HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-18 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 18, 2008
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on March 18, 2008, at the
Apache Junction City Council Chambers pursuant to the notice
required by law.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Insalaco called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Wilson gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Barker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Insalaco
Vice Mayor Eck
Councilmember Barker
Councilmember Serdy
Councilmember Severs
Councilmember Wilson
Staff Present:
(Councilmember Dietz was absent.)
City Manager George Hoffman
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Interim Public Safety Dir. Tom Kelly
City Engineer Giao Pham
Public Works Director David Fern
Development Svcs. Director Brad Steinke
Others Present:Community Relations Manager Pat Brenner
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MARCH 18, 2008
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ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED; AND
THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PW 2006-11-1, PURCHASE OF 400 LINEAL
FEET OF RUBBER GASKETED REINFORCED CONCRETE PIPE, BE AWARDED TO
HANSON PIPE AND PRECAST IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $60,800.00;
AND
THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PW 2006-11-2, DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS AT
DIRTWATER SPRINGS INCLUDING HEADWALL, CONCRETE JUNCTION
STRUCTURE, SAFETY RAIL, ACCESS BARRIERS AND RELATED
IMPROVEMENTS, BE AWARDED TO H.W. JOHNSON IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $22,288.05.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:4-0.(Councilmember Barker left the room during the vote
because of a perceived conflict of interest on two of the
items.)
The motion carried.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Community Relations Manager Pat Brenner introduced June Whitman
from the Saguaro Canyon Village Neighborhood to speak on behalf
of her group on their being presented to the council.
Ms. June Whitman commented they are proud of their residents and
neighborhood watch program.They try to have city officials
visit them at their meetings twice a year.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr. James Campbell, 3700 S. Ironwood, Apache Junction, addressed
the council regarding the speeders in his trailer park.
Mr. Noel Benoist, 900 N. San Marcos #35, Apache Junction,
addressed the council to request an end to character
assassination and to concentrate on the issues and move the city
forward.
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MARCH 18, 2008
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Ms. Glenda Serdy, 1425 S. Coconino, Apache Junction, addressed
the council to advise she had heard of 17 other police
complaints in the past few years and urged the city to move
forward on the complaint regarding her son.
Ms. Christa Rizzi, 1755 S. Sombrero, Apache Junction, addressed
the council regarding having identification cards with
fingerprints be required for the general public to access the
school track in an effort to keep sexual offenders off the
campus.
Ms. Pam Mosher, Apache Junction, addressed the council to ask
the council to listen to the citizens, commented that this is
one of the most dysfunctional councils she has ever heard and
urged them to work together.
Mr. Thom Parker, P.O. Box 6646, Apache Junction, addressed the
council to advise the Apache Junction Police Officers
Association was in support of the council.
Bryan Martyn, 8212 E. Twisted Leaf Drive, Gold Canyon, addressed
the council to announce that he is a candidate for Pinal County
Supervisor.
Mr. Luke Burke, 1013 E. Linda, Apache Junction, addressed the
council regarding towing issues and spoke in support of
Councilmember Severs.
Mr. Jimmy Eidson, 1309 W. 15th Avenue, Apache Junction,
addressed the council to state the police officer from the
complaint involving his grandson should be fired, that
Councilmember Barker was unjustly attacked at the last council
meeting, the recall effort is a sham, and that the city should
watch out for voter fraud.
Mr. Elliot Fisher, 547 E. Quail, Apache Junction, addressed the
council regarding getting a tenant for the old Osco at Ironwood
and Southern, his possible run for county supervisor, and
improving the city's image.
Mr. Joseph Severs, 1184 N. Starr Road, Apache Junction,
addressed the council regarding increased security at other
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MARCH 18, 2008
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municipalities' council meetings and accused the mayor of not
leading the community in a positive way.
Mr. Charles Bunten, 1680 N. Starr Road, Apache Junction,
addressed the council to call for an independent investigation
to clear the shadows on Councilmember Severs' residency and that
he could not believe Councilmember Severs due to lies told to
him in the past.
Ms. SuAnne Pinoniemi, 850 W. 15th Lane, Apache Junction,
addressed the council to agree with the new fees for dog owners
but requested the city to start doing inspections during the
renewal of animal kennel permits in order to help curtail animal
abuse and cruelty.
Ms. Maria Ewell, 1330 W. Roundup, Apache Junction, addressed the
council regarding all the negative statements being made by Call
to the Public speakers and urged everyone to speak proudly of
the city.
Mr. John Kantowski, 835 W. Windsong, Apache Junction, addressed
the council regarding the trend of reading dirt in the
newspapers and the residency issue of Councilmember Severs; he
requested council not let it drag on.
Mrs. Sharon Diehl, 653 S. Palo Verde, Apache Junction, addressed
the council in support of the majority of the council, to state
the newspaper articles are hurting the city, Councilmember
Severs stating her husband was more of a rebel than he is, that
Councilmember Severs does not say the Pledge of Allegiance,
commented Councilmember Severs' wife stated she would sign her
recall petition but she cannot since she lives in Gilbert, and
Councilmember Severs' wife not returning her phone calls.
Councilmember Severs apologized if he offended Mrs. Diehl.
Vice Mayor Eck commented sex offenders have rights, the state is
supposed to notify neighborhoods but does not always do so, he
thinks there are more sex offenders in Apache Junction than Ms.
