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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-15 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2011 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on November 15, 2011, 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 Coleman Councilmember Serdy Councilmember Smithson Councilmember Wilson Staff Present: Others Present: City Manager George Hoffman Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell City Clerk Kathleen Connelly City Attorney Joel Stern Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell Program Coordinator Heather Patel Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow Revenue Development Director Roger Hacker REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 1 OF 12 Captain Tom Kelly ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )Vice Mayor Dietz MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED; AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012 BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND THE APACHE JUNCTION REACH OUT FOOD BANK IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000; THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE EAST VALLEY -APACHE JUNCTION BRANCH IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,000; COMMUNITY ALLIANCE AGAINST FAMILY ABUSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,500; EAST VALLEY ADULT RESOURCES FOR THE APACHE JUNCTION SENIOR CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000; AND MOUNTAIN HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,500; FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $80,000; AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENTS. Councilmember Coleman SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS Ms. Marta Saint -James of Gold Canyon Dog Owners Group presented a check to Mayor Insalaco, Chair Tess Nesser of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and President Lucy Young of Friends of Apache Junction in the amount of $4,103.62 designated for the future construction of a dog park at Silly Mountain Regional' Park, to be held by Friends of Apache Junction. ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS Councilmember Barker thanked the parks and recreation department for the incredible job they did on the Wellness Fair. Councilmember Barker thanked public works and the police department for the work they did on the Veterans Parade.It was followed by the Chamber's Festival of the Superstitions.It was a wonderful event. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 2 OF 12 Councilmember Barker announced she attended the ceremony where our chief of police was placed on the Wall of Success for Central Arizona College. Councilmember Barker announced a pet adoption event to be held at Aurora House on Saturday, November 19, from nine to noon. Councilmember Barker announced Elvira's Restaurant has closed because of an illness in the family. Councilmember Wilson thanked parks and recreation for the Wellness Event, especially Jamie Sullivan. Councilmember Wilson announced the Little Buckaroos Roundup will be held this Saturday from 10 to noon with awards for the best dressed cowboy and cowgirl. Councilmember Wilson commented the Friends of Apache Junction have been instrumental in getting a lot of things done across the city using donated funds and sales from various promotional items. Councilmember Serdy commented that there was a lot of cooperation with a number of agencies for the Festival of the Superstitions. Councilmember Smithson added his kudos to the Wellness Fair that was well attended. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager George Hoffman read a letter from the chamber president on the Festival of the Superstitions; a letter from a library patron on assistance by Cheryl Perez and the job training center; an email from Liz Langenbach regarding the Wellness event attendance and staff's performance; a letter from the Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety regarding use of the firearms training facility; and a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding a seminar in Istanbul wherein Captain Kelly was a presenter. PUBLIC HEARINGS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 3 OF 12 None. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION NUMBERS 11-50, 11-51 AND 11-52 REGARDING THE SUBMISSION OF A FISCAL YEAR 2012 STATE HOUSING FUND GRANT APPLICATION )Program Coordinator Heather Patel briefed the council on the item. Councilmember Barker asked what median income for the area is now. Program Coordinator Heather Patel stated it is based on the number of people in the home. She was unable to bring up the link showing the chart but she recalled that for one person the income cannot be over $36,000 annually.It gradually goes up until it reaches 9 people in the home. Councilmember Barker asked if it is based on our area or is it nationwide. Program Coordinator Heather Patel stated we are lumped in with the Phoenix Metropolitan area.Every area throughout the state has a different amount. Mayor Insalaco closed the discussion with no further comments.This was a discussion item only and he moved on to the next item. RESOLUTION NO. 11-49, AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND FISCAL YEAR 2012 STATE SPECIAL PROJECT PROGRAMS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 4 OF 12 )Program Coordinator Heather Patel briefed the council on the item. There was general