HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-04 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on November 4, 2014, at the
Apache Junction City Council Chambers pursuant to the notice
required by law.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Insalaco called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION
Mayor Insalaco gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Waldron led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Insalaco
Vice Mayor Barker
Councilmember Evans
Councilmember Rizzi
Councilmember Serdy
Councilmember Waldron
Councilmember Wilson
Staff Present:City Manager George Hoffman
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Tom Kelly
Development Services Director Larry
Kirch
Assistant to the City Manager Matt
Busby
Others Present:Revenue Resource Manager Roger Hacker
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PAGE 1 OF 41
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Planning Intern Kevin Koelbel
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Barker MOVED
THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED; AND
THAT ITEM NUMBER 3 BE MOVED TO FOLLOW THE CITY MANAGER'S REPORT.
Councilmember Rizzi SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Insalaco read a proclamation designating the City of
Apache Junction as a Purple Heart City and presented the
proclamation to Mike Ferguson, Purple Heart recipient from Viet
Nam in 1967.Councilmember Waldron read a brief history of his
accomplishments.
Revenue Resource Manager Roger Hacker briefed the council on the
Art and Betsy Grandlich Animal Welfare Trust and the Arizona
Community Foundation for the purchase and installation of a
commercial grade washer and dryer at the Paws and Claws Care
Center.He introduced their daughter, Janine Daniel, who talked
about their legacy and her participation in the grants funded
from the Trust.He introduced Morgan Bishop, the philanthropic
services coordinator for the Arizona Community Foundation, who
talked about the fund distributing $250,000 annually for animal
welfare.He then advised the projects funded in the community.
The Paws and Claws Care Center received $27,730 for the
industrial grade washer and dryer, East Valley New Life Rescue
received $15,000 for medical, dental and adoption services, and
Paws 4 Life received $20,000 for training the trainer for
service dogs and a video.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
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Vice Mayor Barker announced the mayor, Councilmember Waldron and
she attended the HeadStart open house and took a .tour of the
facility.
Vice Mayor Barker announced Councilmember Evans and she attended
the G.A.I.N./Parks and Recreation Department Halloween on Friday
night.
Vice Mayor Barker reminded everyone this weekend is the Festival
of the Superstitions with a motorcycle parade of flags on Sunday
morning.
Vice Mayor Barker announced the Veterans' Day Parade will be on
Tuesday at 9:30 on Apache Trail.
Councilmember Evans announced last weekend was the first
farmers' market bazaar held at Earth Heart Park.It will be the
first Saturday of every month through April.
Councilmember Evans announced Audie is the pet of the month for
adoption and gave a brief description on her.She added Paws
and Claws is requesting a donation of an aviary -type structure
to exercise the cats.
Councilmember Serdy commented on his dog locking itself in the
car with the air conditioner running and park rangers being
called to open the door.
Councilmember Serdy announced there will be a lot of events for
the veterans on Sunday morning at the Festival of the
Superstitions.
Councilmember Wilson announced Ben Johnson Days are going on
this weekend.
Councilmember Rizzi commented on her husband and her going to
Paws and Claws last weekend and adopting two dogs.They have a
meet and greet area to bring prospective adopted dogs to meet
the owner's current dogs to determine if they will get along.
They also get four free training sessions when adopting a dog.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
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Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell commented on the park
ranger program cross -training, his meeting Janine Daniel and her
husband for dinner that night, investing in quality staff
employees, the construction at Meridian and US 60, staff
discussions starting on the capital improvement plan, and
presented the first city entry way signs.
CONSENT AGENDA (CONTINUED)
RESOLUTION NO. 14-40, AUTHORIZING
THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE 2014
PHOENIX -MESA GATEWAY AIRPORT
AUTHORITY AMENDED AND RESTATED
JOINT POWERS AIRPORT AUTHORITY
AGREEMENT AND THE 2014 LOAN
CANCELLATION AGREEMENT AND
AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO
IMPLEMENT ALL NECESSARY ACTION TO
FULFILL THE AGREEMENT OBLIGATIONS )
)Assistant to the City
Manager Matt Busby briefed the council on the item.
Councilmember Serdy commented
he is not against the airport.He thinks when they voted to
join thd board he was one of the ones pushing for it.What
upsets him is their changing the rules after the city has
joined.It has only been 18 months.It feels like a slap in
the face to change it like this.It would be nice to be paid
back like the deal we made.Even though it would be 30 years
from now and they would all be gone, but the heirs can use that
and that was the deal we made.For them to say they are not
going to pay the city back, it stings.He would like to know if
there is some way to vote to stay with them if these other big
cities that are better off than Apache Junction can take the hit
and not be paid back, maybe we can be paid back.They did say
yesterday this year is the first year they have made a profit.
Things are turning around.He does not see why they cannot
honor their part of the deal.
Councilmember Rizzi commented
she agrees with Councilmember Serdy.She thinks it is an
investment in our community and feels it is important for them
to honor the repayment, even though it would take many, many
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years for that to happen.She is concerned when they ask their
constituents for money to fix the roads and we have this
situation; $675,900 we expected to get back and are now being
told they will not get it back, when in fact they are starting
to make a profit.She agrees with Councilmember Serdy.She is
concerned about how that looks and how it feels.It does feel
like a sting.
Councilmember Waldron
commented he understands the airport's position as far as
financing is concerned.He understands the need to do that.He
understands the need to operate as a business and that requires
financing.Their seat on the board, and he believes
Councilmember Serdy is on the tourism board for the state, the
airport is a magnet for tourism.They have talked about that
quite regularly in different avenues that have come up.He
thinks it is important Apache Junction be on that board.He has
to agree he does not like the situation but he understands the
situation.The airport cannot go out and finance to do the
things they need to do with these classified as loans.Over the
years Apache Junction has clawed its way from the joke of the
valley to a place where we are recognized as a progressive city.
