HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-10-05 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 5.2004
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction;
Arizona,was held on October 5,2004,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
Councilmember Insalaco gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Milkey led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Eck
Councilmember Insalaco
Councilmember Mil key
Councilmember Sippel
Councilmember Waldron
Staff Present:
(Councilmember Dietz 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
Library Director Pam Loui
Development Services Director Rudy Esquivias
Assistant to.the City Manager Amy Malloy
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 1 OF 37
Others Present:Assistant Planner Noel ,Griemsmann
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
QDBG Administrative Assistant Melinda Larson
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE
CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED:AND
THAT OFFICER.RANDALL BETTS BE -APPOINTED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL.
RETIREMENT BOARD FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE'AUGUST 6,2007:AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO.04-22,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND THECITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF APACHE:JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL
AGREEMENT WITH THE:TOWN OF PAYSON:TO ESTABLISH A PARTNERING ARRANGEMENT FOR
APPLICATION-FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS BE APPROVED:AND
THAT THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN APACHE: JUNCTION MAIN STREET
PROGRAM,INC.AND THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF
APACHE TRAIL AND DOWNTOWN AREA IN FISCAL YEAR 2004-05 BE APPROVED;AND THAT
AUTHORIZATION'BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT;AND
THAT THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS FOR HUMAN SERVICES FUNDING FOR FY
2004-05 BE APPROVED AS FOLLOWS:APACHE JUNCTION REACH OUT,INC.$20,000:
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB,$15,000;CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF ST.GEORGE,$10,000;
COMMUNITY ACTION HUMAN RESOURCES AGENCY,INC.,$10,000:MESA SENIOR CENTER,
$21,000:AND SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN MENTAL HEALTH CENTER,$4,000;WITH THE
STIPULATIONS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION;AND
THAT THE MAYOR BE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE AGREEMENTS AND
THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF STEVE CAMPBELL AS PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR/POLICE CHIEF
EFFECTIVE PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE 1216,BE RATIFIED.
Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE:
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.(The vote on Item 6 was 5-0-1 as Councilmember Waldron
abstained due'to a conflict of interest.)
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 2 OF 37
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Coleman read a proclamation declaring October 18,2004 as "Pilot
International Day"and presented the proclamation to a representative of
Pilot International.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
None.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR A NEW LICENSE,LIMITED
LIABILITY CO.,SERIES 10 LIQUOR LICENSE
FOR ORANGE FOOD STORE #8
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.She stated this is located at the
intersection of Idaho Road and North Apache Trail.Staff has received
several pieces of correspondence on the item.Sergeant Rodgers of the police
department raises some issues regarding the residency status of the applicant
and whether or not they have the appropriate documentation.The planning
department raises some issues relative to complying with other city
regulations because the facility has been vacant for over a year.Those
issues have not yet been resolved;Steve Abraham is meeting with them at the
end of this week.The fire district has not been able to complete their
inspection;they are suggesting conditional approval.If the council sends
i t forward to state liquor with conditions they would probably not take i t
into very much consideration.I t is unusual for us to have indicators from
three different directions that perhaps the liquor license should be delayed,
but in the memo from Jan,she checked to see if the city would still be
within the "safe"window if the council wished to continue this.It could
only be continued for two weeks,as it would be beyond the 60 days to respond
if it was continued to a date later than two weeks.The applicant has been
requested to appear this evening.
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OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 3 OF 37
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.The applicant was not in attendance.Mayor
Coleman opened the public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to
speak,he closed the public hearing.He commented his preference would be to
continue i t for two weeks to see if the fire inspection and other things
could be completed.
Vice Mayor Eck added they could get
the residency question resolved.He asked if the city would be contacting
them to inform them of what was needed.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
staff will attempt to contact them and provide them with copies of all of the
correspondence and ask them to address the issues.She does not know if the
State looked at the application when they received it.She believes they
wait until they hear from the municipality and then they look at what they
have in front of them.They are supposed to meet with Steve so that will
give them an opportunity to go over to the clerk's office,also.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR A NEW LICENSE,LIMITED LIABILITY CO.,SERIES 10 LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR ORANGE FOOD STORE #8 BE CONTINUED TO THE OCTOBER 19TH MEETING.
Councilmember Milkey SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO.04-26,CASE CUP 03-90,
REVIEW OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE
DESERT GOLF CENTER DRIVING RANGE LOCATED
AT 1061 OLD WEST HIGHWAY
)Assistant Planner Noel
Griemsmann briefed the council on the item.He stated the conditional use
permit was passed in 1990 for the operation of the Desert Golf Center.This
is basically a review of the permit.There have been incidents that have led
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OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 4 OF 37
to the investigation of the file by staff to determine if the terms of the
permit were being complied with.Staff has had dialogue with the operator of
the center to address some of the questions.There are a few issues staff
would like to bring before the council for them to consider.The first issue
is insurance.The permit presently calls for a $1,000,000 coverage for the
golf center.The golf center is located on the south side of Old West
Highway just east of Royal Palm.The policy currently in place has a damage
limit of 500 feet.A 500 foot limit is approximately 166 yards:a 306 yard
hit would carry all the way to the north edge of the site.The insurance
does not provide any coverage beyond the 500 foot limit.A well hit golf
ball would exceed that boundary limit.I t is a concern of staff and the city
attorney's office as far as making the intent to protect the city in the case
of an incident out there.The other issue is documentation.There is
nothing in the permit that calls for continuous documentation.There is one
certificate of insurance from when the operation initially began in 1990.
The property owner had provided a certificate of liability with an effective
date of May 2004 when requested.The city is listed as a listed party.I t
is unclear if the city is supposed to call every year for documentation on
proof of insurance or if the golf center is supposed to submit something
every year to the city.The temporary nature of the enterprise needs to be
looked at;the applicant stated it was a temporary operation in 1990.The
golf center has been in operation for 14 years and traffic counts have gone
up and things have built up in the area.The third issue is whether this has
become a demonstrated hazard.They have had reports of golf balls in the
median,as well as entering neighbors'yards.Resolution 04-26 is a rehash
of the original staff recommendations from 1990,including screening options.
