HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-03 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 3, 2006
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Apache .Junction, Arizona, was held on October 3, 2006, at the
Apache Junction City Council Chambers pursuant to the notice
required by law.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Coleman called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Insalaco gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Sippel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Eck
Councilmember Dietz
Councilmember Insalaco
Councilmember Severs
Councilmember Sippel
Councilmember Waldron
Staff Present:City Manager George Hoffman
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Glenn Walp
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell
Others Present:Interim Evidence Technician Jim Stevens
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED, AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE FY 2006-07 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND EAST VALLEY
SENIOR SERVICES, INC. FOR THE RIDE CHOICE PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT
OF $30,000; AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO
SIGN THE AGREEMENT PENDING FINAL APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY
ATTORNEY; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND J2 ENGINEERING AND
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN FOR ENGINEERING/ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES ON
THE FIRST PHASE OF RODEO PARK EVENT CENTER DEVELOPMENT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $50,000; AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR
TO. SIGN THE AGREEMENT; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND PINNACLE ONE FOR PROJECT
MANAGEMENT SERVICES ON THE FIRST PHASE OF RODEO PARK EVENT
CENTER DEVELOPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,790; AND THAT
AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT; AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE TOWER SPACE LEASE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND VERIZON WIRELESS FOR
RENTAL OF A SPACE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000 PER MONTH FOR AN
INITIAL 5 -YEAR PERIOD WITH FOUR 5 -YEAR EXTENSIONS; AND THAT
AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell gave a presentation on
the awards won by the Multi -Generational Center in 2006.
Recreation Management Magazine named it the winner of the
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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Innovative Design in Architecture Award for Creative Design
Solutions in Appearance, Craftsmanship, and Recreational Value.
This is a national award.The Arizona Parks and Recreation
Association presented it with the Outstanding Facility Award for
a Community of 25,000 to 100,000 Residents.
Multi -Generational Center Manager Jamie Sullivan gave the annual
report on the first year of operating the center, including the
membership totals, membership sales, daily entries, program
participant numbers, facility permits, the need for more space,
the need for more parking, the Silver Sneakers, and staff
turnover.
Mayor Coleman read a proclamation designating October 15-21,
2006 as "Arizona Cities and Towns Week 2006".
Mayor Coleman read a proclamation designating October as
"Domestic Violence Awareness Month".He presented it to Sharon
Stinard, president of the local nonprofit agency Community
Alliance Against Family Abuse, who briefed the council on how
the city has supported their efforts in the past.She gave a
brief report on their activities and requested the council
consider increasing the funds allocated to local nonprofits
through the health and human services commission.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr. Jeff Serdy, 741 E. Kachina Avenue, Apache Junction,
addressed the council regarding the police department
destruction of weapons.He stated he has a sporting goods
business just across the county line.He has a good
relationship with five law enforcement agencies that come into
his business.Several weeks ago some Apache Junction officers
came in with some distressing news.The chief had taken upon
himself to destroy 1,200 firearms that had accumulated, some
since the 1980's.He estimated their worth at well over
$150,000 in taxpayer assets, not including those that were
inexpensive.These were destroyed without consulting the
elected representatives which speak for the public.Including
the less expensive ones, it could well be $250,000.Anyone that
hears this, their jaws just drop.This is not the policy of
other municipalities in the West.It is in some eastern cities
where you are not allowed to own a gun or have a gun shop.It
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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is not commonplace here.He put in some bids for firearms with
the City of Mesa; he did not receive them.Pinal County and
Maricopa County do it also.He thought there might be a
conflict of interest for him to speak about this, but he is not
big enough to buy all those guns.Pinal County pays about
$12,000 for their cruisers; it would be 12 cruisers that the
chief burned up or 250 bulletproof vests.A lot of these guns
were pre -1898, which are considered antiques, not firearms.The
Colt single actions could have been worth $15,000 apiece.
Japanese World War II samurai swords are antiquities.He
questioned why they were destroyed without being consulted.He
asked who the chief answers to on this.It is an outrage; there
is no way to bring these back.It should not be done again.He
can be reached for comment on the City of Mesa policy.