We are involved in the airport authority, we are involved in
various aspects throughout the East Valley particularly, and he
believes they need to maintain that.It has been a long, hard
fight.It is difficult to swallow this, there is no question
about it.But he thinks the importance of having our seat on
the board of directors for the airport in the East Valley is
critical to our future.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
it is difficult to swallow.She thinks when she was first
informed of this at an airport meeting this summer she wanted to
choke someone, considered it, had a long talk, and decided
although she does not like it, she does understand it.This is
an investment in our future.Councilmember Serdy had announced
on this dais that the only reason he is on the council is to see
to it that a resort comes to this community.A resort wants an
airport.Tourists tend to fly, as well as drive, they like to
have a shuttle that goes from their airport to the resort.Both
of those would benefit from this airport.Granted their not
being on the board is not going to prohibit that airport from
growing.He is absolutely right.However, it will prohibit us
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having a voice in how that airport grows.She thinks it is
important to the community to have a voice in how that airport
grows.So that they have the ability to look at our economic
development and say we have an airport, and we have the ability
to go to the airport and say we need certain things for this
development and could they help out.We have that kind of
relationship with that airport.She thinks it says nothing but
good things for the future of this community.
Councilmember Wilson
commented he was not here last night.He asked if they are
saying that if they do not vote for this they have to withdraw.
Councilmember Serdy commented
he does not understand that either.He asked why it has to be
all or nothing.He agrees with everything Vice Mayor Barker and
Councilmember Waldron are saying.He wanted to pull this for
two weeks so they could get more legal advice about what the
ramifications of this are.He asked if they could rewrite it or
rewrite just our part of it and let the big cities do what they
want.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated Jane Morris from airport authority is here to
address any questions.
Assistant to the City Manager
Matt Busby stated this process started about a year ago when
this item was brought to life.They just joined last summer and
had the initial capital contribution they had to do.The
airport also went through some transitions.They have a new
executive director, a new finance director, new legal counsel
and an auditor that brought this to their attention.When they
brought it up to senior staff at the airport they created a
finance working group to talk through the issue and learn about
it.They tried to figure out an approach to address it and
allow the airport to grow into the future.The result is the
least bad option.Over a nine month period airport staff and
member community staff went through and came up with this option
and brought it to the airport board which we sit on.It was
brought to your attention they were discussing this in May or
June.That is the historical perspective in why and how we were
involved in it.The airport board voted two weeks ago to
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forward plans for each of the member communities' councils to
consider.It is a joint powers authority agreement which needs
to be signed by every community.The legal question is what
would happen if we do not sign our name to that and all the rest
do.He believes they would not be part of the joint powers
authority but he does not know.That is a legal question.He
does not know if Jane wants to clarify or speak directly to a
question.
Ms. Jane Morris, executive
director of Phoenix -Mesa Gateway Airport, addressed the council.
She said Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby summarized the
process.This was a very interactive process.She highlighted
last night that in five years $80 million of these loans are
due.That is not the contribution of Apache Junction.Those
are the initial dollars that came with Mesa, Gilbert, Queen
Creek and Gila River Indian Community.From the perspective of
the audit standings these loans, which are characterized as
loans, are on our books as debt and through all of the good
efforts of economic development airports are very capital-
intensive projects.As we move forward to being a more
operating and more sustainable airport from operating revenues,
those monies must be reinvested into the airport.Their current
projection for phase 1 of the airport redevelopment plan is
building the passenger terminal on the east side of the airport,
which is closest to State Route 202 and State Route 24, and is
estimated to be $350 million.What they need to do today, what
has been recommended, is to look at the loans as investments in
the airport.To remove that loan debt from their books and be
able to go into the market is the most important thing.They
need to be able to approach and look at investors to invest in
the airport.With these loans they would not be successful in
doing that.She does not have any more comments to add on the
process.It was over a year and we did do it collaboratively
with your finance and legal teams.It is her understanding that
if a community does not want to sign the joint powers agreement,
which is the controlling document, it is in effect their
decision to leave the authority.It is a state authority.
Every time they have done it as a consensus.Every vote is a
consensus.This document also brings forward the consensus of
those recommendations.
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Vice Mayor Barker commented
she believes the question is if the city chose not to sign this
document would the city be entitled to reimbursement of their
loan and, she believes she heard her say, the city would then
withdraw from the board.She asked if the city would be
entitled to a reimbursement of that loan.
Ms. Jane Morris stated the
reading of the loan document and promissory note that goes along
with each of their two contributions is based on the ability of
the airport to pay, and the airport does not have those funds to
repay those loans.It is her understanding that it is a
consensus document.If a community chooses not to sign the
amended and restated joint powers it is the effect of removing
themselves from the board.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he believes she is correct in everything she just said.
He worked with Mr. Brad Holm, who is a very competent counsel,
as he would not let him change anything.They worked on it for
about three months. There were some clerical changes that were
ultimately allowed to be changed.For example, when Apache
Junction joined.The city was not a party in the early
documents so a whereas clause covers that.He was able to do
that at the end but only at the end.He thinks Mr. Holm had to
get approval from the board directly.He was under strict
orders.He did check with other city attorneys and they were
told the same thing.
Mayor Insalaco commented
Apache Junction was on the board years ago and the city manager
removed us from the board.We were asked to go on the board
again.If we had stayed on the board it would not have been
this amount of money.And another thing, for years Apache
Junction has been the red-headed stepchild of the East Valley.
We are now considered part of the East Valley.Our
relationships with Mesa, Queen Creek, Chandler, and Gila River
Indian Community have never been as good as they are now.He
asked what it would look like if we pulled out right now.They
would be back to that red-headed stepchild.We do not want to
be part of the East Valley.We do not want the East Valley to
grow.True, it is not in Apache Junction, but things will
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change.Things will add.It would be a big mistake if we did
not go along with this.
Councilmember Serdy commented
he is not saying to withdraw.He wanted to clarify he is on the
council for many more reasons than to try to bring a resort in.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
she just was quoting what he said.
Councilmember Serdy commented
that is not the only reason.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
that is what he said.It is on the record.
it is far from the truth.
it is.
he does not think so.
check it.
where he should check it.
Councilmember Serdy commented
Vice Mayor Barker commented
Councilmember Serdy commented
Vice Mayor Barker commented
Councilmember Serdy asked
Vice Mayor Barker commented
the city clerk can get it for you or tell you where to get it.
Councilmember Serdy asked why
they are even talking about this.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
she did not know.
Councilmember Serdy commented
they are also the stewards of the peoples' money.It is not our
money to give away.It belongs to the citizens of Apache
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Junction.They have football stadiums in a lot of cities.She
said the city would become an investor.He asked if that means
they are part owner of the airport and would the city be getting
dividends someday.He asked if the city could sell its part.
He asked what is to keep the future board and future auditor
from changing the rules again.
Ms. Jane Morris stated she
would go to the edge for her understanding of the legal
perception.
