HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-01 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH I ,2005
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on March 1,2005,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 Milkey gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Dietz led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Eck
Councilmember Dietz
Councilmember Insalaco
Councilmember Milkey
Councilmember Sippel
Councilmember Waldron
Staff Present:City Manager George Hoffman
Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Interim Public Safety Director Terry McDonald
Public Works Director Doug Dobson
Development Services Director Rudy Esquivias
Assistant to the City Manager Amy Malloy
Others Present:Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
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MARCH 1,2005
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Management Assistant Janine Solley
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE
CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND
THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PROJECT NO.PW 2005-01,CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR
SELECT NUMBER OF MUNICIPAL BUILDING FACILITIES,BE AWARDED TO ABM JANITORIAL
SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $114,000,FOR A ONE YEAR CONTRACT
STARTING MARCH 21,2005 THROUGH FY 2005-06 WITH ANNUAL RENEWAL OPTIONS FOR AN
ADDITIONAL FOUR YEARS:AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN
THE CONTRACT,PENDING APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY;AND
THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF TERRY MCDONALD AS INTERIM CHIEF OF POLICE FOR SIX
MONTHS,WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR UP TO AN ADDITIONAL SIX MONTHS,BE
RATIFIED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Anthony Agerone,9658 E.Delmonte,Gold Canyon,addressed the council
regarding the police department.He was concerned about people lying on
police reports,hookers going u0 and down Apache Trail,and tweekers not
being arrested.He asked what the police department is doing.
Mr.Conrad Pisinski,1069 W.14th Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the
council about pigeons causing a problem in his neighborhood.He requested
the council pass enforcement to stop people from feeding the pigeons in the
city.His neighbor feeds between 100 to 150 pigeons twice a day and they
accumulate on their roof and on his.They defecate on his patio,pool deck,
tables and outdoor furniture.They would have to hose down the backyard to
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have a cup of coffee outside in the morning.He has asked her to stop
feeding them,but i t did not do any good.He asked animal control to talk
with her and that did no good.He called the state health department who
told him it was a county problem.He called the county health department and
they have not returned his call.He is requesting some help.Vice Mayor Eck
has come over to see how bad the problem is,and he invited other council
members to do the same.He commented no children or animals can enter his
yard,and he cannot open his bedroom door for fear of breathing in the stench
and fumes.
Mr.Dan Wald,560 N.Rennick,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the Community Alliance Against Family Abuse fundraiser.He urged
everyone to purchase tickets for the event occurring on March 12.I t is for
a good cause.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction
Association for Effective Government,addressed the council regarding a new
group called Apache Junction Voice,a talk he had with candidate Joe Severs
regarding his attitude,not getting answers to questions,the budget numbers
on the new city hall,and taxes being paid on a rental property.
Mr.Willard Bourquein,1492 S.Ocotillo Drive,Apache Junction,addressed the
council regarding barking dogs.They have a neighbor that goes off to work
and leaves his dog outside and i t barks all day and most of the night.
Members of the neighborhood have called many times and they get no results.
Animal Control told them two years ago that they do not have any help,now
they say that their hands are tied and they cannot do anything about it.The
law is apparently not strong enough for them to do their job or Animal
Control has people that cannot do the job.He is aware of at least 25 to 30
calls a year on this dog,but they still have the same problem.He commented
if he blew his horn every 5 seconds in front of their houses starting at 5:30
in the morning that they would call the police to have him arrested.He has
talked to Tom Marcellino of Animal Control,who has been over there several
times,but no one has been home so he leaves him a note.They cannot do
anything about it because no one is home.He talked to a lady named Sullivan
at the department and she was more concerned about the dog's rights than
peoples'rights.Animal Control states they do not have any power to do
anything.He commented there are 7 or 8 of them calling on this dog and
nothing gets done.He requested some type of action be taken.They have
called the police department at 10:30 p.m.but he feels that is wasting the
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MARCH 1.2005
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taxpayers'money to have the police respond to what animal control people
should respond to.
Mrs.Lori D'Amico,1440 N.Idaho,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding her visit to the state capitol last Thursday for legislative day
along with members of the Friends of the Library and Library Director Pam
Loui.They had a good time,received a lot of good information and visited
with the senators and representatives from our district.She encouraged
everyone to visit the legislature.
