HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-16 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 16, 2009
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on June 16, 2009, 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 7:04 p.m.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Coleman gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Serdy led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Insalaco
Vice Mayor Eck
Councilmember Barker
Councilmember Coleman
Councilmember Serdy
Councilmember Wilson (appeared
telephonically)
Staff Present:
(Councilmember Dietz was absent.)
City Manager George Hoffman
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Jerald Monahan
City Engineer Giao Pham
Public Works Director David Fern
Development Svcs. Director Brad Steinke
Planning Manager Fred Baker
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 1 OF 26
Others Present:Captain Tom Kelly
Program Coordinator Heather Patel
Grants Coordinator Roger Hacker
Building Official Dennis Dixon
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED AFTER MOVING CALL TO
THE PUBLIC TO FOLLOW ITEMS NO. M20 AND M21 AND THAT THE MAYOR OR
VICE MAYOR BE AUTHORIZED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING IF ANYONE
BECOMES DISORDERLY, UNCIVIL OR MAKES PERSONAL ATTACKS DURING
CALL TO THE PUBLIC; AND
I ASK THAT ITEM NO. 3 BE DELETED OFF THE CONSENT AGENDA; AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 09-32, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL
OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FOR AMERICAN
RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009 STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
FUND -STATE, LOCAL AND TRIBAL GOVERNMENT CAPACITY BUILDING
PROGRAM, BE APPROVED; AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 09-34, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, DECLARING ITS
SUPPORT FOR GOVERNOR JAN BREWER'S FY 2009-10 BUDGET PROPOSAL, BE
APPROVED; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE AMENDED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND THE CITY OF APACHE
JUNCTION FOR THE LANDFORM ROCK GRAPHICS AT GOLDFIELD AND U.S. 60
AND AT TOMAHAWK AND U.S. 60; AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR
THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT PENDING FINAL APPROVAL AS TO
FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY; AND
THAT APPROVAL TO REJECT ALL BIDS ON PROJECT PW-2008-12 FOR
ROADWAY AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS ON IRONWOOD DRIVE FROM
BROADWAY AVENUE TO 16TH AVENUE DUE TO THE HIGHWAY USER REVENUE
FUNDS DECLINE; AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 09-31, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 2 OF 26
SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT
PROGRAM FOR STATE HIGHWAYS tt*Ibii4 THROUGH THE TRANSPORTATION
EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY PROGRAM AND CERTIFYING THAT THE
APPLICATION (1) MEETS THE COMMUNITY'S IDENTIFIED TRANSPORTATION
NEEDS; AND (2) IS NECESSARY FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLETION OF
THE ACTIVITIES OUTLINED IN THE APPLICATION, BE CONTINUED AND BE
PUT UNDER NEW BUSINESS; AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 09-30, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, APPROVING THE .
SUBMITTAL OF. PROPOSITION 202 FUNDS, BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
Councilmember Coleman
commented THEYJDID NOT WANT TO CONTINUE THAT ITEM, JUST MOVE IT
TO NEW BUSINESS.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
is what hemeant.He asked if that is what he said.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE ITEM: BEINGMOVED TO NEW BUSINESS ONLY.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Insalaco read a proclamation designating July 25, 2009 as
"Pinal County National Day of the Cowboy" and presented it to
Kevin Thompson, chairman of the Apache Junction Chamber of
Commerce
Mayor Insalaco presented a retirement plaque. to Sergeant Teresa
Rodgers.Department of Public Safety Director Jerald Monahan
gave a presentation on the highlights of her career, and
presented her:with a flag flownover the polite station in her
honor, a retirement badge and:her retirement credentials.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 3 OF 26
Councilmember Serdy commented there will be some councilmembers
in the dunk tank at the Foufth Of July Celebration.
Councilmember Serdy apologized for saying at the work session
last night that the government was spending like a bunch of
drunken soldiers; he meant to say drunken sailors.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager George Hoffman thanked the public works department
for their preparation for Flag Day.Assistant City Manager
Bryant Powell gave a presentation on the Workforce Investment
Act which is the old Job Training Program for students working
in the summer.There was general discussion on where the
students were from.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCE NO. 1343, AMENDING THE
CITY CODE, VOLUME II LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE,CHAPTER 1 ZONING
ORDINANCE,BY AMENDING ARTICLE 6
GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS,
SECTION 6.0130 EQUINE REGULATIONS )
)Mayor Insalaco read a
letter from Councilmember Chip Wilson requesting this item be
continued so that he may be in attendance in person instead of
by telephone.