Councilmember Serdy commented
for example, the people own the stadium for the Green Bay
Packers.It belongs to everybody.It does not belong to, for
instance, like Jerry Jones owns Dallas stadium.As they would
be investors, they would be part owners in the airport.
Ms. Jane Morris stated they
had extensive discussions on characterizing the loans, they
worked carefully on the loan documents, so they are a
participant of the Phoenix -Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, and
the Authority has the assets of the airport.They are in the
policy position to direct her on how to proceed on policy
decisions for the airport.The actual selling of the airport is
under federal guidance.There are Federal Aviation and
Administration rules on selling the airport.She could answer
one part of his question as it is not an asset the board could
choose to sell because of those federal regulations.It might
help to understand that when they took over the base, the
Department of Defense valued the airport in the $200 million
range.They are obligated by that deed to operate this as an
airport.The grants they have received through the federal
government and the State of Arizona, the Arizona Department of
Transportation grants, are equal to about $120 million.Those
also come with continuing to operate the airport as a commercial
airport.Those are investments that are currently positioning
them to be a commercial airport and run under the guidelines of
the Federal Aviation and Administration for commercial airports.
They have 1,000 acres undeveloped.We need more resorts.We
need more attractions for tourism.The airport is positioned
perfectly with three very long runways, as long as Sky Harbor,
to be able to bring that economic impact to the East Valley.
The value in the Authority is to take those assets we have and
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be able to empower more economic impact and more jobs for the
community.They have restrictions on selling the assets.They
do releases, they do not sell the land.They work on
concessions and agreements to generate the economic impact we
have today.They are not owning the stock, they are not owning
the actual property as it is under the Authority.There are
legal constraints on how the airport could actually transition
if they were suggesting selling.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the director is correct.We are not shareholders, we are
participants.That is how Title 28 was done.It is a separate
public entity by itself.The city is named when it comes to
insurance because all of these issues came up with the attorney.
If there is an accident, there is $200 million in insurance.He
has never seen such a huge amount on a certificate for
insurance.Each city is named individually as a party.If
something happens, we are covered.But we are not a
shareholder, we do not own a piece of the airport, the city is
just participatory.That is how the statute was set up.There
was another discussion of possibly continuing this.He was told
to put it on the agenda, or at least draft the resolution, which
he did.He was told it also has to go the next night.That
came from the city manager's office.He believes the attorney,
Brad Holm, wants to get this done before December 31.To
continue this for two weeks, they would basically get the same
legal answers.He asked Jane if there was a deadline specific,
and for what reason if there was.
Ms. Jane Morris stated the
effort is now to coordinate and participate in six council
meetings.From her understanding, those council meetings are
occurring between as early as tomorrow through the end of
November.She believes most of them are then, but some may fall
into December.The discussion was to finish the calendar year
with this amendment so they could then start the new calendar
year and be significantly away from the audit the auditor said
they should be five years away from, the maturity date which is
2020.
Councilmember Evans commented
it is imperative we keep our position on their board.She
agreed with the rest of the council that it stings that the
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rules changed midgame, but when we think back to how many times
the state has changed the rules on us on funding.Our state
changes what is going to happen and what monies we are going to
have.She asked in long term real estate business, how many
times does the bank change the rules in the middle of the game.
One hates it when it happens, it is terrible, but if the city
expands to the south and closer to the airport, it is imperative
we have a voice on where the flights paths are going to go, what
part of the city is going to actually come closest to that, and,
if possible, have some mega resorts in that area.They do not
like it.They did not agree to spend the money based on it
paying for the roads.They are two entirely different issues.
But without a voice on that Authority and how it is run, our
ability to bring businesses towards us is affected.It is
always a slap when the rules change, but one thing they know for
sure, change happens, like it or not.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO. 14-40, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR
TO EXECUTE THE 2014 PHOENIX -MESA GATEWAY AIRPORT AUTHORITY
AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS AIRPORT AUTHORITY AGREEMENT
AND THE 2014 LOAN CANCELLATION AGREEMENT; AND AUTHORIZING CITY
STAFF TO IMPLEMENT ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO FULFILL THE
AGREEMENT OBLIGATIONS, HOWEVER, I WOULD ALSO LIKE A GUARANTEE
THAT OUR MONETARY OBLIGATIONS WILL NOT INCREASE, BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Waldron
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:6-1 (Councilmember Serdy voted in opposition.)
(Councilmember Serdy commented during the vote he is for the
airport but against this agreement and he does not see how there
is any way they will insure that last addendum that the vice
mayor added because they can change their mind at any time.)
(Vice Mayor Barker commented during the vote that at that point
she would vote to withdraw.)
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(Councilmember Wilson commented during the vote he is not very
comfortable with this at all.Unfortunately he missed last
night and the way he understands it, either way we are losing
this money.It would probably feel better if he were being held
up.)
(Councilmember Rizzi commented during the vote she is actually
going to change her vote and the reason she is going to change
her vote is because either way we are not going to see a return
on the money.So for that reason to continue to have a voice on
the board, yes.)
The motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PROPOSED ANNEXATION CASE AN -1-14, A
CITY -INITIATED ANNEXATION OF A
STRIP OF APPROXIMATELY 50 ACRES OF
VACANT STATE TRUST LAND FOR ELLIOT
ROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY NEAR THE
MERIDIAN DRIVE ALIGNMENT
)Senior Planner Rudy
Esquivias introduced Planning Intern Kevin Koelbel who briefed
the council on the item.
Vice Mayor Barker asked him
to explain his drawing.
Planning Intern Kevin Koelbel
showed and explained the proposed annexation area and the
approximate 50 acres the city is attempting to go after, where
Meridian is, the Meridian alignment and the Elliot alignment.
This will enable the city to connect Elliot Road to make it a
full, through road.
Councilmember Evans commented
where it says Houston Avenue down the Central Arizona Project
Canal will remain a county island.
Planning Intern Kevin Koelbel
stated that is correct.Everything else south of Elliot will be
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Pinal County.The city is only looking at the 50 acres to
connect Elliot Road.
Mayor Insalaco 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.This was a discussion item only.There
being no further discussion, he moved on to the next item.
PROPOSED PINAL COUNTY INDUSTRIAL
USE PERMIT 002-14, A PROPOSED WASTE
MANAGEMENT FACILITY IN AN
UNINCORPORATED AREA OF THE COUNTY )
Assistant City Manager
Bryant Powell briefed the council on the item.
