HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-19 City Council Regular Minutes City of Apache Junction' Arizona Meeting location:
City Council Chambers
Meeting Mutes at city"all
300 E.Superstition Blvd
40CI Council Meeting Apache Junction,Az
85119
www.ajcity.net
Ph:(480)982-8002
Tuesday,May 19,2020 7:00 PM City Council Chambers
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Serdy called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Wilson gave the invocation and Councilmember Barker led the meeting attendees in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. ROLL CALL
Present: 6- Mayor Serdy
Vice Mayor Wilson
Councilmember Barker
Councilmember Evans
Councilmember Schroeder
Councilmember Struble -
Excused: 1 - Councilmember Rizzi
Staff in Attendance:
Bryant Powell, City Manager
Matt Busby,Assistant City Manager
Joel Stern, City Attorney
Jennifer Pena, City Clerk
Al Bravo, Public Information Officer
Larry Kirch, Development Services Director
Thomas Kelly, Chief of Police
Sidney Urias, Senior Planner
Raquel Schatz, Project Engineer
D. CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Barker moved,seconded by Councilmember Schroeder to accept the consent
agenda and approve the minutes of April 21,2020.
1. 20-233 Consideration of acceptance of agenda.
2. 20-210 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of April 21, 2020.
Yes: 6- Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Schroeder and Councilmember Struble
No: 0
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page'
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes May 19,202
Excused: 1 - Councilmember Rizzi
E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
3_ 20-225_ Presentation of proclamation recognizing K8oy2O2Q an Motorcycle Safety and
Awareness Month.
Mayor Serdy proclaimed May 2020 as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month and presented
the proclamation to Christopher Beals ofEPIC Policy Group.
4, Presentation of proclamation recognizing K8ay2O2O as Building Safety Month.
Mayor Serdy proclaimed May 2020 as Building Safety Month and presented the proclamation to
Development Services Director Larry Kiroh.
F. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
5, Announcement of current events from mayor and oounci|monnbers.
Councilmember Struble shared that our local high school graduates are not going to be able to
go through a normal graduation ceremony so the Lost Dutchman Realty(LDR)foundation got
together and is giving all of the graduates a$25 gift certificate to local restaurants. This will get
some business into the local restaurants and recognition to the local graduates. Mr. Struble also
stated that the salvation army will continue to provide showers to the homeless.
Counci|member Evans has noannouncements.
^
Vice Mayor Wi|oondid e tribute to Kathy Connelly. He stated that she was the first person he
met when he moved to Apache Junction. When he first ran for city council, Kathy helped him so
much and he will miss her.
Councilmember Barker shared that Kathy was a great advocate for the city. Ms. Barker stated
that she attended a Pinal County Partnership meeting and that she learned that there are just
over 700 COVID-1 9 cases in Pinal County and that the most infected age group was 20-65
years old.The county has spent 8 million dollars so far on COVID-1 9 and she found the meeting
to be very informative and interesting.
Counci|member Schroeder has noannouncements.
Mayor Serdy stated that there will be a viewing for Councilmember Rizzi's daughter, Rachel
Rizzi, this Friday at Seasons End Mortuary. He stated that the Writer Visitor Association has
shut down due to the COV|D'18 and the director, Judy Luha'a. health. He also stated that the
local AJ News had to close and the community will not be the same without them. On a positive
note, he stated that the city ia going to start opening back up. Recreation areas are going tostart
opening and should all bo open within the next couple ofweeks.
G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
6. City Managers Report.
City Manager Bryant Powell shared that Kathy Connelly started in April of 1980 shortly after the
city was incorporated. She had numerous rolls over her years at the city and will be greatly
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes May 19,2020
missed. Mr. Powell continued that Kathy always had the best interest of the city in mind. Mr.
Powell shared that there will be a memorial for Kathy in June.
Mr. Powell also stated that the community recently lost board and commission member Willie
Howard as well. He served on numerous city boards since 2015 and will be missed.