Rizzi thinks, that the city has no control over it but he would
like to see if they could control the high school track area;
that he had heard council members attacked verbally for the last
11 years, and that the council does not make the attack, it is
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the people who have won their case, and that he has never gone
to the dais to criticize the mayor.If there was a problem, he
went to the city manager and asked for more protection.
Mayor Insalaco stated he has asked for more security from the
police department in the past and he does not believe
Councilmember Severs should have called attention to it in the
manner he did.
Councilmember Serdy commented Mrs. Mosher is saying the council
is not listening, but the council did not start the rumors about
Councilmember Severs living out of the city.He believes they
will take action to settle the rumors tonight.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
Councilmember Wilson presented an update and pictures on the
Black Stallion Literacy Program.
•CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SUPERSTITION
H.O.G. CHAPTER FOR 2008 ARIZONA
BIKE WEEK
)Mayor Insalaco requested
the applicant address the council.
Mr. Mark LeResche, 2910 W.
Apache Trail addressed the council.He stated they will have a
lot of motorcyclists visiting the community from March 29
through April 6.They will have a kickoff party at the
dealership, and a taser run and firefighters run.
Mayor Insalaco 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.
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MARCH 18, 2008
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Councilmember Severs asked if
they have had the event twice so far.
Mr. Mark LeResche stated that
is correct.
Councilmember Severs
commented there was a situation with the neighborhood regarding
the noise.They have done everything possible to invite them to
the event and even offered to put them up in hotel for the
night.He hopes they understand that this is a once a year
thing and it is good for the community.He suggested they might
want to go play bingo for the night so that the noise does not
bother them.He added it is a great event.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Severs MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR
SUPERSTITION H.O.G. CHAPTER FOR THE 2008 ARIZONA BIKE WEEK FOR
MARCH 29, 2008, SUBMITTED BY MARK LERESCHE, BE RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 07-46, DECLARING
AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 6 ANIMALS A
PUBLIC RECORD
)City Attorney Joel Stern
briefed the council on the item.He stated all three items
could be done with one public hearing.
Councilmember Severs asked if
there is any way the 24 hour period could be extended to 36
hours.A lot of people that have more than the allowed number
of dogs are fostering them and trying to find them new homes.
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City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he does not see a problem with that.This is the
council's decision.
Councilmember Severs stated
he would like to give them a little more time to find a good
home for the animal.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it would have to be in the amendment once this is passed.
He continued with the briefing.
Councilmember Severs asked if
there will be an annual inspection for the commercial breeders'
license.He would like to see some wording put in there that
would help prevent what has just happened here.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he does not think it will prevent that.They might be
able to find things that happened and stop it, but if people
know animal control is coming they can hide certain things and
once the inspection is done they could continue to do what they
were doing.
Councilmember Severs stated
they would not do the inspection on a designated date.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he had said an annual inspection.
Vice Mayor Eck commented if
they have 182 dogs, it might be worth an inspection.
Councilmember Wilson asked if
that is in the new policies they were working on as to when they
fill out the different class permits.They would have to go out
and inspect them.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it could be a practice and policy that is within the
department.He is not sure it is in the code; he does not
believe it was before.They can add a provision or they can
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MARCH 18, 2008
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continue this as he does not know what kind of language they
want.
Councilmember Severs
commented for the commercial breeders' license there would be an
annual inspection.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they could add that to the motion.He asked if they
wanted commercial and personal.
Councilmember Severs
commented he was thinking only commercial but he is seeing a lot
of head nodding for both.He would not have a problem with
that, so long as they know they can protect the people who are
trying to help the animals and the ones that are hording them
would be the ones this is for.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated whoever makes the motion should make sure that language
is added to both of these sections so that there will be an
annual inspection.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
had a resident call him because he had 2 dogs that had puppies
and he now has 7 dogs at the residence.They are all 4 years
old as they kept them all. He has had no complaints; they are
not barking or noisy and he cleans up after them.He asked if
he would have to get a commercial permit since he has over five
dogs.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated a class one permit for a personal dog owner shall be
required for any person who owns, contains or harbors from 4 to
5 dogs over 3 months of age.A class two permit would be from 6
to 8 dogs over 3 months of age.
Vice Mayor Eck asked what the
fees are on that.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the class one is $40 annually and the class two is $60
annually.
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Vice Mayor Eck asked if they
would be checked annually under Councilmember Severs'
suggestion.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he heard that he would like an amendment that would cause
an annual inspection on both the commercial kennel and the
personal kennel.
Councilmember Serdy asked if
it would be inside the house or just outside.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked if he meant the inspection.
Councilmember Serdy stated
that is correct.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it depends where the individuals keep the animals.An
inspector would be entitled to look inside the residence if that
is where they are keeping the animals.They do not need a
warrant because they are not inspecting for a crime.It would
be a voluntary thing if the person did not want them in the
house.It would depend on where they keep the animals.
Councilmember Serdy commented
the people in Tucson had 800 dogs in the house.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they did.It was outrageous.He is not sure how that
was allowed or if the neighbors knew.
Councilmember Severs asked
what class license they had.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they probably had the 800 dog license.He does not know.
It was a horrible situation.