The planning and zoning commission originally denied the conditional use
permit resulting in it going before the council.The commission had called
for some screening and protection to protect advert golf balls from entering
the right-of-way or the yards of neighbors.The modified language clarifies
the revocation process,requires the $1,000,000 of insurance coverage,
clarifies there will be no distance limit,and provides coverage for any
incident involving the operation of the golf center.The policy is to be
submitted to the zoning administrator every year when the business license is
renewed.Any changes in coverage occurring will require notification of the
development services director within 2 business days.
Councilmember Waldron asked the
status of the 4 buildings on the property.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 5 OF 37
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated most of the buildings are acceptable with minor modifications;that .
language -is in the conditional use permit.They could not find any permits
on most of them,which is another issue,but they can get them straightened
out as i t is just a layout issue.There is a manufactured home parked on the
:premises that belongs to the golf center.The conditional use permit ',does
.not list the storage of a recreational vehicle as one:of the uses.Council .
may want to add that as.a use to clarify or specifically deny its use
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,addressed
the council.He stated the property is being leased from Paul Connolly and
Associates.He had made copies of some paperwork he wanted to make part of
the record and distributed the paperwork.He requested more than 5 minutes
for his presentation,if needed.He commented he was asking for more time
because the city is trying to shut the business down.
Mayor Coleman stated he could have
more than 5 minutes.
Councilmember Milkey stated they
-are not here to shut them down tonight;they are here to review the permit.
Mr.Lloyd K.: Ray,Jr.,stated he
has letters stating that Rudy Esquivias and Noel .Griemsmann are shutting him
down today.He read a statement declaring himself as the lessee of the
property and requesting a postponement ofthe issue that evening for at least
7 months or at least to .May 1,2005.He claimed he has spent an estimated
$200,000 or more in the_past 10 years on the business to keep i t continued,
and $10,000 towards the preparation of the opening of business for this.
coming winter season.This session is preventing or deterring him from
performing necessary functions to operate and promote the business.He was,
informally notified by Noel Griemsmann of this hearing on September 17_He
claimed to be overwhelmed with the legal implications .on the issues
presented.He did not feel he was given sufficient time to prepare an answer
for the review and it would be unfair for a decision to be made tonight.He
stated this is a complicated matter and he requires at least 7 months or
until May 1,2005.He had opened for the winter season this date and his
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 6 OF 37
limited amount of time should be considered for the postponement.He asked
if this could be postponed to allow him to prepare.
Councilmember Milkey commented i t
is not an unreasonable request,but this is a public hearing and they should
hear some things tonight.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.stated he
would like to reserve the right to speak after the public has spoken.
Mayor Coleman agreed to the
request.He then opened the public hearing on the item.
Ms.Marilyn Ryusaki,1061 Old West
Highway #H-10,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She requested to .have
morethan .fiveiminutes..-She is Lloyd Ray's assistant.
Mayor Coleman asked how much longer
than five minutes she would need.
Ms.Marilyn Ryusaki stated she was
going to try to Explain the entire situation,but decided only a few facts
would be important.She estimated she might need 15.minutes;if she went
more than that she would ask for their permission.
Mayor Coleman stated he was not
inclined to grant that much time.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i f
she is associated with the lessee or applicant,i t could be part of Mr.Lloyd
Ray's presentation.He does not think it would be out of line.He added a
continuance would not be out of line.However,they must still have the
public hearing,followed by a motion to continue the matter for a date
certain.I t is up to the council how long they want to continue the matter.
Mayor Coleman commented they would
hear Ms.Ryusaki's presentation.
Hs.Marilyn Ryusaki stated she.
wanted to refer to the letters dated March 16,2004,and April 16,2004_
These areover a citizen's complaint that was written to the Desert Golf
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OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 7 OF 37
Center.The citizen did not present any written verification such as an
estimate of damage repair cost or a claim from the insurance carrier.A
photo of the dent on the vehicle was attached.She stated the March 16
letter is exaggerated.She gave the council a golf ball to judge its weight.
She stated any reasonable person would assume that a golf ball would not land
with considerable force like a missile,or hit with this kind of force.The
March 16 letter to the golf center alleges a written estimate of damage
repair was attached.The estimate is not attached to the letter forwarded to
city staff.She provided a copy of the estimate to the council.The Desert
Rose Collision Center provided an estimate for damage with a date of loss
designated as March 15,2004.The golf center received a letter claiming the
damage occurred on March 8,2004.On September 20,2004,a fax was received
from Desert Rose Collision Center stating the date of loss reflects the date
the damage was incurred.She thought this is why the citizen did not provide
staff with the estimate.Approximately March 19,2004,she went to the
citizen's home to take photographs of the dent.The citizen's husband told
her a golf ball did not hit him.She claimed the citizen submitting letters
to the business owner was hearsay,containing exaggerated or faulty
descriptions or information that is harmful to the business'reputation.The
exhibits she submitted to the council make i t questionable that a golf ball
caused the damage to the vehicle,or i f it even was a golf ball.She
believes i t came from a closer distance,possibly from someone's yard.On
August 4,2004,the business owner reported the claim to his insurance
carrier.The insurance carrier investigated the claim and found that the
person who hit the golf ball would be liable if it came from the golf center.
The business owner is not liable for the negligence of others.The insurance
carrier also did not find that the golf center could be legally held liable,
and denied the claim.They did not dispute that a golf ball struck the
vehicle.They suggested a claim be filed with the personal automobile
insurance carrier.The business insurance carrier stated they had settled
the claim and sent the citizen a $500 check on or about October 4 to repair
the vehicle.They did not provide any compensation for the personal injury
claim alleged by the citizen.She commented that when the claims
representative spoke to the citizen regarding the personal injury claim,she
refused to allow them to speak to her husband.They could not reach a
conclusion with regard to the injury claim.The business owner agrees to the
city being an additional insured for $1,000,000 and being provided with a
certificate of insurance.Their insurance carrier is working on the matter
of unlimited distance coverage.They are currently providing unlimited
distance coverage,but due to the shortage of time they were unable to get
all the documentation in time for this meeting.They will submit it to the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 8 OF 37
assistant planner once they receive the documentation.The former applicant,
Glen Tenhoven,intended to have the permit temporary.She feels this is a
matter to be addressed by the property owner,not by the council.The
property owner refused to attend this hearing.She told Mr.Connolly that
the permit is something the city should be talking to him about.She does
not think his intent is for it to be temporary.She gave a brief summary of
the lessees who "inherited"the permit,with the most current being Lloyd
Ray.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if she would
acknowledge that a golf ball could go the distance to meet the houses.The
distance shown is between 250 yards and 280 yards.
