HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-20 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 20,2005
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction.
Arizona,was held on September 20,2005,at the Apache Junction City Council
Chambers pursuant to the notice required by law.
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor Eck called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Insalaco gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Waldron led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Vice Mayor Eck
Councilmember Insalaco
Councilmember Severs
Councilmember Waldron
Staff Present:
(Mayor Coleman and Councilmember Sippel were
attending the League of Arizona Cities and
Towns Conference this evening,Councilmember
Dietz had an emergency at home and was absent.)
City Manager George Hoffman
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Interim Public Safety Director Terry McDonald
Interim Development Svcs.Director Dennis Dixon
Assistant to the City Manager Amy Malloy
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 1 OF 30
Others Present:Associate Planner Steve Abraham
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
CDBG Administrative Assistant Melinda Larson
Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND THAT RESOLUTION 05-29,A
RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,
ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN ITS FISCAL YEAR 2006 LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEMS FUND I I PROGRAM,BE APPROVED;AND
THAT THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND
MITCHELL FOX TO ALLOW FOR REBATE OF ROAD IMPACT FEES AS A QUALIFYING INFILL
INCENTIVE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,176.34,BE APPROVED:AND THAT THE MAYOR
BE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Vice Mayor Eck introduced members of Cub Scout Den #7,Pack #389 who were
there to earn their citizenship badge.
,Vice Mayor Eck read a proclamation designating October 2005 as "Crime
Prevention Month".
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Ray Blevins,730 W.Southern Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the
council regarding the flooding issue.He commented he was at the work session
last night to listen to the flooding issue on the agenda and added that city
staff did a great job on that.He asked the council to take the first step in
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 2 OF 30
getting the ball rolling on the flooding issue,even if it is enforcing the
city code,reviewing the city code or finding some funding to begin work.He
added that the wash in front of his house gets so deep when i t rains that the
road cannot be seen.I t is flooded.He suggested putting a low grade there
so that the water will run across the road and into the dirt area where it can
run along the dirt to the wash that runs out to the freeway area.It would
then be safer for drivers as they could see where the pavement begins and
ends.
Mr.Stephen Preuninger,2282 S.Buena Vista,Apache Junction,addressed the
council regarding the flooding issue.He asked that the council consider all
the water that drains down Buena Vista to the end of it.There is a crown in
the road.He asked if they could put some type of drainage ditch so that the
road goes in a "V"instead of a crown so that the water can be detoured in one
direction other than going to the end of Buena Vista and all over the 2-4
lots.
Mr.Erik Rogers,2290 S.Buena Vista,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the flooding issue.He stated he is a good foot or two higher than
the other two gentlemen in elevation and the water has gotten up to his front
door.Mr.Preuninger was right in that i t is a very high spot right in the
middle of what is essentially a cul-de-sac.All the houses around both sides
get drowned.He requested something be done to try to channel the water.
Mr.David Twigg,711 W.23rd Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the flooding issue.Buena Vista is crowned a whole bunch,and his
house takes the brunt of the water.Councilmembers have been out to his
house.He has never asked for money to concrete the easement;he and his wife
did that themselves so that the city would not have to come out and grade i t
all the time.Their house looks like a war zone as they have sandbags piled
up out front.The house is only 14 years old;i t is in an older development
but he does not feel that he should be punished for it.He requested help.
The road is crowned real hard.He requested they "V"it out and channel i t
into that area.It would help immensely if they could channel the water so
that i t flows through that area and takes the water away from he and his
neighbors.Fifteen years is a long time to wait for the property on the other
side of Southern to be sold.He cannot lift sandbags forever and he cannot
expect his wife to do it.
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Mr.Chip Wilson,128 S.Starr Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council to
thank everyone for their attendance at the ceremonial tie today.He commented
the city,the Friends of the Goldfields and Pinal County Supervisor Sandie
Smith have been working with Tonto National Forest to maintain the trails and
add more trails in the Goldfields.Tomorrow at the Tonto facilities in Mesa
they are having an open house on it.He would appreciate a representative
from the city to be in attendance.The National Forest had originally
commented that there were enough trails in the area;they thought more
motorized trails were needed.A lot of people like to hike,bike and ride
their horses in these areas.The National Forest is now saying they should be
able to walk,ride a bike or horse from the east side of Power Road to
Hackamore Trailhead,and from there through the BLM land to the Apache
Junction trail system,allowing them to hook up to the Lost Gold Mine Trail to
Peralta Trailhead,which leads them to the Arizona Trail.I t is very unique.
