HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-18 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 18,2004
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache:Junction,
Arizona,was held on May 18,2004,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
Vice Mayor Eck gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Sippel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Eck
Councilmember Dietz
Councilmember Insalaco
Councilmember Sippel
Councilmember Waldron
Staff Present:
(Councilmember Milkey was absent.)
City Manager George Hoffman ,
Assistant City -Manager Bryant Powell
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Interim Public Safety Director Steve Campbell
City Engineer Ron Grittman
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell
Public Works Director Doug Dobson ,
Development Services Director Rudy Esquivias
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Assistant to the City Manager Amy Malloy
Others Present:Business Advocate Roy Hunt
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
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 2003-14,TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION
AT IRONWOOD DRIVE AND 16TH AVENUE AND AT BROADWAY AVENUE AND DELAWARE DRIVE
BE AWARDED TO KIMBRELL ELECTRIC,INC.IN THE AMOUNT OF $229.230 PLUS 10%IN
THE AMOUNT OF $22,923.00 FOR UNFORESEEN CHANGES FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $252.153.00:AND
THAT THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION RATIFY AND ADOPT THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
NEGOTIATED BY SOUTHWEST RISK SERVICES AND POOL -HIRED COUNSEL DAN •MALINSKI,
NEGOTIATED WITH THE PAYMENT OF NO MORE THAN $49,000 TO BE PAID BY SOUTHWEST
RISK SERVICES TO JEFFREY SIEPKER IN EXCHANGE FOR DISMISSAL OF ALL CLAIMS AND
LAWSUITS,INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PINAL COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO.
CV2003-00786:AND
THAT THE CHANGE ORDER FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT AWARDED BY CITY
COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER -21,2002,TO KIRKHAM MICHAEL ENGINEERING FOR THE DESIGN
OF PHELPS DRIVE BETWEEN THE CROSSINGS AND APACHE TRAIL,CHANGE ORDER TO
INCLUDE ON -SITE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING FOR $33,041.22 AND COSTS FOR PRODUCTION
OF CONCEPTUAL'DRAFT PLANS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE FOR $7,697.00,FOR AN AMOUNT
TOTALING $40,738.22 PLUS 10% OR $4,073.82 FOR CONTINGENCY FOR UNFORESEEN
CHANGES FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $44,812.04,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,- PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
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MAY 18,2004
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CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Rene Lesieutre,3400 S.Ironwood Drive #401K,Apache Junction,addressed
the council regarding the Phelps Drive project.He has kept a diary of dates
on this project beginning November 2,2002.Staff has worked hard on this
project.He is there representing Dan Donahoe of Daybreak Investments.His
property has been under consideration for a Government Social Security
Administration building,but he declined and decided to keep his property
available for the desire of Wells Fargo Bank.They had a verbal agreement in
December 2003,with a letter of intent sent in February 2004,with counters
being steadily made to move the project forward.Wells Fargo wants to buy 1
acre of the 6 acres for a parking lot.Apache Junction is a third party to
the agreement.Numerous drafts have been done between January and May of
2004.He commented on the various easements and surveys that delayed the
drafts.This has caused a 2 month delay.The business community has voiced
concern on the impact of their businesses in the month of September,which is
their worst month of the year.The winter visitors have not come back by
that time.September would be a good time to do paving and improvements to
the property.Wells Fargo is proceeding with the purchase of the property
and is asking that they not have to wait until 2005 to complete their
project.They would like to have it completed no later than November so that
the customers will not have to park in the dirt and mud.He commended the
city for their wonderful job on Broadway and Superstition.The businesses
are happy i t is done,even though they had some problems while it was being
done.Only one went out of business,but the new owner states that business
was going under anyway.He requested they approve the project and move i t
forward.He recommended phase one be Wells Fargo Bank on the west side of
Phelps Drive from its south corner to the new south road going into the
parking lot.This would enable the bank to complete its parking lot in the
next 3 to 4 months.He urged them to do phase two in June,July and August
of 2005.That would include the north part of the bank area.He urged them
not to do any work from January through April as that is the best time for
the restaurant businesses;i t picks back up again in December.He believes
this will be a wonderful project when i t is done.He thanked Ron Grittman
and George Hoffman for their assistance in this project.
