HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-07 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 7,2006
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on March 7,2006,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 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Insalaco gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Sippel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Councilmember Dietz
Councilmember Insalaco
Councilmember Severs
Councilmember Sippel
Councilmember Waldron
Staff Present:
(Vice Mayor Eck was out-of-state for a medical
appointment.)
City Manager George Hoffman
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Glenn Walp
City Engineer Ron Grittman
Library Director Pam Loui
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 1 OF 48
Others Present:
Community Relations Manager Patrick Brenner
Business Advocate Amy Malloy
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Sergeant Gary Elkins
Associate Planner Charles Beck
Youth Services Librarian Liz Burks
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED:AND
THAT RECEIPT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT TO THE CITY OF
APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,2005,BE
ACKNOWLEDGED:AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ,
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND GREG MAREK FOR CONSULTATION SERVICES FOR PLANNING
AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DOWNTOWN IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,961.75:AND THAT
AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT;AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO CONTINUE THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND RICHARD+BAUER FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND
ENGINEERING WORK FOR THE LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$387,000;AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO CONTINUE THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND PINNACLE ONE FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT WORK FOR
THE LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT,INCLUDING MANAGING THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
OF THE LIBRARY EXPANSION,IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $189.700:AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO INCREASE THE ORIGINAL AUTHORIZED PAYMENT TO NETWORK
INFRASTRUCTURE CORPORATION (NIC)TO COVER ADDITIONAL EXPENSES OUTSIDE THE
ORIGINAL SCOPE OF WORK ADDRESSING BUILDING SAFETY MEASURES IN THE CITY
HALL/MUNICIPAL COURT COMPLEX IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $29,650;AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO INCREASE THE ORIGINAL AUTHORIZED AMOUNT TO CORE
CONSTRUCTION TO COVER ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ADDRESSING MAJOR CHANGE ORDERS
RELATED TO UNFORESEEN CONDITIONS,PROJECT ENHANCEMENTS,AND REDUCED OR OFFSET
COSTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $316,782.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 2 OF 48
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Community Relations Manager Patrick Brenner announced that there will be 154
graduates of the Citizens Leadership Institute with the conclusion of the most
recent institute.Mayor Coleman presented Certificates of Achievement to 21
graduates of the Eighth Citizens Leadership Institute.
Library Director Pam Loui gave a presentation on the "Hand -in -Hand Early
Literacy Center".The center is being funded through an LSTA grant for
$25,000.The library has an agreement with Burgeon Group for $23,500,the
designers and fabricators of the intensive learning center,being created for
children ages birth through age 5.I t is designed to help them learn reading
readiness skills.Staff has been pleased with the design seen thus far.They
have been offered some options that blended well with the center,which were
also presented to the Friends of the Library group whom has agreed to help
fund them.The option added will cause them to exceed the $25,000 already
approved.They intend to come back with an addendum to the agreement for
council consideration at the next council meeting.She commented the Friends
of the Library president,Shirley Dewey,will be presenting a check to the
city to assist in funding.She stated they hope to have the center in place
by the end of the second quarter of this year.They will receive an
invitation to the opening.
Friends of the Library President Shirley Dewey presented the city with a check
for $4,000 to assist in funding the center.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction
Association for Effective Government,addressed the council regarding the fees
for the Multi -generational Center.He claimed he never got a reasonable
answer for his perception of the center being $2 million over budget,and he
believes the fee is helping to pay for the construction of the center.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 3 OF 48
Mr.Zel Gernhart,3700 S.Tomahawk #19,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the grading of the space between Quail Run Park and Apache Villas
East on Tomahawk.He thanked the city for cleaning up the mess between the
two parks today.He had been requesting i t for a couple of years.He had
talked to a Pinal County supervisor 3 weeks ago who stated he was going to
talk to Apache Junction about a cooperative effort but nothing happened.He
appreciates the city taking care of the county's and city's responsibility.
He added his home was burglarized on January 16 after a truck backed up to
their wall,broke into their house in the city through property in Apache
Villas East in Pinal County,and took $3,000 to $4,000 in materials out of
their house.A dump truck driver suggested to him that the city put a gate or
chain on both ends of the controversial space between the two parks to prevent
any traffic going through.Their manager has filed a written request to both
jurisdictions requesting such.He has not had a response.They need both
ends blocked off to prevent any more burglaries.
Mr.Dan Wald,560 N.Rennick Dr.,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding heritage.He commented on the University of North Dakota hockey
team being called the Fighting Sioux and the National Collegiate Athletic
Association not liking the name.He added the city is the last bastion of the
real West.The city does not have to advertise that,unlike other
communities.The city does not have the problem of trying to maintain its
identify like Chandler,Queen Creek and Scottsdale.He suggested they drive
to Queen Creek to see why they are losing their identity.He commented they
would be looking at PZ-20-05 later tonight.which was rejected by the planning
and zoning commission and rightfully so.Originally the developer wanted 20
units and he has revised it to 18 units,none of which are 1 acre to 1.25
acres.Three fit the criteria,and according to our general plan that
criteria was not listed.He suggested they bring i t to the citizens for
comment before they vote yes on the rezoning.He reminded them there had been
550 petitions signed against this rezoning and there is an election coming up.
Mr.Dan Taylor,Executive Director for Mesa Senior Services,addressed the
council.He read a letter from the president of their board of directors
informing the city of its selection to receive their Big Heart Award for 2006.
It is given to a business,organization,agency or professional group that has
provided generous support for programs for older adults throughout the East
Valley.The 10 -year relationship with the city was recognized,growing from a
minimal program the first year to the current senior center housed at the new
Multi -generational Center,accommodating their staff offices,classrooms,and
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 4 OF 48
a full -service kitchen.Funding from different sources supports programs and
services for older citizens,including congregate and home -delivered meals,
outreach services,transportation,etc.He commented the city is worthy of
this award because i t recognized that as people age,older adults need a
senior center to receive services and programs to help them live independently
in their homes in the community they choose to live in.He invited everyone
to their appreciation event on April 6 to say thank you for serving older
adults living in Apache Junction.He then gave the council the letter and the
invitation.
Mr.Skip Aragon,457 S.Lawson Drive,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the kennel noise and smell from the dog track.He and his wife have
been requesting the city do something about the kennels for 13 years.Live
racing at the dog track has ended but the city allows the race track to board
dogs now.They board hundreds of dogs in the kennels which are 20 feet from
their and their neighbor's properties.The smell is terrible,there are flies
and diseases;his dogs have contracted distemper twice from the boarded dogs.
They and the neighbors have met with the city several times and felt strongly
the city would do something about this,but it was quite the contrary.Animal
control sat out front of their house for a month in 2003 to monitor the wind
to determine the smell,but at those times the wind was blowing in the
opposite direction.He feels the city is trying to bandage the situation and
make them feel like they are doing something about it when they are really
not.He begged the city to do something about the kennel.They would like to
build a home there and take off their mobile;all the homes on the dog track
perimeter are mobiles.He commented he likes the name of the city and heard
that one of the reasons someone wants to change the name is because the city
is known for mobiles.He encouraged the city to do something to help the
people with mobiles be encouraged to take the mobiles out and build homes.A
lot of people in the neighborhood are doing that.He would like to take out
his septic and get on the sewer system,but they need the city to do something
about the kennels.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 5 OF 48
LICENSE BY SUPERSTITION H.O.G.CHAPTER
INC.FOR A SUPPORT COMMUNITY AND ARIZONA
BIKE WEEK TO BE HELD MARCH 31,2006
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.She stated this is an application filed in
conjunction with Arizona Bike Week,a one day event at the end of the month.
The packet contains responses from the fire district and the planning
division,neither of which has any objections to the issuance of a license.
The applicant has been notified of tonight's public hearing and asked to be
present in the event of questions.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr.Mark LeResche,2910 W.Apache
Trail,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He stated Arizona Bike Week
will be the biggest motorcycle event in the state for the month of March.He
commented their advertising and marketing director,Sabrina Miller,was in
attendance,along with their H.O.G.chapter director,the chairman of the
event.They are requesting this license to serve beer for four hours,from 4
p.m.to 8 p.m..on March 31 for this event.
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.There being no
discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT
THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE BY SUPERSTITION H.O.G.
