HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-18 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 18, 2009
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on August 18, 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 7:05 p.m.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Coleman gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Wilson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Insalaco
Councilmember Barker
Councilmember Coleman
Councilmember Dietz
Councilmember Serdy
Councilmember Wilson
Staff Present:
(Vice Mayor Eck was absent due to a
death in the family.)
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
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell
Public Works Director David Fern
Planning Manager Fred Baker
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 1 OF 30
Others Present:
Economic Dev. Director Steve Filipowicz
Asst. to the City Manager Matt Busby
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow
Senior Project Engineer Emile Schmid
Asst. to the City Manager Ruth Giese
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED; AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 09-43, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, APPROVING THE
2010 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCEDURES, BE
APPROVED; AND
THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PROJECT NO. PW 2009-09, BULK FUEL, BE
AWARDED TO SOUTHERN COUNTIES OIL COMPANY IN THE AMOUNTS OF PLUS
.0075 CENTS FOR UNLEADED FUEL GUARANTEED VOLUME, PLUS .0169
CENTS FOR UNLEADED FUEL UNGUARANTEED VOLUME, MINUS .0125 CENTS
FOR DIESEL FUEL GUARANTEED VOLUME, AND MINUS .0031 CENTS FOR
DIESEL FUEL UNGUARANTEED VOLUME; AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 09-10, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING THE
CITY TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR USE OF CITY FUELING
FACILITIES, BE APPROVED; AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 09-41, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, ESTABLISHING
THE NUMBER OF POLICE DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEERS ELIGIBLE FOR WORKERS'
COMPENSATION INSURANCE; ESTABLISHING A SALARY EQUIVALENT FOR
PURPOSE OF COMPUTING A WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE PREMIUM
AND COMPENSATION BENEFITS FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEERS; AND
REPEALING CONFLICTING PROVISIONS, BE APPROVED; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 CONTRACT
FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES WITH THE GREATER PHOENIX
ECONOMIC COUNCIL (GPEC) IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,671.00; THAT
AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT
PENDING FINAL APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY; AND THAT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 2 OF 30
COUNCILMEMBER JEFF SERDY BE APPOINTED AS THE CITY OF APACHE
JUNCTION REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GREATER PHOENIX ECONOMIC COUNCIL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CABLE
LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MEDIACOM ARIZONA L.L.C. AND THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION FOR A TERMPORARY EXTENSION OF THE AGREEMENT
OF THE TERM TO OCTOBER 31, 2009 TO ENSURE THAT MEDIACOM IS FOUND
TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LICENSE AGREEMENT AND CURRENT LAWS
AND REGULATIONS; 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 BE GIVEN TO THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT
BETWEEN THE CENTRAL ARIZONA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS AND THE
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION FOR CENTRAL ARIZONA ASSOCIATION OF
GOVERNMENTS' PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND OTHER TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2009-10 IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,812; AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE
GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT PENDING FINAL APPROVAL
AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY; AND
THAT THE FISCAL YEAR 2009-10 CITY COUNCIL WORK PLAN BE ADOPTED.
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous for Items 1-8 and 10-12.5-1 for Item No. 9
(Greater Phoenix Economic Council agreement) with Councilmember
Barker voting in opposition.
The motion carried.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
Councilmember Wilson announced the Superstition Horsemens
Association and the parks and recreation department are
continuing to sponsor the open riding on Thursday nights at the
rodeo grounds through October 8, 2009.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 3 OF 30
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR A TEMPORARY
EXTENSION OF PREMISES FOR FRATERNAL
ORDER OF EAGLES LOST DUTCHMAN #3850)
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Insalaco requested the
applicant address the council.The applicant declined unless
there were questions.There were no questions.He then opened
the public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to
speak he closed the public hearing and opened the item to
council discussion.There being no discussion, he called for a
motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF PREMISES ON
SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 AND OCTOBER 31, 2009 FOR FRATERNAL ORDER OF
EAGLES LOST DUTCHMAN #3850, SUBMITTED BY TERRANCE BROWNELL, BE
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR
LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR A PERMANENT
EXTENSION OF PREMISES/PATIO PERMIT
ON THE LIQUOR LICENSE OF HITCHING
POST PIZZA PUB
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Insalaco requested the
applicant address the council.The applicant declined unless
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 4 OF 30
there were any questions.There were no questions.He then
opened the public hearing on the item.There being no one
wishing to speak, he closed the public hearing and opened the
item to council discussion.There being no discussion, he
called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A PERMANENT EXTENSION OF PREMISES FOR
HITCHING POST PIZZA PUB, SUBMITTED BY MEHMOOD MOHIUDDIN, BE
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR
LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1344, AMENDING CITY
CODE, VOLUME I, CHAPTER 4 FEES,
ARTICLE 4-1 PARKS AND RECREATION
FEES SCHEDULE
)Parks and Recreation
Director Jeff Bell briefed the council on the item.
