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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-18 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 18,2006 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona,was held on April 18,2006,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 Dietz led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman Vice Mayor Eck Councilmember Dietz Councilmember Insalaco Councilmember Severs Councilmember Sippel Councilmember Waldron Staff Present:City Manager George Hoffman Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell City Clerk Kathleen Connelly City Attorney Joel Stern Public Safety Director Glenn Walp Finance Director Keith Lewis Public Works Director Doug Dobson Business Advocate Amy Malloy REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 1 OF 25 Others Present:Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias Sergeant Troy Mullender Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley CDBG Administrative Assistant Melinda Larson Officer Bill Virtue Interim Commander Jay Swart ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED. Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Coleman read a proclamation designating April 23-29,2006 as "National Volunteer Week"and presented it to Bernadette Miller,coordinator for the Volunteer Center.Ms.Bernadette Miller read a prepared statement acknowledging the volunteers in the community and city employees Roger Hacker, Melinda Larson,Liz Riley and Janine Solley for volunteering their time to provide a professional level of support and involvement helping various organizations complete their missions.She thanked the volunteer center board and recognized the corporate volunteer team.She thanked the mayor for the proclamation. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Ms,Carol Urich,201 E.Southern,Apache Junction,addressed the council to suggest the police department establish a First Responder Smart Card Program. They are currently being run in Prescott Valley and Scottsdale.I t is geared toward people with cognitive or developmental disabilities that require special care.The special needs addresses are flagged for dispatchers. Registered families keep a 4"X 6"Smart Card in a magnetic envelope on their refrigerators for emergency personnel for information on the disabilities, medical history and prescriptions.Registration would be free and families REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 2 OF 25 would have to attend a community meeting to become familiar with the process. Sensitivity training for the first responders and the printed materials are the program's only expenses.She urged the city to consider the program. Ms.Tess Nesser,1511 S.Cactus Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council to thank everyone who supported the Special Olympics.They raised about $1,000 to go towards things to help the people involved.She thanked those who purchased a raffle ticket.She stated the next thing is the Boys and Girls Club dinner and dance on May 6;it will be a western hoedown at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club.She had some tickets available. Major William Cobb,241 E.6th Street,Mesa,addressed the council.He is the Salvation Army officer assigned to the operations in Mesa.In July he was assigned additional responsibilities for the Apache Junction operations.In the spring of 2005 they closed the church portion of the Salvation Army in the city for financial reasons.In March 2006 the thrift store was closed for the same reason.He thanked the more than 1,400 people who signed petitions requesting the store remain open,but they were losing money and had no choice but to close it.The Salvation Army plans to continue to offer emergency social services in the city.Since July 2005 they have distributed approximately $20,000 in utility assistance,and they have recently secured approximately $7,000 for rental assistance through Pinal County United Way and FEMA.They will offer the emergency services as funds will allow.They will continue to operate the mini -bus that is part of the city transportation program.He acknowledged Melinda Larson and Roger Hacker for their assistance to the Salvation Army during the transition period.City staff helped them to develop their bookmark that is used to advertise the program.He thanked the community for their support. Ms.Rayna Meade,P.O.Box 266,Apache Junction,85217,addressed the council representing S.A.F.E.,Save Animals from Euthanasia.She thanked the council for arranging the meeting with the police chief and animal control.She appreciated their attention to their concerns and anything else they can do to assist their efforts in the future. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 3 OF 25 PUBLIC HEARINGS APPLICATION FOR INTERIM PERMIT,PERSON TRANSFER,CORPORATION,SERIES 9 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR DESERT LIQUORS )City Clerk Kathleen Connelly briefed the council on the item.She stated this business is located on Apache Trail and has been in business for many years.The application is to transfer a license from one member of the Golzio family to Jeff Golzio,the son.There are responses in the packet from the fire district,police department and development services and there are no objections to the transfer of this license.Mr.Golzio has been asked to be present this evening in the event of any questions from the council. Mayor Coleman requested the applicant address the council. Mrs.Alec -Lauren Golzio addressed the council and advised Jeff could not be here as he was at the store working. 