Mr. Jimmy Eidson, 1309 W. 15th Avenue, Apache Junction,
addressed the council.He stated he wanted to finish his
comments from the last meeting.He asked the council to take a
step back and look at the situation in the police department.A
chief was hired under contract and he brought in his civilian
assistant chief.They were good friends.The assistant chief
draws retirement from the state retirement system.He could not
perform his duties health -wise in one of the state buildings in
Phoenix.He called to their attention that when the chief is
out of town, or is sick or on vacation, the assistant chief is
in charge.He would be in charge of the police department and
he is not certified.If he had certification, he would have
lost it when he started drawing disability retirement from the
state.He cannot make an arrest other than a citizen's arrest.
One of the councilmembers stated at the last meeting that he
supports the chief and assistant chief regardless of what
happens.He admitted his information came from the papers; one
of the councilmembers told them not to read the paper.He
thought those statements unbecoming an elected official.They
should not be made in a setting like this.There is a good race
going on for Pinal County Sheriff; both are well -qualified.He
suggested they might want to talk to the loser.They have also
had an assistant chief who retired and went to Prescott Valley a
year or two ago.They might want to talk with him.He thinks
they need someone who knows the community, knows how it
operates, and will stand with the people and not put extra
pressure on us like burning the firearms.They are going to ask
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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the citizens to pay their share of the $150,000 or $200,000 in
taxes.
Mr. Ron Wade, 310 E. Whitely, Apache Junction, addressed the
council.He stated he spoke in support of the development
agreement with the downtown L.L.C.He is the vice chair on the
Main Street Committee and they sent a letter to the city.They
understand the city is working out a lot of details with the
developers to bring a new Apache Junction and make it something
to be proud of.He feels if they do the kind of development
here in Apache Junction that they are proposing, they will be
looking at awards from the state and nationally.It is a great
development and a great opportunity for them to move forward.
He was there to say that Main Street is there to back the
council on this.
Mr. Steve White, 105 N. Delaware Drive, Apache Junction,
addressed the council.He stated he was challenging the city
policy of the city issuing the permit for the commercially-
related special event being held on public property.He is not
against special events.He is against governmental policies
that place unconstitutional restrictions upon citizens that they
serve in these special events.He is concerned with
governmental policies all over Arizona that are commercializing
the arts by simply telling artists that if they show the intent
to sell their artwork, they are commercial vendors and are
subject to all the licensing and taxation schemes.This is
going on in every city in Arizona.They then tell them
commercial vendors are not allowed in the public parks,
basically eliminating all artists from the public parks in
Arizona.The artists have a constitutional right to be in our
public parks.It all ties back to city governments issuing
permits for private promoters to hold the mega -festivals on
public property.An artist, merely by signing up to participate
in it, is then required to get the licenses and permits.It is
unconstitutional.He hopes they will stop and consider some of
these issues.Kudos to the city attorney and all of them for
going to an outside civil rights attorney and finding out that
these promoters, when they issue a permit to hold a public event
on public property, cannot use a standard -less jury review
committee to determine who is worthy of participation in these
events.That has been going on in every city in the state in
violation of constitutional rights.He is glad they have found
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out that they must provide equal access for participants that
cannot afford these events.They need to ask these law firms
the right questions for the casual exemptions.The city is
selectively enforcing the ordinances based on the unbridled
discretion of government officials.They must stop and think
about some of these things or they could put the city in
jeopardy of federal lawsuits.
Ms. Dana Mills, 1453 E. 22nd Avenue, Apache Junction, addressed
the council regarding trash pick up.She does not like having
only one company for trash pick up.She likes the people that
she has; they are dependable and the prices are good.She
commented there has been talk about a certain type of trash
needing to be picked up; this is because kids are playing in the
street.Kids do not need to be playing in the street; it is not
a playground.Yards are, or they should be taken to a
playground and kept out of the street.The street was made for
trash trucks and cars.She does not think they should be forced
to have one trash pick up company.
