HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-04 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2007
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Apache Junction, Arizona, was held on December 4, 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 7:06 p.m.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Wilson gave the Invocation.,
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Eck 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:City Manager George Hoffman
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Development Svcs. Director Brad Steinke
Planning Manager Fred Baker.
Human Resources Director Liz Riley
Economic Dev. Dir. Steve Filipowicz
Others Present:Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
Program Coordinator Heather Patel
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 1 OF 20
Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow
Captain Tom Kelly
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Councilmember Severs MOVED
THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE LETTER OF INTENT AND RESOLUTION
OF CONTINUED PARTICIPATION AS AN ACCREDITED ARIZONA MAIN STREET
COMMUNITY BY APACHE JUNCTION MAIN STREET PROGRAM; AND THAT
AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE LETTER OF
INTENT AND RESOLUTION; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO PURCHASE AN S5250D CRACK -SEAL MELTER
USING THE HGAC (HOUSTON/GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL) COOPERATIVE
CONTRACT NO. SM10-6 FROM CRAFCO INCORPORATED IN THE AMOUNT OF
$43,524.31.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Insalaco presented an award to Arizona Department of
Housing Executive Director Fred Karnas for 25 years of support
and funding to the city.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr. Noel Benoist, 900 N. San Marcos #35, Apache Junction,
addressed the council regarding a letter he gave them.
Mrs. Shannon Flynn, 305 N. Acacia, Apache Junction, addressed
the council regarding her recall application on Councilmember
Dietz.
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
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Mr. Steve Flynn, 305 N. Acacia, Apache Junction, addressed the
council regarding raising the fees for a variance and the city
giving $100,000 to charities.
Mr. Todd Olear, 2898 S. Arizona Road, Apache Junction, addressed
the council regarding the new Gateway Center and suggestions for
some improvements.
Mr. Jim Stevens, 3700 S. Ironwood Drive, Apache Junction,
addressed the council in support of Chief Walp.
Mr. Ernest Imbeault, 2835 W. Cody Street, Apache Junction,
addressed the council to request the council adopt the Model
City Code Option X and the community art shows.
Mr. Louis Babin, 2191 S. Belair, Apache Junction, addressed the
council regarding the use of full face motorcycle helmets and
the Chief Walp contract.
Mr. Jeremy Bowling, 205 N. 74th Street, Mesa, addressed the
council to advise the evangelism team had no problems at the
skate park this last Saturday and thanked all of council and
staff.
Mr. Steve White, 105 N. Delaware, Apache Junction addressed the
council to request the council adopt Option X and spoke in
support of artists.
Ms. Tess Nesser, 1511 S. Cactus, Apache Junction, addressed the
council regarding the Second Annual Apache Junction Art Show.
Vice Mayor Eck commented Councilmember Dietz is being recalled
over $100,000 being given to the health and human services
organizations which the council has done every year for the 11
years he has been on; he would disagree with it not being the
city's responsibility.It is for groups that are for abused
women and children, for the kids and the senior center.The
vast majority of it goes to the poor in the community.All
seven of them approved it and it is a very minute amount of the
budget to give to these desirable organizations.He thinks it
is inappropriate to recall someone with that being the reason
for the recall.Todd Olear has a great idea; he likes the idea
of the open space in between the buildings.The people can
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
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commute in between the industrial and commercial there.He
added Jim Stevens uses percentages to talk about the crime being
fought in the city.Since he has been on the council, they have
doubled or tripled the allocation to the police department.It
is the single -most thought of department in the city, especially
financially, and has the backing of the council.He feels that
if they have another director there, they have created that
position to a certain pay scale and qualification scale.They
plan on doing business as usual.They do not see it going down.
They see dedicated employees of the department continuing
forward.He and his kids were born and raised here and he has
not lived anywhere but Pinal County his entire life.He has a
lot in this and thousands of friends in the community.He wants
them protected; the protection remains in his mind.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
Councilmember Wilson commented he has been working with Bryant
Powell on an issue and they will be having a meeting this
Thursday at 4:30 p.m.It is with Allied Waste who has announced
that they will no longer pick up residential trash containers
that have horse manure in them.They came to a meeting a month
ago and did a study of dumpsters.They will sit down with them
and try to come to a resolution.