new fees are needed.
Jeff Bell stated they are.
public hearing on the item.
Mayor Insalaco asked if the
Parks and Recreation Director
Mayor Insalaco opened the
Mr. Elliott Fisher, 547 E.
Quail, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He commented it
seems to be a lot to go through to change the whole section of
the code when considering the fees.He added he does not know
how these fees fit into the general scheme of things since the
budget was not available online.He questioned where the fees
are going and how the city is over budget in everything it does.
He hoped that the fees would not continue to increase.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 5 OF 30
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one el -8e Wishing to speak and reopened
the item to council discussion.There being no further
discussion, he called for a motion.
Councilmember Coleman MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1344 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF
THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
read the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Coleman MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1344, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED
AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1346, REQUIRING
FINGERPRINTING OF ALL PROSPECTIVE
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION PARKS AND
RECREATION AND LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
VOLUNTEERS AND ALL PROSPECTIVE
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION REGULAR AND
CONTRACT EMPLOYEES FOR THE PURPOSE
OF OBTAINING CRIMINAL HISTORY
RECORD INFORMATION FROM THE ARIZONA
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Parks and Recreation
Director Jeff Bell briefed the council on the item.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 6 OF 30
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Elliott Fisher, 547 E.
Quail, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He believes the
hiring of felons is occurring all over the county and he hoped
it would be expanded to where everyone that works in government
should get a fingerprint clearance card.He suggested the
council expand it for all the jobs in the city government.
Ms. Patricia Blight, 431 S.
Saguaro Drive, Apache Junction, addressed the council.She
described the problems she had in getting her fingerprint
clearance card for her certified nursing assistant position.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened
the item to council discussion.There being no discussion, he
called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1346 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF
THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Coleman
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
read the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1346, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED
AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Coleman
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 7 OF 30
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1326, ESTABLISHING
LOCATIONS FOR "NO PARKING" SIGNS ON
WINCHESTER ROAD AND 16TH AVENUE
)Senior Project Engineer
Emile Schmid briefed the council on the item.
Councilmember Wilson asked
who is financing the cost of the study, the placement of the
signs and their installation.He wanted to know if the city is
doing this entirely or if the church is reimbursing the city.
Senior Project Engineer Emile
Schmid stated he believes it is the city's burden.
Mayor Insalaco asked if with
the signs there the city can now ticket the cars that are there
illegally whereas before they could not be ticketed.
Senior Project Engineer Emile
Schmid stated that is correct.
Mayor Insalaco commented if
they are parked there, the police department can now put tickets
on them.It was a safety issue because the people across the
street were complaining quite a bit.
Councilmember Wilson asked if
it was a safety issue for the entire area.
Senior Project Engineer Emile
Schmid stated it was.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he believed the cars could also be towed.
Councilmember Serdy asked how
soon they could be towed, as these are churchgoers that would be
in there.He asked if they would be ticketed and towed in just
the one session of church.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 8 OF 30
Senior Project Engineer Emile
Schmid stated he does not kndW how fast the police department
responds to some issues.It was his understanding that some
officers did go out in the past during the services and that
some members of the congregation came out and confronted the
officers on one occasion that he is aware of.
Department of Public Safety
Director Jerald Monahan stated it is the police department's
intent to ticket first and then tow as a last resort.He
believes they can gain compliance with a number of avenues.
Enforcement would be at the latter end.
Councilmember Serdy commented
the word would get out not to park there after that.
Department of Public Safety
Director Jerald Monahan stated they have used the church
bulletin and the church has been an active partner in this
venture with the city.They believe they can gain compliance
that way.