Mr. Joe Durbala, 673 E. Kachina, Apache Junction, addressed the
council regarding the trash issue.He commented Mr. Sippel will
probably be called a communist because he is trying to take away
peoples' individual rights.They tried to do this before and it
is way overdue for the city to do this.There is an ordinance
on the trucks running up and down the street and it should be
enforced.However, he feels they should be looking at the
landfill and getting a transfer station.He believes that if
they do not have a transfer station here within a few more
years, there will be an increase in rates once the landfill
fills up.It will probably go up 50% to 150%.They will have
to transfer all the way down to Butterfield, a 160 mile round
trip.A truck can only pick up about 4 streets; think of the
gas it will cost for that truck.It will be a 3 hour trip and
they can only pick up 2 truckloads a day.It will cost a lot of
money.They need to look at the transfer station before that
area is developed so that they do not have a problem getting it
in.He added this is the first time he has been to a council
meeting since the new complex was built and it is a lovely
building.He thinks the council involved in the initial process
deserve a pat on the back.He reitereated they need to get the
transfer station and advised Mr. Sippel to look at what has
happened in the past in the city so that he can find out how to
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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change things in the city and get more productive.All of these
things, including the landfill and going to one or two
companies, have been brought up in the last 5 years.It was not
viable at that time for the city to go through with it.Bryant
Powell did excellent research on it before and the city attorney
has worked with them very closely in the past.He needs to talk
to his staff before he jumps out on something like that to make
sure he has the support behind him.
Mr. Dave Burden, 4699 S. Strike it Rich Drive, Gold Canyon,
addressed the council regarding the Community Development
Corporation program.He is the chairman of Main Street and
Community Development Corporation here in the city.He stated
they started a loan facilitation program about 6 weeks ago to
assist businesses that want to set up in the city and existing
businesses to cut through the red tape required in doing
business loans.A lot of small businesses are overwhelmed with
going to a large bank and trying to explain how they wish to
improve their façade or increase their working capital.They
created a matrix of banks and broke it down into what kind of
loans they want to make to businesses and the contact
information.He encouraged business owners to come down and
talk to Ferron McGee who runs the program.He will help them
develop their businesses.They are excited about the success of
the program; they have had 2 successful loans since it started.
One was for $25,000 and one was for $100,000.Another is
pending for a business locating in the city.They have had 14
people come in during the last month to talk to Ferron about
accessing the loans.He commended the city for assisting in
setting the program up and for sponsoring the Community
Development Corporation.He is hoping they can use the funds to
make this program work.
Mrs. Sandie Smith, Pinal County Supervisor, 575 N. Idaho Road,
addressed the council and commented the meeting thus far was an
example of democracy.She then introduced Brenda Oldham, a
resident of northern Pinal County who is a candidate for Pinal
County Superior Court.
Ms. Brenda Oldham, 6499 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon,
addressed the council to advise she was a candidate for Superior
Court Judge, Division 8.She commented it is important for
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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someone from this side of the county to be elected to this
position.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that Community Alliance Against Family
Abuse did not apply for health and human services funding this
year.He requested staff provide an overview at the next
council meeting on the process that was gone through on the
destruction of the weapons, and that it be put on the agenda for
discussion and possible direction to staff.In a short time of
research on this, they have found that 10 cities destroy the
weapons and 10 cities sell them.It depends on the individual
organization; the governing body decides that.
There was general discussion as to whether this should be a
public hearing item on October 17.It was determined to start
with the work session of October 16.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he feels the city has been extremely
lenient with the artists.He has never seen any other town or
city in the East Valley that allows artists on right-of-ways or
on lots.He thinks the city has done a pretty good job on
listening to and working with them.He added Mrs. Mills spoke
on trash pick up and that is what happens when they have a
discussion.He does not believe they have a concern of actually
going with a particular company.Mr. Durbala spoke of the
transfer station; he believes they have 15 to 18 years left on
the landfill.He did see this happen in Chandler, which did not
get a transfer station and now they are hurting.He agreed that
at a given time they should seriously consider a transfer
station.
