HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-16 City Council Regular Minutes (2)CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 16, 2018
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on January 16, 2018, at the
Apache Junction City Council Chambers pursuant to the notice
required by law.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Serdy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Waldron gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Struble led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Serdy
Vice Mayor Wilson
Councilmember Barker (telephonically)
Councilmember Evans
Councilmember Rizzi
Councilmember Struble
Councilmember Waldron
Staff Present:
Others Present:
City Manager Bryant Powell
Assistant City Manager Matt Busby
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Works Director Michael Weyer
Development Services Director Larry
Kirch
Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Captain Arnold Freeman
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JANUARY 16, 2018
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Management Assistant Anna McCray
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Councilmember Evans MOVED
THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED; AND
THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PS2017-25, BROADWAY AND SOUTHERN
AVENUE SLURRY SEAL, BE AWARDED TO VIASUN CORPORATION THROUGH
PINAL COUNTY COOPERATIVE CONTRACT NO. EC15-008-4 IN THE AMOUNT
OF $300,564.02 PLUS 10% IN THE EVENT OF UNFORESEEN CHANGE ORDERS
IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,056.40 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$330,620.42; AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO THE MAYOR TO
SIGN THE CONTRACT; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO RESOLUTION NO. 17-32, A RESOLUTION OF
THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,
ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, TO
ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH PINAL COUNTY,
ARIZONA, DEFINING RESPONSIBILITY FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE OF
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN DRIVE, SOUTH MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD AND
SOUTHERN AVENUE.
Councilmember Rizzi SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Serdy read a proclamation designating January 2018 as
National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and presented it to
Community Alliance Against Family Abuse Executive Director
Dorian Townsend who gave a brief presentation on the statistics
for the Phoenix area.
Councilmember Barker commented this is a very important topic
and it is one that people do not like to talk about.She hopes
this becomes more well-known and we all become more aware of
this issue.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
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Councilmember Struble commented he and Councilmember Waldron
attended the Youth Advisory Council meeting last week where they
reviewed the city's vision and mission.They did an awesome job
and presented ideas to staff.
Councilmember Struble commented he attended the Apache Junction
Unified School District board meeting last week.They talked
about a Gallup Poll they did among the students dealing with
what they thought of the school district and what their future
is.
Councilmember Struble commented he attended the sewer district's
strategic plan meeting last week.There are a lot of new
members on the board and they have a great plan.
Councilmember Struble announced the Kiwanis Club will be holding
the AJ Kids Idol on January 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Barleen's.
Councilmember Rizzi commented she takes groups of children to
our senior centers in the city a couple of times a year.There
were Christmas cards made this year and they were handed out.
They also sang some Christmas carols.
Councilmember Rizzi commented on the Light the Trail
competition, advising they have the information available online
for people to vote for their favorite business.It will close
Thursday at midnight and the winner will receive a rotating
plaque at a future council meeting.
Mayor Serdy announced they will be seeing some construction on
Apache Trail at a new crossover to allow people to get into the
businesses located by the old Fry's.
Mayor Serdy announced the Renaissance Festival will be coming up
next month.
Mayor Serdy commented the museum had a big event last week and
they have one about every week.They are just outside the city
and cars park along the side of the highway with the assistance
of Pinal County.
Mayor Serdy announced there will be a Blues Festival coming up
at Flatiron Park.
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Mayor Serdy announced there will be a taste of Apache Junction
coming up at Flatiron Park where all the restaurants will be
invited to come out with their food fairs.
Mayor Serdy announced February 7 will be the first State of the
City address at the Performing Arts Center at the high school.
The school district and fire district will also present.It is
open to the general public.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Bryant Powell commented Senator Farnsworth is not
here and may still be in session.
Mayor Serdy commented since they are in session and he drives
all the way from Phoenix, he requested they insert that later
into the meeting after he has arrived.
City Manager Bryant Powell commented on Calista Smith, the Youth
Advisory Committee, the Blues, Brews and Arts Festival, Flatiron
Park and the introduction of Marieke Curley from Republic
Services who was ill and could not attend.
