HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-06 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 6,2005
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on December 6,2005,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
Councilmember Waldron 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
Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell
Interim Development Svcs.Director Dennis Dixon
Library Director Pam Loui
Assistant to the City Manager Amy Malloy
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DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 1 OF 26
Others Present:Associate Planner Steve Abraham
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Management Assistant Janine Solley
Associate Planner Charles Beck
CDBG Administrative Assistant Melinda Larson
Recreation Superintendent Liz Langenbach
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
Sergeant Theresa Rogers
Accreditation Specialist Candi Nilles
Facilities Manager Jamie Sullivan
Sergeant Garrett Elkins
Communications Supervisor Kathy Jeter
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE
CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND THAT THE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MESA AND THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION FOR RADIO
COMMUNICATION SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $35 PER RADIO UNIT USAGE FEE IN THE
FIRST YEAR WITH SUBSEQUENT YEARS USAGE FEES TO BE DETERMINED AT A LATER DATE
BY THE CITY OF MESA TO BE NOT LESS THAN $35 PER RADIO UNIT USAGE FEE BE
APPROVED,AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT:
AND
THAT THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE APACHE JUNCTION FIRE DISTRICT
AND THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION FOR 800 MEGAHERTZ P25 COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM MAPPING WITH THE CITY TO REIMBURSE THE FIRE
DISTRICT FOR CITY'S PORTION OF CHARGES AND UPDATES COMPLETED WITHIN
INCORPORATED CITY LIMITS AND 50% OF COSTS FOR STATE LAND BASE MAPS FOR LANDS
WITHIN CITY LIMITS BE APPROVED,AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR
TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT:AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO.05-26,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT FOR THE
HAYSTACKS,CASE SD -7-03,BY SCOTT STANLEY ON BEHALF OF JOHN BELLEROSE OF BIG
INVESTMENTS 01 L.L.C.,BE APPROVED:AND
THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF GLENN WALP AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY BE RATIFIED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
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DECEMBER 6,2005
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VOTE:Unanimous.(Councilmember Severs explained his vote for Glenn Walp.)
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager George Hoffman gave a powerpoint presentation in recognition of
25 years of service by Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell covering the
highlights of his career.Mayor Coleman presented Parks and Recreation
Director Jeff Bell with a certificate for 40 hours of vacation and a shadowbox
depicting his career.Facility Manager Jamie Sullivan presented Parks and
Recreation Director Jeff Bell with a quilt to remind him of all the programs
he has helped his department deliver to the community.
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell gave a powerpoint presentation on the
Project SOAR Apache Junction Citizen Team.Mayor Coleman presented
certificates of recognition to team members in the audience,namely Laura Dean
Lytle,Everett Deidiker,Christopher Jones,Tony Maloney,Micky Oder,Giles
Patton,Dave Riske,Sandra Schenone,Kate Spillman,and Kathleen Waldron.
Others not in attendance were Bethany Carrillo,Chuck Baker,Gene Humphries,
Rick Cardena,Nella Keener and Michael Mills.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Dan Wald,560 N.Rennick,Apache Junction,addressed the council in
support of the 800 megaHertz radio communications grant.He urged them to
allow the grant to be submitted.The 911 Commission recently stated that the
country is not prepared,and he believes the first responders should be
totally prepared and be able to talk to one another locally and regionally.
He commented they had two marines visit them in the spring who had been
stationed in Iraq.First Lieutenant Eric Martindale is now back in Iraq and
he is trying to get his address so that people may correspond with him.In
addition,he had made a bet with Councilmember Waldron on the outcome of the
Army -Navy football game;the score was Navy 42,Army 23,he lost and paid for
a steak dinner for the councilmember.
Mr.Brodie Broderson,9020 E.Brittle Bush Drive,Apache Junction,addressed
the council regarding the Guardian Angels.He gave a progress report,stating
they now have 5 new members,have looked at several places to have their
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DECEMBER 6,2005
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headquarters,and he has an appointment with the interim chief on next
Tuesday.
Mr.Gary Nine,280 S.Phelps Drive,Apache Junction,addressed the council to
thank them for the Phelps Drive project.He stated he has seen a lot of
things in the long time that he has lived here,and the vision of any city is
for the residents at the end of the year to be prouder of their city .than they
were the year before.He stated he,his wife and his partners are proud every
time they turn down that street for this great project, •not only because of
what they did,but also for the coordination and communication from the staff.
