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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-17 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 17,2004 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona,was held on February 17,2004,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 Milkey gave the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Insalaco led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman Vice Mayor Eck Councilmember Insalaco Councilmember Milkey 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 City Engineer Ron Grittman Finance Director Keith Lewis Public Works Director Doug Dobson Interim Dev.Svcs.Director Rudy Esquivias REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 1 OF 27 Others Present:Grants Specialist Roger Hacker Multi -Media Producer Matt McNulty Public Works Manager Shane Kiesow Assistant Planner Noel Griemsmann Finance Manager John White ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO PURCHASE FOUR VEHICLES FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT USING THE STATE OF ARIZONA PURCHASING CONTRACT FROM FIVE STAR FORD FOR THREE 2004 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTORS AT $23,860.09 EACH AND ONE 2004 ECONOLINE E350 CARGO VAN AT $19.662.32 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $91,242.59;AND THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF RUDY ESQUIVIAS AS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 2,2004,BE RATIFIED.. Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Grants Specialist Roger Hacker commented council directed staff in December to prepare an application to the Arizona Department of Transportation for a grant to address community transportation needs.Two projects were listed:one supporting the Senior Center for their transportation program;the other supported the purchase of a van for the city's parks and recreation department.The grant was funded and the money has been received.He introduced Beatrice Tampolini,Sylvia Stevens,Terry Crawford and Dan Taylor from the Senior Center.Mayor Coleman presented them with a check for their transportation program.Grants Specialist Roger Hacker stated council has also approved the Enabling Transportation program and the city has submitted an application for funding transportation needs through the CDBG program. While our community cannot provide funding for a big city bus program,they are doing bits and pieces to address the community needs. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 2 OF 27 CALL TO THE PUBLIC None. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT None.. PUBLIC HEARINGS ANNEXATION CASE AN -1-03,PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF 140 ACRES OF PRIVATE AND PUBLICLY'OWNED LAND IN THE,NORTH:HALF OF SECTION 34 BETWEEN SOUTH TOMAHAWK AND SOUTH STARR ROADS NORTH OF U.S.60 ) )Associate Planner Steve Abraham briefed the council on the item.He stated this includes the Four Peaks Mobile Home subdivision,a vacant lot surrounding the Burger King located just north of the freeway and some -sections of Arizona.Department of Transportation right-of-way.This is a refiting of an annexation proposed about 6 months ago.Council had asked staff not to collect the petition .signatures and expand the annexation area: to replicate an annexation attempted 2 years ago that had -failed due to lack of signatures.The situation has:changed-from in the past as the owner of the Burger King has come to an agreement with the sewer district and has indicated: he would now,annex.The majority of the parcels are Arizona right-of-way.Some are owned by private ownership.Staff is requesting council direct them to begin collecting signatures for this annexation. Councilmember Sippel asked if Burger King was now on board. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated that is correct. Vice Mayor Eck commented an annexation would take 51% of:the land owners. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated i t is 51% of the land owners and 51% of the assessed valuation. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 3 OF 27 Vice -Mayor Eck commented if they were to annex they would have the majority of these property owners wanting to come into the city. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated that is correct. City Manager George Hoffman asked i f he was sure Burger King.was.on board.Bryant Powell has had some conversations -and the issue that was an obstacle had been addressed.He does not want -the council believing it is an absolute understanding if staff is not positive of that. Assistant City Manager Bryant -Powell stated the owner of the -Burger King has been working with members of staff and has ihdicated ,a desire to hook into the sewer.The sewer district and he are in negotiations and.once:he is hooked into the sewer he would then be willing to talk about annexation:Staff is continuing to stay, in contact with the. Burger King owner. Councilmember Sippel asked what the status is on the sewer hook up. Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell stated they are negotiating the connection fee. Mayor Coleman asked if they knew how long those negotiations might take. Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell stated they do not have an anticipated time as to when the negotiations would be complete. have to gather signatures. stated staff has one year. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 4 OF 27 Mayor Coleman asked how long they Associate Planner Steve Abraham Mayor Coleman stated they would have one year from today's date to collect the signatures. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated he hopes it will take a lot less time then that. Mayor Coleman asked if the smaller parcels to the east of number 6 are already developed. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated they are not.They are Arizona Department of Transportation right-of- way.They left i t in that configuration. Vice Mayor Eck asked if they stay out of annexations. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated that is correct.Their signature is not required. Mayor Coleman asked if they are part of the assessed valuation. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated there are utilities in that area and they are a part of the process. They own personal property and pipes.The Arizona Department of Transportation is not considered a part as they are a public entity. City Attorney Joel Stern stated there is no assessed valuation on the freeway.The utilities would have a proportion because of the facilities they have. freeway runs through 6,42,and 43. stated that is correct. Councilmember Sippel stated the Associate Planner Steve Abraham Councilmember Waldron asked if one of the bills passes in the legislature during this process where they are REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 5 OF 27 attempting to raise the signature requirement to 80% would affect this annexation proposal. City Attorney Joel Stern stated they would have to see how the bill was written.If it was retroactive,i t could affect us.His argument would be that this process was started before the bill went into effect.The bill is still in the legislature and no one knows how it is going to end up. Mayor Coleman opened the public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the public hearing and reopened the item to council discussion. Vice Mayor Eck commented there have been concerns from property owners about cities coming in and annexing them. They have been concerned about it being more costly to develop the property. He feels i t is of great