Assistant City Manager Matt Busby gave a presentation on the
monthly financial update.
Councilmember Struble commented he did not have any questions.
He had talked to Finance Director Donna Meinerts earlier today
and she was very helpful.It always goes back to our continued
lack of reimbursement from the state and all that is going on.
They may be able to have a discussion on that with Senator
Farnsworth when he comes in.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR ACQUISITION OF
CONTROL LIQUOR LICENSE FOR PIZZA
HUT
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Serdy requested the
applicant address the council. The applicant was not in
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JANUARY 16, 2018
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attendance.He then opened the public hearing on the item.
There being no one wishing to speak, he closed the public
hearing and reopened the item to council discussion.
Vice Mayor Wilson commented
he was disappointed they could not find out about these major
violations the fire department found, what they were and what
needs to be done to correct them.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated it is very unusual for the fire district to make this
kind of recommendation.They usually say they found violations
and they are working on them.In this case they actually said
major violations.She does not know what that might mean.
Councilmember Struble asked
for some clarification.She had said that the deadline is
February 2.He asked if the process has to start all over
again.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated if they do not make a recommendation to the state one way
or the other they will presume approval and they will approve
the license regardless of any objections.She does not know
what the state would do.Maybe the city attorney can step in.
If they were to recommend disapproval, they would have to give
reasons and that is what we would send to the state.
Mayor Serdy commented for the
public to understand, the council is not approving this liquor
license.We only recommend to the state.There have been times
when the city has not approved and they have approved them
anyway.
Vice Mayor Wilson asked if
they can make a statement that basically recommends that this
not be approved until the major violations found by the fire
district be corrected.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they can but in addition to that they can say, if they
are going to recommend no on this, they recommend non -approval
of this because it has not been proven to the mayor and city
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council that all remarks from the fire district have been
complied with and approved by the fire district.
Councilmember Rizzi asked if
the state has requirements they have to meet if this magically
gets approved again, as the mayor has said we are just a
recommending board, not the approval board, whether we approve
or deny with the recommendation.She asked if that would be an
issue with the state that they have these violations or could
they just approve it anyway.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the alcohol board is appointed by the governor and is a
recommending body.Typically, he would think if there are fire
or safety code violations they would abide by the city council's
review, but sometimes they do not.
Councilmember Rizzi commented
depending on how the council recommends, she asked what recourse
would the city have if they do go ahead and approve even with
these violations.When they have the fire department saying
that, they are talking about the safety of the people.Their
safety is in jeopardy.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the city has an intergovernmental agreement with the fire
district where we would take a criminal prosecution long form
complaint.Eric could go on for an hour or two explaining how
that is done.He is here tonight but not for that.He can talk
about the process.However, if the fire district still says
there are violations, his office will get it and the city will
prosecute to the fullest extent, especially if there are health
and safety serious violations.
Councilmember Rizzi commented
that we do have recourse.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated if the fire district gives them a memo and a request for
prosecution, we will take it seriously, absolutely, despite the
fact they might have their liquor license.
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Mayor Serdy closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR AN ACQUISITION OF CONTROL LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR PIZZA HUT, SUBMITTED BY THERESA MORSE, BE
RECOMMENDED FOR DENIAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR
LICENSES AND CONTROL BECAUSE OF THE MAJOR VIOLATIONS FOUND BY
THE FIRE DISTRICT, THE LACK OF RESPONSE FROM THE APPLICANT HERE
THIS EVENING AND NO PROOF THAT THE VIOLATIONS WERE CORRECTED.
Vice Mayor Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
(During the vote Mayor Serdy commented in his nine years on
council he has never voted to deny any of these because he wants
people to buy pizzas here, but he thinks by voting yes that they
will send a message that we want them to comply, so yes.)
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR A PERMANENT
EXTENSION OF PREMISES FOR THE
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3850
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.
applicant address the council.
Dutchman #3850, addressed
the process of building a
are going to take smoking
Eagles, Moose and others.
already have the patio in
smoke.