Mr.Louis Babin,2191 S.Belair Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding "jake"brakes and mailbox theft.He stated the compression brake
diesel engine noises,or Jacob Brake,is a patented product that is connected
to high speed diesel engines.If they want to make an ordinance regarding
those,they should not call them Jacob Brakes or jake brakes,but high speed
diesel engine compression brake or engine retarder.It would also be a good
idea to have a sign located on the street indicating the ordinance number and
that i t should not be done.They are supposed to be used primarily on
downhill grades:most truck drivers know they should not be used in urban
residential areas.He believes their lawyers are telling them to use them to
save their brakes,but that is not what they are for.If there is an
obnoxious noise ordinance,it would probably already cover this.Also,
thieves are breaking into the mailboxes in his neighborhood and stealing their
mail.It may be because i t is Christmas time.He commented the Guardian
Angels may be able to help out with that.A neighbor walking his dog found
some of his mail and returned it to him:it was the one day he was not out
there when the postal carrier arrived.He does not put any outgoing mail in
his mailbox.I t seems to be a problem this time of year when people send
money through the mail.
Mr.Chip Wilson,128 S.Starr,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the property maintenance standards.He thanked the committee for
listening to what they had to say on the issues,although i t had been
frustrating when he attempted to clear up some confusing statements,such as
electric fences.For the most part they addressed the problems and everyone
attending seemed to come away with the idea that they were trying their best
for solutions.He is still concerned with the draft in some areas.On page
1,paragraph 3,i t states code officers shall apply this fairly,sensibly and
reasonably:he wanted them to remember that statement later on.On page 7,
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DECEMBER 6,2005
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vehicle storage,they were told that covering a vehicle with a tarp or car
cover would be allowed for vehicles stored in the front area of the lot if the
house was located at the back of the lot;there is no mention of this in the
requirements.I t is mentioned on page 8,paragraph 2,concerning apartments,
condominiums and townhouses.This needs to be addressed if this can be done.
On page 9,paragraph 2,land maintenance and weeds,paragraph D,appears to
state that if the house is located over 100 feet from the road there can be
dead weeds and grass exceeding 10 inches but only the first 50 feet of the
property is enforceable.He asked if this is the definition of a front yard,
or what is the definition of a front yard.On page 9,paragraph D(2).
exterior buildings,structures and signage,states that barbed wire fencing
must not be erected or maintained within 10'of any public right-of-way.A
lot of the lots with barbed wire fencing are older lots with fences that were
put up before this was a city and before the roads were paved.He asked i f
they must meet this new requirement.He asked them to go back to the first
paragraph mentioned and that this must be consistent.
Mr.Dale Richards,675 N.Gold Drive,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the property maintenance standards.He thanked Vice Mayor Eck and
Councilmembers Severs and Waldron for answering his questions and concerns on
the property maintenance standards.It took a lot of time and he feels they
have come up with a reasonable draft.
Ms.Mary Richards,675 N.Gold Drive,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the property maintenance standards.She thanked the advisory
committee for the property maintenance standards for giving so much of their
time to make out a draft of the standards.She hopes it will work to great
effect for code enforcement and be accepted and not overwhelming for the
homeowners and residents.She also thanked Bob Mayes and Dennis Dixon for
being available to answer all the questions at the public meetings.It has
taken a lot of time.She has read the draft and the only area she does not
understand fully is the intent clause.She requested someone read and explain
the intent clause.
Ms.Wendy Shales,P.O.Box 5005,Goodyear,addressed the council regarding an
alleged attempted homicide on her and complained that the police department is
not assisting her.
Ms.Sandra Koenig,5055 N.Warner,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the Silver Sneakers.She stated the program allows them to work out
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DECEMBER 6,2005
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at the gym at Saguaro Family Fitness.She has been told i t is moving to the
Multi -generational Center.They will not be able to have memberships at
Saguaro Family Fitness Center unless they pay for it themselves.She hoped
they would consider not moving Silver Sneakers to the Multi -generational
Center and keep it at Saguaro Family Fitness.They need the swimming pool for
those with arthritis.