Mr. Powell also stated that the community lost two important city organizations due to
COVID-19;the AJ News and the Winter Visitor's Association.
Mr. Powell shared that Grants Administrator Heather Patel has worked for the city for 12 years
and has left the city and is now working for Pinal County and that she will be missed at the city.
7. 20-217 Presentation and discussion on human service efforts being offered through
the City of Apache Junction.
Councilmember Evans presented what the city has done in regards to human service efforts for
the low income and homeless members of the community.
She explained that human service efforts with the city fell under Development Services but truly
encompasses several departments.They are also the staff liaison for the Health and Human
Services Commission.
Ms. Evans shared that this was the first coalition in Pinal County to take the lead role in efforts of
all nonprofits in our area and won the Desert Peak award which is a really big deal.
Ms. Evans stated that Apache Junction partnered with many organizations and coalitions to
help the homeless community. These partnerships allow for the homeless to get showers,
clean clothes, meals and much more.
Ms. Evans reiterated that all of this is done with donations and no money coming from the city
other then city staff time.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. 20-215 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of proposed
Ordinance No. 1490, case PZ-3-20, a request by the Richard Lauver and Ariel
Lauver Trust, represented by Dane Astle of Edifice Architecture, of a
proposed rezoning of approximately 4.5 acres located near the northeast
corner of Superstition Boulevard and Main Drive from RS-GR(General Rural
Low Density Single-Family Detached Residential)to RM-1/PD (High Density
Multiple-Family Residential) and a Minor General Plan Amendment from
Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential for a 52-unit leased
residential community.
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Councilmember Barker that Ordinance No.1490,be
read by title only and the reading of the entire ordinance be waived.
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Vice Mayor Wilson that Ordinance No.1490,as read
by the city clerk,be approved.
Yes: 6- Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Schroeder and Councilmember Struble
No: 0
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 3
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes May 19.2o20
Excused: 1 ' CounciknembarRizzi
Senior Planner Sidney Urias presented that the applicant is asking for rezoning to a high density
residential for a 52 unit leased residential community. Mr. Urias showed a site plan explaining
that the main entrance would be off of Main Drive to relieve traffic off of Superstition Boulevard.
The community will be one story,with covered parking and private yards for each unit. Mr. Urias
stated that city staff has not heard any feedback from residents and recommends approval.
Vice Mayor Wi|oonasked about the proposed block wall. Mr. Uhes stated that it will beo
continuance block wall onthe East side.
Councilmember Struble asked what the maximum height they can build is. Mr. Urias stated that
the current zoning is for 40 feet. Mr. Struble asked if something later on could change in regards
to the site plan. Mr. Uhas responded that the approval is contingent onthe exhibits presented
tonight so they could not come back later and change anything without approval.
The applicant spoke and stated that he is thankful to he here and is happy to answer any
questions.
Councilmember Barker asked him to define the word luxury that he used 7 times in his
application.
The applicant wanted tomake it clear that this was not being built for lower income residents
and that the product being used will be higher end material.
Counci|member Barker asked for otimeline.
The applicant stated that they are looking to move forward tomorrow as long as there is
approval on the rezoning tonight. He reiterated that the units would be for lease only, not for sale.
Mayor Benjy opened up the public hearing.
A city resident asked if there would be any security lighting on the property.
Mayor Serdy closed the public hearing.
The applicant stated that the site will receive the proper amount of security lighting with a gate to
the property aswell.
9. 20-22�0 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of a request for a
continuance of case PJ-1-2O. Old West Highway Village located on the south
side of Old West Highway, east of Royal Palm Road and west ofWeeks
Wash, site ofo former golf driving range.
Coumci0mwmbar Barker moved,seconded by Vice Mayor Wilson that zoning case PZ-1'20related
oo Old West Highway Villages hwtabled due»o the applicants inability tw provide the necessary
additional information due oo the COVIo'19pandemic.
