HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-02 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 2, 2014
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on December 2, 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
Councilmember Wilson 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
Public Works Director Giao Pham
Development Services Director Larry
Kirch
Assistant to the City Manager Matt
Busby
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 1 OF 20
Others Present:Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Principal Economic Development
Specialist Janine Solley
Public Information and Marketing
Communications Specialist
Constance Halonen-Wilson
Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Barker MOVED
THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE LEGAL ADVERTISING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND THE ARIZIONA REPUBLIC
FOR THE ONE YEAR PERIOD COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 2015 THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 2015, FOR THE RATES OF 33 CENTS PER LINE PER DAY IN
THE MESA REPUBLIC AND 80 CENTS PER LINE PER DAY FOR THE ARIZONA
REPUBLIC; AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN
THE AGREEMENT; AND
THAT WE ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES COMMSSION AS OUTLINED IN THE MEMO FROM THE CITY CLERK
DATED NOVEMBER 3, 2014, WHICH INCLUDES NOTIFICATION OF BOARD
MEMBERS OF THE RESPECTIVE HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES SHOULD THERE
BE CONTRACT PERFORMANCE ISSUES AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015
BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND THE APACHE JUNCTION
REACH OUT FOOD BANK IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,000; THE BOYS AND GIRLS
CLUB OF THE EAST VALLEY -APACHE JUNCTION BRANCH IN THE AMOUNT OF
$20,000; COMMUNITY ALLIANCE AGAINST FAMILY ABUSE IN THE AMOUNT
OF $18,000; AND EAST VALLEY ADULT RESOURCES FOR THE APACHE
JUNCTION SENIOR CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000; FOR A TOTAL
AMOUNT OF $100,000; AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE
MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENTS.
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 2 OF 20
None.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
Councilmember Wilson thanked the parks and recreation department
for their assistance at the Little Buckaroos event on November
22.They had over 72 kids show up, the largest they have had.
He thanked the sponsors.
Councilmember Wilson announced the Holiday Light Parade will be
held at night on Saturday, December 5, with a winter walk-a-
thon, different vendors and merchants, and snow available for
the kids to play in during the day.
Councilmember Rizzi announced the police department is hosting a
crime -free multi -housing training event on December 10 at the
parks and recreation conference room from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Councilmember Evans thanked everyone for participating at the
Santa Paws and Claws last Saturday.She thanked the volunteers
who assisted at the event.
Councilmember Evans announced this Saturday they will have the
second farmers' market and bazaar at Earth Heart Park in the
morning.
Councilmember Evans announced the Kit and Kaboodle free donation
center for the residents is in desperate need for men's
clothing, blankets, young boys' clothing, sleeping bags, towels
and men's underwear.She provided the drop points.
Councilmember Waldron announced he, Bryant, Matt and the mayor
toured the Antinov-124, a privately -owned Russian cargo plane.
They had unfettered access to it.Gateway is the only airport
in Arizona where they can land and offload their cargo.
Mayor Insalaco commented the interpreter stated the most
expensive part of the plane was the deck which is 4 inches thick
of titanium.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 3 OF 20
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell thanked Chrystal Sawyer
from parks and recreation for coordinating Little Buckaroos, the
Paws and Claws staff for the Santa weekend, and he welcomed
Larry Johnson from the chamber for an update on the Festival of
the Superstitions.
Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Larry
Johnson gave a brief presentation on the Festival of the
Superstitions event.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ACQUISITION OF CONTROL OF THE
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR FOOD CITY #115 )
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Insalaco requested the
applicant address the council.There was no applicant 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 Waldron MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR AN ACQUISITION OF CONTROL FOR THE
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR FOOD CITY #115, SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL JOSEPH
BASHA, BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF
LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Rizzi SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 1410, CASE
PZ-5-14, FOR APPROVAL OF A
REZONING OF A 0.67 ACRE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 1407 S. MERIDIAN
)Senior Planner Rudy
Esquivias briefed the council on the item.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 4 OF 20
Mayor Insalaco requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr. Hector Martinez, 1407 S.
Meridian, Apache Junction, addressed the council.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
plans on making it nicer.
Mr. Hector Martinez stated
that is correct.