Mr.Gary Nine,10263 E.Cloudview,Gold Canyon,addressed the council
regarding the Phelps Drive project.He wished they had been under
construction when the city had wanted to be under construction..In his
experience with the school district,no construction projects have been
finished on time.He commented if everything goes perfectly the phase will
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MAY 18,2004
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be finished by October 15.I t seldom goes perfectly.If the project goes
past October 15 it will not be good for the restaurants.He has talked to
representatives of Feed Bag and Famous Sam's and they do not want this to
happen if it runs past October 15.They would rather it was done in June,
July and August.He has a friend who runs Applebee's at Alma School and
Baseline and when the area was under construction they lost 40%of their
gross in that time.It will be a significant issue if this goes past October
15.He urged them,if they cannot do i t as soon as possible,that they delay
the project until next April.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction
Association for Effective Government,addressed the council regarding items
on the consent agenda,the cost of the city hall/city magistrate complex,the
cost of the Republic lawsuit,public records requests,and the mayor sitting
on a commission on State Trust Land.
Mayor Coleman commented that the Republic lawsuit was paid for by Southwest
Risk as their attorney had mistakenly withheld the information on the All
Altug case.He then advised Mr.Fisher to submit a public records request
for the information he would like to have after he has paid off his current
debt on prior public records requests.He added that he is not on a
commission on State Trust Land,he is representing the city at the East
Valley Partnership that is hosting a forum.He is participating as a member
of a board to answer questions about our interest in expanding to the south
and providing service to the State Trust Land to the south.He commented
that if Mr.Fisher has a problem with the consent agenda,he should call and
ask one of the council to remove the item from the consent agenda.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he is concerned about the Phelps Drive issue.He
hopes everyone concerned realizes how anxiously the city has been awaiting
this item.It was one of the goals from the 2002 City Hall,but from the
discussion last night i t appears they cannot guarantee that it would be
completed in time for the season if it was started in late August.He does
not want to affect the businesses.He does not like seeing i t delayed,but
it may be in their best interest to do so if they cannot guarantee it will
not affect the businesses.He commented on the statement of Mr.Fisher
stating it would be. awful if the mayor did something to benefit the city or
the schools.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
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MAY 18,2004
PAGE 4 OF 21
City Manager George Hoffman stated they have been working hard on focusing on
customer service in this organization.He read three letters addressed to
library staff members Liz Burks,Spencer Paden and Cans O'Malley
complimenting them on their customer service.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,NEW
LICENSE,INDIVIDUAL,SERIES 12 LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR ESCONDIDO NUEVO RESTAURANT )
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.She stated the restaurant is undergoing new
ownership:they are located just down the street on Superstition.There have
been no objections from the police department,planning or the fire district.
The applicant has been invited to attend to answer any questions from the
council.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr.Dwayne Varela,450 S.Acacia
#2073,Mesa,addressed the council.He is the new owner and he hopes to do
well with the business.He requested his liquor license be approved.
already operating the restaurant.
from the military to owing a restaurant.
correct.
attended the liquor law training course.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if he was
Mr.Dwayne Varela stated he is.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he went
Mr.Dwayne Varela stated that is
Councilmember Dietz asked if he had
Mr.Dwayne Varela stated he will be
doing that.He just finished college and he is working on getting that done.
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MAY 18,2004
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Councilmember Dietz stated he must
complete that before they will issue the license.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented he has been coming to
the council meetings for approximately 10 years and he has only seen one of
these :liquor licenses denied.It makes him wonder_
Mrs.Anne -Marie Surra commented she
has been coming to council meetings approximately 24 years and only -one
license has been denied.It was denied because i t should not have been
given.The council does a recommendation to the liquor commission.When i t
is a:legitimate business-and,the safety ,and health concerns for 'patrons are
adhered to,there is no reason for the -council to 'deny the license.There
has beemno comment on health and.safety on this =license.She,does:not
believe it can be denied.