Ms.Marilyn Ryukasi stated they are
not a golf course;they are a driving range.They have a specific area
assigned as the teeing ground.They hit from certain marked rows.The
Surra's residence is located to the extreme right side of the property.
Vice Mayor Eck commented i t is 280
yards away.
Ms.Marilyn Ryukasi stated that is
approximate.She stated the council could go there and they would measure
it.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he has
been there;he took lessons there.
Ms.Marilyn Ryukasi reiterated the
Surra's home is at the extreme right side of the property.There is a huge
mesquite tree in the back of their yard;i t is tall and half as wide as their
house.She believes it protects them from any balls.If a golf ball goes
into the tree,it will stay in the tree and land on the ground.To the right
side of the house,there is a large row of mesquite trees that protect the
house.You cannot even see the house.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he does
not believe the mesquite trees are enough of a barrier.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 9 OF 37
Ms.Marilyn Ryukasi stated Lloyd
Ray is actually the one who can answer that question.She is only his
assistant;she is not a professional golfer.
Mr.Fred Enriquez,980 E.Broadway,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He has worked for the golf course
since shortly after i t opened.He polices the area,checking on where the
golf balls go.He advises the staff when someone is hitting way right and
they give him permission to go and straighten the customer out.They used to
have a lot of wild people there before Apache Creek opened.A man named
Steve used to have his place bombarded by a lot of balls.At that time,Roy
Hudson and Lloyd Ray brought in some equipment to reroute everything;they
extended the range back another 50 yards so that the balls would not reach
over there.Using a radius of 200 yards,the Surra home is another 120 yards
to the south.It would have to be a terrific slice to make the damage that
it did.They have eliminated the balls going into Steve's yard,other than 2
or 3 that go under a gate.He can recall one time when one of their balls
went onto Mrs.Surra's property and landed about 10'inside after hopping a
2'fence.He has been a golfer all his life,he teaches,and he knows what
golf balls can do.When a golf ball hits,it makes a small indentation,even
dead straight at 100 yards.A slicing ball will not make that kind of
damage.He has been hit several times by sliced balls and i t stings,but i t
does not do much damage.He does not believe the damage was done by a ball
from the driving range:it must have come from closer by.Golf range golf
balls are not made well and if they are hit well,they will split and not
have the impact of regular golf balls.He has heard they are stating they
have had buckets of balls hitting their roof;no one has complained to them
and if it had been happening to him,he would have complained about i t
happening.They only get elderly people during the winter;they got rid of
all the young people.When they did have young people,they told them to hit
5 irons,not drivers.Anyone that can hit beyond 250 yards on the fly would
be a pretty good golfer.A weekender cannot hit the ball that far;it would
only go 180 to 190 yards on the fly and then roll another 30 to 40 yards.
They could stop in at any time and see that the people there are in their
60's and 70's and none of them could hit over 200 yards,even with the roll.
Mrs.Anne Marie Surra,1150 E.
Estevan,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She commented she did not
realize all the golfers were so old,as the golfer who hit her car was in his
20's.The planning department staff has provided background information to
the council.Mr.Tenhoven,Mr.Connolly and Mr.Buck worked well with the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 10 OF 37
residents -whose properties were in close proximity.Somewhere along the way
the intent of the stipulations of the permit has not been met in actual
practice.The revised version is much better.She still has some concerns:,
however.She has had. aiDersonal problem with having had damage to a vehicle
parked in herdriveway in front of her house.She had brought some -golf
balls with her that had landed in her yard over the last season.She used to
throw them back.After the incident in March,she held onto them,especially
the one that hit her car.The car is here tonight if they would like to view
the.damage.A good golfer would probably not come near her property because
they =would hit straight,but people on a driving range are there because :they
feel they need the practice.A sliced ball can have a tremendous impact when
it hits American -made. cars.The issue was not the damage to the car,the
issue was that the city issued a permit that stipulated insurance had to be
held.The property owners that bordered the driving range only said they,
would go along with having the driving range if there were assurances that
any damage done to property or person would be covered.The city put in -that -
stipulatiorn unfortunately it was not interpreted the same way.They put a
restriction on the length or distance by which they would cover.If it was a
patron,it would be their responsibility.The golf center would have
abrogated any liability or responsibility.She does not believe most •
businesses would do that.She commented this is the first she has heard.that
they are going to pay the claim,figuring they would not get paid since the:
golf center did not have adequate coverage.She is not vindictive enough to
go after:the City for issuing the permit to a business that was hazardous to
the neighborhood.I t should not come out of taxpayer funds.The estimate
from Desert Rose was given the day of or the day after the incident.She
does not know how i t goes into the computer or how it is assigned.She added
they drove the vehicle over to the golf center the day i t occurred and showed
it to Mr.Ray,who.thempointed out the gentleman who hit the ball.Her;
husband got his name and phone number,but they do not feel he is liable for
something that happened at a business.She is not here to close down Mr.Ray
and.the Desert Golf Center.She is asking the council to look at certain
things in the new,revised,permit to clarify some of these issues to prevent
problems in the future.She asked if item 1 really addresses the issue of
parking and storing of other kinds of vehicles on the property;the city does.
not need.another mini -storage for used or unused vehicles.It would not be
complimentary to the neighborhood.She commented the 4.0'fence along Old
West 'Highway would not be too bad,but having i t behind the properties
adjacent to the driving range could affect their view of Superstition
Mountain if it was too- dense.She hopes it will be netlike;she requested
they-not .make i t a block wall.
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OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 11 OF 37
Vice Mayor Eck asked if she would
have .a problem with having a netting behind her house.
Mrs.Anne Marie Surra commented as
long as i t does not mess up the view of Superstition Mountain.Right now
everyone that lives on that side has a beautiful view of the mountain.She,
is aware they have looked at businesses along Apache Trail to make sure the:
views of the other.businesses have not been affected:She hopes for equal
time,and .they were there before the: golf center.She would also like to see
clarification in item 5 that the easement for the water retention area does
not belong to Desert Golf Center.She commented this has been a temporary
permit and the property owner did not have anything to do with the business:
having the permit.The permit is for the business-,not the land.She
believes a regular review is needed as this is a temporary permit and item 6
does not address a process to review for safety hazards.She believes: it
should be done periodically to warrant the extension so that they can stay in
business in a.safe and orderly manner.She is also concerned about the
amount of insurance in item she does not think $1,000,000 is enough these
days to insure that the city will not have to use public taxpayer monies to
pay claims because people will see there is a deep pocket.She suggested a
higher dollar amount to protect the taxpayer funds.A golf ball could slice
the other way onto Old West Highway,hit a vehicle and cause an accident.I t
could be tremendous dollars out of,the.city pockets.She also suggested that
a copy be -given to the city of every claim that the business owner submits to
the insurance company.They could .then monitor the safety problems.The
wording in item /should also include not just the owner of the business,but
include the people who partake in their services.The customers should not
have to be told they are responsible for any damage their golf ball does.
