HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-06 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on November 6, 2007, 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 7:01 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 Dietz
Councilmember Serdy
Councilmember Severs
Councilmember Wilson
Staff Present:
Others Present:
City Manager George Hoffman
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Glenn Walp
Development Svcs. Director Brad Steinke
Planning Manager Fred Baker
Business Advocate Janine Hanna-Solley
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Assistant Planner Todd Kennedy
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 1 OF 36
Captain Tom Kelly
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE PARKS AND
RECREATION MASTER PLAN AS APPROVED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION AT THEIR OCTOBER 3, 2007 MEETING; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN J2 ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND THE CITY OF
APACHE JUNCTION FOR PROJECT NO. PR -07-08, THE DESIGN OF AN OFF-
LEASH DOG AREA AT PROSPECTOR PARK TO A BID/CONSTRUCTION READY
POSITION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $70,000; AND THAT
AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT
PENDING FINAL APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY; AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 07-43, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, PROMOTING THE
USE OF THE UNITED STATES GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL'S LEADERSHIP IN
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN ("LEED") GREEN BUILDING RATING
SYSTEM STANDARDS FOR CITY -OWNED AND CITY -OPERATED BUILDINGS BE
APPROVED; AND
THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PROJECT NO. PW-2007-14, CHIP SEAL
EMULSIONS, BE AWARDED TO CACTUS TRANSPORT, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1.79 PER GALLON; AND
THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PROJECT NO. PW-2007-15, PRE -COATED
CHIPS, BE AWARDED TO CACTUS TRANSPORT, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF
$53.25 PER TON; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS
BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND THE APACHE JUNCTION
REACH OUT FOOD BANK IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,000; THE BOYS AND GIRLS
CLUB OF THE EAST VALLEY -APACHE JUNCTION BRANCH IN THE AMOUNT OF
$20,000; COMMUNITY ACTION HUMAN RESOURCES AGENCY IN THE AMOUNT
OF $8,000; COMMUNITY ALLIANCE AGAINST FAMILY ABUSE IN THE AMOUNT
OF $12,000; EAST VALLEY SENIOR SERVICES FOR THE APACHE JUNCTION
SENIOR CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000; AND SUPERSTITION
MOUNTAIN MENTAL HEALTH IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,000; FOR A TOTAL
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
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AMOUNT OF $100,000; AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE
MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENTS.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr. Jim Stephens, 3700 S. Ironwood Drive, Apache Junction,
addressed the council in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. David Jacokes, 1265 N. Tomahawk Road, Apache Junction,
addressed the council in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. Mathias Conant, 460 E. Osage, Apache Junction, addressed the
council regarding the new sports fields going in at Silly
Mountain.
Mrs. Lillian Brown, 1615 N. Delaware #88, Apache Junction,
addressed the council in support of Chief Walp.
Ms. Jennifer Mattingly, 1833 E. Ebony Place, Chandler, addressed
the council regarding the Christian evangelist event at the
skate park last Saturday.
Mr. Bob Rosencranse, 4841 N. Cactus Road, Apache Junction,
addressed the council regarding a temporary extension of
premises on his liquor license for a special event in December.
Mr. Elliott Fisher, 547 E. Quail, Apache Junction, Greater
Apache Junction Association for Effective Government, addressed
the council regarding the police chief and professional
regulation review boards.
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
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Mr. Marcus Mattingly, 1833 E. Ebony Place, Chandler, addressed
the council regarding the Christian evangelist event at the
skate park last Saturday.
Mrs. Shannon Flynn, 305 N. Acacia, Apache Junction, addressed
the council regarding a trailer on her property that needs to be
moved and the cost for a waiver application.
Mr. Don Snyder, 1210 W. 15th Avenue, Apache Junction, addressed
the council in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. Tony Trunkel, 2101 S. Meridian #346, Apache Junction,
addressed the council in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. Noel Benoist, 900 N. San Marcos #35, Apache Junction,
addressed the council in support of Chief Walp.
Mrs. Tish Bowling, 205 N. 74th Street, Mesa, addressed the
council regarding the evangelist team at the skate park and the
problems they had with the police.
Mr. Jeremy Bowling, 205 N. 74th Street, Mesa, addressed the
council regarding the evangelist team at the skate park and the
problems they had with the police.
Ms. Chris Reid, 125 W. Ruggles, Florence, addressed the council
in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. Tom Francois, 1530 S. Starr, Apache Junction, addressed the
council in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. Dennis Lease, 4964 E. Southern Avenue, Apache Junction,
addressed the council in support of the city manager's decision
on Chief Walp.
Mrs. Kathleen Waldron, 707 E. Mesquite, Apache Junction,
addressed the council in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. Duane Buell, 612 E. Desert Avenue, Apache Junction,
addressed the council regarding the perception of Apache
Junction in other areas of the state.
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
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Ms. Evie Mangano, 4286 S. Strongbox Road, Gold Canyon, addressed
the council in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. John Kantowski, 835 W. Windsong, Apache Junction, addressed
the council in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. Larry Williams, 563 E. 10th Avenue, Apache Junction,
addressed the council regarding the multi -purpose uses of the
baseball, softball and football fields at Silly Mountain and
chastised other speakers on their backlash of city officials.
Ms. Laurie Casarez, 6694 S. Sipapu Court, Gold Canyon, addressed
the council in support of the sports complex at Silly Mountain.
Mr. Jeff Jeter, 10944 E. Forge Avenue, Mesa, addressed the
council in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. Mike Weller, 471 W. 21st Avenue, Apache Junction, addressed
the council in support of any decision by the city council and
staff regarding Chief Walp.