Councilmember Coleman
commented he drives that way frequently on Sundays and having
the cars out in the road is a hazard for anybody that drives
down through there.They are very narrow streets.Winchester
is very narrow.He believes the city should bear the cost of
this as it is a city issue.
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 Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1326 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF
THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 9 OF 30
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
read the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1326, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED
AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1347, CASE AM -9-04,
AMENDING CITY CODE, VOLUME II,
CHAPTER 6, ARTICLE 6-1 LANDSCAPE
AND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS,BY
AMENDING SECTIONS 6-1-2
APPLICABILITY AND 6-1-5 LANDSCAPING)
)Senior Planner Rudy
Esquivias briefed the council on the item.He asked what
percentage level they are comfortable with for properties that
may have their landscape standards waived.
he would not want them waived.
Councilmember Coleman stated
Mayor Insalaco agreed.
Councilmember Coleman
commented no matter how small the properties are; if they are
going to get landscaping in, it is a chain effect.He thinks it
is good attorney language where it says the development services
director may still require some landscaping.It means that they
do not have to and that is what they are going to fight for.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated when they were originally looking at this, they were
thinking of the lots along Coconino, Idaho and Southern, and the
lots around 17th Avenue and Tomahawk.They are very narrow, old
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 10 OF 30
subdivision/industrial lots that are only, in some cases, 25',
50' or 75' wide.If you need a 24' driveway in a 50' width, it
will not leave a lot of room on either side for landscaping.
They can still get decent landscaping improvements on a 75' wide
property.On a narrow lot it would have to be very much at the
discretion of the director as to whether they could get some
planters in, landscaping on the side, landscaping in the parking
lot or something nicer than just a metal building to still try
and achieve, to an extent, the intent of the code.
Councilmember Barker
commented that as long as they have the permissive language
rather than the mandatory language that it will help alleviate
the problems that the director may find as he looks at things.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated it is not intended to be a give away.
Councilmember Barker stated
she agreed with Councilmember Coleman.It should be left as is.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Elliott Fisher, 547 E.
Quail, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated when
you have a situation where you can pick and choose it causes
problems.The loophole should be shut.He suggested looking at
taking properties with the right given to them by the Supreme
Court.He commented on the problems the city had with Putt Putt
Auto Sales.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened
the item to council discussion.
Councilmember Coleman
commented he believed the case that Mr. Fisher brought up
involved a performance bond.It was not being adhered to.They
had bonded and said they would make certain improvements and
they did not.The city was not being the heavy or the bad guy.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 11 OF 30
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further coMMents and called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1347 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF
THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
read the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Wilson MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1347, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED
AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Coleman
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1340, CASE AN -1-06,
ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 123
ACRES OF PRIVATE PROPERTY AND
ASSIGNING CITY ZONING TO THE
PROPERTY OWNED BY FORTUNE TRAVEL,
INC./ORDINANCE NO. 1341, CASE PZ-6-
05, AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT
MAP OF THE CITY FOR A 111 GROSS
ACRE PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SOUTHERN AND
MERIDIAN FROM GENERAL RURAL TO
TRAILER HOMES ITES BY PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT/RESOLUTION NO. 09-14,
GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 12 OF 30
FACILITIES DISTRICT NO. 1 TO
PROVIDE SERVICE TO A 123 ACRE
PARCEL LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST
CORNER OF SOUTHERN AND MERIDIAN,
CURRENTLY LOCATED OUTSIDE OF THE
CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY/
RESOLUTION ON. 09-15, APPROVING A
PRE -ANNEXATION DEVELOPMENT AND
DRAINAGE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH
FORTUNE TRAVEL, INC.
)City Attorney Joel Stern
commented items 20-23 can have their titles read and have one
public hearing.Items 24 and 25 are dependent on the votes for
items 20-23.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the items.
Councilmember Coleman asked
when they are actually planning on building this.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the applicants are here and he believes they would like
to get started on the clubhouse and common area amenities first.
He has heard they may wait a couple years before starting the
clubhouse to wait for the economy to turn around a little bit.
Mr. Lake is here to answer those questions.