She commented that every year,she_collected a small bucket of balls and then
she tossed them back.The "Steve"that they referred to is Steve Darling who
lives one house beyond hers.He really complained about the balls and got
something:done... He is farther awaythan her so she, does not think i t is
unusual for her to get that many balls.They came to an agreement with him,
but one ball almost hit one of his children.The residents are the big
concern,and they have to be concerned about people who are visiting with
them being hit by balls.There are more children around,than there were in
1990 that play in the streets and backyards.The safety issue is a concern.
The insurance claim she put in was not a part of her presentation tonight.
She is asking the council to do what is right to preserve the safety of the _
neighborhood.There are more children,especially with the apartment complex
going in there:She would like to make.sure they can address monitoring the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 12 OF 37
things that are put in as stipulations,possibly making each review date
certain,or have i t based on the number of claims given.
mayor if he was the mayor in 2000.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,asked the
Mayor Coleman stated he was.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated the
mayor called his office on October 14,2000,and asked why he would not allow
Anne Surra and her husband to use the property as they saw fit.She was a
city councilwoman at that time.
Mayor Coleman stated i t had
something to do with the easement.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated she
wanted to use their property to do something in her backyard because she said
that she could not achieve whatever she was attempting to achieve by doing i t
from her front yard.She came to him as a city councilwoman and demanded
that he let her use that property.He told her no,and she went to the
mayor.The mayor called and asked,then hung up the phone on him.Roy
Hudson came to his property and told him that Anne Surra would have been
fired if he had been mayor for using "Gestapo"tactics.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he does
not see what that has to do with this.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated she
has been trying to use this property for herself.
Vice Mayor Eck commented this is 4
years later.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,commented i t
happened in 1995,1996,1997,1998;1999,and 2000.She has not been there
in 2001 through 2003,and now she shows up in 2004 and says the golf ball hit
her van.The sign has been on the driving range for 8 years.
Mayor Coleman commented he does not
remember hanging up on him.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 13 OF 37
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated he
did call him,though,trying to use his official capacity as mayor,and asked
why he would not let Mrs.Surra use the property.It was in October,
November and December,and that is their busy season.The insurance company
would not have stood for the liability.
Mayor Coleman commented he just
asked him the question.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated the
sign has been out there for 8 years,setting at 600'on a straight line.
They circled it with corrugated steel which is a lot "wimpier"than steel put
on a vehicle.The pictures show what would happen at 737'when a golf ball
hits it.The gentleman who hit the golf ball in question was 55 and they
have not seen him since then.He is a winter visitor.You will not see at
600'what is seen at 730'.They could not match any dent except possibly the
100 yard marker.I t is made out of the same steel as their van.I t has a
round marking on it,not a teardrop marking.For her to say that a golf ball
hit her vehicle,it would have had to have traveled 1.400'in the air.He is
not aware of any golf ball that can travel in the air that far.If the van
was hit with a golf ball,i t had to come from someplace closer.
Mayor Coleman commented he is not
sure they are trying to settle the insurance claim.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,commented he
objected to the insurance claim but they decided to do it,because they
turned around and gave him unlimited coverage.
Mayor Coleman commented he is not
sure that is what they are talking about.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated she
is claiming the insurance policy is very important here.
Mayor Coleman stated i t is obvious
to him there are balls going into their yards.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated there
are no balls over there.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 14 OF 37
Mayor Coleman commented she is
supposed to have purchased those to mislead the council.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated there
are kids that steal golf balls from the driving range all the time.They
have police down there all the time.Those balls can be bought at any time,
and they are in the next door neighbor's backyard which is 900'away from the
hitting area.He stated if those balls came from the driving range,then
they were stolen by the kids who are out there.
Mayor Coleman commented she went
over there and he pointed out the gentleman who hit the ball that went into
her yard.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated he
said the gentleman supposedly hit the ball.
Mayor Coleman commented they are
supposed to be discussing if the conditions of the conditional use permit are
being adhered to and if they need to be revised.They are not to be
discussing the insurance claim,nor the argument between Mr.Ray and Mrs.
Surra.He does not think any of that is relevant.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated i t is
relevant in the amount of insurance Rudy is trying to put upon them.Mrs.
Surra wants $2,000,000 insurance coverage,and he does not see a problem with
that.They already have a $2,000,000 policy.
Vice Mayor Eck commented they are
part way there then.They are making some progress.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated he
has never objected to having the city as an additional insured.He stated
Mrs.Surra wanted the city to file a claim on behalf of her with the
insurance company.The city cannot do that;i t has to come through the
business.The insurance is written for the protection of the employees who
do wrong.The 500'was for employees who might have done wrong.Now they
have unlimited to Florence or Globe or Texas and they can make a claim.The
average golfer in the United States according to the United States Golf
Association hits the ball a maximum distance 210 yards,or 630 feet.She is
claiming that a golf ball struck her van at 725'.I t cannot do the damage
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 15 OF 37
she is claiming,which is why he is protesting.I t could have been hit by a
golf ball from one of the kids next door.-His test proves that i t could not
have done the damage at 725'that is on the van.
Mayor Coleman asked.what he is
objecting to in the conditional use permit.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated the
original permit is perfect,The building- has been there for 14 years.-The
parking and hitting areas have been there'. 'They have added a putting green
Nothing has been added except to make things safer for the general public.
They have never had an incident in 14 years until now.Now a next door
neighbor who was trying.to use the property is saying that :a golf ball did
that.He:Filed a claim:with-the insurance company about personal injury,
She,Rudy,and Noel are claiming personal: injury,Mrs.Surra would not let
the insurance agent talk to Mr.Surra about -the personal injury claim;that
tells him that he was not injured.