Mayor Serdy requested the
Mr. Bill Kimball, Lost
the council.He stated they are in
patio for if the state decides they
away from private clubs like the
If they decide to do that, they will
place for smokers to have a place to
Mayor Serdy opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak, he
closed the public hearing and reopened the item to council
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JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 7 OF 28
discussion.There being no further discussion, he called for a
motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A PERMANENT EXTENSION OF PREMISES FOR
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3850, SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL REED, BE
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR
LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Evans SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,
NEW LICENSE, LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY, SERIES 10 LIQUOR LICENSE
FOR A&D SHELL
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Serdy requested the
applicant address the council.The applicant was not in
attendance.He opened the public hearing on the item.There
being no one wishing to speak, he closed the public hearing and
reopened the item to council discussion.
Vice Mayor Wilson asked if
they have already applied for a permit.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the applicant has not yet applied for a permit.Code
compliance staff has contacted the applicant and they are
getting him into the process of coming into compliance.
Vice Mayor Wilson asked if it
is a safety issue or just something general.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated he believes it is a safety issue.It is a damaged
building.
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Councilmember Evans asked if
these are the same tiles that were loose before.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated this appears to be new damage.It is not the first time
it has been hit.
Vice Mayor Wilson commented
this was hit.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated that is correct, by a truck backing up or maybe a tall
RV, and it has been hit before.
Councilmember Rizzi commented
this is outside.It is the canopy on the outside that is
damaged.Just for clarification purposes for the public, this
is not the building inside where people are going in to purchase
things.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated it is the gas canopy.
Mayor Serdy closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT, NEW LICENSE, LIMITED
LIABILITY COMPANY, SERIES 10 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR A&D SHELL,
SUBMITTED BY ANDREW EL DAYE, BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Rizzi SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
(During the vote Vice Mayor Wilson commented since this is just
basically the permit to repair the gas canopy and has nothing to
do with the safety of the building, going in and out to the
liquor, he will vote yes.)
The motion carried.
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JANUARY 16, 2018
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APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SALT RIVER WILD
HORSE MANAGEMENT GROUP FOR
JANUARY 27, 2018
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Serdy requested the
applicant address the council.The applicant was not in
attendance.He opened the public hearing on the item.There
being no one wishing to speak, he closed the public hearing and
reopened the item to council discussion.There being no further
discussion, he called for a motion.
Councilmember Rizzi MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SALT
RIVER WILD HORSE MANAGEMENT GROUP FOR JANUARY 27, 2018,
SUBMITTED BY ROBIN PEAK -JONES, BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO
THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Evans SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SUPERSTITION
MOUNTAIN ROTARY CLUB FOR LOST
DUTCHMAN DAYS, FEBRUARY 23-25, 2018)
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Serdy requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr. Michael Cowan, 17844
Picana Court, Gold Canyon, addressed the council to state they
will be selling beer for Lost Dutchman Days like they did last
year although the weather was not that great.They are hoping
for the 80s or 90s.
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Mayor Serdy opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak, he
closed the public hearing and reopened the item to council
discussion.There being no further discussion, he called for a
motion.
Councilmember Rizzi MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN ROTARY CLUB FOR FEBRUARY 23-25, 2018,
SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL COWAN, BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Vice Mayor Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR APACHE JUNCTION
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR MARCH 24,
2018
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Serdy commented he sees
several applicants in the audience.He asked if any of them
would like to address the council.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated the applicant is the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. John Chavez, AM Events,
the event promoter, addressed the council.This is the second
annual Superstition Blues and Brews Festival.Last year's event
was a sellout.They have partnered with the Chamber of Commerce
for a bigger and better location.They are excited to be
bringing the festival to Apache Junction.
Councilmember Rizzi commented
he said it had been a sellout.She asked if people have to
purchase tickets to attend and are they limited.
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Mr. John Chavez stated that
is correct on both.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated the council changed the rules and procedures last year
for events.She suggested he spend some time with Mr. Bravo and
herself for the information out there.
Mr. John Chavez stated they
have all the new parameters for the vendors and whatnot.