Mayor Insalaco asked if he
was happy with everything planning did for him.
Mr. Hector Martinez stated he
plans on making it nicer.
that is correct.
was.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to
speak, he closed the public hearing and called for council
discussion.There being no further discussion, he called for a
motion.
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO. 1410 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE
ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Waldron
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
read the ordinance by title only.
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO. 1410, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED AND
ADOPTED.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 5 OF 20
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED LAND EXCHANGE AGREEMENT
FOR PROJECT NO. ED -14-1, AN
EXCHANGE OF CITY -OWNED LAND IN
DOWNTOWN APACHE JUNCTION FOR
PRIVATE LAND ALSO LOCATED IN
DOWNTOWN APACHE JUNCTION
)Principal Economic
Development Specialist Janine Solley briefed the council on the
item.
Mayor Insalaco requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr. Herbert Madan addressed
the council for any questions.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
would like to applaud him and city staff for getting this done.
It is big for our city and he is glad they were able to work
something out with staff to get this done for their benefit and
for the city.He thanked him very much for that.He then
opened the public hearing on the item.
Mr. Tim Martens, Gammage &
Burnham, representing WGG partners, addressed the council.He
wanted to thank the city attorney and his staff and all the
other city representatives who worked hard on making this
project happen.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened
the item to council discussion.There being no further
discussion, he called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO THE LAND EXCHANGE AGREEMENT FOR PROJECT NO.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 6 OF 20
ED -14-1 BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND WGG PARTNERS,
LLC, FOR AN EXCHANGE OF CITY -OWNED LAND LOCATED AT 112 E. 2ND
AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN APACHE JUNCTION FOR PRIVATE LAND LOCATED AT
180 NORTH APACHE TRAIL AND 184 NORTH APACHE TRAIL, ALSO LOCATED
IN DOWNTOWN APACHE JUNCTION; AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR
THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT PENDING FINAL APPROVAL AS TO
FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
Councilmember Rizzi SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 1406,
IMPLEMENTING AN ADDITIONAL .2%
SALES TAX DEDICATED TO FUNDING
ROADWAY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
AND SCHEDULED TO SUNSET IN 10
YEARS
)Mayor Insalaco commented
staff has really worked hard to get this done.It is a relief
to have this done.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell briefed the council on the item.
Councilmember Wilson
commented he would like to make a statement concerning a recent
article that appeared in the newspaper on the sales tax
increase.Over the past 6 years Apache Trail has been
deteriorating in condition.The road has been put on hold and
is in need for repairs to make it last another 20 years.It is
in desperate need to do this periodic maintenance that is
required.The Highway Users Fund, the HURF fund, is a state-
collected fund from all of us for the past 6 years through the
state -regulated fuel tax and the additional tax placed on
registration of our vehicles.The system of collecting funds
for the upkeep, maintenance and improvement of roadways
throughout the state was established by state legislators back
in 1974.They wanted to ensure that an even tax was placed on
all fuel all over the state and they also wanted to ensure that
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 7 OF 20
the large communities did not have an unfair advantage over the
rural areas of the state.They also did not want local
governments to impose an additional tax on fuel.They
established a procedure to equally distribute these funds
according to population so no matter where you live in the state
it is the same amount being used and redistributed for the
roads.This has worked fine until 2001 when our state
legislators started sweeping the funds to run state government.
In Fiscal Year 2013-2014 and 2012-2013 $127 million was taken
and, of course, again in 2011-2012 fiscal year they took over
$226 million.Since 2001 it has been over $1.7 billion that
they have otherwise distributed to run their local government.
The City of Apache Junction has continued to receive some of
these funds but in a greatly reduced amount.According to the
paper, the city has estimated the shortchange is close to $4
million to maybe over $7 million since 2007.This is more than
enough that would have paid for the improvements on the Trail.
Mayor Insalaco commented that
is the Trail and other roads also, not just the Trail.
Councilmember Wilson
commented that is correct.The idea that if the city proposes a
.2 percent tax increase the consumer will go to another area to
purchase their fuel to save this increase is incorrect.The tax
is set by state legislators, it is the same no matter where you
purchase your fuel.It is currently 18 cents per gallon and the
last time the fuel tax was increased was in 1990.That is part
of the problem on what Bryant just brought up.It goes to the
Highway User Funds and from there it is distributed directly,
according to the state legislation.Also, the reverse is true.