Mr. Jimmy Eidson, 1309 W. 15th Avenue, Apache Junction,
addressed the council to urge the council to make the decision
on Chief Walp in the best interest of the city.
Mrs. Christa Rizzi, 1755 S. Sombrero Road, Apache Junction,
addressed the council in support of Chief Walp.
Ms. Robin Herrera, 534 S. Desert View Drive, Apache Junction,
addressed the council in support of the youth sports complex at
Silly Mountain.
Mrs. Sandie Smith, Pinal County Supervisor, 575 N. Idaho Road,
Apache Junction, addressed the council regarding the Pinal
County Open Space and Trails Master Plan.
Councilmember Barker directed staff to clarify the evangelists'
rights for the police officers, explain the bottom line options
to the Rosencranses, and give the bottom line on the trailer to
the Mrs. Flynn and tell her exactly what she needs to do.
Vice Mayor Eck suggested someone with the youth sports complex
contact the Parks and Recreation Commission, go to the
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PAGE 5 OF 36
commission meetings so that they can work more in conjunction
with the parks and recreation program, and explained his "no
comment" remark on Chief Walp as the one thing he has learned is
that when they are dealing with personnel issues, the best thing
to be said is no comment.He takes his position as vice mayor
seriously.He commented the council did not start the headlines
and ugliness, it was started by the headlines in the newspaper.
Then retaliation starts, and it radiates and grows.He would
like to see this succeed.When he came here in 1996, the police
department budget was $3 million; this year it was raised to $9
million.It has tripled.They have put a lot of what they
could do into the resources.If the chief asked for things for
projects, they tried to provide them, and they normally did.
This year they went to another extent as the position of police
officer and in -line sergeants were given an additional increase
over the rest of the organization to try to make our police
officers more competitive with the market, allowing them to hire
qualified police officers as laterals.They did not want to
have upset current officers leave because of laterals being
hired at a higher rate of pay, which could make the current
officers leave.That is what happens; it is not from
management, but from the fact that they can make more money
elsewhere.They have worked hard to make a good, quality police
department, and his goal is to continue with those efforts.
Councilmember Serdy commented it is great to see the baseball
and football people at the meeting.They are the future of the
town.Going through the political process will be real
educational for them.He advised them there would be a meeting
at 6 p.m. tomorrow night at the old city hall to discuss what
was to be done at Silly Mountain.They need to get their input
on it.He is sure the council is behind it, but they have to
get the funding.They could get the Cardinals and the
Diamondbacks behind them with their grants, and the city has a
grant specialist they can talk to that can look into that.
Councilmember Wilson directed staff to make an special effort to
resolve the issue with the trailer within a short period of time
or send a letter telling the Flynns what they need to do.He
agrees that she cannot put it in their backyard because of the
hill.
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Councilmember Severs commented he is tired of finding out that
when they go to fix one ordinance and try to take something out
that it is hidden somewhere else and is still in the code.He
suggested they change the law so that a trailer should be in a
backyard where possible; it needs to be looked at case by case.
He added that he had seen more families at Prospector Park this
past weekend than he had in a long time, and thanked Mike Weller
for his comments on people being afraid to stand up and speak
against people, as he knows of people in the audience that are
afraid to speak up against the city staff and city council for
fear that the council will be all over them.He asked if the
council should all be gotten rid of or all of staff.He stated
they should not, but they need to look at what is best for the
community and public safety.He does not feel they need to get
rid of the police chief and put themselves in a situation where
they have no command staff and they are shorthanded again.That
is poor planning and it puts the community in danger.He has
been getting a lot of calls because people know that he is out
there, will listen and will say it the way it is.What saddens
him the most is that he has been getting calls that everything
he is doing must be for his personal gain and benefit.He
allegedly is fighting for the cargo containers because he wants
to build them.He is allegedly fighting for the chief of police
because there is something in it for him.He is tired of
hearing that.He asked if it is hard for someone to believe
that he is fighting for what is right and what he believes in,
and fighting for the people in this nation.That is what he is
fighting for.He heard yesterday that someone complained in New
York City and they had to take all the Christmas trees, Santas
and other Christmas decorations down in Macy's because someone
was offended.The store agreed to it.The country is going to
wake up someday and find out that their rights have been given
away, and it has got to stop.
Councilmember Dietz commented he wanted to encourage the people
with the sports complex to contact the Parks and Recreation
Department and hook bp with them on the planning and everything.
Mayor Insalaco called for a short break.
Mayor Insalaco reconvened the meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 7 OF 36
None.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager George Hoffman stated the input on Silly Mountain
is being taken by the Parks and Recreation Commission tomorrow
at 6 p.m.It is also being received on December 5 at the same
time and location.Anyone can call parks and recreation staff
during office hours with input, also.The process is they will
receive community input, staff will work on some options, and
eventually it will come to the parks and recreation commission
who will recommend something to the city council.A plan will
then be adopted for Silly Mountain.Council has identified a
need for a Capital Facilities Plan II.We are at the end of a
ten-year one now.This council will develop a new capital
facilities plan and they will need to think about streets, flood
control, animal control facilities and park improvements.He
can envision the Silly Mountain plan as part of the new capital
facilities plan.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
RESOLUTION NO. 07-25, DECLARING
APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE CHAPTER
9 NATIVE PLANT PRESERVATION A
PUBLIC RECORD; ORDINANCE NO. 1301,
ADOPTING APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE
CHAPTER 9 NATIVE PLANT
PRESERVATION BY REFERENCE
)Planning Manager Fred
Baker briefed the council on the item.He stated the planning
commission had a work session and public hearing and made a
recommendation to the council on the issue.There have been
several public hearings and work sessions with the city council.