Councilmember Milkey requested staff to look into the concerns of Mr.
Pisinski and Mr.Bourquein.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR COMMUNITY ALLIANCE AGAINST
FAMILY ABUSE FOR A FUNDRAISING EVENT ON
MARCH 12,2005
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.She stated the purpose of the event is to
raise funds and bring the community together on behalf of their organization.
There are no objections from staff or the fire district.The applicant was
notified to be present at tonight's meeting in the event of questions from
the council.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Ms.Christy Johnson addressed the
council.The council had no questions.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He did not understand why the
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MARCH 1,2005
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organization needed liquor.He saw in the paper where they are doing
something with Presiding Judge O'Neil of Pinal County Superior Court.He
thinks they need to clean up some problems of abuse issues that he has
brought up in the past.
Mrs.Anne Marie Surra,1150 E.
Estevan,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She was in support of the
special event license in order for them to raise the. funds to provide the
counseling services and shelter services for abused families.People do like
to have some alcoholic beverages with their dinner,and this is a dinner and
dance.I t is appropriate and there will be no children at the event.She
urged the council to approve the license.
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.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR COMMUNTIY ALLIANCE AGAINST
FAMILY ABUSE FOR A FUNDRAISING EVENT ON MARCH 12,2005,BE RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,PERSON
TRANSFER,INDIVIDUAL,SERIES 6 LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR CACTUS CLUB
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.She stated the ownership has changed and,
by law,the new owner must apply for a transfer.No issues have been raised
by staff,and the applicant has been asked to be present in the event of
questions from the council.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
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MARCH 1,2005
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Mesa,addressed the council.
had been the owner of the Cactus Club.
the owner since February 1,2005.
Mr.Dean Radak,703 N.99th Place,
Vice Mayor Eck asked how long he
Mr.Dean Radak stated he has been
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and reopened the item to council discussion.There being no
discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
THE APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,PERSON TRANSFER,INDIVIDUAL,SERIES 6
LIQUOR LICENSE FOR CACTUS CLUB,SUBMITTED BY DEAN EDWIN RADAK,BE RECOMMENDED
FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO.1227,CASE PZ-21-04.
REZONING REQUEST BY AZIZ HELAL TO REZONE
AN EXISTING 16 UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX
LOCATED AT 510 E.10TH AVENUE FROM CB -1
TO CB-1/PD FOR THE PURPOSE OF ALLOWING
FOR THE UNIQUE SETBACKS AND LOT SIZE
MINIMUMS REQUIRED FOR A CONDOMINIUM
SUBDIVISION
)Assistant Planner Noel
Griemsmann briefed the council on the item.He stated these are lots 65
through 68 of the Palm Springs Subdivision.The applicant had developed 16
apartment units in 4 buildings along 10th Avenue.The applicant would like
to replat this development as a condominium,which requires a planned
development designation to allow for unique setbacks and lot size minimums
which cannot be addressed under straight zoning.Staff looked at this as a
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new project since there was a request for a change.It was developed in
various stages.Part of the project was completed prior to Ordinance No.940
and part of it was done after the screening code went into effect.There was
a request for some deviations at that time.If done today,the project would
be 5 trees short,one shrub short,and approximately 782'sq.ft.of ground
cover short.Staff recommends utilizing those trees as a buffer between this
property and the next,and adding additional ground cover to add interest to
the front entry ways to the buildings.Only 726'sq.ft.of open space is
required for apartments under the code,but as a planned development there is
a requirement for 20% open space,requiring approximately 6,000 sq.ft.on a
project like this.However,this project is already in place.I t only meets
about 30%of the requirement but it was developed under a different set of
standards.Play station points required are 3.2 today.A previous
landscaping appeal resulted in council requiring the applicant to install 2
barbecue grills,2 picnic tables,and 2 pieces of playground equipment.None
of that has been done,with no reason given as to why it was not done.To
remedy the situation,staff would like to see more of a high quality
recreational amenity to compensate for the limited outdoor space in the
project.The dumpster does not meet full screening requirements under the
modern development standards:i t is recommended this be brought up to
standard with a screening gate.The development will have to go to
individually metered water connections.It is currently run off the
individual units with only one meter for the entire development.It will
need a master meter for the sprinkler system that will have to be paid for by
the homeowners association.The general plan for this area calls for medium
density residential with 1-6 dwelling units per acre.This site is around 22
dwelling units per acre.However,planned development allows for a
development to be approved that is as dense as the base zoning district.CB-
1 is a commercial district that does not allow residential uses,so there is
not a base density,i t is basically a CR-5.It could be as dense as desired,
so there is no conflict there.The use category for the general plan is
residential.He commented that moving to a condominium ownership will
increase home ownership opportunities in the city with a minimal reduction in
available rental housing stock.Staff recommends approval of the project
with the stipulations mentioned before,as well as installing timers and a
separate water meter for the irrigation system,the pool,and previously
required amenities in the center area.The planning and zoning commission
unanimously approved the project with the recommended stipulations.
