HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-19 City Council Regular Minutes City of Apache Junction Arizona Meeting location:
City Council Chambers
Meeting Minutes at City Hall
00 E.Superstition Blvd
AZ
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Tuesday,October 19,2021 7:00 PM City Council Chambers<
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Wilson called the meeting to Larder at 7,01 p.m.
B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Rizzi grave the invocation and Councilmember Nasser Ltd the meeting attendees i
the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. ROLL MALL
Present: - Mayer Wilson
Vice Mayen Rizzi
Councilmember Evans
Councilmernber Schroeder
Councilmernber Biggs
Councilmember Nasser
Excused:: 1.- Councilmember Crernmel
Staff in Attendance:
Bryant Powell, City Manager
Matt Busby,Assistant City Manager
Joel Stern, City Attorney
Jennifer Pena, City Clerk
Thomas Kelly, Police Chief'
Al Braver, Public Information Officer
Larry Kirch, Development Services Director
Pam Harris, Library Director
Victor Martinez, Cade Compliance Manager
Kelsey Schattnik, Planner
Nicholas Leftwich,Associate Planner
D. CONSENT AGENDA
Vice Mayor Rizzi mewed,seconded by Councilmember Messer to approve the Consent Agenda a
presented:
Yes: - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayer Rizzi; Councilmernber Evans, Coun l member
Schroeder, Councilmernber Biggs and Councilmember Ne se
No:
Excused: 1<- Councilmember Gremmel
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 19,2021
1 21-5,58 Consideration of acceptance of agenda,
1 21-559 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of October 5th,
2021,
3. 21-564 Consideration of approval on Resolution No, 21-42, an Intergovernmental
Agreement between the City of Apache Junction and Maricopa County for the
exchanging of street maintenance services with an aggregate amount not to
exceed$250,000.
E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
4. 21-467 Proclamation designating the week of October 23,2021 through October 31,
2021 as"Red Ribbon Week,"
Mayor Wilson presented the Proclamation for Red Ribbon Week to Chief Kelly and Drug
Enforcement Administration-Special Agent in Charge Dave Reames of the Phoenix Field
Division,
5. 21-556 Proclamation recognizing November as National American Indian Heritage
Month,
Vice Mayor Rizzi presented the Proclamation for the National American Indian Heritage Month to
Peggy Manseau,
6. 21-557 Proclamation designating the month of October as"National Code
Compliance Month",
Councilmember Nasser presented the Proclamation for National Code Compliance Month to
Victor Martinez, Code Compliance Manager,
7. 21-577 Presentation of proclamation designating the week of October 19 through
October 24, 2021 as"Arizona Cities and Towns Week".
Councilmember Biggs presented the Proclamation for Arizona Cities and Towns Week to Al
Bravo, Public Information Officer,
8. 21-399 Presentation of 25-year Service Award to Kent Fowler, of the Apache Junction
Police Department,
This item was postponed to the November 2, 2021 city council regular meeting,
F. REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES
9 21-560 Brief summary of intergovernmental updates from mayor and
councilmembers,
Councilmember Biggs announced there is a 9/11 memorial plaque in the council chambers
lobby for viewing. He also thanked city staff for the 9111 memorial ceremony on September 11,
Councilmember Evens announced there was a successful Make a Difference Day, There were
five projects,four of which are city owned. There were over 100 volunteers which included the
Apache Junction High School football team and city employees, She also thanked Sandy
Russell, Republic Services,Ace Hardware, and Apache Junction Parks and Recreation
Department for their donations and hard work.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 19,2021
Cour clmer ber Schroeder announced he attended the Arizona Rural Transportation Summit
on October 14th which highlighted two Apache Junction projects; He added there is a Concerti
over the financing of transportation related!"clatters due to the rate of Arizona's population
increases:
Mayor Wilson announced he attended the Phoenix/Mesa Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board
meeting and said they are increasing services at the airport. He added they are working on
adding additional airlines and updating the terminal. He also said passenger slumbers are
exceeding these of 2018/2019.
G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
10 21-561 City Manager's Report.
City Manager Bryant Powell announced that Make a Difference tray is growing and plans for
next years event is already underway.
He also read a letter he received from State Land Director Lisa Atkins regarding the recent state
land annexation
1 2 t-5f2 Announcement of current events.
Public Information Officer Al Bravo announced that the VFW Pent 9399 on Apache"frail and
Saguaro is having a haunted house on October 29th and 30th from :00 to 1 :00 pm.
He also announced the Pounders Centennial Committee meets on the grid and Am Wednesday
of the month at the library and thanked Frys on told West Highway for the recent large financial
donation:
He announced the"Calling All Artists"'which displays local artists work at City ball and the
Library. For more information contact the city manager's office.