Vice Mayor Eck agreed with
the letter since, he has been involved with this since its
creation.He is in Washington, D.C. attending the meeting by
satellite.He does not like to continue things, but in this
situation he is all for continuing it to the July 7 meeting.
Councilmember Barker agreed
with continuing the vast majority of this but she would like to
tackle the fence issue tonight.
Councilmember Wilson
commented if they can continue it, he requested the people in
attendance put off their comments until the July 7 meeting.He
apologized to them as he knows that some of them may not be able
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 4 OF 26
to attend and speak on July 7.If they cannot wait until July
7, they can make their commehtS.It is hard for him to hear, in
fact, he is getting an echo.He appreciates everyone being
willing to postpone it.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
thinks a 6' fence height is reasonable.If they can see through
the top 18", he would not mind a pony wall.It could be 18"
wrought iron or chain link.A 6' block wall or a 6' chain link
with slats through it would not be acceptable.
Councilmember Barker
commented she thought that what is in this proposed ordinance
will be acceptable.It states that fences 4'6" in height but no
more than 6' in height may be allowed subject to a conditional
use permit in the front yards of licensed, commercial, horse
boarding properties without a building permit, and that the
fence design shall allow a minimum of 25% transparency to allow
visibility through the fence.She asked if that is what he had
in mind.
Mayor Insalaco stated it is.
Councilmember Barker
commented she thought it was well written the way it was.
Vice Mayor Eck agreed.His
concern is that all these people have come to speak.He asked
if they would now have a massive public hearing on one item out
of four items.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
thought it might make it a little easier for the following
meeting if they got rid of this one issue.It would make things
easier for staff, the council and the public.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated pursuant to the open meeting law, because this has been
advertised as it is, anyone can speak on any issue that they
like.Councilmember Wilson is on line and has asked that they
withhold their comments, but they do not have to.Anyone can
speak on this for the three minute period.
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JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 5 OF 26
Councilmember Serdy agreed
with trying to streamline thi and Save the city money by not
having to spend more time on it.He dbes not have a problem
with transparent fences in the rural areas.In the area he
lives, where it is densely populated, they should not have them.
He does not like walls, but as long as they can see through it
for safety and aesthetics, he does not have a problem with it
either.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Charles Bunten, 1680 N.
Starr Road, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He
requested everyone honor the request of Councilmember Wilson and
wait until it can be discussed in his presence.
Mr. Elliott Fisher, 547 E.
Quail, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated he
believed it would set a bad example for the future if they make
an exception for Councilmember Wilson on this important issue.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened
the item to council discussion.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
believes the people here tonight are pretty much in line with
Councilmember Wilson and that is why they did what they did in
not speaking.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1343 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF
THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
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JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 6 OF 26
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
read the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1343, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED
AND ADOPTED WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT:THAT EVERYTHING BE
EXCLUDED FROM THE ORDINANCE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM NUMBER B
12; AND THIS ORDINANCE BE REDRAFTED AND RENUMBERED WITH ALL THAT
IS IN IT CURRENTLY INCLUDED, AND THAT BE CONTINUED TO JULY 7.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
asked for clarification.
Councilmember Barker stated
she is asking that they exclude everything except B 12 which is
the fences, then take the rest of the ordinance, redraft it
without 12 because we do not need it anymore, renumber it
because we are already using this number, and bring it back to
the council on July 7.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated that would be as a new ordinance.
Councilmember Barker stated
that is correct.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
asked if there would be enough time to advertise that as it
would be a new ordinance.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he thought it would be a bit tight.He asked Rudy to
advise them of the advertising requirement.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated an ordinance normally has to be advertised 15 days before
it can be heard at a public hearing.And, because we are now
advertising under the Phoenix/Mesa Republic, they have a
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JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 7 OF 26
different scheduling system than the other so they actually need
more days to get the ads in.