Councilmember Severs
commented he wanted to let everyone know that that type of thing
is what they are trying to prevent here.They are not trying to
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control peoples' private rights as to what they can and cannot
have for pets.They are trying to stop the puppy mills.For
someone to have 185 animals on their property is wrong and
something should have been done about that before.If they had
known or had some kind of license that had been taken out on
this, the city would have had the right to go in and do an
inspection.That is what he is trying to do here.He does not
really like it if it has to be on residential; he does agree
with commercial.If someone has that amount of dogs and has a
commercial kennel license, he feels the annual inspection would
work fine.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated legally this is an administrative permit inspection
process.If the person does not want to admit them into the
house, he believes the license can be revoked.If there is no
other indication of crime occurring, there is nothing they can
get a search warrant on, there is nothing the city can do to
follow up and see if there are 800 dogs in the house.A judge
would have to sign off saying they had probable cause to go into
the house.
Councilmember Severs asked
him what he recommends.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated this is a policy decision of the council.If they want
to have annual inspections inside homes, he thinks they can add
it to the personal kennel permit.The commercial one is easier
to defend, but he thinks he can win on a personal dog kennel
annual inspection inside the home.If they will not let them
inside, they will then revoke the kennel license.If the
officer sees other things onsite, they can take that information
to the judge and get a search warrant to go into the house.It
could happen.He does not think there could be 800 dogs inside
and have no one hear a bark.
Councilmember Severs
commented he does not hope that this will be like the property
maintenance standards.They went through that process for those
2% that would not comply.It was for the worst of the worst.
It is not to affect everybody and hurt people who are trying to
do a good thing.There are a lot of people in the community
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that are boarding dogs to try to find them a better home and
keep them from being euthanized.He hopes they can do this in a
way not to hurt them.
Councilmember Barker asked if
he wanted to add that type of language as a prerequisite for
renewal of permit or is that just any time during the year.In
part B of those sections it talks about the validity links.She
asked if he wants to add it in there or elsewhere.
Councilmember Severs stated
it would have to be as a prerequisite for renewal because if
they go in and find out someone has 90 dogs, he does not think
they are going to renew the license.He does not want a set
date, such as an anniversary date from the time license was
paid, because what Mr. Stern said earlier could happen.When
you have a restaurant, you do not have your annual inspection on
the same day.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated someone would have to come in to get the permit, and that
is when they could ask about the inspection.The officer could
then say he would be there between May 1 and May 10.They need
some time period, but not a specific day.
Councilmember Wilson stated
Vice Mayor Eck had asked earlier about how many animals and the
cost of the license regarding a personal kennel permit.
Currently if they have more than 3 animals and less than 6
animals they are supposed to have one anyway.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
the city is basically not enforcing it now anyway.
Councilmember Wilson
commented they will be creating a permit capable of doing 2
types.They can actually go beyond the 6 animals to up to 8
animals.That will help out in that situation.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
are going to add a residential permit, 1 or 2, and they will
approve that the inspector has a right to go inside the
residence.
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City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he is not comfortable with that verbiage.They could
direct him to create appropriate verbiage that is legally
defendable.If they want to do floor amendments, they can do
so.But if they want him to bring it back and see it again,
that is their option.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
would like to see this done with.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the motion would be that there be an appropriate annual
inspection that will be in legally defensible language.
Councilmember Severs asked if
they do the inspection before they issue the personal dog kennel
permit according to this new ordinance.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he did not know.He is not sure the chief knows, either.
Interim Public Safety
Director Tom Kelly stated the current policy allows the animal
control officer to do an inspection, but there is no timeline.
He suggested the language state it be an unannounced inspection
prior to issuance of permits.The current policy is to do an
annual inspection, but it is not mandated, it is a suggestion.
They are trying to change that so that it is a requirement,
especially after the incident here and the 800 dogs in Tucson.
It seems to be becoming more prevalent all over the valley.A
lot of agencies are trying to get together to address this.The
unannounced inspection would help the person having the animals
be a little more cognizant that they could get inspected
sometime.Joel could create a leeway of 30 to 90 days, and they
would get issued a permit and during that period of time an
unannounced inspection would be made.They would then confirm
the issuance of the license.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that is a good suggestion.
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Councilmember Severs asked if
the inspection would be done prior to the issuance of the
permit.
Interim Public Safety
Director Tom Kelly stated that is correct.
Councilmember Severs
commented if someone agreed to an inspection being done prior to
getting a permit, they know that they are on the books and they
have the possibility of being watched.The problem is the
people that do not have the permit, do not have a license or go
through the proper channels.The ones that are going through
the proper channels up front should not have to have a mandatory
in-house inspection.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that would be illegal.It would be an arbitrary and
capricious matter.They cannot discriminate like that.They
have to treat everyone the same.
Interim Public Safety
Director Tom Kelly stated in regards to the inspection in the
residences when someone is home, there are some legal
constraints that they would have to adhere to.An example would
be they would have to go to court to get a court order to look
at the data in someone's computer.They could probably suspend
at least temporarily the license or permit, but with the right
legal verbiage it could be doable.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they
have the staff for this.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell asked if they have done any fiscal impact analyses on it.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
do not know how many of these permits they will have..They must
look at the next budget.He asked if they have the staff right
now for this if the ordinance is approved.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated he does not know without conversing with the
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MARCH 18, 2008
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staff, but he knows they are super swamped right now.His
concern is that it has not been thought through yet.
City Manager George Hoffman
made a comment but it was inaudible as his microphone was turned
off.
Councilmember Barker asked
about the addition of the permissive word "may".It does not
mandate it but it could happen.They could say that they may
inspect the commercial or personal kennel.
Councilmember Severs
commented it could be based on a reason.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that is the problem.When you put "may" in there, it
gives animal control the ability to pick and choose.There
could be a legal issue as to the constitutionality of the
language.