He said the next session of the Citizen Leadership Institute starts in January, 2022, More
information and registration can be found at apadhejunctionaz.govCL .
He said the farmers market that was located in the old dashes"plaza has moved to Gold
Canyon to partner with their market.
He also thanked all those that participated in the recognition of domestic violence awareness
month by wearing purple.
H. PUBLICS HEARINGS
11 21-554 Presentation„discussion, public hearing and consideration of proposed
Ordinance No, 151 (case P -21-68-P ), a rezoning request by Sonoma
Communities, represented by Adam Baugh of Wthey Morris, PLC;to rezone
approximately 22 acres, generally located near the southwest corner of
Tomahawk Road and Broadway Avenue,from General Commercial ("L3.1„)
and High Density Multiple-Family Residential("RM- ")to High Density
Multiple-Family Residential by Planned Development elopmert("RM-21P ")to develop
approximately 21 single-family rental units;
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 19,2021
Councilmember Schroeder moved,seconded by Councilmember Evans that Ordinance No.1517
be read by title only and the reading of the entire ordinance be waived.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Councilmember Biggs moved,seconded by Vice Mayor Rizzi that Ordinance 1617 as read by the
city clerk be approved and adopted.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I CouncilmemberGremmal
Councilmember Biggs said the fact that the chamber of commerce and school district were here
to support the project was reassuring to him as a councilmember.
Vice Mayor Rizzi stated she is not opposed to growth and she likes the development.It helps both
the school district and local businesses,but looking towards the future it is important to balance
residential growth with commercial growth. She prefers limiting commercial zoning changes.
Motion passed.
Planner Kelsey Schattnik gave a presentation on proposed development at the southwest
corner of Broadway Avenue and Tomahawk Road and the request for rezoning by Sonoma
Communities.
Councilmember Biggs inquired about the number of acres. Ms.Schattnik replied that it is about
7 acres of the 22 acres. He also asked if the two parcels would be combined. Ms. Schattnik
explained that the two lots would be combined if the proposed rezoning is approved.
Vice Mayor Rizzi asked if there will be any issues by reducing the setback from 20 feet to 10
feet. Ms. Schattnik explained that it shouldn't be a problem as the rear setback only applies to
those backyards adjacent the commercial property. Vice Mayor Rizzi explained she was
concerned the reduced setback for those lots that back commercial lots may create future
complaints of the commercial business activities.
Mayor Wilson invited the applicant to address the council.
Adam Baugh of Wthey Morris, PLC, located at 2525 E.Arizona Biltmore Circle, Phoenix,
addressed the council on the proposed rezoning and development.
Councilmember Biggs asked if there was a price point for these units and is concerned about
the rent being too high for lower income families. Mr. Baugh said he understands the concern
and there are several price points for these units as there are different sizes. He did say they
specifically created a one bedroom small units and studio units. He said he is unable to provide
a price point at this time as the price is determined at the time the units are complete,ready for
occupancy and would reflect current market rates.
Councilmember Evans said she likes the plans for the proposed project,especially the studio
units.
Vice Mayor Rizzi said she doesn't always agree with rezoning commercial to residential zoning
and changing the general plan but likes the proposed development. She wanted to share her
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 19,2021
concern about changing the zoning in the general plan.
Mayor Wilson said in the past the lot was used by 4-Wheel drive vehicles and ended up
throwing dirt on the city streets which staff had to clean,
Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing,
George Schroeder, 244 W,Virginia,Apache Junction said he likes the project but urges the
developer to develop the arroyo, He also said there should be more projects for low income
residents.
Jeff Barlett, 108 N, Meridian Drive,Apt 220,Apache Junction expressed his concern over the
increase of cost of living and likes the proposed development and believes the way to keep rent
prices down is to increase the supply to lower the demand,
Steve Bylleld, 561 E, Saddlebutte, representing the Chamber of Commerce, supports the
planned development and believes it will be an asset to the business community in the city,
Heather Wallace,Acting Superintendent of the Apache Junction School District, expressed
support of the planned development,
Charles Beat, Lot 21 of Superstition Villa, expressed concerned of the environmental concerns
of the project such as solar on the club house, moisture sensors for sprinkler systems, and EV
charging, He added retention basins for grey water are important as well.
Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing and asked for a motion,
13. 21-573 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of case
P-21-73-PZ,a proposed rezoning by planned development requested by Chris
Hundelt of Keystone Homes, of 14,77 acres located at the southwest corner
of Superstition Boulevard and Royal Palm Road from RS-GR('General Rural
Low Density Single-Family Detached Residential")to RM-2/PD("High Density
Multiple-Family Residential by Planned Development")for the purpose of
developing a 166-unit rental residential community.