I t is important to show support for this.Also,they are doing a raffle for a
ton of hay or $200,whichever the person wants.There are 4 additional
drawings from Paula's Saddle Shop.B&B Feeds and Paula's Saddle Shop have
joined to raise money for the hurricane victims in Mississippi and Louisiana.
He would like one of the council members draw the winners on October 1 in the
morning.
Councilmember Insalaco commented Ron Grittman did a fine job last night on
describing the flooding problems.He asked if they could research the
possibility of reconstructing or milling the road to save some of the water
from going into the homes.
Councilmember Severs agreed.
Vice Mayor Eck agreed and commented they discussed the item and i t is spread
throughout the community.This seems to be centralized in one area.He would
like to more than just discuss this item.He would like to find some course
of action to take.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager George Hoffman commented the city has been successful in the COPS
grant.$480.000,for the 800 megaHertz system.They partnered with other
communities under the Phoenix grant award.They will need to come up with •the
other $120,000 match that provides for the infrastructure of the system.They
still need to fund the handheld and dash -mounted units.Those could be funded
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 4 OF 30
under the CDBG SSP 2006 funding cycle.He stated the chief commended Sergeant
Gary Elkins.Accreditation Specialist Candi Nilles and Communications
Supervisor Kathy Jeter for their hard work on this.He suspected Grants
Specialist Roger Hacker and CDBG Administrative Assistant Melinda Larson had
something to do with this as well.They will keep working towards fixing the
interoperability.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,PERSON
TRANSFER,CORPORATION,SERIES 6 LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR SUPERSTITION SKIES
RESTAURANT AND BAR
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.She stated these are new owners.The packet
contains reports from the zoning administrator,the fire district and the
police department.None of them have any problems with making a
recommendation for approval on the item.The applicant was advised to be
present at this meeting in the event of questions from the council.
Vice Mayor Eck requested the
applicant address the council.
Ms.Virlie Nugent.945 E.Scenic,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.
Councilmember Severs asked her i f
she had recently purchased the business.
Ms.Virile Nugent stated she had.
She purchased the land,the building,and everything.
applicant address the council.
Apache Junction,addressed the council.
she had recently purchased the business.
Councilmember Severs asked if she
was planning on doing any upgrades to the building.
Ms.Virile Nugent stated she would
do everything that the zoning department will let her do.She is trying to
fix it up and she is finding out what she can and cannot do.
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 5 OF 30
employees have all the required training.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if her
Ms.Virlie Nugent stated they do.
Vice Mayor Eck 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 REQUEST FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,PERSON TRANSFER,CORPORATION,SERIES 6
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SUPERSTITION SKIES RESTAURANT AND BAR SUBMITTED BY VIRLIE
NUGENT BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR
LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
FISCAL YEAR 2006 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)STATE SPECIAL PROJECTS
(SSP)PROPOSED PROJECTS
)CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson briefed the council on the item.She stated last May the city
manager directed them to expedite the public input process for the State
Special Projects grant program.This would enable the council to consider
projects that may include lengthy environmental review or community surveys.
Tonight is the first step in the process in identifying what project to
select.The Arizona Department of Housing is currently in the process of
revising the State Special Projects program.This a competitive grant.The
revision may include a scoring factor that would give certain types of
projects a higher priority over others.The types of priority projects will
not be officially available until after October 2005.Staff discussed this
with Central Arizona Association of Governments representatives and was told
the high priority projects would likely be health-and public safety -related.
Examples would include projects like wastewater or potable water issues,
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ambulances and public safety -related equipment.Health-and safety -related
could include anything that addresses a health and safety hazard.It was also
indicated that traditional infrastructure projects,such as streets,would
most likely be considered a low priority.Staff is requesting council select
a few priority projects to be researched by staff;this will be brought back
to council on October 16.She then provided background information on the
program with a powerpoint presentation,which included a timeline,historical
information,objectives,low/moderate income areas in the city,target groups,
urgent needs,and eligible projects.In 2003 this grant funded the mobile
command unit.In 2004 this grant funded 9 vehicles for 5 nonprofit agencies
in our community.In 2004,twenty-four applications were reviewed and only
nine were funded.Special conditions would be an environmental review,i f
needed,that must be completed and submitted with the application.Eligible
projects could be a citywide project,a low/mod neighborhood,and housing
rehab.She went over the timeline again.She briefed them on the technical
assistance process and grievance procedure.The city would get $300,000 in
funding if the project is approved.At the September 8 public meeting a
project requesting flashing yellow lights on school zone signs and an end
school zone sign to be placed on the opposite side was proposed.The
leadership team made suggestions and she listed them in priority status from
the group.They were the 800 megaHertz radio units,then the
flood/drain/water and sewer improvements,pedestrian connectivity between
north and south side of Apache Trail,and an upgrade to the Animal Control
facility.Other projects suggested were a downtown victims'services center
and wireless internet access in the downtown area.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if a street
improvement project would even be considered.There were only 9 projects
funded last year.He considers sidewalks a safety issue.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated the information that she got from Central Arizona
Association of Governments came from a conversation with the Arizona
Department of Housing.They have not gotten the official word on what types
will be priority projects.However,the information was pretty solid that
they would be looking at health and public safety.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they are
looking at this as possibly finishing the 800 megaHertz project.