There was general discussion
as to when they could bring back a new ordinance.It was
determined it would have to be August 4.
Councilmember Coleman asked
if Councilmember Barker had wanted to approve the one provision
and then continue the rest.
Councilmember Barker stated
that is correct.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated if she is continuing the rest, she is technically
continuing under Ordinance No. 1343.She was correct in saying
to renumber it with a new ordinance number.They do need a new
ordinance number.
Councilmember Coleman stated
he would like to offer a substitute motion.He MOVED TO
CONTINUE THE WHOLE THING.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
may as well continue it all.
Councilmember Coleman
commented they would not have to pay to advertise it again.
They can set a date.
Councilmember Barker agreed.
Councilmember Coleman
commented he is a little concerned about provision 12.It does
not have any direction as far as materials.They could put up a
sheet of 6' high plywood, drill holes in it and call it a view
fence.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he wanted to clarify that they would be bringing it back
on July 7.
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JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 8 OF 26
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
asked Councilmember Barker if she would like to withdraw her
motion.
Councilmember Barker WITHDREW
HER ORIGINAL MOTION AND SECONDED COUNCILMEMBER COLEMAN'S MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1340, CASE AN -1-06,
PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF
APPROXIMATELY 123 ACRES OF VACANT
LAND AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
SOUTHERN AND MERIDIAN, OWNED BY
FORTUNE TRAVEL INC./ORDINANCE NO.
1341, CASE PZ-6-05, REQUEST BY
FORTUNE TRAVEL INC. TO REZONE 111
ACRES OF THEIR 123 ACRE PROPERTY
FROM GENERAL RURAL TO TRAILER
HOMESITES BY PLANNED DEVELOPMENT )
)City Attorney Joel Stern
briefed the council on the items.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the items.
Mr. Elliott Fisher, 547 E.
Quail, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated this
property is the gateway to the city and something more
interesting than manufactured homes should go in.It should
also not be a 55+ community as they are on fixed incomes.
Ms. Christa Rizzi, 1755 S.
Sombrero, Apache Junction, addressed the council.She suggested
they tour their Mesa location as those are luxury homes that
look foundation built.
Mayor Insalaco commented they
have gone there.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 9 OF 26
Mr. Charles Bunten, 1680 N.
Starr, Apache Junction, addre ed the council.He stated he
owns two homes with a value he determined is within his income
having retired from 2 companies.He suggested they talk to the
residents of the exclusive homes and see if they are 55 or over.
He added it does not matter what goes in for this project if it
does not bring in money.The developer is bringing what they
can develop and sell, and the residents need to respect that.
Mr. Mike Weller, 471 W. 21st
Avenue, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated there
currently is no entrance to the city off the freeway at
Meridian; he understands the development is for half of a
cloverleaf there when it happens so it will still not be an
entrance to Apache Junction.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the
items to council discussion.
Councilmember Coleman
commented the half cloverleaf will be an exit.
Mayor Insalaco state it will
be an on ramp westbound and an off ramp eastbound.It will be
an entrance to the city coming from the west.
Councilmember Coleman
commented he had heard they were not planning on moving any
dirt, but he has seen dirt being hauled in there for 3 years.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he talked to the developer about when the first permit
will be obtained.Their estimate is 2 to 3 years due to the
economic conditions and a cloud about how they are going to be
financing to meet the requirements of the development.
Councilmember Coleman
commented what they really want now is the entitlement.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that is correct.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 10 OF 26
Councilmember Coleman
commented they can now sell it off with that kind of density.
He suggested continuing this to June 19, 2012.
Councilmember Serdy commented
he is thrilled that someone wants to bring a development here in
these economic times.They may never get $300,000 homes again.
A lot of the $300,000 homes are selling for $100,000 now.
Everyone may be looking at this now.He is happy they are
choosing Apache Junction to bring new residents here.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
believes one of the issues for their not pushing any dirt for 2
to 3 years is they are not going to be pushing any dirt for
actual development.He hopes it is not that they are going to
stockpile all these huge piles of dirt and let them sit.