Councilmember Coleman stated
they received a letter from the county saying this was creating
a county island.He asked him to explain that.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated back in January they sent the county a request for them
to review the blank petition and the proposed annexation area
map.On January 29 staff received a letter from them stating
everything looks great and it does not create any conflicts.A
week ago they received a notice from one of their GIS
technicians that, in their opinion, the proposed annexation was
creating a county island.The whole area is presently
surrounded by the city on 3 sides.It is the area in question.
The county is saying that if the city annexes that area, it will
create a county island in one area.That is correct, however,
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 13 OF 30
state statutes say in A.R.S. § 9-471(1) that a city shall not
create a county island.In A.R.S. § 9-471(K) it exempts A.R.S.
§ 9-471(1) if a city or town already surrounds a property on 3
sides.He has talked to the city attorney, Sean Lake, and
various other city attorneys in the past about a situation like
this and he is confident that the city has met its statutory
obligations and that the annexation is exempt because of A.R.S.
§ 9-471(K).He had asked the county to look more closely at the
annexation area statutes in general.They stated they would get
back to him and they have not.Staff is confident the
annexation is proper and legal.
Councilmember Coleman asked
if anything inside the "box" is in the city right now.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated nothing except a property that was annexed a few years
ago where the Walgreen's is located.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he agreed that the annexation is proper and legal.
Councilmember Wilson asked if
they are already a county island because the west side is
Maricopa County, not Pinal County.
stated that is correct.Also, the
runs all the way down to Baseline.
municipalities on all four sides.
maybe there is some wiggle room in
already surround the area on three
met the exemption.
applicant address the council.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
City of Mesa strip annexation
In effect, it is boxed in by
It is a different city, so
the statutes, but since they
sides, he believes they have
Mayor Insalaco requested the
Mr. Sean Lake, 1744 S. Val
Vista Drive, Mesa, addressed the council.He stated Thesman
Communities is a very well -established, well -recognized owner
and operator of many renowned communities in the valley.They
have Palmas del Sol, Las Palmas, and Las Palmas Grand, and they
are now proposing the Las Palmas del Sol.They have always
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 14 OF 30
upgraded every new community, getting better each time.
Regarding issues touched on earlier, he concurs with the city
attorney on the annexation.There is a county island that
exists today; they are merely making that county island smaller.
They have been involved in the exact situation multiple times in
previous cities.The development agreement represents a
mutually beneficial relationship that has occurred.They
believe that, historically, there were some drainage issues that
occurred at the intersection of Southern and this property.
They are not here to discuss whose fault that was, but it was to
the point where calmer heads were not prevailing.Your city
attorney and staff worked diligently and calmer heads did
prevail so that other courses of action were not necessary.The
development agreement solves a significant drainage issue for
the city where there is no out of pocket dollars expended by the
city.There will be beneficial improvements performed along
Southern and the water will be conveyed along channels that do
not currently exist.It is a win -win situation for the city,
property owners in this area that dealt with drainage issues and
this property owner.It solves a major drainage issue for the
city.This property is located at Southern and Meridian and is
123 acres in size.The corner is an exception parcel that will
not be part of this case.This property does not go all the way
to the freeway.There is excess right-of-way of about 350' from
the edge of the freeway to their property line.The adjacent
developments are on the aerial photo.Rudy had already gone
through the proposed zonings for the site.He has presented a
conceptual site plan of what they would like to develop on this
property.They have centralized open space, open space along
the perimeter and along the south side of the property.They
have substantial amenities.There is a lot of open space along
Southern and Meridian.They believe it will be an outstanding
development.They have worked with staff on the conditions of
approval to protect the city so that it gets what is being
shown.He went through the new conditions of approval, which
included a multi -use path along the arterials, street
improvements for drainage issues and transportation issues to
Southern and Meridian, the quality of homes, the quality, of the
amenities, and the timing of the building of the clubhouse.
Councilmember Coleman asked
how long the limit is.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 15 OF 30
Mr. Sean Lake stated they
must have their certificate of occupancy for the clubhouse from
30 months after all approvals.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it is 30 months after obtaining all governmental
approvals.
Mr. Sean Lake stated building
into that the timing for construction of a clubhouse, it is a
fairly quick timeframe when talking about such a large
development.There are a lot of amenities built into the
clubhouse; it will be first class.At a previous meeting a
councilmember asked how the perimeter wall would be viewed.