Councilmember Severs announced that Community Alliance Against
Family Abuse has just issued their Christmas Wish List.They
need a lot of items.There will be an event on December 9 at
Seralla's Finishing and Etiquette School in Mesa, Tan Italia in
Gilbert and Detour Restaurant and Bar.They will put up posters
and collect items from the other cities that will be donated to
the branch in Apache Junction.
Mayor Insalaco commented the city council met last summer and
formulated a work plan, including work tasks summarized into 7
basic categories:economic development, grant funding,
community development issues, community infrastructure, public
safety, building relationships and enhancing communications with
internal and external community partners.They recently
received a 90 -day update from staff.He announced he would like
to invite the board and commission members and the general
public to the February 5, 2008 council meeting for a
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
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comprehensive update for the first half of the year and the
balance of the work plan for the second half of the year.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager George Hoffman stated the 10th Citizen Leadership
Institute started November 15, 2007 with a record 32
participants signed up.Library Director Pam Loui advised that
Monday, January 7, 2008 is the date confirmed for the new
library addition to be ready for occupancy.All library
visitors will be accessing the library from the new entrance
from that day forward.The new parking lot will also be
available for public use as of that date.The current library
visitor parking lot and library entrance will be closed off in
order to begin the remodel portion of the project.
Transitioning will be taking place over the next few months.He
brought to their attention the document Arizona Policy Choices
as Governor Napolitano made some positive comments about it
regarding sustainability.The document focuses at the state
level but the city will be working on growth and transportation
issues to the south.It is easy enough to just think of
economic development or the environment, but they have to take
into account dozens of different variables and this is a good
model.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR A TEMPORARY
EXTENSION OF PREMISES ON THE
LIQUOR LICENSE OF DOG RUN SALOON )
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.She stated the
applicants wish to hold 2 events that have a need for an
extension of premises.They are on December 20, 2007 and the
other is in January of next year.There are responses from
staff and the fire district in their packets and there are no
objections to either event.
Mayor Insalaco requested the
applicant address the council.
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 5 OF 20
Mr. Bob Rosencranse, Dog Run
Saloon, 320 W. Superstition, addressed the council for any
questions.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
have done one before.
Councilmember Barker
commented there was a request on one of the recommendations that
was made that they notify the local businesses.
Mr. Bob Rosencranse stated he
notified them and his landlord.They are a reverse business,
being that when they are there and busy, everyone else is gone.
Councilmember Severs asked if
their application had been turned in a little late for normal
procedure.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated that is correct.
Councilmember Severs
commented staff had to kind of expedite this and give it a
little special attention.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated they adjusted the dates so that the internal review,
critical for safety needs, could be accomplished.They were
able to change the dates so that we could get it on this agenda.
Councilmember Severs
commented he appreciated everyone working in a how can we make
it happen manner.He was glad they were able to do it.He
thanked staff.
Mr. Bob Rosencranse stated
this is a big deal for them as it is keeping other business in
town.Superstition Harley will be town with them, not going to
Mesa or somewhere else.Sometimes they do not know early enough
to get on the right council meeting to make it happen.
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
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Vice Mayor Eck asked if they
had done one before.
Mr. Bob Rosencranse stated
they had a permanent extension of premises twice earlier.This
is just a temporary one.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to
speak, he closed the public hearing and reopened the item to
council discussion.There being no discussion, he called for a
motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR A TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF PREMISES ON THE LIQUOR
LICENSE OF DOG RUN SALOON FOR DECEMBER 20, 2007 AND JANUARY 3,
2008, SUBMITTED BY DONNA ROSENCRANSE, BE RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT
LIQUOR LICENSE BY SUPERSTITION
MOUNTAIN ROTARY CLUB #1246 FOR
LOST DUTCHMAN DAYS, FEBRUARY
22-24, 2008
)Mr. Ronald Knies, 11561 E.