discussion about the month the project would be awarded in.It was determined to be December 2012. Program Coordinator Heather Patel continued with her briefing. Councilmember Coleman asked what the little raised bumps contribute. City Engineer Giao Pham stated American Disabilities Act requirements say there has to be a difference between the roadway versus when you transition from a curb and gutter.It is for the visually impaired so that there is a distinct feel when you walk from the curb to the streets.Arizona Department of Transportation and the federal highways want them to be single directional.Right now, looking at the radius of an existing ramp, you walk off towards the intersection.They are trying to require one directional ramps so that in each location you have to fix the ramp so that it points in either north, south, east or west, not northwest.We had some complaints from a blind person.We were looking to enhance the concrete paved area and make sure it is American Disabilities Act compliant. Vice Mayor Dietz commented it could also work as a grip for wheelchairs. Program Coordinator Heather Patel continued with her briefing on the projects. Councilmember Smithson asked if the bike lanes would also meet the requirements of the road not being in good condition and needing work. Program Coordinator Heather Patel stated they would have to, in essence, do the entire road and not just bike lanes in order to make it eligible.The cost REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 5 OF 12 is to be determined or they can do it as far as they have the money. Councilmember Smithson commented he hopes that when they repave Apache Trail they do a better job than the county did west of the city.They put pavement on it all but it is as rough as it was before when you drive on it. Mayor Insalaco commented that is Maricopa County. Program Coordinator Heather Patel continued with her briefing. Councilmember Barker asked if there could be multiple projects for a grant.The active adult equipment is a very low figure compared to the rest of these. Program Coordinator Heather Patel stated the Community Development Block Grant for $120,000 can technically have two, however the state has made it known they are not interested in that because of the administrative requirements.It is a lot for them to have multiple projects for such a small dollar amount.They can ask for up to $300,000 in the State Special Projects, but they really can only do one application because they never get around to looking at the second or third application.They review everybody's first application and if there is money left over, then they go to the second one. Councilmember Barker commented it is probably not the wisest idea in the world. Vice Mayor Dietz commented he doubted there would be much left over. Mayor Insalaco commented the flooding south of Apache Trail on Grand, Ocotillo, Main and Palo Verde is still there and it rained how many days ago.Those streets are probably the worst neighborhood in this city as far as roads. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 6 OF 12 City Engineer Giao Pham stated they are.They are trying to balance improving the arterial roadways versus meeting with the neighbors and the complaints regarding neighbors with drainage issues and cracks. Shane has done a remarkable job with our operation crews as far as paving some of the non -arterial roadways.The reason why that will take a little bit of time is because we have major ponding there on a regular basis.When they pave, they want to make sure there is no ponding water because that deteriorates the life of the pavement.In that particular project, we have already spent some money looking at getting someone to look at the drainage issue.When we hopefully get the money from other sources to pave, we will do it correctly and it will last a long time.They have had numerous complaints and they are looking into the issue with a little more detail.They are looking at various funding sources, including Community Development Block Grants, FEMA grant money for flooding, and all the options to help those neighbors. Mayor Insalaco commented all 4 of those streets are so bad there is nothing to fix them. They would have to be completely redone. stated that is correct. are broken up badly. stated that is correct. the road is dirt. City Engineer Giao Pham Mayor Insalaco stated they City Engineer Giao Pham Mayor Insalaco stated half City Engineer Giao Pham stated they cannot be saved.It would have to be full construction.They are trying to move ahead slowly; they are trying to get the survey information to identify the low points in the roadway.The last thing they want to do is pave something and then let it slide again.What has historically happened is that people have blocked with some of their fencing REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 7 OF 12 drainage ways where water used to run.They need to identify the root of the problem and see what options are available as far as do they put a storm drain there, a curb and gutter there, inverted crowns or something else. Mayor Insalaco commented some of those streets are starting to put in some nicer homes and now would be the time to encourage the people to keep doing that. Vice Mayor Dietz asked if the $1.3 to $1.4 million for this project does include drainage solutions and repaving. City Engineer Giao Pham stated it does.That $1.2 to $1.3 million was estimated in a quick time frame while the tried to put the grant information together.That would be the amount for a full storm drain system, fully paved curb and sidewalk and everything else.They can always look at value engineering or more cost-effective solutions.They could reduce it by analyzing it in more detail. The more information they get, the more it could go down. Vice Mayor Dietz commented $120,000 is not going to put much of a dent in it. City Engineer Giao Pham stated it is a start and it has to start somewhere. City Manager George Hoffman asked Heather what the amount was for the grant they got for Apache Trail. Program Coordinator Heather Patel stated it was $300,000. City Manager George Hoffman stated they have a good start on that project. Vice Mayor Dietz commented that is on North Apache Trail.He asked if the original amount was $1.4 million. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 8 OF 12 Program Coordinator Heather Patel stated it was a little over one million so they broke it up into three phases. Mayor Insalaco closed the discussion with no further comments.This was a discussion item only and he moved on to the next item. PROCUREMENT OF A CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION VEHICLE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT )Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow briefed the council on the item. Councilmember Barker asked if this was budgeted. Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow stated it is.It is part of the original 6 or 7 that were budgeted.The last couple of them we used some RICO fund money on.It is budgeted in the general fund in the fleet department. Councilmember Coleman asked if we auction the old vehicle off online. Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow stated they have auctioned them off online in the past and they may start using state contracts.Those are surplus contracts and the vehicles are given to the state to surplus. They keep a certain percentage for administrative costs and we get the remaining from when it is auctioned off. Councilmember Serdy commented the question they always get asked is if any local people bid on it and how they can bid on it because not everyone sees the answers. Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow stated last year they did a hard bid twice for vehicles. The first time it was non -responsive as they did not respond with the information that the city required.The next time they REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 9 OF 12 were the third lowest bidder.The two ahead of them were actually vendors that were on the state contract.He worked with Bryant and Janine to do outreach to our local dealership to let them know how they could get registered for the state contracts.The state's contract for vehicles is coming up so if there are any businesses hearing us tonight, as soon as they get registered on state contract they will get that invitation to bid.He believes it is in December or January. Mayor Insalaco closed the discussion with no further comments.This was a discussion item only and he moved on to the next item. COUNCIL 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, DECEMBER 5, 2011, 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 6, 2011, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM. Councilmember Coleman SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. CALL TO THE PUBLIC: Mr. Elliott Fisher, 547 E. Quail, addressed the council regarding nepotism in the sewer district and city departments, the use of vacuum trucks to remove water from roadways, additional streetlights, and requested the city to look at residential neighborhoods instead of commercial areas for. upgrades. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 10 OF 12 Councilmember Smithson commented the sewer district is not under the control of the city council.The council appoints the board members but they are completely autonomous.He suggested he speak at the monthly meeting of the sewer district. Councilmember Coleman commented the city's nepotism policy is even stronger than what the state requires.His daughters could never work in the summer recreation programs as lifeguards because he was mayor on the city council.All their friends could, but his children could not. Vice Chairperson Dietz stated his niece could not work for the city, even though she is highly qualified, because he is on the council. Councilmember Smithson stated it is too bad he did not stay around to hear the answers. Mayor Insalaco commented he and the council would like to wish everyone a wonder Thanksgiving. ADJOURNMENT )Mayor Insalaco adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1. Acceptance of Agenda. 2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 1, 2011. 3. Consideration of Fiscal Year 2011-2012 professional services agreements with five human services agencies to provide in- city services in the total of $80,000. ACCEPTED THIS 6TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2011, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 6TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2011. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 11 OF 12 ATTEST: KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk 4udOHN S. INSALACO Mayor 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 15th day of November, 2011.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 28th day of November, 2011. KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 15, 2011 PAGE 12 OF 12