CHAPTER INC.FOR A SUPPORT COMMUNITY AND ARIZONA BIKE WEEK SUBMITTED BY MARK
ALAN LE RESCHE BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR
LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO.1260,CASE PZ-20-05,REQUEST
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 6 OF 48
BY FRANK DELL'ARMI TO REZONE A 20 ACRE
PARCEL FROM R1-43 TO R1-43/PD,LOCATED AT
THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF TOMAHAWK ROAD AND
LOST DUTCHMAN BLVD.,FOR THE PURPOSE OF
DEVELOPING A SUBSEQUENT SINGLE FAMILY
HOME SUBDIVISION
)Associate Planner Charles Beck
briefed the council on the item.He stated the applicant is asking for a
rezoning at this time subject to the concept plan and stipulations.A more
detailed preliminary and final plat process will follow if approved.This is
an infill land proposal.The parcels are undeveloped and there are several
topographic and flood zone features throughout the site.To the west is
Arizona state land zoned GR with a minimum of 1.25 acre parcels,northwest is
the rodeo grounds which is Bureau of Land Management land zoned R1-43/PD,and
north is Arizona State Trust land zoned R1-43/PD zoned and designated minimum
1 acre parcels.East is property zoned CB -1 and south is R1-43 single family
homes.On February 22 the applicant revised the landscape plan and buildable
areas.The applicant is now proposing to provide sewer to the development,to
provide a disclosure statement within the development's covenants,conditions
and restrictions concerning the adjacent city rodeo park,and allow two-story
homes only on lots 9,10,14,15 and 16.He is also reducing the original
proposal of 20 lots down to 18 lots.Citizen petitions have been attached to
the staff report and attached to the memo.Protests have been filed and the
code requires the signatures of 20% or more of the real property owners
adjacent to within 100'of the subject site in order to cause a three-quarter
vote of council approval.To date,four owners comprising 17.69%have filed a
protest.State and federal land staff have not replied,therefore the case
does not comply with the 20%and will not be subject to a three-quarter vote.
Following the work session,the stipulations have been revised,including
stipulation 17 which calls for the disclosure of the proximity of the rodeo
grounds.Other stipulations are that they be custom homes of southwestern
architecture and be no smaller than 2,500 sq.ft.,all applicable development
fees shall be paid prior to the issuance of building permits,the undulating,
decorative masonry/wrought iron fence reflecting the design on the submittals
will be on the property,the development shall include one exterior and one
interior equine trail,horse privileges are permitted but there shall be no
commercial boarding,equine structures include corrals,barns,and shades must
be in the lot buildable areas of usable space with barns being setback at
least 40'from any property line,only split rail fences shall be permitted
along property lines aside from development perimeter walls,and developers
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 7 OF 48
shall record on each parcel in the covenants,conditions and restrictions,an
additional note on the recorded final plat and provide to the public report
submitted pursuant to Arizona statutes a notice of close proximity of city
rodeo park which shall include the map and the advertisement shall read "due
to the proximity of the Apache Junction Rodeo Park to this property,
prospective owners are placed on notice that such public facilities will in
all likelihood create noise and odors due to the presence of animals,
including but not limited to horses and bulls,night time lighting,use of
loudspeakers,heavy traffic,congestion,and restricted traffic flow and dust,
all of which are normally associated with rodeo park activity.The city,in
the near future,plans to expand the rodeo park facilities and activities as a
rodeo park center,which will result in more activity and may inconvenience
and/or annoy nearby property owners and residents who are expecting a quiet
surrounding area.Prospective buyers should consider such nearby activity
before deciding to purchase property in this subdivision."In addition,
developers will incorporate in the design and construction of the residential
buildings built on any parcel in this subdivision sound attenuation standards,
including but not limited to the following:a minimum of R-18 exterior wall
assembly,a minimum of R-30 roof and ceiling assembly,dual glazed windows,
and foam -filled fiberglass or metal doors to the exterior or a building
design -certified by Arizona registered architect or engineer which assures the
maximum interior noise level of 45 decibels at the time of final construction.
The preceding sound attenuation requirements shall be condition precedence to
the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for each residential unit built in
the subdivision.
Mayor Coleman commented i t is quite
a list of stipulations.He asked if the owner had agreed to the stipulations.
Associate Planner Charles Beck
commented these stipulations were arrived at during a meeting with their
attorney and our attorney.
Mayor Coleman commented there was an
impassioned letter to the newspaper the other day which asked people to help
save their rural lifestyle.The letter was by Mrs.Polesky.She listed quite
a few concerns.He looked at the letter,went through each of the items and
then tried to compare them to the current zoning with what is being requested.
The first thing she mentions is paved roads.Under the current zoning,which
is 1.25 acre minimum,they can pave the roads.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 8 OF 48
stated they can as a subdivision.
rezoned,it would be required.
stated that is correct.
Associate Planner Charles Beck
Mayor Coleman commented if it were
Associate Planner Charles Beck
Mayor Coleman commented if it was
not subdivided under the current zoning but became a wildcat subdivision,the
final owners might be able to get away with having a dirt road rather than a
paved road.He gave as an example someone splitting i t 3 ways without going
through the subdivision process where one owner buys a 5 -acre piece and
creates 3 lots,2 of which are 1.25 acres and one 2.5 acres.Another person
buys the 2.5 acres and splits that so that it turns out to make four 1.25 acre
lots,but i t is not a subdivision.
Associate Planner Charles Beck
stated they could i f it was done three at a time,but i f i t is platted as a
subdivision originally,and they come in with a plat for 16,the road would
have to be paved to standards.But if they only split into 3 lots at a time,
the roads would not have to be paved.
Mayor Coleman commented i t is up to
the owner as to how that is developed.It could be a wildcat subdivision
where they go in and do what he had just described.The problem is that the
city is in a PM10 area where particulates are of concern and the city may be
required to pave those roads at some point in the future.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct,and it would be with no assistance from the homeowners.
Mayor Coleman commented it would be
at taxpayer expense rather than at developer expense.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct if it is developed that way with land splits.They could be
unpaved roads that could be required to be paved within 5 or 10 years,or
sooner,if the stated forces the city to pave them.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 9 OF 48
Mayor Coleman stated another concern
was two-story,5,000 sq.ft.homes along Tomahawk.Those would be allowed
under the current zoning.In fact,under the current zoning,all of the homes
could be two-story homes.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.There is a 25'height limit.
Mayor Coleman commented under the
rezoning request it would be limited to the approved lots of which there are
only 5.
is what has been recommended.
be lots 9,10,14,15 and 16.
is the stipulation.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
Mayor Coleman stated it would just
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
Mayor Coleman reiterated that under
the current zoning they could build all of them two-story.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct if they are no higher than 25'in height.
Mayor Coleman stated another concern
was a homeowners association,stating they are not in keeping with the rural
lifestyle.Those would also be allowed under current zoning,as well as with
the rezoning.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented the rezoning
would have no effect on the homeowners association.There was also an
engineering concern regarding the FEMA flood plain.It will require
engineering whether i t is built under the current standards or the rezoning.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 10 OF 48
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented they could
also,under the current zoning,build up to 16 homes that could all be on
septic systems.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented that under
the rezoning,they could be built with septic systems unless sewer is a
condition of the rezoning.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.However,in that case,it would be good to get the developer to
agree to that stipulation.
Mayor Coleman commented that he
believes in their letter that they have agreed to that.I t states in the
letter that they have removed the septic tanks and each lot will be provided
with sewer,so they could add that as a stipulation.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
he believes they could put that as a stipulation,but they may want to ask the
applicant when they get up to give their presentation.
Mayor Coleman reiterated that under
the rezoning,certain lots could be limited to one-story:under the current
zoning they cannot stipulate.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i f
it does not pass tonight there would be no limits.
Mayor Coleman commented they can
limit with the rezone.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 11 OF 48
Mayor Coleman commented there is
also the architectural style.Under the current zoning,the city has no say
in what the homes look like.They could build it to look like the glass
medical center down the street.He is not saying anyone would build a house
that looks like that,but the city has no say if it is developed under the
current zoning.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated
currently the design guidelines are just guidelines:they are not mandatory on
residential.
Mayor Coleman commented the
suggested stipulations state that custom homes reflect elements of
southwestern architecture on all 4 sides.That can be made a stipulation of
the rezoning,and the homes will look southwest.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
Mayor Coleman gave as examples
Superstition Harley,which he thinks •is a beautiful building,and the Chamber
of Commerce,the Feedbag,and the recent developments that did choose to
develop with the southwest themes.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented he thinks
most of the people in the audience tonight are concerned about the equestrian
part of this development.He thinks i t is interesting that Mr.Aragon got up
to talk about the dog track this evening when the dog track has been there
since the 1950's and he is still suffering from the odor.He thinks they need
to see what they can do with the property rights and zoning that they have
there.But he believes this is a concern here,because of the subdivision
going in and their complaining about the smell,the noise,and all the
activities going on at the rodeo park which the city hopes will increase.The
city is looking at expanding the rodeo park into a regional facility in the
future.Under the current zoning,there are no noise abatement walls required
to protect the rodeo grounds.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 12 OF 48
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i f
they were land splits,there would be no walls.If it is a subdivision,
particularly by this developer,there could be a wall required,and it could
be a straight block wall or whatever else they want to put in there.