Kiva, Mesa, the applicant, addressed the council.He was
applying again this year for Lost Dutchman Days.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if it
would be conducted as usual with the fenced off area.
Mr. Ronald Knies stated that
is correct.
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 7 OF 20
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to
speak, he closed the public hearing and reopened the item to
council discussion.There being no discussion, he called for a
motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE BY
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN ROTARY CLUB #1246 FOR LOST DUTCHMAN DAYS,
FEBRUARY 22-24, 2008, SUBMITTED BY RON KNIES, BE RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 07-47, ADOPTING THE
FINDINGS OF APPLIED ECONOMICS
REGARDING A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT WITH U560 AND IDAHO, LLC
FOR APACHE JUNCTION GATEWAY
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
)City Attorney Joel Stern
briefed the council on the item.He stated this is a legal
requirement to have a third party verify that what the city is
getting in the development agreement is nothing compared to what
the city is going to be getting from the sales tax revenue that
will be generated for what the city is giving up.The city will
be providing a sales tax reimbursement.US60 and Idaho, LLC has
agreed to come to the city and put in public infrastructure.
The city will reimburse them for other promises they have made
under the development agreement.The first step is to have a
third party come to the council and verify the monetary issues
that the city is not giving up more than it is receiving.
Economic Director Steve
Filipowicz stated Sarah Murley with Applied Economics, a well-
respected firm in the valley that does this type of work
validating that projects meet the standards that they have to
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 8 OF 20
pass in terms of the state statute for the city to consider
entering into these kinds of agreements, will be giving the
presentation to the council.Through the course of this evening
and through the next couple of weeks they will hear a number of
different square footages quoted.They are all correct in their
own context.The development agreement establishes the minimum
that can be done and the planned development agreement
establishes the ceiling of the square footage.Sarah's analysis
is based on the most recent edition of plans, which is 590,000
sq.ft.It could be larger if they are successful and amend the
planned development in the future to allow for additional space.
The city is contracting for safeguards and they are moving into
the public arena for them to qualify for some sales tax rebates.
Ms. Sarah Murley, Applied
Economics, addressed the council.She stated the statutory
requirements are threefold.First, the incentive cannot exceed
the total amount of revenue generated to the city.That is not
the case here.Second, the development would not have occurred
in the same time, place or manner without the incentive.That
is likely true in this case because of the infrastructure
requirements.Third, the amount of the sales tax incentive
cannot be something that is agreed upon through discussion; it
must be equal to the cost of the public infrastructure that is
being constructed.That is the case here.The terms are that
50% of the amount of sales tax generated by both construction
activity and retail sales on the site would be reimbursed to the
developer over a period of up to 8 years.The total amount to
be reimbursed would be up to $6.64 million; it could vary
according to the actual cost of the infrastructure.It cannot
be more than that, but it could be less.Timing safeguards are
in the agreement, and if things do not go as planned and the
total amount was not reimbursed over the 8 year period, the
remaining reimbursement would disappear at that point.Whatever
had been paid up to that point would be the total amount of
reimbursement.She described the project expectations,
construction costs, the phases starting in December 2008 and
ending with the final opening in December 2012.Annual taxable
retail sales by the end of 2009 are estimated at $81 million and
$172 million by 2012.She estimated the total amount of
reimbursement would be paid off in 4 years.There is no
interest accruing in this agreement.
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 9 OF 20
Economic Development Director
Steve Filipowicz stated the theater that she mentioned is one of
the permitted uses on the site.There has been no decision or
commitment by Diversified to do that, but they will be shopping
that as an item of interest to some of the major theater chains,
as well as the anchor chains.At this point, Diversified is not
prepared to make any announcements on any preleases of anchors.
The city will be working with them to fill the spaces.He
reiterated that the city is making a public investment in public
infrastructure, the big ticket items that need to be developed
for this site to work are the street improvements on Idaho to
the west, Baseline to the south, and Winchester to the east.