Mr.Karl Sot,1337 S.Gold,Apache Junction,addressed the council regarding
the Multi -generational Center.He stated it cost the taxpayers millions of
dollars to build the center and it will probably cost millions to keep i t
open.It will also cost him his wellbeing because Silver Sneakers moved
there.He does not know how a city can do business within the city.He does
not believe the city needed the center.The city could use a transit system
to connect it to the rest of the world.He requested they look into not
taking away a private business'wellbeing into city funds;i t is not right to
do so.
Mayor Coleman commented there were two more regarding Silver Sneakers and he
requested they stay for the City Manager's Report as he will have some
information on the issue.
Mr.Pete Peterson,1793 S.San Marcos.Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the Silver Sneakers program.He stated he needs exercise but he
cannot do a lot of it without the water.He needs the water,pool and the hot
tub.He does not want the program to be moved to the Multi -generational
Center.
Ms.Gloria Sullivan,11347 E.Edgewood Avenue,Mesa,addressed the council
regarding the Silver Sneakers program.She stated she is walking with a cane
because she has arthritis.To exercise she needs a pool,and a pool and hot
tub is what most of them need,especially those that are disabled.She
considers herself disabled because she has to walk with a cane.If Silver
Sneakers moves from Saguaro Family Fitness,they will have to pay to use the
pool.She is 87 years old and on a fixed income.She needs the pool.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager George Hoffman stated he wanted to address the Silver Sneakers
issue.Last Monday he had a meeting with Claire Lansing,the owner of Saguaro
Family Fitness and with Elton,a consultant of hers,at her request.Saguaro
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DECEMBER 6,2005
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Family Fitness is a private business and Silver Sneakers is a private
business.They have a contractual relationship.Ms.Lansing came to the city
to talk about the Silver Sneakers program;they met for about 2 hours.He
sent her an email the next morning summarizing what she had said and what
their action plan was.The key things were there are people in the community
who have needs for wellness.The Silver Sneakers program has historically not
provided sufficient revenues to cover the cost of providing the program at the
fitness center,resulting in her business,specifically she and Dr.Cornelius
Lansing,subsidizing the program for a number of years.She can no longer
afford to do this.She indicated that they have not demonstrated a
willingness to negotiate an agreement with the fitness center that covers the
cost of the program and that consequently she and Silver Sneakers have
determined that they would not renew the contract with each other.He has
offered to facilitate a meeting between them,bearing in mind these are both
private businesses,with Silver Sneakers passing money through insurance
companies to gyms.She indicated she did not have an interest in the city
attempting to have Silver Sneakers have two contracts in the community because
they have historically made it clear to her that they will not negotiate
anything other than an agreement that causes the fitness center to operate at
a loss.Pursuing funding through Silver Sneakers is not an option that she
wanted to pursue given her interaction with them.She indicated that her core
concern is not that the program approach the city and that the city is
interested,but instead that the Silver Sneakers'decision to not negotiate an
agreement that covers cost will result in members of the community not
receiving the wellness programs they need.This is what they have heard
tonight.Karl and Pete are right;there is no pool at the Multi -generational
Center.The city also does not have a contract with Silver Sneakers.Silver
Sneakers came to the city apparently as a result of talking to Ms.Lansing
about not having the program with them.They approached the city to see i f
the city were interested.The city is interested if no one in the community
will provide that:the city may want to step up and provide i t for those that
can avail themselves of it.It was agreed during the meeting on Monday to do
a couple of things.Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell will facilitate a
meeting between Elton,Claire Lansing and Dan Taylor,the director of Mesa
Senior Services.The meeting is tomorrow.Claire Lansing and Elton agreed
that they would reach out to insurance providers to determine if they could
arrange a direct payment from the insurance companies directly to them.He
currently does not know the progress on that.He agreed that he would ask
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker to approach her and find out what her needs are
as he is very adept at trying to find grant monies.That contact has been
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DECEMBER 6,2005
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made with a follow-up email provided.He agreed to facilitate introducing her
to Jack Beverage of Pinal-Gila Behavioral Health Association as they are
moving into wellness programs.He has done so and Jack has called her but he
is unaware if they have met yet.He also agreed to set up another meeting to
discuss the collective progress.He ended the email by asking her to contact
him if he had failed to capture key points of consideration or the action
steps outlined.He has not heard back from her to indicate otherwise.Based
on the comments tonight,he will make a formal appeal to Ms.Lansing to
reconsider her position of not negotiating with Silver Sneakers.He
understands that she needs to make a profit,but he will ask her to think
again about negotiating with Silver Sneakers.If she is firm in her
commitment of not negotiating with them,then the question is if a full
service gym in the community will not provide the service,should the city try
and serve most of those clients,knowing it will not capture 100% of the
clients being currently served,
Mayor Coleman called for a ten minute break.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR INTERIM PERMIT,PERSON
TRANSFER,CORPORATION,SERIES 6 LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR BILLY JEAN'S FINE FOODS
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.She stated this is currently Los Vaqueros.