Pinal County Planning Manager
Steve Abraham presented the Pinal County briefing to the council
on the'item.
Mayor Insalaco asked if there
are any other plants like this in Arizona or is this the first
one.
Pinal County Planning Manager
Steve Abraham stated he is unaware of any other facility like
this in Arizona.They deal with wastewater treatment facilities
and some package plants but nothing like this.He continued
with his briefing.
Councilmember Waldron asked
what he is waiting for from Central Arizona Governments.
Pinal County Planning Manager
Steve Abraham stated optimally it would have been a letter
stating this facility needs a 208 amendment.The county has had
a longstanding policy that they get the 208 amendment first and
then go through the zoning process, but the letter has not
arrived as of yet.
Councilmember Wilson asked if
State Land had been contacted and if they are a part of the
•ongoing discussions on this.
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Pinal County Planning Manager
Steve Abraham stated they have been notified twice.He has been
in relatively constant contact with some of the planners.They
have not officially commented on the case but they have
requested the entire file.
Councilmember Wilson
commented that is surrounded by State Land and it is part of the
growth area we are looking at as well.
Pinal County Planning Manager
Steve Abraham stated that is directly to the south.
Councilmember Serdy commented
he said there were none here in Arizona.He asked if there were
any elsewhere in the country.
Pinal County Planning Manager
Steve Abraham stated he did not expand his search beyond the
state boundaries.
Councilmember Serdy commented
he is wondering what it is patterned after.He asked if it is
new technology.
Pinal County Planning Manager
Steve Abraham stated in the applicant's material there appears
to be a marketing scheme to tie in some of the technology.This
may have military applications but he does not know.He
suggested the applicant may be able to talk about where he found
some of that stuff.
Councilmember Serdy asked if
this area is clear of fissures.
Pinal County Planning Manager
Steve Abraham stated it has fissures on it.Significant
portions of the industrial park have fissures running through
them.
Councilmember Serdy asked if
that would never be a problem.
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Pinal County Planning Manager
Steve Abraham stated fissures always present a unique
engineering challenge.He thinks on this site one of the
fissures runs parallel to Desert View and perpendicular to
Guadalupe.It would eliminate some construction opportunities
on that side of the site.It is solvable.They have fissure
issues in San Tan Valley and there are engineering solutions to
those.
Mayor Insalaco called for the
representative from Cooper Family Trust.
Mr. Eddie Cooper, Cooper's
Sewer and Drain, 1256 E. Baseline, Apache Junction, briefed the
council on his project.
Councilmember Evans commented
he stated he picks up here in the East Valley, but according to
their website he serves Tempe, Mesa, Queen Creek and San Tan.
She asked if that is all coming to Apache Junction.
Mr. Eddie Cooper stated it
does right now.
Councilmember Evans asked
where else it would go if it does not come to Apache Junction.
Mr. Eddie Cooper stated right
now there is nowhere else to go.There is a facility at 51st
Avenue and Van Buren in Phoenix.There are actually three
pumping companies that have a facility like this in Phoenix.
One is Triple A Ajax, one is A-1 Restaurant and the other is A-
American over in Glendale.They put in their own facilities for
the same reason.Disposal in their area has diminished right
up.In order to keep the industry viable that is what the
industry has turned to, is the private companies putting in
their own facilities.
Councilmember Evans commented
none of them have the evaporation ponds he is proposing.
Mr. Eddie Cooper stated that
is correct.
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Councilmember Evans commented
their waste all goes into the city sewer.
Mr. Eddie Cooper stated the
water that comes off their facility goes into the city sewer.
Councilmember Evans commented
she understands that that is also an expense as well as building
their own plant.Pending annexation down to Elliot by the city,
he will be surrounded by Mesa and the city.She asked what made
him go that route instead of dumping like the rest of them.New
River, when it shut down in 1996, was the last open evaporation
pit she is aware of, unless there are some elsewhere in the
state.It is kind of like the old way of doing it.
Mr. Eddie Cooper stated this
is considerably different than the old way of doing it.At the
evaporation pit in New River, they dumped the trucks directly
into the evaporation pond.The solids were not removed.
Everything went into that.This facility would take all the
solids out of it and the only thing going into the evaporation
ponds would be the water.
Councilmember Evans commented
there will not be any sludge or any scum, it will all be
completely dissolved before it goes into that.
Mr. Eddie Cooper stated the
process will eliminate the solids.It basically uses a polymer
filter press.It presses the water out to get rid of the
solids.What goes into the pond is basically just water.He
turned the question over to Daniel Elias to answer it better.
Mr. Daniel Elias, JRC Solids,
addressed the council to answer questions on the technical side.
Councilmember Evans asked
about the press.
Mr. Daniel Elias stated he
wanted to give a brief presentation as the time is very short.
He proceeded with his briefing.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 17 OF 41
Mayor Insalaco commented to
be fair to everybody he let him go beyond his time allotted.He
requested the sewer district address the council.
Mr. Darron Anglin, Executive
Director for Superstition Mountains Community Facilities
District No. 1, addressed the council.He gave a presentation
from the district's position on the item.
Mayor Insalaco asked what
they would be irrigating.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated
Cooper's would be using it for landscape irrigation.He
continued with his briefing.
Councilmember Evans commented
there are several problems with the proposed project.The thing
that bothers her the most is the open pit idea.According to
Mr. Cooper, because the other companies are doing the same
thing, using that process for their waste, the remains, instead
of going into the open pit, go into the city sewer.She asked
what would be the reduction in cost to Cooper as well as any
other pumping company that would want to invest to build their
own kind of plant, instead of taking the waste, once they do
their own separation, and pumping it into these open air pits,
or taking that over to the sewage plant.She is sorry, but to
her it is like third world technology.She asked if it would
cost less or cost the same.
Mr. Darron Anglin asked if
she meant if they dumped at their plant or emptied at the plant.
Councilmember Evans commented
it would be what they are going to empty into the open pit.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated
there would be an additional cost for that.They would be
classified, as in the other areas of the valley where they are
located, as an industrial customer.The applicant would have to
make sure they are treating this liquid and putting it back into
the sewer, and it has to meet the sewer facility's requirements.
It would be something they would have to watch.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 18 OF 41
Councilmember Evans asked if
that would be more than 8 cents per gallon.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated he
is not sure it would be more than 8 cents per gallon.He cannot
speak for how much he is planning on to run the facility, but it
would be more than the evaporative lagoon.