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MARCH 1,2005
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Vice Mayor Eck asked if they only
need one additional meter for irrigation or an individual meter for each
unit.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated the water district is requiring individual metering of all the homes,
so each dwelling will have to have a meter installed.In addition,they will
need a meter for the homeowners association's use so that there is no one
individual paying for the water to irrigate the common elements.
Councilmember Dietz asked if there
is only one meter for the entire development.
Vice Mayor Eck commented i t is a
master meter.He has seen a lot of these and they are not always
individually piped.When they go over to the meter,i t is not known if they
are serving that individual.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated these units were individually plumbed so the conversion should not be
too difficult.The water district is going to require it.
Councilmember Dietz asked how they
would be sure that the recreational amenities would be taken care of this
time when they were not done before.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated they will have i t in the actual zoning ordinance.Failure to comply
within the time frame allowed will cause code enforcement action to be taken.
That could lead to fines and possible court action.He is not sure why the
prior amenities fell through as far as oversight.
Councilmember Dietz asked if they
have agreed to do these improvements.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated the pool was part of the development plan on the original application.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
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MARCH I ,2005
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Mr.Aziz Helal,245 S.90th Place,
Mesa,addressed the council.He started the project about 4 years ago.He
is proud of what he has done.The parking and landscaping has been worked
on.He submitted the application for the swimming pool approximately one
year ago:they have the financial situation corrected and they are ready to
proceed with installing the swimming pool and barbecue pits.It was their
design to begin with.He has worked with the water district and he has no
problem with providing separate water meters for each unit.He had wanted to
do that in the beginning as there are renters who are not there the entire •
year.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He believes the applicant would like
to improve his property and he supports any property owner that would like to
do an improvement,which this is.However,he is against the idea of
condominiums.He does not think it will be a good sell for the area as there
is a lot of multi -family housing there.There has recently been a rezoning
of a lower income area a step up to single family homes:he will not be able
to refer that one.There seems to be a trend to upgrade in areas that are
traditionally lower priced housing.He suggested the applicant consider
luxury apartments.
Mrs.Anne Marie Surra,1150 E.
Estevan,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She stated she lives around
the corner and she thinks Mr.Helal had done a nice job with it when it was
apartments.She has no problems with condominiums as people are now very
interested in building equity into what they do.If they can get a
condominium in place of a rental unit,they get something back if they ever
leave that area.However,she is concerned about applicants requesting
waivers and extra work that they would normally do for a project when i t is
being zoned.She recalls the original application was given some leeway to
the landscaping because there were 2 other apartment buildings already made.
Now it will change into another facet of residential property and i t again
does not meet all of the standards.Precedents should not be set regarding
an applicant's ability to come in with a smaller project and expand i t into
another use that requires greater standards to be met for open space or
landscaping.She cautioned them about doing it on a regular basis:the
purpose of the original zoning should be met.It may have taken him 4 years
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MARCH 1,2005
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to build the project,but i t has not been up that long to determine if it was
used as apartments.She does not recall seeing a lot of activity there.It
should be the best use of property and for the property owner to take the
risk of whether or not he can sell them as condominiums versus rentals;that
is a businessman's prerogative to make that decision,not one for the
council.