Mr.Dan Wald,560 N.Rennick Drive,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented he sees alot of
positive things take place at council meetings.One ofthe things he is
pleased to see tonight, is a returning veteran who is starting a business.He
has yet to see a combat veteran come back who has not succeeded or at least
almost die trying.He recommended approval of the request.
Mr.Joe Severs,1184 N.Starr,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He stated when he looks ,at the
applicant:he sees youth,ambition;and someone who could change this city for
the good.We need more -people like him here,people -who want to make :a
difference,and want to own a business in the city.He hopes when he opens
his own restaurant the council will approve his request,too.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council
discussion.There being.no further discussion,he called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,NEW LICENSE,INDIVIDUAL,SERIES 12 LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR ESCONDIDO NUEVO RESTAURANT,SUBMITTED BY DWAYNE JASON VARELA,BE
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MAY 18,2004
PAGE 6 OF 21
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE:
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
REAPPOINTMENTS/NEW APPOINTMENTS TO HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION,INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY,MUNICIPAL PROPERTY
CORPORATION,AND PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL
RETIREMENT .BOARD )-
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.Two weeks ago council interviewed
applicants for the Planning and Zoning Commission,Library Board,Parks. and
Recreation Commission and Board of Adjustment at the work session,making the
appointments the following evening:Last night council interviewed some of
the new applicants,as some did not attend,for the Industrial Development
Authority,Health and Human Services Commission,and Municipal Property
Corporation.There are two positions on the Public Safety Retirement Board:
one is a citizen position and ,one is actually a system member position.
Staff has not yet received the nameof the person to fill that system member
position.By statute,that member has got to be elected from members of the
police department that are members of the Public -Safety Personnel Retirement
System.That information will be given to them at a later:date for a
separate appointment:
Mayor Coleman opened the item to
council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for any motions.
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MAY 18,2004
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Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT SUE
CLABUESCH BE APPOINTED TO THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION FOR A TERM
TO EXPIRE ON JUNE 30,2007.
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
CONRAD PISINSKI BE REAPPOINTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR A
TERM TO EXPIRE ON MARCH 18,2008,AND THAT ADAM MENDOZA BE APPOINTED TO THE
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE MARCH 18,2008.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Sippel MOVED THAT
ADAM MENDOZA BE APPOINTED TO THE MUNICIPAL PROPERTY CORPORATION FOR A TERM TO
EXPIRE JUNE 30,2007.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
ANDREA HINKEL BE REAPPOINTED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL RETIREMENT BOARD
FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE ON AUGUST 8,2007.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
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MAY 18,2004
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The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
there may be another resignation from the Health and Human Services
Commission.She asked if they wanted some of these names brought back to the
council if that does occur.
The council consensus was to bring
back these names if there needs to be another appointment.
RESOLUTION NO.04-08,EXTINGUISHMENT CASE
EX 2003-03,EXTINGUISHMENT OF FEDERALLY
PATENTED EASEMENT ROADWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY
ON STAGECOACH ROAD BETWEEN WINDSONG STREET
AND LOST DUTCHMAN BOULEVARD
)City Engineer Ron Grittman
briefed the council on the item.This lies between Cortez and Acacia,Lost
Dutchman and Windsong.The road has no potential for landlocked properties,
it will not be used in a present or future roadway corridor,and i t is not
currently being used or has the potential to be used in the future by
franchised utilities.Staff recommends approval of the resolution.
Councilmember Waldron asked why the
little portion to the north is not included.
City Engineer Ron Grittman stated
i t is already extinguished,but he does not know why it was already done.
Vice Mayor Eck commented it was
possibly in foresight for Lost Dutchman.
City Engineer Ron Grittman stated
he did not know.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
that in extinguishing the roadway they do not get rid of the public utility
easement,if there is one,and he believes there is.The city has no
authority to extinguish the public utility easement.