Councilmember Evans commented
all of the stuff the callers do are charged the same fee.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated
every single one.
Councilmember Evans asked if
they have always been charged the same fee.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated as
shown from the slides dating to 2000, everyone has been charged
the same fee but the fee does tend to increase with the cost of
inflation every year.They classify the septage as type two.
If it were sewage from a pump station, a sewage pump station
that failed, that would be a different type, or a chemical
toilet, that is also a type three.It is a little stronger on
the BOD, so that is a higher rate.Everyone is charged the 8
cents.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Don O'Toole, owner and
designated broker of Don O'Toole Real Estate, addressed the
council.He deals primarily in commercial and industrial
property.Some comments made were that this industrial area
would create an adverse effect to the community he lives in,
which is Sunland Springs Village.They are on the eastern side
of the industrial village and he objects to this.Most uses in
an industrial area do not absolutely adversely affect a
neighborhood.A use such as this creates a stigma that, when
people come to look at their village, will turn them off.It is
incurable.The facility is a prototype.They have nothing to
compare it to.They would have to tell buyers there will be a
facility there while the other neighborhood they are looking at
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014,
PAGE 19 OF 41
does not have the stigma.He asked where the buyer is going to
live.He asked what kind of affect it will have on their
property values, and more importantly their quality of life.He
would think even those people operating in the industrial
village would find this an adverse situation for them as well,
health -wise or whatever.The ponding proposed has nothing it
can be compared to.There is no way to ascertain what kind of
effect the odor will be.The plant at 23rd Avenue and Durango
was shut down because the neighbors complained about the odor,
and it was blamed on the septage, so they quit allowing it.It
seems to him the plant they are already using that is within one
mile of his facility should be adequate to satisfy the demands
of those that have septic tanks.He empathizes with those
people and they do have to have a way to do them.He does not
think they need to put this use in an area that is neighborhood-
connected.Final County is a large county.They should be able
to put this in an area that does not impact any neighborhoods.
It does not just impact his neighborhood, it impacts Apache
Junction and all the other growth areas they have in mind.Once
this is approved, to try and go back in after the fact and fight
it is extremely difficult to do.He would think Arizona
Department of Environmental Quality would be opposed to this
type of use when they have a facility as close as what they have
got.He strongly encouraged the council to not support this
use.
Mayor Insalaco asked if there
was anyone in the audience that agrees with Mr. O'Toole.He
asked them to raise their hands.
Mr. Craig Ahlstrom, 2233 S.
Spring Wood, Mesa, addressed the council.He is president of
Farnsworth Development Companies, the developers of Sunland
Springs Village and president of the homeowners' association
there.They have 2,200 units, translating to about 4,000
residents.He thanked Mr. Cooper for coming to their
association meeting this morning attended by about 500 people.
He gave a presentation similar to what was heard tonight.They
did not take an actual vote but he bets it would be 500 to none
that they are opposed, adamantly opposed, to this project.It
is a situation where there has got to be other land available
that is out so that when people buy in a certain area they know
what is already out there.This particular type of use is not
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 20 OF 41
compatible with the existing residential area that is there or
the future residential that is planned for the south.The
Superstition Vistas area is going to be a gem of the East
Valley.If this particular plant is placed there, there will be
no gem that will happen.The one thing probably most concerning
to their residents, mentioned earlier, is there is no facility
we can compare this to.Mr. Sharkey, his engineer, and Mr.
Cooper stated earlier today they both felt the odor and so forth
would be limited but there were no guarantees.In this type of
use, there needs to be some guarantees.It is too disastrous to
those that have already invested lifesavings into a beautiful
community and a beautiful place of residence.Mr. O'Toole
voiced most of his other thoughts.He encouraged them to submit
letters of opposition to the county for their hearing on
November 20.
Pinal County Supervisor Todd
House, 5027 E. Hidalgo, Apache Junction, addressed the council.
He stated this issue brings to light a question on what they
should do in the future.There are members on the council that
have septic tanks.He asked how they are going to address this
issue.They need to know how to help the people who live in the
county islands east of the city limits.He commented Mr. Cooper
does a lot of business with that facility.For them to offer a
penny difference and only a two year contract is nonsense.That
is not coming to the table asking to do something.It is
sloughing it off and saying they have to come to them and they
can do what they want.That kind approach needs to be changed
or looked at so there is a constructive conversation about how
they can approach this with a very good open eye and hopefully
fix this issue.They all know it is a wildcat industrial park
down there.There are other issues and other uses down there
that nobody wants.The city and fire district do not want them,
but they are there and have to be dealt with.He hopes they
have a good, open conversation about how they can do this in the
future.He does not like Central Arizona Governments' inability
to come up with a decision.They are the governing board for
this area.They need to make an up or down vote if this is a
208 or not.That would decide it.That would finish it.If it
is a 208, it goes on the 208 process.If it is not a 208, then
it goes a different way.He calls on them to look at this a
little more seriously because there are obviously a lot of
people involved, a lot of groups involved, and they want to hear
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 21 OF 41
everybody's point of view.There are residents here from
Maricopa County that have let him know how unhappy they are with
this and he has listened to their views.The question is
Central Arizona Governments is the authority in this area and
they need to make a ruling on the 208.Hopefully they can make
that decision soon because Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality will not make a decision until Central Arizona
Governments makes a decision.They are putting everybody in a
hard spot.He is not a proponent for either side; he is just
listening to all the facts.The issues are this:they need to
figure out what they are going to do with septics; get Central
Arizona Governments to approve or disapprove the 208; and have
Superstition Mountains Community Facilities District come
forward with an honest and real agreement for all the septic
people in the area to address the issues and their future needs.
Mr. Patrick Jones, Sunland
Springs Village, addressed the council.The supervisor
commented the existing facility should work a better deal.
Offering a penny off of 8 cents per gallon was not realistic.
That amounts to about 12%, which is a fairly decent discount.
He does not believe that holds any merit.He also mentioned
there are a number of operations going on in the wildcat
industrial park they do not like.It almost seems like they can
just add one more to the mix and make it worse than it currently
is.He does not agree with that.We all hope that when a new
business comes into town it provides a positive impact for the
community and residents.This facility has zero positive impact
to the residents that are immediately west of it and any
residential coming in south of it.It is a complete negative.
They are being told by the developer that the open ponds will be
just fine and wonderful.It almost looks like they are asking
the residents to trust them, that maybe everything will be okay.