Council directed staff to simplify the ordinance and make it
more readable and workable, and to include comments from the
public.Verbiage has been changed to make it clearer and more
grammatically correct.A new version has been given to them and
they have received additional comments after this version was
made.Staff felt those comments were important so they handed
them out.All developments requesting an entitlement are
applicable in this ordinance.A native plant plan prepared by a
certified landscape professional is required.Mitigation
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
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includes transplant/salvage of native plants.If a plant does
not survive, a one-to-one replacement is required.Site
inspection will occur at grading and at final project
acceptance.The word "protected" has been used throughout the
document in front of "native plants".Suggested wording changes
that they have received over time have been inserted or deleted.
Typographical errors have been corrected.They have deleted the
provision that the ordinance does not apply to residential lots
of an 1.25 acre or less, and they have deleted a provision that
says it applies to all development.It will be a possible issue
that he has an alternative for.Right now the ordinance will
apply only to entitlement projects:a rezoning, a planned
development, a planned development amendment, a conditional use
permit, or a preliminary plat.The maximum fine is $1,000 per
plant and they have deleted all of the plants in the back except
for palo verde that are more than 4" caliper and foothill that
are more than 4" caliper.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if it
would pertain to someone splitting a 5 acre parcel to one 2.5
acre and two 1.25 acre in General Rural.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated that is correct.A subdivision would require a native
plant preservation plan, a lot split would not.An individual
that had a custom home on a 1.25 acre lot would not have the
ordinance apply if the lot is already zoned correctly and he is
only coming in for a building permit.He does have an option
that would cover that if the council desired.
Vice Mayor Eck requested he
present that option now.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated it would be under Applicability, Section 9.0102, and it
would go right below where it says "this ordinance applies to
only entitlement projects" and the entitlement projects are
listed.It would read for properties with existing zoning
allowing single family construction, residential building plans
are required to have an approved native plant plan per Section
9.0104, which is 3 acres or less, which means they would have a
site plan and take pictures of the protected plants that may be
disturbed before they are issued a building permit.For
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
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properties with existing zoning allowing single family
construction, the native plant plan will only apply to the
grading footprint or building footprint.There has been a
concern about lots of 1.25 acre in size that the cost to do an
engineered survey of where the lot lines are would be rather
expensive.The low end would be $500, the high end would be
$3,000 to $4,000.In order to preserve plants that may be
affected by construction, they are proposing that only the
grading footprint would be part of the ordinance.When they get
a custom home and driveway being built, they know where the
construction area is.They will want a picture of the plants
that will be disturbed by the building of the home and driveway.
They will want to know if they will be transplanted on site, ask
the state to destroy them, or ask the state for a permit to sell
them.They will also have the same situation with existing
zoning for commercial properties.In this case it would be
added to the checklist as part of the preliminary development
plan.If there is an existing commercial property where someone
wants to build, the city would require the full survey of 3
acres or more.If it is a small project of 3 acres or less,
they are back to the building footprint.The key concern was
how they would handle all of the General Rural and R1-43 lots in
the northern part of the city.This is an attempt to solve the
issue.
Vice Mayor Eck commented it
is a very simplified solution.If someone has their 5 acres and
does a 3 -lot split, they would still have to use the footprint
method before a building permit would be issued.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated that is correct.The lot split can be done, but the
provision applies once they come in for a building permit.
Vice Mayor Eck asked in what
way.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated it would only be for the building footprint and grading
footprint.If they are going to be disturbing the natural earth
by grading for a driveway, whether dirt or an improved driveway,
a garage, a guest unit, accessory structure, a homesite, they
will want to know what plants are on that site and what will be
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 10 OF 36
done with them.Most people will probably try to save the
native plant and transplant it on site.
Mayor Insalaco commented on
Roosevelt between Thunderbird and Valley, on approximately 5
acres of vacant property, someone starting cutting the trees
down.He thought they were trimming them down and taking the
brush away.Last Saturday they dug up everything; it is a
vacant piece of ground now.There were 17 trees that they took
out.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
are building Cobb's next door so the property is much more
available without the 17 trees so they just cut them all down to
the ground.
Mayor Insalaco commented they
dug them all up last Saturday.There was only palo verde on the
lot.
Vice Mayor Eck commented
there was some mesquite, also.
Mayor Insalaco commented
there were no saguaros or other cacti.He asked if they got a
grading permit for it.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
commented they did not get a grading permit for that.
Mayor Insalaco asked if they
would have to.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
commented they do not have a native plant plan to protect those
plants.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they
would need a grading permit.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated he did not know what kind of activity occurred on that
property other than what the mayor has now told him.
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
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Vice Mayor Eck asked if they
graded or just cut the trees down.
Mayor Insalaco commented they
just cut the trees down and then dug them up the following week.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated he does not know if the trees would have fallen under the
State protected native plants.If they do, then they may have a
problem.Under our native plant plan, they would have to show
us what they are going to do with the trees on site, sell them,
or show that they are getting the state permit to sell or
destroy them.
Councilmember Wilson
commented they could ask the state if they had filed the proper
documents for what they are going to do.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated they can inquire on that.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
is curious about it because some of them were pretty nice trees.
Vice Mayor Eck Commented he
personally believes they were naive about it.He does not think
they realized they probably had to get a permit to do it.He
asked what the list now, has for the palo verde.
Councilmember Barker stated
it is 4" or larger.
Vice Mayor Eck commented some
of those trees were 4" or larger.He asked what it is for
mesquite.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated it is the same, 4" or larger.Those are the older ones
and the discussion at the last hearing seemed to have a council
consensus of saving the older trees.A 4" tree is a large and
old tree.
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 12 OF 36 .
Mayor Insalaco commented
these were much bigger than 4".