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell stated they are looking at
10 to 12 years on the current inflow for the landfill.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he does not think it would do any harm
to be prepared for a transfer station.He believes one of the
solutions is the continuation of working with the county and
other entities on a regional landfill.
Mayor Coleman called for a ten minute break.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the meeting.
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTS
Mayor Coleman announced that Saturday morning he became a
grandfather.His daughter Christy gave birth to a baby boy,
named Douglas Coleman Porter.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he is also a grandparent.His daughter
moved back in with a Chihuahua.His wife has fallen in love
with it so it might as well be a grand baby.Its name is Lily.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager George Hoffman commented they have been
experiencing growth and increased traffic.Intersections that
used to do just fine with stop signs now need traffic signals.
They are currently working on traffic signals at the
intersections of Superstition and Delaware and San Marcos and
Broadway, both of which should be operational by the first
quarter of 2007.They are also working on traffic signalization
at the intersection of Idaho and 16th Avenue.It will be done
in conjunction with the state.They are hoping that will be
operational by the second quarter of 2007.An engineering study
must be done to meet the legal process in order to put in a
traffic signal.This is called a warrant study.They are
working on three of those and expect to have them completed by
the end of the year.They are for Phelps and Broadway,
Winchester and Old West Highway, and State Route 88 and
Superstition.The last one will also have to go to the state as
it is a state highway; the city will do the analysis and turn
the findings over to the state for potential action.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,
NEW LICENSE, CORPORATION, SERIES 12
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR COUSIN VINNIES
RESTAURANT
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.She stated the packet
contains reports from the fire district, the planning staff and
the police department.The fire district and planning staff
offered no objections.The report from Corporal Parker
indicates some deficiencies.The applicant is here and would
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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like to speak to the council regarding the deficiencies raised
in the report.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Ms. Laurie Rees stated the
officer originally stated the beer cooler location provides easy
access to anybody.The day after the police officer's visit,
she had the state liquor training class.The instructor stated
he had never heard of that being a problem.Someone is always
in sight of the cooler.She can move it if that is what she
needs to do.It has already been there for 5 years under Cousin
Vinnies original liquor license.She does not see the problem
with it.She then showed them her training certificate.
Councilmember Dietz commented
the police officer also mentioned locking the beer storage area.
Ms. Laurie Rees stated the
beer that is stored in back has no outside access to it.The
only access is a back door which is kept locked.
Councilmember Severs
commented moving the cooler would be a hard and expensive thing
to do.He suggested building a counter in front of it so that
employees only would have access to it.It would be a lot
easier for her and not as expensive.He does not see the
current location as a problem.They need to have easy access to
it.
Mayor Coleman 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.
Councilmember Waldron asked
if the things listed by Corporal Parker are violations of the
city code or liquor code or if they were just his
recommendations.
Public Safety Director Glenn
Walp advised they were not violations.
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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Ms. Laurie Rees stated she
asked the person who trained her, one of the supervisors, if it
was against the law and he said it was not.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
believes the officer is trying to protect the public, especially
with all the juveniles coming in and trying to get access to
liquor.The officer is just suggesting she attempt to do
something about that.
Mayor Coleman closed the
discussion and called for a motion.
Councilmember Severs MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT, NEW LICENSE,
CORPORATION, SERIES 12 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR COUSIN VINNIES
RESTAURANT, SUBMITTED BY LAURIE MAE REES, BE RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL.
Councilmember Waldron
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,
NEW LICENSE, INDIVIDUAL, SERIES
10 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR DASH IN &
MINI MART
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.She stated this is
located on North Apache Trail.The reports in the packet
indicate no issue with this license.However, the applicant
could not be here this evening so he is requesting a
continuation of their vote.In addition, he has not paid the
required fee.Because the premises was posted as tonight being
the date for a public hearing, they should open the public
hearing and continue it to the next meeting.
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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Mayor Coleman asked if this
would put their recommendation before the liquor license
department.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated it does not.
