HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-04-05 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 5,2005
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Apache Junction,Arizona,was held on April 5,2005,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
Vice Mayor Eck led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Eck
Councilmember Dietz
Councilmember Insalaco
Councilmember Milkey
Councilmember Sippel
Councilmember Waldron
Staff Present:City Manager George Hoffman
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Interim Public Safety Director
Terry McDonald
City Engineer Ron Grittman
Parks &Recreation Director Jeff
Bell
Library Director Pam Loui
Public Works Director Doug Dobson
Interim Development Svcs.Director
Dennis Dixon
Community Relations Manager Patrick
Brenner
Assistant to the City Manager Amy
Malloy
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 1 OF 18
Others Present:Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
CDBG Administrative Asst.Melinda
Larson
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow
Police Dispatcher Candi Nilles
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO.05-14,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING EITHER
ALTERNATES 3 OR 5 FOR THE LOCATION OF THE WILLIAMS GATEWAY
FREEWAY CORRIDOR BE APPROVED;AND
THAT A U.S.DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE
ASSISTANCE GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,074 TO BE USED FOR THE
PURCHASE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF LESS THAN LETHAL ADVANCED AIR
TASERS BE ACCEPTED;AND
THAT ARIZONA CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMISSION GRANT AGREEMENT LLBG-05-
167 IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,207.00 TO BE USED FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
SUPPORT,WITH $912.00 IN CASH OR IN -KIND MATCHING FUNDS,BE
ACCEPTED;AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE DOCUMENT PENDING APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY
ATTORNEY;AND
THAT THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MESA AND
THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION TO TRAIN APACHE JUNCTION POLICE
OFFICER RECRUITS AT THE MESA POLICE DEPARTMENT ACADEMY COMMENCING
APRIL 2005 BE APPROVED;AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE
MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT PENDING APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE
CITY ATTORNEY.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS.PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Community Relations Manager Patrick Brenner stated the most
recent Citizens Leadership Institute has been the most
successful,with 24 out of 25 participants completing the
Institute.There have been 7 Institutes with 133 participants,
35 of which have served or are serving on boards and commissions
for the city.Other cities,such as Peoria and Winslow,have
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 2 OF 18
requested information on the Institute.He thanked everyone for
their assistance.Mayor Coleman then presented each participant
with a Certificate of Achievement.
CDBG Administrative Assistant Melinda Larson announced that the
city has received grant funds to help local citizens address
their transportation needs.In August 2004 the city was notified
i t had received a $265,000 Community Development Block Grant from
the Arizona Department of Housing.The grant funded the purchase
of 9 vehicles for 5 community nonprofit agencies and the police
department victims services program.The agencies receiving
vehicles are the Apache Bravo Young Marines,Central Arizona
Council on Developmental Disabilities,Superstition Mountain
Mental Health Center,Community Alliance Against Family Abuse,
Salvation Army of Apache Junction,and the Apache Junction Police
Department Victims Services Program.The ten vehicles are
outside for everyone to look at during a break.She then
introduced Joy Johnson,Community Revitalization Manager of the
Department of Housing,and Lisa Batcha,Community Revitalization
Specialist.Ms.Joy Johnson thanked the staff for inviting them
and complimented the new building.Ms.Lisa Batcha stated
working with Roger Hacker and Melinda Larson i s a pleasure.They
do a wonderful job administering the grant program and always put
the money to good use.•The vehicle purchase i s a great benefit
to the community.She then gave the ceremonial key to the mayor.
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker stated they form partnerships to
address community needs.The city was awarded a grant from the
Department of Transportation in the amount of $83,000 to address
transportation needs in the community.I t is given to the
community to address needs as the community sees fit.In the
past few years,they have given part of the money to the Apache
Junction Senior Center to support their transportation program.
This year the funds will go to support the Enabling
Transportation Program.Mayor Coleman presented the check to
Terry Crawford and Abel Sherman of the Senior Center.