That rendering is contained in the new conditions, and it will
be along Southern, Meridian and the south side and contain some
landscaping.The new conditions also include the development
standards and there are really no changes from the planning and
zoning commission recommendations.
Councilmember Barker
commented the perimeter wall on the northwest commercial corner
is part of the development itself.She asked how they are going
to keep that commercial corner from being used as storage space.
There does not appear to be any separation between that corner
and the development itself.
Mr. Sean Lake stated the lots
will back up to that commercial corner.They can either do it
by fencing or by wall.He does not believe the city code will
allow them to store anything on that property.There is not an
approved use for that now.
Councilmember Barker
commented she is aware that it disallows it, but that does not
appear to stop people from doing it.
Mr. Sean Lake stated he
cannot do much more than agree to not break the law.
Councilmember Barker
commented they have those homes that abut up to there that must
agree to the same.The temptation will be great.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 16 OF 30
Mayor Insalaco asked if there
will be a wall there.
Councilmember Barker stated
there does not appear to be anything.
Mr. Sean Lake stated there
will be a wall that would divide the commercial from the
residential.
Councilmember Barker
commented that was not noted here, whereas the separation
between the RV storage in the southeast corner does show a
barrier of some sort between the RV storage and the homes.This
appeared to have nothing.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated there is typically a wall required between zoning
districts of commercial and residential.
Councilmember Barker stated
that is true, but if the commercial is not built she was not
sure.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the wall would be on the property line, but he was unsure
of the height.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated a 6' wall would be required between the residential
properties.
Councilmember Dietz commented
that is between trailer homesite and general rural.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated that is correct.In the future, when the property is
rezoned to commercial, they would look at an 8' wall.The
applicant might want to consider engineering a wall that starts
out at 8' or that can be made into an 8' wall.
Mr. Sean Lake stated the next
conditions have no changes until they get to condition 8, which
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 17 OF 30
is the RV storage.It will not be livable storage area; it is
just to park an RV.Resident S in this community may be bringing
in $500,000 motor homes and they want a place to put it.
Councilmember Dietz commented
it would be fenced to where it looks nice.
Mr. Sean Lake stated it will
have a perimeter fence and landscaping.It is a two -tiered -type
system to buffer that side.Condition 9 is critical in
importance to this property owner.He is proposing to take the
last phase of development and, as an interim use with a time
limit on it, in terms of both number of lots and years so there
is a definite ending on it, develop an area where RVs can come
in and be parked for guest residents.They have a guest
resident program to allow people who are living a more transient
motor home -type lifestyle to come in and rent a space, live,
partake of the community activities and see if this is where
they would like to live.They then transition into a permanent
structure.It is a temporary use.It is not an RV park where
you would find park models.The condition of approval would
disallow that.These are true RVs that are pulled up and down
the highways.As an interim use, the Thesmans would go into
this last phase of development, do all the improvements for this
RV park, including amenities, and in the last stage they would
remove all the improvements and develop it consistent with the
presented site plan.The time frame for when this has to occur
is finite with lots being sold within the development and at the
outset of a year.It will not continue on indefinitely as an RV
park and it would not ever allow park models.
Councilmember Dietz commented
it is only for ten years from the time they get the certificate
of occupancy.
Mr. Sean Lake stated that is
for the certificate_of occupancy for the clubhouse.It is not
something that they want to have.It does many things;The
Thesmans have: been successful with their parks where others have
not.It is not_only _because of the quality that they build and
-the amenities they offer, but it is the lifestyle they create.
Things like the guest program help create a synergy and
excitement in the community.They have found in the Las Palmas
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18,,2009:
PAGE 18 OF 30
Grand project in the early stages of development it allowed more
people in the community, which meant more people at the
clubhouse, more people at the activities and more people in the
community.It creates more excitement and activity in the
community.The buzz around the whole community is much greater
faster.When they have that buzz quickly, they find that it
tends to fill up quicker.They do it from a pure selfish point
because they want to have that excitement about it in order to
sell more homes quicker.They and the city will benefit from
it.The one in Mesa at Las Palmas Grand has been bulldozed over
and replaced with permanent lots, the same as is being proposed
here.Condition 12 is all new homes and condition 13 is the
monument entry sign, which they agree to.They are excited and
want to move forward with the project.They are here for the
long term, they want to be part of the city and develop the
project.He requested the council's approval and support.