Mayor Coleman opened the
public hearing on the items.There being no one wishing to
speak, he closed the public hearing and reopened the item to
council discussion.There being no further discussion, he
called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT THE APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT, NEW LICENSE,
INDIVIDUAL, SERIES 10 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR DASH IN & MINI MART BE
CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2006.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO. 1278, AMENDING THE
CITY CODE, VOLUME I FEES,ARTICLE
4-4 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
FEES, BY CORRECTING FEE SCHEDULE A
BUILDING PERMIT FEES AND FEE
SCHEDULE C PLAN REVIEW, POOLS,
SPAS, HOT TUBS, WRECKING BUILDINGS,
MANUFACTURED HOMES AND ACCESSORY
PERMIT FEES
)City Attorney Joel Stern
briefed the council on the item.He stated there are changes to
the two schedules due to clerical errors dating back to
September 5, 2006.The reason for the emergency clause is that
Ordinance No. 1274, adopted on September 5, 2006, would have
made these changes effective on November 1, 2006.They are now
within 30 days of November 1; they do not want to have ambiguous
provisions for a few days.If passed tonight, these changes
will be consistent with the other changes on November 1.
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Councilmember Dietz asked if
they meet the emergency clause requirement.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they do as long as 6 members of the council vote in favor
of the emergency clause.
Mayor Coleman called for a
motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1278 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY WITH THE EMERGENCY
CLAUSE AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
THE MOTION.
was a public hearing.
stated it was.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED
Mayor Coleman asked if this
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
Mayor Coleman commented he
did not believe he had opened the public hearing.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated he could suspend the motion.
There was general discussion
on suspending the motion.The city attorney recommended they
vote on suspending the motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT THEY SUSPEND THE MOTION.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
PAGE 13 OF 26
Mayor Coleman opened the
public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to
speak, he closed the public hearing and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1278 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY WITH THE EMERGENCY
CLAUSE AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
read the ordinance by title with
THAT ORDINANCE NO. 1278, AS READ
AND ADOPTED.
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Councilmember Severs SECONDED
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
the emergency clause.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED
BY THE CITY CLERK, BE APPROVED
Councilmember Severs SECONDED
RESOLUTION NO. 06-50, APPROVING
MASTER DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH
APACHE JUNCTION TOWN CENTRE LLC
FOR THE SUPERSTITION SQUARE
DOWNTOWN PROJECT
)City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they are still in ongoing discussions with the developer.
There is a meeting tomorrow.This will be brought back at the
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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appropriate time after they have an agreement that can be
considered and voted upon.
needed to continue it.
stated they do not.
Mayor Coleman asked if they
City Attorney Joel Stern
Mayor Coleman moved on to the
next item.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF
RESEARCH VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR
GARBAGE SERVICES FOR THE CITY
)Assistant City Manager
Bryant Powell stated at the September 18, 2006 work session
council requested research on residential garbage services in
the city be added to an agenda under direction to staff.Staff
is seeking direction on the data they would like collected,
which may include common practices of other communities and
views and possible options for alternatives for the city.They
did receive one phone call this morning from a resident who
requested that if the city does go in this direction, that it
look into recycling.
Councilmember Sippel
commented his intent on this was just to look at it.It does
not hurt to look at a transfer station; it is a great idea.It
might take 12 years to figure out what they want to do with it.
He has also been approached about recycling.
Councilmember Dietz commented
he thinks they have almost doubled in population since the last
time they looked at this.
Vice Mayor Eck commented
Councilmember Sippel is just talking about information; he is
not talking about specifically going out and seeing about
necessarily subsidizing an individual trash pick up or going
with a contract.
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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Councilmember Sippel stated
they will be researching the facts.
Vice Mayor Eck commented the
ultimate goal is to do a contract with a sanitation service and
everything having to do with sanitation.Every time they
discuss this, he thinks what gets out is the city is trying to
privatize to one specific company.Individuals get upset about
that.Councilmember Sippel is saying we will be looking at
several different aspects of our sanitation needs.
Councilmember Sippel stated
that is correct.The trash collection is one of many items.