Councilmember Severs
commented it would be based on probable cause.If someone files
a complaint that there are 400 dogs barking, that is probable
cause that they may go in and do an inspection.If there is no
probable cause, then they would not need to do an inspection.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated probable cause is not needed in an administrative
inspection.These would be administrative inspections.
Councilmember Wilson asked
how they are doing it now in their policy of interviewing
applicants.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he is not sure how they do that. He would guess they
knock on the door and ask to inspect.He is not sure if they
are doing that.The animal control officers are not here
tonight to answer that.
Interim Public Safety
Director Tom Kelly stated at the present time it is catch as
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MARCH 18, 2008
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catch can.It is done when they have the time to do it.It is
not set in stone by ordinance.They are trying to get a
procedure, document it and have a tickler system to remind them
when to look at them.This is more of a compliance thing than
an enforcement operation.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they are working on policies and procedures but that has
not come to fruition yet.
Councilmember Severs asked if
there is anything in this for someone who is boarding animals
for the shelter, who is helping to keep animals from being
euthanized and is finding them homes.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated she does not believe it is addressed in here at all.
City Attorney Joel Stern
agreed.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated there is no mention in here for emergencies.
Councilmember Severs
commented there are a lot of situations where somebody is
helping board an animal until a home is found.They may have 10
or 12 animals for a short period of time.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated she has not read anything that touches on the issue of an
emergency foster program.
Councilmember Severs stated
he would like to see something like that put in.He feels they
have missed a very important category.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if that
is too big of an amendment.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he would like to bring this back as they are getting into
different areas.
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MARCH 18, 2008
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Vice Mayor Eck commented he
thinks the item should be in there, also.He is concerned about
creating an ordinance and not having the staff to enforce it.
It is a guideline he has followed.He is concerned they are
creating something to just do it when they do not have the staff
to actually enforce the ordinance.
Councilmember Severs stated
he does not like to create something that is not fixed.He does
not want to create something that becomes a problem.They need
to work it out in the work sessions and perfect it before we
implement it.
Mayor Insalaco agreed,
stating there are too many amendments for approval tonight.He
asked what they wanted to do with the other two items.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
need animal control here to answer some of these questions.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they should call for the public hearing on these 3 items,
close it, and direct him to bring it back with the noted changes
from this meeting.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Noel Benoist, 900 N. San
Marcos #35, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He
commented about someone he helped that had a kennel.If they
are doing the job right, there should not be a problem with an
inspection.With a lot of dogs there would be barking and a
stench.The stench would be probable cause to go see what was
in that house.This is another reason why staff would need
discretionary power, as there can be malicious criminal intent,
criminal negligence or just something happened that someone did
not have control over.They have to be able to handle each
accordingly.They could get an arbitrary and capricious appeal,
but they will never stop those.Judges look at frivolous things
as places they will not go.There are a lot of laws on the book
that disagree with each other, and they need to get all of them
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ironed out.There are also overlapping grant areas for dogs and
animals.He encouraged staff to look into the grant areas.
Mr. Ed Dison, 5420 E. Painted
Rock Road, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated he
is the chairman of the Superstition Horsemen's Association and
he was originally here to ask that a reasonable effort be added
to the manure section.It appears it has already been taken
care of.He commended animal control, the city attorney and
Chip Wilson for revising the ordinance in regards to equines,
and he offered their help and assistance for temporary housing
for livestock, veterinarian services, farrier services, and a
means of transport for livestock.
Mr. Charles Bunten asked if
animals cover pot-bellied pigs and goats.They seemed to be
hung up on puppy mills.They use a generic term for animals.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated animal means any mammal of species that is susceptible to
rabies other than humans and livestock.
Mr. Charles Bunten stated
that ducks, geese, and chickens are okay.There are no
restrictions on chickens.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that is correct.There might be some zoning restrictions
on them.There is a zoning code that talks about the keeping of
certain other animals.
Mr. Charles Bunten asked if
they are required to have the shot certificates when they issue
the permits.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked if he was talking about rabies and other inoculations.
Mr. Charles Bunten stated he
was.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he believed they are supposed to have all.
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PAGE 17 OF 37
Mr. Charles Bunten asked if
that is in the city ordinance or state laws.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he thinks they would have to show all the shots are
current before they would issue them a permit.
Mr. Charles Bunten asked if
he could tell him where to look it up.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he would call him with the information.
Councilmember Barker stated
the shot question answer is in Section F of 6-1-7.They shall
have on file proof of all rabies vaccinations for each dog.
Ms. SuAnne Penoniemi
addressed the council to thank them for considering that.It is
vital to putting an end to this.It will not stop them
completely, but her research has shown when these amendments for
inspections are acted upon, all of the horders and puppy mills
will flee.It is very effective.People will think twice about
coming here if they know these laws are enforced.She
understands that this will have a fiscal impact.She stated
there are a lot of highly trained behaviorists and trainers in
the valley who would volunteer to do the inspections in order to
eradicate the abuse that is going on.
Councilmember Severs
requested she turn in some names and phone numbers with their
approval and they will have them on file.
Mr. Todd Olear, 2898 S.
