HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-01 City Council Regular Minutes City of Apache Junction, Arizona Meeting location:
City Council Chambers
at City Hall
Meeting Minutes300 E.Superstition Blvd
City Council MeetingApache Junction,AZ
85119
www.ajcity.net
Ph:(480)982-8002
Tuesday,October 1,2019 7:00 PM City Council Chambers
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Serdy called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
B. INVOCATION L
Vice Mayor Wilson gave the invocation and Councilmember Rizzi led the meeting attendees in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. ROLL CALL
Present: 7- Mayor Serdy
Vice Mayor Wilson
Councilmember Barker
Councilmember Evans
Councilmember Rizzi
Councilmember Schroeder
Councilmember Struble
Staff inAttendance:
Bryant Powell,City Manager
Matt Busby,Assistant City Manager
Joel Stern, City Attorney
Thomas Kelly, Police Chief
Jennifer Pena, Deputy City Clerk
Al Bravo, Public Information Officer
Liz Lanenach, Parks&Recreation Director
Jamie Sullivan, Recreation Superintendent
JJ Underwood, Recreation Coordinator
Kent Fowler, Police Officer
D. CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Barker moved,seconded by Vice Mayor Wilson to approve the Consent Agenda.
1. 19-453 Consideration of acceptance of agenda.
. 19-454 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 17,
2019.
The minutes were approved.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 1,2019
3. 19-472 Consideration of approval of award of contract to J2 Engineering and
Environmental Design LLC for the County Basin Dog Park in the amount of
$57,383.00 plus an additional 10% contingency for unforeseen change orders
for a total amount of$63,121.30.
Contract was awarded to J2 Engineering and Environmental Design LLC.
4. 19-478 Consideration of approval of ratification of previously approved Resolution No.
19-15, an extinguishment of Forest Street(alignment)from Tomahawk Road
to Vista Road.
Council approved the ratification of Resolution 19-15.
E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
5. 19-370 Presentation of 30-year Service Award to Lisa Eminhizer of the Police
Department.
Chief Kelly introduced Ms. Lisa Eminhizer, dispatcher within the AJ Police Department, and read
Ms. Eminhizer's extensive accolades and awards she has received over the years.
It was mentioned that one-half of the Council Chambers was filled with her family,friends and
co-workers. Some family came from out of state just for this recognition.
Chief Kelly highlighted the following from her personnel file:
1991 -Police Chiefs Letter of Appreciation
1994-Police Chiefs Letter of Appreciation
1994-Commanders Letter of Appreciation
1999-Recognized by Sherrif Joe Arpaio for her work on a homicide case she was assisting the
Maricopa County Sherrif s office with
2000-Police Chiefs Letter of Accommodation for special efforts in the 911 center
2002-Citizen Letter of Appreciation
2002-Assistance to the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office with an armed robbery case
2004-Citizen Award
2005-Distinguished Service Award
2009-Commanders Award
2010-Recognized for her assistance in prevention of a suicide attempt
Recognized for her assistance in the 911 center being certified
Special Olympics recognized her for her fundraising contributions
Awarded letter of appreciation from the Pinal County Sheriffs Office related to the Superstition
Mountain Plane crash
2011 -911 Telcommunications-Communications Officer of the Year
2016-Letter of Accommodation related to a suicide call-person surrendered
2019-Recognition in her role during the Active Shooter situation
Chief Kelly presented Ms. Eminhizer a challenge coin from the Police Chiefs Association.
City Manager Bryant Powell recognized Ms. Eminhizer for her years of service and outstanding
performance and presented her with a plaque made of glass and wood along with a certificate
for her 30 years of service and 40 hours paid time off.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 1,2019
Ms. Eminhizer addressed the City Council and said what an honor it has been working for the
City. She has enjoyed working for Apache Junction and is extremely proud to call this City her
home.
6. 19-389 Presentation of proclamation designating October 5-12, 2019 as"A Week
Without Violence".
Mayor Serdy presented the Proclamation designating October 5-12, 2019 as"A Week Without
Violence"to Connie Perez of the Boys and Girls Club. Ray Villa from CAAFA joined Ms. Perez.
7. 19-446 Presentation of proclamation designating the month of October, 2019 as
"Domestic Violence Awareness Month".
Mayor Serdy presented the proclamation designating the month of October, 2019 as"Domestic
Violence Awareness Month"to Ray Villa.
F. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
8. 19-455 Announcement of current events from mayor and councilmembers.
Councilmember Barker was happy to be back from Washington D.C.where they were having
snow.