Usually they want to blade those out and compact it.They will
want to get seasons of rain on it so that it will at least look
like a flat field rather than a bunch of piles of dirt.When
the development does come, they have other parks throughout the
valley and the state; with the demographics showing he estimates
6 times the normal residents of the city.Married couples were
over $300,000 per couple.The folks do have some money.
Mayor Insalaco commented
whether they like it or not is not the thing.These developers
do nothing but these parks.They have been told the developers
have owned the property for over 15 years it will stay that way
for the next 15 years.That is all these people do; they do not
build homes or shopping centers.They build manufactured homes.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
are single family homes.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated this is one of their investments.It is their biggest
investment.They are also setting aside a 12 acre parcel for
possible commercial.They are intrigued with the issue of the
Arizona Department of Transportation plan for the half
cloverleaf.They were not aware of it.They are thinking of
some kind of commercial development on that property.
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JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 11 OF 26
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further cdriments and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO. 1340 BE CONTINUED TO THE COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST
4, 2009 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINALIZING THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO. 1341 BE CONTINUED TO THE COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST
4, 2009 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINALIZING THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
RESOLUTION NO. 09-31, AUTHORITY TO
SUBMIT A TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT
FOR THE 21ST CENTURY GRANT
APPLICATION (FROM CONSENT AGENDA))
)Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker briefed the council on the item.
Councilmember Serdy commented
they are doing desert animals on the other exits.The city is
always being criticized for looking for its identity and being a
leader.Some of them on the council think it would be a good
idea to put an image of the Lost Dutchman there rather than just
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 12 OF 26
another lizard or animal like all the other cities.That way,
when you are getting off the fteeWay there, after the seeing the
Lost Dutchman, you would know you are in Apache Junction, and
going to the Day of the Cowboy, Lost Dutchman Days or the rodeo.
It is a chance to make a bold statement with curb appeal that
would really set us apart as a western community and be part of
our heritage, if it is something that is acceptable.He called
Tammy of the Department of Transportation today and she thought
it was a wonderful idea.He is not sure what her position is
and if she is in a position to say it is a wonderful idea.He
asked Roger to help them and tell them what process it would
have to go through or if it would work.
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated the application is first reviewed by the Central
Arizona Association of Governments and then by the
Transportation Enhancement Review Committee.Previous staff, as
Tammy is new, who advised the Transportation Enhancement Review
Committee and staffed that committee, had advised that the
Arizona Department of Transportation liked the continuity that
we had developed from one exit to the other for using desert
animals.They had been advised previously to continue that
motif on those exits.He does not know if Tammy was giving him
her opinion or new information from the Transportation
Enhancement Review Committee.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
do not want to lose that or fall behind.They do not want to
lose the current application.That is the biggest concern if
they did not follow the format that was set years ago.He
wanted to know if they wanted the Lost Dutchman if they would
have to start at step A again and go through Central Arizona
Association of Governments.
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated it they decide to go with the image of the Lost
Dutchman, it would just go into their application that is due on
July 13.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if it
would be a risk for not going with the animals.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 13 OF 26
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated it is inconsist -ent with what has been done on the
other exits.There is new staff so there may be new thinking.
He is not dodging the issue.
Mayor Insalaco commented it
could be scary.
Councilmember Serdy commented
they did not say no.He asked what they did say, and if they
just advised against it.
Councilmember Coleman
commented they have only done one.
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated they will start Goldfield and Tomahawk in July.
Councilmember Coleman stated
those designs have already been picked.
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated that is correct.One is a roadrunner and the
other is a quail.In meetings a year ago with Fred Baker and
Rhodes Homes/Desei.t Communities for the development of the land
south of the freeway, they had gone through an extensive and
expensive study for branding their community.It is no longer
called Lost Dutchman Heights but Portalis.They were strongly
in favor of not using the Lost Dutchman image on that exit
because they thought that would confuse the new name of the
community with the old Lost Dutchman Heights.They had
correspondence with Mr. Baker regarding that advice.
Vice Mayor Eck asked to which
exit that referred.
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated that was for Idaho.
Councilmember Barker
commented they have been advised that they probably would not
like the Lost Dutchman by the Arizona Department of
Transportation in the past.