Councilmember Wilson asked
how this would affect an established residence where the owner
wanted to add an arena or garage afterward.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated they are not requiring a permit to do an accessory
structure.If it is large enough, it will require a building
permit.If they are disturbing any native soil where they are
going to build or grade, they would be asked to do a survey of
what native plants are on the footprint of the site and what is
going to be done to preserve the plants.
Councilmember Wilson asked if
they would have to get a botanist to do it or could a private
citizen come in with pictures of the native plants.
Planning Manager Fred Baker
stated they would accept pictures of the native plants.If
there were some questions, they may need an arborist to do the
job.It is much more expensive for a landscape architect to do
the job.For an accessory structure or custom home they will
accept the property owner's claim that it is a saguaro.They do
know some other plants.If there is a dispute, they may need to
hire an arborist if the city feels it is a protected plant and
the arborist will have to show them that it is not.They will
mostly rely on the applicant to protect those plants and take a
picture of them.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
believes it is very fair.
Councilmember Dietz showed
the council some pictures he had taken as a reminder of why he
brought this item to the council, showing before and after,
pictures of a certain property.Everything they are protecting
was here, and it was all legal.There was a local nursery guy
who went out, looked at the property and tagged what he wanted
to take and then wrote on the bottom of the permit that all the
saguaros were bad.It was legal and they could come down and
grade it.The state does not have the manpower to come out,
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 13 OF 36
inspect and regulate it.It had been 5 acres of palo verdes,
mesquite and saguaros.Now it is just dirt.They have gone
back and forth on this thing long enough, it is time to get it
done now so that they can hold on to what Apache Junction is
about.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Bob Esposito, 3942 N.
Rain Cloud, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He thanked
the council and staff for using the Business and Property Owners
group as a resource for this issue.He thinks they have got a
good ordinance that will accomplish what they want to accomplish
with the native plants.He urged them to accept Fred's option
because it makes it uniform and it stays within the spirit of
protecting plants.Several speakers at previous meetings have
said that if they have got plants that need to be protected and
preserved on a half acre lot or acre lot, it should be no
different than the plants that need to be preserved on a 10 acre
lot.Fred's common sense approach makes it easier for that lot
owner.If they have a permitted event, the bottom line is they
are still preserving and protecting.His group is grateful to
be part of the process.
Mr. Noel Benoist, 900 N. San
Marcos #35, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated
this is a prime example of the right job using communication,
working things out and finding something they could all live
with.
Mr. Steve Flynn, 305 N.
Acacia, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated he is
a resident of Arizona and appreciates the desert, but this is a
private property issue.If he buys 1.25 acres, he would like to
preserve the saguaro cacti, but if he would like to knock them
down, dry them out and have a big bonfire to celebrate
Thanksgiving, that should be his business.He thinks the
founding fathers would be turning over in their graves if they
knew what was going on here with the limits on what they can do
on their property.He means no offense to anyone, but it is
called neo-feudalism.One councilmember was worried about the
view on a person's property; he asked if anyone has offered to
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 14 OF 36
pay that person's assessment.He pays his assessment and he
should be allowed to do with his property as he sees fit, as
long as he is not endangering a single soul.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing and reopened the item to council discussion.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
are following a state law.It is not the city's cactus law, it
is a version of the state law.They would have to go to a
higher source to get that stopped.Our version is more
proactive than the state's version.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 07-25, 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 "APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE, VOLUME II LAND DEVELOPMENT
CODE,CHAPTER 9 NATIVE PLANT PRESERVATION",BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1301 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF
THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
read the ordinance by title only.
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NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 15 OF 36
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1301, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED
AND ADOPTED WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT:THAT IT INCLUDE
FRED'S ADDENDUM.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1302, AMENDING THE
APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE, VOLUME
I, CHAPTER 9, ARTICLE 9-1, BY
ADDING SECTION 9-1-5 CARGO
CONTAINERS
)City Attorney Joel Stern
briefed the council on the item.He stated they have a redline
version and clean version of Mr. Eck's motion.The clean
version shows how the ordinance would look if Mr. Eck's motion
had been passed.The redline version has the strikeouts and
highlights.This is solely a council matter.There was a
motion made to reconsider the matter, it passed and that is why
they are here today.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Steve Flynn, 305 N.
Acacia, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated they
are citizens and as long as they are not causing harm to anyone
they should be able to do as they please.He urged them to pass
an ordinance that would have very limited restrictions on cargo
containers.Lot size is irrelevant as long as it is on the
property and not hindering the neighbors.Further micromanaging
of the lives of citizens is tyrannical.He is not a
businessman, but when you mix business with too much government
you get corporate fascism.He did not think this was the Apache
Junction way.The units should be safe and not cause health
risks.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 16 OF 36
Ms. Pam Mosher stated they
should be allowed for at least 1.25 acre and commercial
properties.They are safe and protect your belongings.They
are weatherproof.She. took a hazardous materials class and they
did 1.5 days on methamphetamines and meth labs and the things
they go into.She would like to have things protected.These
look nice and can be aesthetically appealing to the community.
They can be put on the property in such a way that they match
everything.They are also rodent proof and theft proof.They
can store their precious things.Those with horses can store
tack.They make this community a better place.She urged them
to pass the ordinance.
Ms. Kathy Acton, 519 E.
Southern, Apache Junction, addressed the council.She stated
she and her husband have a small construction company at 18th
Avenue and Tomahawk.Due to the size of their lot, the cargo
containers offer them much needed storage and security for their
tools and equipment.Their yard is organized and does not look
like a trash heap.They are the most feasible way for them to
store their equipment and make their property more productive.
She requested they allow the 8' X 40' units.They have lived
here for over 20 years and have had the business here for 9
years.They feel they are an asset to the community.These are
very important to a small business.