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CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated according to the police department,to be fully
interoperable,they still need 25 handheld units and 45 dash -mounted units.
The dash -mounted units include motorcycles and patrol cars.I t is $93,500 for
the handheld units and $179,800 for the dash -mounted units.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they are in
the area to compensate that.
Councilmember Waldron asked if they
will be looking at these grants being less than $300,000 in the future as they
have heard the legislature is pushing hard to reduce the Community Development
Block Grant monies.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated i t is very possible.It appears they are safe for 2006,
but there is no guarantee what happens after that.
Councilmember Waldron commented they
need to call their congressmen and let them know they want the program.
Councilmember Insalaco asked if the
storm water problem they had heard about earlier in this meeting could be
taken care of by these grants.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated that is an eligible project.It would depend on the
scoring criteria on how the Department of Housing would view the project.
Councilmember Insalaco stated i t
would be health,public safety and welfare.Peoples'homes are at risk.
Councilmember Waldron asked if it
would an eligible project under the noncompetitive grant.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated she believed so.
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Councilmember Severs asked if they
could figure out what the qualifications are so they could have a better
chance at getting these grant monies for the flooding issues.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated they could.They would like to have direction from the
council tonight to research their priority projects.They will come back to
them with the information on October. 17.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he believes
they have their two priority projects right there;the completion of the
megaHertz system and the flooding issue.He feels the bi-annual one might be
more of a funding issue but he feels i t is something that should be
considered.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated she would be glad to come back up after the public
hearing.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if everyone had
the information as far as the numbers to call to see if the monies are there.
He called Kyl's office and he encouraged everyone to call because they are
looking at cutting back the funding.They need to let them know how important
i t is to our community.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated the
project must address the following objectives:meet the needs of low and
moderate income level citizens;prevent any slums and blight in the community;
and address certain threats to health,welfare and safety.He believes her
understanding is that it can be one or any combination of those.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated it could be a combination.
City Attorney Joel Stern asked if it
had to be all three.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated it does not.
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City Attorney Joel Stern asked if it
is a drainage issue,does it have to be in a low/mod income level area.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated that could bring into place a community survey showing
that the service area is absolutely over 51%low/mod.She would have to
research that.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
the issue could go to threats to the health and welfare in general.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated that is possible.
Councilmember Severs commented i t
could also hurt our chances competitively if someone else has low to moderate
income housing that is being flooded.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated that is also a possibility.She and Mr.Hacker would
make sure all of the questions have been answered during the research phase.
Councilmember Waldron asked when
they would start hearing about the regional account.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated they will be holding their first public meeting on
October 12.They are no longer partnering with Payson so the city will be
applying annually.It will be in the range of $170,000.
Vice Mayor Eck opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mrs.Lori D'Amico.1440 N.Idaho
Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She spoke about the flashing
yellow lights at school zone sites.The highlight is to enforce the speed
limits in school zones especially while school is in session.They need to
protect the children who are tomorrow's future.The speeding of today is
horrendous,even more so in the school zones.They need to do something to
make the citizens more aware of school zone speed limits.She lives across
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 10 OF 30
from Four Peaks Elementary and sees the abuse daily.She sees speed
registered at 37 miles per hour on the portable machine.She has seen and
heard trucks use engine brakes to slow down to the appropriate speed.She
claimed that parents who drive their children to school,teachers,and bus
drivers go much faster than the posted 25 miles per hour speed limit before
and after the school zone.It is required from 7:30 a.m.to 4:00 p.m.on
school days.Most know the sign is there but fail to acknowledge it.In 2004
there were 19 speeding violations by the high school and middle school alone.
There have been 4 speeding violations as of right now in 2005.Most of these
were in front of Four Peaks.There were also 5 citations issued for failure
to stop while a person was in the school crosswalk in 2005.People stop for
emergency vehicles and school buses with flashing lights.She asked why
people cannot slow down for a school zone.She suggested adding flashing
lights to the school zone signs and lowering the speed limit from 35 to 25 up
to Apache Trail.The area is considered downtown with the library,multi-gen
center,city hall,police department,motor vehicle department and courthouse
all in the vicinity.I t is up to all of us to protect the future and save a
child.