Mayor Coleman read a proclamation designating April 17 through
April 23 as National Volunteer Week and presented i t to
Bernadette Miller,coordinator for the volunteer center.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Joseph Papineau,6614 E.Ensenada Street,Mesa,addressed the
council regarding a contingency plan to address brush fire
hazards in an effort to preserve facilities such as this and the
infrastructure of the community.He would like to be able to
maintain these resources.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 3 OF 18
Ms.Tess Nesser,1511 S.Cactus,Apache Junction,addressed the
council.She congratulated the city staff and voters who had the
foresight to build this facility.I t i s time for the city to
come into the 20th century •and have a place to deal with other
cities and towns.She also spoke about the Apache Junction/Gold
Canyon American Cancer Society Relay for Life Walkathon.The
purpose i s to raise money to find a cure for cancer.They must
all fight together to fight the disease.She has been involved
with the relay since 2000,being a member of the victims services
volunteers team for the last two years.She requested everyone
donate a dollar to reach her goal of $1,000,000.
Mr.Jim Westberg,7791 E.Osborn Road,Scottsdale,from the
Arizona Department of Commerce,addressed the council regarding
the new building.He stated he works in the Energy Office.He
recognized the mayor and council for building this wonderful
building,which was built to meet the U.S.Green Building
Council's guidelines for a green building.A green building is
one that is very energy and water efficient.I t uses recycled
materials in its construction.I t also strives to have good
indoor air quality,hopefully bringing less absenteeism and more
productivity.They will have many years of energy dollar savings
because of building an energy efficient building.He toured the
building earlier today and commented on a lot of natural lighting
being used for the building,allowing them to use less electric
lighting.He thanked Bryant Powell and Roger Hacker for their
assistance with this project.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,Apache Junction,Greater Apache
Junction Association for Effective Government,addressed the
council regarding the use of a bus system,public information
requests,the purchase of tasers,the Williams Gateway Freeway
Corridor resolution,and his perceived cost overrun of the city
building.
Mr.Willard Bourquin,1492 S.Ocotillo,Apache Junction,
addressed the council regarding his neighborhood barking dog
problem.He spoke a month ago and they still have the same
problem.He also thanked the people who serve on the council,as
most people do not appreciate what goes into being on the
council:they only show up to complain.He commented they had a
barking,howling dog the entire day on Easter.I t started at
7:30 a.m.and continued until after dark.When he last spoke he
was supposed to get some help from the safety director.He got
one call and that was the end of i t until he called back twice.
The animal control department seems to be in chaos.There is no
follow through and poor recordkeeping.He believes they should
be concerned.His two neighbors cannot get around as one is 87
years old and cannot get out of bed and the other i s 79 and has
to walk with a walker.One is on oxygen,and he is surprised
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 4 OF 18
they have not filed a class action lawsuit because of the way the
council and departments are contributing to the detriment and
failure of their health.He believes they need an ordinance that
has some teeth in it.Animal control staff say they need a
certain number of affidavits signed and must catch the dog
barking whenever they are there.Many things need to be done
before they can follow through.This community has a lot of old
farmers that will take things into their own hands,such as
poisoning a prairie dog or coyote that causes a problem.A time
could come where one of them tries to poison a dog and a child
will end up getting the poison.That could be prevented with a
stronger ordinance.
Mr.Dan Wald,560 N.Rennick Drive,Apache Junction,addressed
the council to commend the council and staff for getting the
vehicles for the agencies that needed them.He could not think
of a better thing for any transportation group to use than to
pick up students after school and take them to the Boys and Girls
Club or to have the Salvation Army take people around that are
unable to make i t on their own,or for Community Alliance Against
Family Abuse to take care of the people that they have the
responsibility to help.
Councilmember Waldron directed staff to contact Mr.Bourquin on
the dog issue and to take a look at the ordinance to see what can
be done with that.