Mr. Rene Lesuitre, 5575 E.
20th Avenue, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He
congratulated them on the plant ordinance and their working
through the 2 or 3 issues.He requested they do the same with
this ordinance.It is a needed item.He does not think it will
be abused if it is controlled.Most people that have a use for
them, that buy them or rent them, will use them professionally.
They will not be an eyesore all over the community.He sees the
benefits of some people having these.
Mr. John Kantowski, 835 W.
Windsong, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated
these are cheap, inexpensive ways to store materials.The
building he is putting on his property will cost over $15,000.
A lot of families cannot afford that.On the large acre lots,
they have horses and everything else and they are raising kids.
The corrugated sides of his steel building are 7.5" deep and are
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 17 OF 36
no way near the sides of the cargo containers which are 2.5"
deep.If they want to dress them up, that is fine, but he
thinks they should look at just painting them.They should not
have to be covered on 3 sides or have stucco or facades as they
look fine the way they are when they are painted real nice with
aesthetically pleasing colors.They are forcing the people to
put $5,000 to $6,000 onto a cargo container that will cost them
$2,000.
Mr. Noel Benoist, 900 N. San
Marcos #35, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated
the plastic and fiberglass jobs that people can put in can
diminish property value.He showed pictures of cargo
containers.They could include pictures in the permit process
to show what is allowed and how it is allowed.Fencing would
maintain property value if it surrounds something like this.It
would improve property value and it should be encouraged.He
suggested giving an award once a year to people who do a good
job on their accessory buildings.He believes the cargo
containers are reasonable use and any court in the land will
look at it that way.He encouraged them to look at this and
work on it in the same way that the plant ordinance was done.
It will then only be a matter of enforcement and what the people
have done with their cargo containers.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened
the item to council discussion.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated on page 5 of 8 of the redline version, there is a space
for how high the stem wall would be.He thinks the
recommendation is 2', but he is not sure what Mr. Eck had in
mind.
Councilmember Severs stated
if it is a 2' stem wall, they can buy the prefabricated 6' slat
and they would have the 8' fence.It would be an inexpensive
way of doing it.If they have to have a 3' or 4' wall, it would
be a lot more expensive.They would have to cut their slats
down.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 18 OF 36
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated on page 6 of 8, to take care of the issue that Ordinance
No. 1309 which did not pass addressed, whether this should be a
building permit issue, was added in under number 9 that the
building permit process would not apply to the cargo containers.
He added that under number 3, they have been given some
misinformation by Mr. Benoist.This is not a zoning ordinance;
it is a property maintenance ordinance and is under a different
section of the code.It is under Chapter 9 and none of the
information given by Mr. Benoist applies.
Councilmember Severs
presented a picture of a storage container.He commented on a
storage container that is over by the mayor's house that has
been enhanced, and that it does look better than a boxcar.
Mayor Insalaco stated he
should talk to the neighbors behind the man.
Councilmember Severs
commented that is because they are looking at a different side
that has not been enhanced.If it was painted all the way
around, it would be a way to make it look better.He showed
additional pictures of storage containers and legal structures.
He was trying to understand why certain things were legal and
others were not.They have come up with a lot of stipulations
that they have not all agreed to yet.He suggested they
simplify and just go back to making them match the house.If a
house has aluminum siding, it should be wrapped with aluminum
siding.If he wanted one, which he does not, and he does not
have them, does not sell them nor does he build them or have a
business to enhance them, it would have to be stuccoed and
painted to match his house.They do not need a building permit
to put stucco on it.He showed one final picture and stated he
did not know how large the lot is but they must need it.It did
not look like it was even a half acre lot.
Mayor Insalaco stated it is a
very small lot.
Vice Mayor Eck commented it
is a 7,000 sq.ft. lot.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 19 OF 36
Mayor Insalaco commented it
has electric to it so it is illegal.
Councilmember Severs
commented that is an issue that would have to be addressed.
They are at a situation they have never been in before.When
the passed the ordinance in March that made large structures,
garages, secondary structures and horse barns illegal on a lot
of properties because they are bigger than 75% of the square
footage of the house, it is not the same as this.The people
who already had them and are already using them will have to be
grandfathered in or an exception will have to be made to the new
rule.Everybody that has these already, with the exception of
3, are illegal.They have an opportunity to say they have to
get a permit, do certain things, go through an inspection
process and have it aesthetically pleasing or they have to get
rid of it.They do not have that option with most of the other
rules that they pass because they are grandfathered in.No
matter how you look at these, they are illegal.If they can
find a way to make them aesthetically pleasing, then they have
the option.He agrees with what they did on the plant ordinance
tonight.It took a lot of work from staff and the council and
they finally came up with something that is wonderful.He
thanked Councilmember Dietz and stated he would like to do the
same thing with this ordinance; to bring it back after
simplifying it and making it more functional and more
reasonable.
Vice Mayor Eck commented the
biggest concern is the aesthetics.They know there is a need,
they are growing and moving into the future.They have a ton of
mobile homes that have reached their time and $600,000 to
$700,000 custom homes are going in.If they allow the cargo
containers to be next door, it could create some internal
problems with the community and the defrayed costs for the
individual who did make those large investments.He asked if
Development Services Director Brad Steinke had any screening
ideas on this.He had talked to a general contractor about
screening them and it would look good but it is not very
feasible.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated the first decision is if they want to have
these in residential and commercial.If they decide they really
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 20 OF 36
want to have these, then they must determine how they will make
them aesthetically pleasing.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
is willing to have them as long as they are aesthetically
pleasing.