Arizona, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He knows they
have well-meaning with this ordinance and the case with the 180
pets was tragic, but he does not like creating ordinances that
place undue burdens on law-abiding citizens.He would be an
owner with 5 dogs and he could care for them properly and
protect the neighborhood from the pets.He does not understand
what benefit there would be by going to his neighbors and asking
them to apply for an extra permit and pay a $60 fee.He does
own one dog only which was adopted from the animal shelter and
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MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 18 OF 37
he feels she was an abused pet, but he could be a single dog
owner and still abuse that pet.They can institute the
ordinance, but if someone wants to horde 100 dogs, they will do
it.It was not an ordinance that failed the 180 pets, it was
our failure as neighbors and citizens for not paying attention
and raising a red flag when there should have been some reason
for concern.He wishes there was some other way to deal with
residential owners who own more than a certain number of pets.
Ms. Tess Nesser, 1511 S.
Cactus Road, Apache Junction, addressed the council.She stated
they have not mentioned people having dogs that have a litter
and they will not find them homes until they are weaned in 8
weeks.She asked if they will have to get rid of them in 36
hours.
Councilmember Severs stated
there is no limit under three months.He is hoping this is for
the very few people that do not comply.From what he
understands, hording is almost a disease.It is like a
disability.It is not intentional.They will be in the books
if they get a permit.When they start to think it is happening,
they will inspect.The ones that are hording intentionally it
will not work upon.
Mayor Insalaco closed public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the item
to council discussion.
Councilmember Wilson
commented they are currently required to have a license if they
have more than 3 animals.The new ordinance says an owner with
more than 4 animals older than 3 months of age will require a
permit.
Vice Mayor Eck commented it
should actually read more than 5.It is more lenient.They
probably have upset citizens with the current ordinance.The
volunteers are a great idea, but he does not think they should
go to a person's residence or a commercial kennel.There has to
be a city employee going to the residence.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 19 OF 37
City Manager George Hoffman
stated that volunteer concept is most intriguing.A Mesa news
release showed volunteers working with code enforcement.He
would like to determine what standards and requirements would
need to be met.The potential use of government power is a very
serious and significant responsibility.If they do the initial
review and only animal control if they saw something which would
trigger a subsequent inspection, he thinks he would like to
discuss it with the city attorney to see if it would work.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
thinks the animal control volunteers are great, but he would not
like them going into peoples' residences as a volunteer.
City Manager George Hoffman
commented it would need to be thought out.He was intrigued
with Mesa's use of it for code enforcement.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
had someone ask if they have truly qualified livestock
inspectors.They thought the citing was an injustice and they
challenged the officer.He asked if our officers are livestock
qualified.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they are not.The livestock inspectors are from the
state.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
our inspectors will write citations.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he did not know what area he was talking about.If he is
talking about manure, that is a different issue.It was a big
issue with certain cases they have had in the last 8 or 9
months.If there is cruel treatment to a horse, for example, he
does not think they want this code to prohibit our officers from
looking into it.
Vice Mayor Eck stated he does
not.He is just concerned that they have someone on staff that
is familiar with equestrian activities.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 20 OF 37
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked the assistant city manager if there is room in the budget
for a new person who is fully qualified for that.It is a very
special area and it could be expensive.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated they do not have the money in the budget right now
but it could be in budget discussions in the future.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
does not know how they can write citations when the person
writing the citation does not know livestock or equestrian
activities.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated at one point the statutes required the city to have a
board of health.Rather than have a certified city health
inspector, we were allowed to appoint a medical expert, who,
when there was a medical situation or health inspection such as
an overflowing sewer at a mobile home park, that person came in
and rendered a report and was paid on an hourly basis.They
might want to consider the same thing here rather than bring in
a staff person.
Councilmember Severs
commented he knows of 3 livestock/equine experts in this room
tonight.Two he knows would be willing to help from the
horsemen's association and he believes Mr. Bunten is a horse
expert.If some of these people are willing to help, are
qualified and would be willing to help, they could make it
possible that if there is a livestock or equestrian situation
they would be called in on a voluntary basis to assess the
situation.It would save the city money.It would not be legal
advice but they could advise animal control on which direction
to go.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated when they get a case where it is a livestock issue, the
prosecutor gets the case from animal control.If it is a long
form complaint, the prosecutor will look at it.If the
prosecutor feels there is sufficient evidence, the prosecutor
will pursue it.If there is a livestock issue, they call in a
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 21 OF 37
livestock expert.They have to in order to prove the case.
They are not blind to what they are talking about.
Councilmember Wilson
commented they are writing policies on how they would proceed.
In talking to animal control, they have agreed to call some of
the local organizations in the community, if it involves
equines, to come out and assist animal control.The ultimate is
it goes to state livestock and they will make the final
decision.At least they have several people and organizations
that are veterinarians with different backgrounds.He believes
that part, as long as it is put into their policies and
procedures, will be covered.He does not think they have a
problem there.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
must have heard something similar to what he has heard in the
past, as far as equestrian people challenging city staff.
Councilmember Wilson stated
he has, and that is why they stepped forward and worked on it.
The city manager has mentioned it has been done in the past.
They worked with the city on some issues as well when he was the
president of the association.
Councilmember Severs
commented he would like the volunteer assistance to come in
before it goes to prosecution.They should not have to go
through prosecution first.If anything has to do with equine
and the animal control officer does not have that area of
expertise, call in one of the groups that would be willing to
help right up front.
Councilmember Wilson
commented he had a question about the microchip fees.
City Attorney Joel Stern
suggested they do the motion on the resolution first, and then
do the ordinances with public hearings.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated they have already done those.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 22 OF 37
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the other two items were not announced; he did not hear
their titles given.