Mr.Everett Diedeker,1673 W.12th
Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He was concerned about the
codes that were not met already,and asked if the codes would be enforced
better than they have been in the past if this is approved.There would be
no deficiency if they had been enforced.The other issue is safety,
regarding the swimming pool.I t is being put in between units 2 and 3 and
the only fences mentioned are at the front and back.The buildings would be
the side fences.He is concerned about the building windows that open to the
pool.Children could easily get out of the window into the pool area.I f
there are no windows,then he has no concern.He asked if there would be
room for them to have the pool and separate fencing in between the side of
the pool and the building itself.He feels that is an extreme safety issue.
He has no objection to the pool,but he questions the building being a safe
boundary.They cannot bar the windows as there are safety issues there.
Mr.Joe Severs,1184 N.Starr,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He stated he would like to see more
of pride in ownership in Apache Junction.If someone is renting an
apartment,they will not take as good care of i t as if they owned it.The
owners will take good care of them and there will be a homeowners
association.He thinks this is a good thing.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council
discussion.
Councilmember Insalaco asked i f
there were windows to be concerned about in the area of the pool.
Mayor Coleman asked if the pool was
fenced.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he thought
the pool would have to be entirely fenced.
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MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 10 OF 27
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated the pool would have to be fenced.The issue being raised is if the
buildings themselves are the barrier and if there is window access.The
building department has a requirement on the kinds of locks that can go onto
a window for safety aspects.The idea was the ends of the units would be
gated instead of doing an internal fence.Internal fences would shrink down
the area.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that where
there is a building for protection,there could be a window but it would have
to be specific.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated it would have to have a specific kind of lock or locking mechanism
under the building code in order for it to be used part of the barrier.
Mayor Coleman stated he was going
to let Mr.Helal speak at this time.
Mr.Aziz Helal stated he has
children of his own and he had the same concerns.The application from the
city shows a fence around windows and he is considering the same thing,in
addition to the locks which are already on his application.The application
form from the city shows a 6'fence along with the locks.
Vice Mayor Eck commented a code
question was asked earlier.He asked if there was a code that was not
originally met and not enforced.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated he does not know why that was not followed through on.He assured the
council that he would make sure it was followed through on this time.
going to do that personally.
stated that is correct.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if he was
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
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MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 11 OF 27
Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1227 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 Insalaco MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1227,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO.05-10.CASE SD -3-04.FINAL
PLAT APPROVAL REQUEST BY AZIZ HELAL FOR
THE CRESCENT MOON CONDOMINIUMS,A PROPOSED
CONVERSION OF 16 EXISTING APARTMENT
DWELLINGS TO INDIVIDUAL OWNERSHIP LOCATED
AT 510 E.10TH AVENUE
)Assistant Planner Noel
Griemsmann briefed the council on the item.Everyone has reviewed the plat.
I t is essentially finished with a few minor,technical details that need to
be corrected.They should have i t back shortly.He requested approval of
the plat.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented a public office
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 12 OF 27
candidate had talked about his being negative,yet he just generalized that a
large,growing segment of the community are somehow not worthy,or unclean.
or something else.His father was a renter all his life and he resents the
comment.
Mayor Coleman requested Mr.Fisher
comment on the plat.
Mr.Elliott Fisher stated i t is the
same issue:the plat is being approved for the project that was just
discussed.To him i t is all related.
Mayor Coleman commented that item
is over.
Mr.Elliott Fisher stated they are
asking for another referendum and this one will pass.He will do it.
Mayor Coleman asked him if that was
his statement on private property rights.He then apologized for the
comment.