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JUNE 16,.2009
PAGE 14 OF 26
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated that is correct.
Councilmember Barker stated
they have also been advised that the developers building to the
south of us in the future would probably not like the Lost
Dutchman either.
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated there is no probably in that statement.
Councilmember Serdy commented
Portalis, if it ever happens, would be a part of Apache
Junction, and their children would go to Apache Junction High
School and they would be prospectors.He is proud of Apache
Junction and that they are prospectors.
Vice Mayor Eck commented
Portales is so far east, they would be getting on the freeway
out by Twin Knolls.Look where the landfill is, it is at
Tomahawk.They will not be west of that.The heart of Portales
is further east of the landfill.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated his reference to Portalis is Baseline on the
north, Elliott on the south, Meridian on the west and Barkley on
the east.The Rhodes Homes area, which is the actual Portalis
of 1,100 acres just south of Baseline, is east of Idaho to the
Goldfield area.
Councilmember Coleman stated
it takes in the whole 12 square miles that are in the city
limits now.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if it is
going to go all the way to Meridian, and if the QuikTrip would
be at Meridian or further east.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated Portalis is going to Meridian, but he did not know about
the QuikTrip.He believes the boundaries given by the assistant
city manager previously are accurate.
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JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 15 OF 26
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
thought the heart of it woul3 be south of Twin Knolls.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated the boundaries are basically Baseline, Elliott, Meridian
and Barkley, or all the way over to US 60 actually.It consists
of all the state lands within there.There are a couple of
private pieces that are not and a county island next to Meridian
that is not.
Councilmember Serdy commented
everybody says they do not want more cookie cutter development.
The people that are selling Portalis will be highlighting the
mountain and the history in this area.It will not be Queen
Creek or the area down there; it will be Apache Junction.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
likes the idea, but there is definitely some risk involved.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
does not like to take the risk.He likes the Lost Dutchman
there, but now it is scary to him.
Councilmember Wilson asked if
it would be possible to approve both of them and have Roger
contact the Arizona Department of Transportation to determine if
it would be allowed.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
was not sure if they would have the time.
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated he could follow up on the discussion that
Councilmember Serdy had with the new staff member at the Arizona
Department of Transportation to explore if there has been a
change in thinking.Rather than go with 2 images, he would
rather follow up on Councilmember Serdy's phone call and go
forward from that point.
Councilmember Barker asked if
they have that kind of time.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 16 OF 26
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated he can make the 'Call tomorrow.
Councilmember Barker
commented she meant if the council would have the time to pass
it after the review.
Grants Coordinator Roger
Hacker stated there is nothing in the resolution that specifies
the graphic.
could then vote on the resolution.
Hacker stated that is correct.
asked when the submittal date is.
Hacker stated it is July 13.
Mayor Insalaco commented they
Grants Coordinator Roger
City Attorney Joel Stern
Grants Coordinator Roger
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
asked if they could get a schematic of a coyote with a couple of
cubs.
Councilmember Serdy stated
they are pups, not cubs.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 09-31, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT
PROGRAM FOR STATE HIGHWAYS FUNDING THROUGH THE TRANSPORTATION
EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY PROGRAM AND CERTIFYING THAT THE
APPLICATION:(1) MEETS THE COMMUNITY'S IDENTIFIED
TRANSPORTATION NEEDS; AND (2) IS NECESSARY FOR IMPLEMENTATION
AND COMPLETION OF THE ACTIVITIES OUTLINED IN THE APPLICATION, BE
APPROVED.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 17 OF 26
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
SUBMITTAL OF 2009 LEAGUE OF ARIZONA
CITIES AND TOWNS RESOLUTION
)Assistant to the City
Manager Ruth Giese briefed the council on the item.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
believed they only had the one resolution they wanted to submit.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING THE SUBMITTAL OF
2009 LEAGUE OF ARIZONA CITIES AND TOWNS RESOLUTIONS:THAT WE
SUBMIT A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AN AMENDMENT TO ARIZONA REVISED
STATUTES § 48-708 THAT WOULD ALLOW MUNICIPAL STATUS FOR
COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DESIGNATION OF
ASSURED WATER SUPPLY.