Vice Mayor Eck agreed,and stated he was once told our dog
ordinance was a very strict ordinance and did not allow for a
barking dog..He was told that a dog had no right at any time
during the day to be continuously barking.They need to take a
look at this situation and change the ordinance i f needed.He
added the council and staff are fully aware of the weed problem
the city will have this year due to the tremendous rain.The
weeds are going to be addressed and the city i s open to
suggestions.He commented Mr.Fisher was inaccurate in making
the comment that the city was over budget by $2,000.000 because
they added a few little things.He had told him they had added a
few extra things,but they are in no way $2,000,000 over budget
on this building.
Councilmember Insalaco commented he,and he believes staff,are
getting tired of and upset with Mr.Fisher.The residents should
know he has cost the city more than $70,000 in litigation costs
and attorney time on these frivolous lawsuits,and he knows they
are frivolous.He even states they are frivolous but he wants to
be a pain in our neck.He wants to do nothing but upset city
government;he does not want to do anything right.He has cost
the city too much.He wished there was a way to get rid of Mr.
Fisher.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 5 OF 18
Vice Mayor Eck commented he would not suggest that anyone poison
an animal.I t is a serious offense,and he thought the
suggestion that someone would do so was an inappropriate comment.
No one should ever take the matter into their own hands to poison
an animal or barking dog.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager George Hoffman requested Assistant City Manager
Bryant Powell give an update on the new city building.
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell gave a presentation on where
the city had been on the buildings to where i t is now,starting
from the 1998 Town Hall.The original budget in 1999 was at
$5,000,000,with additional planned project enhancements bringing
the total to approximately $7,000,000 over the 6 -year period.
The enhancements included the increase in construction costs,
additional alternates directed by council in a public forum in
2003,and the upfront costs for Leadership in Environmental
Energy and Design costs.The original square footage was 45,000;
i t grew an almost 5,000 additional square feet,adding an
additional $612,000 to the cost.The construction inflation rate
has increased since 2004 to 15.82%.This has added $791,000 to
the cost of the building from what i t would have cost i f i t had
been built in 1999.There were 12 alternates included by the
council,some of which are:development services roof alternate
to allow daylight in;Leadership in Environmental Energy and
Design certification;enhancement in landscaping;concrete
elliptical path;and simulated stone on the facility.They have
a more efficient air conditioning system,lobby controls,and
extreme limitations on volatile emissions.Staff anticipates
these costs will bring savings over the next 10 years,making up
the difference for the Leadership in Environmental Energy and
Design costs,and over the next 30 to 40 years will help reduce
the cost of the building.They are still working on signage and
furniture issues.The city is one of the first municipalities to
have a registered building and the first to be certified.They
are projecting at setting a standard of high development for the
community.The multi -generational recreation center has an
estimated opening of August 2005.
Councilmember Insalaco commented he would like Mr.Fisher to get
a copy of this so that he can see where the city is $2,000,000
over budget.I f he had stayed,he would have understood.
Vice Mayor Eck commented the additional monies have been coming
out of the annual development fees or such for parks and
recreation i f i t is the multi -generational center.There have
been no additional monies spent from the original capital
facilities plan bond.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 6 OF 18
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell stated that is correct.
These are one-time dollars the city has had from development fees
that could cover these additional expenses.The development fees
are set aside for purposes such as this.
Councilmember Dietz asked i f they had over $6,000,000 in
development fees that had been banked for projects before they
even started any of these projects so that they only had to go
out and bond the difference for the total package.
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell stated that is correct.
Those dollars were set there well before his time.
Vice Mayor Eck thanked him for the presentation.
Councilmember Insalaco commented Bryant Powell has done an
excellent job on this,taking the bull by the horns and following
through on it.He deserves a warm thank you.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,
NEW LICENSE,CORPORATION,SERIES 10
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR TL OIK GAS &
FOOD MART
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.She stated they are
located at the intersection of Old West Highway,Broadway and
Royal Palm.They have reports in their packets with no
objections from staff or the fire district.The applicant has
been asked to be here this evening in the event of questions from
the council.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.The applicant was not present.