Councilmember Severs
commented it is not if they can allow them, but how they can
allow them.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated they have seen different examples that have
reflected arguably an aesthetically pleasing cargo container,
others were debatable.Staff's mission would be if they passed
this and attached to it certain aesthetic standards, staff will
be the arbiter of taste.They will get some wrong.The best
regulation is one that is clear, concise, easy to implement and
easy to review in the field.They did it with the accessory
buildings.They attached a standard that has worked
functionally up until this time.They have talked about fences
tonight and there may be some merit to what the vice mayor
stated with the 2' stem wall and the fence on top of it.There
may be merit to having it reflect the architecture and style of
the house.All of them will not look the same and there will be
variations on that theme.He thinks that is the biggest
challenge.They do not have language to throw in front of them
that is different from what they have in front of them tonight.
The challenge will be for them to implement it and make it work
in practice.
Vice Mayor Eck stated he was
trying to bring them into light industrial, commercial and
quasi -public.He was not interested in residential because he
thought it would have an impact on the neighborhood.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated looking at his proposal for the fencing and
the shielding, it was a reasonable solution for commercial
properties.
Vice Mayor Eck commented
there have to be other solutions out there if he was to put his
mind to it.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 21 OF 36
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated they could look at that, but there are very
few cases of how this applied.There are not a lot of them out
there.They have allowed them and tried to hide them out of
public view.There has not been a lot of dressing them up from
a regulatory standpoint.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
saw 4 of them the other day going down Brown Road in Mesa.They
were at the gas station.He was disappointed, because he had
not believed that they were using them at the gas station.
Councilmember Severs
commented it was interesting that they did the survey on the
other cities and they all said they do not allow them, yet
Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Ahwatukee and Tempe have them.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
just do not enforce them.
Councilmember Serdy stated
when they are in the other cities they are only boxes.In our
last proposal, there was a paragraph stated that they would hide
them.He has had no problem all along as long as they are
hidden.The question is how to hide them.They can ignore all
this and hide them with a façade or a fence.He does not see
any other problems.If they cannot be seen, there should be no
problem.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
is the most challenging thing.Some lots will be much easier
than others.They have been pushing for mandatory standards for
the design and guidelines, and now they are coming and saying
let us see about bringing in these cargo containers.He feels a
little bit like a hypocrite.He believes there is a need, but
one of the things that irritates him the most is that a lot of
the metal garages that he sees in the community are not very
pleasant -looking.Some are 25' tall, and there is a blue one on
Tomahawk.Some are pretty rough -looking, but he does not know
that storage containers are the answer.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke commented if some of those images are legal, he
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 22 OF 36
asked if that is necessarily good.There may be some
maintenance and enforcement issues.
Mayor Insalaco stated that is
what they need.
Councilmember Severs
commented that in the property maintenance standards that they
worked so hard to pass, this is illegal but it is not being
enforced.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
is his other concern.They pass them and people are told to
take the stuff and get it screened or in a shed and out of the
yard.It makes sense to have a storage shed if it is pleasing
and has the right aesthetics.He is concerned that the storage
unit will become full and then there will just be that much more
carryover.They will have to regulate the number.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated a lot of questions have been raised.If
they pass an ordinance that allows cargo containers, he asked if
they would be satisfied with the aesthetic standards in there.
If they are not, then they can task them to fine tune it and
they will work on that.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
is what he would like to do.He would like staff to work on it
to see what they can come up with.
Councilmember Wilson
commented he does see a need in the community.He would like to
see them go back to the drawing board to come up with something
with input from the council.They could try to work together to
come up with something they could all feel could work, taking
into account everyone's concerns.He asked if they needed a
motion to do that.
City Manager George Hoffman
stated he thought it would be helpful to do that.They have a
fairly clear vision from Councilmember Serdy and they could work
in that direction, which is quite straightforward.If they
cannot be seen, then it is fine.There have been other things
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 23 OF 36
that have been shown, which is if they can be seen but they are
pretty, or if they see them and they look like the house.He
would like them to take a universe of things that staff might
come up with.He would like them to narrow their preferences
down.They could then focus their efforts and have a higher
probability of meeting their goals when it is brought back.
Councilmember Severs asked if
these are legal if they cannot be seen from any public right-of-
way.The property maintenance standards say they can store
anything they want as long as it is properly screened and cannot
be seen.He had a resident come to him and tell him that no one
can see his because he dug a hole 2' deep and 40' long so that
when they brought it in and dropped it in the hole it could not
be seen.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they are currently illegal.It does not matter if they
can be seen or not.The current ordinance states they are
illegal and cannot be used in the city limits.By passing this
tonight it would change the rule.
Councilmember Severs stated a
very inexpensive option would be to bring in a front loader, dig
a hole 2 feet deep and recess the storage container so that no
one can see them.
There was general discussion
on whether to continue, table or postpone the item, how they
would get the input to the city manager and the time frame
involved.
Mayor Insalaco asked if there
was any way they could split this.He believes the big problem
is residential, and that most of them feel that commercial, the
churches and schools would be okay as long as they were
screened.He asked if they could vote on the commercial and get
that problem solved and then take the time that they need to
work on the residential.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they could.They can state what they want in this
version and deal with the residential at a later date.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 24 OF 36
Mayor Insalaco stated they
could then give those people with the cargo containers on their
property an extension with no limit until the council gets this
solved.
Councilmember Severs
commented the only problem is they run into the same problems
that they have had with the rest of it.There is a church here
that does not want to build a wall around it; they want to match
their maintenance building.
Mayor Insalaco stated there
has to be some compromising somewhere.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
is still confused.They are still putting it out to staff to
get the information they need to make the appearance as good as
possible.He is confused as to what they are going to gain if
they say they are going to allow commercial, however, they will
work on residential.He asked what they are going to allow on
commercial.If they are to be screened as he originally
proposed, staff might come up with something better and less
expensive.