Additionally, there is a vital water connection that comes from
north of US 60 south; they will need to loop the system and
strengthen the overall water system.It is a significant
investment the city will be reimbursing them for out of these
revenue streams.It will grow the revenue pie.The leakage
analysis has been done showing the sales lost to the west; this
will give them a major retail center to stop at and spend the
dollars in the city.It will give the city the opportunity to
use those revenues to reinvest in the downtown, enhance public
safety and other government activities.The payback period of 4
years shows a 25% annual investment, which is a slam dunk in the
private sector anywhere.Even if it takes 8 years to pay back,
it will be a 12.5% investment, which is still an excellent
return on something that needs to be built anyway.If the city
tried to build it themselves, the city would have to borrow the
money and pay it back with interest.This will be built by the
developer cheaper,than the city can do itself.A variable, as
it depends on who the tenants are, will be the significant new
job growth in the retail sector, from a low end of at least 350
jobs to a high end of 700 jobs.Retail jobs are traditionally
filled by local employees.They have developed an information
sheet outlining the characteristics of the project and its
estimated impact, plus the public safeguards in place.It is a
very balanced agreement.
Councilmember Barker
commented for clarification that this group will be building
those streets and laying the water pipe for us, and the city
will then rebate some of the sales tax it garnered in their
business for up to 8 years and a maximum of money.
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 10 OF 20
Economic Development Director
Steve Filipowicz stated the actual window is up to 10 years; the
actual cash flow estimates have it occurring sooner.The city
will only rebate up to 50% of the actual amount spent.The
amount is capped at $6.64 million, even though they are
contractually obligated to put those things in even if they go
over that cost.They will eat the additional cost.All
partners believe they have a reasonable agreement based on solid
cost estimates.It is not onerous to either party.They can do
for us now cheaper than we can do it ourselves.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if it
would be safe to say that Diversified develops those types of
businesses that currently a lot of the people in Apache Junction
have been going to Signal Butte to visit, between the
restaurants and such.
Economic Director Steve
Filipowicz stated it is reasonable to say they deal with a
strong cast of national chain retailers that are very prone to
locate along highways.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.
Mr. Louis Babin, 2191 N.
Belair, Apache Junction, addressed the council.He stated he
wished this process had started 10 years ago.It would have
been great to have beaten the power center at Signal Butte and
gotten that revenue for the city.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
public hearing with no one else wishing to speak and reopened
the item to council discussion.There being no further
discussion, he called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 07-47, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, ADOPTING THE
FINDINGS OF APPLIED ECONOMICS REGARDING PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND US 60 AND
IDAHO, L.L.C. FOR APACHE JUNCTION GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT,
BE APPROVED.
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 11 OF 20
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Mayor Insalaco called for a
short break.
Mayor Insalaco reconvened the
meeting.
RESOLUTION NO. 07-49, ADOPTING A
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENTER INTO A
RETAIL DEVELOPMENT TAX INCENTIVE
AGREEMENT WITH US 60 AND IDAHO,
LLC FOR APACHE JUNCTION GATEWAY
DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
)City Attorney Joel Stern
briefed the council on the item.He stated this is another
legal requirement in furtherance of passage of the development
agreement with Diversified.It does not pass the development
agreement, it enables the council to pass it in two weeks.
Under state law, the city must adopt a notice of intent to enter
into a retail development tax incentive agreement.Resolution
07-49 sets forth the requirements and the background for this
item.The actual notice is under the therefore clause.Exhibit
A is the city's revised draft of the development agreement.If
passed, it will be brought back on December 18 to consider the
entire agreement for passage.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to
speak, he closed the public hearing and reopened the item to
council discussion.There being no discussion, he called for a
motion.
Councilmember Severs MOVED
THAT RESOLUTION NO. 07-49, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, PINAL COUNTY, ARIZONA,
ADOPTING A NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENTER INTO A RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 12 OF 20
TAX INCENTIVE AGREEMENT WITH US 60 AND IDAHO, L.L.C. FOR APACHE
JUNCTION GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1312, CASE PZ-15-07,
AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE BY
THE ZONING DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION
FROM GENERAL BUSINESS ZONE TO
GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT BY
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT, REQUEST BY
EMILY E. STEPHENSON AND HOLLY K.