Once that facility goes in, and whenever someone asks to trust
him, that is when you should not.Once it is in, it is there.
He urged the council to vote no on this project.
Mayor Insalaco commented that
this item is not a vote for them tonight.They have a dog in
the fight but no vote as it is outside the city.Whoever spoke
tonight or has a concern, he asked them to attend or get in
contact with the county supervisor, the people in Maricopa
County, or in Sunland Springs, get in touch with your
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 22 OF 41
representatives, your state representatives and council members,
so that it all can help.
Councilmember Waldron
commented they are going to consider direction to staff on this
under item number 12.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated a couple of items down they will have a related item
where they can express their opinion on this.
Mayor Insalaco called for any
more speakers for the public hearing.There were no none.
Councilmember Evans asked to
speak to Darron Anglin again.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated the
discount was not one penny, it was a 20% discount.The terms
were negotiable, but there was no negotiation made.He was not
interested, period.He wanted them to reduce half of their
costs.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
was offered 20%.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated they
were offered 20%, they could not do a 50% discount at this time.
It would not be fair to everyone else.
he had closed the public hearing.
stated he had not.
Councilmember Evans asked if
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
Mayor Insalaco stated he had
not but she could ask Darron a question.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated she can as it is a different type of public hearing and
they are not voting on anything.They can bring up Mr. Anglin.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 23 OF 41
If they have questions for the other participants they can ask
them if they want to.
Councilmember Evans commented
septage is a small part of the sewer district.She asked how
many haulers actually come into the sewer district.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated he
does not have an exact count but in a typical week there are at
least a half dozen companies that come through.
Councilmember Evans asked if
they were different trucks from the same company.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated they
are different companies.
Councilmember Evans commented
they are actually different companies.She asked if any of them
had complained of the fees.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated not
to himself.They have never complained to him.Sometimes they
believe they are pumping something that should be type 1 versus
type 2.They get that sometimes, but he has not received that
complaint recently.
Councilmember Evans commented
there is now an immediate urgency that they are all of a sudden
going to stop taking this.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated they
have no plans to do that.They have been doing it since they
opened.It has been almost 20 years now.They are investing
almost one -quarter million dollars in it right now to make
improvements to the septic station to make it better.They have
no plans of taking it away.They do realize it was designed
into the plant when it was built because it serves a need for
this community.If they created this new facility, it would not
make anyone pump their septic any more or less.They do not
pump their septic because it costs money.It is underground,
out of sight and out of mind.Creating their own facility, even
if the sewer district did a real big adjustment, they would pass
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 24 OF 41
on to each customer a savings of roughly $20 to $25.They would
incur it every 3 to 5 years at best.He does not think that is
really substantiated.
Councilmember Evans commented
she recently moved out of her home where she was on septic.She
had it pumped once in 9 years.She knows that is not
recommended but it was under $300.It is a nothing cost.She
knows whenever it is done that way it creates more problems in
the sewer district.But no matter what comes in or how it comes
in, it is the same fee.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated a
septic hauler pumps it, brings it in, and it is the same fee of
8 cents per gallon.They do encourage people to use the sewer,
they are there to serve the citizens.If they cannot connect
them they are there to take their septage if they need to get
their system pumped.
Councilmember Evans asked if
the city has ever involved itself before this incident on what
fees are charged, what is reasonable and what is not reasonable.
Mr. Darron Anglin stated not
to his recollection.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they are in a public hearing.If they want they can ask
people to come forward, it is their discretion.But it is a
little different than the typical public hearing and they are
altering what they normally do.
Mr. Don O'Toole asked if the
other companies that are using the facility are questioning or
complaining about the cost.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
already said no.He added he would take one more.
Mr. Eddie Cooper stated he
wanted to address the remark that was just made that he has been
offered a 20% or a 5% discount.The actual meeting he had with
Darron in his office was if he went to the board, and the board
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 25 OF 41
was to offer a volume discount to the pumpers, would he be
interested in assuring him or the board he would deliver all of
the septic he has if they developed some type of a program.He
was never given a percentage, a dollar, a penny, a nothing
figure.He told Darron at this point in time he did not think
it was something he wanted to visit.He is looking out for not
only the citizens on septic systems for just his pumping
company, but for the whole industry of septic pumping in the
East Valley.He wanted to clarify the myth there has been some
type of arbitration or proposals for discounts.There has not
been an open dialogue for that.
Councilmember Evans asked if
he was interested in that.
Mr. Eddie Cooper stated it
depends on what the ruling is as to whether or not they can put
this facility in.The dialogue he had with the sewer district
was they cannot offer me the price that he can process the
liquid for.They certainly would be losing money so it would be
foolish to even offer that.They are in the business of making
a profit and they would not be able to match what that is.If
he can put this facility in, it gives him stability in pricing
as well as making sure there is a disposal site.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing and reopened the item to council discussion.
There being no further discussion he closed the item and called
for a ten-minute break.
Mayor Insalaco reconvened the
meeting.
SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR
THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE
EAST VALLEY -APACHE JUNCTION BRANCH
FOR NOVEMBER 16, 2014
)Mr. Tim Sicocan, executive
director of the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley - Apache
Junction Branch, stated this event is to benefit the Boys and
Girls Club.It is a concert on November 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.
They will sell water and the proceeds for the event will go
directly back to the programs and services they offer.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 26 OF 41
Councilmember Waldron asked
why the Boys and Girls Club is having a fundraiser at a bar.
Mr. Tim Sicocan stated they
have several partners; some are board members.They had a 50/50
raffle at Fillies' last Sunday and two of the board members
raised quite a substantial amount of money.Any time there is
support, whether that is a coffee shop or anyone that wants to
help in the use of their facility, if they are all consenting
adults, it could be fun for programs and services for our youth.
Councilmember Waldron asked
what they anticipate to raise in two hours.
Mr. Tim Sicocan stated with
the water sales, a 50/50 and proceeds for all sales that night,
he is projecting $2,000.
in two hours.
Councilmember Waldron asked
Mr. Tim Sicocan stated yes.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
the letter states it is only 10% of their sales.One hundred
percent of water sales but only 10% of the food and beverage.
Mr. Tim Sicocan stated that
may be amended.He commented Zia might be able to help him out
on that.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
that is a pretty tall amount.
Mr. Tim Sicocan stated that
can be amended.It can still be 20%.He will not know what the
full sales are.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
it is 10%.