Mayor Coleman commented with the
rezoning they could ask for noise abatement walls and sound attenuation
standards for the homes.These were borrowed from airport flyover zones to
mitigate the sound problems for the homes that are in the flight path of
airplanes.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
Mayor Coleman stated these would
include minimum R-18 exterior wall assembly,minimum of R-30 roof and ceiling
assembly,dual glazed windows and foam -filled fiberglass/metal doors to the
exterior.As an alternative,they could have a building design -certified by
an Arizona registered architect or engineer which ensures the maximum interior
noise level of 45 decibels.The city can ask for that under the rezoning.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented there are
two equestrian trails guaranteed in the rezoning;one through the property.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented one of them
is on the outside of the property.With the current zoning,they do not have
to provide any equestrian trails.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented the horse
property is guaranteed.Under both the current and the rezoning,they could
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7.2006
PAGE 13 OF 48
form a homeowners association and the covenants,conditions and restrictions
could be changed to disallow horses.He asked if that could be done.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated he
believed a zoning ordinance would override a covenant,condition and
restriction.
Mayor Coleman asked as long as i t
was zoned for horses,would it have to be 1.25 acres minimum.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t
does not i f i t is a stipulation,as they would be allowing smaller lot sizes.
Mayor Coleman commented as long as
i t is stipulated as horse property in the rezoning,then they can guarantee
that i t is horse property,and that covenants,conditions and restrictions
cannot override that.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented another
concern was people buying a lot and not knowing that there is a tractor pull
once a year and a rodeo.He thinks the disclaimer was very well written,and
they are willing to provide that in 3 different places.There will be a
record on each parcel in the covenants,conditions and restrictions,there
will be a note in the final recorded plat,and it will be provided in the
public report.The notice talks about the public facilities that will in all
likelihood create noise and odors due to the presence of animals,included but
not limited to horses and bulls,night time lighting,use of loudspeakers,and
heavy traffic.They are being warned about all of those things.Under the
current zoning,they have no obligation to do so.They are asking for an
increase in lots,rather than 16,in order to get those things.However,he
is not saying all of those are buildable.They may not be.and with straight
zoning they might have only gotten 14 lots.They are rezoning for 18 lots,
but unless the engineering handles the water flow,they may not get that many.
It depends on the engineering in both cases.They are only talking about the
addition of 2 homes to guarantee all the other things.The big question is
how they value 1.25 acre lots.If they were coming in and asking for this on
1.25 acre lots,it would not even be questioned.The real issue that faces
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 14 OF 48
this council tonight is are the noise abatement standards,the disclosures to
future owners,the guarantee of horse privileges,equestrian trails,and most
lot sizes being about one-half acre with 3 over one acre valued more than the
1.25 acre lots.That is the question he would like to hear input on from the
public.He is struggling with it because his gut instinct tells him the way
to preserve the equestrian nature of that area is to rezone.If they want to
preserve the 1.25 acre lots,then they should vote no.Everyone has to
realize that if they go out tomorrow and start blading that we take our
chances.They had a rezoning request for San Marcos and Broadway where the
people were proposing a day care center on the south end of the property.The
property owners that lived kitty-corner to the south end were up in arms and
did not want it.They were told other things could go on the property since
it was already zoned that way.They decided to take their chances and there
is now an elementary school there.It did not cut down on their traffic
concern or their noise concern.And that is his concern.He looks at this,
has read the impassioned pleas,walked the property and taken a look at it,
and realized there are a lot of water issues that will have to be engineered
out of there.
Councilmember Severs commented he
had also walked the property and he believes there are maybe 10 buildable
lots.He does not know if they can create an engineering miracle and get 18
lots.He asked if they could get 10 to 18 high quality homes of what they
want,or could they get 16 of whatever they want to put there.That is the
real question.He believes it could be a good thing for the community,but i t
could also be a bad thing i f i t is left alone.
Councilmember Sippel commented they
had been shown a picture at one of the work sessions of what could go in there
in the current zoning.He asked Rudy to put on the overhead projector a
picture of what could go in there,what the property could look like tomorrow.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
the drawing represents sixteen 1.25 acre gross lots which could result either
through straight zoned subdivision under the existing R1-43 or with roads that
would come through a city -initiated subdivision process,or they could be sold
off as individual parcels and proceed through a series of land splits.I t
would have no rules.Because of the existing federally patented easements,
when you take away the easements,there are only 4 lots that are 1 acre net;
all the rest are less than an acre when done with straight zoning at R1-43.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 15 OF 48
City Attorney Joel Stern asked what
the process is i f it were developed as 16 lots.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
if the developer wants to create all 16 lots they would have to go through a
plat process,including preliminary plat and final plat.Staff would only be
reviewing for minimum compliance on those plats when i t is straight zoning,
such as minimum lot sizes,provision of streets,subdivision regulations and
the landscape code which would call for a perimeter wall.They could also ask
for some of these road easements to be abandoned and they could have lots
backing up to each other.That would cut down on the infrastructure and i t
could be done on the septic systems.It would be a plain Jane subdivision.
City Attorney Joel Stern asked what
the process would be if it is not done as a subdivision but is done by
individual lot owners.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
currently cities are allowed to regulate the division of properties 2.5 acres
or smaller.There are four 5 -acre lots owned by the applicants.They could
be sold to someone not a business partner,family member or friend and they
could be split into two 1.25 -acre and one 2.5 -acre properties.They could
then be sold and whoever gets the 2.5 -acre property could go through an
administrative land split and get two 1.25 -acre properties.It could result
in four 1.25 -acre parcels created through a series of land splits.Current
land split regulations do not allow the city to exact public improvements on
administrative land splits.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
it would just be a building permit issue at that point.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
that is correct.
City Manager George Hoffman asked i f
there would be a public hearing.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
there would be a public hearing for the preliminary plat and the final plat
that is correct.
there would be a public hearing.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 16 OF 48
but they would only be reviewing for minimum compliance.No special zoning
conditions would be on it as talked about earlier.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
that they would not be creating a subdivision because it had been split so
many times.They would just be individual property owners trying to get
building permits.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
that is correct.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant' address the council.
Mr.Ralph Pew,1930 E.Brown Road,
Mesa,addressed the council.He stated he was there on behalf of Frank Dell'
Armi,the applicant,and Bob Esposito.Their civil engineer,Duran Thompson,
was also present.He commented i t seems a little unusual tonight that there
is such a number in the community here over what amounts to 2 residential
lots.There is more behind it as to the philosophy of that and the character
of the area,but i t is the difference of 18 lots,revised down from 20,
compared to the different processes that would be taken if no rezoning
occurred.The real issue is if this rezoning request is consistent with the
goals and objectives of the general plan.This area is designated for low
density residential development with a target density of one unit per acre.
The plan being brought forward tonight is actually less dense than that so i t
clearly meets the intent of the general plan as i t relates to density.The
area has been designated as an equestrian area.This applicant has committed
to allow equestrian uses on these lots,meeting another criteria of the
general plan.The general plan also encourages lower density and larger
homes,especially homes to move up to.That has been a goal of the city for
some time.This is an opportunity to do that.They believe they comply with
the general plan in 3 specific areas.They are asking to develop an R1-43
property through the planned development process which allows the council to
extract concessions,development standards and criteria from the property
owner that they deem appropriate in exchange for allowing lot sizes to vary
and not be uniform in size or rectangular in nature to allow certain other
development deviations for modifications from the standard criteria.He
commented they think their new plan is a better plan.Following the work
session,they have reduced the plan to 18 lots,making all the lots larger,
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 17 OF 48
making the plat look better,i t looks more comfortable and appropriate for the
area,and they have added the conditions allowing horses and every lot can
accommodate corrals or barns or other necessary outbuildings to accommodate
equestrian uses.This was an issue of concern.It will not look like
something situated on 2 or 3 acres.It will be a little smaller but they will
be able to do that.They have agreed to allow a trail system to permeate
through the project from Lost Dutchman Boulevard down to the southern boundary
and it will go along some of the perimeters,some wash areas,some open
spaces,and along some of the interior roads that will allow horses to
traverse across the subdivision.They have agreed to provide a horse trail
along the outside in the right-of-way area on Tomahawk and Lost Dutchman.He
thinks one of the main issues is notifying buyers of the noise from the rodeo
grounds.They are aware of the rodeo grounds and the city's desire to expand
the rodeo grounds and make it a regional community -wide asset that is
important to the history and tradition of the community.Buyers will know and
understand what they are buying next to.They have agreed to limit two-story
houses to the five lots on the western boundary.They have agreed to have
natural area open spaces that will exist in the landscape tracts and between
units.They have agreed to a minimum house size of 2.500 sq.ft.They concur
with the stipulations presented this evening.He would like to have
stipulation 17 clarified if the council votes to approve this evening.There
is a sentence in there that deals with foam -filled metal doors or fiberglass
doors.He would also like to add solid wood doors.It was not their intent
to cause such an uproar in the community and he hopes everyone understands
about the horse privileges.One of the issues is that the property is zoned
R1-43:i t is not truly 1.25 acre zoning.I t is a one -acre zoning category.