Mayor Coleman asked what that means
so that the owners would also understand.He asked if Salt River Project or
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MAY 18,2004
PAGE 9 OF 21
whoever provides power could still run lines through there if they already
have a utility easement granted there,and the owners might be required to
remove anything built there if need be for the utilities to be able to use
that.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated
that is correct.In addition,the property owners could go and ask the
utility provider to extinguish the public utility easement.They would file
a separate document with the county recorder's office and then the public
utility easement would also be gone,allowing them to build on that portion
of the property.
Mayor Coleman stated the city is
only extinguishing the possibility of a road going through there.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated
that is correct.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if there are
any utilities there.
City Engineer Ron Grittman stated
there are,and they do have a public utility easement recorded over it.They
cannot build a structure,or something with a foundation,such as a block
wall.They can put up chain link fence or non -foundation structures.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they can
enjoy that much more open space.
City Engineer Ron Grittman stated
that is correct.Another advantage is that if they currently try to locate a
building on it,the setbacks are measured from the current property corner.
Once this is extinguished,it will be measured from the centerline of it,
gaining 33'in which to locate a building.
Councilmember Insalaco commented i t
makes their property more usable.
City Engineer Ron Grittman stated
that is correct.
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MAY 18,2004
PAGE 10 OF 21
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and,called for -a motion.
Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.04-08,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,DECLARING THAT PORTIONS OF A PUBLIC ROADWAY
EASEMENT LOCATED ON STAGECOACH ROAD BETWEEN WINDSONG.STREET AND LOST DUTCHMAN
BOULEVARD DESCRIBED IN EXTINGUISHMENT CASE EX 2003-03 IS NO LONGER NECESSARY
FOR PUBLIC USE AS. A PUBLIC ROADWAY EASEMENT AND IS HEREBY EXTNGUISHED AS'A-
PRESENT OR FUTURE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY,BE APPROVED.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE MOTION1
VOTE -Unanimous._
The motion carried.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,DAYBREAK
INVESTMENTS,INC.AND WELLS FARGO FOR
THE PHELPS DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS
)City Manager George Hoffman
briefed the council on the item.-They have heard from two long-time business
people from the community..I t sounded like they were offering diametrically
opposed recommendations.However,he believes it may be possible to meet the
needs of each of them.He heard Dr.Nine stating he needs to have access for
his restaurant to prosper when it most needs to prosper.Mr.Lesieutre
stated the bank has.a real need to proceed this summer,which,if the whole
project was attempted,would conflict with the needs of the restaurants.
Staff :brainstormed today and recommends doing the part of the project in .
front of the parking area,from the south part of the driveway to the north
part of the restaurant area.That could be achieved in .a summer time frame.,
This appears to give the manager some flexibility on implementation.If that
kind -of flexibility meets with the council's approval,they will try and meet
the. needs of both ofthetusiness interests heard this evening.There may be
some,cost issues associated with doing it that way.If so,he would want to
communicate with the parties receiving the benefit from that and make sure
there was consideration provided.They can discuss that in the future.-I f
acceleration meets their interest,perhaps they might be able to help_make i t
possible.
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MAY 18,2004
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City Engineer Ron Grittman stated
this is the culmination:of many months of work on everyone's part.This
project will resolve one -of the traffic problems that the•city has.There is.
a driveway conflict between coming out of Fry's and going into the Wells
Fargo south entrance.They will break the project into two phases.The
deceleration lane across Daybreak Investments property could be done right
now.They can put it out to bid in July:the construction will only be 3 to
4 weeks.They should be able to accomplish both quite readily.At .the same
time,they will be resolving the traffic conflict,which is the driving force
behind this whole project.I t has been turned into beautification,new
lights,and everything. else.It will be accomplished even in these phases.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
he would like -to get the development agreement signed before they get Kirkham
Michael working.Considering the time frames,if this is truly of time is of
the essence interest,i t -should not present any problem at all.