I t is under new ownership and hence requires a new license.The packet
contains comments from planning and the fire district:both have no
objections.The applicant has been invited to be present in the event of
questions from the council.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Ms.Jean Thompson,2503 S.Bonarden
Lane,Tempe,addressed the council.She stated she used to work there and has
now taken it over.She plans on returning it to the way i t used to be.
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DECEMBER 6,2005
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Councilmember Severs asked if it
would still have a cowboy bar theme.
Ms.Jean Thompson stated it will
still have a western theme,but they are changing the name and bringing back
more food.
Councilmember Severs asked if it
would be more fine dining.
Ms.Jean Thompson stated there would
be more steaks,chicken and ribs like it used to be.
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 Severs MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,PERSON TRANSFER,CORPORATION,SERIES 6
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR BILLY JEAN'S FINE FOODS SUBMITTED BY JEAN THOMPSON BE
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO.1244,AN -1-05,PROPOSED
ANNEXATION OF 60 ACRES OF UNINCORPORATED
PINAL COUNTY
)Associate Planner Charles Beck
briefed the council on the item.He stated this is the second time this
annexation has been before the council.This is the Rancho Mirage Mobile Home
Park located on the northeast corner of Baseline and Cortez.The owners
submitted a request for annexation with the city on May 4,2005.The city
began the annexation process on August 8 by filing a blank petition with the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 9 OF 26
county recorder's office.A pre -annexation agreement and development
agreement have already been approved.The city will provide municipal
services to the park.Sewer service will be provided to the park through the
Superstition Mountains Community Facilities District.Signed petitions for
annexation were filed with the recorder's office on November 8,2005.Staff
has met all the statute requirements for annexation and is requesting approval
or denial of the ordinance for annexation.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.There was no applicant present.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.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1244 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1244,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PZ-22-05,APPEAL OF LANDSCAPE AND
SCREENING REQUIREMENTS BY CHRISTOPHER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 10 OF 26
BORCHARD FOR LA CASA BLANCA MINI STORAGE
AT 2100 W.BASELINE AVENUE
)Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.He stated there is an existing business on
the property.The property was approved in the late 90's as a mini -storage
and RV storage business.I t incorporates a very nice streetscape facade
treatment:most people driving by do not realize there is a storage facility
there.The towers and guardhouse are faux architectural elements,along with
arches and things like that along the streetscape.I t is all wall and facade,
but i t is very nice -looking.The mini -storage buildings are actually behind
the front wall.There was no requirement to treat metal buildings in our
landscape code of 1996 when this property was developed.The current code
requires that every exterior façade of any metal building be covered up to 75%
with some material other than metal,such as stucco or brick or other types of
treatments.Inside this development all of the buildings are metal.The
applicant would like to add a building on the east end of the development and
remove the front row of RV parking.He would like to make i t a full metal
building like the others already in place and not do any facade improvements.
Staff met with the applicant and a compromise was reached.The new building
may be seen from one of the gates by a passerby,so staff has suggested a
landscape island on the south side of the building to be planted with 2 trees.
5 shrubs and a certain amount of ground cover.This will soften the effect of
the metal building.They are also asking for a 10'strip that will be created
be landscaped according to code to act as a further buffer to the mobile home
park further to the east.The applicant is agreeable to the suggestions.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant to address the council.
Mr.Robert Ellis,general manager of
Mr.Borchard's enterprises,addressed the council.He stated they have talked
to Rudy in detail about the landscaping that will be done and the submitted
plans.They intend to make it a good-looking building.
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.