Councilmember Schroeder recognized Officer Kellogg for his outstanding service in rescuing a
senior resident caught in the rushing flood as it came through his property on September 23,
2019
Councilmember Rizzi stated Officer Kellogg has been with the department for about 3 years
and she encountered him assisting a disabled couple who's car was in a dangerous place on
the roadway and he pushed the car with them in it to a safe area.
Vice Mayor Wilson stated he attended a meeting in Superior,AZ where they were promoting
their area on becoming a recreational destination for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian purposes.
The City of Apache Junction is fortunate to have this type of activity already available in its
backyard.
Mayor Serdy stated the Town of Superior and City of Apache Junction have been working
together to designate the Superstition Mountains as a National Monument to increase the
recreational use.
He commended the Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments on their hard work
and extensive hours in cleaning up the City, cleaning the streets, clearing the driveways of flood
debris and repairing the parks.
G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
9. 19-456 City Managers Report.
City Manager Bryant Powell stated the storm was unprecedented as it cut across the city and
headed northeast, causing the rain to come back to the city as it came down the washes.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 1,2019
He presented a map reflecting the inches of rainfall that covered the area during the flashflood
Monday, September 23rd and played the video rescue Officer Kellogg was involved in.
He recognized Nick Blake who retired Monday, September 30th with 26 years of service. He
stated Nick's footprint is on every park within the city.
Mr. Powell recognized Kathleen Connelly for her 39 years of service as the City Clerk for the
City. Over the years Kathy has been involved in the growth and development of the City. While
she was not able to be present, he wanted to recognize her and all that she has done for the
city.
He introduced Pinal County Sheriff Lamb.
10. 19-468 Introduction of and discussion with Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb.
Sheriff Lamb commented on the working relationship the County has with the Apache Junction
PD and other City staff.
They have a program called the Ghost Program,which has officers specifically tasked with
searching for those most wanted. It is working quite well and they have caught several
individuals.
sThey are working on outreach efforts with the school superintendent and high school
principals.
On a County level they have reduced crime by 5%over the last 3 years.They had several
budgeting issues over the past years, and this year is the first year officers have had a raise in
11 years.
They have reduced the jail population which in turn has reduced tax liability for the tax payer's.
This is due to a program that enables them to issue citations related to drug possession, and
there is a rehabilitation program for drug offenders that if completed successfully, depending on
their age,their record will be purged. They have several programs to help remove tattoos, teach
technology, they have a mentorship program with goal setting and planning, digital and social
media, drugs and alcohol education and a career night.
They would be happy to expand the program with the City if and when it might be needed.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. 19-470 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of an endorsement
for a Class A Bingo License for the senior service programs at the
Multi-Generational Center facility. If approved, the endorsement will be sent
along with the application to the Arizona Department of Revenue.
Yes: 7- Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Rizzi, Councilmember Schroeder and Councilmember
Struble
No: 0
Jamie Sullivan, Recreation Superintendent provided history of the program and the seniors
would like the cash prizes be re-implemented. It is a Class A Bingo license,they are very aware
of the rules and have supplied all the necessary paperwork and affidavits.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 1,2019
I. OLD BUSINESS
J. NEW BUSINESS
12. 19-373 Consideration of annual appointments and reappointments to Board of
Adjustment, Library Board, Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning
and Zoning Commission. Council interviewed applicants for these positions at
the September 30th work session and may take this opportunity to fill the
positions.
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Councilmember Rizzi to appoint Luciano Buzzin to
the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Yes-Councilmembers Schroeder,Barker,Evans,Rizzi,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor Serdy
No -Councilmember Struble
Motion passed 6-1
Mayor Serdy stated he would like to go back and start with the Planning and Zoning Commission
then Board of Adjustment.
Councilmember Barker moved,seconded by Councilmember Evans to reappoint Michael McGraw
to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Yes-Councilmembers Schroeder,Struble,Barker,Evans,Rizzi,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor
Serdy
No -0
Motion passed 7-0
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Councilmember Barker to reappoint Dave Hantzsche
to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Yes-Councilmembers Schroeder,Struble,Barker,Evans,Rizzi,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor
Serdy
No -0
Motion passed 7-0
Councilmember Rizzi moved,seconded by Councilmember Barker to reappoint Frank
Schoenbeck to the Board of Adjustment.
Yes-Councilmembers Schroeder,Struble,Barker,Evans,Rizzi,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor
Serdy
No -0
Motion passed 7-0
Vice Mayor Wilson moved,seconded by Councilmember Schroeder to appoint Dirk Begeman to
the Board of Adjustment
Yes-Councilmembers Schroeder,Barker,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor Serdy
No - Councilmembers Rizzi,Strulbe and Evans
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 1,2019
Motion passed 4-3
Councilmember Rizzi moved,seconded by Vice Mayor Wilson to appoint Sean O'Hara to the
Board of Adjustment.