Roughly 16 lots could be yielded in a normal plat or lot split.If this
property owner decides to sell this property after deciding that the battle is
over and someone elsecan deal with the property,i t is possible someone could
put a restrictive covenant on the acreage to prohibit horses.There would be
no public input or an issue for the council.I t is ironic to him to have
people come up and urge them not to approve the rezoning and then wait to see
what happens with another owner or developer.They are trying to do what is
right for the community and the area.They do not feel 2 additional lots is a
major burden on the city,area or citizens.He urged their support.He added
there is one issue he needed to clarify.They wrote a letter approximately 10
days ago on behalf of the applicant with a revised plan and a commitment to
several things.They are doing all they can do with respect to the sewer
issue:i t is taking them longer than they thought to determine all the due
diligence items and the risk factors and uncertainties that might exist there.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 18 OF 48
They cannot state tonight they can unequivocally do the sewer as they have
learned about a couple of facts that cause some uncertainties such as soil
condition and third party issues they cannot control.They would be agreeable
to a couple of more weeks time and continue this to the next meeting in order
to explore this issue further and get a more definitive answer.They are
agreeable to all the other conditions and request their support.
Mr.Duran Thompson,the engineer,
addressed the council.There are 2 issues that have come up tonight.People
are under the impression that these are half -acre lots.The reality is there
is not that much difference between their product and the one Rudy showed
under the straight zoning.There are several lots that .are larger than
anything they could do if they were to split these up into one -acre lots.
There are a few lots that are smaller,but generally they are looking at
three-quarters of an acre or a commercial acre.If you look at net acreage,
the product is similar.The difference is the open space area between lots 16
and 18 that is a retention area.That would not be required with the straight
zoning.They feel like they are adding to the openness of the area,reducing
the number of lots,and allowing the channels and washes to run as they
currently are and to allow the area to remain as natural as possible.The
smaller lots are due to the geometry of where they are placing the lots,but
those smaller lots are next to open space areas where they can share that
area.Another issue raised was drainage.They are not creating or displacing
water.They are allowing the water to come through.Those engineering issues
have been addressed;the city engineer will confirm that they have looked at
this intensively.They have also looked at the placement of the lots and i f
they cannot get 18 lots physically to work and still meet all the criteria,
they will reduce the number of lots.Also,their client does wish to put
sewer to the site.The third parties are State Land and the Arizona
Department of Transportation and the restrictions they have.They are still
working through those.It would be a disaster to commit to a sewer if they
find out later i t cannot be done.They are having problems contacting the
appropriate personnel;they are not interested in answering questions on these
issues until a set of plans are in place.This is a rezoning,not a
preliminary plat.
Mayor Coleman asked if he thought
they would have a firm yes or no if they put this off to the next meeting.It
would be a plus to have the sewer but they are allowed septics.However,
there are people who are concerned about the wells in the area.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7.2006
PAGE 19 OF 48
Mr.Duran Thompson stated because of
the density there is no requirement to have the sewer system.Septic is
available and i t is what is required for this type of development.They will
not know if they can have the sewer until the Arizona Department of
Transportation gives an approval,and they do not know when that will be.
There are other alternatives as to where the sewer line may go,but none of
them pencil in very well.They involve bringing in a lot more sewer line.
They will have the opportunity to bring this back to them in the pre -plat
stage where these concerns can be addressed.
Councilmember Waldron asked if they
would have to be dealing with the Arizona Department of Transportation where
it would cross State Route 88.
Mr.Duran Thompson stated that is
correct.They would not be crossing it but would be running up the side of
it.They have an alignment and the survey is done,so physically i t is
possible to run the sewer,but there are other issues involved that will
determine whether i t is feasible to run a sewer line 1.25 miles for 18 homes.
Councilmember Sippel commended staff
because the product in front of the council that day is completely different
than what he saw at the planning and zoning commission meeting.A lot has
happened.He commended the residents because a lot of these changes occurred
because of the amount of people that are in the audience today.He commented
he is also teetering on whether to pass this or not and he wants to know if
the people are willing to wait,not have them do the 2 extra lots,and that
they would be okay with something different and knowing what it could end up
looking like,then let him know.He recalls a gentleman commenting at the
planning and zoning meeting that the city is not listening to them or
supporting them:he does not want them to feel left out on this issue.
Councilmember Severs commented that
this is a rezoning only.They would be guaranteeing their control over what
happens on this property,whether it be this project or any other project in
the future.If it is not rezoned,the city and residents would have no
control over what goes in there in the future.
Mayor Coleman asked if the current
zoning is for 1 acre net.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 20 OF 48
Senior Planner Rudy Esquvias stated
R1-43 reads that the minimum lot size is one acre gross in areas with
federally patented easements or one acre net in areas without easements.This
area does have federally patented easements so i t is at 1.25 acres gross
including the streets.
horse property either way.
that is correct.
hearing on the item.
Mayor Coleman commented it would be
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
Mayor Coleman opened the public
Mr.Hux Russell,4431 N.Wolverine
Pass,Apache Junction,representing the Goldfield Ghost Riders,addressed the
council.He is also a member of the Superstition Mountains Promotional
Corporation and an NHA mounted ranger.He commented that once they start
chopping up the property like that,they will be opening i t up to every person
to come in and cut i t up all around the whole city.They will say a precedent
has been set and question why they cannot do it.
Mr.Jim Swanson,5274 E.32nd
Avenue,Apache Junction.addressed the council.He stated he is impressed
with the input,and if he did not know what he knows,he would be for the
plan.However,he brings to the council tonight 35 years of facts on things
he has learned on horse -related issues.Many people do not like horses or
horse owners.He supports that;they have a right to like or dislike whatever
they want.The key is to keep them separate;horse owners in one area and
non -horse owners in another.I t is good planning and always has been.He was
on the first committee to draw up the general plan.He added they do have
something to fall back on along with the general plan;i t is the equine
ordinance.This ordinance calls for 1.25 acres minimum lots for horse owners
right in that area.They can fall back on that;they do have the precedent.
The key to everybody in the community getting along is the proximity;do not
put them together.If you mix lot sizes,you will have conflict They can
sign a stack of disclaimers,but in a court of law they are not worth the
paper they are printed on.All someone has to say is they did not understand
it was going to be like that when they signed it,and it becomes useless.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 21 OF 48
They have lots of good ideas,but no substance.He urged them to keep them
separate.There are 18 lots in the proposal and only 3 of them are large lots
of about an acre.The rest depends on their point of view.If it is a 1.25
acres i t is not quite an acre but if it is a half -acre i t is a little bit
bigger.There is a mixture of lot sizes and a lot of people who buy in there
are not from here.They do not realize that summer in central Arizona is 6
months long.They do not realized that you do your activities early in the
morning or the evening,and across the street is a rodeo park.He commented
people will buy a half -acre lot and build a beautiful home and a swimming
pool;he asked how many horses are they going to put on a half -acre lot.I t
is not defined.They put in setbacks and may waive some of those.If they
put 5 horses on the remainder of the lot next to someone who has never been
around horses,he questioned what they thought would happen.He added they
could be having a drink at their pool and see horse trailer after horse
trailer creating dust going to the rodeo grounds,and they will see the lights
from the rodeo grounds at night and noise will go on half the night as the
horse people have fun.He encouraged them to stick with the equine ordinance
which calls for at least 1.25 acres if zoned for horses and not let this
nightmare become a reality.
Mr.Donovan Gorny.1656 S.Stetson
Court,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He had some questions about a
property he currently lives on.When he bought the property before the house
was built he needed an RV gate.He has a work truck and trailer that he needs
to secure.It was all agreed to.The city engineer put a drainage off the
right side of his house that,once they raised the land to build his house,
made his RV gate useless.He almost flipped his truck trying to get into it.
They are talking about putting horse rights on these small lots.His lot is
roughly .25 acres.He has a 1.500 sq.ft.house.He knows that if he had to
put a barn on a half -acre lot 40'from the property line,the only way he
could do that would be, if he was willing to wake up in the morning and kiss
his horse on the nose.Unless they can guarantee that there is still enough
room around those borders to still allow the barn to go in legally without a
city engineer coming in later on and saying they cannot put that there,there
is another big problem.I t looks good on paper,but once the elevation has
been done,the ground has been changed,the house has been done,and that is a
2.500 sq.ft.house almost twice the size of his,on roughly a quarter -acre
lot.He could see restrictions on where they can put the barn up depending on
where they place the house because it does not leave much room for a barn.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 22 OF 48
This is Arizona.If you have a horse,you better have some place to shelter
it.