City Manager Bryant Powell
stated as an organization we are working very diligently on
anything they consider a gathering, event, craft fair, bazaar or
anything like that.There are two people on staff that are
organizational experts that we need to start the conversation
with.They have been doing this.This is on parks and
recreation departmental land/City of Apache Junction.Liz
Langenbach and Jeff Kopp have been part of this discussion for
six or seven months.He thanked them both for working through
that process.In addition to that, Al Bravo works with any of
the private ones that might not be on parks and recreation land.
Anything that we hear on those categories should be sent to Jeff
Kopp or Al Bravo.
Mayor Serdy asked if they had
any tips or recommendations.For instance, there is no seating.
He asked if people should bring their own chairs or shade.
Mr. John Chavez stated
camping chairs would be welcome.
Mayor Serdy commented there
will be vendors but can they bring coolers as well.
Mr. John Chavez stated no
coolers will be allowed.There will be a bonanza of food trucks
available for everybody.
City Manager Bryant Powell
asked where they can get tickets and how much are they.
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JANUARY 16, 2018
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Mr. John Chavez stated
tickets will be available at SuperstitionBluesFest.com and pre-
sales are $10, some group tickets are available and day of show
will be $15.It is a bargain.They cannot say no at that
price.
Mayor Serdy asked if they
have secured the parking behind the hardware store and the focal
point.
City Manager Bryant Powell
stated they have.They have worked closely with our private
sector partner and the landowner.
Mayor Serdy commented the
last time we had an event there it was great in the morning but
as the day wore on it got dusty.He hoped they would be able to
water that somehow as it is dirt.Maybe it will be moist
anyway.
City Manager Bryant Powell
stated that is definitely part of the plan.He knows parks and
recreation will have something to work on.
Mr. John Chavez stated they
are going to have a water truck out there the day of to water it
down before and whenever needed.
Mayor Serdy asked if the
splash pad is closed and can people still go to the park and use
what is available there when an event like this is going on.
Mr. John Chavez stated he has
asked for the splash pad to be off for the day.
Councilmember Rizzi asked if
it will be rain or shine.She asked if the event will go on
even if it sprinkles out there.
Mr. John Chavez stated most
of his events are rain or shine.
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Mayor Serdy commented they
are all acoustic guitars so they do not get electrocuted.
Mr. John Chavez stated they
will be electrified.
Councilmember Struble asked
if they would be having a stage.
Mr. John Chavez stated there
will be a stage.They are partnering with the parks department
to bring their's in.
Councilmember Struble asked
if they already have the number of acts.
Mr. John Chavez stated there
will be four to five blues bands and approximately 60 arts and
crafts vendors.They are hoping to have a half dozen food
trucks.They have four or five confirmed at this point with a
nice variety of stuff.They are trying to make this more
community -oriented.Their business model is bringing
communities together through the universal language of music and
the arts.It seems like that fits in with what is happening at
Flatiron Park.They are offering free vendor spaces to any
nonprofits in the area, they are trying to spotlight any of the
chamber businesses by offering them a couple of free booth
spaces to some of the chamber businesses, and if any of the
councilmembers know of any worthy causes that would like to be
part of the festival they will give them a free booth space.
They can hand out flyers to help with community awareness with
what is happening in this area.
Councilmember Rizzi commented
that is great.
Mayor Serdy opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak, he
closed the public hearing and reopened the item to council
discussion.There being no further discussion, he called for a
motion.
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JANUARY 16, 2018
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Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE
APACHE JUNCTION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR MARCH 24, 2018,
SUBMITTED BY ALLYSON DUNN, BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Rizzi SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 18-01, CASE PA -1-17,
REQUEST BY WAYNE BARKER FOR A
PRIVATE ACCESS WAY TO SERVE
PROPOSED AND EXISTING LOTS AS PART
OF A LAND SPLIT CASE
)Senior Planner Rudy
Esquivias briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Serdy requested the
applicant address the council.The applicant declined to speak
at this time.He opened the public hearing on the item.There
being no one wishing to speak, he closed the public hearing and
reopened the item to council discussion.
Councilmember Evans commented
she has a lot of discussion.She added she did not know if
anyone else has any questions first.