Councilmember Severs
commented he thinks the whole purpose of this is to try to help
some of our roads that are being beat up by several trucks going
over them several times a day.That is why he thinks it is a
good idea about checking into seeing if one company can do it.
Now it had opened up the issue of recycling, which would be
another set of trucks several times a day.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated they can bring back some of the same research they
did before.One of the dilemmas is that they would not really
know the rate unless they do a request for proposal and bid it
out.For commercial services, state law requires any city with
a population of 60,000 or above must be privatized.He can come
back with a recommendation to not change anything for commercial
services.They can have different options for residential.
They can go into the business itself like Gilbert, Phoenix and
Mesa, they can franchise it out like Avondale, or they can
continue on the current path.Each of them has pros and cons.
It will be difficult to know how much recycling will cost until
a request for proposal is done.
Councilmember Sippel stated
he wanted meaningful data.He does not want Bryant to go out
and spend 45 days doing research and say they have wear and tear
on the roads because of the garbage trucks, and that we could
use a recycling program and that Avondale does this and Gilbert
does that, and they did a request for proposal and this is what
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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came back.There is the data with the numbers.He does not
want them to waste their time otherwise.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
is what he is getting at.After being on the council the first
time this was brought up, his gut feeling is that it will be
very similar, including recycling.Everybody was, and it ended
up being very expensive.We did what recycling we could.It
seemed to him that the vast majority of the public were upset
when we talked about going with one particular company.They
would not have a choice.A former councilmember testified this
evening as to what he went through when he brought up what
Councilmember Sippel is bringing up.
Councilmember Dietz asked if
they could do a request for proposal without taking action on
it.
Councilmember Sippel
commented they could reject all bids.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated she would be concerned about sending the wrong message.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell commented he wondered about doing a request for proposal
and not doing anything with it.They would get them to do how
much it would cost for them to pick up trash for everybody and
also give another rate for recycling, and have the latter all
done on one day.Chandler gives the residents two cans, one for
recyclables and one for solid waste.Instead of going to the
landfill on that one day, they go to the recycling plant.It
ends up being about half of the waste stream.
Vice Mayor Eck asked who
covers the cost of the recycling.It was very expensive when
they checked into it before.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated the rate payers would pass it on.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they could start talking about what the other cities have
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3, 2006
PAGE 17 OF 26
done.On September 2, 1997, the city council had a bunch of
questions on too many trash collecting companies, the need for
service, areas by license, need for mandatory pick up,
possibility of mandatory recycling, coordination of collection
times and dates, private company licensure, and by market share.
He provided the city council a legal memo; he also contacted a
bunch of cities regarding what they do.He provided all that
information to the council and there was an alternative of
regulations for equipment use, hours of operation, operation
territories, collection times and places, licensing, insurance
requirements, and other reasonable restrictions.
Councilmember Sippel
commented the only way they can find out about a cost analysis
is to do a request for proposal.Or they can ask the other
cities what it is costing them.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated that is what they did the last time.They can
check the rates against what the current rates are here.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated they could do a survey and, if that is done, hire a
consultant.
Councilmember Sippel stated
he does not want to do that.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated it would take staff time but it could be done.
Councilmember Sippel stated
that would solve the request for proposal issue.They would not
have to go out.He thinks they would get some data and not have
this is what everybody else is doing.He would like a cost
basis, a breakdown, of what it costs to do that.They can then
look at it and determine what they want to do.
City Manager George Hoffman
asked if he wanted the cost breakdown for this community.
Councilmember Sippel stated
he did not.He wants to see what other communities are doing,
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3, 2006
PAGE 18 OF 26
their breakdown for regular trash collection and their cost for
recycling.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated both Avondale and Chandler have recycling.When
their rates are billed, it will have recycling as a service.He
would not be able to tell them how much it would be without
recycling if they did a request for proposal.
Councilmember Waldron asked
if there is a state law that establishes a population threshold
that kicks in and says you have to have a certain level of
service.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated there have to be regulations for private companies once
the population reaches 60,000.Once they reach 60,000 they are
supposed to have at least 7 different companies that can provide
service.One company can provide service up to 60,000.