Pasquale D'Amico,1440 N.Idaho
Road,addressed the council.He asked if they had ever seen a 12 -year -old boy
who was a friend and neighbor lying dead in the street because he was hit by a
speeding truck in a school zone.He has and i t is still on his mind.It will
never go away.He had to take the siblings to his home while he notified the
parents.He sees the speeding vehicles as he works on the common area and
sits at his patio table.He hopes that something can be done about this.
Vice Mayor Eck closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council
discussion.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated they are looking for direction to research the council
project priorities.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he feels
that the flashing yellow lights and some kind of traffic control is a
necessity.However,he does not think i t is a CDBG issue.He thinks it could
be resolved with other funding involved.He does not believe this would be
$300,000.They should be able to resolve it quicker and with less money.
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
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Councilmember Insalaco agreed.It
might be possible to partner with the school district and split the cost.He
does not believe there is enough money there to make the project fly.He
agrees that something should be done.People get to the middle stop sign and
they think they are through and they are gone.The distance is so long and
there is no ending.He has done it,too.
Councilmember Severs commented he
would like to see research done on the megaHertz system and the flooding
problems.He would also like to see if they could do something about the
flashing lights on a quicker basis.He believes they could come up with a
solution right away.
Vice Mayor Eck agreed.
Councilmember Waldron stated he was
concerned that they look to the regional account for the flooding issue as
that is guaranteed money.He is concerned that if they just look at the
flooding issue and the grant is not successful,then they are just getting the
hopes up of some people to repair something and they do not get the money.He
would like to look at that as a regional account.
Councilmember Severs asked if they
could submit two applications in case one does not go through.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated she would not say that they cannot submit two,as they
continue to revise the program.Last year it was suggested that it would not
be a good idea as the funding is limited.It would be a lot of work to write
the grant with very little likelihood that it would get funded.
Councilmember Waldron commented they
want to submit something that would score high because i t is so competitive
for this grant.He would like the research done on the flooding issue,
however.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he would
like them to go in the direction of both;the megaHertz and also the flooding
issue.He thinks they can address the school issue in a much more expedient
manner.He knows what they are talking about there.There is one in Gilbert
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 12 OF 30
that catches his attention:i t is a higher sign with a light and darker lines
on the street.The goal has always been to get the 800 megaHertz and that has
not been completed.He would like to have a chance on the flooding issue,
also.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson commented Ron Grittman has done a cost analysis on the flashing
lights.He forwarded her some information.
Vice Mayor Eck asked what the
approximate costs were.
CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson stated a solar light including the pole,cabinet,base and
everything needed to install the complete system is approximately $6,500 to
$7,000 per location.The direct electrical connection would be $4,000 for the
pole and lighting system plus $1,500 to $5,000 for trenching conduit meters,
plus the monthly cost of the meter service.
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
commented because they have received federal money,which the CDBG funds are,
and we have reached approximately $600,000,that kicks in a special,more
stringent kind of review by the federal government.They got the response
back today on the audit and thanks to Mrs.Larson's diligence and the efforts
of the finance director,the audit was passed with the federal government with
flying colors.It is no small feat.He thanked her and Keith Lewis.
Vice Mayor Eck closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING THE SELECTION OF PROJECTS TO
BE RESEARCHED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT STATE
SPECIAL PROJECTS:THAT RESEARCH ON THE CONTINUATION OF THE UPGRADE OF THE 800
MEGAHERTZ SYSTEM AND ALSO DO SOME RESEARCH INTO WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH MONEY
FOR THE FLOODING ISSUE.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
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Vice Mayor Eck asked if he had a
specific location for the flooding issue.
Councilmember Waldron stated i t
would be in general because they do not know what the costs will be as of yet.
Until they see what the costs are,it cannot be defined further.The cost
would be part of the research.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO.1243,PZ-14-05,REQUEST BY
GLEN MILLETT TO REZONE ± 5 GROSS ACRES
LOCATED AT 350 W.16TH AVENUE FROM THE
CURRENT GR AND CR-3 TO CR-3/PD FOR LOT
SIZE AND SETBACK REDUCTIONS
)Associate Planner Steve Abraham
.briefed the council on this item.He stated this is titled Lantana Villas.