The council consensus was there was
no reason to apologize.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak and opened the item to council
discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.05-10,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT FOR
CRESCENT MOON CONDOMINIUMS,CASE SD -3-04,BY AZIZ HELAL,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
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MARCH 1.2005
PAGE 13 OF 27
RESOLUTION NO.05-11,CASE PA -1-05,
PRIVATE ACCESS WAY APPROVAL REQUEST BY
RICHARD LAWIEN FOR HIS ORIGINAL FIVE
ACRE PARCEL AT 2575 W.16TH AVENUE TO
PROVIDE FOR ACCESS TO AN APPROXIMATELY
.90 ACRE PARCEL LOCATED ON THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER THAT HE SPLIT OUT OF
THE ORIGINAL HOLDING IN 1997
)Assistant Planner Noel
Griemsmann briefed the council on the item.He stated the applicant split a
lot out of the rear of his 5 acre parcel in 1997.There was no city review
of the land split due to the size of the parcel.The applicant did not think
there would be any issues with providing the private access way across his
property to provide access for this parcel.He provided a 25'wide access
easement on the middle of his property at the Desert View alignment;however,
the zoning ordinance regulates private access ways and requires planning and
zoning commission review and city council approval prior to the creation of a
private access easement.To resolve the problem for the new property owner,
the applicant is requesting approval for a 28'private access way with the
typical 20'x 20'intersection cut outs.He is requesting a waiver to pave
or improve the access way due to its limited usage.The surface appears to
have been chip sealed at one time.I t has a nice coating of pea gravel right
now,so i t is somewhat dust -controlled but it does not meet the PM 10
standards.Staff is concerned that approval of this without any restrictions
would lead to the potential of multiple land splits.The applicant is
limited to 3,with 1 already used.Future buyers would be entitled to their
own 3 splits until the lot size minimums of 10,000 sq.ft.each are reached.
A possible scenario could have multiple lots utilizing this private access
way,creating a situation similar to what is occurring to the direct east
where it was developed a long time ago and they ended up with lots of private
access ways and different sized lots with different access points,making i t
difficult for law enforcement and fire to locate and service the properties.
A restriction to allow only the south parcel to use this private access way
would be a method of preventing this.In 1992 a similar request for a
private access way was just down the street and the applicant wanted to do 3
parcels.It was rejected by council,and the larger side became part of the
Casa Villa Subdivision,a 31 lot subdivision with full street improvements.
He suggested a proper way to address this issue is to properly subdivision
his parcel to go down to a possible 8,000 sq.ft.lot under the TH zoning in
place and provide full street improvements including Desert View southbound.
This would provide the proper circulation and further improve the land values
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 14 OF 27
in the area.Staff recommends denial of the request as proposed.The
planning and zoning commission approved the request with the recommended
stipulations in the staff report.
applicant address the council.
Road,Gilbert,addressed the council.
property owner of the northern parcel.
owned the property since 1958 or 1959.
property where the house is.
Mayor Coleman requested the
Mr.Richard Lawien,415 W.Ray
Mayor Coleman asked if he was the
Mr.Richard Lawien stated he has
Mayor Coleman asked if he owns the
Mr.Richard Lawien stated that was
sold off.He did put legal access through there through a surveyor or
engineer,but they found out i t does not meet the city requirements.He is
requesting the driveway be widened by 3'.
Vice Mayor Eck asked when the
survey or clearance took place.
Mr.Richard Lawien stated i t
occurred when he sold the house in 1997 or 1998.It was apparently not
recorded by the title company,and that is why he is going through this now.
He commented that if you want something done right,you apparently have to do
it yourself.even though you pay someone else to do it.
Councilmember Sippel clarified that
he owns all the property north of the house.
Mr.Richard Lawien stated that is
correct.
Vice Mayor Eck asked what i t is
zoned.
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MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 15 OF 27
Mr.Richard Lawien stated i t is
zoned TH.He commented he once had a request in to have i t split like the
property next door but the council would not give the person who was going to
buy the property the same.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.He closed the public hearing with no one wishing to
speak and reopened the item to council discussion.
Councilmember Milkey asked if the
recommended motion contains the stipulations noted in the staff report.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated i t does.
Councilmember Milkey asked i f
approving this would establish legal access to only that parcel.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated i t does.The motion forwarded by the planning and zoning commission
includes language that would only allow this home to utilize the private
access way for the establishment of legal access.The east/west splitting of
these lots in the future would not be possible without further council
permission.
Mayor Coleman commented he would
prefer to see what the parcel on the left has done.He asked if they would
have any trouble getting what is on the left with this parcel in the future
if this is approved.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated it will not guarantee that they could get what is on the left.Mr.