Vice Mayor Eck commented the fact
is that: the balls can reach-that far.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated they
cannot.Driving range balls are imperfect.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he just
hosted a golf tournament and the longest drive was 348 yards.
were using real golf balls.
go as far as real golf balls.
do not,and be can prove it to them.
go 250 yards.
will not.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 16 OF 37
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated they
Vice Mayor Eck asked i f range. balls
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated they
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they would
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray;Jr.,stated they
Vice Mayor Eck asked why the golf
shack down at Apache Creek is dented.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated he
did not.know..
Vice Mayor Eck commented i t is
because the golf balls are bitting it.I t is 300 yards away from the tee
box,.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated they
are dealing with young people,not old people.
Vice Mayor Eck asked about the
percentage of people.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,commented he
was going to have to educate them.He has gone to the Professional Golf
Association business school.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he is
talking about the percentage.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,reiterated
not at his driving range.They do not allow people under 55 years old on the
range.It :is a senior ,driving range and it is not made for young people like
Apache Creek.If you play Apache Creek,you will see:balls on the greens and
fairways,and those are young people,not old people.
Councilmember Sippel commented he
might want tote careful with discrimination because there are some people
that are younger than 55.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated they
do not allow that because they do not have the skill level to hit the ball in
our driving range.
Councilmember Sippel stated he
appreciated his saying that.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 17 OF 37
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated they
do not want the young people;they want the old people.They do not have the
skill level to hit the ball that far.The guy who supposedly hit the golf
ball was 50 some years old.No one has that skill level;he has played
professionally.He does not hit the ball 240 yards in the air most of the
time.I t is always less,with the ball rolling on the ground.They do not
have PGA players,senior PGA players,LPGA players,or the "flat -bellies"
coming down from Gila River to play at their place.He again showed them
what a golf ball does at 600 feet on corrugated steel.
Councilmember Waldron commented
they have heard this multiple times,and he thinks they have heard i t enough.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,commented
changing the permit is unrealistic insofar as how it is set up for 1990.
They are in material compliance with everything in the permit.They have
been investigated by Noel and Rudy all summer long.They have not had a
letter stating they are in noncompliance.He does not see the problem.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if he would
put up some type of 40'netted barrier for a certain amount of feet.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated the
owner of the property should do that.He has the responsibility to make the
property safe.The business is there because the owner wants it to be there.
The netting was proposed in the 1990 permit but everyone on the south side
stated they did not want i t because it would block their view of Superstition
Mountain.They have rearranged the golfing range so that no golf balls can
get outside.He questions the balls going across US 60;he has been there
for 10 years and never seen a ball across US 60.That allegation by Noel and
Mrs.Surra is absurd.
Councilmember Insalaco commented he
is calling him a liar because a golf ball went across in front of his truck
last year as he was going east on the highway.
Councilmember Sippel agreed that
they are over there.
Ms.Marilyn Ryukasi stated it could
happen.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 18 OF 37
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated the
possibility of i t happening is ten million to one.He commented if the
driving range ball is an imperfect ball,and you go to the companies to see
how they are manufactured,they do not go as far as real golf balls.They
have nothing but range balls on the driving range.Regular balls are made to
go farther if the skill level of the person who is swinging the club is up to
speed and can do it.Everything is skill level.A driving range ball is not
round,i t is dimpled differently,and everything is different about them.
Apache Creek has 6'4",250 lb.gorillas out there and their skill level may
be good enough.They do not come to the senior driving range:they do not
allow it.
Mayor Coleman asked him if he had
anything new to say.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated he
would like this to be postponed to where they can really sit down and have
another public hearing where they can talk about the legal aspects and legal
complications that might occur.There are legal issues here that need to be
addressed.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if he was
talking about the insurance.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated the
insurance,although that is moot as they have worked out unlimited coverage.
He stated that any insurance agent that sells golf course or driving range
insurance will advise that if a ball goes beyond a certain limit,such as
600',although they are saying 500',there cannot be much damage.That is
why there is a limitation on it.There is a limitation on everything.Their
limitation is $2,000,000 on everything.He has no problem if the city wants
to go to that coverage as they are already there.
making progress right there.
are not making progress.
Vice Mayor Eck stated they are
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray.Jr.,stated they
Vice Mayor Eck asked if he did not
want to make some sort of compromise to make this work.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 19 OF 37
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated there
are legal issues other than the insurance.
Ms.Marilyn Ryukasi stated the
current legal question involves a memorandum sent to the council on September
21,2004,from the development services department.She believes a
memorandum is an agreement as i t is defined in a dictionary.The memorandum
was reviewed by the council at a work session.I t basically states i t is a
request to review the conditional use permit of the Desert Golf Center.On
or about April 16,2004,the development services department received a
complaint about a citizen and their property being struck by an errant golf
ball.She stated the citizen claiming her husband was hit by the golf ball
is here tonight.She requested the husband come up and tell everyone if the
golf ball actually hit him;he had told her that i t had not.He also told
Mr.Ray and the golfer that i t had not.She wants i t clarified and would
like him to tell the "court"that i t did not.She added i t seems to her that
they are conducting this as a "court."
Councilmember Milkey stated they
are not attacking her nor have they said anything derogatory.
Ms.Marilyn Ryukasi stated she
knows they have not.
Councilmember Milkey commented she
is being extremely vociferous.
Ms.Marilyn Ryukasi stated that is
because she has to in order for them to hear what she is saying.She
repeated that she would like to have the citizen come up and tell the "court"
now.
Councilmember Milkey stated they
had been on this matter for over an hour now.
Ms.Marilyn Ryukasi stated the
basis for what Mr.Griemsmann and Mr.Esquivias are saying is about an errant
golf ball from the Desert Golf Center.This is what caused them to write
this resolution.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 20 OF 37
Councilmember Milkey commented they
have yet to ask any questions about that.
Ms.Marilyn Ryukasi stated they
have read the memorandum.They .are well informed about this.She again
requested Mr.Surra to come up and tell the "court",as i t really pertains.to
this case.
Councilmember Milkey stated they
are concerned about the safety of the community.