Councilmember Coleman
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM
)Building Official -Dennis
Dixon briefed the council on the item.
Councilmember Barker asked if
he had $3,500 buried somewhere in his budget that they could use
for this purpose.
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JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 18 OF 26
Building Official Dennis
Dixon stated he does not have a budget.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated they do have that funding in the budget.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
thinks a lot of the incentive would not necessarily be from the
city to the builder as much as from the builder to the seller.
He would love to buy a green home, especially if it would save
on utility costs and especially if it would save on the
electricity.He knows there are some communities that give the
builders incentive for that, but he really thinks the incentive
is between the seller and the buyer.The buyer is the one who
makes out.
Building Official Dennis
Dixon stated they would not be giving out monetary incentives.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
are not, but they have discussed it.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
saw one family resident at the Habitat for Humanity subdivision
the other day and his electric bill for May was $62 fora house
with those solar panels.
Councilmember Coleman
commented there are some less than that.Nichole who works at
the school had one better than that.
Mayor Insalaco stated it is a
big plus for_the buyers of these homes.
Building Official Dennis
Dixon stated it is the future.We are basically encouraging
builders to take advantage of the opportunity to be well known.
We would basically be helping them:out in marketing.
Councilmember Coleman asked
what the components -of this are, and if it included a water
component.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 19 OF 26
Building Official Dennis
Dixon stated there is definitely a Water component.
Councilmember Coleman asked
if there is an electric component and design.
Building Official Dennis
Dixon stated there is an energy efficiency component which has
lots of different components in it.There are 5 components:
energy efficiency, water conservation, the amount of debris that
is taken to the landfill, indoor environmental air quality, and
the reuse of materials where you use recycled materials instead
of new, virgin materials.
Councilmember Coleman asked
if the green part can be part of the general plan.
Building Official Dennis
Dixon stated green, sustainability and all those other words get
intermingled and are synonymous.There is a green element with
planning.This is the building element, but there is a site
design.All of the other planning terms he will hear are part
of it.This is strictly aimed at individual sites in the
buildings that are on the sites that he is referring to.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING A GREEN
BUILDING PROGRAM:THAT WE CREATE A CITY -SPONSORED PROGRAM THAT
WOULD EDUCATE BUILDING DIVISION STAFF AND DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT
AN APACHE JUNCTION VOLUNTARY RESIDENTIAL GREEN BUILDING PROGRAM
SIMILAR TO THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE WITH AN ESTIMATED START UP
COST OF $3,500.00 FOR STAFF TRAINING.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 20 OF 26
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
)Development Services
Director Brad Steinke briefed the council on the item.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked what managing the project means on bullet point number
two.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated the planning and zoning commission will be
the body that reviews the drafts with staff, that helps staff to
approve and assign public information strategies to the public,
they will sponsor two public hearings, and they do probably most
of the heavy lifting on reviewing the drafts in order to deliver
it to the council as one, whole document.The planning and
zoning commission would be that body rather than an advisory
committee which some communities use.
Councilmember Coleman
commented he thinks planning and zoning would be very good for
receiving public input and making recommendations, but he does
not want to wait until the plan is all done before it comes to
the council.They need to have periodic review by the council,
perhaps as a section is completed or something like that.
Mayor Insalaco agreed.
Vice Mayor Eck commented it
could go so many different directions.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated he would plan to come back to them at the
next meeting with the public participation strategy that the
state law requires so that they can sign off on what the city is
going to do with outside public input.As part of that, staff
should come back to the council at least once a month to give
them an update on where they are.They would be invited to all
the planning and zoning commission meetings if they would like
to attend.They can give them an update on where they are with
the plan and share the drafts with them as well.
Mayor Insalaco commented the
council is not supposed to attend those meetings.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 21 OF 26
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated it will be easy for them to provide the
information to the council as they go on.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
thought it was the council's responsibility to create a new
general plan every 10 or 15 years.He asked if they are within
that time frame.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated that is correct.By 2010 they must either
adopt a new general plan or amendment to that plan, or readopt
the existing plan.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
is not sure if they can address some of the problems they are
having in the general plan as they are zoning issues, such as
the growth down south, and industrial next to residential.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated if it is policies that they need to discuss,
for example what the rural area or downtown want to look like,
the word sustainability was never used in 1999.A lot of things
and demographics of the community have changed.They talk about
goals, objectives and strategies to meet those policies and then
they have an implementation plan at the end.It is probably the
most important part of the plan; how it is to be implemented.