Councilmember Dietz commented that
when he drove by and looked through the main gate you could see the metal
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DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 11 OF 26
buildings,but they were landscaped and i t looks really good.He asked i f
they would be using the same landscaping for the new building.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
they would except that there will also be 2 trees.The other landscaping is
mostly shrubs.They will beef it up more on the east end.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Severs MOVED THAT THE
APPEAL OF LANDSCAPE AND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS BY CHRISTOPHER BORCHARD FOR LA
CASA BLANCA MINI STORAGE AT 2100 W.BASELINE AVENUE TO ADD A NEW METAL
BUILDING IN THE FACILITY TO MATCH EXISTING METAL BUILDINGS,REQUIRING A
VARIANCE FROM CITY CODE SECTION 6-1-6(C)5,WHICH REQUIRES METAL BUILDINGS TO
BE COVERED UP TO 75% WITH NON-METAL FACADE TREATMENT,BE APPROVED WITH THE
FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS:(1)A LANDSCAPE PLANTER SHALL BE LOCATED ON THE SOUTH
SIDE OF THE NEW METAL BUILDING SIMILAR IN SIZE AND COMPLEMENTARY TO THE TWO
PLANTERS ON THE TWO CENTRAL BUILDINGS:(2)A MINIMUM OF TWO 24 -INCH BOX TREES,
FOUR 5 -GALLON SHRUBS AND COMPLEMENTARY GROUND COVERS SHALL BE LOCATED IN THE
NEW PLANTER:AND (3)A TEN-FOOT'WIDE LANDSCAPE BUFFER,PLANTED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE LANDSCAPE AND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS,SHALL BE LOCATED INSIDE THE
EAST PROPERTY LINE TO FURTHER SCREEN THE METAL BUILDING AND ACT AS A LANDSCAPE
BUFFER TO THE RESIDENTIAL USES TO THE EAST.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Mayor Coleman asked if the
stipulations were included in the ordinance.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
there is no ordinance.This is more of an administrative act.If council
approves it.a letter is sent.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO.05-32,A TEXT AMENDMENT OF
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 12 OF 26
THE 1999 CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION GENERAL
PLAN,CASE GPA-1-04
)Associate Planner Steve Abraham
briefed the council on the item.He stated this is an amendment to Subsection
C,Public Services and Facilities.It will add language to encourage the
continual planning with the Superstition Mountains Community Facilities
District in the formation of the waste water master plan,including meeting
the existing and future waste water needs of the community with a well -planned
and efficiently operated waste water removal system and coordinate planning
efforts with the Superstition Mountains Community Facilities District Number
#1 to ensure implementation of the 2005 Waste Water Master Plan which is being
steered towards a council decision later.The language recommended by the
Planning and Zoning Commission allows freedom for continuation of the waste
water plant as significant changes arise in the future.They have added as a
common practice or opportunity that the development services director or his
or her designee report to the council on the waste water master planning
process on an annual basis or when significant changes in development -related
policies and programs alter the recommendations or data provided in the 2005
Waste Water Master Plan.The final draft of the Waste Water Master Plan
should come before the council in 2006.He thanked the Planning and Zoning
Commission for their work as this has been almost two years in the making.He
also thanked the Chamber of Commerce and the Epiphany Church for allowing them
to use their buildings for their meetings.
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.
Councilmember Sippel MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.05-32,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY -
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT CASE GPA-1-04,A
CITY INITIATED TEXT AMENDMENT ADDING AN ADDITIONAL OBJECTIVE AND A COMMON
PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY TO CHAPTER 11 GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS,SUBSECTION C
PUBLIC SERVICES/FACILITIES,GOAL #3 OF THE 1999 CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION
GENERAL PLAN,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Dietz commented i t
should be Chapter II.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 13 OF 26
MOTION TO READ CHAPTER II.
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Sippel AMENDED HIS
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
RESOLUTION NO.05-35,GPA-2-05,GENERAL
PLAN AMENDMENT ADDING NEW TEXT TO THE
GENERAL PLAN
)Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.He stated i t adds a new land use
designation,that of a master -planned community,to'the general plan.The
next item will talk about the area where this will be applied.I t has been a
long process with a lot of good public input:letters from concerned citizens
have been included.They have also received comments from neighboring
governmental agencies,including Pim]County and the City of Mesa,who are in
support of the amendments.The amendment also sets forth some guiding
language for how development will occur,and what some of the core concepts
are such as neighborhood centers,community service centers and the increasing
levels of density.I t also begins to set forth the development criteria for
developments going in on these lands.The draft is reflective of their work
with the State Land Department,citizen input,and the Planning and Zoning
Commission.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Greg Teller,State Land
Department,1616 W.Adams,Phoenix,addressed the council.He stated the
language they are about to adopt is the first building block of a master-
planned community effort in partnership with the city.I t is exciting for
State Land and he believes i t is exciting for the city.City staff helped
them craft the language that will create a great deal of framework for master-
planned communities.He requested their support of the resolution.
