Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-16 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 16, 2013 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on April 16, 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 Councilmember Serdy led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present:Mayor Insalaco Councilmember Barker Councilmember Evans Councilmember Serdy Councilmember Waldron Councilmember Wilson Staff Present: (Vice Mayor Dietz was absent.) 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 Development Services Director Brad Steinke Assistant to the City Manager Matt REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 1 OF 25 Busby Others Present:Program Coordinator Heather Patel ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED; AND THAT RESOLUTION NO. 13-11, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ARIZONA EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH BOARD'S PINAL REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014 FIRST THINGS FIRST GRANT FUNDS; AND AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING STAFF TO TAKE ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE PURPOSE AND INTENT OF THE GRANT, BE APPROVED; AND THAT RESOLUTION NO. 13-04, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY FOR PROPOSITION 202 FUNDS ON BEHALF OF AMERICAN LEGION APACHE POST 27 FOR THE OPERATION OF THE VETERAN'S TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $59,294.00, BE APPROVED; AND THAT RESOLUTION NO. 13-05, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY FOR PROPOSITION 202 FUNDS ON BEHALF OF CHARITY NEVER FAILETH FOR THE OPERATION OF THE YOUTH ARE SPECIAL PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $73,798.80, BE APPROVED; AND THAT RESOLUTION NO. 13-06, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY FOR PROPOSITION 202 FUNDS ON BEHALF OF EAST VALLEY ADULT RESOURCES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $127,500.00, BE APPROVED; AND THAT RESOLUTION NO. 13-07, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY FOR PROPOSITION 202 FUNDS ON BEHALF OF SUPERSTITION REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 2 OF 25 SEARCH & RESCUE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE UAV HELICOPTER PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30,000.00, BE APPROVED; AND THAT RESOLUTION NO. 13-08, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY FOR PROPOSITION 202 FUNDS FOR RECEIPT AND USE OF PROPOSITION 202 FUNDS FOR SUPPORT OF PUBLIC ART IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,460.00, BE APPROVED. Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Insalaco presented Certificates of Graduation to seventeen graduates of the fifteenth Citizen Leadership Institute. Pinal Partnership President and Chief Executive Officer Sandie Smith gave a presentation regarding partnership efforts, progress and membership fee structure. Councilmember Serdy commented Apache Junction is a member of the Pinal Partnership.He asked who could attend the meetings. President and Chief Executive Officer Sandie Smith stated anyone can attend the meetings; the difference is what they pay for breakfast. Mayor Insalaco read a proclamation designating April 14-20, 2013, as the Week of the Young Child in Pinal County.He presented the proclamation to Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell. Mayor Insalaco read a proclamation designating April as Fair Housing Month and presented the proclamation to Program Coordinator Heather Patel. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 3 OF 25 Mayor Insalaco read a proclamation designating April 14-20, 2013, as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week and presented the proclamation to Communications Supervisor Bruce Ward. Mayor Insalaco read a proclamation designation April 21-27, 2013, as National Volunteer Week and presented the proclamation to a police department volunteer. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS Councilmember Wilson thanked the parks and recreation department for their assistance at Horse Tales during the first part of the month, attended by 214 students from 5 different schools and representatives from Mr. Gosar's staff. Councilmember Wilson commented visitors from the Pennsylvania Equine Council in charge of the state trails, who also sit on the American Horse Council's trail committee, saw the stepover entrances built in Apache Junction for the trail system.They requested the information on them for the trails in New York, Pennsylvania and possibly nationwide as they prevent all -terrain vehicles from entering the trails. Councilmember Barker commented the mayor, Councilmember Waldron and she attended the 25th grand opening of a Habitat house in the city. Councilmember Barker commented the mayor and she attended a Week of the Child Celebration in the park between the multi-gen and the library yesterday morning.There were many booths with information available. Mayor Insalaco commented this Thursday T -Mobile is coming out with 150 of their employees to refurbish the boys and girls club.They will paint, build cubicles and do yard work outside. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager George Hoffman commented on the number of volunteers that helped out in operating the city last year, read a note from the Little League District 7 Administrator who attended the city's league opening ceremonies and commented the REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 4 OF 25 newly -renovated fields are a candidate for post season tournament play, announced that Republic Services will continue its sponsorship of the Fourth of July Celebration in 2013 and Mountain Health and Wellness having a Cinco de Mayo on May 4 at Earth Heart Park. Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby gave a brief update on current legislation issues that impact the city. City Attorney Joel Stern stated the construction bill is an attempt to lobby the legislature the way the engineers and architects did years ago on what cities were doing.They were limiting the city's liability with engineers and architects. They made the engineers and architects more responsible for their acts.The lobby for the engineers and architects stated the cities could not do that to them.They got their way.The state pretty much curtailed what the cities could do.There is a certain form now for engineers and architects.It is not as global as it was.They are not as liable as they used to be for their errors and omissions.Now the construction industry is trying to do the same thing.They are trying to limit their liability so that the city cannot ask for anything and everything in the indemnification clause.This bill will cut out a few things they used to be liable for.Engineers and architects were successful in a tiered phase of the same thing. It is still a live bill. Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby continued with his update. PUBLIC HEARINGS ORDINANCE NO. 1389, CASE PZ-2-13, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT MAJOR AMENDMENT REQUEST BY PATHFINDER TRF SIX LLC AND ADAMS CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY, REPRESENTED BY BEUS GILBERT PLLC, AMENDING THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR "IDAHO CREEK VILLAS - PHASE 3" )Development Services Director Brad Steinke briefed the council on the item. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 5 OF 25 Councilmember Barker asked where the additional parking is going from the updated plan. Development Services Director Brad Steinke stated along the south side of Adams Street and Tepee Street.He believes they can put some guest parking in there but it would be difficult to place continual guest parking along the southern side because it might interfere with people backing out of their units onto the private drive.It is a somewhat narrow drive.They will have to be selective on where they put those.He does not feel they need to put all the parking there but there should be enough to make the council comfortable that there is enough.He continued on with his briefing. Councilmember Wilson asked how long ago the traffic count and accident count was done. Development Services Director Brad Steinke stated the traffic count was done in 2010 and the accidents were done over the last five years, from 2007 to 2012. Councilmember Wilson commented the traffic count on Superstition does not take into account the recent Mountain Health and Wellness Center. Development Services Director Brad Steinke stated he did not think so but he would have to check back on the dates on that. Councilmember Waldron commented he understands that an application has to be submitted to the state soon as far as getting the grant funds for this program. Development Services Director Brad Steinke stated the state has changed its rules and now requires these applicants to have all their plans put together and approved by the council before they will even entertain them.The drop dead date is 4 p.m. on May 1, 2013.They need to have their approval by then. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 6 OF 25 Councilmember Waldron asked if any changes to the plan can be made after it is submitted to the state. Development Services Director Brad Steinke stated he does not know the answer to that.He suggested he ask the applicants as they are professionals in these types of projects.From the city's perspective, if there is a minor change which does not change the texture of the plan or affects the density or setbacks, then staff can make the change administratively.If it is a significant change, it is brought back for another public hearing. Mayor Insalaco requested the applicant address the council. Mr. Paul Gilbert, 701 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, of Beus Gilbert PLLC, addressed the council. He commented they were given a very complete and thorough presentation of the project.He commented on the success of their Apache Junction Town Homes.They will see the same quality and commitment on this project.Their goal is an attractive, affordably priced, safe living environment for seniors.The other project was not senior housing and there is a major difference.They have done over 200 of these senior housing units and they like to think they are experienced.The question was asked whether or not changes could be made once it is approved by the state for tax credit housing.The concept must stay the same, but they do have the flexibility to make some minor changes to a facility. Mayor Insalaco asked if changing an access would be a minor change. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated that would probably be considered a major change.Since traffic is a concern for this project, he reminded them it is currently zoned for 87 units and they are proposing 52.If they put in 87 units there really would be an increase in traffic.The average square footage is 950.They have a lot of programs that take place in this facility.They have very wide doorways and hallways, making them safe for senior housing.They have an activity director constantly on site, flu shots, podiatrist, REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 7 OF 25 trained medical professionals on site on a regular basis, clubhouse, social room, health care event, an additional ramada in open space and an internal walkway for residents to exercise on.They have broken down the visitor parking spaces as follows:they will be putting 20 spaces on the south side of Durr Street; Apache Drive will have 6 spaces; and the south side of Adams Street will have 6 spaces.They total 33 visitor parking spaces.Combining those 33 parking spaces