He then opened the public hearing on the item.There being no
one wishing to speak,he closed the public hearing and opened the
item to council discussion.There being no discussion,he called
for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
THE APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,NEW LICENSE,CORPORATION,
SERIES 10 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR TL OIK GAS &FOOD MART BE
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR
LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED
THE MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 7 OF 18
VOTE:5-2 (Councilmembers Insalaco and Sippel voted in
opposition.)
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR A TEMPORARY
EXTENSION OF PREMISES ON THE LIQUOR
LICENSE OF CAPTAIN'S FOR APRIL 17,
2005 FOR CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR
LIFE GOLF TOURNEY
)City Clerk Kathleen
Connelly briefed the council on the item.She stated this is a
one day event scheduled for April 17.There have been no
objections from staff and the applicant has been notified of this
public hearing in the event of questions from the council.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mrs.Mary LeDoux,1040 E.
Estevan,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She is co-owner
of Captain's.She stated she made a mistake on the date as the
tourney i s on April 16.She asked i f i t could be changed.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated the council can change i t in the motion but Mrs.LeDoux
will have to notify the state.
Mayor Coleman opened the
public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,
he closed the public hearing and opened the item to council
discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR A TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF PREMISES ON THE LIQUOR
LICENSE OF CAPTAIN'S FOR AN APRIL 16,2005,CANCER SOCIETY RELAY
FOR LIFE GOLF TOURNEY BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA
DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO.05-02,
EXTINGUISHMENT CASE EX -2004-02,
EXTINGUISHMENT OF FEDERALLY
PATENTED EASEMENTS ON DESCANSO
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 8 OF 18
ROAD BETWEEN SUPERSTITION BLVD.AND
CODY STREET,AND OHIO STREET
BETWEEN TOMAHAWK ROAD AND VISTA
ROAD
)City Engineer Ron Grittman
briefed the council on the item.He stated this came to the
council approximately a month ago and the council was then asked
not to approve this.Since then,Councilmember Waldron worked
with ()west and Arizona Water in getting them to alter their
requirements in order to support the extinguishment.They look
at 3 items to determine i f they can support an extinguishment.
One,i f they have the potential to landlock a current or future
parcel of land.Two,would i t be used as a future roadway
corridor.And three,i f the roadway is currently being used or
i f there is the potential for future use by franchise utilities.
Owest and Arizona Water had concerns on how to protect their
public utility access in the future.Some verbiage has been
added to the resolution for the utilities,primarily for Salt
River Project,Owest and Arizona Water,that the access must be
maintained for the federally patented easement.They have
included i t in the resolution,but since the city i s
extinguishing its right,they have notified them that any
apportionment will be up to the utilities and they have accepted
that.Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
applicant address the council.
Mayor Coleman requested the
The applicant thanked Mr.
Waldron for working on the project.They are asking for the
abandonment for the security and betterment of the neighborhood.
There have been transients and excess traffic going nowhere.The
utilities and telephone come to his house,so he has no
intentions of cutting those lines.Mr.Loggins,the Arizona
Water Company engineer,is sending him an agreement to sign for
their easement.They have agreed to the abandonment as long as
they have access.The property owners do not have any problem
with furnishing an access.
Mayor Coleman opened the
public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,
he closed the public hearing and opened the item to council
discussion.
Vice Mayor Eck commended
Councilmember Waldron for getting this done.
Mayor Coleman closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 9 OF 18
Councilmember Waldron MOVED
THAT RESOLUTION NO.05-02,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,DECLARING THAT
PORTIONS OF PUBLIC ROADWAY EASEMENTS LOCATED ON DESCANSO ROAD
BETWEEN SUPERSTITION BOULEVARD AND CODY STREET AND OHIO STREET
BETWEEN TOMAHAWK ROAD AND VISTA ROAD DESCRIBED IN EXTINGUISHMENT
CASE EX -2004-02 ARE NO LONGER NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC USE AS PUBLIC
ROADWAY EASEMENTS AND ARE HEREBY EXTINGUISHED AS A PRESENT AND
FUTURE PUBLIC RIGHTS -OF -WAY,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Insalaco
SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a ten
minute break.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
CITY PURCHASE OF STREET LIGHTS
)City Engineer Ron Grittman
briefed the council on the item.He stated he does not have a
new presentation from the one presented at the work session a few
weeks ago.This is for the purchase of the street light system
from Salt River Project.I t is a 3 -year purchase in the amount
of $326,237.05.The payment schedule,including interest,is
outlined in their packets.I t will take just under 7 years for
i t to be paid back.