Yes-Councilmembers Schroeder,Struble,Barker,Evans,Rizzi,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor
Serdy
No -0
Motion passed 7-0
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Councilmember Barker to reappoint Heather Moeller
to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Yes-Councilmembers Schroeder,Struble,Barker,Evans,Rizzi,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor
Serdy
No -0
Motion passed 7.0
Councilmember Rizzi moved,seconded by Councilmember Barker to reappoint Judy Borey to the
Library Board.
Yes-Councilmembers Schroeder,Struble,Barker,Evans,Rizzi,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor
Serdy
No -0
Motion passed 7-0
Vice Mayor Wilson moved,seconded by Councilmember Barker to appoint William Howard to the
Library Board.
Yes-Councilmembers Schroeder,Struble,Barker,Evans,Rizzi,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor
Serdy
No -0
Motion passed 7-0
Councilmember Evans moved,seconded by Vice Mayor Wilson to appoint Barbara Fitzgerald to
the Library Board.
Yes-Councilmember Evans
No -Councilmembers Schroeder,Struble,Barker,Rizzi,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor Serdy
Motion failed 1-6
Councilmember Rizzi moved,seconded by Councilmember Evans to appoint James Jackson to
the Library Board.
Yes-Councilmembers Evans,Struble,Barker,Rizzi,Vice Mayor Wilson and Mayor Serdy
No - Councilmember Schroeder
Motion passed 6-1
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 1,2019
K. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
L. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES
13. 19-457 Executive Session at 6:00 P.M. and Work Session at 7:00 P.M.for Monday,
October 14, 2019 and Executive Session at 6:00 P.M. and Work Session at
7:00 P.M.for Tuesday, October 15, 2019 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 Barker moved,seconded by Councilmember Evans that an Executive Session at
6:00 P.M.and Work Session at 7:00 P.M.be held on Monday,October 14,2019 and Executive
Session at 6:00 P.M.and Work Session at 7:00 P.M.be held on Tuesday,October 15,2019 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.
M. CALL TO PUBLIC
Terry Dagen, 2138 E Broadway, Apache Junction AZ is a contractor here in the City and
commented on the past setback requirements for mobile/RV parks related to additions to the
structure. Roadhaven set a standard that additions could not exceed 48%of the lot,which kept
uniformity within the community. He asked Council to reconsider the setback requirement from
the past being lot line to lot line,the Roadhaven's 48% maximum lot coverage and meet
somewhere closer to the middle.
Jacqueline Smith, 6274 E 20th Ave.,Apache Junction AZ spoke on the upcoming Apache
Junction School District bond override election. She highlighted items on the"fact"sheet as to
what the and would be used to fix, update or provide to the students. She pointed out the track
the students use is not used by any other group as it has been deemed unsafe for use.Air
conditioners that do not work, carpet that has been ripped up,while glue and chunks of carpet
padding remain on the floor. So many repairs and updates need to be made, she invited people
to visit the school and see for themselves.
Andrea Lang-Sims, 1060 W Tepee,Apache Junction AZ spoke on the capital override for the
school district. The Council speaks of pride in the community and the beauty that surrounds
Apache Junction. However, when it comes to providing for our children, their environment is not
safe, equitable or diverse. The community of Apache Junction needs to provide a highly
challenging and diverse educational environment with opportunities to the students that other
communities have.
Charles Beal, Lot 21 San Marcos Crossing,Apache Junction AZ commented on the proposed
trash service and the formation of the Arts Commission which appear to have a revenue stream
for the City. He would like to see legislation attached to these items so future Council's have
success on the sustainability of these programs.
Marilyn Coburn, 384 N Valley Drive,Apache Junction AZ submitted a Request to Speak form,
but did not wish to speak unless necessary. Her form was sent to the appropriate individuals as
it related to a request to change the city code to allow storage containers on 1 acre lots. It
currently requires a 1 1/4 acre lot to have storage containers.
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City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 1,2019
N. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Serdy adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p. .
ACCEPTED THIS DAY OF , 2019, Y THE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,AIOA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS DAY OF
2019.
JEFF SE
Mayor
ATTEST;
NIFER PE
Dsptstr 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 2019. 1 further certify that the meeting was duly
called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this day of `$ 2019.
J IF RP
ity Clerk
City of Apache Junction,Arizona Page 8