It is located next to the Moose Lodge in an L -shape.It was originally a cul-
de-sac design in 2004.The primary changes are the addition of 7 more lots
and the transition of the streets to private rather than public,along with a
dogleg cul-de-sac style and a change in dwelling unit style.These are more
of an attached unit instead of detached unit.They would share a common wall
design.The deviation request includes lot size width reduced from 60'at
7,000 sq.ft.to 52'at 6,000 sq.ft.The side yard setbacks will be 5',0'and
10'.The 10'is on the opposite side to provide for the attachment of the
unit.They will be staggered to encourage view and interest as one travels
through the project.Citizen review process included newspaper advertisements
and mailings;only one comment was received from someone who did not support
the request but no specific reasons were cited.The general plan designates
the area as medium density residential or 1-6 dwelling units per acre;this
site has 5 dwelling units per acre.I t is lower than the surrounding
residences.The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the
project.There has been a minor adjustment to the proposal since this was
presented to council at the work session involving the east/west private
street along the northern edge of the development.The private street
abutting lots 1-6 shall be a minimum of 28'in width from back of curb to back
of curb.In addition,a 4'landscape strip shall be provided between the
exterior subdivision wall and the south side of the private access.I f
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 14 OF 30
council desires to add that stipulation,staff requests stipulation one be
modified to state that the final plan and lot layout and future subdivision
plats shall conform substantially with the submitted and approved concept plan
except as conditioned herein:lot width and sizes shall be no less showing on
the concept plan.If council adds the stipulation,which staff recommends,
then the final plan lot layouts and future subdivision plats shall conform
substantially with the submitted and approved concept plan except as
conditioned herein:lots widths and sizes shall be no less than as shown in
the concept plan.The basic change is that the private street has been
expanded at the request of engineering.The applicant is agreeable to the
expansion.I t reflects a 4'lot depth reduction,resulting in a 244 sq.ft.
lot reduction in size for lots 1-6.Engineering felt a wider street was
necessary for the pick up of trash and location issues.
Vice Mayor Eck commented it would
also be for a fire truck.
Associate Planner Steve Abraham
stated that is correct along with health/safety concerns.
Councilmember Waldron asked what
condition 9 is.
Associate Planner Steve Abraham
stated the private street abutting lots 1-6 shall be a minimum of 28'in width
from back of curb to back of curb.In addition,a 4'landscape strip shall be
provided between the exterior subdivision wall and the south side of the
private street.
Councilmember Severs commented they
are looking at a radius of 27'at the northwest end by unit 1.
Associate Planner Steve Abraham
stated the engineering plan shows a 41'radius to the back of curb from the
center of the cul-de-sac.He believes what he is looking at is a distance
line from the center of the private street.
Councilmember Severs asked if those
radii are required by the fire department for getting trucks in and turning
around.
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 15 OF 30
Associate Planner Steve Abraham
stated they are.This has been reviewed by the fire district and they
recommended approval of the configuration.
Councilmember Severs asked if that
is the minimum size radius required by the fire department.
Associate Planner Steve Abraham
stated he did not know.
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
stated they met with the fire district this past week.I t is not something
that they have in the code but they do work with the fire district.They have
different apparatuses that they work with and they have a review regarding
those.They have not been given a minimum.
Vice Mayor Eck commented it either
meets or does not meet with their approval.
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
stated that is correct.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they would
want to be able to turn their fire trucks around and they would need adequate
room to do it.
the way this development is set up.
these are basically all duplexes.
stated that is correct.
Councilmember Severs stated he likes
Councilmember Insalaco commented
Associate Planner Steve Abraham
Councilmember Insalaco commented
except for lots 7 and 8.He asked if those would be single family homes.
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SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 16 OF 30
Associate Planner Steve Abraham
stated probably.One of them would have to be stand alone.They have not
indicated which one it would be.It appears lot 7 would even it out the most.
Vice Mayor Eck requested the
applicant address the .council.
Mr.Ron Taylor,846 N.Barkley,
Mesa, .addressed the council.He had nothing further to add other than to say
that working with staff has been really helpful.He thinks it's a real good
project.The owner is also here if they have any questions.
was age -restricted.
Councilmember Insalaco asked if this
Mr.Ron Taylor stated i t is not.