Mayor Coleman opened the item
to council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for
a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
THE CONTRACT BETWEEN SALT RIVER PROJECT AND THE CITY OF APACHE
JUNCTION TO PURCHASE THE STREET LIGHT SYSTEM OVER A 3 -YEAR PERIOD
AT A PRICE NOT TO EXCEED $326,237.05,INCLUDING PRINCIPAL,TAXES
AND INTEREST,BE APPROVED;AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR
THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE CONTRACT PENDING APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE
CITY ATTORNEY.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 10 OF 18
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
WEED CONTROL PROGRAM FOR CITY -OWNED
PROPERTIES AND RIGHTS -OF -WAY
)City Manager George Hoffman
briefed the council on the item.He stated many of us,including
those of us in Apache Junction,have a weed problem.The
community needs to take aggressive action to prevent the
potential for fires later in the season.The city has to
demonstrate that i t is dealing with the weeds in addition to
calling upon the community to do so.They would like to talk
about a variety of strategies that they are anticipating
employing to address the problem.Staff will be asking for some
additional resources to allow them to do that.Hopefully,by
talking about this to the media,they will also signal to the
community the significant and real issue before them and the need
to act in a timely manner.
Public Works Director Doug
Dobson stated he is aware of the weed situation.They have
approximately 342 miles of shoulders in the city plus 10 miles of
alleyways.There are weeds on approximately 50%of them.In
addition to the weeds,they have pavement failures from the
water.Crews have been repairing failures daily;they have
repaired over 30 failures.Another paving project starts on
April 11 on Hondo.Whenever he has anyone available he sends
them out with a weedeater,a blade or a gannon.He has a
standing offer to any public works employee to come in and cut
weeds on Saturday and they will receive compensatory time
equivalent to time -and -a -half.I t has been suggested to use
inmates;Pinal County inmates are only available to the city one
day per month due to all the requests.Bob Mayes i s checking
into using those on adult probation for him.He has contacted a
contractor for pricing on cleaning and spraying for certain
medians;the price was $38,725.65.He has looked at renting
mowers,even golf -course type mowers,and those are $900 per
week.He has a lead on a used sickle mower for $2,800.Parks
and recreation has agreed to allow public works to use their
tractor for this.He is getting back with the owner to try to
purchase the sickle mower.I t would be faster,but i t does not
get the small area behind the sidewalk or along the edge of the
road.Nothing is a quick fix and i t all costs money.The
solution is not one of these,but using as many as he can due to
the amount of weeds.He asked i f staff had any suggestions to
make i t easier,and some suggested that due to the size of some
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 11 OF 18
of the weeds,i t would be better off to have metal blades put on
the weedeaters instead of the string.They have been replacing a
spool about every 20 minutes.He has told them to order the
metal blades.They will start with that tomorrow.He has been
working with a bare bones budget this year.Their funding
efforts have all been directed at filling streets.He has little
funds available for the weed problem.He is looking to the city
manager to assist with additional funds.
Councilmember Sippel asked i f
$25,000 would be enough.He asked how they came up with that
figure.
City Manager George Hoffman
stated they estimated what would be needed.They had picked a
number to get this on the agenda before they went out and talked
to contractors.He does not want to go with contractors,as i t
seems to be highway robbery.
Public Works Director Doug
Dobson agreed.He stated he could take the $25,000 and bring in
some temporary workers as long as he puts one of his staff with
them as a crew leader.He could also purchase additional
weedeaters,additional blades,the sickle mower and pay for
wages..
Councilmember Sippel stated he
felt bad for the crews he saw working today as there is so much
of i t and they are up to their hips in weeds.