Vice Mayor Rizzi moved,seconded by Councilmember Schroeder that case P-21-73-PZ,a
proposed rezoning case by Chris Hundelt of Keystone Homes be continued to the City Council
meeting of December 7,2021.
Yes: 6- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Rizzi, Councils ember Evans, Councilmerriber
Schroeder, Coundimerriber Sggs and Councilmernber Nasser
No. 0
Excused- I - Councilmerriber Grommet
Mayor Wilson announced that the developer of this project requested a continuance on the
approval of this project, Since it has been advertised the public hearing portion of the item will
be held,
Associate Planner Leftwich addressed the council explaining the Planning and Zoning
Commission heard the applicants request to continue the request and voted to continue the
project out 60 days,
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 19,2021
Mr, Leftwich reviewed the high level items of this project,
• This request is to rezone approximately 15 acres
• The requested rezoning is RS-CAR to RM2-Ply
• No general plan amendment is needed because it's part of the downtown mixed use
core
• Rental home community owned by the community
• Some revisions are in progress based on the Planning and Zoning Commission's
comments
• Planning and Zoning Commission concerns were the location of the project and traffic
impact(applicant is doing a traffic study)
Councilmember Biggs asked if the traffic study would include winter visitor traffic numbers, Mr,
Leftwich said the applicant would be better at answering that question,
Brennan Ray, 1815 N, Central Ave., representing Keystone Homes, responded to
Councilmember Biggs'question regarding the traffic impact analysis saying that it accounts for
the additional traffic generated by winter visitors,
Vice Mayor Rizzi asked Mr, Ray how they account for the increased traffic or now it is projected.
Mr. Ray explained there is criteria and data from the National Institute of Engineers that is used
to factor into the analysis.
Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing potion of the item.
George Schroeder, 2444 W.Virginia St,,Apache Junction, does not support the project because
of infrastructure costs and increased traffic. He also questions the height of the project as he
said the development will block views.
Jeff Barlett, 108 N. Meridian Dr,,Apt. 220,Apache Junction, supports the building of higher
density in the city and believes the traffic study will only get in the way of development. He also
supports the development as the supply of housing increases, home costs will decrease. He
supports the approval of this development and wants to see more affordable development in the
city,
Yvonne Kruser, 544 N, Hilton,Apache Junction,thanked the Planning and Zoning Commission
for taking the time to request the traffic study as this development will impact the traffic on
Superstition Boulevard,
Vice Mayor Rizzi said the city shouldn't be compared to Phoenix and Mesa as it is a very unique
community and that Apache Junction is growing,just in its own time,
Mayor Wilson said this development is in the general plan area and can include 40 foot tall
buildings, He said the 20 foot high buildings are a positive aspect of the development,
Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing and called for a motion,
1. OLD BUSINESS
J. NEW BUSINESS
14. 21-555 Consideration of approval of Resolution No, 21-51 reaffirming the City of
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 19,2021
Apache Junctions support for the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and
Conservation Act and;recognizing Resolution Copper Company for its
Investments and efforts in developing the copper mine NEAR or IN Superior
and enhancing the local, state and regional economics.
Councilmember Evens moved,seconded by Vice Mayor Rizzi that Resolution No.21-51 a
resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Apache Junction,Arizona,reaffirming
Resolution No.13-30 and the city's support for the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and
Conservation Act and recognizing Resolution Copper Company for its investments and efforts in
developing the copper mine near Superior,AZ,enhancing the local,state and regional
economics be approved.
Yes: 6- Mayor Wflson, Vice Mayor Rizzi, Coundimember Evans, Coup all
Schroeder, Councilmember Biggs and Councilmember Nesser
No, 0
Excused: I - Councilmerriber Gremmel
City Manager Bryant Powell explained the history of the resolution,
Councilmember Biggs said the resolution will reaffirm the city's support for the Southeast
Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act and Resolution Copper and its impact on local,
state and regional economics.
Mayor Wilson called for a motion.
15, 11-567 Consideration of applicants for annual appointments and reappointments for
the City of Apache Junction Boards and Commissions. Council interviewed
applicants at the October 18th work session and may take this opportunity to
fill the positions,
Board of Adjustment
Councilmember Biggs moved,seconded by Councilmember Evans that Sarah Snyder be
appointed to the Board of Adjustment for a to to expire on October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: Cl
Excused: I Councilmember Grernmel
Motion passed.
Councilmember Nesser moved,seconded by Councilmember Evans that Jaime Lanza be
appointed to the Board of Adjustment for a to to expire on October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: I Councilmember Schroeder
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmet
Motion passed.