Councilmember Serdy commented
the clubhouse is going to be built first and there will not be
very many residents there.He asked, as a token of good will,
if they would let the community use it for functions like
graduations or sports banquets.
Mr. Sean Lake commented they
are happy to work with the community on that.They have worked
with other communities on other projects, such as residents in
other parks or subdivisions wanting to use it.It is a guest
program, especially in the early stages.They want people to be
there using the amenities.The last thing they want is to put
millions of dollars into the infrastructure and have no one
there.
Councilmember Serdy commented
it would be great to have a lot of the local residents see it
because of a lot of them would not ordinarily go in there.
Depending on how the vote goes tonight, it would be nice if
while the rest of the valley is pretty much at a standstill they
would be gaining new residents and some growth.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the city is going to pay something in the settlement
part.The city is getting a promise not to sue; they are
agreeing that this is it when it comes to the drainage
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 19 OF 30
arguments.The city is paying $160,000 but it will not be paid
until after the drainage channel south of Southern is built to
the city engineer's satisfaction.He could go into detail for
the next hour as to how those flow levels were met.
Mayor Insalaco commented they
have been all over that.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he wanted to clarify that statement in the agreement.
The city is paying some money out, but instead of $2 million or
$3 million if they were hit with a judgment, they have agreed
that $160,000 will be the city's only exposure.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Elliott Fisher, 547 E.
Quail, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He commented he
had stated earlier that the city is trying to get away from the
manufactured home/55 plus parks, especially as this is the
gateway to the city.He received a call from Mr. Lutz and had
some questions answered.He originally was thinking of doing a
referendum, but he is realistic that we are in a horrible
recession and there is the hope that it would stimulate things
here in the city as far as jobs and the construction being done
with local people.He does not like the interim RV situation,
but it is already here in the city.He is glad they are hooking
up to the sewer district; he hopes it becomes mandatory for
developments at least half this size to hook up to the sewer
district.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak and reopened
the item to council discussion.There being no further
discussion, he called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1340 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF
THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 20 OF 30
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
read the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1340, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED
AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:4-2 (Councilmembers Barker and Coleman voted in
opposition.)
Councilmember Coleman commented he wished to explain his vote.
He would like to see this in the city limits.He just had hoped
for something different on that piece.They had worked so hard
to get the exit off the freeway at Meridian and he believes the
possibilities in the future would be even better.He thinks it
is a quality project; he has been to Las Palmas Grand.He went
to the International Shuffleboard Tournament there with Mayor
Hawker and they spoke to the groups from the different
countries.He thinks it would be wrong for him to vote for the
annexation and then vote against the project, even though he
believes this does belong in the city.He is going to vote no.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1341 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF
THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 21 OF 30
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
read the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1341, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED
AND ADOPTED SUBJECT TO THE NEW CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL.
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:5-1 (Councilmember Coleman voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 09-14, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, GRANTING
PERMISSION TO THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY FACILITIES
DISTRICT NO. 1 TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO A 123 -ACRE PARCEL LOCATED
AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF MERIDIAN DRIVE AND SOUTHERN AVENUE
CURRENTLY LOCATED OUTSIDE THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF
APACHE JUNCTION, BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 09-15, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, FINAL COUNTY, ARIZONA,
APPROVING A PRE -ANNEXATION DEVELOPMENT AND DRAINAGE SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT WITH FORTUNE TRAVEL, INC., BE APPROVED
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:5-1 (Cbuncilmember Coleman voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 22 OF 30
Councilmember Coleman asked
if that was just on the settlement.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it was on the development agreement and settlement.
POSSIBLE RECONSIDERATION OF FORTUNE
,TRAVEL, INC. REQUEST FOR ANNEXATION
OF 123 ACRES LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SOUTHERN AND
MERIDIAN, UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 1340/
POSSIBLE RECONSIDERATION OF SEWER
DISTRICT BOUNDARY EXTENSION FOR
SERVICE TO A 123 ACRE PARCEL
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
SOUTHERN AND MERIDIAN, UNDER
RESOLUTION NO. 09-14
)There was general
discussion as to what action should be taken on these items as
they are not necessary.