WILLIS AND REPRESENTED BY FAZAL
KHAN; RESOLUTION NO. 07-48, SD -4-
07, PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAT
FOR APACHE TOWNE PLAZA COMMERCIAL
SUBDIVISION
)Senior Planner Rudy
Esquivias briefed the council on the item.He stated the
property is located at the northeast corner area of Thunderbird
and Apache Trail.It is currently made up of 4 parcels and
includes Cobb's Restaurant, Pro -Mack Mining, the Rennick
residence, some vacant buildings and some rented RV spaces.
They propose to rezone the property to create a commercial
subdivision and construct 7 buildings with 31 commercial
occupancies.There will be a new Cobb's Restaurant with office
and retail development.The Planning and Zoning Commission
unanimously approved the rezoning and the preliminary plat.He
listed the conditions, which includes some on -street and on -site
parking.It is a little bit underparked as it does not provide
for the maximum amount of parking spaces normally requested in a
commercial development.This is because they do not know what
all the uses will be and there may be a mix of retail and office
uses which call for different parking calculations.They do
have 241 parking spaces on the preliminary plat.The maximum
amount of parking would be over 300 spaces.The minimum amount
based on all retail would be 226 spaces.As it is a mix, they
are proposing 241 spaces.If they can get some significant
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 13 OF 20
retail in here in a shared parking concept with some businesses
peaking at different hours, the parking can be made to work.
The other planned development deviation is the creation of
individual pads with a business owners association to maintain
the common areas.He described the southwestern architecture.
All other guidelines follow the code.Separation walls are not
needed in this development so they are waived, except for
screening trash containers and such.He listed the remaining
conditions, including street dedication and the sign package.
Some uses that are not recommended for approval are any
residential uses, sit down restaurants other than Cobbs,
although fast food restaurants are allowed.The reason is the
limited parking and restaurants require a lot of parking.He
listed numerous other uses that would not be allowed.The
commission added that screened, mechanical equipment shall not
be seen from any street on any side.There will be roof mounted
equipment and they have the ability to raise the height of the
parapet wall by 1 to 1.5 feet which should prevent that
equipment from being seen from any side.They are still working
out final details with the developer.There is still time to
improve the product if needed.
Councilmember Severs asked
what options had been discussed for screening the mechanical
equipment.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the architect, Mr. Hammond, is agreeable to raising the
height of the parapet.That would be the quickest solution.It
is currently designed where someone on the sidewalk would not be
able to see the equipment.The commission was concerned for
someone farther away and the solution was to raise the parapet
wall a little more.He can go as high as 4' higher but he
believes the 1.5' will be sufficient.
Councilmember Severs asked if
they discussed with him just screening the equipment with the
metal that would match the trim work on the building.One can
screen an air conditioning unit for $300 to $400; raising the
entire parapet wall is thousands.He asked if that option was
offered to him.
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 14 OF 20
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated he thought he had discussed that with him on the phone
but he does not know if he has come up with any graphics to that
effect.
Mayor Insalaco requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr. Helmut Hammond, 12753 E.
Paradise Drive, Scottsdale, addressed the council.He stated
they actually do not have to raise the parapet.The overall
building height should be sufficient to depress the plane of the
roof down so that the parapet stays the same.He will have
about a 4' parapet at the low point.It should be more than
sufficient to screen any mechanical equipment from far away.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they
would be interested in a sports bar or piano bar for a night
time use.
Mr. Helmut Hammond stated he
thinks the owners would be amenable to that.
Vice Mayor Eck stated he
thinks it should be in there as a possible use.A sports bar is
generally going to have heavy use on Saturday and Sunday, and at
night it would not conflict with the other uses.Or someone
could come in with a piano bar for an evening -type
establishment; it could even be higher end.
