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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-19 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19, 2013 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on March 19, 2013, 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 Vice Mayor Dietz led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present:Mayor Insalaco Vice Mayor Dietz Councilmember Barker Councilmember Evans 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 Interim Public Safety Director/Deputy Chief Tom Kelly Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Giao Pham Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 1 OF 11 Others Present:Business Advocate Janine Solley Revenue Resources Manager Roger Hacker ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )Vice Mayor Dietz MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED; AND THAT RESOLUTION NO. 13-03, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, PINAL AND MARICOPA COUNTIES, ARIZONA, DECLARING AND ADOPTING THE RESULTS OF THE PRIMARY ELECTION HELD ON MARCH 12, 2013, BE APPROVED; AND THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF GIAO PHAM AS PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR BE RATIFIED; AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE INDIAN COMMUNITY STATE SHARED REVENUE PROGRAM:LOCAL NONPROFIT PARTICIPATION, UNDER THE HEADING OF CRITERIA,SECTION 1. CONSIDERATION FOR SPONSORSHIP WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGES:THAT UNDER SECTION ROMAN NUMERAL ONE (I.) UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR SPONSORSHIP, THE LAST SENTENCE WOULD BE "PROVIDES A SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF APACHE JUNCTION."; AND "AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, ALSO HAS A PHYSICAL PRESENCE IN THE COMMUNITY, E.G., BRANCH OFFICES, SATELLITE OFFICES", BE DELETED. Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. Councilmember Wilson asked during the vote for clarification that this provides a service to Apache Junction residents. Councilmember Barker stated it does. The motion carried. Councilmember Barker, Vice Mayor Dietz and Mayor Insalaco congratulated Public Works Director Giao Pham on his promotion. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 2 OF 11 AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS None. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS Councilmember Wilson read an announcement for the Pinal County Fair occurring March 20-24, 2013, in Casa Grande. Councilmember Evans commented the Pinal Partnership Open Space Committee is focusing on four issues right now:a parks and recreation commission for Pinal County; creating a multi -level map showing the riparian areas, wildlife corridors, transportation corridors, mountains and informational signage; use the same system used by Maricopa County to acquire Usery Park to acquire some of our wildlife areas; and taking the supervisors for a flyover of the six designated sensitive areas. Mayor Insalaco commented on the money awarded to various charities from the Lost Dutchman Marathon that totaled $66,000 in 2013, with a total award since it was started in 2001 of $322,000. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager George Hoffman thanked the city council for ratifying the appointment of Giao Pham as public works director; read a letter thanking the city for getting potholes on Acacia Road repaired quickly and commented on the challenges of repairing roads in the future due to revenues and staffing, keeping weeds down that have grown as a result of all the rain, not burning anything until one checks with the fire district, major road improvements on Meridian at Southern, and a thank you to Business License Coordinator Denise Moulson City Clerk Kathleen Connelly for customer service on a business license. Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby gave a brief update on current legislation issues that impact the city. Councilmember Serdy commented the council got some information recently on the public notices website.The alert he got thought it was a bad thing but he thinks it would be simple.He REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 3 OF 11 does not get the Republic and no one does anyway.This would give us the option to put it on our website and be done with it. Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby stated that is correct. Councilmember Serdy commented that would be simplification also. Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby agreed, stating it failed on the house floor but it was brought back for reconsideration and has now passed on the house floor.There are a lot of moving parts to it. City Manager George Hoffman commented our local chamber of commerce is considering this issue.The world has gone to internet.However, the way the law is written, the city does not meet the legal requirements for public notices by placing them in our local papers.They can do it at extra expenditure of taxpayer cost, but it does not meet the law.Advocates for public transparency might think about taking it out of a few nearly monopolistic situations and let us put it in the local community papers. Councilmember Serdy commented all of the outlying cities like Payson, Show Low and others would be helped.He asked if this is being lobbied by the big newspapers. Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby stated that is correct. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. OLD BUSINESS DISCUSSION ON CITY MANAGER APPOINTED ART COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION )City Manager George Hoffman briefed the council on the committee members and the process thus far. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 4 OF 11 Business Advocate Janine Solley briefed the council on the recommendations of the art committee. Councilmember Serdy commented at one time the Lost Dutchman and burro were copyrighted.He asked if they now have permission to use that. Business Advocate Janine Solley stated Larry is on the committee and they are the holders of the trademark for that.They said it was fine to use.She then continued with the briefing. Vice Mayor Dietz commented they are all great.There is no doubt he would like to see the welcoming sign at the east end.He liked the Dutchman much better at the west end than the Apache.Legends galore, everything in our name and branding, ties in with the Dutchman. He likes it better.It is big and large and will be a presence there.They have the rest of the Trail for the others. Councilmember Barker commented she would have to agree and it seems to her they have some beautiful pieces.They have a lot more median to go.She personally would like to see the Dutchman at the west end and the Apache at the east end of the next median.It would combine the turn to Apache Trail with the whole thing.They are pointed right at Four Peaks and the Needle.It would be a nice way of settling it.It also brings the Dutchman from the welcome sign forward to the Dutchman to the west and ties the whole theme up. Councilmember Serdy commented within 100 yards of there they also have the Dons monument which has another Dutchman on it.It is repetitive.He asked if they are approving each one and placing these or are they leaving that to the committee.They wanted to have the committee do this. City Manager George Hoffman stated there is not a defined answer to that.They are the policy leaders so he is checking in with them.The art committee was tasked with doing something.They did that.They have some ideas that are being shared with the