City Attorney Joel Stern
commented they could skip them entirely.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated there should probably be a record in the minutes that no
action was taken.
City Attorney Joel Stern
commented there should then be a motion that no action was taken
on either item.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT NO ACTION BE TAKEN ON ITEM NO. 24 AND NO. 25.
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE -CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
. PAGE 23 OF 30
short break.
Mayor Insalaco called for a
Mayor Insalaco reconvened the
meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
NEGOTIATION OF MEDIACOM LICENSE
AGREEMENT RENEWAL
)Assistant to the City
Manager Ruth Giese briefed the council on the item.
Councilmember Wilson
commented that number 3 states there will be a four hour maximum
window for providing customer service and response.He believes
they meant that when they are scheduling to come out, that it
not necessarily be a four hour window for them to respond on a
complaint, but a four hour window for them to come out.
Councilmember Dietz commented
it is a scheduling window, so that someone does not have to be
home from 8 to 5.It should be either a morning or an
afternoon.
Councilmember Barker
commented they need to spell out customer service better so that
they understand that it pertains to scheduling appointments, et
cetera.
Councilmember Serdy commented
they need to change the wording on number 7.The TV Guide
Channel is actually a station.In talking to the employees of
Mediacom, it got very expensive.We are not asking for The TV
Guide Channel; that is where they have programs going on.All
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 24 OF 30
they want is a program guide, a scroll, and it does not have to
have any entertainment.It is a scroll with no expense at all.
They do not need the actual channel to cost them any money.He
asked that they take the part out where the TV Guide is an
actual channel.
Assistant to the City Manager
Ruth Giese thanked him for the clarification.
Mayor Insalaco commented
people may have to wait, but at least it is something.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated they may want to add the language "on air TV guide",
because she went through that problem of going on line but you
cannot print it out.
Councilmember Serdy commented
that not everyone has a computer.
There was general discussion
on narrowing the language down.
Councilmember Serdy commented
the TV Guide Channel is annoying.It had Ryan Sechrist on it
all the time.He would read it for the scroll.He would be
glad when there was a break and it would just scroll.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated there is one more that she forgot to add that they talked
about last night.Number 12 would be that Mediacom be required
to comply with all local, state and national codes during the
term of the agreement.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that is already in the agreement.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated they talked about it last night to make sure it is one of
the terms.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 25 OF 30
Councilmember Barker
commented if it is redundant, then it is redundant.At least
nobody can say it was not there.
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
NEGOTIATION OF MEDIACOM LICENSE AGREEMENT RENEWAL:I MOVE THAT
THE STAFF INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN THE CONTRACT
NEGOTIATIONS WITH MEDIACOM:(1) THAT THERE BE A LOCAL CUSTOMER
SERVICE OFFICE TO INCLUDE A LOCAL PHONE NUMBER PLUS ACTUAL LOCAL
SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS TO INCLUDE
SATURDAY MORNINGS;(2) THAT THE AGREEMENT BE LIMITED TO 5 YEARS
FOR RENEWAL;(3) THAT THERE BE A FOUR HOUR MAXIMUM WINDOW FOR
PROVIDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SCHEDULING AND RESPONSE;(4) THAT
MEDIACOM REIMBURSE THE CITY UP TO AN AMOUNT OF $10,000 FOR AN
INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF THE ISSUES THAT HAVE SURFACED SO FAR; AND
THAT THE AUDIT BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 31, 2009;(5) THAT
MEDIACOM PAY FOR AN ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AUDIT UP TO $10,000 FOR
EACH YEAR FOR A TOTAL OF $40,000;(6) THAT ALL AVAILABLE
MEDIACOM SERVICES AND PRODUCTS BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO ALL
CITY FACILITIES AS REQUESTED BY THE CITY;(7) THAT AN ON AIR TV
GUIDE BE AVAILABLE FOR BASIC SERVICE USERS AS WELL AS ALL
OTHERS;(8) THAT ALL MEDIACOM SUBCONTRACTORS GET THE REQUIRED
CITY LICENSE TO DO BUSINESS IN THE CITY BEFORE BEGINNING WORK
AND THAT THESE SUBCONTRACTORS PROVIDE THE REQUIRED PROOF OF
INSURANCE BEFORE WORKING IN THE CITY LIMITS;(9) THAT MEDIACOM
PROVIDE THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE WITH A COPY OF THE SYSTEM'S