Councilmember Sippel asked if
that is for residential.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the statute does not say.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated it is definitely privatized for commercial.
Phoenix did zones and they compete amongst themselves.They
have to show their council and community that they can provide
the service.Many of the big cities do the residential
themselves.
Councilmember Waldron
commented he was looking to see if the city was at a point where
they could start taking a proactive look into this before we
need them.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated he did not think there was any state law.
City Attorney Joel Stern
commented there is not one for recycling.Recycling is pretty
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3, 2006
PAGE 19 OF 26
much subsidized by the
usually break even wit
loses 60% of the cost.
years.
cities unless it is steel, which they
h.Other than that, the city generally
That might have changed in the last 9
Councilmember Severs asked if
these cities that do the trash pick up themselves have other
companies pick up trash in the city as well.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated they pretty much do it for residential, except for
Phoenix.He believes they bid it out and they have other
private companies come in and do certain areas.Gilbert and
•Mesa do their own residential and have private companies do the
commercial.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
they should be able to look at what they want to do in the way
of recycling and what they may be able to do in the short term
and the long term.
Mayor Coleman closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Sippel MOVED
THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING
RESEARCHING VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR GARBAGE SERVICES IN THE CITY:
THAT STAFF RESEARCH DIFFERENT OPTIONS IN REGARDS TO TRASH AND
RECYCLE AND TRANSFER STATION; AND TO LOOK AT CONTRACTS OF OTHER
COMMUNITIES AND POSSIBLE OPTIONS THAT MAY BE VIABLE FOR THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION; AND TO BRING BACK DATA DURING THE FIRST
COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 2007.He asked if that was enough
time.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated she did not believe there is a work session for that
meeting.
Councilmember Sippel AMENDED
HIS MOTION TO READ THE SECOND SET OF MEETINGS IN JANUARY.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3, 2006
PAGE 20 OF 26
There was general discussion
regarding the motion.It was determined they would need a work
session and this would have to be moved to February.
Councilmember Sippel AMENDED
HIS MOTION TO READ THE FIRST SET OF MEETINGS IN FEBRUARY.
Councilmember Waldron
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SPEED CAMERAS FOR SCHOOL ZONES
)Assistant City Manager
Bryant Powell briefed the council on the item.He stated this
item was also brought up at the last council meeting.Staff is
awaiting direction on what the council wishes to do.
Councilmember Sippel
commented this was also his item, and he believes the traffic
calming devices are being installed right now.This was
something brought up at one of the conferences.He thought it
would be a good thing to check the companies out and see what
they have to offer.He has talked to the chief about this; it
would allow them to put something there all day long versus an
officer that may only be able to be there a certain amount of
time.It allows us to keep the officers in other areas of the
community and the cameras at the school zones grabbing the
speeders as they go by.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
saw in the paper the next day after their last discussion an
article on fines in school zones.He believes that even one
mile over the speed limit is a $300 fine, and it doubles during
the time when children are actually walking in the school zone.
That was in a couple of different states.He asked the chief at
what speed they actually cite.
Public Safety Director Glenn
Walp spoke from the audience but was inaudible.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3, 2006
PAGE 21 OF 26
Councilmember Dietz commented
it would be a case of programming the instrument to whatever
they wanted, such as 5 miles over.
Vice Mayor Eck commented if
they are going to have full time cameras, he believes one mile
over is too strict.But they can make that decision at a later
date if they go with this.
Councilmember Severs
commented there is a big difference between looking into an idea
and sticking cameras everywhere.That is what is being
perceived by the public already.He has heard a lot of negative
input that they do not want cameras everywhere.At this point
in time it is an idea, and it is probably a very good idea as it
could save lives.He would like to see it looked into very
strongly.
Councilmember Waldron stated
it was on the news tonight that Verde Valley started using this
system and they interviewed three people.One person said it
was a violation of their privacy, another said they ought to use
the money for more officers on the street, and the third thought
they should be going after people other than speeders.His
thought is that it is probably all right for speed and he doubts
it is an invasion of privacy as it is only a snapshot.If you
are speeding, you are speeding.