Councilmember Dietz commented
they will need to bring the whole thing back.
Mayor Insalaco asked how many
times they are going to bring this back.
Councilmember Barker stated
this has been going on for a year.
Mayor Insalaco stated these
people need to find out one way or- the other what is going to
happen.
City Attorney Joel Stern
commented he might want to call for a motion.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion and called for a motion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 25 OF 36
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO. 1302 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.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO. 1302, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED AND
ADOPTED WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS:THAT WE TURN THIS OVER
TO STAFF TO BRAINSTORM A SOLUTION.
Councilmember Dietz
interrupted Vice Mayor Eck to state he cannot approve it.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED HE IS
APPROVING THAT THEY WILL TURN IT OVER TO STAFF AND HAVE THEM
WORK ON SOLUTIONS.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that would just be a simple motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED TO LEAVE
THE ORDINANCE OUT OF IT AND TELL STAFF TO SEND THE ITEM BACK TO
STAFF, TO WORK WITH THE COUNCIL IN SMALL GROUPS AND BRAINSTORM
WORKABLE IDEAS TO GET AN EVENTUAL ORDINANCE PASSED.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he believes he must go back and erase what he just voted
on first or it would not make sense.
Councilmember Barker stated
she would withdraw her second.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it had already been voted on.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 26 OF 36
Councilmember Dietz commented
they only voted on the reading of the ordinance.
City Attorney Joel Stern .
stated that the ordinance is not going to be passed right now.
Usually that is done before one is passed.
Councilmember Dietz commented
that they just asked the city clerk to read the ordinance and
that was it.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated she believed they could consider postponing Ordinance No.
1302 with the recommendation that it be sent back for review.
Vice Mayor Eck commented for
review with staff and they can use whatever mechanisms necessary
to try to come up with it.
Councilmember Barker stated
they have it.
Mayor Insalaco stated that
people also need to be given the extension until this is solved.
There was general discussion
on when the item would be brought back.The consensus was 90
days.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated for clarification that they are not adopting Ordinance
No. 1302, with or without amendments, they are postponing it and
directing staff to go back and return with options on the
screening and disguising.
City Attorney Joel Stern
asked when they wanted it to come back.
Mayor Insalaco MOVED TO ADD
IT BE BROUGHT BACK THE SECOND MEETING IN JANUARY.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 27 OF 36
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated that would be January 14 for a work session and January
15 for the public hearing.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
Councilmember Severs asked if
there was a delay in prosecution.
Vice Mayor Eck stated there
is.
Councilmember Wilson asked if
this is strictly for businesses or commercial.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
there was a delay in prosecution.
is.
are looking at everything.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
asked if they would please add that to the motion because
technically all they directed this ordinance to be tonight is
based on Vice Mayor Eck's previous motion which did not include
residential.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED TO ADD
THAT THEY BRING THE ITEM BACK TO LOOK AT THE USE OF CARGO
CONTAINERS CITYWIDE.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE ADDITION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Barker
commented that she hoped no more cargo containers would come in
during this 90 day hiatus.
Vice Mayor Eck commented
except for the Mobile Minis for emergencies.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 28 OF 36
RESOLUTION NO. 07-44, PRELIMINARY
PLAT FOR MERIDIAN OF TIMES
TOWNHOMES LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST
CORNER OF 16TH AVENUE AND
MERIDIAN
)Assistant Planner Todd
Kennedy briefed the council on the item.He stated this is a
14 -unit subdivision.He showed the elevations and the floor
plans, altogether 3 stories.It was presented to the planning
and zoning commission on August 28 and their concerns were that
it have a perimeter wall, the landscaping be consistent with the
preliminary plat, the onsite parking be in compliance with 2.33
spaces per unit, prior to grading permit issuance the applicant
shall redesign the driveway to provide a traffic calming device,
install a sidewalk along the south side of the driveway from
Meridian Drive and provide additional angled parking.All the
conditions have been met.
Mayor Insalaco stated it is a
very good project for this area.He 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 discussion, he called for a motion.
Councilmember Severs MOVED
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 07-44, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, APPROVING A
PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAT FOR MERIDIAN OF TIMES TOWNHOMES,
CASE SD -2-07 BY E -BUILT CONTRACTING AND REPRESENTED BY KIM EATON
AND PRESTON STAPLEY, BE APPROVED.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AN -2-07, CITY -INITIATED ANNEXATION
OF APPROXIMATELY 65.5 ACRES ON
NORTH APACHE TRAIL AND HIGHWAY 88 )
)Senior Planner Rudy
Esquivias briefed the council on the item.He stated the city
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 29 OF 36
limits currently wrap around the annexation piece.There are 2
property owners involved.Highway 88 LLC owns 4 lots on the
north side of Highway 88, Echo Homes owns the ones on the south
side.A stretch of Highway 88 will also be annexed.The zoning
includes some CB -2 and CR-1 half acre lot and some CR-1 acre lot
by planned development.There is a concurrent rezoning case
going on.This meeting is simply to introduce the annexation
and is for discussion only and public input.All property
owners have been notified and only one has responded, which is
Gold Canyon Sewer Company advising they did not own any property
in the prOposed annexation area and had no problem with the
annexation.No residential properties are being annexed north
of the county island.There are no commercial businesses being
annexed.Another council meeting will be scheduled for the
annexation ordinance once they have the required number of
annexation signatures.If the council approves this annexation,
the first step would be to assign zoning districts to the
properties that are most similar to the county zoning districts.
Following that a different rezoning of the property could be
considered.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Giles Patton, 2879 W.