Vice Mayor Eck 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 Waldron MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1243 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1243,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED WITH
THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS:THAT STIPULATION NUMBER ONE BE MODIFIED TO READ
"THE FINAL PLAN,LOT LAYOUTS AND FUTURE SUBDIVSION PLATS SHALL CONFORM
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 17 OF 30
SUBSTANTIALLY WITH THE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED CONCEPT PLAN IN CASE PZ-14-05;
EXCEPT AS CONDITIONED HEREIN LOT WIDTHS AND SIZES SHALL BE NO LESS THAN AS
SHOWN ON THE CONCEPT PLAN";AND THAT CONDITION NINE BE ADDED TO READ "THE
PRIVATE STREET ABUTTING LOTS ONE THROUGH SIX SHALL BE A MINIMUM OF 28'FROM
BACK OF CURB TO BACK OF CURB;IN ADDITION,A 4'LANDSCAPE STRIP SHALL BE
PROVIDED BETWEEN THE EXTERIOR SUBDIVISION WALL AND THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE
STREET".
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
she believed Item Number 9 is a public hearing instead of Old Business.She
believes i t is a continuation of a public hearing.
Vice Mayor Eck called for a ten
minute break.
Vice Mayor Eck reconvened the
meeting.
ORDINANCE NO.1239,CASE AM -1-05,ZONING
ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT TO MODIFY
6.0128,WHICH REGULATES SWIMMING POOLS )
)City Attorney Joel Stern
commented this item was continued on August 16,2005 to this date.As it was
a public hearing on that date,i t is a public hearing tonight.Public input
will be allowed tonight.
City Manager George Hoffman
commented they are down a development services director and a planner.Staff
is cut down by 25%.The priority sessions have established State Land and the
downtown area as priorities.Staff has a tremendous amount of work on those
goals.Neighborhood preservation is also being addressed.Staff is trying to
give timely customer service to new customers.He recalled that while
listening to the comments,i t seems to him that the core issue was about a 7'
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 18 OF 30
setback and with the advent of smaller parcels they should get more in line
with the valley average setback.He thinks Noel sought to do a comprehensive
job,but i t is getting to where they may be chasing a problem that is not
there.He offered that they consider returning to the core issue and
directing them to bring back an ordinance that modifies the setback issue to
whatever limit they find appropriate and define the issue as just being that.
Councilmember Waldron asked if this
ordinance does that.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
the ordinance does that and a lot more.They do not seem to have much
disagreement over the core issue.Staff has already done that research so i t
would not require much more staff research to resolve the core issue.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they could
revisit the other issues at a later date.
City Manager George Hoffman
commented if a customer came in with a concern over neighborhood noise or
being able to see a pool,they could always revisit that at a time and date at
their discretion.
Councilmember Waldron asked if he
wanted them to do this ordinance and come back and modify i t later.
City Manager George Hoffman
suggested that they reframe the issue,resolve what the initial core problem
is,and if other issues occur later in the year they can come back to them.
They will hopefully be more fully staffed at that point and State Land and
downtown priorities should be further along.
issue was setbacks.
that was his perception.
Vice Mayor Eck commented the core
City Manager George Hoffman stated
Councilmember Severs commented i t
was a situation where someone wanted to build a pool in their backyard but the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 19 OF 30
yard was not large enough because of the 7'setback.They requested that i t
be waived or changed to a 3'setback.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
staff did the original research and they were shown the original staff report
at the work session last night.
Councilmember Severs asked what of
all the other items that were mentioned.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
they could be conceived as being part of the whole but they are not what was
being reacted to as the problem.That was the setback issue.
person was still waiting.
he assumed so.
hearing on the item.
Councilmember Severs asked if that
City Manager George Hoffman stated
Vice Mayor Eck opened the public
Mr.Sam Nielson,883 W.Mesquite
Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He is currently attempting to
put in a pool at his house as well and the 7'setback has become an issue.It
does not allow enough room for the pool to fit in his yard.He would like the
setback changed to 3'which would allow for the pool to fit in his yard.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if he applied
for an application.
Mr.Sam Nielson stated he had.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if he is the
one who is waiting.
Mr.Sam Nielson stated he is not.
He just heard yesterday that the permit was declined.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 20 OF 30
Vice Mayor Eck asked i f it was
declined because of the setbacks.
Mr.Sam Nielson stated that is
correct.
Vice Mayor Eck closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council
discussion.
Councilmember Severs asked if they
have the ability to change the setback situation tonight without addressing
all the other issues.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that is
what the city manager would like.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
he was suggesting the council send this back to strike the other things to
make sure no errors are made from the floor.However,he will defer to those
who have read the ordinance in detail.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
there is a whole bunch of things in the whereas clauses that are not related
to setbacks.
City Manager George Hoffman asked i f
they did that,they could have it back letter perfect.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
that is correct.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
1A states that all single family residence swimming pools are to be located no
closer than 3'from the side/rear yard property lines and shall not be
constructed beyond the furthermost portion of the front façade of the
dwelling.That sounds like a setback to him.This answers Mr.Severs
question:i t is the setback issue and that is how he thinks they would handle
it.They can strike or add whatever they want.Floor amendments are not
really encouraged but council has done that in the past.It would be better
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 21 OF 30
if they advised what they wanted so they could come back with a cleaner
ordinance.