Mayor Coleman commented they are
pleased State Land supports this.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 14 OF 26
Mr.Greg Teller stated they are very
pleased and he will get up and talk a little more during the next item.
Councilmember Dietz stated he wanted
to apologize for last night.They considered the item he was waiting for
right after he had left.
Mr.Greg Teller stated no apology is
necessary.He had commented to Michelle as they were driving back that he
wondered what had happened to that item.He recalled that when he had gotten
up that he had stated the Land department supported both the text and the map.
It might have created confusion.There was no harm done.
Mayor Coleman stated he had already
apologized.
Mr.Greg Teller stated he had and i t
meant a great deal.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the item to council
discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT RESOLUTION
NO.05-35,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE
JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT CASE GPA-2-05,A CITY-
INITIATED TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE 1999 CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION GENERAL PLAN,BE
APPROVED.
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO.05-36,GPA-1-05,GENERAL
PLAN AMENDMENT CHANGING THE LAND USE/
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6.2005
PAGE 15 OF 26
)Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.He stated the last item just talked about is
creating a chapter in the general plan which sets forth some of the criteria
for master -planned communities.This graphic amendment shows the area which
is by and large State Trust Land with the exception of some private parcels
like the county industrial island,the landfill and the sewer district
property.Basically everything else south of Baseline is State Land property.
Our present general plan is not really based on any kind of development
proposal.It does not recognize natural washes.It puts land use
designations in places that do not make sense.This development plan is one
of several options that was presented to the community over the last six
months.This plan proposes to incorporate suggested roadway alignments from
the Small Area Transportation Study,road alignments that are proposed to
follow the contours of the land and natural features instead of arbitrarily
working against them or going with the same old grid pattern,it acknowledges
some of the constraints and opportunities in the area,and i t acknowledges the
Arizona Department of Transportation corridor studies for possible future
parkway and freeway alignments.It basically creates a new area called
master -planned communities wherein development proposals would be looked at on
an individual basis and compared against criteria that were approved in the
last amendment case.They will be working on a more detailed master -planned
community ordinance over the next 9 months.Staff believes this option that
the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended allows the most flexibility
and opportunity for development to occur in this area.They hope that 1 to 3
square miles of this land will be made available for development within the
next year.This is the city's future;there is no place else for it to grow.
Staff,State Land and the Planning and Zoning Commission are all in favor of
this alternative,which is identified as alternative number 5 in the staff
report.
Mayor Coleman requested the owner or
spokesperson address the council.
Mr.Greg Teller,State Land
Department,1616 W.Adams,Phoenix,addressed the council.He stated they
will be talking about a lot of issues over the next few years as this property
gets underway.They will be looking at the text of the ordinance and at land
use plans.He stated he wanted to talk about the partnership they will be in
with the city.They are looking forward to the partnership and he believes
they have gotten off to a great start.They need to make sure the partnership
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 16 OF 26
stays fluid and positive.There will be a lot of positive things coming out
of this but there will also be a lot of problems.They will solve the
problems together and create a community south of Baseline that will
compliment what is here already.They are looking forward to it,and if there
is anything State Land can do to help the city,let them know as soon as
possible.They are looking forward to working with city staff who have been
great so far.
Councilmember Sippel commented he
had mentioned if there was anything they could do to let them know.He asked
if they could have an auction next month.
Mr.Greg Teller stated it would not
be next month,but they are looking towards June.He believes the date has
slipped somewhat,and they want to do this right.He is sure the people of
Apache Junction,as this is a very high profile project,want to see it done
right as well.They are taking a deliberate approach to make sure i t is done
right.The general plan amendment must be finished and the master -planned
community ordinance needs to be finished.Once those tools are complete,they
will be able to go out and start building something to compliment Apache
Junction.I t is important that the character of Apache Junction,as i t is
today,is not lost.He thinks there is a great possibility to retain that
character in the new building over the years.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he liked
what he had to say as he believes we are proud of our community.
Mr.Greg Teller stated the
opportunities and the stakes are huge.Because i t is so large,they want to
make sure they do the job right.They will be out here on a regular basis.
He has been with State Land for 20 years now,and they have never had a
project come along where they used 2 project managers until now.Michelle
Green is working with him and she will ultimately be taking over the planning
and project management for this area.