Ms.Han Winn,S.Alba Circle,Mesa,
addressed the council.She was at the last meeting and she asked about the
wash,but she did not get an answer or any help.She called Sam Jarjice this
week and he and her husband went out to the property where he tried to talk to
him about engineering.She tried to get hold of Duran Thompson but he did not
answer and did not return her call about what they were doing.She has never
gotten an answer on how the wash is being engineered.The wash is shown
running one way,but on the plan i t is shown going another way right through
her land.She would like someone to tell them if they are doing the right
thing or not.To her,i t looks like they are dumping the water onto her land.
Mr.Chip Wilson,president of the
Superstition Horsemen's Association.P.O.Box 2120,Apache Junction,addressed
the council.He stated the trail through the development is not an issue.I t
is too far east for anyone in the area to ride through.I t is a trail for the
development itself.They have met with city zoning,reviewed the general plan
and zoning rules,and they have met with the developer twice.They have been
told what they are doing and what the changes are.After reviewing all the
information,the board of directors,representing their constituents and the
entire Apache Junction horse community,issued a resolution.He then read the
resolution recommending the property remain 1.25 acre lots in order to
maintain the continuity and direction that had been established for this area
years ago and is evidenced by the design of the general plan and conforms with
the equine ordinance.Anything smaller than 1.25 acres would be a disservice
to the people purchasing the property and those surrounding the property.
They are willing to work with anyone who desires to develop the property
continuing the area's original direction and purpose.They are recommending
the case be denied.He then advised that all the board of directors had
signed the resolution and he handed it to the city clerk.
Ms.Peggy Owen,353 S.Arroyo Road,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.She owns a civil engineering firm and
has 35 years of experience.She wanted to give her interpretation.They have
done subdivision and drainage plans in Pinal County and the Apache Junction
area.She has also dealt with Pinal County on septic tanks.She stated i t
would not be cost-effective for the developer to bring in the sewer.She was
also the vice president of the Professional Estimators of Arizona and has 30
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 23 OF 48
years experience at estimating.She estimates it will run $1.3 million for
the sewer.That cuts out a lot of profit;she estimates the profit to be
$600,000 if everything had to be brought in;she does not think they bought
that property to go through all this and make only $600,000.She commented
they put a nice plan up there but one thing they did not put on the plan are
the flood zones and the tributaries.She showed them a plat map with the
flood zones and tributaries colored in,including the tributaries they are
going to divert and channel the water.It is her understanding that you
cannot interfere with a Zone A flood plain.She stated there appear to be 2
single pipe culverts that are supposed to handle the drainage from that Zone A
flood plain.She guarantees the flood plain is 15'wide and 4'or 5'deep.
It handles a lot of water and the culverts are not realistic.She is dismayed
that they have shown some of these methods of making this a subdivision that
would be usable by putting in things that are not as they need to be.She
listed a number of lots that they would not be able to put a 2,500 sq.ft.home
on with a septic tank,which is probably what is going to happen because they
are not committing to a sewer line.In dealing with the county,you not only
have to provide room for the leach field and tank,you have to provide room
for 100% expansion should the system fail.That is required.There is not
room on those lots for that,nor is there room for barns.They do not even
have a quarter acre to build the home and septic tank on.I t is not
realistic.This should stay 1.25 acres as i t is zoned and as the people want
it.They have 512 signatures,and there will probably be more.She hopes
they will vote as the people want.
Mr.John Kantowski,835 W.Windsong
Street,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He stated he is a horse owner
and has lived here for 5 years.He has seen construction going on at Broadway
and San Marcos,but they ran out of money and the construction stopped,
leaving a lot of garbage.He knows the city attorney was involved in getting
the lot cleared off.He is hearing tonight if they can direct the water down,
if they can run a mile and a quarter sewer,if they can do this or that they
might go down to 17 or 14,he asked where do they go.If they zone i t for 18
and they have to go down to 14,he asked if they would have to be rezoned
again.He asked who would clean this up if they find out they cannot do this.
If anything goes wrong,he wants the taxpayers protected so that they are not
paying for the clean up.I t is across the street from a 200 acre park the
city is talking about expanding.He urged them to be careful in their
decision and protect the taxpayers.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 24 OF 48
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction.addressed the council regarding his being at an executive
session,getting the developer's agreement to put in the sewer,sewer
location,options for holding up the development,and his requirement to get a
business license.
Councilmember Waldron commented that
Mr.Fisher was not at the executive session.He was at the work session.
Ms.Nancy Koerner,1026 N.
Goldfield,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She commented she rode her
horse on the multi -use trail the other day and realized how lucky she was to
be able to use the trail and have a large lot to keep her horses on so she
would not offend her neighbors.She commented the city was lucky to have had
the foresight to lease the Bureau of Land Management land for a rodeo grounds.
a park and a trail.She has seen many changes since she moved here in 1969.
There has been one consistency over the years,and that is people wanting
large lots with or without horses.There is .a written record of this gathered
from the public and found in the current general plan.She quoted from the
general plan.She commented they can honor the desires of these residents and
most of the people here by denying this application.She commented they did
not know what would happen if this was not approved.She showed them pictures
of some houses in the area and stated people are quite capable of building
nice homes.These are basically one acre parcels.
Mr.James Moyle,4896 N.Vista Road,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He stated they have recently read in
the newspaper about the mining camp and how it is fighting for its existence.
As neighbors move in,their underlying agenda is what they want.They will
change it,they will fight for it,they will do whatever i t takes.They are
saying that if they did not rezone this and kept the current zoning that they
may have to go back in 5 years and pave the roads.He would rather pave the
road in 5 years than see the destruction of the rodeo grounds in 5 years,
which is what he believes will happen if this is passed.The people coming in
will be very rich people and they will have their corporate lawyers working on
it.They will change the laws and the covenants,conditions and restrictions.
They will stop at nothing and destroy the rodeo.
Mr.Noel Benoit,900 N.San Marcos.
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He was the Tehema-Shasta Trinity
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 25 OF 48
Chairman for the Insulation Dealers Association in Northern California back in
1977 through 1980.An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.They
have seen what has happened in schools when they took out moral and ethical
teachings because you could only teach legal and scientific.When he was in
school,the problems were throwing spitwads,minor kid fights and pulling a
girl's hair.Nowadays i t is murder,mass murder,drugs and rape.The plan
did not work too well.In his capacity as chairman,he has tested many
materials.He has given the developer some of his time and advice for free.
This project can be done with 16 lots and money can be made.I t is not about
two more buildable lots.The fact is you have a more valuable piece of
property with 1.25 acres:i t is premium property.The rest of the valley is
driving out horse property and the newspapers are saying they are looking to
the East Valley to become the new Scottsdale,the. place for the horse people
to go.It has benefited Apache Junction and will continue to do so,unless
the council and the developer make the mistake of not listening to years of
wisdom.The developers and architects did not get a certificate stating they
are all -wise when they graduated from college.Listen to the people who make
up hundreds of years of experience for horse properties.People who know what
people will pay for horse properties.The profit for the development is in
this room.The profit for Apache Junction is in this room.It was
established at 1.25 acres for more than one reason.There are percolation
aspects.The sewage of horses and people produce nitrates.Back when it was
calculated that you needed 1.25 acres it was also calculated that less than
that produces too much sewage from horses and people and nitrates to saturate
the ground and pollute the groundwater.Phoenix did not listen and has 17
national disaster areas for ground pollution.We all need to listen to our
future,not our pocketbook.
Mr.John Sheplar,944 N.Goldfield,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He stated he owns about 1.5 acres
there.He does not have horses,but he believes in preserving the land for
future people so they can.He sees overdevelopment happening,a land grab,
and he does not know if it is the intent of the city council or the powers
that be to make this the next Gilbert or Scottsdale,or the rich East Valley.
He believes they should remain at least 1.25 acre lots.He has a corral up on
his property but he believes if he had a horse there his neighbors would not
be happy,and he can barely take care of a dog.He grew up in the intercity,
and he does know about density and violence,and he can see what this town is
going to be like in 20 years because of the overdevelopment.He lives across
from Bureau of Land Management land and has a view of the Superstitions,but
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 26 OF 48
he wonders if this is passed if within 2 years he will have to deal with a
Quickie Mart across from his house.He commented he grew up around a lot of
people,that the lots should be 1.25 or 1.5 acres,and that if the houses are
going to be 2.500 sq.ft.,they will be expensive houses.He questioned i f
they cared more about the house or the land.
Ms.Nan Sega.3742 E.Pioneer,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.She commented a lot of information
has been passed on tonight,but there is one thing that has not been
mentioned.People here have a passion.They have a passion for the desert
they have a passion for Apache Junction,and they have a passion for their
horses.She asked them to please respect those passions.