Councilmember Severs suggested that
it deal only with footage and measurements from the property lines.He would
like the part about the front yard taken out.I t should be strictly setback
rules from property lines.
City Manager George Hoffman asked i f
they would be leaving the drought emergency provision in the ordinance.
Vice Mayor Eck stated that is under
C.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
they would also need to leave E in there as i t is the fencing requirement in
Volume I of the City Code.
Councilmember Waldron commented i t
appears to him that the only thing that needs to be taken out is section 1C.
He thinks they should still have the screening around the equipment under item
D.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
the building official wonders if that will create the potential for electrical
and mechanical code issues.
Councilmember Waldron commented that
they should strike C and D.
There was general discussion by the
council on striking those two sections.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i f
that is their only change,they could come back with an ordinance tomorrow for
the mayor's signature.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked
if they wanted section 2 regarding the water features to remain.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2.2005
PAGE 22 OF 30
not causing a problem.
Councilmember Waldron stated that is
Vice Mayor Eck agreed.
City Manager George Hoffman asked i f
there would be any integration issues if they struck C and D.or if there was
anything in the ordinance that was cross-referenced.
Associate Planner Steve Abraham
stated there would not.It was one of their options to strike C and D.and
there is no integration in doing so.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
commented the first part of section 1 talks about the 3'setback,and there is
a part in here about multi -family zones and commercial zones.He is not sure
if that is part of the discussion and the setbacks required for the zoning in
which they are located.C and D seem to be the main issues of contention
regarding pools being visible from a front property line.If there is not a
need to do screening or anything special with the pool equipment,and they are
okay with the other portions of the ordinance,then striking C and D would get
to the core issue of the setback reduction.
Councilmember Severs commented he
would like for -A to read "for all single family residences swimming pools are
to be located no closer than 3'from the side and rear property lines".He
would like to delete the "and shall not be constructed beyond the furthermost
portion of the front facade of the dwelling".
Councilmember Waldron commented that
would be a front yard pool that is an issue that they can bring back later.
That is one of the contentious issues.If they want to do this tonight,then
that is something they can bring back later along with pool visibility and
pool equipment.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that they
are actually going to pass this tonight.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 23 OF 30
Councilmember Waldron commented they
can come back as there may be some other council member that will want to
bring back C and D later on.
Councilmember Severs stated they can
bring back the last half of A later on,too.They should go ahead and deal
with this and get rid of the setbacks.
Vice Mayor Eck commented the last
half of A probably only pertains to property that is larger than an acre.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
that is not necessarily true.It would be all single family residential
zones.I t is much more difficult in some of the smaller lot zoning districts
to locate a pool in the side yard,particularly on the properties that have 5'
and 10'side yards.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he would
like to add i t in there that they make i t 1.25 acres or larger lots.The
front of the dwelling would not apply to larger lots.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias asked
if he wanted to make an exception for the 1.25 acres and larger lots.
Vice Mayor Eck stated i t is just a
suggestion.
Councilmember Waldron commented i f
they do that,then he wants to continue the item and bring a strike out
version back.
Vice Mayor Eck commented if they did
that they would not be able to get the setbacks done for at least 2 weeks.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked
how this was advertised;if it was just a general amendment and not restricted
to lot size or anything.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
they advertised the entire ordinance as proposed,but there were some
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 24 OF 30
modifications made by the planning and zoning commission that occurred after
it was advertised.I t is within their purview to make certain changes.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is adequate public notice.The city clerk also brought up the third whereas
clause if council is going to get rid of the decorative water feature issue
under section D.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
it had to do with the pool equipment.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated they
would also need to take out the definition of decorative water feature.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they did
not discuss removing the water feature section.
Councilmember Waldron commented the
water features were not an issue.
Vice Mayor Eck stated he does not
have a problem with them.He liked what the city manager said about sticking
with the core issue,though.If what remains is passed,so be it.There is
an issue that will mean it has to be brought back up.
Councilmember Severs asked what he
meant.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he does not
believe they are going to get this passed tonight if item lA is going to be an
issue.