Yes: 6' KUoyor8ondy. Vice Mayor Wilson, Counci|membarBarkar. Counci|mamber
Evans, Counc(|member Schroeder and Counci|memberShnb|e
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes May 19,2V20
No: D
Excused: 1 - Counci|memberRizd
Senior Planner Sidney Urias explained that the applicant has requested to table this item due to
the COVID-1 9 crisis and his design staff not being able to get the necessary information
submitted.
8. OLD BUSINESS
J. NEW BUSINESS
10' Presentation, discussion and consideration of settlement, release and
temporary construction easement agreement between City ofApache
Junction and Sunrise Shadows Homeowner's Association related tostorm
water drainage maintenance.
Counci|membar Barker moved,seconded byCouncQmember Evans that the proposed agreement
between City wf Apache Junction and Sunrise Shadows Homeowners Association,settling the
responsibilities for maintenance of the on-site drainage pipes and channels in the subdivision
located South ofBroadway Avenue down mm the Northwest corner mf12th Avenue West pfSan
Marcos Drive beapproved.
Yew, G- W1eyor8endy. Vice Mayor Wilson, Counci|memberBoder, Cnunci|member
Evanm, Counoi|member Schroeder and Counci|membor8trnb|e
No: D
Excused: 1 ' Counci|mamberRizzi
City Attorney Joel Stern explained that this item goes back a ways. He explained that this
involves drainage and im very complicated.
Mr. Stern stated that developers are supposed ho maintain their common areas.A map of
Sunrise Shadows subdivision was brought up as well as a picture of the flooding that occurs in
this subdivision showing that the flooding floods the streets as well as the homes.
Mr. Stern is stating that the city isoffering e one time assistance tothis subdivision to clean up
the pipes to allow for water to flow and not flood.After this one time clean up,the subdivision
would be responsible for future maintenance.
Councilmember Barker asked if we would be setting a precedence by doing this.
Mr. Stern stated that we are not starting a legal precedence as the language on the development
plat could have been stronger and that the language in this agreement would not allow this to
happen again.
11' Presentation, discussion and possible consideration of approval ofan
Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona Department ofTransportation
(ADOT)for the design and construction of sidewalk improvements onOld
West Highway from Idaho Road to Goldfield Road and on Winchester Road
from 6th Avenue to Old West Highway.The total cost of this project is
$1.0GT.4Q1.00 with federal funds to pay for$1.B26.Q7D.00 and city funds to
pay for$i40.431.UO.
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes May 19.uO20
Vice Mayor Wilson moved,seconded by Councilmember Evans that the Intergovernmental
Agreement with Arizona Department of Transportation for design and construction funding for the
Old West Highway sidewalk improvement
t with an
' wdh�dm�|funding vf$1�2��Y0Q�sndcity
' 'funding �m��for--,—�---'--^~ ~°~~^-~'�"
- . ..� .. `° $/*0,4*1.00 be approved.
Tww: G- K0ayorGerdy. Vice Mayor Wilson, Counci|member Barker, Cound|member
Exono, Counci|membar Schroeder and Counci|memberGtmb|e
No: O
Excused: 1 - CounciknenberRbzi
Project Engineer Raquel Schatz presented that these MAG closeout awarded funds need to be
used immediately by June 1 st.The design will take about 18-24 months and construction could
begin as early as June 2022. Ms. Schatz explained that Central Arizona College(CAC) did
construct the curb and gutter and was supposed bodo the sidewalks smwell.
Councilmember Barker asked if CAC will be helping out financially since they were originally
supposed todo the sidewalks.
Ms. Schatz stated that they have not spoke with CAC about that as the city's match amount is
oo|ySJ96.
Councilmember Barker recommended that staff speak with CAC about reimbursing the city for
some of the funds.