INFRACTION LOG ON A BIWEEKLY BASIS, AND THAT THAT LOG ALSO
INCLUDE ALL THE COLUMNS THAT WERE ON SCREEN;(10) THAT MEDIACOM
RESPOND TO CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPLAINTS IN A TIMELY MANNER;(11)
THAT THE CUSTOMER BILLING STATEMENT INCLUDE THE CONTACT NUMBERS
FOR THE LOCAL OFFICE AND FOR A LOCAL CUSTOMER SERVICE CALL; AND
(12)THAT MEDIACOM BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH ALL LOCAL, STATE
AND NATIONAL CODES.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 26 OF 30
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:45 P.M. AND A WORK SESSION AT
7:00 P.M. BE HELD ON MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2009, IN THE CITY
COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, RESPECTIVELY;
AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:45 P.M. AND REGULAR COUNCIL
MEETING AT 7:00 P.M. FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 ARE
CANCELLED; AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 5:45 P.M. AND A WORK SESSION AT
7:00 P.M. BE HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009, 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,
SEPTEMBER 15, 2009, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC:
Ms. Christa Rizzi, 1755 S. Sombrero, Apache Junction, addressed
the council to request that "end of school'zone" signs be placed
at the end of school zones so drivers would know when they can
increase their speed.
Ms. Patricia Blight, 431:S. Saguaro, Apache Junction, addressed
the council regarding her concern about where 18 wheelers can
legally park in the city.
Mr. Thomas Aulik, 2292 N. Ironwood, Apache Junction, addressed
the council regarding putting a sidewalk on the east side of
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 27 OF 30
Ironwood between Superstition and Lost Dutchman for safety
reasons.
Mr. Elliott Fisher, 547 E. Quail, Apache Junction, addressed the
council regarding handicap transportation, scrolling information
on the MediaCom city channel, and giving equal time to
candidates.
Councilmember Barker requested the city manager have staff
address the problems mentioned by Ms. Rizzi and Mr. Aulik.
Councilmember Serdy requested staff look into putting a bike
trail on Ironwood between Superstition and Lost Dutchman, and
that he does not believe they can legally give equal time to
others on the city channel.
Councilmember Wilson agreed with the request of Councilmember
Barker.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Insalaco adjourned
the meeting at 8:52 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1. Acceptance of Agenda.
2. Acceptance of Minutes of Special Meeting of July 7, 2009.
3. Acceptance of Minutes of Special Meeting of August 4, 2009.
4. Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 4, 2009.
5. Consideration of proposed Resolution No. 09-43, adopting the
2010 General Plan public participation procedures.
6. Consideration of award of bid to Southern Counties Oil
Company for bulk fuel, Project PW 2009-09.
7. Consideration of proposed Resolution No. 09-10, authorizing
the City to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with
the Arizona Department of Public Safety for use of City
fueling facilities.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 28 OF 30
8. Consideration of proposed Resolution No. 09-41, establishing
the number of Police Department volunteers eligible for
Workers' Compensation Insurance, and establishing a salary
equivalent for the purpose of computing Workers' Compensation
Insurance premium and compensation benefits for Police
Department volunteers; and repealing conflicting provisions.
9. Consideration of approval of the Fiscal Year 2009-2010
contract for economic development services with the Greater
Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and reappointment of
Councilmember Dietz as the City of Apache Junction
Representative to the GPEC Board of Directors.
10. Consideration of a second amendment to the cable system
license agreement between Mediacom Arizona L.L.C. and the
City of Apache Junction.
11. Consideration of approval of Central Arizona Association of
Governments Planning Services Contract in the amount not to
exceed $25,812.00.
12. Consideration of adoption of the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 City
Council Work Plan.
ACCEPTED THIS 15TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2009, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 15TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2009.
vaLlioteLy
N S. INSALACO
Mayor
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 29 OF 30
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
18th day of August, 2009.I further certify that the meeting
was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 25th of August, 2009.
ATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST 18, 2009
PAGE 30 OF 30