Public Works Director Doug
Dobson stated he puts all the spare employees he has out doing
weeds.But he still has to take care of potholes first before he
can do weeds.
City Manager George Hoffman
stated Jeff Bell will also be talking to his department to make
the same offer of working on Saturdays to cut down the weeds.
Vice Mayor Eck stated he was
wondering i f parks and recreation could do that.He asked how
many of the public works employees are out there working on the
streets.
Public Works Director Doug
Dobson stated he has 2 crews of 11 when all the positions are
filled.Right now about 21 people are out there working.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
thinks they could try i t for a couple of weeks.I f not enough
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 12 OF 18
people volunteer,then they can look at other alternatives.He
thinks they will go for i t as i t is at time -and -a -half.
Public Works Director Doug
Dobson stated he made a special appeal to them today that they
are really needed.
Vice Mayor Eck commented this
is also one of the reasons why they extended the compensatory
time for emergency situations.This i s one of those situations.
He asked i f a person from the community could run a weedeater as
a volunteer.
Mayor Coleman stated they
would be working in the right-of-way.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated there could be liability issues there i f they are not
trained to use the equipment provided.I f there is a city
supervisor watching them,that would help in any safety issue.
There would be coverage i f anything did happen.
Vice Mayor Eck stated he could
see temporary workers,but he is not sure about volunteers.
City Manager George Hoffman
stated there is a tremendous opportunity for volunteerism here.
I t does not need to be directed just at the city;neighbors
should be helping neighbors.That is the area where they would
like to channel volunteerism.I f neighbors see a neighbor that
is a senior or disabled and can use the help,he encouraged them
to help each other and work with each other.
Mayor Coleman commented that
could be church groups and scout troops.They are always looking
for service projects.This year i t should be easy.
Vice Mayor Eck asked i f they
could work on that through Pat Brenner.
Councilmember Dietz asked i f
Bob Mayes i s looking into people doing i t for community service.
Public Works Director Doug
Dobson stated that is through adult probation,where they have
done the fencing project and things like that.
City Manager George Hoffman
stated he did not think they answered Councilmember Sippel's
question very well.The direct answer is they do not know the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 13 OF 18
costs yet.He does not know i f the amount could be modified now,
or i f they wish to make i t a larger amount.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated the $25,000 amount was selected because that is our limit,
under the purchasing procedures,before the city has to go to
bid.
City Manager George Hoffman
stated they may be utilizing the contingency money in public
works and parks and recreation.They may exceed their
departmental budgetary totals in order to achieve this objective.
City Attorney Joel Stern
stated the council can change the amount.I t would be an
amendment to the motion.
Vice Mayor Eck asked i f
Councilmember Sippel would like a safety net for the amount.
Councilmember Sippel stated
that is correct,in case they continue to work and find out after.
3 weeks that they have spent all the money.They would then have
to wait,and stop their momentum,to come back and ask for more
when there are still lots of weeds out there.He wants to make
sure they have enough to get the job done so that when the weeds
die and i t starts to heat up,they do not have fires sparking up
in alleyways.He would like i t all done.He commented i t would
be great i f $25,000 will cover it,but i t could be $40,000.
City Manager George Hoffman
stated he appreciates the willingness and the latter number
sounds better.He added i f one knows anything about Mr.Dobson,
i t is that he is frugal,and the same with Jeff Bell.
Vice Mayor Eck asked i f
compensatory time goes towards dollars..
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
stated i t does.
Vice Mayor Eck asked i f i t
would go towards dollars i f someone works a day and takes i t as
compensatory time rather than cash.
City Manager George Hoffman
stated i f i t goes as compensatory time i t will accrue as a
liability,i t will not be an out-of-pocket cost to us.I t would
not be a budgetary cost.He believes the employees also have a
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 14 OF 18
choice of taking i t as vacation,however,that is an area of
personnel that he has not looked at for awhile.
Vice Mayor Eck commented i f
they elect to take compensatory time instead of the cash,i t
would not affect the $25,000.
City Manager George Hoffman
stated that is correct.They still may want to pursue some
private sector alternatives.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he
has full faith in Doug Dobson to say $40,000 is a better amount.