Hidalgo, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He has some
property a little to the north of what is being annexed.He is
concerned about the growth along Highway 88.He will support
and recommend the annexation as long as they continue to try to
maintain 1.25 acre residential lots.He understands that some
of it is commercial and he would like to keep those single -story
commercial.He would like to see the view plains that exist now
maintained.He is aware the streets would have to be widened in
the future.He would like to make sure no development would be
allowed to block Weekes Wash as it is a major horse trail.He
would like dirt roads to be permitted and maintained if it is
possible.
Mayor Insalaco stated that
comes under the particulate matter rules so that will not
happen.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 30 OF 36
Mr. Giles Patton commented
the east coast people do not know what they are talking about
here as this is the desert.It would be like him going into
Washington, D.C. and telling them to cut down their cherry trees
because he is allergic to them.He would like to see the area
kept rural and remain horse properties.He commended the city
council on the improvements to the rodeo grounds.With what has
been happening at WestWorld, he sees Apache Junction as being
the center for equestrian events as WestWorld will be history.
He recommends the city annex the portion.He would not like the
county to control that area.He does not like what has happened
to Anthem and Johnson Ranch.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
is sure Councilmember Wilson will protect that wash very well.
Mr. Noel Benoist, 900 N. San
Marcos #35, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated
these property owners and developers are going the extra mile up
there.They have designed a far better and greater use than
what could be done according to the current county guidelines.
They will be improving the horse trails.He recommends the
annexation and project.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak and moved on to
the next item.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
REGULATION ON HORSE BOARDING
)Councilmember Wilson
briefed the council on the item.He stated they had some
problems in the early spring concerning horse trailers on the
property.Currently we have no definition of what constitutes
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 31 OF 36
horse boarding.Before he was on the council he had talked to
the city manager about needing a definition and rules.He would
like to use staff to assist him in contacting all the licensed
stables in the city, meet with them and get their input on what
they need to have for horse boarding.This will hopefully be
accomplished in two meetings, and the third meeting will be with
the general public to get their input, primarily those adjacent
to the stables.They can then come up with a statement that
meets the needs and concerns of the stable owners and the
general public in those areas.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Wilson MOVED
THAT THEY ALLOW THE USE OF CITY STAFF AND FACILITIES TO HAVE
SOME MEETINGS WITH, FIRST, STABLE OWNERS, AND SEND OUT NOTICES
TO STABLE OWNERS ON THIS, AND THEN, SECOND, TO HAVE A MEETING
WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AGAIN WITH USE OF CITY FACILITIES.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULATIONS ON OVERHEAD WIRES
)Development Services
Director Brad Steinke briefed the council on the item.He is
looking for direction to come back to them with a more effective
ordinance on overhead wires.
Councilmember Severs
commented he thought the last time this was discussed staff was
given direction to go out and find out what particular areas of
town they wanted to implement this ordinance in and that it not
be implemented in the other areas.That did not happen.It
came back with 6 things that they basically already have.He
would like to simplify the whole ordinance, preferring to say
that from this day forward there would be no more overhead power
lines.If they want to build anything, the power lines must be
underground.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 32 OF 36
Councilmember Barker asked if
option 2 gives the ability to identify specific geographic
areas.
Councilmember Severs
commented it came back to us again instead of coming back with
the suggested areas to be implemented in.It is coming back to
them again for the same thing they had already been directed to
do.
Councilmember Dietz stated
they did not give direction last time.
Development Services Director
Brad Steinke stated at the last work session they were given 3
essential directions to go in.One was leave it as is, one was
to be more strategic and tactical about how we do it, and the
last was to get rid of it all.They were given preliminary
direction.They are asking if they want them to come back with
all kinds of different options, specifically if there is a
consensus of thought on which direction to go.They need the
direction in order to give the council direction essentially.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
thinks they should move forward with where it fits the right
purpose and determine the areas of where it does not.
Councilmember Dietz commented
he thinks there are still some specific areas downtown where
they should be underground, where they started the process and
it should be continued.
Vice Mayor Eck commented it
should certainly be south of the freeway.
Councilmember Barker
commented she likes recommendation number 4 which provides for a
nonpolitical appeal process.She thinks that would be very
valuable, especially in case by case scenarios.
Vice Mayor Eck asked who
would be doing it.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 33 OF 36
Councilmember Barker
commented they have listed the city manager and the board of
adjustment.
There was general discussion
on which options were to be used and where an appeal should be
taken.It was determined the appeal process would be discussed
at a later date.
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
REGULATIONS FOR OVERHEAD WIRES:THAT WE CHOOSE OPTION NUMBER 2
AND THAT STAFF COME BACK TO US WITH A VARIETY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM THEIR RECOMMENDATION LIST.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M. AND A WORK SESSION AT
7:00 P.M. BE HELD ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2007, 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,
DECEMBER 4, 2007, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 34 OF 36
Councilmember Severs SECONDED
)Mayor Insalaco adjourned
the meeting at 10:42 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1. Acceptance of Agenda.
2. Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 16, 2007.
3. Approval of Amendments to Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
4. Approval of Professional Service Agreement for PR -07-08, the
Design of an Off -leash Dog Area at Prospector Park.
5. Approval of Resolution No. 07-43, promoting the use of the
United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design ("LEED") Green Building Rating
System Standards for City -owned and City -operated Buildings.
6. Approval of Award of Bid for PW 2007-14, Chip Seal Emulsions.
7. Approval of Award of Bid for PW 2007-15, Pre -Coated Chips.
8. Consideration of FY 2007-08 professional services agreements
with various human services agencies for a total amount of
$100,000.
ACCEPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2007, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 4TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2007.
N S. INSALACO
ayor
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 35 OF 36
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 6th
day of November, 2007.I further certify that the meeting was
duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 15th day of November, 2007.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
PAGE 36 OF 36