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.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 17 OF 26
Councilmember Sippel MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.05-36,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT,CASE GPA-1-
05,A CITY -INITIATED GRAPHIC AMENDMENT TO THE 1999 CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION
GENERAL PLAN,DEVELOPMENT PLAN MAP,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO.05-33,AUTHORIZING
SUBMISSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2006 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT REGIONAL ACCOUNT
APPLICATION FOR 800 MHZ RADIO UNITS
)CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson briefed the council on the item.She stated this is for the
amount of $200,000.The application is for 800 megaHertz radio units for the
Apache Junction Police Department.
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.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.05-33,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FOR FY
2006 STATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT REGIONAL ACCOUNT FUNDS AND
CERTIFYING THAT THE APPLICATION:(1)MEETS THE IDENTIFIED HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS:AND (2)IS NECESSARY FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND
COMPLETION OF THE ACTIVITIES OUTLINED IN CDBG RA APPLICATION,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 18 OF 26
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO.05-34,AUTHORIZING
SUBMISSION OF FISCAL YEAR 2006 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT STATE SPECIAL
PROJECTS APPLICATION FOR 800 MHZ RADIO
UNITS
)CDBG Administrative Assistant
Melinda Larson briefed the council on the item.She stated staff is also
requesting approval of this resolution.This competitive grant application
will be for $300.000.This is for 800 megahertz radio units for the police,
department and/or the public works department.
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.
Councilmember Severs MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.05-34,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FOR FY
2006 STATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT STATE SPECIAL PROJECTS FUNDS AND
CERTIFYING THAT THE APPLICATION:(1)MEETS THE IDENTIFIED HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS;AND (2)IS NECESSARY FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND
COMPLETION OF THE ACTIVITIES OUTLINED IN THE SSP APPLICATION.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO:1254,AMENDING AND
CORRECTING ORDINANCE NO.1183
)Associate Planner Steve Abraham
briefed the council on the item.He stated this is a scriveners error to
correct Ordinance No.1183 to reflect council's desires for that case and that
ordinance.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 19 OF 26
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.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1254 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember'Waldron MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1254,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE.APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
)Vice Mayor Eck commented that the
committee had its final meeting on November 7 and they made their
recommendations that night to be brought to the council this evening.They
are hoping for the support of the council.Councilmember Severs,
Councilmember Waldron and himself worked very hard to come up with the
ordinance.They had no idea of the kind of issues they would get into,but he
thinks they listened,received a lot of public input,and tried to put that
into something that would at least be a tremendous start of a good project.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 20 OF 26
They have said all along that this is something they would be looking at.I f
they missed something,it can always be revised.I t is a very proactive work.
There is still concern tonight about some of the language in it.The first
sentence states the intent,which is to protect the public health,safety and
welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the maintenance,et
cetera.I t is strong language and it will be to our advantage.It will need
to be held to that,and he believes i t is something this community wants and
needs.They are recommending i t not be enforced until July 1,2006.They are
recommending a public information and education campaign until then.They
would like a user-friendly information packet created explaining the
standards.They would also like an assistance program created for low-income
seniors and the disabled.They are recommending civil enforcement primarily;
there would have to be someone going to quite an extent to make it criminal.
He believes they came up with a good product and requested Councilmembers
Severs and Waldron to express their thoughts.
Councilmember Severs commented the
intent clause was put together by the city attorney and he does not believe i t
could have been done better.The last sentence states "it shall be fairly,
sensibly,consistently,and reasonably applied by enforcement officers".This
tells him that everything that they have done has been for a good cause;i t
will be done reasonably.Most people know he has been promoting common sense
and fairness and he thinks this covers all of that.He believes everyone will
be treated fairly and common sense will be applied.They have worked hard and
come up with an incredible document.When they started this process,he was
absolutely against it.The residents made him realize that it was needed but
that it needed to be altered.They have done that,made i t better,and he
cannot wait to start helping the community become better and cleaner.
Councilmember Waldron commented this
has been a four-year process and staff has put in a tremendous amount of time.
including public hearings at the school.Central Arizona College and here.It
has been quite a process.He believes they have a good document.