with the 5 visitor parking spaces by the clubhouse gives them a total of 38 visitor parking spaces.They are required to have 121 total parking spaces; they are providing 142, 21 parking spaces in excess required in the ordinance.The ordinance does not take into account special provisions for senior housing.Those that do, such as Glendale and Tucson, require less than the parking spaces required by Apache Junction.They are not asking for any variations and are increasing the amount beyond what is required.A lot of seniors drive cars.They are not saying the seniors in the units will not drive cars, but based on the empirical data from other projects, about 62% of the residents will have one car.This is senior living with the average age of 72.They are also severely income restricted.They will not be able to afford many cars.Forty percent cannot make more than $17,650.It does not leave much opportunity to buy, maintain and insure a car.Fifty percent cannot make more than $22,100.Two important provisions are age and income.They believe the fixed income will not produce many cars and many have some form of disability.There are limited opportunities for affordable, safe senior housing and they believe they are filling that need. Councilmember Barker commented she liked the project.She asked if there is a lease involved in the rental. is. how long the lease is for. for six months. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated there Councilmember Barker asked Mr. Paul Gilbert stated it is REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 8 OF 25 Councilmember Barker commented they have median incomes that are actually above many peoples' social security.There are people who have determined they are going to retire.Prior to retirement they bought their motor home or whatever.They now come out here to stay six months.They will try renting this unit since it is really cheap and they do not have a lot of money, but they do have their motor home.She asked where they could park their motor home. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated there will be a prohibition on motor homes.They cannot park their motor homes on the site.They will have to go to a rental place.No motor homes unless they can fit in the garage and are the main source of transportation. Councilmember Barker commented they have two entrances/exits on Plaza which infers that these are the main drags.They are the ones intended to be used.When one goes out on Plaza at that point and turns south to go to Superstition, all the things that senior citizens like are right there.There is a wellness center with doctors, the Good Apple, the post office, the social security office, another doctor's office, a chiropractor and a hairdresser.Her mom drove until she was 94, visiting the post office and Good Apple on a daily basis, her beautician on a weekly basis, her chiropractor every other day, et cetera.These people who rent here will still have Medicare to cover the doctor visits, have money for an ice cream cone at Good Apple and take advantage of these services.They will hit Plaza and go straight to Superstition.Plaza does not have a traffic count as there are few people that take it.People will want to do that, especially if they are winter visitors as they never stay home. They just came from snow and they will run in there for something they can afford.It is beautiful here; the sun shines and the neighbors are all snowbound.They will not sit in their houses or go to the programs over there.They will go have their ice cream cones and do these other things.That is what concerns her about Plaza.It is her major concern.She truly believes they have not factored in the amenities available in that one square block that will draw people of that age. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 9 OF 25 Mr. Paul Gilbert stated they actually love the point she just made.It is why the located the project there.The adjacent amenities are a big attraction to them.They are counting on them to help promote and make the project successful.He does not have much of a disagreement with most of what she said.There are some things to justify the two accesses on Plaza. Councilmember Barker stated therein lies the rub. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated first of all, because of the location of those amenities, if they had more access points on Tepee then they would just go up to Tepee and go down Plaza.They would still have traffic on Plaza. Secondly, Tepee is a much, much busier street than Plaza.It makes more sense to have the people come out on Plaza where the traffic is minimal.The immediate area is pretty much developed with low density housing.There will not be a lot of traffic on Plaza in the future.It is preferable to have the seniors come out on Plaza.If they only have one access on Plaza, they would have to put a second one on Tepee.The engineer and all staff that have reviewed the application are satisfied with the two access points on Plaza.If they eliminate one of the access points on Plaza, it presumably will be the on to the north.The people in the development would have to travel a circuitous route through the subdivision, causing more traffic in the interior of the subdivision, and then come down on to Plaza using the access to the south.They are putting traffic on a street that has no traffic and reducing the amount of traffic in their own subdivision by having these two access points.It makes it a safer subdivision. Councilmember Barker stated she is concerned with the corner of Superstition and Plaza.She does not know if he has ever tried to cross there. ' Mr. Paul Gilbert stated he has. Councilmember Barker commented it is hard. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 10 OF 25 , Mr. Paul Gilbert stated he has and he has talked to several people that say it is not much of a problem.He may have just hit it at a good time.It had been raised by someone so they drove it.There will virtually be the same amount of traffic because if they do not come out on Plaza and they come out on Tepee, they are going to go to the very places she talked about. Councilmember Barker commented they will hit a traffic signal in order to turn if they go out Tepee to Idaho.There is no light on Superstition. There is nothing but a stop sign.She believes the traffic count on Superstition was 11,000 right there from 2010.We are talking about putting more people there, not just from his development but as the city is picking up again, they have 70,000 people in this community in the winter.She thinks they all go to the post office. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated they are aware of that and like the location of the post office there.His point is if they put in the second location on Tepee they will go over to Plaza from there and go down to Superstition where they will have the same amount of traffic. It just means instead of coming onto Plaza, they will come up and over from Tepee. Councilmember Barker commented then they agree to disagree.She sees his point. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated they will be putting in street improvements along Plaza.Most seniors travel at off peak commuting time, which is another factor.They do not need to take their word for it, the city's own traffic personnel, including planning staff, engineering department and the people who have reviewed this plan, all said it works and they have no problem from a traffic point of view. In his view it lays heavily in faiior of the Plaza access points. Councilmember Wilson commented Plaza and Superstition concerns him.He believes if they put the two access points on Tepee they would make a right and go to Idaho.They would be going into a wider turn but they would have that ability.Today at 5 p.m. he pulled up to Plaza REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 11 OF 25 and Superstition and it took him about 45 seconds before he had clearance for a left turn for him to go to city facilities. Even then it was a push.They are not talking about the major rush hour period of time, but a lot of traffic is coming down in both directions.They are going to the library, post office, the gym and other aspects.If they are trying to put them on Plaza heading south, he believes they will have more accidents because they are being forced to go that direction.He would prefer they come out on Tepee and make a right, which they would do if they went out on the right side.They would go with the traffic up to Idaho and then turn south.They would have a stoplight. this was at 5 p.m. it was. is the peak hour. commented it is not here. commented it may be on US 60. Mr. Paul Gilbert asked if Councilmember Wilson stated Mr. Paul Gilbert stated that Councilmember Barker Councilmember Wilson Mr. Paul Gilbert stated for most 5:00 is the peak hour of time.They feel very strongly that this works and city staff agrees with them.They can make this work, it works for them and they are very comfortable with it. Councilmember Serdy asked if they will be renting to out-of-state people that will be leaving and then they would have to fill every time.He asked if they have a choice in trying to rent to locals. Mr. Greg Wagner, St. George, Utah, stated they have developed 200 units in Bullhead City. Their turnover is very, very low.The program discourages REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 12 OF 25 transient housing which is why they require a minimum of a six month lease. Mayor Insalaco commented they are not geared for winter visitors.They are geared for residents. Mr. Greg Wagner stated exactly. Mayor Insalaco commented just because it is a six month lease it does not mean it is geared for winter visitors.Our winter visitors are here for six months. Mr. Greg Wagner stated their experience is their tenants live year round.If they had transient housing every six months there would be a great cost in turning a unit over, getting it ready and having it vacant while it is refilled.Based on their experience managing thousands of units in Utah and Arizona, it is better for them if they do not have turnover. Councilmember Evans commented she had some questions about their off street parking.In the previous complex that they are almost finished with they allow off street parking during the day but not at night.She asked if that would be the same here, that there would be no street parking allowed at night if they have an overnight guest. Mr. Greg Wagner stated they require their tenants to park their vehicle in their garage if they have a vehicle.In a lot of complexes the residents fill the garages so full of stuff they cannot park inside.One of their requirements is they have to park inside. Councilmember Evans commented she understands that; from the previous complex they were not allowed on the driveway and had to park in the garage.In this particular complex, they were told during the work session that one car could park in the garage and one could park in the driveway.Now they have the overflow parking.She asked if REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 13 OF 25 they have an overnight guest if they will be allowed to park there overnight or does it have to be cleared out. Mr. Greg Wagner stated based on their experience the seniors have one vehicle and very rarely have two.Parking has not been an issue for them.The guests come and park on the driveway and the senior parks in the garage. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated most of those spaces are for visitors. Councilmember Evans asked if he meant daytime visitors. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated daytime visitors.It is not the intent to have overnight visitors there.As managers, they can regulate that if it is a concern. Councilmember Evans asked if, like in the previous complex where they have the six month lease, then from that point on it becomes a month to month lease or will there be another six month lease each time it rolls over. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated it is a six month lease they sign or they can sign for longer than that.Six months is the minimum they can sign for.He understands her question about a holdover tenant that would stay on a month to month basis.They do not allow that. Councilmember Evans asked if they would have to leave or would they be allowed to stay if a couple moves in and their income now fits the requirements, or if a widower's benefits come into play and they are now over the income. Mr. Greg Wagner stated once they qualify the income can increase.They have to make it through an initial tenant qualification where they prove what their income is.It can go up and they would not get kicked out. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 14 OF 25 Councilmember Evans asked if their rent would increase in the next six months incrementally. Mr. Greg Wagner stated it would not. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated it could go up at the end of six months if it is a six month lease. They would have the opportunity to raise the rent with the renewal.They would still have to stay within the guidelines that they qualified for. Councilmember Evans commented their minimum lease is for six months.She asked what their maximum lease is. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated they can stay there as long as they want.The longer they stay the happier his company is. . Councilmember Evans commented a contract has to have a beginning and an end.She asked if they are typically signing people for just six months. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated they do not.As Greg indicated, they usually sign them for several years at a time.That is their practice. City Attorney Joel Stern commented they are saying they only have to qualify a person at a particular point in time. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated that is correct. City Attorney Joel Stern commented after that time their income could go up, they could become a millionaire, and still live there.He asked if that is correct. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated that is theoretically possible but they have not been blessed with that occurrence happening very often. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 15 OF 25 City Attorney Joel Stern asked them to go through the major components of the standard lease. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated he was not prepared to do that.He asked if there is a particular facet in the lease he is concerned with. City Attorney Joel Stern stated he has not seen the lease.He asked if it will be a crime free multi -housing complex. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated it is. City Attorney Joel Stern asked if they would be qualified by whatever the police department requires. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated that is correct.He is not particularly proud of this, but they have turned down almost 200 people on their other project because they did not satisfy the backgrounds. City Attorney Joel Stern commented there is typically an addendum in a crime free housing program wherein if someone is arrested for a drug issue they are evicted.He asked if they will have that. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated absolutely.That is their policy. Mayor Insalaco commented if they exit on Tepee they can go right to Idaho.He asked what if they want to go west.They would have to go east and turn back around to go west.They are going to go both ways.Not everyone is going to go east.They will still have the traffic coming down Plaza if they wanted to use that one exit. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated that is his point exactly.Whether there are one or two exits on Plaza, they will have virtually the same amount of traffic.It REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 16 OF 25 is a reduced traffic when they consider they are putting 52 units where 87 could go. Mayor Insalaco commented he thinks he made his point.He then opened the public hearing on the item. Mr. Steve Ross, 5473 N. Ironwood, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He spends a lot of time on Plaza Drive on the project he is working on, and on Superstition and Tepee.He has not spent any time turning in any direction he wants to go.He only slows down because of the school zone.He has made that loop several times a day for the last several months, through the winter season, and has had no conflicts.He does not recall passing a vehicle on Tepee and few vehicles have passed him on Plaza when he is working.He does not see a huge traffic issue.He typically makes the left turn from Plaza to Superstition and has only had to wait seconds. Mr. Robert Klaas, 1641 N. Plaza, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated he lives across the street and it is a good project.There are some traffic concerns.There are two problems.He gave a brief history on the Plaza Neighborhood Watch and the planning discussions on Quail Creek Condos Phase II and III.The design for old Phase III had no access onto Plaza; all were on Tepee. Traffic is more likely to travel east to Idaho and south to Superstition.There are two traffic safety issues with the villas.Most all of the traffic will exit onto Plaza and travel south.Turning right on Superstition is not a problem, but turning left one has to dart out in order to cross over.There will be additional traffic from Mountain Health and Wellness, 50 or more senior vehicles, visitor traffic and caretaker traffic. The second issue is persons using the proposed Adams exit onto Plaza will not be able to see the 30 miles per hour traffic traveling west on Tepee.There is no stop sign for traffic turning left from Tepee to Plaza.There is a collision danger. Neither vehicle can see each other due to a wall.Pad #1 will block the visibility.He suggested four solutions.Reposition all access back onto Tepee where more traffic would use Idaho. The second solution would be to close the Adams exit or make it an emergency exit only.Widen Apache and make it an in and out. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 17 OF 25 It would give two accesses at opposite ends of the property. Traffic on Apache would probably go to Idaho and ease the traffic on Plaza.The third solution would be to make Tepee a four way stop intersection.It would slow traffic turning onto Plaza.The fourth solution would be to do a traffic study during the winter season in an attempt to place a traffic signal at Plaza and Superstition. Mayor Insalaco closed the public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council discussion. Councilmember Waldron asked why Apache Drive is an exit only. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated it is not. Councilmember Waldron commented it is an exit and an entrance. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated it why Apache Drive is an exit only. not. is. Mayor Insalaco commented on the council's plans it says exit only. Mr. Paul Gilbert apologized and stated it is not accurate.It is the old plan. Councilmember Waldron reiterated that it is an entrance and an exit. Mr. Paul Gilbert stated that is correct.He added they are very comfortable with this plan and it is frustrating because city staff is comfortable with it. However, if it is a concern a possible solution would be to put a median in Plaza so that when they come out of the northern driveway they could not make a left turn.They would have to turn right and go up to Tepee.That would solve a portion of the problem if the real problem is traffic at Superstition. They could live with that if it is a possible solution. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 18 OF 25 Mayor Insalaco commented if he lived there in number 7 it should be easier for him to go out the Adams Street way then the other way, and the same thing for 23, 24 or 10 or 9.It is closer to the highway.Not everybody in the whole subdivision would use that.The people at one end would use one exit and the people at the other end would use the entrance closest to them. Mr. Paul Gilbert agreed. City Attorney Joel Stern stated since they allowed the applicant to speak the public hearing should be reopened. Mayor Insalaco opened the public hearing on the item.There was no one wishing to speak and he closed the public hearing and reopened the item to council discussion. Councilmember Waldron commented he wanted to hear that the stop sign issue has been resolved at Tepee and Plaza.He thought they would take a closer look to see if they can mitigate some traffic there.As he understands it, Giao said it was not warranted. Development Services Director Brad Steinke stated that is correct.The city engineer and planning staff took a look at it.It is not even close to being warranted based on the numbers.Putting stop signs where they are not warranted tends to create more problems than it helps. His opinion is that it is not warranted.They will take another look at that when the second phase of Mountain Health property develops.A traffic engineer will evaluate that and trip distribution which will tell us where traffic will go.If it says there will be a significant amount of traffic going up Plaza, the city engineer may then reevaluate those stop signs. Councilmember Waldron commented he does not like the idea of U-turn.It encourages that at Tepee and Plaza.He is not comfortable with that.Any development is going to increase some traffic.He thinks Mr. Klass has some legitimate concerns, especially in the future as we get more and more traffic.We need to keep it on the radar REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 19 OF 25 that it could build up rapidly and we need to start looking at traffic.He works at Mountain Health and Wellness and that intersection, like most in the city, gets a little difficult in the wintertime to cross.But that is true everywhere in winter visitor season.Even now traffic has reduced considerably.He thinks there are legitimate future concerns with traffic and he likes this particular project.He thinks there is a place for it here but they do need to watch the future traffic. Councilmember Barker commented she agreed but she would like to talk about the right hand turn.Councilmember Waldron had commented he feels it will encourage a U-turn.She is much more comfortable with a right hand turn there but she is not comfortable with the possibility of U-turns there.She asked if there is a methodology that could stop that, something like a no U-turn sign.It makes sense to her. Development Services Director Brad Steinke stated he knows they are trying to think imaginatively.He does not think there is any scenario in which they would encourage them to approve a median on that street. They would have to take a look at the geometrics of traffic and all of those things.He would be reluctant to buy into that. However, he would suggest that this is an issue for a right turn only sign. Councilmember Barker agreed, commenting without the median but with just a right turn only sign and a no U-turn sign. Development Services Director Brad Steinke stated to tell them where they wanted the traffic to go would be a reasonable step to take. Councilmember Barker commented she is not comfortable with a median in there either. They could have 27 cars piled up on the median after a week or two with their wheels spinning because they are not looking for it.She asked if that is better. The consensus of the council was that it would work. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 20 OF 25 Mayor Insalaco closed the discussion with no further comments and called for a motion. Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT THE REVISED ORDINANCE NO. 1389 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED. Councilmember Evans SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read the ordinance by title only. Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT THE REVISED ORDINANCE NO. 1389, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS:THAT THE NORTH ENTRANCE/EXIT ON PLAZA BECOME A RIGHT HAND TURN ONLY WITH THE ADDITION OF A NO U-TURN SIGN. Councilmember Wilson SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 13-13, CASE SD -1- 13, A REQUEST TO VACATE AND DISSOLVE THE FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT FOR IDAHO CREEK VILLAS - PHASE 3, BY PATHFINDER TRF SIX LLC AND ADAMS CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY, REPRESENTED BY BEUS GILBERT PLLC )Development Services Director Brad Steinke briefed the council on the item. Councilmember Barker asked if this is still revised. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 21 OF 25 Development Services Director Brad Steinke stated that is correct. Mayor Insalaco requested the applicant address the council. Mr. Paul Gilbert declined to speak. 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.There being no further discussion, he called for a motion. Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT REVISED RESOLUTION NO. 13-13, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, APPROVING THE VACATION OF THE FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT FOR "IDAHO CREEK VILLAS - PHASE 3", IN CASE SD -1-13, BY PATHFINDER TRF SIX LLC AND ADAMS CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT COMPANY, REPRESENTED BY BEUS GILBERT PLLC, BE APPROVED. Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. Councilmember Barker thanked the applicant for his presentation and patience. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. DIRECTION TO STAFF REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 22 OF 25 RESOLUTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED AND/OR CO -SPONSORED TO THE 2013 RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE OF THE LEAGUE OF ARIZONA CITIES AND TOWNS )Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby briefed the council on the item. Councilmember Waldron commented he likes the process the way it is. Councilmember Barker agreed. She asked if they had received any yet. Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby stated the League will be sending out notifications for the resolutions committee in early May.As soon as they are notified staff will let them know.They usually get requests from other cities to co-sponsor. Councilmember Barker commented she hopes somebody or we keep riding this HURF train. It is important, and perhaps the TPT this year.It is important and it is just sitting there. Assistant to the City Manager Matt Busby stated he anticipates there will be resolutions on both of those items. Councilmember Barker commented those are two she is very interested in. Mayor Insalaco closed the discussion with no further comments and called for a motion. Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING RESOLUTIONS TO BE SUBMITTED AND/OR CO -SPONSORED TO THE 2013 RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE OF THE LEAGUE OF ARIZONA CITIES AND TOWNS: THAT DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO THE CITY MANAGER, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR, TO PERUSE AND ALLOW THE CITY TO CO- SPONSOR ANY RELEVANT RESOLUTIONS FROM OTHER ARIZONA COMMUNITIES; TO RESUBMIT THE RESOLUTION ABOUT TRUCK LANES SUBMITTED IN PRIOR REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 23 OF 25 YEARS; AND THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AUTHORIZED TO SUBMIT RESOLUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. Councilmember Barker SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:45 P.M. AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M. BE HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 6, 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, MAY 7, 2013, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM. THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. CALL TO THE PUBLIC: None. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Evans SECONDED )Mayor Insalaco adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1. Acceptance of Agenda. 2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 2, 2013. 3. Consideration of approval of proposed Resolution No. 13-11, authorizing the City of Apache Junction to enter into an REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 24 OF 25 agreement with the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board and the Pinal Regional Partnership Council for Fiscal Years 2013-2016. 4. Consideration of proposed Resolution Nos. 13-04, 13-05, 13- 06, 13-07 and 13-08 to be submitted to the Gila River Indian Community State Shared Revenue Program for Fiscal Year 2013- 2014. ACCEPTED THIS 7TH DAY OF MAY, 2013, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 7TH DAY OF MAY, 2013. ATTEST: KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk HN S. INSALACO Mayor CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CERTIFICATION e- I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona, held on the 16th day of April, 2013.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 30th day of April, 2013. KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 16, 2013 PAGE 25 OF 25