5: Zoning Bulk and Use
Regulations,§ 1-5-3 Non-Residential Use Regulations and § 1-5-4
Non-Residential Bulk Regulations"; repealing any conflicting provisions;
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 5
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 17'2O21
providing for severability; and providing for penalties.
continued
8. 21-387 Presentation,discussion, public hearing and consideration ofproposed
Ordinance No. 15O8. an ordinance of the Mayor and City Council ofthe City of
Apache Junction,Arizona, amending Apache Junction City Code, Volume||,
Land Development Code, Chapter 1:Zoning Ordinance, by amending Article
1-5:Zoning Bulk and Use Regulations, § 1-5-2: Residential Bulk Regu|ationo,
Table 5-2: Footnotes 7, B. 9. and 10; by repealing and replacing Article 1-6:
Supplemental Regulations, § 1-6-5:Accessory Structures; by repealing Article
1-6: Supplemental Regulations, § 1-0-8: Cargo Containers in its entirety; by
repealing,Article 1-17: Definitions relative tothe term"Cargo Container'and
replacing it with"Overseas Shipping Conteinar;^by adopting by reference that
certain document flied with the City Clerk and entitled "August 2021
Amendments to the Apache Junction City Code,Volume ||.Zoning Ordinance,
Article 1-5: Zoning Bulk and Regulations, § 1-6-2: Residential Bulk
Regulations,Table 5-2: Footnotea7. 8. 9. and 10;/\rt|o|e 1-6: Supplement
Regulations, § 1-6-5:Accessory Structures; 1'6-8: Cargo Containers,Article
1-17: Definitions"; repealing any conflicting provisions; providing for
aovenabi|ity; and providing for penalties.
approved esamended
The Mayor read the titles for Items 8. Q and 1O. Ordinance 150Q. i51O and Resolution 21-31.
LanyKirch. Development Services Director started with Item No. 10. He stated in order to
move forward with the rest ofthe items,this needed bz repeal section Q-1-Gwhich became
redundant when they updated another section ofcode.
Ordinance 1509 has several positive changes. He stated the city ofMesa, Queen Creek and
Pinm| County do not allow cargo containers on small lots.These are the decisions that will have
a significant impact on the city's future development. He suggested leaving the zoning as
RSGR.
Council then held discussion on the size of the cargo containers and whether the size of the
container should be based on a percentage of the lot. Mr. Kirch stated they did base the size of
the container related to the size mf the lot. Clarification of what anon-FEyN/4 wash was vs.
many of the"washes" residents have on their property and how that correlates to any existing
structures they may have ao it relates hothis ordinance.
Mr. Kirch stated any current code cases will have to comply with the current code.
Mayor opened the public hearing for all three items.
Donna Carr, resident of Apache Junction, stated that if someone was in non-compliance the
new regulation should not allow them to become compliant. if they were not compliant to begin
with, they should still bein non-compliance when the new rules take affect.
Jeff Barlett, 108 N. Meridian Drive, stated the agenda was confusing and inquired why each item
was listed separately for a public hearing stating they should have been combined. He stated
these ordinances create more regulations onbusinesses and people. He was not in favor cf
having the government regulate their property.
City m Apache Junction,Arizona Pages
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August17,2021
Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing.
Counci|member Biggs moved, seconded by Mayor Wilson that Ordinance1509 be read by title
only.
Motion passed unanimously.
Counci|member Biggs moved, seconded by Mayor Wilson that Ordinance No. 1509 be adopted
as read by the city clerk.
Motion Failed.
YES-3 Cound|membera Biggs, Rizzi and Mayor Wilson
NO-4 Counci|membena Evans, Neener, Gnemme| Schroeder
Councilmember Evans moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that Ordinance No. 1509
ao read be approved with the following amendment:That cargo containers ur overseas shipping
containers be permitted only onRSQRlots.
YES-G Counci|nnemberm Evans'Vice Mayor Rizzi, Neaaer, Gnamme|' Sohrueder, Mayor
Wilson
NO- 1 Counoi|membensB|ggs
Vice Mayor Rizzi moved, seconded by Councilmember Nasser that Resolution No.21-31 be
approved.
Motion passed.
YES'7 Councilmembers Evans, Biggs, Gremmel,Vice Mayor Rizzi, Nesser, Schroeder,
Mayor Wilson
Councilmember Evans moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Rizzi that Ordinance No. 1510 be read
by title only.
Motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Evans moved, seconded by Councilmember Nasser that Ordinance No. 1510
be approved.
YES-7 Vice Mayor Rizzi, Councilmembers Nesser, Biggs, Schroeder, Gremmel, Evans,
Mayor Wilson
9. 21-388 Preaen1aUon, diaouoaion, public hearing and consideration of proposed
Resolution No. 21-31. a resolution ofthe Mayor and City Council of the City of
Apache Junction,Arizona, declaring as a public record that certain document
filed with the City Clerk and entitled"August 2O21 Amendments to the Apache
Junction City Code,Volume ||.Zoning Ordinance,Article Y-5:Zoning Bulk and
Use Regulations, § 1-5-2: Residential Bulk Regulations,Table 5-2: Footnotes
7. 8' S. and 10|/\rtide 1-8: Supplemental Regulations, § 1-6-5:Aooeauory
Structures: Definitions"; repealing any conflicting provisions; providing for
sevenabi|dy and establishing aoefeobveda1e.
adopted
10, 21-389 Pnasenbotion,d|suuesion, public hearing and consideration of proposed
Ordinance No. i51U' an ordinance cf the Mayor and City Council of the City of
Apache Junction,Arizona, amending Apache Junction City Code,Volume 1.
Chapter 9: Health and San|bation, by repealing Article 9-1: Property
Maintenance Sbandonda§9-1-5 Cargo Containers in its entirety; repealing any
conflicting provisions; and providing for eevenabi|ity.
approved
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Pager
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 17,2021
I. OLD BUSINESS
J. NEW BUSINESS
11. 21-380 Presentation and discussion on recommended updates to the Apache
Junction City Code,Volume 1, Chapter 4 Fees,Article 4-1: Parks and
Recreation Fees Schedule.
Liz Langenbach, Director of Parks and Recreation, provided a presentation on the proposed
changes to the Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule. She reviewed the research and analysis
of the fees which are derived from sales tax, development fees and user fees. There was a
market comparison performed, a review of commercial fees and this year the commission
recommended the city implement a different fee for non-residents.
She stated fees were last reviewed and increased very modestly in 2015.
Ms. Langenbach provided an in depth review of the analysis and documents provided. She
stated the item was for presentation only and council would take action at a future council
meeting.
Council items were then heard in the order presented on the Agenda.
K. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
L. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES
12. 21-414 Executive Session at 6:00 P.M.for Tuesday, September 7th in the city council
conference room located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard in Apache Junction,
Arizona and other meetings scheduled if necessary.
approved
Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Rizzi, Councilmember Evans, Councilmember
Schroeder, Councilmember Biggs, Councilmember Nesser and Councilmember
Gremmel
No: 0
M. CALL TO PUBLIC
N. ADJOURNMENT
ACCEPTED THIS 7 DAY OF 2021, BY THE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANPA*dHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS DAY OF 2021.
A
CHIP WILS09
Mayor
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 8
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes August 17,2021
ATTEST:
J WER PE VA
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,Arizona, held on the
day of 4,4- , 2021. 1 further certify that the meeting was duly
called and held and that a 0orurn was present.
Dated this day of ,2021.
JENWjFR PEN
City Clerk
City of Apache Junction,Arizona page 9