Zia Muhamed commented it
could be done and the 50/50 sales are included.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 27 OF 41
Councilmember Evans asked if
they are going to be selling bottles of water in the restaurant.
Mr. Tim Sicocan stated
outside in the venue.There will be a separate booth outside in
the concert area.
Councilmember Evans asked
where the concert area is compared to the bull ring.She asked
if this is on the back patio and has everything been completed.
Mr. Tim Sicocan stated as far
as being completed, he would have to ask what they might want to
know is completed.
Councilmember Evans commented
that question was not really for him.It is for Rudy or city
staff.She wanted to know if everything has been approved to
have an event on the outside.She does not know where they
stand on the development agreement.
Mayor Insalaco commented they
need to let the city clerk give her briefing.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the city clerk is correct.The law did change and it is
really for a raffle.It is supposed to be a 501C3 charitable
organization.There are some exceptions but it does not include
a business.One more item, something came up the other day
involving some kind of false front or western town.There was
an issue whether this was some kind of unpermitted structure.
He is not sure if Rudy or Larry has the answer to that.He does
not see the building official here so he does not know if it has
been resolved.
Development Services Director
Larry Kirch stated they did hear of a concern.They went over
there today with the building official and the building
inspector.Building Official Dennis Dixon has ordered the
stairs that were built onto an upper level of this store or
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 28 OF 41
façade to be removed by tomorrow.His understanding is they
spoke to the owner of the property and that was to happen
tomorrow.They had a meeting today with economic development
staff and some city clerk staff regarding some other issues that
may need zoning approvals or conditional use permit approvals.
How they relate to the use of this for a charitable event he
does not know, but they are certainly working with the property
owner to bring the property into compliance.There is some
horse stable activity going on there where you can rent a horse
and go out into the country.That may need a special use permit
and certainly a business license for the operator.That is why
they had the city clerk's office involved today.There is an
issue on an adjacent piece of property where the western façade
storefront apparatus just appeared.He does not know how that
relates to this event.He does not have all the answers yet but
they did order the stairs that go to the second floor down.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
Dennis Dixon noted on October 7 that attendees are not to enter
or exit through the Hitching Post.She asked if that is still
part of this.
Development Services Director
Larry Kirch stated he would have to check with Dennis.He
apologized for not seeing that email.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
it would be pretty important to these folks to know the answer
to that and if it is still a concern.She asked if the
applicant is in possession of the recommendations from the
police department.
they are following them.
Zia Muhamed stated they are.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if
Zia Muhamed stated they are.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
they have no more than 300 tickets to be sold.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 29 OF 41
Zia Muhamed stated they do.
They will also have officers; he has talked to them already.He
added the stairs came down today.
Councilmember Waldron
commented he said they would have police officers there.
Zia Muhamed stated they would
have two police officers.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
that was a suggestion the police department made.
Councilmember Rizzi asked the
city attorney to clarify the issue in this instance with this
nonprofit having a 50/50 raffle at this establishment and why.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he does not have a copy of the law here but it basically
states to do a raffle there has to be a 50103 charitable
organization that does it.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
the letter specifically states the Hitching Post will do it.
That is what the question was.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it has to be bifurcated.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
it has to be the Boys and Girls Club doing it.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated who runs it, who operates it; that is all laid out in the
statute.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated she would like to expand on Joel's explanation.Her
recollection in that statute is not only does it have to be a
5010 organization, but they have to have been in existence in
the State of Arizona for a specific amount of time.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 30 OF 41
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it is five years.Otherwise it is considered illegal
gambling.
Mayor Insalaco 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 Barker commented
it would be extremely beneficial for the Boys and Girls Club to
clarify what their profit margin is since he was under the
impression he was getting a lot more off of sales than the
letter in our packet states.And the 50/50 needs to be reworded
so they are the folks that are doing it, not the Hitching Post.
Assistant to the City Manager
Matt Busby stated he got a message from Constance Halonen
earlier, who leads up the event process for community members
who wish to put on events.She stated the event was approved at
staff level, with the condition that if the liquor license was
not approved the event could still happen but liquor could not
be served in the event area.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated that is the law.
Assistant to the City Manager
Matt Busby stated she just wanted to make sure it was brought
up.She would have brought it up if she had been here but she
had car troubles and could not make it.
Councilmember Wilson asked if
the liquor being served will be in the restaurant area and not
in the area where the activity will take place.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated she would call their attention to the diagram that was
provided.They might want to ask the applicant that.
Mayor Insalaco requested the
applicant address the question.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 31 OF 41
Zia Muhamed stated if the
application is approved it will be served in the area where the
concert will be.
Mayor Insalaco commented it
will be in the event area.
Zia Muhamed stated that is
correct.
Councilmember Wilson
commented that is an extension of area.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated if this is a special event for that specific area for
that one day it becomes a temporary extension of premises.It
is called something different by the state.
Councilmember Evans asked if
it is going to be on the patio in the back.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if it
is going to be where the bull riding is.
Councilmember Evans commented
she is confused by the diagram.
Vice Mayor Barker agreed.
There was general discussion
on the diagram.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
it is where the building with the facade is.
Councilmember Wilson
commented that is correct.
Councilmember Evans commented
that is a separate parcel from where the development agreement
was.It is not a part of the original development agreement.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated that is correct.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 32 OF 41
it is a fenced, open area.
fenced.
with no seating.
seating.
Councilmember Evans commented
Zia Muhamed stated it is
Councilmember Evans commented
Zia Muhamed stated no
Councilmember Evans stated
they will be standing around milling.She asked where the stage
is located.
Zia Muhamed pointed on the
diagram to the area the stage should be close to.
Councilmember Evans commented
according to this diagram, the stage is alongside Cortez where
the houses are.
Zia Muhamed stated no, it is
on the other side.It is right behind Superstition.
Councilmember Evans asked if
where the letter N is goes all the way to Cortez.
Zia Muhamed stated that is
correct.
Councilmember Evans commented
it does.The houses are on the other side of Cortez.
Zia Muhamed stated that is
correct.
Councilmember Evans commented
the city does not have any agreement or any information on this
new cleared area.She asked if this is okay as she has never
had this before.She asked if the city has ever had an event
happen like this on a parcel that is new to the city.It is not
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 33 OF 41
a part of the development agreement.It is a new parcel.She
assumes it still has a different parcel number than the Hitching
Post.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it is Zia they have been talking to, not Mo.He asked
for his full name.