If you buy all your fuel in Apache Junction, it does not go
directly to Apache Junction on their roads.The funds that have
been diverted and run the general fund of the state have far
exceeded the amount of funds needed to make the improvements of
the roads in Apache Junction.In 2007 we had over $4 million in
our HURF revenue with a reserve of $3.9 million to rebuild, make
improvements, perform emergency repairs to our city roads and
roadways.This fund has been nearly used up by not only
performing normal road maintenance but road repairs and being
used in emergency road repairs.An example, two years ago, we
had to perform a major repair on Southern Avenue when the road
was washed out and it cost us over $192,000 to make that repair.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 8 OF 20
Today we have just a little over $3 million in HURF funds that
are coming in and we estimate by the end of this fiscal year we
will have $1.5 million as an emergency reserve.The past few
years we have had several roads that were in need of major
repairs during our monsoon season.Every year we have to
perform road repair and road maintenance.The number of miles
we cover has been greatly reduced because of the lack of HURF
funds.An example of some of the road improvements are in 2010
we spent $1.175 million on road improvements for Ironwood.We
also partnered with the federal government and that value was a
little over $3 million for what we got out of that.We also
made in-house improvements on Cedar, Warner, and Lawson for
$254,000.In 2011 we improved Winchester, 29th Avenue, Royal
Palm subdivision, Plaza and Saguaro for $548,000.2012 was our
lowest year.We did Superstition Estate subdivision, the
reconstruction of their roads for $157,000.Last year, in 2013,
we spent $1.69 million for road improvements on Grand, Ocotillo,
Main, Superstition Villa subdivision, Apache Villa subdivision
and 16th Avenue.To say the city should have a slush fund to
finance all these roads, he needs to ask where these funds will
be coming from.Above all, what would you save if we had a cash
reserve sitting there?As you can see, slush funds are coming
from the fuel tax revenue that is currently being used to run
the state government.During the time frame the city has
reduced its size and has taken a huge reduction in the budget
each year.The city is mandated by law to live within its
means, and the city has done that each and every year and will
continue to do that.Apache Junction has one of the lowest debt
for a city of its size and has been very diligent with its city
funds.I, for one, know that this tax we are looking at
imposing is a double tax.I admit it is unfair.First we pay
our gasoline tax and our licensing fees and the state acquires
the money and distributes it the way they want to do it, and
they are using it to operate DPS.We now are asking you to pay
an additional amount to make the same improvements to our roads
inside the city that these funds are supposed to be used for.
We, in Apache Junction, are not the only city facing these
problems.Other cities have increased or imposed a real estate
tax for road improvement and upkeep, while others have increased
sales tax.Some have decided to put a tax on improvements in
the area of real estate for where the roads are running through.
Mesa has done the real estate tax in these areas and Flagstaff
is currently looking at the sales tax for their roads.Our need
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 9 OF 20
is now and delaying will only make it a more additional cost.I
do wish we did not need to look at the additional sales tax, but
I do not see we can get these funds any other way.I would like
to pass a law that would make the state honor their agreement;
that they would have to live within their means like the cities
are imposed to do.And also, this goes with the ability for pay
for education in schools.They currently were sued by the
school systems and they are now going to be awarded their funds.
But in talking to our legislators, as well as looking at other
documents coming out from them, they are looking to possibly
sweep even more funds because they do not have the funds to pay
for education.They are looking very hard for this money.If
someone could come up with a way that we could get these needed
funds he would greatly appreciate it.I understand the need and
understand the shortfall.But I do not know a way to come up
with these needed funds.Before we pass this request or look at
this request, I would ask that every year we bring back a report
to the city council on how much money was brought in, how much
was expended on the roads and where we are currently standing.
This way we can keep up to date on the improvements and how it
is being spent.I would also like to insist that the Apache
Trail on the western side close to Meridian be looked at very
hard for the water flow problems in that area.This has
affected several businesses and it will cost considerably.We
need to work with businesses in this area to ensure drainage
problems are properly taken care of.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
he said it all.