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 further discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT THE APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,PERSON TRANSFER,CORPORATION,SERIES 9 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR DESERT LIQUORS,SUBMITTED BY JEFFREY GOLZIO,BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL. Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. ORDINANCE NO.1265,PZ-29-05,CITY- INITATED REZONING FROM GR TO R1-43 FOR TWO 1.25 ACRE LOTS AT THE SOUTHWEST REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 4 OF 25 CORNER OF 4TH AVENUE AND ACACIA )Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias briefed the council on the item.He stated this is a 2.5 acre property that is currently being redeveloped.There were recently some manufactured homes on the property and some encroachment issues on property lines.Staff started working with the property owner a few months ago to clear up the non- conforming issues.Staff saw an opportunity to replace manufactured homes with conventional homes and to preserve horse privileges in the area.The GR zone allows a number of public and quasi -public uses such as schools,utility facilities,churches and hospitals.He described the surrounding area.The property owner is in favor of the rezoning and the planning and zoning commission voted for approval of the rezoning.A public notice had been sent out and no negative comments have been received.Two conditions of approval have been attached:a septic tank located on the west roadway easement must be relocated at the time the western lot is redeveloped,and that the properties must each be developed with a conventional home subject to all zoning regulations and preserve all R1-43 privileges.Staff recommends in favor of the request. Councilmember Severs asked if there was a possibility of abandoning the easement where the septic tank is. Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated they could.He and his neighbors to the west and other people up and down the street could petition through the engineering department to have the road easement abandoned.However,when a roadway is abandoned,the city gives up its right to put a roadway in there yet the utility easement remains.The owner of the property may still encounter some problems if a utility company comes along and needs to make use of the easement.They have to go through a whole separate process to try to abandon utilities.Staff is not going to make him move i t if he does not want to,but it would be advantageous for him to do so. Mayor Coleman requested the applicant address the council.No applicant was present.He then 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. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 5 OF 25 Vice Mayor Eck commented he has seen some of the construction from this builder and he does very nice homes.It is nice to see him coming into the area. Councilmember Severs MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1265 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 Severs MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1265.AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. ORDINANCE NO.1266,PZ-2-06,REZONING REQUEST BY GARY THAYER FROM GR TO CR-3/ PD FOR THE PURPOSE OF REMOVING NON- CONFORMING USES AND CREATING 2 LOTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION )Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias briefed the council on the item.He stated the property is located just north of Broadway on Lawson Drive.I t is slightly smaller than a half acre in size. Many of the lots in the neighborhood are non -conforming GR properties because they are much smaller than a typical GR lot is required to be.They are normally required to be 1.25 acre minimum.This is an old property left over from when this was county.The CR-3 zoning would allow the applicant to build conventional homes on the property by planned development.He is requesting planned development because he wants to create lot sizes that are just shy of the minimum lot width,which is normally 60'wide.In this case they will be REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 6 OF 25 a little over 59'wide,however,they will meet the minimum lot size for CR-3 lots in a subdivision.This block is not a platted subdivision:the lots east of the property are a platted subdivision.The pattern of development in the area is homogenous.The proposal is to rezone and split i t in half,north and south.This is currently a non -conforming property.A copy of the previous owner's letter of lawful non -conformity where the manufactured home was grandfathered on the property was included in the packet.There are also 3 spaces for RVs on the west side of the property.Staff believes that by rezoning the property and bringing i t into compliance as far as one home per lot will be an improvement to the neighborhood.The CR-3 zone states that the smallest lot that can be created is 20,000 sq.ft.unless i t is in a subdivision or in an area where street improvements have been requested or are in process.In this case the streets are already paved but the other street improvements are non-existent except along Broadway.The applicant is also asking for a waiver of the completion of the street improvements.He believes they have requested that the homes be no smaller than 1,600 sq.ft.and must have southwest architectural features as illustrated in the design guidelines. the air conditioning units be ground -mounted,and four-sided architecture be provided.The applicant has agreed to do this.The planning and zoning commission recommended approval,including the waiver of completion of the street improvements.All other aspects of the CR-3 zoning will be observed. The applicant has agreed to do front yard landscape packages.The creation of the 2 lots is in character with the surrounding development:lots to the north and northwest are also 59'wide and are non -conforming GR. Councilmember Severs asked if there are any blueprints on what he proposes it to look like in the future. Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated they have a basic drawing but no home elevations.He showed them how the property was to be developed once it was split.They will be two,mirror- image,conventional homes of 1,600 sq.ft.,including garages,nice -sized backyards and front landscape packages. Vice Mayor Eck asked what the front setback is. Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated the front and rear setbacks are 20',with 5'and 10'on the sides. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 7 OF 25 Vice Mayor Eck asked if the request is for the street improvement. Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated the request is to forego the completion of street improvements.There is currently a 60'right-of-way on Lawson but the only improvement that exists is pavement.There are no sidewalks,curbs,gutters or street lights. Councilmember Severs commented that is on any of these streets. Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated that is correct.There is along Broadway,but not on the neighborhood streets north of Broadway. Councilmember Dietz commented he is asking not to have to put sidewalks,curbs,gutters and street lights just in front of his lots. Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated that is correct. Vice Mayor Eck commented this is incredible.They have worked on some of these non -conforming lots before to try to create something where they could replace the manufactured homes.He added he had been told that in some cases the manufactured home could burn down completely and could not be replaced. that is correct. this would be a good trade-off. applicant address the council. Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated Vice Mayor Eck commented he believed Mayor Coleman requested the Mr.Cliff Hollenback addressed the council.He advised Gary Thayer was with him in the audience.They do have REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 8 OF 25 plans with elevations that he will leave with Rudy.Their interest is to better the area with conventional homes. Mayor Coleman asked if they would be building the homes or selling the lots. Mr.Cliff Hollenback stated they would not be selling the lots.T & N Builders is the contractor and he has built other homes for him in Superstition Highlands. Councilmember Severs asked if the homes had already been sold or if they would be used as rentals. Mr.Cliff Hollenback stated they will be sold and as far as he knows they will not be rentals.They are not building them to be rentals. 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. Vice Mayor Eck commented this is one of the issues he has worked on.There are several non -conforming lots, possibly hundreds or thousands in the community,and he hopes this sets a precedence that other developers will look at and mimic.This is the direction they should be going in.He thinks this is a very good project. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion with no further comments and called for a motion. Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1266 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED. Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 9 OF 25 City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read the ordinance by title only. Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1266,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. OLD BUSINESS SCHOOL ZONE ANALYSIS,ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS, AND TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICE OPTIONS )Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley briefed the council on the item.The original project was prompted by a resident's recommendation to use Community Development Block Grant monies to purchase some flashing yellow lights for some of the school zones in the area to.increase awareness.Staff researched the issue and came back with different traffic calming devices available with council expressing interest on some of the flashing lights.The units cost $3,000 to $5,000 apiece and data gathering was done to determine the greatest need and where to best allocate the resources.Speed strips were set out and traffic analyses were done at school zones.Staff is aware it cannot stop speeding in school zones:i t is a nationwide problem.The purpose is to make drivers more aware that they are approaching a school zone and to reduce their speed.There are 14 schools in the city and data was collected from 6 based various reasons. They collected data over a 3 day period on a Tuesday.Wednesday and Thursday, setting up speed strips on Monday and removing them on Friday.They used 25 miles per hour as the legal maximum,although some school zones have temporary signage of 15 miles per hour.They considered 30 miles per hour as compliant due to the calibration of some speedometers.She went over the traffic data sheets provided in the council packets,which provided information on traffic for Apache Junction High School,Avalon Elementary School,Desert Shadows Middle School,Desert Vista Elementary,Four Peaks Elementary,and Superstition Mountain Elementary.They measured in hourly time frames,the traffic traveling 0-25 miles per hour,26-30 miles per hour,31 plus mile per REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 10 OF 25 hour,and then percentages were given for those totals.Excessive speeding was also noted. Councilmember Severs commented the data definitely warrants the lights they are considering. Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley stated it does. Vice Mayor Eck commented i t appears the speeds are up on Ironwood when everyone is going to work. Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley stated that is a good point.Most of the higher numbers are from 7 a.m.to 9 a.m. Councilmember Severs asked if there was a way to monitor the 15 miles per hour speed limit. Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley stated unless they were there to see when the school district staff rolled them out,they did not know the times it was in effect.Staff did not stay there to monitor the zone;they just put the speed strips out to collect the data through the machine. Councilmember Sippel commented Avalon typically puts it out about 8 a.m.and brings i t in about 3 p.m.Dr. Wyman should be able to answer for the public schools. Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley stated Officer Bill Virtue stated the traffic may be slower going westbound on Broadway from Ironwood because the school zone is so close to the traffic signal and traffic is just starting to accelerate when they get to the school zone. Councilmember Dietz commented there were five vehicles going over 76 miles per hour. Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley stated there were only 3 schools whose compliance rate exceeded the REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 11 OF 25 noncompliance rate.They also considered the number of vehicles moving through the intersections.Staff did a ride along to see if the school zone warning signs were actually put out and if they were adequate.They made a proactive effort to add some of the charter and private schools.including Apache Trail High School,APEX and Head Start.They added school warning signs there.The police department is making an effort to try to combat speeding in the school zone. Officer Bill Virtue stated in his professional opinion,the difference in eastbound and westbound traffic at Desert Vista Elementary may be because westbound traffic is generally work- related,and eastbound traffic is generally parents dropping kids off and they are turning into the parking lot.The police department provided them with information prior to this meeting on traffic enforcement that had been conducted.He pointed out that over a 6 -day period,and not continuously from 7 a.m.to 4 p.m.,he and another officer issued 35 citations and 6 warnings for traffic infractions.One of the infractions was for a subject passing a school bus with the school bus stop sign out and children boarding that bus. Another was for failure to yield for a pedestrian in the crosswalk in a 15 miles per hour zone.The crossing guard was out with the stop sign and the vehicle proceeded past the kids.I t is a problem there and the police department would like to see the yellow flashing lights. Councilmember Severs stated he commended Officer Virtue for what he has done at the schools.His daughter, and all the other students,love him.He can still see the difference today at Desert Vista School from when he was there.People are driving slower there because they know he was there. Vice Mayor Eck asked how much time is spent by officers doing school crossing enforcement.He asked if there was a program going. Interim Commander Jay Swart stated they recognize the importance of the school zones,school safety and anything to do with children.In the future they will have some saturated efforts in the school zones to impact the problem.They have 2 new motorcycle slots coming on board and they will concentrate on the traffic issues specifically. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 12 OF 25 Vice Mayor Eck commented in the past they have not had as much presence as needed.It would be hard to cover 14 schools with the size of the department. Councilmember Dietz commented the schools have a radar trailer out now and then to show what the speed is as one approaches the zone.He asked how many of those trailers the city has. There was general discussion on how many trailers there are and who owns them. Councilmember Dietz commented there is only one trailer,but they have smaller ones. Officer Bill Virtue stated he believed those were purchased by a nonprofit organization by kids who raised funds for D.A.R.E.for the express purpose of purchasing those for the school zones. Councilmember Dietz asked if he thought those were helping. Officer Bill Virtue stated they were out the day they did the enforcement,and he was sitting right behind it. Councilmember Waldron asked if they could do a study after all this has been installed to see what the effect is based on the enforcement action and the signage. Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley stated she would be happy to do it. Councilmember Severs stated he would like to see them take a car down there and park it.They used to do i t by the high schools in Michigan and it works.When people see a patrol car,they slow down.They may not have the manpower to man all the vehicles,but they can park a car by a school zone.At this point in time they need to do anything they can to help the situation. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 13 OF 25 Vice Mayor Eck asked if there had been discussions with the school district on partnerships. Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley stated there have been.Previously council had requested they get the information on the solar -powered flashing lights school zone signs.Those units cost $3,200 to $5,400 apiece.Staff has been working with the school district on this since the initial discussions.She requested Dr.Wyman speak to the council to give the school district's perspective and talk about possible partnership opportunities. Dr.Wyman thanked George Hoffman, Janine Solley,and the police department;he believes this is an opportunity to work together to solve a problem.I t is nice to have the data as sometimes they think they have a problem but they do not know for certain that they have a problem as there is no data to support it,making them go on assumptions. Obviously,from the data collected,there is a serious problem.With the number of schools in the district,to have someone there all the time during the time the kids are in the zone would be difficult.If there is an emergency taking place that obviously has precedence over school zones.They know they have to solve the problem.There are two solutions presented by Janine;the $3,200 sign that flashes and gives a speed zone and the $5,400 sign that flashes and gives the speed.He believes they need the one that gives the speed in order to solve the problem better.They may have had the speed trailers out at certain points but they only catch them in one direction as there is only one at a school.There may be less speeding in the direction that they have been placed.He would like to go with the more expensive one. He cannot speak for the charter schools or other schools in the community,but he feels they need to be purchased for all the schools.He would not like to gamble because Desert Vista was a little less and not put a sign there and hope that no one gets hurt.The high school is a unique situation, particularly Southern east of Desert Shadows if and when the land goes up for sale and the road gets widened.The possibility of that becoming a major thoroughfare would increase.There may have to be 2 sets of signs for the high school;one set for Ironwood and one set on Southern between the high school,the park and the middle school.He believes a set should be by the north parking lot of the high school as well as one out by Desert Shadows.He would like to go into partnership with the city and split the cost.It comes out to about 12 signs,running about $70,000,which would be $35,000 each. Now is the time to look at this as i t is time for the budget.By the time REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 14 OF 25 these things get purchased and the new budget goes through,his goal is to have these up in time for the new school year in August 2006.There are other schools in the community they will have to worry about,so there may have to be discussion on if a 50/50 split will work.The bottom line is he does not think there is a choice in the matter and the school district is committed to putting something up.He would like to continue the partnership,but one way or the other the school district will solve the problem as they cannot afford not to.The high school scares him the most with the new drivers.Any kind of heightened warning system in conjunction with the police department can only help reduce the problem.He does not think it will solve it 100%. Councilmember Severs asked how many students attend Desert Vista. Dr.Wyman stated Desert Vista has approximately 700 students. Councilmember Severs commented with the proper promotion and advertising,and through donations from the parents, we can pay for these signs ourselves as a community. Dr.Wyman stated they had talked about getting a sponsorship.He has made some initial conversations with a couple of companies to see if they would be willing to do it.They are,but a code does not allow additional signage on a sign that is involved with speed limits.People may still be willing to donate for the signs even though they could not get public relations promotion from the donation.They could give them some promotion in the newspaper.They are open to all options,whether it be a 50/50 split,community members coming forward or whatever.The school district is looking at the budgeting options for next year,especially when they see the excessive speed vehicles.They need to heighten the awareness. Vice Mayor Eck asked if the cost includes installation. Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley stated they are solar -powered,and she believes i t includes installation.There is no need to take electricity to the pole. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 15 OF 25 Vice Mayor Eck asked if they were also looking at a 50/50 split for the maintenance and operation or if it is just for the initial cost. Dr.Wyman stated he would like to dialogue and see exactly what they need to do.The discussions have not involved the maintenance or the operation.They need to get them up first. They will have some issues on where they will be put;half of them will be on school property,half will be on someone else's property.It may be a case where they will take care of the ones on school property and the city will take care of the others. Councilmember Sippel thanked the school district for coming forward and being willing to pay half the bill.I t is good enough for him to move forward on this. Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley stated staff would like the council to consider the level of police enforcement efforts in the future and the funding partnership opportunity with the school district.Staff will be back on May 2 for further direction. Councilmember Severs commented he would like to work on some kind of wording to promote this to the families that would be affected in this area.He believes the community and families could pay for this to protect the children. Assistant to the City Manager Janine Solley stated they cannot put any kind of promotional wording on the sign as i t is warning sign and federal regulations prohibit them from doing that.It could be done as an outreach effort.They also have the option to look at some federal highway safety grants that are reimbursable grants that will help contribute to things like this. Vice Mayor Eck agreed that the time to get them is now so that they are installed by the start of the school year. They cannot have this type of data and not act. Councilmember Waldron thanked Lori D'Amico for bringing this to the council's attention. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 16 OF 25 NEW BUSINESS RESOLUTION NO.06-08,AUTHORITY TO SUBMIT A FISCAL YEAR 2007 GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY GRANT APPLICATION )Department of Public Safety Director Glenn Walp briefed the council on the item.He stated the number one cause of accidents,fatalities and injuries,is driving while under the influence accompanied by speed.Last year in 2005 city police officers arrested about 110 individuals within the city for driving while under the influence either from alcohol and/or drugs.I t is only the tip of the iceberg.As one can see from the speeding violations occurring,there is a large amount of driving while under the influence violations also occurring in the city.When you deal with drug enforcement,automatically when you are dealing with those with illegal drugs,you are also dealing with burglars, thieves,etc.,as they are combined and connected.They are also connected with speeding.The Governor's Office of Highway Safety offers some funding in that area.The city has never applied for these funds before.He has used them before in a multiplicity of operations in Bullhead City and found them to be extremely effective.The amount of money received would allow the department to concentrate about one supervisor and three officers on approximately 2 full shifts on each of the major holidays starting in October of this year for a full year of time,when there is a lot of concentration on driving while under the influence violations.In addition,they would get 2 video cameras to be put in the vehicles to videotape the drunks which helps in the prosecution when they go to court,as well as an education process where they can distribute pamphlets,key chains and so forth to let the citizens know the department is serious about this.He is serious about traffic enforcement.Speaking on speeding as it deals with the schools,he has a plan on the table for the near future where he will dedicate at least one officer to do nothing but traffic enforcement,called TEST,Traffic Enforcement Saturation Team,which he has used for the Pennsylvania State Police,Bullhead City and he will implement i t here.When they get calls for specific areas, they will concentrate their efforts at that location with that officer doing nothing but traffic enforcement.They will not be warnings but enforcement. They will put the hammer down on the individuals that are willfully violating the law and putting everybody's lives in jeopardy.He requested their approval of the application;he believes they will be given the grant. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 17 OF 25 Councilmember Dietz asked if this grant is available every year. Department of Public Safety Director Glenn Walp stated i t is available every year.There are also other grants out there.As soon as they are located,they will be applying for them.It will be no cost to the city.They had never applied for them at Bullhead City;he went to the Department of Transportation and they stated if Bullhead City shows that i t is making an effort to use the money for what it was created for,they would support Bullhead City and continue to support Bullhead City. He plans to initiate i t here,get it going and show that the city is serious. They will not throw out money i f i t is not used for what i t is intended. Councilmember Sippel asked if the supervisor and officers would be additional manpower. Department of Public Safety Director Glenn Walp stated they would be on overtime dedicated to driving while under the influence enforcement,and many speeders are driving under the influence. Councilmember Severs asked how long it would take to get the grant. Department of Public Safety Director Glenn Walp stated it moves quickly,as i t starts in October.I t is actually already submitted;they allow you to submit one that you are going to submit on the anticipation that it will be approved.It will take effect by October if approved. Vice Mayor Eck commented he likes what he is saying about enforcement.When he goes to the neighborhood meetings or when he receives phone calls at home,one of the top three issues is always speeding and traffic.I t is very important and they are always responding to it. Department of Public Safety Director Glenn Walp stated the programs that they will be initiating in addition to this will be strictly proactive. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 18 OF 25 Mayor Coleman closed the discussion and called for a motion. Councilmember Sippel MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.06-08,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY PROJECTS TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY (FY 2007);AND APPOINTING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY/POLICE CHIEF TO CONDUCT ALL NEGOTIATIONS AND EXECUTE ALL RELATED DOCUMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUBMITTAL, BE APPROVED. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. RESOLUTION NO.06-12,DECLARING SUPPORT TO DEVELOP A REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND DESIGNATING AN INITIAL CONTACT PERSON TO ACT ON CITY'S BEHALF IN IDENTIFYING REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT ROUTES FOR PINAL COUNTY )City Clerk Kathleen Connelly briefed the council on the item.She stated the city had received a request from the Pinal County Board of Supervisors at the end of last month asking the city and other entities in Pinal County to provide a resolution of support for a regional transportation plan She prepared the resolution designating the public works director as the contact person in this instance. Mayor Coleman asked if Pinal County was starting to plan transportation corridors through Pinal County. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated she does not think i t says that,but we all should have a plan. Vice Mayor Eck commented it might help create something in our community and adjacent areas so that when the Arizona Department of Transportation comes in we can show that we have our REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 19 OF 25 plan.He felt left out at the Arizona Department of Transportation presentation that was here in this room. Mayor Coleman stated i t is different than having Maricopa County come in and tell them what should be done.He then closed the discussion and called for a motion. Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.06-12,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,DECLARING SUPPORT TO DEVELOP A REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND DESIGNATING AN INITIAL CONTACT PERSON TO ACT ON ITS BEHALF IN IDENTIFYING REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT ROUTES FOR PINAL COUNTY,BE APPROVED. Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN FOR THE DOWNTOWN,STATE LAND,IDAHO ROAD FROM US 60 TO SUPERSTITION,AND HIGHWAY 88 TO THE LAKES AREAS )Business Advocate Amy Malloy briefed the council on the item.She stated Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins,Jim Nelson from Salt River Project and herself have been meeting to look at creating an economic development plan due to all the growth and future growth.They need to unify the strategies to best determine the economic base for the community and be able to use the plan to guide critical development in the right areas.They are looking for two things for the plan to accomplish.One is to create an economic vision for the future of the city that will help make the existing residents and business owners receive the economic benefits that will be coming from future development opportunities. The second thing is to make sure the community stakeholders and residents are aware of the economic opportunities or threats.They will have a chance to be informed and be a part of the process of creating the strategic economic development plan.Staff wants to create a strategic economic development action team made up of community and regional attendees that have some sort of REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 20 OF 25 vital knowledge in economic development.They could become a think tank for the city,looking at the four critical areas of the city based on what is happening in the city.One is the downtown area,the state land and specifically Lost Dutchman Heights,the US 60 corridor and Highway 88 and Old West Highway.Staff is currently seeing development that wants to come into those areas.In the past the city has been reactive to people coming in, which makes her a little anxious as there is no plan for what sort of development the community and council want to see in those areas and what the market thinks would be best.The action team would first look at the market data and make an assessment,analyze and maintain the existing data in order to determine the best plan,needs,employment and commercial recruitment opportunities.Staff would like to get an economic development plan into the general plan.They have been working with George Parker to come up with a list of viable candidates for the action team and that has been submitted to the city manager.She plans on introducing the action team members to the council at a later date.She will give