council.If the REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 5 OF 11 council has something else that they want the committee to do, such as the Dutchman, then the committee will hear that.They will go back and look for money and try to get those things in the ground. Councilmember Serdy commented there is no money.He thinks it would be much easier to get some gaming money for the hunter than it would be for another Dutchman since we will have to generate this money. City Manager George Hoffman stated they are a source but they probably disallow some sources.Ancestral enemies might not be ones the city can go to for financing.He thinks they should give them some indication of what they are comfortable with and they will do their best to seek to find resources. Councilmember Serdy commented this is discussion only.They will not be voting on this. City Manager George Hoffman stated if there is a clear sense of head nodding, then he would implement that.If they would like to take some time to think about this and have a formal direction to staff later, they would also welcome that. Councilmember Serdy commented he would go with the committee's recommendation in the order that they had them.He thinks their reasoning is sound. Councilmember Waldron commented as he went through each one he tried to look at each one in his mind.He would have to go with the Dutchman.To him the center of Apache Junction is the Dutchman and the gold mine concept.He agreed with Robin that the eastern end of the next phase be the Apache.He loves all of them; they are all great. He was disappointed years ago when they did not put the Dutchman at the focal point.He would like the Dutchman there and then move on down the Trail. Councilmember Evans commented she agreed with the committee's decision on the Apache and the welcome, but because it is the name of our city and we are the REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 6 OF 11 only city in the valley that actually has an Indian -type name, she would like to see Indians on both sides of the downtown area.She agrees with what the committee has chosen. Councilmember Wilson commented he likes them both.They have asked the committee to come up with some suggestions and ideas and he would like to go with what the committee has recommended.If they decide to put the Apache on the west side and the Lost Dutchman on the east side of the next section, then that is their decision. Councilmember Waldron commented he is not stuck on the idea of the Dutchman being there.It is all great artwork.Eventually they will use it all.He does not want to end up with a split decision.The hunter would be fine. Councilmember Barker commented she thinks they all actually agree all the artwork is wonderful.She was thinking they would go all the way down the Trail and the cowboy would have a place down there because it would be far away from the focal point. Vice Mayor Dietz commented they are going to have another entrance at Meridian. Mayor Insalaco commented that should probably be another welcome.He liked the Dutchman until he heard all the reasoning for the Apache.We are not known as Apache Junction for a village, it is for the Trail.As far as the Dutchman goes, they are throughout the city.But people driving by do not get to come over here and see the Dons.There is nothing in the area for the Dutchman.Now it is 50/50.This is not easy with these two pieces and they are all saying the same thing.He likes the Indian, but is not sure if it is the right spot.It could go into the next one.He is willing to go with what the committee recommends, but he still likes the Dutchman there. City Manager George Hoffman stated they have now been informed by the council discussion and they can now go back and reflect on that and think about which side of the intersection to put each piece.He thinks he is REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 7 OF 11 hearing a desire to have the committee proceed, reflect on their comments, and begin the next step of seeking funding to make these good ideas a reality. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated what they just said is not a part of any official record; it is not a motion.She suggested they do a motion, not only to memorialize it but for when the committee applies for money, the funding sources might want to look for some sort of official recognition from the mayor and council. There was general discussion on what the motion should be include. Mayor Insalaco commented the welcome sign should be at the other end, too, because a lot of times people come in from the west and do not go all the way through town.They may only go as far as Ironwood.The welcome sign should be at both ends.They could not have a better sign at that end, too, as they are entering Apache Junction from another area. Councilmember Serdy commented they have the marquee sign. Mayor Insalaco commented they do have the monument. Councilmember Barker commented the monument is on the west side and the welcome would be on the east side.It would be balanced. City Manager George Hoffman stated it is fine to get some direction to staff.They have not thought about utilizing the resolution in the grant application process.It will give the council a bit more time.He requested Janine bring it back for direction to staff at the next council meeting with a draft motion as outlined. Councilmember Barker commented they will know what to do in the meantime. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 8 OF 11 City Manager George Hoffman publicly thanked the committee for their hard work. Councilmember Barker commented they brought some really beautiful pieces of sculpture.She really likes the iron.Those silhouettes are marvelous. Business Advocate Janine Solley stated Jay Reynolds from the Parks and Recreation Department is our artist.He has done beautiful work. Councilmember Barker commented it is nice to have a resident artist. City Manager George Hoffman commented the artist is in house. Mayor Insalaco thanked the committee and closed the item.This was a discussion item only and no action was taken. NEW BUSINESS None. DIRECTION TO STAFF None. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES Vice Mayor Dietz MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:45 P.M. AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M. BE HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2013, 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, APRIL 2, 2013, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM. Councilmember Barker SECONDED THE MOTION. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 9 OF 11 VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. CALL TO THE PUBLIC: None. ADJOURNMENT )Mayor Insalaco adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1. Acceptance of Agenda. 2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 5, 2013. 3. Proposed Resolution No. 13-03, declaring and adopting the results of the primary election held on March 12, 2013. 4. Ratification of Department Director Appointment. 5. Consideration of the proposed change to the Indian Community State Shared Revenue Nonprofit Participation Policies. ACCEPTED THIS 2ND DAY OF APRIL, 2013, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 2ND DAY OF APRIL, 2013. (./JOHN S. INSALACO Mayor ATTEST: KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 10 OF 11 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 19th day of March, 2013.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 26th day of March, 2013. /2 "Z L 4 - KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2013 PAGE 11 OF 11