Councilmember Waldron
commented during the last election cycle he cannot tell everyone
the number of candidates, legislators and governor's candidates
he talked to and they all said they were opposed to sweeping the
HURF funds.But it is pretty well known that if they are going
to sweep it again this year then they will continue to sweep for
several years to come because the state does not have any money.
We will continue working with them and try to get the
restoration to some.Even if it is restored it will still not
be back to the level it was before simply because there are
hybrid cars and a number of factors.What is important is they
will continue to work to get the legislature to stop this
practice so we can get the money over to us.He agreed with
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 10 OF 20
Chip.He thinks it was very well said that nobody likes this
but when we presented this at the various public meetings, the
sales tax option was the one that was most favored by everybody
as opposed to a property tax.As representatives of the people,
they have brought that message back.He thinks, as a
representative of the government, they need to represent the
views of the public.He does not like to do it, but they have
to do something before this all falls apart.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
she thinks it is very important that they, as a council, and
staff make finding a permanent revenue source a priority.The
quicker we can find a permanent revenue source, if they can
figure out what that is going to be, the better.HURF is going
to go down.They all know that.Even if they were to magically
tell the cities they can have all the money that was collected
and then distribute it, it will gradually decrease.They need
to make the number one priority that we find a permanent revenue
source dedicated to roads.Whatever it might be and she does
not know what that is.This is a temporary measure only.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Luciano Buzzin, 3355 S.
Cortez #35, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated
he had six proposals.First of all, instead of a .2% increase
it should be .4% and have a moratorium from February 2015 to
February 2017.Secondly, in 2016 give the people of Apache
Junction the opportunity to vote to decide to have a sales tax
or a property tax based on their assessment from Pinal County.
Thirdly, have a business moratorium for five years to not pay
property taxes for an existing or new business, because in
Apache Junction we need new businesses.We do not need
businesses to go away.Fourth, to eliminate sales taxes if the
property tax is passed.Fifth, the property taxes would be 40%
to 60% based on Pinal County's assessment.Sixth, start
collecting property taxes in 2017 with the first payment being
50% in February 2017 and the second payment being 50% in July
2017 or they can do a single payment of 100% with a 10% discount
in March 2017.These taxes will be collected yearly.He feels
this should be implemented for the future growth of Apache
Junction.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 11 OF 20
Mr. Wayne Standage, 1920 E.
20th Avenue, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated
he would love to live in a city where they did not have to pay
taxes, but it is not possible if they want to improve the
community.They are faced with the chicken or the egg; which
one would come first.They must improve the infrastructure to
get businesses to want to come here.It will take some doing to
at least get the infrastructure improved.They have been
working on it.Chip mentioned a lot of good stuff that is going
on.Citizens should realize that the majority of our sales tax
goes to the state and the county.What they do give back we
have to wait to receive.There is always the skimming of the
cream that takes place.Centralizing the collection does not
work.They will have to take care of themselves.He and his
wife see no problem with .2%.They also make sure that they
shop here in Apache Junction for as many things as they possibly
can so they contribute to the community to improve the roads and
schools and help the community be viable and an enjoyable place
to live.The issue to him is not discussing if they do a bond
or sales tax, they do not have a choice.The roads have
degraded so much, especially the Trail, they have to do
something now.The sales tax is the only option to accomplish
that.He likes the 10 year time frame.The city has already
shown that when they have increased the sales tax for a special
issue, when the time came, it was done and the sales tax went
down.They have shown good honor and faith in complying with
what the people want and he requested they pass this measure.
Mr. Mohamed Ziaullah
addressed the council.He stated he does not like the idea of
raising taxes because people will go to Mesa to do their
shopping.They will go elsewhere to do their regular shopping.
He asked how many cities are raising taxes.About 15 years ago
Tolleson had broken roads and they gave businesses incentives to
come over and build businesses there.Now they have more
warehouses, businesses and everything else.He requested they
vote against the measure.
Mr. James Hutcheson, 655 S.