Lawien could split this down the middle and sell the 2 parcels.The next
owner could theoretically do some vertical splits.It could still happen
even with the language in the staff report.I t does not insure that less
than a full subdivision occurs here.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
economically it cannot get more than 2 more splits.
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MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 16 OF 27
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated that is correct under the current zoning.The applicant can create
one more slice,with the logical way being to split i t in half.
Vice Mayor Eck commented it would
make it more sense economically to create a subdivision.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated it would,however,situations change.If the ownership of the 2
parcels ended up being split,and they have 2 new owners who are not
cooperating,the possibility of getting the development as the one on the
left would be more difficult.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they would
have to approve the additional access after another split.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated that is not necessarily true.One could purchase one of the parcels,
if it were split down the middle,and still do one more split down the middle
itself which would require no process.
Councilmember Waldron commented the
third stipulation states that no other parcels now existing or created in the
future can utilize the access way for the purpose nor to establish legal
access.They would have to come back to the council.
Councilmember Milkey stated they
would not.They can use 16th Avenue as their legal access.
Assistant Planner Noel Greimsmann
stated any lots that are created that utilize 16th Avenue as the legal access
would not require the process as they would not be utilizing the private
access way.
Vice Mayor Eck commented it would
have to be a long,skinny lot.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated he has seen stranger lots.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 17 OF 27
Councilmember Milkey asked if they
could inquire on the owner's intention for the property.
Mr.Richard Lawien stated he has
owned the property since 1958 or 1959.He has had 2 or 3 people interested
in it to split i t like the one next door,including the guy next door.I f
someone came tomorrow,he would sell it.That is why the line is down the
middle.The lot that has been split off has a dish in the driveway so that
it can be made into a circle.It was put in at the engineer's suggestion for
a possible subdivision in the future.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if his intent
is to go with a subdivision in the future.
Mr.Richard Lawien stated his
intent has been to sell the property to whoever wants it.When he built the
house,his intention was to not mess i t up too much so that someone could
still put a cul-de-sac in.The TH-8 rating is not the most desirable,but i t
can still be split into one acre or half acre parcels if they use a
subdivision.He himself has no intention other than to sell it.He came to
a hearing here once and the people stated they wanted a park there.If the
city wants to buy i t for a park,that is fine,but he cannot afford to give
it to the city for a park.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he does
not think the city can afford to buy i t for a park.He commented he thinks
this is a real long shot.It would make more sense for the access road to be
changed to a city street to create a subdivision to get the profit out of it.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated that would be the most logical route to follows.
Councilmember Sippel commented that
it could happen.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated i t could.Staff has struggled with this case as i t has a lot of what
ifs.
Mayor Coleman asked what would
happen if they made the private access easement the same dimensions as the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 18 OF 27
road in the cul-de-sac on the left hand side,so that when it came time to
put in a cul-de-sac and road,it would already be there.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated one of the problems would be if they did not actually enter the
subdivision process,there would not be the establishment of a public street
unless the city went through condemnation proceedings to establish a public
street.The city would have the burden of installing it.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.05-11,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A TWENTY-EIGHT FOOT
(28')WIDE PRIVATE ACCESS WAY PURSUANT TO THE APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE,
VOLUME I I LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,CHAPTER 1 ZONING ORDINANCE,ARTICLE 20
PARKING,LOADING AND INTERIOR OR PRIVATE STREET STANDARDS,SECTION 20.0108
PRIVATE ACCESS WAY STANDARDS,IN CASE PA -1-05,FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING
LEGAL ACCESS TO A LAND -LOCKED PARCEL,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:4-3 (Mayor Coleman and Councilmembers Milkey and Sippel voted in
opposition.)
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a 1
minute break.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Coleman called for a 10
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 19 OF 27
PREANNEXATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT FOR COCHRANE INSURANCE TRUST
AND KEITH PILGER PROPERTY
)Assistant Planner Noel
Griemsmann briefed the council on the item.He stated the intent is to be a
good neighbor and get them on board with the annexation proposal and it will
assure good,quality commercial development on the site.