There was general discussion
on their saying they were doing them altogether.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO. 07-46, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, DECLARING AS A PUBLIC
RECORD THAT CERTAIN DOCUMENT FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK ENTITLED
"AMENDMENT TO APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE, VOLUME I, CHAPTER 6
ANIMALS,BE CONTINUED AND BROUGHT BACK IN APPROXIMATELY ONE
MONTH.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1310, REPEALING
CURRENT CHAPTER 6 ANIMALS AND
ADOPTING AN AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 6
ANIMALS OF THE CITY CODE BY
REFERENCE
)City Attorney Joel Stern
briefed the council on the item.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Bob Hassett, 10396 E. La
Palma, Gold Canyon, addressed the council.He stated that $250
for the first offense is too high.A warning should be given
first.He knows people with animals.Someone could open the
door and have the wind take it and a dog gets out.They are
then searching for it and a police officer grabs it because they
are going through the area.He thinks it should be left to the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 23 OF 37
discretion of the police officer for a first fine.It should be
a warning, and if it happens after that, it is just negligence.
He also thinks the adoption fees should not go up because he
does not think people will be able to pay the extra money.
Mr. John Kantowski stated he
has not seen the fee schedule or penalties, but he asked them to
look at the elderly and handicapped.Some of the elderly are on
fixed incomes and a pet to them is everything in the world.The
fees could go too high to where they cannot afford it, resulting
in them not bringing their pet in.Some of the handicapped
people are also on fixed incomes and they have dogs for pets or
even to help them around the house.He urged them to put it in
the ordinance if it is not already there for someone over 65 on
a fixed income or a disabled person.He was talking about the
penalty fees at $250 and the fees for adoption and others.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the violations are currently a class one misdemeanor with
a maximum fine of $2,500.There could be an 84% penalty added
to it to make it over $4,000 plus 6 months jail.The city is
decriminalizing these significantly.When he and his prosecutor
are in court, they typically do not fine them $4,000 or they
would be getting calls every day.
Mayor Insalaco commented they
are basically cleaning up the ordinance.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that is correct.He is sure they do not give out a
ticket on the first violation; they have been warned several
times and the officers do exercise discretion.These are
relatively cheap.They do not want to give someone a class one
misdemeanor on a first time leash law violation.He has had to
do it because that is what the law says, but he has not liked
it.So has his assistant Mary Ann Coyne.This makes it a civil
violation, like a traffic violation.The first 3 times within
24 months it will be the civil fine, the fourth time it will be
a class one misdemeanor.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
was concerned about them not giving warnings when dogs get out
accidently, such as in monsoon storms where the wind has blown
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 24 OF 37
the gate open.He hopes discretion is being used and they do
not get a $250 fine the first time the dog is loose.
Mr. Noel Benoist, 900 N. San
Marcos #35, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated
as long as the officers have and exercise discretionary power,
there is no real problem there.Phoenix and Maricopa County
have volunteer enforcement officers that go through the
training.Bureau of Land Management also has volunteers.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing and reopened the item to council discussion.
There being no further discussion, he called for a motion.
Councilmember Severs MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1310 BE CONTINUED FOR AT LEAST 30 DAYS FOR
JOEL TO PERFECT IT.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1311, AMENDING
CHAPTER 4 FEES BY AMENDING ARTICLE
4-3 ANIMAL CONTROL FEE SCHEDULE
briefed the council on the item.
public hearing on the item.
City Attorney Joel Stern
Mayor Insalaco opened the
Mr. Louis Babin, 2191 S.
Belair, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He asked them
to keep the fees as low as possible.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened
the item to council discussion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 25 OF 37
Councilmember Wilson
commented there are fees for microchipping a dog at large and
one for microchipping an adopted cat.There is nothing
mentioned for the dogs.Their adoption fee is $80.He asked if
the includes the dog being microchipped or is there an
additional fee for that.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they are going to microchip all the animals that are
adopted out.The adoption fee includes the microchip fee.
Councilmember Wilson stated
the at large is if his dog gets out and runs free, and he comes
to pick it up, they would microchip it.
stated that is correct.
City Attorney Joel Stern
Vice Mayor Eck commented
under page one, item one, the license fees for dogs are $10 per
dog and the license fees for dogs for senior citizens are $5 per
dog for citizens at least 62 years old or older.It does
address that, but it does not say anything about disabled.They
might consider that.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated they would have to add a definition of disabled.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Severs MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1311 BE CONTINUED FOR 30 DAYS.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Mayor Insalaco called for a
10 minute break.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 26 OF 37
Mayor Insalaco reconvened the
meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
CITY COUNCIL RESIDENCY
)City Manager George
Hoffman briefed the council on the item.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
was asked to open this up as a public hearing.He thinks there
are people who would like to talk.
Mayor Insalaco stated he did
not think he could do that.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he does not think the code provides for that.They could
reschedule it for a public hearing.
Councilmember Severs stated
he does not want this to drag out any longer than it needs to.
He believes in his heart and soul that he is doing nothing
wrong.He is representing this community and fighting for the
rights of the citizens like he promised to do almost 3 years
ago.If it takes this council hiring a private investigator to
prove what Joel has already told him and what he has tried to
prevent from doing anything wrong, then so be it.But if
someone is hired, tell them to come to him first and he will
give them any information they need.
Councilmember Barker
commented that from what she understood from Joel last night,
intent is the operative word.She does not thing anyone can
prove anyone else's intent.It is impossible.She believes
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 27 OF 37
this would drive more of a wedge into this council and it would
be a terrible mistake.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
asked for this to be put on because he had heard so much in the
community.He does not know if it is up to the council go out
and hire a private investigator to check one of their
colleagues.He does not know if that is their responsibility.