Mr. Helmut Hammond stated he
thinks that is a great idea.He would like to see that.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
thinks it serves the right use, as long as it reflects the off
hours for the majority of the project.The city had a sports
bar and lost it.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
believes Cobbs will be set up like it is now, a restaurant and
bar with karaoke.
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 15 OF 20
Vice Mayor Eck commented this
place could buy the 8 -game football package.
Mayor Insalaco commented they
just got through telling them about the parking.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
would come later on Sundays.They would not be watching games
throughout the week.He just thinks it should be an option for
them.
Councilmember Dietz commented
it is a wonderful improvement and should be awesome.
Vice Mayor Eck commented the
whole development is fantastic.
Mr. Helmut Hammond stated the
building shell will be almost totally green.There will be no
painted surfaces; it is all durable, low maintenance materials
from local suppliers.They are not going for LEED certification
for this building as they do not know what the tenants will be
doing inside.However, it does lend itself to that concept.
Councilmember Barker
commented there are 7 different buildings here.She asked if
there are specific walkways designated or will the people be
walking from parking lot to parking lot.
Mr. Helmut Hammond stated
they have sidewalks that go around each of the buildings.They
extend out to flank the parking lots on the main drives.There
are sidewalks around the perimeter of the site.On the north
side, those 3 buildings will be office condos and they will
develop a shaded trellis structure in-between.
Mayor Insalaco opened the
public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to
speak, he closed the public hearing and reopened the item to
council discussion.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
would like to add writing that they could have a sports bar or
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 16 OF 20
an appropriate food -type business that would be consistent with
the entire concept of this project.
Councilmember Severs
commented he would like to see the part where it says that there
cannot be any other sit down establishment deleted, just in case
they could do it in the way the vice mayor is saying.
Vice Mayor Eck stated that
would work.He asked if this would have to come back to them.
Councilmember Dietz commented
a lot of restaurants want to have exclusivity.They do not want
a whole lot of competition.
Mayor Insalaco commented he
thinks it would be hard to have 2 restaurants in the project.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they
would be 2 completely different styles.Cobbs will be the main
restaurant.
Mayor Insalaco commented
Cobbs is a 24 -hour restaurant and will remain so.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated at the time of individual improvements, if another
restaurant is proposed staff can ask for a parking assessment.
This will develop over time and it is unknown what the
businesses will be.If there is more flexibility in the parking
later, they could ask for the parking assessment.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they
needed to change the conditions.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated they do not.Under Item 7B, they could add sit down
restaurants other than the one allowed in proposed Building G,
not including sports bars, if they desired.That would allow
sports bars, but they could probably leave it the way it is.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
just wants them to have the opportunity.If it does not need to
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4, 2007
PAGE 17 OF 20
be in there, they are on record for wanting this.That should
be sufficient.
Mayor Insalaco closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1312 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF
THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Wilson SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
read the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1312, AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED
AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Vice Mayor Eck thanked the
applicant for bringing their wonderful business to the
community.
Mayor Insalaco called for a
motion on the resolution.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO. 07-48, A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA, TO APPROVE A
PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION PLAT FOR THE "APACHE TOWNE PLAZA"
COMMERCIAL SUBDIVISION, IN CASE SD -4-07, BY EMILY E. STEPHENSON
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4, 2007
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AND HOLLY K. WILLIS, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES OF THE BETTY J. RENNICK
AND RUSSELL D. RENNICK TRUSTS, RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTED BY
FAZAL KHAN, BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
None.
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 17, 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 18, 2007, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
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DECEMBER 4, 2007
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)Mayor Insalaco adjourned
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1. Acceptance of Agenda.
2. Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 6, 2007.
3. Approval of Letter of Intent and Resolution of Continued
Participation as an Accredited Arizona Main Street Community
by Apache Junction Main Street Program.
4. Approval of Purchase of a Crack -Seal Melter.
ACCEPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2007, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 18TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2007.
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
Joyy S. INSALACO
MaWor
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 4th
day of December, 2007.I further certify that the meeting was
duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 11th day of December, 2007.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4, 2007
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