Ms. Schatz stated that the city will speak to CAC about this when they work with them during the
design phase.
12. Presentation, discussion, and consideration of approval on proposed changes
to the agreement template for awarded Health and Human Services funding.
Cpunci|mwmber Barker moved,seconded bVCounci|memher Evans that the proposed changes to
the Health and Human Services annual contract template for financial assistance from qualifying
nonprofits be approved.
Yes: O- Mayor8endy. Vice Mayor Wilson, CuuncUmemberBader, Counci|member
Emsno, Couno/|member Schroeder and Counoi|member8tmb|e
No: O
Excused: 1 - Counxi|memberRizai
Development Services Director Larry Kirch explained that this has previously been presented to
- council and that hopefully they all read the staff memo so he was only there to answer any
questions.
Councilmember Barker stated that there are a few minor changes that need to be made such
as Heather Patel being on it still and that it also needs to list Community Resource Center.
Mr. hJ,uh said that he will make those changes along with o couple of other grammar changes
he found that needed hobmmade.
K. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
L. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes May 19,2020
13. 20-208 Selection of dates,times and location for budget review/work session, public
hearing and adoption of tentative and final budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
Councilmember Barker moved,seconded by Councilmember Evans that a Special Meeting of the
City Council be held June 16th at 7:00 p.m.for presentation and consideration of the tentative
budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 and a Special Meeting of the City Council be held July 7th at 7:00
p.m.for presentation and consideration of the final budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 in the City
Council Chambers located at 300 E.Superstition Boulevard.Apache Junction,Arizona.
Yes: 6- Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Schroeder and Councilmember Struble
No: 0
Excused: 1 - Councilmember Rizzi
14. 20-237 Executive Session at 6:00 P.M. and Work Session at 7:00 P.M.for Monday,
June 1, 2020. Executive Session at 6:00 P.M. and Work Session at 7:00 P.M.
for Tuesday, June 2, 2020 in the city council conference room and city council
chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard,Apache Junction,
Arizona, respectively; and other meetings if necessary.
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Councilmember Barker that an Executive Session at
6:00 P.M.and Work Session at 7:00 P.M.for Monday,June 1,2020 and that an Executive Session
at 6:00 P.M.and Work Session at 7:00 P.M.for Tuesday,June 2,2020 be held in the City Council
Conference Room and City Council Chambers located at 300 E.Superstition Boulevard,Apache
Junction,Arizona,respectively;and other meetings if necessary,be approved.
Yes: 6- Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Schroeder and Councilmember Struble
No: 0
Excused: 1 - Councilmember Rizzi
M. CALL TO PUBLIC
Resident,Terry Kridler of 489 N. Gold,would like to review what the word integrity means and
read the dictionary's definition and synonyms of it. Ms. Kridler stated that she has watched the
council continuously make bad decisions instead of using integrity.
Resident, Mehmood Mohiuddin of 3304 N. Cortez Road, stated that he started a business in
Apache Junction and was asked to open bull riding. He stated that him and the city worked
together on this and obstacles started from Planning and Zoning. Councilmember Struble
approached him and stated that they city does not have any venues so he bought property and
started the process for a venue. He does not understand why there are so many obstacles
coming his way and had to start a lawsuit.The city approached him and he agreed to build an 8
foot wall. He agreed to sign off on the lawsuit in exchange of the city dropping the charges but
the obstacles are still coming at him.
Mayor Serdy stated that council is having an Executive Session at the next meeting and will be
discussing these issues.
N. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Serdy adjourned the meeting at 8:33 pm.
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 7
City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes May 19,2020
ACCEPTED THIS 2020, BY THE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS DAY OF 146UU 2020.
JEFF SERDY
Mayor
ATTEST:
JENNI PEIVA
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 ' ,2020. 1 further certify that the meeting was duly
called and held and that a quo m was present.
Dated this day of 2020.
JENNIFER PElW
City Clerk
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 8