Public Works Director Doug
Dobson stated he is not looking at the $25,000 or $40,000 for
payroll for public works or parks and recreation,but for the
rental of gannons or tractors,or buying the sickle mower.Or i t
could be for wages for temporary workers from Labor Express.
Councilmember Sippel stated he
does not want to have all of these people ready to work yet not
have the money to go out and rent the machines.
Mayor Coleman closed the
discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE
WEED CONTROL PROGRAM FOR CITY -OWNED PROPERTIES AND RIGHTS -OF -WAY
BE APPROVED:AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXPEND CONTINGENCY FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED $40,000.
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA
ITEMS
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON OTHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR
ACTIONS
None.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 15 OF 18
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES.TIMES.LOCATIONS.AND PURPOSES
There was general discussion
on the selection of the meeting date,time and location for the
City Council and staff goals and priorities session.
Mayor Coleman closed the
discussion and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
THE CITY COUNCIL/STAFF GOALS AND PRIORITIES SESSION BE HELD ON
MAY 21,2005,AT THE FOLLOWING TIME,8 A.M.UNTIL FINISHED,AT
THE OLD CITY ATTORNEY CONFERENCE CENTER.
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a
motion on the other meeting.
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,APRIL 18,2005,IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE
ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS,RESPECTIVELY;AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,APRIL
19,2005,IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Councilmember Waldron reminded everyone that there is an Arizona
Department of Transportation public meeting here tomorrow night
on the Apache Junction/Coolidge Corridor from 5:30 p.m.to 7 p.m.
Mayor Coleman commented Councilmember Sippel and he attended the
National League of Cities and Towns Conference in Washington,
D.C.He attended as the vice president for the Arizona League of
Cities and Towns so they footed the bill for him to go.I t was
very helpful;there were a lot of interesting workshops.They
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 16 OF 18
met with Senators Kyl and McCain and discussed issues facing
cities in our state.
Councilmember Sippel commented they were looking at cutting CDBG
funds in President Bush's budget.They were there to show
support and make them realize that small communities like Apache
Junction really do count on those funds.They let them know
about some of the projects they have been able to accomplish with
the funds.
Mayor Coleman commented Senator McCain told him that is one of
the things that would be cut but would be added back in later.
They handed out buttons that said "Save Our CDBG".
Vice Mayor Eck announced the family and friends of former judge
Corwin Brundrett will be having a softball tournament in his name
with the funds raised to be donated to the Boys and Girls Club.
I t will be on April 16 in Apache Junction.I t is a co-ed
softball tournament.They are open to any donations,with
different types like being a field sponsor.The mayor and
council are sponsoring a field.Contact Brenda Brundrett for
more information.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1. Acceptance of Agenda.
2. Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 15,2005.
3.Consideration of Resolution No.05-14,Recommendation on
location of Williams Gateway Freeway •Corridor.
4.Consideration and acceptance of U.S.Department of Justice
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount
of $11,074 to be used for purchase and implementation of less-
than lethal X26 Advanced Air Tasers.(No matching funds are
required for this grant.)
5.Consideration and acceptance of Arizona Criminal Justice
Commission Grant Agreement LLBG-05-167 in the amount of $8,207
to be used for law enforcement support.(This grant requires
$912 in cash or in -kind matching funds.)
6.Consideration and approval of Intergovernmental Agreement
between the City of Apache Junction and the City of Mesa for
facilitating the training of Apache Junction Police Officer
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 17 OF 18
Recruits at the Mesa Police Department Academy commencing
April 2005.
ACCEPTED THIS 19TH DAY OF APRIL ,2005,BY
THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,
ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS
2005.
ATTEST:
2 6 1166:671,,,dx—Iceal;_
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
19TH DAY OF APRIL
Ok4A/2/14
DOUGLAS OLEMAN
Mayor
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 5th
day of April,2005.I further certify that the meeting was duly
called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 12th day of April,2005.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 5,2005
PAGE 18 OF 18