That is where the connection between the plan and zoning is
talked about.
Vice Mayor Eck asked what the
plan elements are that he is asking them to accept.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke commented they are elements the state requires them
to have.
Councilmember Barker
commented the state requires elements for land use, circulation,
growth area, environmental planning, costs of development, open
space and water resources.The additional elements are public
services and facilities, housing, economic development and
energy.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 22 OF 26
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated he belieVes they can add those additional
elements within our budget and time frame, and they will be
helpful to the city.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
does not see anything about industrial or commercial.He asked
if that is taken on somewhere else.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated that is under land use where they can
discuss the different land use categories in the city.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING THE
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE:THAT WE PROCEED WITH WORKING TOWARD
ADOPTION OF A NEW GENERAL PLAN USING IN-HOUSE STAFF FOR THE
PROJECT, THAT WE USE THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION TO
MANAGE AND THAT THOSE PIECES OF THE GENERAL PLAN BE BROUGHT BACK
TO THE COUNCIL ON AT LEAST A MONTHLY BASIS, THAT WE ACCEPT THE
PLAN FRAMEWORK AS PRESENTED IN THE MEMO FROM DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES DIRECTOR BRAD STEINKE DATED JUNE 4, 2009 WITH THE
TIMELINE AND ELECTION DATE OF MARCH 2011, AND THAT THE NEW
GENERAL PLAN INCLUDE THE ADDITIONAL PLAN ITEMS OF PUBLIC
SERVICES AND FACILITIES, HOUSING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND
ENERGY.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:45 P.M. AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.
BE HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE
ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, RESPECTIVELY; AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 23 OF 26
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:45 P.M. BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JULY
7, 2009, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC:
Ms. Debra Weller, 471 W. 21st Avenue, Apache Junction, addressed
the council to thank various departments for their assistance in
moving their business to Apache Junction..
Mr. Elliott Fisher, 547 E. Quail, Apache Junction, addressed the
council regarding larger properties getting more consideration
for temporary housing, the $3,500 budget for staff on green
buildings, and asked if the tax would sunset that was for the
Capital Facilities Plan.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he agreed with Mr. Fisher on the
equality ofproperty rights but this really comes down to lot
coverage.In a smaller subdivision, it would be using up too
much lot coverage as compared to an acre or 1.25 acre.He also
stated that the Capital Facilities Plan tax will sunset in
August 2010, and it will be final unless there is some new
project or something going on, then the tax definitely will
sunset.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Insalaco adjourned
the meeting at 8:.26 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items -are as follows:
1. Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance,of Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 2, 2009.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16;-2009
PAGE 24sOF 26 .
3. Consideration of approval of Resolution No. 09-33, declaring
support for Senate Bill 1251 (Nelson, R-12) public -private
transportation partnerships.
4. Consideration of proposed Resolution No. 09-32, authorizing
the submittal of an application for funding under the
Strengthening Communities Fund Program.
5. Consideration of proposed Resolution No. 09-34 declaring
support for a State Budget which does not further harm the
financial sustainability of cities and towns in Arizona.
6. Consideration of approval of amended agreement with Arizona
Department of Transportation (ADOT) for the landform graphics
at Goldfield/US 60 and Tomahawk/US 60.
7. Consideration of rejection of all bids on Project PW-2008-12
for roadway and drainage improvements on Ironwood Drive.
8. Consideration of approval of Resolution No. 09-31, authority
to submit a Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century
Grant Application.
9. Consideration of Resolution No. 09-30, authorizing the
submittal of a grant application to the Gila River Indian
community for Proposition 202 funds.
ACCEPTED THIS 7TH DAY OF JULY, 2009, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 7TH DAY OF JULY, 2009.
N S. INSALACO
ayor
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 25 OF 26
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
16th day of June, 2009.I further certify that the meeting was
duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 30th of June, 2009.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 16, 2009
PAGE 26 OF 26