Councilmember Barker
commented the motion, as it is written, does not include the
double layer of asphalt.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated that is correct.The staff recommendation was for the
chip seal treatment on the entire easement within the private
property and also to the edge of Cedar.The applicant is
requesting a lesser treatment within his private property.
Mayor Serdy asked the city
attorney if that has to be addressed in this motion.
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JANUARY 16, 2018
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stated they have to address
this is one of the areas
from the county.
stated that is correct.
City Attorney Joel Stern
what they are requiring.
Councilmember Evans commented
in town where we inherited a lot of it
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Councilmember Evans commented
to call it a cluster is kind of general.There are roads that
do not go through.She could not figure out why we have a
street sign on Manzanita at Meridian that is a dirt driveway.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated there are actually quite a few of those.There are city
street signs on private roads and easements.She would have to
ask the city engineer about that.
Councilmember Evans commented
the corner property on Meridian and Manzanita has a Manzanita
address but the one next to it has a Meridian address.And the
one next to the east of it has a Meridian address.The
addresses are even screwed up.Mr. Barry has the center lot.
He actually has two different documents recorded giving him
legal access back there.He is not landlocked.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the document he recorded most recently the city does not
recognize.
Councilmember Evans commented
that is the one last year.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated that is correct.The city does not recognize that
document because he did not go through this process.
Councilmember Evans commented
there is another that he recorded in 2001.That is plenty of
time for him to prove his easement from Meridian.She asked if
that is correct.
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JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 16 OF 28
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that is correct.
Councilmember Evans commented
it is from 2001 until now.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it is a ten-year time period that you have to move before
a superior court judge.
Councilmember Evans commented
it is seventeen years so he has access to both of his properties
that he is calling on Manzanita.It is a Manzanita alignment.
It is not even a right-of-way.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated they could not find any federal patented easements for
Manzanita between Cedar and Meridian.
Councilmember Evans commented
to split this north/south creates another cluster.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
asked if she meant an east/west fashion.
Councilmember Evans commented
no, it should be done in an east/west fashion instead of doing
it in a north/south split.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated she would like a lot to the north and a lot to the south.
Councilmember Evans commented
there is a lot there but it does not take up as much room.
There is still plenty of room there for two sites.It is only
on the far border.With splitting it on an east/west you have
two accesses on Cedar.They do not need to create any more
private easements or any more badly configured properties in
neighborhoods.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated that was in their staff report.They mentioned they had
discussed several options with Mr. Barker.A north/south lot
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JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 17 OF 28
split was proposed.Mr. Barker contends there is a private
water line easement along the south five feet of his property.
Creating a west lot and an east lot is more cost effective.If
we required him to do a north lot and a south lot Arizona Water
Company will make him extend a water main.He spoke with Joe
Staples of Arizona Water Company today and he confirmed that.
He confirmed the existence of the easement, the extent of the
line and that the extension would need to be a main.
Councilmember Evans commented
in order to save an investor money, he wants us to create
another badly designed property.As an investor, she is sorry,
she does not care.He had due diligence time to find this out.
He did not have to close on the property without getting this
information, and he did and that is a gamble.There is no way
there should be two houses along a road alignment.There is no
reason to have to create it.We have Cedar Street.She
understands it is going to cost him more money but that is part
of due diligence and finding this out ahead of time.There is
no way she will go along with this.She is only one of seven
but for these reasons she does not think this council wants to
create another cluster.This just adds to the problem.It does
not fix anything other than it fixes his cash flow.
Mayor Serdy commented they
have closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Waldron
commented he would like to see it reopened and hear what the
applicant has to say.
Mayor Serdy requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr. Wayne Barker, 6275 E.
22nd Avenue, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated
with all due respect, the existing split is an east/west fashion
along this alignment of Manzanita.The house owned by Richard
Barry, his prescriptive right is across the applicant's
property.He has been using it as his primary access because
the wash precludes him from accessing from Meridian.
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PAGE 18 OF 28
Councilmember Evans commented
he would just have to build.