Mr.Lloyd-K.Ray, Jr.,stated they
do everything they possibly can doAo keep the area safe.There is always a
chance that a golf ball,whether it be on a golf course or a tiriving range;
or in someone's backyard,could conceivably hurt someone.They have no
problems with that.He has worked at golf courses all his life,until he
bought this place.He has been hit with 'golf balls.However,he has never
had anyone turn around and make a claim of personal-injury:Rudy and Noel
are claiming personal injury,but where is it?They are basing this on
personal injury..The council is basing i t on the probability of a citizen
getting hurt at some future point down the road.
Councilmember Insalato commented he
thinks that is a very good reason why they would like to have this taken care
of.
Mr.Lloyd'K.Ray,Jr.,stated the
driving range has to have become a demonstrated hazard.There has not been
any person that has ever been hit at that driving range.He cannot comment
on the car as i t is out of. his range.They=do not allow anyone except 55 and
older to come there.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that is
new to him.:
Mr'.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,stated they
do thattecause of safety reasons.They send all the 'flat -bellies"down to,
the golf course.They can hit down there all they want.He does not allow
them to come to his driving range because people will ask. him.if he has ever
had people who bit the ball over:the street.If they are looking at the
street and not the signs,they are not for his driving range.They ,may think
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 21 OF 37
i t is wrong for him to send all the young people down there,but this way
they have the headache instead of him.
Mayor Coleman asked if anyone else
had a question for him.No other council member had a question.
Mr.Lloyd K.Ray,Jr.,commented he
wished Councilmember Insalaco had come to him and said something about that
happening.
Mayor Coleman stated Mr.Ray could
be escorted out or he could sit down.He has taken enough of the council's
time on this issue.He asked if staff was claiming personal injury.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated they are not:The initial complaint involved alleged property damage
which led staff to looking into the file.That is not an issue for the
council:i t is :a private matter between the individuals.
Mayor Coleman commented that is
what he was trying to point out.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated that is .correct.Staff is interested in input from the council on the
issues of insurance the temporary nature of the enterprise,and whether or
not it may be ,a demonstrated hazard:The, issue of whether an individual was
hit or not by a projectile is not something they are concerned.with.I t has
nothing to do with -this case.
City Attorney Joel Stern askedwhen
a notice was sent to the property owner of this hearing.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated the property owner and the business owner were sent letters on
September 15 to let them know what was goingto occur;it went -out certified
and regular mail.The formal notice that all the 300'property owners
receive went out to them as well.There were three different notices sent
out.
City Attorney Joel Stern asked i f
that was for tonight's hearing.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 22 OF 37
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated that is correct.
City Attorney Joel Stern asked i f
he was seeing a green card in the file,and what it was for.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated a return receipt for the September 15 letter.
whose signature is on it.
stated i t is Mr.Ray's signature.
City Attorney Joel Stern asked
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
City Attorney Joel Stern asked i f
the green card had been returned from the property owner.
Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann
stated the property owner was notified by regular US mail.He spoke with the
property owner last week.He had received the notice and was aware of the
hearing.
Vice Mayor Eck asked who is liable
for a golf ball doing damage,or does i t depend on the conditional use
permit.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t
is regular negligence.If he hits a ball and i t slices and hits someone in
the head,he could be liable.The property owner and/or the business owner
could also be liable for negligence,depending on what precautions were set
up to stop the balls from going beyond the property line.I t is a negligence
lawsuit that would have to be litigated.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they did
not take any action on this,would they be setting the city up for some type
of liability as they realize that a golf ball has the potential to reach
these homes.They need to have some type of barrier to try to prevent that.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated in
his opinion there should be some kind of netting at the very least.There
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 23 OF 37
should be some type of obstacle to stop golf balls from going over into the
adjoining properties.It would be a reasonable measure that the court would
see as practical that the city did and the city would not be liable to the
individual that got hit.
Vice Mayor Eck commented if someone
is hit,that is the issue.He is concerned about property damage but he is
concerned about peoples'safety.He believes a golf ball can go that far,
although not all the time.
Councilmember Milkey asked about a
sign stating that golfers'are responsible for their errant shots.He has
been on golf courses where those signs are prevalent.He was under the
impression on those courses that if he hit a house along the fairway,he
would be the one responsible,that his homeowners insurance would cover that.
He asked if the sign would keep the property owner from being named in some
litigation.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t
would not stop them from being named as anybody can sue anybody for anything.
The sign puts the notice on the user of the premises that if he hits a golf
ball,the user will pay the damage;the business will not pay for the damage.
He is not certain i t is legal.If the property owner did take reasonable
measures to stop golf balls from going off the property,knowing that is what
their business is,he is not sure.If a golf ball hits another person on a
golf course,that is assuming the risk.I t is similar to baseball;if you
get hit by a baseball at Bank One Ballpark,you will probably not win against
the Diamondbacks or Bank One Ballpark.
Councilmember Milkey asked if the
business advocate had been involved in this at all.
Development Services Director Rudy
Esquivas stated he had not.
Councilmember Milkey asked if there
had been any history of other complaints that staff is aware of.
Development Services Director Rudy
Esquivias stated he is not aware of any.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 24 OF 37
Councilmember Milkey asked that i f
it had been anyone else besides a former member of the council bringing the
complaint to their department,would this be before the council today.
Development Services Director Rudy
Esquivias stated it would.
There was general discussion by the
council on how they should proceed,other questions they would like to have
answered in a different setting,on if the item should be continued,and i f
Mr.Hunt can get Mr.Ray to realize the matter before them is the conditional
use permit,not what he is trying to bring to the council.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT
PROPOSED RESOLUTION 04-26,CASE CUP -03-90,BE CONTINUED UNTIL THE MEETING OF
NOVEMBER 2ND,2004.
Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:5-1 (Councilmember Sippel voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a ten
minute break.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA ITEMS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 25 OF 37
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON OTHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2005 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT REGIONAL ACCOUNT AND STATE
SPECIAL PROJECTS POTENTIAL PROJECTS )
)Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
briefed the council ,on the item.Staff is requesting direction on which•
projects to research for possible inclusion as a Community Development Block
Grant application.They must select for both the Regional Account,a
$300,000 two-year grant,and the.State .Special Projects,the $300,000
competitive grant for one year.They are not committed to isubmitting those
applications.The'staff.report includes the projects suggested during the
leadership team meeting,. the publicjlearing,the publicmeeting and.the work
session.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they can do
the three items listed together under the Regional Account grant as one
project.