City Engineer ROn Grittman stated
because they are breaking this small project into two .phases,they will be
losing some economy of scales.Since they are doing just the deceleration
lane,he estimates it will roughlyaddanother 15% to.20 in cost to -do that
small portion.
Mayor Coleman commented that may be
something they need to work out with the private parties that are there.
City Engineer Ron Grittman stated
he has been working on this all day but he still does not have the actual
numbers available.
Vice Mayor Eck commented the city
manager stated that if this is to be negotiated by the city manager,it would
give him enough leeway to do whatever needs to be done.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
he wanted to make sure they had the context of the situation.He thinks they
can manage a win -win for the situation.
Mayor Coleman asked how sure he was
of a win -win situation.
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MAY 18,2004
PAGE 12 OF 21
City Manager George Hoffman stated
there is no reason that it would not work from a staff end and preliminary
discussions seem to suggest the business interests are fine with it.He
added Dr.Nine wished for it to be done in the summer so that i t could be
open by October 15.That guideline is clear and concrete to them.They can
manage schedules to meet that time frame.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they are
extremely anxious for this project,not just Main Street and the business
people in the area.If they can work something out,it will be great.
City Engineer Ron Grittman stated
barring a huge delay with getting Kirkham Michael going,he does not see i t
being a problem.He estimates it will be done by the first of October,no
later than the middle of October with no problem at all.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
he believes they need to give a deadline by which the development agreement
needs to be signed.If it is not signed,they do not proceed with Kirkham
Michael and they do not do the work this summer.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT THE
MAYOR BE AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,DAYBREAK INVESTMENTS AND WELLS
FARGO,AS NEGOTIATED BY THE CITY MANAGER AND APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE CITY
ATTORNEY,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
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COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON OTHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES
)Assistant to the City Manager
Amy Malloy briefed the council on this item.She listened to the request to
break this down into phases.She met with the planning staff and they were
able to put together a phase one option,which she distributed to the
council.They determined the city needs to bring back the development fee
consultant to address reducing fees for infill development and that an infill
redevelopment team needs to be created.This team would address issues which
a business assistance package could do.These issues include blight,
parking,expediting development processes,collective retention,energy
efficient design,public art and open space.They see the team as being a
core of planning,herself,Ken Simpkins,and possibly chaired by Rudy.They
discuss certain issues each time,such as blight in the downtown area,and
they would bring in the code compliance expert in the city to sit in on the
meeting.They will use the most efficient use of staff time.They can put
together infill options for each of these major issues.They would be happy
to add any other issues that the council deems a concern.She commented they
do have money in the budget set aside for the consultant to come back and
revisit the issues if need be.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated there is development fee money set aside for the consultant.
Councilmember Dietz asked what the
cost would be for the development fee consultant.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated i t cost about $40.000 the last time they were here about two-
and -a -half years ago.
City Manager George Hoffman asked
if they would be looking at the entire structure of development fees.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated that is correct.They were about to do i t anyway as they are
supposed to do i t every three years.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
the infill needs to be considered in the context of the whole.
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MAY 18,2004
PAGE 14 OF 21
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated they would want them to do the whole development fee structure
while they are here.
Councilmember Dietz commented they
do this every few years anyway.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated it takes almost six months by statute to complete,as there are
public hearings and the study.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if any of the
funds could be used for a study towards an infill property that is in the
development district that has an account,or is the area too small of an area
since i t has to be the entire city and save that for some of these options
you might come out with.He commented they are doing it citywide;he thought
when he heard infill that they had some money in the Crossroads account.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated they do have funds in the redevelopment district account.
Vice Mayor Eck commented on the
phasing in that i t is easier to accomplish shorter goals and have some actual
starts and finishes.He believes i t is more successful that way.
Assistant to the City Manager Amy
Malloy agreed.She thought it was an insightful comment and therefore left
the meeting and met with the planning staff to try and make some diligent
steps towards getting this up and going.She promised that they would meet
and focus on what needs to be focused on.They will get some things going.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if this would
be coming back to the council.