Vice Mayor Eck commented there was
tremendous staff support.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 21 OF 26
Councllmember Waldron MOVED THAT
STAFF BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
STANDARDS:(1)THE CITY ATTORNEY PREPARE AN APPROPRIATE ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION
WHICH ENCOMPASSES DECEMBER 5TH DRAFT LANGUAGE AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
STANDARDS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND SCHEDULE THIS MATTER
FOR ADOPTION ON TUESDAY,JANUARY 3RD,2006,REGULAR SESSION,PUBLIC HEARING;
(2)THE CITY MANAGER DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR
INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW STANDARDS DUE TO THEIR
FINANCIAL ABILITY AND/OR HEALTH STATUS;(3)THE CITY MANAGER BEGIN,UPON
ADOPTION OF THE ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION,A PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN THAT CLEARLY
COMMUNICATES THE NEW CODE PROVISIONS;SUCH INFORMATION SHALL BE SET FORTH ON
THE CABLE CHANNEL AND TO THE MEDIA OR OTHER MEANS AS THE CITY MANAGER DEEMS
APPROPRIATE;AND (4)THAT THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
STANDARDS BE OFFICIALLY DISBANDED AS THEIR ASSIGNMENT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
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
COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT
)Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
briefed the council on the item.He stated staff is requesting council
permission to invite LINKS into the community to assist in doing a health
assessment with primarily the year-round residents.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 22 OF 26
Vice Mayor Eck asked if this is an
ongoing company.He thought the city had utilized LINKS before.
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
stated they have talked with LINKS and had them come out to a council meeting
last winter to make a presentation.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they had
sounded familiar and he thought they had used them before.
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
stated they are almost as familiar as CDBG,i t seems.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT STAFF
BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT:THAT
THEY PROCEED WITH LINKS AND DEVELOP WHATEVER WE NEED TO HAVE THEM COME INTO
THE CITY TO HELP US CONDUCT A COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT:
Councilmember Severs SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES
Councilmember Dietz stated that the
December 19th and 20th,2005.council work session and regular meeting have
been cancelled by the mayor.Because city observation of New Year's holiday
falls on Monday,January 2nd,2006,there will be no work session on that
date.He MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND A WORK SESSION AT.
7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,JANUARY 3,2006,IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE
ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS,RESPECTIVELY.
Councilmember Severs SECONDED THE
MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 23 OF 26
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Councilmember Waldron commented that he.Amy Malloy,Councilmember Sippel and
Sergeant Dan Schultz attended the 2005 Cox Communications East Valley Economic
Forum Futures Prospective on November 30 at the Arizona State University East
Campus.Part of the ceremony was the Cox Communications Excellence in
Leadership Awards.The Dwight Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award honors a
longtime leader in the East Valley and is given to an individual who is well
respected and has made significant lifelong contributions to their community
and has exhibited characteristics of the finest leaders.This year it went to
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith.She has done an excellent job and is
well deserving of that award.
Mayor Coleman announced he would be leaving tomorrow for the National League
of Cities Conference that will run from Thursday through Sunday in Charlotte,
North Carolina.He is acting as the president of the Arizona League as Mayor
Boles lost his recall election.There are three specific meetings for the
presidents of the state leagues.He is very excited to attend and represent
Arizona.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 8:58 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 15,2005.
3.Consideration and approval of interoperability systems:a)
Intergovernmental Agreement between City of Mesa and City of Apache
Junction for radio communication services:and b)Intergovernmental
Agreement between the Apache Junction Fire District and the City of Apache
Junction for 800 MHz P25 communication system and Geographic Information
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 24 OF 26
System (GIS)mapping.(This agreement will enable the City to implement
the next phase of the 800 MHz P25 communication system access.)
4.Consideration and approval of Resolution No.05-26,Case SD -7-03,Final
Subdivision Plat Request by Scott Stanley on behalf of John Bellerose of
Big Investments 01 L.L.C.
5.Ratification of City Manager's appointment of Director of Public Safety.
(City Code Chapter 3 ADMINISTRATION,Article 3-6 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
SAFETY,Section 3-6-3 Duties of Director:Appointment and Dismissal
requires that the Mayor and Council ratify the City Manager's appointment
of the Director of Public Safety/Police Chief.)
ACCEPTED THIS 3RD DAY OF JANUARY ,2006,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 3RD DAY OF JANUARY ,2006.
DOUGLAS C
Mayor
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 25 OF 26
EMAN
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 6th day of December,2005.I further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 16th day of December,2005.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 6,2005
PAGE 26 OF 26