Grants Specialist Roger- Hacker
stated he does not think :they could be grouped as one project as they are
different eligible projects.They are housing and public works projects and
could not be lumped together as one project
Vice Mayor Eck commented they want
to go for one project,not two on any given grant:
Grants Specialist Roger. Hacker
stated they do:not want to go for more thanione on the competitive grant.A
secondary application would not be considered.In the past the city has done
one or two projects for the regional grant.
Councilmember Milkey .commented he
was interested in staff researching the -regional drainage south of the Trail
by WalMart for the regional account.He would also like to have research
done on the teen compound for the library expansion.He would like to
recommend the 800 megahertz radio communication system for -the competitive
grant.He believes the entire council would like that project for that
grant..
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 26 OF 37
Councilmember Sippel and Vice Mayor
Eck agreed.
Vice Mayor Eck commented he would
also like to take a look at a street/sidewalk ramp improvement for the
regional.They need to:go after these neighborhoods that need streets and
sidewalks at some time.
Councilmember Waldron commented the
library expansion is.important.There has been a lot of interest generated
in that.He was impressed by the people stayed to speak.He is not sure the
drainage issue south of the Trail would be that effective when they have a
problem on the north end oftown that creates the problem on] the south end of
town.He believes they -should start where the water starts and work their
way .down.He would like to recommend the library project.and the 800
megahertz radio system.
Councilmember Sippel stated he
agreed with the 800 megahertz and.the library expansion.He thinks they
should also look at the-WalMart retention area.
Councilmember Insalaco commented
the drainage by WalMart is a big problem and it comes from the,north.
Development Services Director Rudy
Esquivias stated there is some property acquisition involved,but future
development hinges on it.
Councilmember Sippel stated that is
why he would like to see them look at WalMart for that future development.A
lot has to happen there for things to happen.He does not.disagree.with
going where the water starts.
Councilmember Insalaco commented he
agreed with the 800 megahertz system,the library expansion,and the drainage
south of the Trial.
Councilmember Waldron asked if the
time limit for the regional accounts is two years.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 27 OF 37
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
stated that is correct.
Councilmember Milkey asked if the
regional drainage could be completed in two years.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated Mr.Grittman advised him i t is a three phase program that gets
into millions of dollars.They are hoping to work with the private sector in
developing that.I t is uncertain what will happen,and it may or may not
happen.
Councilmember Insalaco commented
that they are not certain it will happen in two years.It would then be a
"no-show".
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated that is correct.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if some of the
library expansion is being done with the capital facilities funds.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated they are.They opened the qualifications for the architectural
design firms today for the library expansion.There are 8 firms competing
and i t is part of the capital facilities plan.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that what
the teens brought to them would be somewhat addressed by the capital
facilities funds.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated they are in the programming phase at this time.The scope of
work for the project has not been completed yet.
Councilmember Sippel asked if the
library expansion could be completed in two years.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated experience has shown them it will be a year for design and a
year for construction.It would be close.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 28 OF 37
Councilmember Insalaco stated this
is just to extend the teen compound.I t should not have any effect on the
rest of the library expansion.
Library Director Pam Loui stated i t
would not have any effect.
Councilmember Insalaco stated then
i t is something that could be done.
Councilmember Sippel commented i t
would be a beautiful compound for that amount of money.
would not have any effect.
i t is something that could be done.
Councilmember Insalaco stated they
do not have to use all the money for that.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated the potential exists to go ahead and design i t and try to come
up with the funds.
Mayor. Coleman asked if there are
some streets.
Councilmember Milkey stated they.
are Cedar and 16th Avenue.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated there is a design completed for curb,gutter,sidewalk,
drainage,and paving on Cedar between Broadway and 16th Avenue.That is in a
low to moderate income area.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they have
an amount on that.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated he had no information on that.
Councilmember Sippel asked if that
would take under two years.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 29 OF 37
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated it would.
Mayor Coleman asked if staff wants
the council to whittle down the projects that they would like to see
investigated,what could be done in two years and what matches the criteria.
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
stated that is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented he is
looking at the 800 megahertz radio system,the streets,and the library
expansion and regional retention improvements.He would like to solve some
of the stormwater drainage issues if possible.He asked if he needed this in
the form of a motion.
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
stated he does not.He commented there was a question Councilmember Sippel
asked a couple of meetings ago that they researched.He had asked if the 800
megahertz project could be both a regional and a competitive.The Department
of Housing stated i t could if it could be broken up so that the regional
account could be proven to be one distinct project,a portion of the project,
that could be done with that $300.000.If they could identify another part
of the program that be done with the competitive $300,000,that could also be
used.They have to be stand alone projects.The chief may have some input
on how that might be possible.
Interim Public Safety Director
Steve Campbell stated they could break i t into two phases.One would be
making a purchase of the handheld radios and make the secondary component the
radios that go into the cars.They are two distinct components that work
hand and hand with each other.The project would also provide some service
to the pubic works and park ranger radios.They can create a division
between the two projects if desired.
Councilmember Sippel stated they
could get all $600,000 put towards the system.
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
stated they could if they get the competitive grant..The other stipulation
that Housing put is that we would have to show firm funding for the rest of
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 30 OF 37
the project in the:application for the regional account.They. could not put
in there that they are expecting to get $300,000 from the competitive
project.
=Councilmember Waldron asked what
would 'happen if they were not 'successful with the competitive grant.
Interim Public:Safety Director•
Steve Campbell stated they would be half -equipped..In today:s:technolbgy,
the:handheld radios havejust -as much power as thoseHn the cars:the current
car radios they have are farsuperior to their handhelds.They would be
hampered:They would have to seek :other grant monies through the State to
complete:the project to become operable.
Councilmember Milkey asked what the
total cost of the systeMj
„Interim Public Safety Director'
Steve Campbell stated i t is currently around $600,000 for the car radios:and
handheld radios.They are tryinglo work through some federal components to
get equipment in the dispatch center.They:have already .had some of that
installed:.The price tag was originally $1,000,000.He is guessing 'it is ,
now between $600,000 and $800,000 Other: cities havellad ,experiences pop up
that'had not ,been anticipated.
CbunciImember Sippel asked if some
would be better than none, or do they need all or none.