Councilmember Dietz commented
they are looking at school zones and children's safety is a
priority.
does not like photo radar.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
Councilmember Dietz agreed.
Vice Mayor Eck commented but
as the mayor stated the last time, when they are talking about
school zones, it goes to whole other level.
Mayor Coleman commented he
had said there is something about being able to face your
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3, 2006
PAGE 22 OF 26
accuser.As the chief said, with an officer there and they are
going 16 miles per hour instead of 15 miles per hour, you know.
With photo radar, they would probably see a flash so you know
you have been accused.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if he
had ever seen that flash.
Mayor Coleman stated he had
not.He then closed the discussion and called for a motion.
Councilmember Sippel MOVED
THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING
RESEARCHING SPEED CAMERAS FOR SCHOOL ZONES:THAT STAFF GATHER
DATA REGARDING VENDORS AND PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AND THE COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH RUNNING THE PROGRAM; AND THAT THE INFORMATION BE
BROUGHT BACK AT THE FIRST MEETING IN DECEMBER.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if there
was a problem with saying as time permits, or would that be too
long.
City Manager George Hoffman
stated they can let them know where they are in the research at
that point.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION FOR A BUSINESS LOAN
REFERRAL PROGRAM AND OTHER RELATED
SERVICES FOR FY 2006-07
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.She stated they spent
quite a bit of time last night discussing this.Mr. Burden,
during Call to the Public, spoke again on the proposed
agreement.She thinks he did a good job on covering what this
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3, 2006
PAGE 23 OF 26
contract would be for.It is staff's recommendation that we
proceed with the agreement.
Councilmember Insalaco asked
if this is going to be for businesses within the city.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated it is for businesses within the city and businesses that
will be moving into the city.The city attorney and she will be
working on language that stipulates that.
City Manager George Hoffman
commented the city is paying for a program that will do that.
He asked if they are saying they will not do anything else.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated they are more than welcome to do anything else.
City Manager George Hoffman
commented but not on our dollars.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated that is correct.
City Manager George Hoffman
commented he was not clear on whether they would be doing
anything else, but what we are paying for will benefit this
community.
Mayor Coleman closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING AN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION FOR A BUSINESS LOAN REFERRAL PROGRAM AND OTHER
RELATED SERVICES FOR FY 2006-07:THAT WE PROCEED WITH THE
AGREEMENT AS IT WAS DISCUSSED LAST NIGHT, AND THAT THE DRAFT
INCLUDE THE LANGUAGE REGARDING WITHIN THE CITY OR A BUSINESS
THAT IS RELOCATING HERE.
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED
THE MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3, 2006
PAGE 24 OF 26
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, OCTOBER 16, 2006, 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,
OCTOBER 17, 2006, IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Coleman adjourned
the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1. Acceptance of Agenda.
2. Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 19,
2006.
3. Consideration and possible approval of professional services
agreement with East Valley Senior Services, Inc. in the
amount of $30,000 for the Ride Choice program for FY 2006-07.
4. Consideration and possible approval for professional services
agreement with J2 Engineering and Environmental Design in an
amount not to exceed $50,000 for engineering/architectural
services on the first phase of Rodeo Park Event Center
development.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 3, 2006
PAGE 25 OF 26
5. Consideration and possible approval of professional services
agreement with PinnacleOne in an amount not to exceed $36,790
for project management services on the first phase of Rodeo
Park Event Center development.
6. Consideration and possible approval of Tower Space Leasing
Agreement with Verizon Wireless.If approved Verizon will
pay $2,000 a month for rental of this space for an initial 5-
year period with 4 five-year extensions.
ACCEPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF OCTOBER , 2006, BY
THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,
ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 17TH DAY OF
2006.
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
OUGLAS COL
Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CERTIFICATION
OCTOBER
#,V)(7'
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 3rd
day of October, 2006.I further certify that the meeting was
duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 11th day of October, 2006.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER.3, 2006
PAGE 26 OF 26