Councilmember Waldron stated they
can always bring i t back later.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that those
people waiting to build a pool would have to wait that much longer.He then
closed the discussion with no further comments and called for a motion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 25 OF 30
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1239 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1239,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED WITH
THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS:THAT ON PAGE ONE OF FOUR,THE THIRD WHEREAS CLAUSE
REGARDING SOUND,THE IMPACT ON,EQUIPMENT,BE REMOVED:AND THAT ITEM,UNDER
SECTION 6.0128,SECTION 1C AND D BE REMOVED.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:3-1 (Councilmember Severs voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
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
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 26 OF 30
CONTRACTS ON VARIOUS HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES AGENCIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005-06 )
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.She stated this was talked about at the work
session last night.Members of the Health and Human Services Commission met
in August and September to look at the applications for this year's funding,
meet with the applicants,and to make their recommendations.The packet
contains recommendations from the commission on three different levels of
funding;at $80,000,at $90,000,and at $100,000.The two areas that show
increase between those levels of funding are the Boys and Girls Club and Mesa
Senior Services.The Boys and Girls Club is for the Project Learn program and
Mesa Senior Services is for anticipated increase in the use of services at the
new multi-gen center.I t is council's discretion as to the funding level.
The commission felt it was worthwhile to give them different levels.
Councilmember Waldron asked if the
extra money for the $100,000 level is available.
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
stated when staff went through the budgeting process in the last fiscal year,
they did not know how to plan for the operations in the multi-gen center.
They have set aside in the general fund an amount that would give them the
capacity to do that if the council desires.They had budgeted the $80.000
plus additional as they knew this might come up.
Vice Mayor Eck commented i t is his
understanding that in order for the senior center to be at the level they need
to be,the $100.000 level is needed.He asked if the Boys and Girls Club and
the senior center would be splitting that extra money.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
the Boys and Girls Club is recommended at $15.000 for the $80.000 level;at
the $100,000 level i t is recommended for $20.000.Mesa Senior Services is at
$30,000 at the $80.000 level and $40.000 at the $100.000 level.The amount
the agencies requested is on the first page of her memo.The Boys and Girls
Club had requested $37,500.The commission asked them specifically if they
would be able to proceed with the program if they did not get the total
amount.They stated they would get the funding from other sources.Mesa
Senior Services requested $42,000 and the commission's recommendation at the
$100,000 level is $40.000.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 27 OF 30
Vice Mayor Eck commented he believes
they should go with the $100,000 level for this fiscal year and have i t remain
at $80,000 for next year unless the council decides to increase it.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked
if he would like the commission to recommend different funding levels again
next year.
Councilmember Waldron commented
Councilmember Dietz has been wanting to bump i t to $100,000.It has been at
$80,000 for quite some time.He believes there are other council members who
want to look at that during the next budget process.Depending on what they
do with the budget,if they go to the $100,000 level,they will only need the
one column at $100.000 as opposed to columns up to $120,000.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they will
be deciding at budget time the funding level.The commission will then have
time to decide.If they decide to make i t $100.000 they will only need the
suggestions at the $100,000 level.He does not want to decide that tonight.
They should only be deciding for this year tonight.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
the commission would like to get these recommendations to the council earlier
next year,and it will hopefully be in advance of the budget process.
Councilmember Waldron commented in
that case they may want to do the $80.000,$90,000 and $100,000 levels again.
Vice Mayor Eck closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARIDNG CONTRACTS WITH VARIOUS HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005-06:THAT THEY PROCEED WITH
THE DISTRIBUTION REQUESTS AT THE $100,000 LEVEL.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2,2005
PAGE 28 OF 30
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON
MONDAY,OCTOBER 3,2005,IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS,RESPECTIVELY;
AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION BE HELD ON TUESDAY,OCTOBER 4,2005,IN THE CITY
COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
•Councilmember Waldron announced the League Conference is over the next three
days in Mesa.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly announced that Mayor Coleman has the honor of
introducing Governor Napolitano at the League of Cities and Towns luncheon on
Thursday afternoon.
ADJOURNMENT
)Vice Mayor Eck adjourned the
meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 6,2005.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2.2005
PAGE 29 OF 30
3.Consideration of Resolution No.05-29.Authorizing submission of a grant
application to the Local Transportation Assistance Fund (LTAF)I I for FY
2006.
4.Consideration of Approval on proposed Development Agreement with Mitchell
Fox to allow for rebate of road impact fees as a qualifying infill
incentive project.
ACCEPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF OCTOBER ,2005,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 4TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2005.
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
1/4-e ` Y 7F ( 4-
11011(11 AS COIFmAN
Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CERTIFICATION
wee4trev
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 20th day of September,2005.I further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 27th day of September,2005.
xak„,
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
,4
r4+-r1 --LL i u UICFN
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 2.2005
PAGE 30 OF 30