Mrs.Myra Polesky.1900 E.Windsong,
Apache Junction.addressed the council.She stated she appreciated everything
they have done,and they have talked to everyone.They can make an informed
decision.She asked them not to buy into somebody else protecting that land.
She is willing to take whatever is developed by whoever buys that land.
Mr.Ray Fuller,1811 E.Windsong,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He agreed with Chip Wilson that they
not rezone the land and maintain 1.25 acres.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council
discussion.He commented he would like to express why he raised the questions
about what the current zoning allows and what the rezoning would allow.He
commented Chip's letter was nice,but the closing paragraph was a little bit
faulty when it states that they are willing to work with anyone who desires to
develop property.Under the current zoning,they do not have that option.
This country believes in personal property rights and they can go in under the
current zoning and build what they want.They do not have to go to him,nor
do they have to come to the council.He just wants that understood.A
gentleman he talked to at church after the planning and zoning commission
meeting and commented that they got them to deny it there,and he felt like
the council decision was a no they do not build or yes they do build.That is
not what comes in front of the council.It is a matter of the 1.25 acre lot
size.His unofficial count of tonight was a lot of people who said they would
take their chances;they want the 1.25 acres.However,the only way to
require the noise abatement is through the rezoning.It will not happen any
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 27 OF 48
other way.They were talking about the rodeo grounds and the passion:he does
not feel anyone feels more passionately about that than him.And nobody has
tried to keep the "Y"area and to the north and east of the city low density
and horse property more than this council.He is concerned,but that is okay.
Betty Swanson's article stated the council needed to be reminded of who they
represent.If they want the council to take the chance,then maybe that is
what they ought to do.But he does not want them to come back to them in 3
months when they start putting 16 homes on and they start complaining about
the noise from the rodeo grounds.It was mentioned that the disclaimers are
no good,but what does i t look like when you go into court and you have not
given them any disclaimers,because that is what happens under the straight
zone.They will say they were never told about the piece of property over
there that was causing problems,rather than the 3 notices that would have
been required.They were talking about the precedent of cutting it up,but i t
is 1.25 acre minimum right now.He thinks that is what is going to happen.
There were some good points made regarding the wash and flooding,and he had
not heard that 1.25 acre minimum is what you need for horses,people and
septic.His home is on septic and he is on a city lot.As a people they want
it,which makes an interesting statement about property rights of the owner.
People have commented it will destroy the rodeo;he feels the rezoning would
protect the rodeo.He believes they have the same ideas in mind,but he is
concerned they are going about it the wrong way,as in the school now being
there at Broadway and San Marcos where the gentleman wanted the council to
resign because it was built and denied ever saying he never wanted the
rezoning.They told him he had wanted to take his chances and that is what
was built.The council has heard their message and he is concerned.The
people may be willing to work with anyone who desires to develop property:he
hopes the property owner is willing to work.He sees that as the key,because
they do not have to.
Councilmember Severs commented they
are not voting tonight to allow this project;they are voting tonight to gain
more control over the future of our land.That is what i t is coming down to.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1260 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 28 OF 48
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1260,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE DENIED.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:5-1 (Mayor Coleman voted in opposition,explaining his vote saying he
believes the rezoning is the way to protect the rodeo grounds.)
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a 15 min
break.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
meeting.
Mayor Coleman called for a 15 minute
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
ORDINANCE NO.1261,CASE PZ-28-05,
REZONING REQUEST BY WAYNE BARKER FROM
C-3/PD TO CR-3/PD,5 ACRES LOCATED AT
THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF BROADWAY AVE.
AND SAN MARCOS DR.FOR A PROPOSED 16-
LOT CONVENTIONAL HOMES SUBDIVISION
)Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.He stated in 1999 it was rezoned for a small
commercial subdivision that never materialized.Mr.Wayne Barker recently
purchased the property and he would like to rezone it to conventional homes by
planned development.He described the surrounding area.There will be 16
lots with only 2 smaller than 7,000 sq.ft.and that is the reason for the
planned development rezoning request.Other than that,all of the standard
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 29 OF 48
CR-3 regulations would apply.Staff is asking for a connectivity trail along
the west side of the development.The general plan shows the area as medium
density.There is a drain strip that runs along San Marcos so the conditions
require the developer to provide that.Staff is also asking for some type of
community amenity.Staff received one phone call and there was no opposition
or negative comment.Staff believes this rezoning furthers the general plan
land use goal number two which is to maintain consistency in land use
decisions and encourage site -built housing.Staff is in support of the
rezoning.This is not an area of special flooding hazards although there is a
sizable wash that comes in at the north end of the property which they will
divert and channel around their development.They have asked for the
elevations to be presented at the time of the preliminary plat.He listed the
standard conditions which included no homes smaller than 1,400 sq.ft.livable.
Councilmember Dietz asked if the
south side of lot 8 is where the charter school exits.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
i t is just north of the school playground.
Councilmember Dietz asked if there
is a setback between the school fence and the property line.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
this zoning normally requires a side setback of 5'or 10';you get your choice
as to which is 5'and which is 10'.In addition,there is a 20'wide easement
between them for the connective trail called for in the general plan.
Councilmember Dietz commented there
will be plenty of space in between.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
that is correct,and south of the lot is the ball field and the pool.
Councilmember Sippel commented there
is also another 10'for a wash that runs through before the ball field starts.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.The applicant declined to address the council
unless there were questions.There were no questions.Mayor Coleman opened
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 30 OF 48
the public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he
closed the public hearing and reopened the item to council discussion.There
being no further discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Sippel MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1261 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Sippel MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1261,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO.1262,CASE PZ-1-06,REZONING
REQUEST BY BUTTRUM/HOLLAND FROM CI -1 TO
CI-1/PD,ONE LOT LOCATED AT BASELINE
INDUSTRIAL PARK TO ALLOW FOR A MINI-
STORAGE BUILDING IN AN RV AND BOAT STORAGE
LOT TO BE BUILT AT A "ZERO"SETBACK
)Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.He stated the property is about 6 acres in
size.He described the Baseline Industrial Park and the zoning for it.The
applicants are constructing an RV storage lot.The reason for the request is
they would like to construct some min -storage units along the east border of
the property.Everything else is covered RV and boat parking.He described
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 31 OF 48
the development plan.They would like to double up the back wall of the
storage units with the wall that would normally be required on the property
line.They are asking for a zero foot setback on the east perimeter.On the
other side of the property is a 100'wide Arizona Department of Transportation
drainage ditch.On the other side of the ditch is unincorporated Pinal County
industrial property,other storage lots and landscape yards.Staff and the
planning and zoning commission recommend approval.The only issue is that Mr.
Holland would like to build storage units in the southerly drainage easement.
The plat shows this to be a 20'wide drainage easement that appears to
originate on the property.He would also like to put in another storage unit
on the north side of the row which would normally require a 10'setback.
Staff does not object to the unit on the north side,however,the development
services engineer is concerned about the drainage easement.If it is shown on
the plat,i t is there for a reason.The improvement plans reflect it.Staff
feels that a plat amendment process or some other type of engineering study is
what should be done before construction is allowed in that easement.Staff is
amenable to amending condition 3 to allow encroachment into the north 10'
setback.The facility cannot be used for contractor equipment or storage
yards.He read off the remaining stipulations in the ordinance.The general
plan shows the area to be employment retail opportunity area.The zoning
allows the use outright;the reason for the planned development is to request
setback deviation.
Mayor Coleman asked what flashing
color and colored panel mean on the map they were given.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
he would defer that to the applicant.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr.Steve Holland,2462 E.Desert
Lane,Gilbert,addressed the council.He showed them some pictures of what he
is trying to do.The purpose of the mini -storage is for security.His fence
is only 6'high.He could take a semi back there,and he does not think the
police patrol the drainage ditch as there is no reason to.There is a road
that accesses the drainage ditch from Baseline and possibly the freeway area.
Anyone could drive a vehicle down it,jump the wall and get into the storage
yard.He was asked if things could be seen from the freeway.The sheds will
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 32 OF 48
be 9'tall in the back,giving them a 7'wall and they will be 8'6"in the
front.They slope into the lot.Any water that hits the roof will go into
their lot.The drainage easement is for 50% of their lot and the remaining
50% goes into a retention area in the front.He showed more pictures of the
yard and that you should only be able to see the canopies over the RV's.He
was asked if anything could be seen from the freeway,but he does not believe
so as you would have to look through some buildings to do so.He cannot see
the freeway from the yard.You cannot see the back fence from the front as i t
is a 7'wall.The drainage easement starts at the back of the property and
runs from their property to the next property;i t is only a little 6"swell.