Zia Muhamed stated Muhamed
Zia.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked if they have bought this extra piece.
Zia Muhamed stated they have.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked if it is directly east of the Hitching Post property.
Zia Muhamed stated it is.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked how many acres it is.
Zia Muhamed stated it is a
total of 9 acres.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked if all of the event will be off to the left on the
drawing.
Zia Muhamed stated that is
correct.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked if that is where all of it will be.
Zia Muhamed stated that is
correct.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated Cortez Road is where the dots are.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 34 OF 41
Zia Muhamed stated that is
correct.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the requirement is they have a site plan, they show you
where things will happen, and that is all they have to do.If
it is zoned, that is a Larry question but he believes it is.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated Rudy answered that in one of his emails.
Vice Mayor Barker agreed.
Councilmember Evans commented
they have a limit of 300 people.She asked if they will have
Port -a -Johns and things.
Zia Muhamed stated they will.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if
the attendees cannot enter or exit through the Hitching Post.
It is in an email from Dennis Dixon on October 7.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated he thinks the issue here is there was a question about
selling 300 tickets.That means everybody who will be in the
restaurant and everybody who will be attending the concert will
be 300 total or will there be 300 people in the event area and
there might be other folks in the restaurant and if there would
be any pass through, potentially creating the situation where
they would have more than 300 persons in the event area.He
thinks that is what Dennis was getting at.What he heard back
was for that day, for that event, it will be ticket holders
only.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
she sees where he is coming from.It confused her mightily.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE BOYS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 35 OF 41
AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE EAST VALLEY - APACHE JUNCTION BRANCH, FOR
NOVEMBER 16, 2014, SUBMITTED BY TIM SICOCAN, BE RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL.
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ANNEXATION CASE AN -2-
14, A REQUEST BY MESA DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION AND JBW INVESTMENTS
LLC, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF TOMAHAWK AND US 60
)Senior Planner Rudy
Esquivias briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Insalaco commented
everything currently there will be basically gone.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated he is rezoning and plans to tear down all the old
structures that are there and create a commercial opportunity
area.Mr. Wharton has been speaking to a hotel and Janine is in
communication with him about some other possible businesses that
might be interested in the property.
Mayor Insalaco asked how many
acres there are.
Vice Mayor Barker asked how
many people are living there.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated there is about a dozen apartments there.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if
they are occupied.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 36 OF 41
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the apartments are occupied but the houses are not.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
he is planning on kicking them out and razing the property.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated as leases run out and development is proposed, those
folks would be eased out.
Councilmember Evans commented
they could lease month to month.
Mayor Insalaco requested the
applicant address the council.The applicant did not respond.
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
this is one place she does not mind annexing.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion.This was a public hearing only with no action and
he moved on to the next item.
OLD BUSINESS
APPOINTMENT OF POLICE
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY
PERSONNEL RETIREMENT BOARD
City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Insalaco called for a
motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT CARL HALPERIN BE APPOINTED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL
RETIREMENT BOARD IN A POLICE REPRESENTATIVE POSITION FOR A TERM
TO EXPIRE OCTOBER 31, 2018.
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NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 37 OF 41
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
DIRECTION TO STAFF
PROPOSED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
FACILITY ADJACENT TO THE CITY IN
UNINCORPORATED PINAL COUNTY
)Assistant City Manager
Bryant Powell briefed the council on the item.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
gave an additional briefing on the item.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
thinks it should be a resolution that goes to the county.
Councilmember Waldron asked
what the date of the letter is that went to the county.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated it is July 7, along with supporting material from Mr.
Anglin and Mr. Blanco.If so directed, they can perhaps come up
with some reasons for whatever recommendation they want to make,
whether for approval or denial.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
she thinks that Mr. House brought up a very good point; that we
do need to have a conversation about those folks that are still
on septage and how we can help take care of those folks.
Councilmember Evans asked if
she was referring to the need for assistance in pumping.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 38 OF 41
Vice Mayor Barker commented
she is referring to the fact that from what she has heard it
would appear the city council is looking to send a resolution
that may be in a negative context as far as this particular
proposal is concerned.We do still have people within the city
limits that are on septage who are a little bit concerned.She
thinks it is worth a conversation.
Councilmembers Evans and
Rizzi agreed.
Councilmember Waldron
commented he did not quite follow that.There was no mention
that service would be discontinued.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
that is true, but there was no mention that Superstition
Mountains Facilities District would discontinue theirs either
but it appears Mr. Cooper decided that probably was the case.
She is just looking at the possibility.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion and called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING THE
PROPOSED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY ADJACENT TO THE CITY IN
UNINCORPORATED PINAL COUNTY:THAT STAFF RESEARCH AND FIND OUT
THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY UNDER THE DMA; THAT STAFF CALL CENTRAL
ARIZONA GOVERNMENTS AND GET A DETERMINATION ON THE 208 OR AT
LEAST LET US GET IT ON THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT CENTRAL ARIZONA
GOVERNMENTS MEETING; AND THAT STAFF DRAFT A RESOLUTION IN
OPPOSITION TO THE JRC PROPOSAL OUTLINING THE POINTS IN OUR
LETTER TO THE PINAL COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING DATED JULY 7,
2014, WITH THE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.
Vice Mayor Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
asked if they want the resolution back on the next agenda.
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NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 39 OF 41
Mayor Insalaco commented that
is correct.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:45 P.M. AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00
P.M. BE HELD ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2014, IN THE CITY COUNCIL
CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY; AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:45 P.M. BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 18, 2014, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
Councilmember Rizzi SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC:
None.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Insalaco adjourned
the meeting at 9:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1. Acceptance of Agenda.
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 21, 2014.
3. Consideration of approval of Resolution No. 14-40,
authorizing the mayor to execute the 2014 Phoenix -Mesa
Gateway Airport Authority Amended and Restated Joint Powers
Airport Authority Agreement and the 2014 Loan Cancellation
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NOVEMBER 4, 2014
PAGE 40 OF 41
Agreement, and authorizing city staff to implement all
necessary actions to fulfill the agreement obligations.
ACCEPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 18TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2014.
ATTEST:
VKATHLEEN CONNELLY
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 4th
day of November, 2014.I further certify that the meeting was
duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 12th day of November, 2014.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
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NOVEMBER 4, 2014
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