Mr. Wayne Barker stated he
would have to do major construction.
Councilmember Evans commented
that is correct.
Mr. Wayne Barker stated he
has earned a prescriptive right.He has used this for 25 to 30
years.He cannot deny him access across the property.By
splitting this into a north half and a south half we have the
wash along the north side and we will create two long, skinny
lots and we would have to provide access to Mr. Barry.One
proposal we did with planning staff was along the center line
but that would cut 14' into both lots, creating an even longer
and narrower lot where only a single -wide mobile home could go.
Yes, cost -wise, it is much more efficient to do it this way
because you would have to connect sewer mains, which he will do
anyway to the new home.There were two homesites here in the
past that were nonconforming.We are close to an acre in size
so they will be much larger than the minimum required lot for
the area.They are just taking an existing access and making it
official with a recorded, private easement.They are putting a
maintenance agreement in place.That is why the planning board
recommended unanimously to go with this because they stated we
are not creating the problem but correcting it.This should be
an alignment of Manzanita through but for whatever reason it
does not exist.That would cause an east and a west lot to be
created.
Councilmember Evans commented
to get two lots with an east/west split you still have plenty of
room to provide whatever access Mr. Barry requires, but he has
two documents stating that he has access from Meridian.It is
not as though his property is the only way.It is the cheapest
way for him to get to his property and go in and out.This is
showing as one lot with two residences that Mr. Barry owns.He
has never bothered to do anything with it.
Mr. Wayne Barker stated at
this point in time he has a prescriptive right to cross his
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 19 OF 28
property so he is not going to go and try to prove to the city
of his right and reconstruct and build a bridge or a road
through there.He is going to use the right that he has which
is across his property.
Councilmember Evans commented
that is what she said.He can still use it across his property
but that still does not preclude you from doing an east/west
split instead of a north/south.
Mr. Wayne Barker stated it
does not.But if they do an east/west alignment creating
north/south lots, and then they eliminate the wash and provide
for an easement, they will have two long, shotgun lots that are
very skinny and more expensive.He does not have to split this
property at all.If it is denied he can keep it as a single lot
with an access.It will just be a dirt road which is dusty.It
will be like it is.They are only asking to correct the problem
with this split as they see it.The planning commission and
planning staff agreed with it.It would improve the situation.
Councilmember Evans commented
as planning staff trying to work with an applicant she can
understand that.But as a council member she is looking at an
area and trying to get away from the Malfunction Junction and
all of this other stuff all this creates for us.Another weird
parcel.That is all it is.When he purchased the property he
knew about the easement.For her, to create this easement with
another house not on Cedar, not on a street but on an alignment
for what should be a road.Let us add to the problem.It is
just adding to the problem, not solving it.
Mayor Serdy commented it
sounds like they have come full circle on this questioning.He
would like to ask Rudy another question.
City Attorney Joel Stern
commented he has one legal, technical thing.You do not get
prescriptive rights until a court says so.He is not aware of
anything that has been recorded.He does not know if Mr. Barry
has attempted it.He may have been there that long but he has
to prove it has been open and in use.Maybe he can prove that
but technically he does not have any rights yet through any
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 20 OF 28
court, to his knowledge.Usually it is recorded and usually it
shows the easement with a property description of what area is
being used.He just wanted to point that out.
Councilmember Struble asked
what kind of structures he is planning on putting on the lots.
Mr. Wayne Barker stated they
have not decided yet.It is for two residential lots but they
will probably be manufactured homes.That would be conducive to
the neighborhood.It is pretty much all manufactured homes.It
will be newer, ground set, larger manufactured homes.No RVs or
junk trailers.On the prescriptive easement, he does not have
it by court.That would usually only happen if he tries do deny
him access.If he blocks the site and says he cannot use his
lot to access his home, he could sue him for it and most likely
win as he has been using it.There are plenty of recorded
documents he has filed, affidavits with the city and neighbor
statements showing how long he has been in there using it.It
would be a fool's errand on his part to try to deny him.He
would take him to court and he would owe his legal fees once he
prevailed.
Councilmember Struble asked
how big each of the lots will be if the lots are split the way
he wants them right now.