Conestoga, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated he
had lived here for 30 years.He asked why give the city the
money so the people working there can waste it.There is gross
incompetence in city management.He has been dealing with it
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 12 OF 20
and is sick of it.If they raise the sales tax they will chase
people out, especially the snowbirds.They will go over the
county line to save two cents.The road crews put their time
in, he has seen them at work.It is time to change it and
taxing it is not the way to do it.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened
the item to council discussion.
Councilmember Serdy commented
at this late time he will not be able to change any minds up
here.He was disappointed with the process they had, appearing
us against them.He would not like to see other council members
be the them or the residents.We should all be the us.Some of
the bullying that took place was very ugly and he would not like
to see that.If someone has different ideas they were just
exploring.Gail has some ideas on taxes that are not being
collected that could and could solve a lot of this.There are
ways they could come up with a couple hundred thousand here and
there and come up with the money.He thinks if they go at this
rate, hurting the mom and pops, they will disappear.They will
be left with only chain stores, which is good, there is nothing
wrong with that, but the mom and pops give us personality and
make us our community.In the meantime he would like to see
them reach out to Doug Ducey and see if there is anything he can
do.He asked if they had contacted him, although he has not
been sworn in yet.He hopes they can work as close as they can
with him.
Councilmember Waldron
commented he did talk to Doug Ducey during his campaign and he
is opposed to the sweeping of HURF funds, but there is no way
they are going to pass a budget without doing it.Our
representative, Doug Coleman, is against it.But reality says
they are going to take the money.Even though the governor-
elect is against it, he does not think they can pass the budget
without doing it.He does not anticipate it happening within
the next few years.
Councilmember Serdy commented
once he gets sworn in it could be different.He will have
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 13 OF 20
different information.He would still like to see what they can
do.
Mayor Insalaco commented some
businesses are complaining that they are going to be pushing
business away.If they do not have a road decent enough for the
customers to get to their businesses, they will not be there.
He does not know about anybody else, but he avoids the Trail as
much as possible right now.They have been told by the experts
that if they do not fix that road this next year it goes down to
the bare minimum.That means a complete road bed.That road
will be torn up for months at a time.He asked what the
businesses would do then.Our backs are against the wall.
There are articles in the newspaper saying the previous councils
should have been doing this.The previous councils have done
everything they can.The past mayors, the past council members,
some of us are still here.Some of them were here and back on
again.They have done everything they can to keep the tax rate
down.Like Chip just said, he is not going to mention any names
but some of our neighbors are in debt up to their ears, beyond
their ears.We do not have that.But that does not mean they
cannot put money back into the community and fix these roads.
That Trail will not last another year the way it is.He asked
if they wanted to bring it to a vote of the people.They would
have to wait until an election.By that time they could forget
Apache Trail.They could not get into the businesses that are
on the Trail.People will not go to them.He then called for a
motion.
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO. 1406 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE
ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Waldron
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
read the ordinance by title only.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 14 OF 20
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO. 1406, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED AND
ADOPTED WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS:THAT WE ADD TO THAT A
MANDATED YEARLY AUDIT OF FUNDS THAT ARE RECEIVED VIA THIS
INCREASE IN THE SALES TAX AND THE SPECIFIC PROJECTS THAT RESULT
FROM THE RECEPTION OF THOSE FUNDS; I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE
STAFF AND COUNCIL MAKE THIS A PRIORITY, FINDING A PERMANENT
FUNDING MECHANISM THAT IS DEDICATED TO THE MAINTENANCE, REPAIR,
CONSTRUCTION, ETC. OF ROADS SO THAT WE CAN RESCIND THIS
ADDITIONAL .2% SALES TAX AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND PREFERABLY
BEFORE THE TEN YEAR SUNSET CLAUSE.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked for a point of clarification.He asked if she was saying
she wanted to amend the ordinance or what she added as an
amendment.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
she wanted to add to it.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked if it is part of the motion.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
it is part of the motion.The addition is part of the motion.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
asked if she wanted the words she just said in the ordinance.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
she wants the words up through funds, up through the audit and
special projects.Or they can put the whole thing in there if
they want.Priority can be part of the ordinance.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated if they change the ordinance the way it is drafted, they
can do that, but there will probably be a delay.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if
she can add the audit to the ordinance.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated she may but.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 15 OF 20
Vice Mayor Barker commented
but that will delay the ordinance.He is saying anything that
is changed.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that is correct.He is suggesting any amendment she
makes be done by motion and that still would carry weight with
city management.What she mentioned was administrative rather
than having to be in the actual ordinance, which is a law
change.