Mayor Coleman opened the item to
council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE PREANNEXATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND COCHRANE INSURANCE TRUST AND KEITH
PILGER PROPERTY;AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE
AGREEMENT PENDING APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SUPERSTITION VISTAS STUDY
)City Manager George Hoffman
briefed the council on the item.He stated 2 weeks ago Grady Gammage and
Heidi Schaeffer discussed this topic with them.He requested council
authorize staff to participate financially in the study.The amount is one-
sixth of $200,000;he has asked for up to $35.000 in the event something
comes up where a little more is needed.He believes the intended amount is
$33.333.33.
Councilmember Milkey asked if this
would be a budget concern.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
i t is not.The council deemed growth issues to be a key issue for the
organization and allocated more than this amount for such studies.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 20 OF 27
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION AND
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY FOR THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION TO PARTICIPATE IN
THE ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY STUDY OF LANDS IN NORTHERN PINAL COUNTY CALLED
THE "SUPERSTITION VISTAS STUDY"IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $35,000:AND THAT
AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT PENDING APPROVAL
AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARD OF BID FOR PROJECT NO.MS -04-10,
SIGNAGE AND INSTALLATION PACKAGE FOR
CITY HALL AND MAGISTRATE COURT
)Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell briefed the council on the item.He stated the item was gone over at
the work session last night.The motion in the packet allows for the 5
monument signs to be constructed and completed as part of the package.
Mayor Coleman opened the item to
council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Milkey MOVED THAT THE
AWARD OF BID FOR PROJECT NO.MS -04-10,SIGNAGE AND INSTALLATION PACKAGE FOR
CITY HALL AND MAGISTRATE COURT.BE AWARDED TO MOUNTAIN STATE SPECIALTIES,
INC.,IN THE AMOUNT OF $116.963.00 PLUS 15% OR $17,544.45 FOR CONTINGENCY IN
THE EVENT OF UNFORESEEN CHANGE ORDERS,FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$134,507.45,BE APPROVED,AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO THE MAYOR TO
SIGN THE CONTRACT,PENDING APPROVAL AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY.
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 21 OF 27
The motion carried.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON OTHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS
POOL SETBACKS AND RELATED REGULATIONS
)Assistant Planner Noel
Griemsmann briefed the council on the item.He stated the current pool
setbacks in other cities in the valley are varied.The smallest is
Scottsdale at 2 ,with 3'being required in quite a few other communities
such as Phoenix,Surprise,Gilbert and Maricopa County as a whole.Mesa
requires 4',as well as Peoria and Pinal County.Tempe,Goodyear and
Chandler require 5',while Apache Junction requires 7'from the property
line.There are some exceptions for homes along alleys.The differences in
the setbacks reflect a trend towards smaller yards,especially in more
urbanized areas.There are also more things in pools these days such as
waterfalls and hot tubs.The old setbacks may no longer be as appropriate as
they once were.Some other communities are regulating pool equipment,such
as pumps,filters,and heaters.Our city currently has no requirement for
screening or location on site,and those regulations are not found in very
many other communities on site location.Most people want to place the pool
away from the house as far as possible as the noise can become a factor with
the neighbors.Some communities have the sound impacts mitigated through
sound walls or placement to keep the sound issues around pumps and equipment
near the end of the lot to avoid neighbor disputes..They could also apply
the primary building setbacks to pool equipment to put the pool further away
from the rear yard but it may not put i t very far on the side yard.It would
vary according to the zoning district.They could also apply equal setbacks
to delineate a particular number that the pool equipment should be away from
a property line.If the number is too large,it can limit the flexibility
when dealing with small lots.Another option would be a quieting method,
putting the equipment wherever they want but steps have to be taken to make
sure it is quiet and does not disturb the neighbors;if the screening method
is not effective,it makes resolving the issue more difficult.Some
communities are requiring different types of heating equipment,such as solar
and others along that line.Staff recommends revising the 7'setback;they
are comfortable with the 3'setback and would like direction on that issue.
Staff is concerned about the neighbor nuisance factor caused by not having
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 22 OF 27
regulations that address pool equipment and running water items.Staff would
like direction on the possibility of looking at options to minimize these
impacts,along with heating options.