Mr. Wayne Barker stated
without the dedication to the city the lots would each be
roughly 18,000 gross square feet and 15,000 net.He agreed as
part of this plan to dedicate the right-of-way to the city to
help with future improvements to the neighborhood.That would
reduce them to closer to 13,000 net square feet for the smaller
lot.He thinks Rudy mentioned they may move the center line
slightly to the west to dedicate the roadway and it will make
the size of the lots a little bit more equitable.
Mayor Serdy asked Rudy if he
sees this coming back to the council with any problems down the
road in the future if this is approved.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 21 OF 28
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated they may hear from Mr. Barry as rumor has it that he
wants to split his, too.
Mayor Serdy commented if it
helps people then he is basically for it, if there is more good
in it then harm in it.
Vice Mayor Wilson commented
there will be a road that is crushed asphalt versus slurry.He
asked how thick the slurry is.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated according to Ordinance No. 1316 it does not say.
Development Services Engineer Sam Jarj ice has advised him that
normally a chip seal treatment would be 4 inches and then
compacted.The ordinance does say that a crushed asphalt
treatment would have to be a minimum of 2 inches.Mr. Barker
offered to do 4 inches instead of 2 inches.The main difference
between a chip seal and a crushed asphalt treatment is the chip
sealing has an emulsifier that bonds it together more like a
paved driveway or an asphalt driveway.The crushed asphalt is
more similar to decomposed granite.
Councilmember Evans commented
Mr. Barry has those two mobiles on there.He did that on his
own.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated those mobiles were, as far as he can tell, prior to 1985.
They have been there awhile.It has been a long time.He does
not know if he put those there but they have been there that
long.He is not sure how long he has been the property owner.
It was formally owned by a lady named Rayetta Place and she is
the one who created those two lot easements.Staff has been
trying to find her but they have been unable to.
Councilmember Evans commented
in Overgaard.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated they did try that one but she is not there anymore.The
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 22 OF 28
last they heard she was somewhere in California but they cannot
reach her.
Councilmember Evans commented
because of the back taxes due on those.It would be easy for
Mr. Barry to acquire both of those.Mr. Barry owned the site
that Mr. Barker bought.They both knew and were aware of the
situation and closed without having everything finalized.That
is her bottom line.
Mayor Serdy re -opened the
public hearing on the item.
Ms. Tess Nesser, 1511 S.
Cactus, Apache Junction, addressed the council.She stated some
of what has been discussed tonight was not discussed at the
planning and zoning hearing.It raises a question she would
like them to think about.The Manzanita alignment, which would
have been Manzanita if it had been all the way through, if the
private roadway is now put through, and if Mr. Barry comes back
to them six months from now and he wants to split his lot and
has to put in the same kind of roadway, it could look like
Manzanita has been put through and the rest of the public may
want to start using that driveway as a roadway.She does not
know about the third lot.
Councilmember Evans commented
that is where the road sign is that says it is closed.
Mayor Serdy closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He called for a
motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 18-01, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, APPROVING THE
CREATION OF A TWENTY -EIGHT -FOOT WIDE PRIVATE STREET/PRIVATE
ACCESS WAY, CASE NO. PA -1-17, IN CONJUNCTION WITH LAND SPLIT
CASE NUMBER LSM-2-17, FOR A 0.84 -ACRE, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE
("RS -10M") -ZONED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3025 W. MANZANITA, BE
APPROVED.
VOTE:6-1 (Councilmember Evans voted in opposition.)
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 23 OF 28
(During the vote Councilmember Struble commented one of the
first votes he had the privilege of doing last year was kind of
the same kind of issue where a landowner made a purchase of
property and came back to us and asked us to fix the problem.
It is due diligence lacking here and these issues the landowners
need to be aware of that these things are out there.They need
to be taken care of beforehand so that they get properly
handled.He is going to vote yes because of the area that is
down there and he does not really think there is going to be a
whole lot of changes in the long future.)