It would be simple if it was just calling the attorney general's
office for an opinion.He was trying to put some fires out, and
if he was Councilmember Severs he would want to be cleared and
bring this thing to a closure.
Councilmember Severs
commented whatever it takes, but he would like to do it without
costing the city any money.
Mayor Insalaco MOVED THAT THE
CITY ATTORNEY BE DIRECTED TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE ARIZONA
ATTORNEY GENERAL ON THE ISSUE OF COUNCILMEMBER JOE SEVERS' CITY
RESIDENCY, WHICH HE IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN WHILE SERVING AS
COUNCILMEMBER; SHOULD THE ARIZONA ATTORNEY GENERAL DETERMINE
THIS IS NOT A MATTER IT CAN HANDLE AND INVESTIGATE IN A
STANDPOINT IN A TIMELY MANNER DUE TO STAFFING ISSUES, THE CITY
ATTORNEY IS DIRECTED TO RETAIN AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATOR TO
LOOK INTO THE RESIDENCY ALLEGATIONS RECENTLY BROUGHT TO LIGHT BY
THE MEDIA.THE GOAL IS TO HAVE THE MATTER INVESTIGATED AND
RESOLVED SO THE CITY CAN MOVE ON TO CITY BUSINESS WITHOUT ANY
MORE OF THESE DISRUPTIVE DISTRACTIONS.THE CITY MANAGER AND
CITY ATTORNEY HAVE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST TO INVESTIGATE THIS
MATTER THEMSELVES, WHICH IS WHY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR A THIRD
PARTY SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS MATTER.A STATUS REPORT AND ANY
DISCUSSION SHOULD ALSO BE SCHEDULED FOR EACH WORK SESSION
HEREAFTER UNTIL THE MATTER IS FULLY RESOLVED.I FURTHER MOVE
THAT THE CITY ATTORNEY BE AUTHORIZED TO RETAIN OUTSIDE LEGAL
COUNSEL TO FILE AN APPROPRIATE LEGAL ACTION SO THAT THE ATTORNEY
GENERAL'S OFFICE DOES WHAT THE THIRD PARTY INVESTIGATOR
RECOMMENDS.
Councilmember Serdy asked
what he said about the work sessions.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 28 OF 37
Mayor Insalaco stated a
status report and discussion shall be scheduled for each work
session hereafter until the matter is fully resolved.
Councilmember Serdy stated he
still had some questions.He asked how long he thinks this will
last as he does not want it to drag on.He stated they should
have transparency just like when they started airing the work
sessions.It should all be out in the open and be done with.
Mayor Insalaco stated that is
why he said if the attorney general cannot do it in a timely
manner that a third party be brought in.
Councilmember Serdy stated he
would almost want to see, because they want to be positive and
not have this drag them down, that they might want to have a gag
order instead of constant discussion.They should just
investigate it and move on.They should not bring it up all the
time.
Mayor Insalaco asked if they
could do that.
Councilmember Severs
commented according to the letter that was distributed, he is
under the understanding that the attorney general has already
been contacted and stated it is a city matter.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
was not contacted by our city attorney.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he does not understand the gag order.There are first
amendment issues there.He does not know anything about a
letter.He has not contacted the attorney general's office nor
has he been asked to.He knows that the attorney general was
contacted by a different community on an open meeting violation
and they are acting on it.He cannot say that they will not, he
does not know.They have limited staff also, but they may or
may not take this as a serious matter.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 29 OF 37
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
do not.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they have made a motion and they are waiting for a
second.
Councilmember Serdy SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:2-4 (Vice Mayor Eck and Councilmembers Barker, Severs and
Wilson voted in opposition.)
The motion failed.
CREATING AN ADMINISTRATIVE RELIEF
EXCEPTION FROM CERTAIN ZONING CODE
STANDARDS )
)Development Services
Director Brad Steinke briefed the council on the item.
Councilmember Barker asked if
this is for new proposals and development.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated that is correct.
Councilmember Barker stated
they are coming to him with plans stating they cannot meet the
10' setback so they asking for a 9' setback.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated they are talking about pre -construction.
Councilmember Wilson asked if
building a garage onto a property that already has a house on it
would be considered pre -construction.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated that would apply.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 30 OF 37
I
Councilmember Severs asked if
the 10% rule applies to past or post -construction in the case
where someone has made a mistake.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated he considered that originally, but the city
attorney was uncomfortable with that.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it would require a variance.It would be for pre-
construction only.If it is already built, someone would have
to go to the board of adjustment for a variance.
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
CREATING AN ADMINISTRATIVE RELIEF EXCEPTION FROM CERTAIN ZONING
STANDARDS:THAT THIS BE TAKEN TO THE FIRST PLANNING AND ZONING
MEETING FOR THEIR APPROVAL.
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
CREATING A HEARING OFFICER IN LIEU
OF BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
)Development Services
Director Brad Steinke briefed the council on the item.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
thought it was made clear last night that they needed either a
hearing officer or a board of adjustment, not both.He thinks
they have a board of adjustment that is not serving the purpose
that the intention was, which was saving money and advertising.
He concluded they should have one or the other, and as they
already have the board of adjustment they should stay with that.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 31 OF 37
Councilmember Serdy commented
he feels if they had a hearing officer and not a board of
adjustment they would be asking for a board.It will be more
impartial.
Vice Mayor Eck commented the
hearing officer would be a professional.