Vice Mayor Barker asked him
to educate her on how to do it.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated any amendments that she just read would just be part of
the motion rather than part of the actual ordinance.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
that works for her.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated this ordinance becomes an amendment to their tax code.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
absolutely.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated the words she just added are not usually in a tax code.
Since they are no longer allowed to do what is called green page
changes, she believes the Model Tax Code Commission and the
Department of Revenue would look at this a little strangely.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
however it works.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he recommends she retract her motion.
Vice Mayor Barker RETRACTED
HER MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 16 OF 20
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated if she wants Ordinance No. 1406 passed, that is number
one, and number two she adds the following direction to the city
management for administrative purposes.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
add the following direction to the city management.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated for administrative purposes.
Vice Mayor Barker commented
having already retracted her motion, she MOVED THAT ORDINANCE
NO. 1406, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED
WITH THE FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTION:THAT WE HAVE A
YEARLY AUDIT OF FUNDS THAT ARE RECEIVED VIA THIS INCREASE IN THE
SALES TAX AND THE SPECIFIC PROJECTS THAT RESULT FROM THE
RECEPTION OF THOSE FUNDS; I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE STAFF AND
COUNCIL MAKE THIS A PRIORITY, FINDING A PERMANENT FUNDING
MECHANISM THAT IS DEDICATED TO THE MAINTENANCE, REPAIR,
CONSTRUCTION, ETC. OF ROADS SO THAT WE CAN RESCIND THIS
ADDITIONAL .2% SALES TAX AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND PREFERABLY
BEFORE THE TEN YEAR SUNSET CLAUSE.
Councilmember Waldron
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:5-2 (Councilmembers Rizzi and Serdy voted in opposition.)
During the vote Councilmember Wilson commented he was very torn
with this but he understands the need and dilemma they are in.
Reluctantly he said yes.
During the vote Councilmember Rizzi commented while she fully
agrees with the annual audit, she thinks it is a great addition
to the ordinance, she cannot go with a ten year sunset.She
just cannot do it.She has had way too many people contact her,
business owners and residents.She has had one person contact
her concerned about a property tax.Everybody that has
contacted her has said that this tax would hurt their
businesses.She then voted no.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 17 OF 20
During the vote Councilmember Serdy commented the longer this
dragged on the more he heard from people that did not want it.
He voted no.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
DIRECTION TO STAFF
None.
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, DECEMBER 15, 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,
DECEMBER 16, 2014, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
Councilmember Waldron
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC:
Mr. Chris Coyle, Republic Services, 4050 S. Tomahawk, Apache
Junction, addressed the council regarding their recent free dump
week November 10-15 which brought in 2,474.33 tons disposed of
for free for a value or $26,281.04.He also thanked the police
chief and Lieutenant Robinson for coordinating the auxiliary
police force on Saturday.The next free dump week will be in
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 18 OF 20
February.Republic Services is opening a new transfer station
for solid waste on Germann in Chandler.
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell asked if the transfer
station will have an inflow that is already coming there or will
it eventually come.
Mr. Chris Coyle stated it will be a net change.Some will be
going in and some going out.•
Ms. Nancy Burgess, Apache Junction Food Bank, addressed the
council to thank them for passing the human services funding as
they have to make up for no longer getting food from St. Mary's.
She also thanked the council and staff for their turkey
contributions for Thanksgiving.She also congratulated them on
the .2% sales tax vote.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Insalaco adjourned
the meeting at 8:13 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1. Acceptance of Agenda.
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 18, 2014.
3. Consideration of legal advertising agreement with the
Arizona Republic for the one-year period commencing January
1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.
4. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2014-15 health and human
services funding agreements.
ACCEPTED THIS 16TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 16TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014.
HN S. INSALACO
ayor
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 19 OF 20
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN 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 2nd
day of December, 2014.I further certify that the meeting was
duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 9th day of December, 2014.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2, 2014
PAGE 20 OF 20