Health&Human Services Commission
Councilmomber Evans moved,seconded by Councilmember Nosser that Michael Brennan be
appointed to the Health&Human Services Commission for a to to expire on October 31,2024.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 19,2021
Yes: 5
No: I Councilmember Biggs
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Councilmember Nesser moved,seconded by Councilmember Biggs that Jeffrey Mitchell be
appointed to the Health&Human Services Commission for a term to expire on October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Industrial Development Authority
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Councilmember Biggs that Jaime Lanza be
appointed to the Industrial Development Authority for a term to expire October 31,2026.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Councilmember Biggs moved,seconded by Councilmember Schroederthat Sarah Snyder be
appointed to the Industrial Development Authority for a term to expire October 31,2027.
Yes: 4
No: 2 Councilmembers Evans and Nesser
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Councilmember Biggs that Dr.Michael Sutton be
appointed to the Industrial Development Authority for a term to expire October 31,2027.
Yes: 5
No: I Vice Mayor Rizzi
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Library Board
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Councilmember Biggs that Yvonne Kruser be
appointed to the Library Board for a term to expire on October 31,2022.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 19,2021
Motion passed.
Councilmember Schroder moved,seconded by Councilmember Nesser that Vera Walters be
appointed to the Library Board for a term to expire on October 31,2024.
Yes* 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Councilmember Biggs moved,seconded by Councilmember Schroeder that Cheryl Hall be
appointed to the Library Board for a term to expire on October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Municipal Property Corporation
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Councilmember Schroeder that Wayne Standage be
appointed to the Municipal Property Corporation for a term to expire October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Councilmember Schroeder moved,seconded by Councilmember Evans that CE Beal be
appointed to the Municipal Property Corporation for a term to expire October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Councilmember Nesser moved,seconded by Vice Mayor Rizzi that Frank Schoenbeck be
appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term to expire on October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 19,2021
Councilmember Biggs moved,seconded by Councilmember Schroeder that Terrell Moore be
appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term to expire on October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: 1 Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Councilmember Biggs moved,seconded by Councilmember Schroeder that Terrell Moore be
appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission fora term to expire on October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Vice Mayor Rizzi moved,seconded by Councilmember Schroeder that Richard Cantwell be
appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term ending on October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: 1 Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Councilmember Biggs moved,seconded by Vice Mayor Rizzi that Dirk Begeman be appointed to
the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term to expire on October 31,2024.
Yes: 6
No: I Councilmember Evans
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
Public Art Commission
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Vice Mayor Rizzi that Frank Sperna be appointed to
the Public Arts Commission for the"Interested in Art!'position for a term to expire on October 31,
2022.
Yes: 6
No: 0
Excused: I Councilmember Gremmel
Motion passed.
After the appointments,councils'comments reflected they would like to discuss the number of
commissioners for the Health and Human Services Commission,residency requirements of the
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 19,2021
Parks&Recreation Commission and updates to the current procedures.
K. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
L. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES
16. Ll Executive Session at 6,00 P,M.for Monday, November I st and Executive
Session at 6:00 P.M, for Tuesday, November 2nd in the city council
conference room located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard in Apache Junction,
Arizona and other meetings scheduled if necessary,
Vice Mayor Rizzi moved,seconded by Counoilmember Nasser that an executive session at 6,00
p.m.for Monday,November Ist,and Tuesday,November 2nd,2021 be held in the city council
conference room and city council chambers,300 E.Superstition Boulevard,Apache Junction,
Aritzona,respectively and other meetings scheduled if necessary.
Yes: 6- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Rizzi, Councils ernber Evans, Councilmember
Schroeder, Cour cilmerriber Biggs and Councilmember Nasser
No: 0
Excused: 1 - Councilmernber Grernmel
M. CALL TO PUBLIC
George Schroeder, 244 W,Virginia,Apache Junction believes appointees to the planning and
zoning commission should have a background check and that a traffic study hasn't been
performed on his street. He added the intersection of Idaho and Superstition is a dangerous
intersection and hasn't approved since the round-a-bout was installed. He said he will go to
court and block the general plan and have it resent for a vote.
Councilmember Biggs asked staff to took into a stop sign at the intersection of Delaware and
Virginia, City Manager Bryant Powell said this was currently being looked into.
N. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 9:01 p.m.
ACCEPTED THIS DAY OF 2021, BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS_,,, 2_DAY OF 2021,
tt At.TER"CPP"WILSON
Mayor
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 11
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutiae October 19,2021
ATTEST:
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CERTIFICATION
T"IFICATION
I hereby certify that the forcing 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 can the
day of "t" �� '" 2021, I further certify that the meeting was duly called and
held and that e quorum was present,
Dated this day of . 202 ,
4j _, R PEA
City Merl
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