There is one vacant property behind the next property that it will run through
before it goes into a catch basin.He wants to put 2 sheds in the corner
where i t starts.The sheds are 9'high and will prevent people from jumping
over the fence.He will make more money off of the RV parking than the
storage sheds;he is doing i t for the convenience of the people in the yard.
They cost him more to build and they are more of a nuisance for him than they
will be a profit.It would be better for him to throw up a canopy for more
parking,but he is looking for the security.He does have 12 security cameras
and they are all infrared.All the grading is done and they are getting ready
to pave.He cannot get the paving grades done because he submitted a plan
that has been engineered for the sheds to be in the drainage easement.The
problem he has had is he started with Noel,then to Steve,and now Rudy,and ,
everyone has had a different idea.They have redlined the redlines.This has
become a financial hardship on him as every time he does something he has to
take it to an engineer,and their work is not cheap.Sam did not want him to
take it to his engineer,where it has all been done and i t shows that no water
even hits it.That is where i t starts.If the lot were 15'shorter,that is
where it would start.If it rains for 3 weeks in that area and hits the shed,
the water will run off the roof into that drainage and it will go where i t is
supposed to go.The roof is sloped in that direction.He is just trying to
secure his place and i t appears he is fighting the city to do things for the
public.He cannot make things nice.Financially,by the time this is done,
they will have to take things away just to operate.It will not be a nice
place then.He has to quit going to engineers as his money tree is running
out.
Mayor Coleman asked if he wanted to
build in the easement on the south end.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 33 OF 48
Mr.Steve Holland stated that is
correct.
Mayor Coleman asked if the city
would have any liability and if it is just a drainage easement.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated he
is not an engineer.
Mr.Steve Holland stated he is not
either,but he has been a concrete guy for 30 years and he thinks he knows his
drainage real good.Otherwise he thinks he would be in big trouble.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated he
would have to defer to engineers.I t is just an easement and if there is
flooding there could possibly be a liability.He would defer to others on
that.
Mr.Steve Holland stated he has a
set of engineering plans with him that clearly shows by arrows the path of any
water.Nothing could hit that corner,and i t if does,it would run down the
roof.
Mayor Coleman asked if Rudy had
looked at those.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
he has seen the plans;as far as they can tell there is some drainage that
goes through this easement.As Mr.Holland mentioned,the easement is for the
benefit of his property plus a couple of properties next door where i t all
basically empties into a retention.basin.Sam's concern was that i t is on the
easement that is on the recorded final plat.These are engineered drawings
and i t is there for a reason.Staff is not necessarily disagreeing with Mr.
Holland,but if he wants to change it,he needs to amend the plat and get the
adjacent property owners to agree to amend the plat as well since the drainage
feature may also affect their property.
Councilmember Sippel asked if this
is the southeast corner.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 34 OF 48
Mr.Steve Holland stated that is
correct.
Councilmember Sippel commented he is
trying to determine the starting location.
Mr.Steve Holland stated it actually
starts there.If they pictured his lot being 15'shorter,it would start
there.The lots behind him are probably a foot lower than his lot and he
would probably never get any of their water.The drainage easement is not for
their property,i t is for the back 50% of his property.The other half goes
into the retention basin out front in the 25'easement.There is no reason
for it not to start 15'in.If it hits the sheds,it will run down the ditch.
He commented he may as well put a door there and say here is the way into the
yard because you can see what is behind it.I t is hideous to think he would
have to leave a 6'fence there.He cannot attach to the fence.He bought
into this yard with a partner who originally wanted i t for a construction yard
and wants to keep i t a construction yard.Mr.Holland is trying to turn i t
into an RV and boat storage yard.He poured the footings on the wall and the
city does not require them to have a permit for a 6'high wall.Noel thought
they would be fine with a 7'wall,but he did not hear that from Noel,he
heard that from his partner.He constructed a footing,and after he tried to
get i t re -engineered,tried to see if they could put another section on,the
engineer said it was not going to happen.He has tried every option he could
to raise the wall and i t is not going to happen.He stated when the mayor
asked about the color of the tins,i t is basically a metal that you would see
in any mini -storage and i t has metal flashing going down.He puts it over the
back of the wall,and he is going to do it with a color so that i t is not just
black or tan;they can pick any color they want.They are trying not to make
it all look silver or galvanized;that is what the color is about.
Mayor Coleman commented about not
having weird colors.
Mr.Steve Holland stated he has not
crossed that bridge.He does not know what color he wants to paint his
building.He does not want to do a bright orange but some type of tan,but he
is sure he will have a fight there,too.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 35 OF 48
Councilmember Waldron stated no pink
or purple.
Councilmember Severs asked if he
said there is no way any water could flow from the properties south of him
onto his property.
Mr.Steve Holland stated they cannot
as they are a foot lower;they would have to have a major flood.The
subdivision was not designed to flow water onto his lot;the fence was already
existing.He had to run 168'of fence to the west as the rest of the fence
was already in.They are vacant lots right now and he is hoping whoever buys
them will be wanting to secure their property like he did.It will be harder
for someone to get over their front fence to get to his back fence.At least
they could not back a truck up to take things out.People have $200,000 motor
homes with televisions in them and everything else,and thieves like to take
televisions and stereos and whatever they can get.If they have toy haulers
in there,they will have quads and all -terrain vehicles and they would quickly
disappear.
Councilmember Insalaco commented he
is saying that his wall will not be his wall anymore,it will basically be the
front of the mini -storage units.
Mr.Steve Holland stated the wall
will be the back of the unit.
Councilmember Insalaco commented
instead of the wall being the back of the property,the back of the property
will now be the front of the sheds.
Mr.Steve Holland stated that is
basically correct.
Councilmember Insalaco stated they
are 15'deep so it either starts here or i t starts there.
Mr.Steve Holland stated that is
correct.He can put the sheds in without being here tonight,but he would
have to move them 10'in.He would then have a dungeon effect back there i f
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 36 OF 48
he put razor wire on top,which he thinks they are zoned to do.If someone
jumps over and gets tangled up,they would probably smell the person before
they know they are back there,and it would be the same with an animal or
debris.Now they would have a fire hazard and they would be unable to get
back there to clean it out unless they jump the wall.He cannot convince Sam
so he thought he would try to convince them.He is trying to make the place
nice and he does not know how to do it other than what he is doing now.He
wants to make i t secure.
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 Dietz asked if there
was anything that could be done about the drainage on the south end.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
when something shows up on a plat,whether i t is a utility easement,a
drainage easement or street easement,the city does not allow construction on
top of it.The gentleman is claiming his engineer is stating it will not do
any harm to construct buildings there.They need to go through the correct
process to get that done.He does not believe that a matter of plat amendment
is correctly addressed at a rezoning.
Mayor Coleman commented he saying
that this is just a rezoning.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
that is correct.They are really talking about an amendment or correction in
that corner done to the plat drawing itself.
Councilmember Dietz asked if he
would be bringing the final plat back.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
that is a question for the applicant on whether he wants to go through the
plat amendment process.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
commented there is nothing on the agenda tonight regarding a plat amendment.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 37 OF 48
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t
is incorporated into this discussion on whether i t should be part of the
rezoning so he believes i t is germane to the discussion.
Councilmember Severs asked if they
could waive a plat amendment.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated they
cannot.He does not believe the code allows it.The zoning ordinance
requires a plat.
a plat is recorded.
that is correct.
has to be recorded.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t
Mr.Steve Holland commented Sam does
not want him to go to his engineer.He wants him to go to the architectural
committee,get i t approved through them first to do this,and then he wants
him to have the whole subdivision redesigned by the engineer that did it.
They are not talking about the whole subdivision;they are talking about 3
lots.One lot is already done,they have their grades,and he has an engineer
that has already done everything.It has been approved and stamped in the
city.
Councilmember Severs asked if they
could approve this and have him take care of the paperwork later so that he
can move forward.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated they
could,but they could also continue it to try to get more information from the
engineer.They could have the engineer here to explain things more thoroughly
from a technical standpoint.
Councilmember Dietz commented i t is
pretty straightforward.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 38 OF 48
Mr.Steve Holland stated if it comes
back financially,i t is just not worth it.
Councilmember Severs commented they
are holding this man up.Unfortunately,there was Noel,Steve,Sam.Rudy and
now us.He would like to see them find a way to make this happen.
Mr.Steve Holland stated he would
like to deal with just one person.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated
there is a plat amendment process that needs to take place.If that does not
happen in this case,it could encourage others not to do it.
Councilmember Severs asked if he had
building permits yet.
Mr.Steve Holland stated the
building is totally up and is dry -walled.I t is ready for stucco.
Councilmember Severs asked if he
meant the storage units.
Mr.Steve Holland stated he meant
the office,not the storage units.The office has a livable above it;i t is
1,200 sq.ft.above and 1,200 sq.ft.below.
Councilmember Severs asked if he had
building permits for the storage units.