Assistant to the City Manager Amy
Malloy stated they had envisioned creating an infill overlay map.They would
have experts in each of these fields,such as Dennis Dixon looking at issues
of blight in the downtown area,including buildings,facade improvements that
need to happen,and they would then mark them on a map,research and come up
with options to address the need,and come back to the council on that issue
or look at all six issues at once.They could present the infill packages or
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MAY 18,2004
PAGE 15 OF 21
incentives packages they are looking at to address each of these issues.I t
will be the council preference.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that
public art may be beautiful- to some but not to others. •Public art is great,
but it is not always what you thought it would be.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
anything that would be of :a policy nature would be brought -back to council..
They will be kept informed on all of it.Anything they want to:have come
back,will comeback.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if this is
enough for them to do what they.need to do.
Assistant to the City Manager Amy
Malloy stated it would be enough.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called fora motion.
CounciTmember Waldron MOVED THAT
THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
INCENTIVES:THAT THE STAFF WORK: WITH MAIN STREET ON RESEARCHING THE
INCENTIVES IN THE BUSINESS ASSISTANCE OPTION AND PREPARE THE POSSIBLE PHASE •
ONE OPTION.
CounciTmember Dietz SECONDED. THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
)Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
briefed the council on the item.He stated:they-are looking for direction
regarding inviting the Trust for Public Land into the community to do some
polling regarding the public's willingness to pay for open space
preservation,to set up a meeting with State Land Department Director
Winklemarnat the direction of the city manager for appropriate timeliness of
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MAY 18,2004
PAGE 16 OF 21
a meeting to begin discussions with him regarding the community's vision for
open space,and regarding the preparation of an -Arizona Preserve Initiative
application,Staff has been advised by Andy Lorency,part of the coalition
that drafted the proposed changes and was instrumental in writing the initial
program,and Steve Olsen,representing the municipalities from the League,to
go ahead with the application.As late as this morning,Rudy ran last
night's scenario past Mr.Olsen who advised .staff to submit the application
because there is no guarantee what the outcome of the lawsuits will be,or
the outcome of an election will be i f it gets on the ballot.The city needs'
to state its intentions for those lands.
Councilmember Waldron agreed that
they need to proceed with the application.He asked if there are some fees
involved that the city will be charged either through the election or polling
process.
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
stated they offer five services.The city has used the first services which
is pro bono.The second service,the polling,there is a charge for.I t
depend& on theAlumber of households polled and whether or not theypoll
households in unincorporated ,Pinal County.I t is anywhere:from!$10A0 tb
$15,000:;if unincorporated Pinal County is included.,the county would 'be
asked to defray a portion -of that..Funds have been included in next y ears
budget to cover polling.
Assistant .City Manager -Bryant
Powell stated that is correct
Grants -Specialist Roger Hacker
stated the other three services after that,if they continue to work With
Trust for Public Land are pro bono.
Councilmember SlOpel commented this
is the only'portion'that will cost the city.
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
stated thatils correct.
Councilmember Sippel added until
they:have:to buy the land.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 18,2.004
PAGE 17 OF 21
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
stated that is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented he believes
they have to poll the ones in the foothills as they probably stand to benefit
more than the residents in the city by this preservation of land.They need
to see what kind of support they would get from them.
Vice Mayor Eck agreed.I t should
be pretty favorable.He asked if one would rather see a native desert or a
ceramic tile roof.
City Manager George Hoffman
commented he is also seeking direction on whether the Open Space Report
should be brought back for formal acceptance by the city council.That would
give it some formality when they go out and talk to other people and
entities.The speakers last night gave him a sense of how critical this
state land reform is to the state,but perhaps more than any other city in
the state,how critical i t is to Apache Junction.He is seeking direction to
actively work to encourage the state legislature to convene a special
legislative session to discuss this matter this summer.
Mayor Coleman stated so that i t
could be on the ballot in November two years away.