Councilmember Sippel asked when the
cities made changes to their pool regulations.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated the trend has been recently,within the last 5 to 10 years.Some date
in the 2000s.Most of the smaller setbacks are more recent.
Councilmember Sippel stated i t is
probably because of the way the new homes are being constructed.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated he believed so,with lot sizes getting down to 6,000 sq.ft.It is a
little tight for pool space.
Councilmember Waldron asked if the
setback requirement is to the edge of the cement trim around the pool,as
some waterfalls are farther back.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated the current regulations state the actual edge of water.I t kicks in
with a body of water deeper than eighteen inches.A ponding area at the top
of a feature less than eighteen inches in depth would not have the setbacks
apply.A hot tub would apply.
Mayor Coleman commented he would
like to see the 3'setback with sound mitigation.He does not have an
interest in requiring them to be solar.
The consensus of the council was
they were not interested in the heating regulations.
Councilmember Dietz commented i f
they have the 3'setback and sound requirements,waterfalls may have to be
placed so that the back of i t is to the house.That does not make sense.He
could see the pool filter and things like that which run and make a lot more
noise,but the waterfall seems more tranquil.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 23 OF 27
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated the sound waves head out away from the waterfall;i t actually blocks
its own sound.
Councilmember Sippel asked if he
was going to do research;the example he showed them looks fine to him.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated he was determining where the interest was and where the research
should go.
Councilmember Dietz commented he
was looking for where the council is for the sound barriers and things of
that nature,such as putting up a wall around a waterfall.He had included
that and he wanted to make sure what they would be looking at.He wanted to
head that off before it got too far.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated i f i t comes to a wall structure,it will be related to equipment and
other items,not when it comes to an aesthetic water feature.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they are
looking at putting a stem wall in the corner for the biggest calming effect.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated he will be looking at other communities to see what they are doing.
They vary,some of them even have decibel levels.How that would be
accomplished is the council s option.Some specify the location it must be.
He will be looking at which solution works best.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he is
concerned about being practical.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated he is a firm believer in the keep i t simple method.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Milkey MOVED THAT
STAFF BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING POOL SETBACKS AND RELATED
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 24 OF 27
REGULATIONS:THAT STAFF CREATE A DRAFT REGULATION THAT INCLUDES 3'SETBACKS,
POOL EQUIPMENT AND/OR SCREENING ISSUES AND THE SOUND IMPACT OF THAT POOL
EQUIPMENT.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON
MONDAY,MARCH 14,2005,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS,RESPECTIVELY;AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,MARCH 15,2005,IN
THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Councilmember Sippel stated he took his 3 -year -old to see the Clydesdales up
close and personal and his son thought they were huge. •The Budweiser
employees gave him a tour and he got to sit up on top of the hitch.
Vice Mayor Eck read a letter from a first lieutenant in Iraq who had
responded to the fourth grade students at Avalon Academy that had been
communicating with him.
Councilmember Insalaco commented they had good weather for the parade and
rodeo and the only thing the television stations could say about the city and
Lost Dutchman Days was that the camels got loose.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 25 OF 27
Mayor Coleman thanked the Chamber for organizing such a wonderful event each
year.
Councilmember Dietz commented there appeared to be more people this year than
they had ever had before.The parade was fabulous.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he had positive input from the Arizona Republic
representative who was completely impressed by Lost Dutchman Days and the
city.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 8:39 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 15,2005.
3.Approval of Award of Bid for Project Number PW 2005-01,Custodial Services
for select number of municipal building facilities,to ABM Janitorial
Services in an amount not to exceed $114,000.This will be a one-year
contract starting March 21,2005 through FY 2005-06 with annual renewal
options for an additional four years.
4.Ratification of Appointment of Terry McDonald as Interim Chief of Police
for six months,with the option to renew for up to an additional six
months.
ACCEPTED THIS 15TH DAY OF MARCH ,2005,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 15T44
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 26 OF 27
DAY OF MARCH
DOUGLAS COLEMAN
Mayor
2005.
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of
the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache
Junction,Arizona,held on the 1st day of March,2005.I further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 7th day of March.2005.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,2005
PAGE 27 OF 27