them an update:they plan on getting started on this in the summer and hope to have the first report later in the summer. Vice Mayor Eck asked how many people would be on the action team. Business Advocate Amy Malloy stated they are looking for a small group.I t is not a commission that is being appointed.The group will probably have a real dynamic conversation and present some exciting opportunities.They expect them to lay out opportunities and threats in different areas.They are looking at 8-10 or as many as 12 members. Vice Mayor Eck commented that 10 is a good number.They want it big enough to get plenty of input but no too large where they go off on tangents.He has always felt like the right opportunity might come and the city would not be prepared to give them the right information and we might lose it.He thinks being prepared is very important.because i t is coming. Councilmember Severs stated he would like to see a group of people who could sell the ideas of what we are doing and thinking about to the community.He had a citizen call him recently and ask what the city needed a Starbucks for.Another asked why the city needed REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 21 OF 25 all the development and houses;they did not feel we needed any high density housing.He feels they do,and i t is coming.They need people who will sell to the citizens why we need i t so they will embrace i t and grow with i t instead of possibly fighting it.They need people who will be able to explain why and how and make i t less painful for people who do not like change. Business Advocate Amy Malloy stated he brought up a good point and the best way to sell and market the opportunities is to have the information.We have been unable to collect the information and organize it.Hopefully having some information that explains what kind of development is best where will make sense to other development opportunities.That is the way they are heading.She added she wanted to thank Jim Nelson of Salt River Project.He has done this many other times in other communities and we are grateful for the time he gave the city in putting this together. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion with no further comments and moved on to the next item. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA ITEMS None. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON OTHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS None. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES Finance Director Keith Lewis commented i t is budget time and they are trying to get the council to meet with the departments.Tentative dates are May 22.23,24,25,26,30 and 31. There seems to be some conflict towards the end of the week.In the past they have only met for one night.I t is up to the council how often they want to do it. There was general discussion on the nights available and conflicts there might be.and where the meeting will be. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 22 OF 25 Mayor Coleman closed the discussion and called for a motion. Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT WE HAVE OUR FIRST BUDGET MEETING ON MAY 22ND,2006,AT 6:00 P.M.FOR THE FISCAL BUDGET YEAR 06-07 TO BE HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS. Councilmember Sippel asked if they could schedule another meeting at the end of this meeting if they determine they did not have enough time. City Manager George Hoffman stated it might be better to schedule it tonight and then not need it. There was general discussion on the need for a second night,what date it could be,and the start time for the first meeting. Councilmember Dietz amended his motion TO START AT 5:00 P.M.ON MAY 22ND.2006,AND 7:00 P.M.ON MAY 24TH, 2006,IF NEEDED. Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. 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,MAY 1,2006,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,MAY 2,2006,IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM. Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE MOTION. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 23 OF 25 VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. INFORMATION AND REPORTS Mayor Coleman reminded everyone that the Urban Land Institute is coming tomorrow in the council chambers at 8:30 a.m. Mayor Coleman announced that he and Councilmember Waldron went to the Mesa Senior Center to receive the Big Heart Award.It was a pretty nice affair recognizing the city for its efforts. Councilmember Severs commented he attended the Day of Action,the march for the Spanish people that live in our community last week.It was very interesting.They want to same opportunity as Americans to live a dream.He wished the community would be open-minded.Laws need to be made to govern and regulate how this happens. ADJOURNMENT )Mayor Coleman adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1.Acceptance of Agenda. 2. 'Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 4.2006. ACCEPTED THIS 2ND DAY OF MAY ,2006.BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 2ND DAY OF MAY DOUGLAS COLFMAN Mayor REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 24 OF 25 ,2006. ATTEST: KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,Arizona,held on the 18th day of April,2006.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 25th day of April,2006. 67,4KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL APRIL 18,2006 PAGE 25 OF 25