Councilmember Waldron commented
they need to get the word out to the citizens of Apache Junction on how
critical this is and how they can contact their legislators and where the
information is on the State Land website.I t is very important for the
city's future to get this on the ballot.He would like to encourage as much
public information as we can through the website and the newspapers.He
thinks i t is that important.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
THAT STAFF TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTIONS TO INVITE THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
INTO APACHE JUNCTION. TO -CONDUCT POLLING TO DETERMINE PUBLIC OPINION REGARDING
THE COMMUNITY'S WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR THE ACQUISITION AND-PRESERVATION OF
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 18,2004
PAGE 18 OF 21
OPEN SPACE;AND THAT STAFF COMPLETE AND SUBMIT AN ARIZONA PRESERVE INITIATIVE
APPLICATION FOR THE RECLASSIFICATION AS OPEN SPACE OF UP TO 2,700 ACRES OF
STATE TRUST LAND.THESE LANDS ARE ON THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN BOUNDARIES OF
THE CITY;AND THAT STAFF,AT THE DIRECTION OF THE CITY MANAGER,INITIATE
DISCUSSIONS WITH THE STATE LAND COMMISSIONER AND HIS STAFF REGARDING THE
PROTECTION OF STATE LAND IDENTIFIED IN THE APACHE JUNCTION OPEN SPACE
PLANNING TASK FORCE REPORT;AND THAT STAFF TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTIONS TO
PLACE ON A FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA THE FORMAL ACCEPTANCE BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE APACHE JUNCTION OPEN SPACE PLANNING TASK FORCE.
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE CONTAINED IN THE DOCUMENT ENTITLED "REPORT TO THE
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION";AND THAT STAFF TAKE
THE NECESSARY ACTIONS TO ENCOURAGE THE RESIDENTS OF APACHE JUNCTION TO
CONTACT THEIR STATE LEGISLATORS AND GOVERNOR NAPOLITANO REGARDING THE
CONVENING OF A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED STATE LAND
REFORM INITIATIVE.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman commented he would
also like to get Mike Williams working on it.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES
Councilmember Dietz commented there
will be no work session on Monday,May 31,2004,in observance of the
Memorial Day holiday.He MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND
WORK SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,JUNE 1,2004,IN THE CITY
CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 18,2004
PAGE 19 OF 21
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
City Manager George Hoffman stated the East Valley Partnership forum is next
Wednesday night,May 26.Mayor Coleman will be a panelist.He encouraged
attendance at the event.I t is at the Arizona Golf Resort at Power and
Broadway starting at 4:30 p.m.or 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Coleman thanked the city for its support in the loss of his mother.He
appreciated all the words of kindness from the council.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 4,2004.
3.Consideration of Award of Bid for Project PW 2003-14,Traffic Signal
Installation -at Ironwood Drive-&16th Avenue and at Broadway Avenue &
Delaware Drive to Kimbrell Electric:Inc.in the amount of $229,230,plus
10%,or $22,923.00,for unforeseen changes for a total not to exceed
$252,15100.
4.Consideration of settlement of Siepker v.City of Apache Junction,Pinal
County Superior Court No.CV2003-00786.
5.Consideration of Change Order to Professional Services Agreement awarded
by City Council on 11/21/02 to Kirkham Michael Engineering for the design
of Phelps Drive between the Crossings and Apache Trail.(Change Order
includes on -site traffic engineering for $33.041.22 and costs for
production of conceptual draft plans and meeting attendance,at $7,697,
totaling $40,738.22 plus 10%,or $4,073.82,for contingency for a total
Change Order of $44,812.04.)
ACCEPTED THIS lsr DAY OF JUNE ,2004,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 1ST
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 18,2004
PAGE 20 OF 21
DAY OF JUNE ,2004.
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk'
DOUGLAS CGtEMAN
Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoingilinutes are a true and correct copy of,
the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council :of the City of Apache-
Junction,Arizona,held on the 18th day -of May,2004.I further certify that
the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 25th day of May,2004.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 18,2004
PAGE 21 OF 21