Interim Public Safety Director
Steve .Campbell stated he would bEhesitant to say only go:halfway due to
officer safety.They would run a, risk for community andofficer safety_
Nice Mayor:Eck:asked if they have
funds available if they only got the $300,000.E
City .Manager George Hoffman stated
they'had contemplated the use of development fees for a portion of that.I f
i t is used forthis;theywould not have theilioney for other projects.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated there is a:percentage they could associate:towards this.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 31 OF 37
City Manager George Hoffman asked
if he was talking about the $250,000.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated the amount of development fees available is not what is
important.I t is important in how the actual project is associated to the
growth.He presented i t at about 50%,and there is more than that in police
development fees that could cover 50%of the amount.There is.almost
$1,000,000 in police development fees.
Mayor Coleman stated they could
cover the other half if they did not get the competitive grant.
Councilmember Sippel commented he
believes.they-should try for both with the 800 megahertz system..If they do
not get it,they still have the money to pick up the other half.He
commented Roger and his staff are phenomenal as we always seem to get _
everything we_ask for.He has no doubt that they cannot get both parts
funded-.He added i t is a pressing issue,that being the safety .of the
community.We wanted to put this into a community issue:this is a city
department that needs the help.:
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
commented they do not have to decide this evening.-They have another '6 to 8
weeks -down the road.They are also -working on an application due at theend
of this monti-vfor some terrorism planning funds for the 800 megahertz:They
have been advised by the grant administrator toapply_for the $800,000-.They
would know by the end of this calendar year if they are getting the funds.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if they there
was a way to get back to the council on how they are going to fund the rest
if they just get the funding for the 800 megahertz system.He:asked howthe
streets would be funded if they: went with the streets_It would make their
decision easier.Then they would know if they could split the money up.
Councilmember Milkey asked if they
have whittled i t down enough if they ask staff to research 3 projects for the
regional account.
stated it would not be too much.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 32 OF 37
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
Councilmember Milkey stated he
would recommend regional drainage,the library expansion and streets.He
asked if the police development fees had been earmarked for the southern
substation.
Assistant City Manager Bryant
Powell stated that was the intent at the time.I t is also part of the
capital facilities plan.
direction they needed.
stated they did.
and moved on to the next item.
Mayor Coleman asked if they had the
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
EMPLOYEE AND MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATIONS
PROCESS AND STRUCTURE
)City Manager George Hoffman
briefed the council on the item.He stated this was presented last night at
the work session by Officer Bill Virtue and himself.They are seeking a
formal resolution to the council as outlined.They are asking permission for
some fine tuning and to bring it back for adoption at the next city council
meeting.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if the
employee advisory team was equally involved in this.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
it was not.
Vice Mayor Eck commented that this
will affect all the employees in the organization.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
he spent far more time with the association than he did with advisory team.
Vice Mayor Eck asked if this was
going to help benefit the entire organization;it will help the entire
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 33 OF 37
organization equally.The time spent with the association will benefit all
employees.
City Manager George Hoffman stated
he was comfortable with the entire proposal and believes it will be
beneficial to employees of the police department and to employees across the
organization.
Mayor Coleman asked if he needed a
motion.
City Manager George Hoffman
commented if it is needed.
Councilmember Waldron commented
that in Section 2,Fundamental Beliefs,he would like to see the wording in
the first paragraph changed to where Project S.O.A.R.is implemented in all
departments.All departments should be involved in it.
Mayor Coleman asked if the needed a
motion.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated
they probably need clear direction.A motion should be done.
Councilmember Milkey MOVED THAT
STAFF BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING EMPLOYEE AND MANAGMEMENT
COMMUNICATIONS PROCESS AND STRUCTURE:THAT THE CITY MANAGER,WITH THE
APPROPRIATE STAFF,FINE TUNE THE DOCUMENT THAT WAS PRESENTED AT YESTERDAY'S
WORK SESSION AND PREPARE THAT FOR COUNCIL RATIFICATION AND APPROVAL AT THE
NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING:
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 34 OF 37
Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON
MONDAY,OCTOBER 18,2004,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS,RESPECTIVELY;AND
THAT EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,OCTOBER 19,2004,IN
THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Vice Mayor Eck announced he had a fantastic 6th Annual Chronic Fatigue golf
tournament on September 25,2004.The people liked coming out to Apache
Junction,complimented the city and its growth.It was a good time.
Councilmember Waldron volunteered. all day.He also thanked the mayor and
Councilmember Insalaco.
Councilmember Waldron announced he spoke to the first meeting of the student
council at a Gold Canyon Elementary School regarding -Roberts'Rules.They
were very respectful and had good questions.
Councilmember Insalaco announced he attended the Pinal County Alliance
meeting last Wednesday.
Vice Mayor Eck announced he attended the Governor's Arsenic Task Force
meeting and i t is remarkable that these changes are coming down throughout
the state.Out of 289 private companies,only 4 applicants have shown that
they are going to remove the arsenic and comply with the new guidelines by
January of 2006.One of the applicants is the Apache Junction Water
District.
Mayor Coleman announced he attended the Maricopa Association of Governments
meeting by video conference.There were 5 other mayors who attended that
way.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 35 OF 37
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:.
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of September 21,2004.
3.Consideration of Appointment of Officer Randall Betts to fill vacancy on
,Public Safety Personnel Retirement Board for a term to expire August 6,
2007.
..
4.COnsideration of -Approval of Resolution No., 04-22, .Authorizing the Mayor.
to _executean IntergovernmentallAgreement ,(IGA)with the Town of Payson -
- for partnering on Community Development BlocLGrant,RegionallAccount (CDBG
.RA)-: funds for Fiscal.Years .2005-06 and 2006-0I
5.Consideration offiscal. Year 2004-05 -Professional Services Agreement for
.Economic Development of Apache Trail and Downtown ,AreaHwith Apache
Junction Main Street Program,Inc.
6.Consideration ofTY 2004-05 Professional Services'Agreements:in accordance
with the recommendations of the Health and Human Services,Commission.
7.Ratification of appointment of Steve CampbellYas Public Safety
Director/POTice,Chiefto be effective October 20,2004:
ACCEPTED THIS 19TH DAY OF OCTOBER ,2004,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 19TH DAY OF OCTOBER ,2004.
DOUGLAS CIEMAN
Mayor
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 36 OF 37
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 5th _day .of October,2004.I further certify
that the meeting,was duly called and held and that a quorum was present
Dated this 13th day of October,2004.
KATHLEEN CONNELtY
:city Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,2004
PAGE 37 OF 37