Councilmember Serdy commented
it gives the hearing officer more pressure if they are not
ruling the way the council wants.The board will counter and
balance each other.
Councilmember Wilson agreed.
Councilmember Severs stated
he thought that if a variance was issued there would not have to
be advertising fees and the notification, so he thought a
hearing officer could save the citizens some money.With the
input of the city clerk last night, he has learned that is not
the case.It would be the same as a rezoning.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated it would have the same requirements.
Councilmember Severs asked if
the same requirements would be applied if they were issuing an
exception.This is the route he was looking for in trying to
help someone who has bought into a situation that they were not
aware of or when a mistake has been made.Someone would have
the authority, based on certain criteria, to give an exception.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated an exception is a variance.If someone builds it wrong,
or they buy it, and they realize that the setback line was there
and they messed up, then they have to go to the board of
adjustment and it is a variance.
Councilmember Severs asked if
that is defined.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it is under Title 9.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 32 OF 37
Councilmember Severs asked if
the definition of a variance would be the word exception.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he is not sure of that.
Councilmember Severs stated
he has seen where exceptions were given numerous times and it
was not considered a variance.It was just an exception based
on circumstances.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he did not have his zoning code with him but he could go
get it and read the definition of a variance to him if he wants.
It is a long definition.It is also in the zoning ordinance.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated he had a discussion this afternoon with
Councilmember Severs with respect to his directing them to go
back to the planning and zoning commission to work on an
administrative relief exception.That will allow them to waive
or modify up to 10%.If he is reading him correctly, that is up
to 10% but there is a cap on it.He wanted to know if there was
an ability to do a 20%, 50% or an 80% waiver, and have it apply
to not just dimensional issues but area issues, like parking a
trailer in the front yard versus the back yard.Based on state
statutes that 10% is a magic number; if you go beyond the 10%,
it is a variance issue.It creates and requires greater
scrutiny.He asked if they could wrap in a greater percentage
for the relief exception.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he would have to do more research but his guess would be
no.It would violate A.R.S. § 9-462.06.
Councilmember Severs stated
he would like to see a copy of that if he could.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated if he will give him a moment he will go get it.
Councilmember Severs stated
he does not need it right now.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 33 OF 37
Vice Mayor Eck commented this
is about a hearing officer in lieu of a board of adjustment.He
thinks they have resolved that.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked if they wanted to see the powers of the board of
adjustment.They are three pages long.
Vice Mayor Eck stated he does
not.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he could read them to the council.
Councilmember Severs stated
he would like a copy of them so he could read them at some point
in time, but not right now.
Councilmember Barker
commented it seems to her that what Councilmember Severs is
looking for is the same relief after the fact as we are looking
at before the fact.She asked if there is such a methodology by
which they could create that.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated there is not.It is covered under the law.
Councilmember Barker stated
it is very plain to her.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it is very plain in the law and that is what many people
have to go through to get a change in a setback or other things.
Councilmember Severs stated
he understands and accepts that, but he would like to request
they put together some kind of fund for people on a fixed income
that simply cannot afford the system.They cannot afford $750
to file an appeal.They have a couple of funds out there right
now, with $3,000 in one, that would help people make the
correction but it could not be used for the appeals process.He
thinks it is a shame that someone cannot afford the system.
There should be some relief funds set up for that.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 34 OF 37
Councilmember Barker stated
that would have to be put on another direction to staff.
There was general discussion
as to when to hear that issue.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
understands that and the intent of using the hearing officer to
get away from the advertising fees.As of last night, we found
that was not enough and it would not work.They might try to
find another angle.
Councilmember Barker
commented they are saying that the hearing officer and the board
of adjustment are basically the same thing so why should they
get rid of what they already have.They can give direction to
staff to forget this.
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 CREATING A
HEARING OFFICER IN LIEU OF BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:BE DISSOLVED
AND THAT WE STAY WITH OUR CURRENT BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AMENDING UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING
ORDINANCE
)Development Services
Director Brad Steinke briefed the council on the item.
Councilmember Severs
commented he has taken their concerns of an ordinance that did
not work.Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith told him they
cannot rule by exception.To make an exception now and then is
a good thing, but if you rule by exception, there is something
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 35 OF 37
wrong with your rules.They have been doing that in this
particular case.He has taken this burden to the businesses
that were affected by it and made it reasonable and practical.
He has implemented a lot of common sense and he thanked him for
it.
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
AMENDING THE UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING ORDINANCE:THAT THIS TOO BE
TAKEN TO PLANNING AND ZONING FOR THEIR PERUSAL.
Councilmember Wilson 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 6:00 P.M. AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.
BE HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2008, IN THE CITY COUNCIL
CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, RESPECTIVELY;
AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M. BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
APRIL 1, 2008, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
)
)Mayor Insalaco adjourned
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 36 OF 37
1. Acceptance of Agenda.
2. Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 4, 2008.
3. Award of Bid PW 2006-11-1, purchase of 400 Lineal Feet (LF)
of Rubber Gasketed Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RGRCP) in an
amount not to exceed $60,800.00.
4. Award of Bid PW 2006-11-2, Construction of Drainage
Improvements, in an amount not to exceed $22,288.05.
ACCEPTED THIS 1ST DAY OF APRIL, 2008, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 1ST DAY OF APRIL, 2008.
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
N S. INSALACO
ayor
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 March, 2008.I further certify that the meeting was
duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 26th day of March, 2008.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 18, 2008
PAGE 37 OF 37