(During the vote Vice Mayor Wilson commented he is torn both
ways on this.He is to the point where he almost needs a coin
to flip.He understands the issue and the problem but he also
understands the poor planning ahead.He will vote yes.)
(During the vote Councilmember Rizzi commented because of the
time and effort that staff put in on the recommendation from
staff and the time and effort from planning and zoning and the
recommendation from planning and zoning she will vote yes.)
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
FISCAL YEAR 17-18 COUNCIL WORK PLAN
-2ND QUARTER UPDATE
)Management Assistant Anna
McCray briefed the council on the item.
Councilmember Struble asked
about a bill that was to gain what.
Management Assistant Anna
McCray stated it is to gain ownership or control of the federal
public lands in the State of Arizona.
Vice Mayor Wilson asked for
the number on the bill.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 24 OF 28
Management Assistant Anna
McCray stated it is 2210.
Councilmember Struble asked
if that is all federally designated lands that are in Arizona.
All the different ones.
Management Assistant Anna
McCray stated she just learned about it today.It is probably
not all but she will get back to him with further information in
the coming days.
Councilmember Waldron
commented that has been introduced before and it gets a lot of
attention.
Management Assistant Anna
McCray stated it has.
Mayor Serdy commented then we
would be sued by the feds.Have it start a chain reaction and
have things happen.That would be great.
Management Assistant Anna
McCray continued with her briefing.She also gave an update on
the landfill landscaping entrance and the water main plans.
Councilmember Struble
commented on the contract on number 12 with Greater Phoenix
Economic Council.He went down to their offices in December
after taking office on whatever office they call him and his
ears popped because he went up 25 floors.He had a sit-down
with Chris Camacho, the executive director, and he had a very
interesting conversation with him because of all the development
that is going on down south of us around the 24 and coming
north, and also with what is going on at Mesa Gateway.He
reiterated with him that we would obviously love to have the
infrastructure to handle the Apples and the Boeings and all that
kind of stuff but we are really not set up for that.We are
going to have to do some infrastructure to get even some smaller
businesses and things like that in here.He reiterated with him
that we want to be on their radar for some ancillary businesses
that would come in and support some of those bigger ones,
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 25 OF 28
especially with the mine development up in the Globe area.We
just really need to be on their radar so that we can host some
of those businesses here in the community and get the jobs.We
will see what happens.Just keep beating the doors and drums.
Mayor Serdy commented it
looks like Senator Farnsworth is not going to make it so we will
pull that and re -invite him.He thinks they are in session and
sometimes they are there until 10 or 11 at night.Maybe at the
same time they can give an invitation to Representatives Coleman
and Townsend for the same night.Maybe they could get one of
the three here.
DIRECTION TO STAFF
None.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES
Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M. AND A WORK SESSION AT
7:00 P.M. BE HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2018, IN THE CITY
COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY;
AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M. BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
FEBRUARY 6, 2018, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Evans SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Ms. Dorian Townsend, Community Alliance Against Family Abuse,
879 N. Plaza Drive #101D, Apache Junction, addressed the council
to give an update on the Holiday House, comment on 2018 being
the Year of the Heroes and give information on their upcoming
events.
ADJOURNMENT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 26 OF 28
)Mayor Serdy adjourned the
meeting at 8:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1. Consideration of acceptance of agenda.
2. Consideration of approval of minutes of regular meeting of
December 19, 2017.
3. Consideration of approval of award to Viasun Corporation for
street maintenance work on select portions of Broadway Avenue
and Southern Avenue within the city in partial fulfillment of
FY 2017-2018 Street Maintenance Plan.
4. Consideration of approval of Resolution No. 17-32 on an
intergovernmental agreement with Pinal County defining
responsibilities of each party for road maintenance of
Superstition Mountain Drive, South Mountain View Road and
Southern Avenue.
ACCEPTED THIS 616V DAY
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City ClerkClerk
OF k --64.V44V,2018, BY THE
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
6 1a 1 DAY OF Pr.:1414v4AV 2018.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 27 OF 28
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
16th day of January, 2018.I further certify that the meeting
was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 29th day of January, 2018.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
041 --
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2018
PAGE 28 OF 28