Mr.Steve Holland stated he does
not.That is what he is trying to accomplish here.He cannot get them until
this is approved.
Councilmember Severs stated they
could, approve this now and not allow him to have building permits until the
paperwork is completed.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i f
he does not have a final inspection he could be in violation.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 39 OF 48
Councilmember Dietz asked if they
could approve it this evening and have him add on the other two at a later
date.
City Attorney Joel Stern asked how
far in the future he meant.
Councilmember Dietz commented for
however long it takes him to do whatever he has to do.
Mr.Steve Holland stated i t still
defeats his purpose.He is ready to just move them out or turn i t into
parking.
Councilmember Dietz commented they
are just trying to get it through for him.
Mr.Steve Holland stated he
appreciated that,but i t is like a financial hardship that everybody is
creating on this.It takes away from what he is trying to do.
Councilmember Severs commented he
does not understand why his engineer's drawings are not good enough.If it is
from a licensed engineer and stamped by a licensed engineer,they should be
good enough for our staff.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
he could not answer that.Sam would have to be there to explain why.He does
not know if he has seen them or looked at everything on it.He did talk to
Mr.Jarjice a few days ago on the plat amendment issue and his opinion was he
probably would need a plat amendment.They could make it a stipulation,and
if he does not get it,he would be in violation.However,it would be
difficult to enforce after the fact.
Councilmember Severs commented he
still has to apply for building permits.They could go ahead and approve
this,then he gets his paperwork taken care of while the building permit
process is happening,it could all fall into place and he could be on
schedule.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 40 OF 48
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t
would be difficult to enforce if he does not follow through with the plat
amendment once this is approved.
Councilmember Severs asked if that
was even if this was stipulated.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t
would take going to court to get the enforcement to do it.He could sell i t
tomorrow.
Councilmember Severs asked if they
had a business license.
Mr.Steve Holland stated not yet,
but there is no reason to get it yet as they are not operating.
Councilmember Severs stated they
could hold his business license up if he did not follow through so he could
not operate.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated the
business license is not premised on that.I t is premised on whether they have
the correct zoning and other licenses.He does not think the city could hold
up a business license because of his failure to get a plat amendment.
Councilmember Severs commented i f
they approved with a stipulation that he has to get a plat amendment,his
business license would then be invalid because i t is not zoned properly until
he has the plat amendment.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
would be one argument.However,it would be zoned because they would be
passing the zoning tonight.The question is enforcing it.
Councilmember Severs asked about the
engineer's drawings.
Mr.Steve Holland stated he has i t
engineered,i t is stamped,and i t is in their office.The only problem is,i t
does not show the sheds that they see there because he was told to take
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL.
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 41 OF 48
anything that says future on the plan off.If they would like a letter from
his engineer,he could have it tomorrow.If you want him to go to the
engineer that designed the subdivision and have him redesign i t again,i t is
not worth it to him.He cannot make sense out of it.He will just put razor
wire on the back fence and we will have to deal with the problems that will
happen.And they will have to remember that they had this discussion.The
sheds have 6"of slope on the roof,they are only 15'deep,and i f i t rained
for 3 days it would still hit the roof and run right into the ditch.It has
nowhere else to go.
Councilmember Sippel asked how they
would need to word the motion to get the 3 sheds in there.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
he would recommend that they continue this to March 21st so they can get the
city engineer to review this so they can be more informed.He is not an
engineer and he would not know about this.
Councilmember Sippel asked how they
would word this if they do not want to do this.
Councilmember Severs stated they
need to apply a little common sense here.The water hits i t and starts there.
He wanted to find a way to make this happen.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated he
thinks they could add a stipulation that the applicant agrees to file all
applicable required plat •amendments by the city engineer and put in a
deadline.He could put in the temporary remedies of the wire if he does not
do it by that time.
The council consensus was that they
did not want to see wire.
Councilmember Severs asked if they
could do a temporary rezoning until the plat is approved.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated they
could not.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 42 OF 48
City Manager George Hoffman
commented he supported the city attorney's position.Amendments from the
floor have historically been very difficult to untangle later on.I t is a
common sense request.I t is also common sense not to be building on easements
and there is a recorded easement there.
Mr.Steve Holland stated i t is a
setback,not an easement.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
staff is telling him i t is an easement.His recommendation is to take the 2
weeks to work on this issue.
Mayor Coleman asked if they had
already had the public hearing on this.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated they
may want to reopen this since the applicant has had another opportunity to
speak.
Mayor Coleman reopened 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.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
there are other parts of the city where past councils have had the opportunity
to deal with drainage problems and they were not handled appropriately.Mr.
Blevins is suffering the consequences of that.She concurred with the city
manager's recommendation.
Mayor Coleman asked when they should
continue it to.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated
Tuesday.March 21st.That is the next regular city council meeting.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7.2006
PAGE 43 OF 48
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
ITEM NO.14,CASE PZ-1-06,BE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 21,
2006.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PZ-29-05,A CITY -INITIATED REZONING
REQUEST FROM GR TO R1-43 FOR TWO 1.25 ACRE
LOTS AT SOUTHWEST CORNER OF AREA OF 4TH
AVENUE AND ACACIA ROAD
)Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.Staff is requesting that this case be
continued to the April 4,2006 meeting.This case was advertised prematurely:
they had not intended to bring it to the council tonight.A new intern was
helping out on cases and he believes he gave him incorrect information.I t
was unintentionally advertised for tonight.He is prepared to make a
presentation if they desire.
Mayor Coleman stated they would not
hear the presentation tonight.As i t had been advertised,he 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 Waldron MOVED THAT
CASE PZ-29-05,A CITY -INITIATED REZONING REQUEST FOR TWO 1.25 -ACRE LOTS,BE
CONTINUED TO THE APRIL 4,2006 COUNCIL MEETING.
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 44 OF 48
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON OTHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS
AMENDMENTS TO APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE,
CHAPTER 8 BUSINESS,ARTICLE 8-4 MASSAGE
THERAPISTS AND MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS )
)Mayor Coleman commented that at
the work session last night they had discussed asking staff to review and see
what other communities are doing as far as home care,and whether it was
required to be under a physician's or chiropractor's prescription.He asked
if there had been another update.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
since this was adopted three years ago,it has been pre-empted by changes in
the state law.We had adopted our own local standards and we can no longer do
that.This would be the perfect opportunity to make that change.
Mayor Coleman opened the item to
council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT THE
DIRECTION HE JUST GAVE TO _STAFF WAS. ABOUT WHAT WE WANTED (STAFF TO REVIEW AND
SEE WHAT OTHER COMMUNITIES ARE DOING AS FAR AS HOME CARE AND WHETHER IT WAS
REQUIRED TO BE UNDER A PHYSICIAN'S OR-CHIROPRACTOR'S PRESCRIPTION,AND THAT
THE CITY CODE BE UPDATED TO THE CHANGES IN STATE LAW).
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 45 OF 48
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,MARCH 20,2006,IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM AND THE CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS,RESPECTIVELY;AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,MARCH 21,2006,IN
THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Mayor Coleman stated they had a very nice Lost Dutchman Days celebration.He
thanked the Chamber and everyone involved with that.
Mayor Coleman announced that he and Councilmember Sippel would be going to the
National League of Cities and Towns Conference at the end of this week.The
League is paying for him.He is very excited about it.They have 3 different
events planned with the Arizona delegation and our congressional delegation.
He is looking forward to those events.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows.:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 21,2006.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 46 OF 48
3.Acknowledge Receipt of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the City
of Apache Junction,Arizona,for the fiscal year ended June 30,2005.
4.Consideration and approval of Professional Services Agreement with Greg
Marek for consultation services for planning and development of the
downtown in the amount of $25,961.75.
5.Consideration and approval to continue Professional Services Agreement with
Richard+Bauer for architectural and engineering work for the Library
Expansion project in an amount not to exceed $387,000.
6.Consideration and approval to continue Professional Services Agreement with
PinnacleOne for project management work for the Library Expansion project
in an amount not to exceed $189,700.
7.Consideration and approval to increase the original authorized amount to
Network Infrastructure Corporation (NIC)to cover additional expenses
outside the original scope of work addressing building safety measures in
City Hall/Municipal Court complex in an amount not to exceed $29,650.
8.Consideration and approval to increase the original authorized payment
amount to Core Construction to cover additional expenses addressing major
change orders related to unforeseen conditions,project enhancements,and
reduced or offset costs in an amount not to exceed $316.782.
ACCEPTED THIS 21ST DAY OF MARCH ,2006,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 21ST DAY OF MARCH ,2006.
DOUGLAS COLEMAN /
Mayor
ATTEST:
e47e-,v_4
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 47 OF 48 -
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 7th day of March,2006.I further certify that
the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 16th day of March,2006.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 7,2006
PAGE 48 OF 48