value to be in a city,especially in today's era.He thinks i t is a responsibility of the city to go for as much of this property as they can,especially now,as this is on the eastern part of our city but i t may not be ten years from now.It could be central then.County islands can affect the city from controlling a balance of development in the community. He believes this annexation is a necessity. City Manager George Hoffman asked i f they still have the timing ability to enter into pre -annexation agreements with the properties affected if they had specific concerns to be worked out. City Attorney Joel Stern stated they do as long as the state law does not change.They can always enter into a pre -annexation development agreement,as they have done with several property owners in the past. Mayor Coleman commented i t also gives the people in that area the right to vote in city elections,to hold office,and participate in the planning of the area and the municipality directly.They do not have that authority now as they are not city residents. City Attorney Joel Stern stated they would also receive the same or very similar zoning as to what i t has in the county,unless the city changes the zoning after i t is annexed.The council REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 6 OF 27 could also enter into a development agreement where the city would agree to change the zoning,which could bring about a rezoning at the same time as the annexation.I t increases the value of the property substantially. Vice Mayor Eck commented he believes a lot of the property owners are worried about the fees,such as development fees,and he believes the city has worked very well with the businesses as far as helping them with in -kind contributions on a lot of commercial development. City Attorney Joel Stern stated this city's development fees are still a lot less than other cities'development fees. City Manager George Hoffman stated they also partner on a lot of infrastructure issues. Vice Mayor Eck commented they would also get to use the parks and recreation facilities. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion and called for a motion. Councilmember Waldron MOVED THAT STAFF BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING PROPOSED ANNEXATION CASE AN- 1 -03:THAT THEY PROCEED IN COLLECTING SIGNED ANNEXATION PETITIONS. Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1198,REZONING CASE PZ-15-03,REZONING REQUEST BY J&R REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 7 OF 27 PHILLIPS INC.TO REZONE 'A .64 :GROSS ACRE DEVELOPMENT SITE FROM CB -2 TO C-3/PD TO DEVELOP ALONG JOHN SILVER'S AND AN FAST FOOD RESTAURANT ) - )Associate Planner Steve Abraham briefed the council on the item.The property is located at the southeast corner of -Grand and-Apache Trail.The site is approximately 28,002 sq.ft.in size;the:proposed building is a 2,866 sq.ft.drive-in fast food',dual purpose AN and Long John Silver's.The-applicant:is asking for 3 deviations from,our standard requirements.They would like to reduce the front yard-landscape. strip from 25'to 8'.They are requesting to not have to underground the utility lines -parallel to Apache Trail on the north'side of the property across Grand Drive only;they would underground the utility lines adjacent to Grand and those adjacent to Apache Trail.It would leave one -power pole in the northwestern cornerof the property.They would not havEto span Grand. The developer contends that the limited size of the subject parcel in complyingmith other interior circulation requirements,such as drive -by widths and required fire apparatus radii,contribute to the need of the reduction of the landscape strip,The undergrounding of the utility lines across Grand Drive is cost prohibitive for this size development.The developer is also requesting a reduction in the required parking.Staff recently did a study on how other cities accommodate restaurant parking, and i t is included in the staff report.He described hOw Apache Junction and other cities- arrive at the number of parking spaces.Staff would normally require 38 spaces for this request,the applicant is asking for 31.Apache Junction has the second -highest when comparing it to the other cities sampled. The applicant is offering architectural and aesthetic considerations in return.He provided the .council with the most recent design of the building from the developer.Staff and planning and zoning. have gotten the developer to give it a more southwestern tone and tone down the -signage so that i t -would fit in with the design expectations that council has expressed.Stone has been added,banding reduced,and pop outs have been:added.Planning and zoning opinions ranged from nice and good looking to ugly.They are divided on whether i t is an appropriate building;this is the third version. Vice Mayor Eck commented he could not imagine what the first one looked like. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated this is actually the second one.I t has.a flat wall,flat banding,and REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 8 OF 27 a little more architectural variation.. The first one had brushed metal all over the exterior and the Long John Silver's side was blue and yellow with a: checkered tile pattern across the entire side,similar to the front tile.- There have been some definite improvements:Staff and the commission recommendd -approval of this with stipulations regarding requested changes, standard stipulations,that all detached signs shall be low profile monument signs,the properties shall be combined,and that the signage as depicted in this concept plan here will be of:the-same general proportionality.. Commissioner Gifford had recommended denial as she wanted to see the undergrounding of the utilities across .Grand Drive.All other conditions and concepts were well received and recommended to council. Vice Mayor Eck commented when he,saw this he thought where was thedesign review board that they have been talking about for so long.He asked if vegas and other things had been mentioned to them.They are not expensive -, Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated it was mentioned to them.The,architect,under direction of his' client,wanted to preserve as:much corporate banding and logoing as possible: Vice Mayor Eck commented they do not do i t in other communities.He has seen much better quality development elsewhere. Councilmember MilkeyHasked .for'an example of 'a better development.I t is franchise and it,has come-a long way from:the original drawing Vice Mayor Eck commented he believes theyiunderestimate.themselves: Councilmember MiIkeycommented there is a new one atElisworthHand BaseIlneFand.another, new,one-at Williams Field, and Gilbert. Councilmember SippeT,stated:ithe:one at Baselinelooks just 'like REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 9 OF 27 Councilmember Milkey stated they are very comparable. Vice Mayor Eck stated he will have to look at them.However,he still feels they undersell themselves on Main Street. Councilmember Milkey stated he does not think they can expect A&W and Long John Silver's to be the Taj Mahal of Apache Trail. Vice Mayor Eck commented he stated he would have liked them to add another $1,000 to the building to alter the design of it. Councilmember Waldron asked if the reduction in the setback is along Apache Trail. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated that is correct.Basically the setback would come much farther out. The rationale was that the fire apparatus,in order to make the turn,had to be backed up.It was therefore straightened out.Also,the required landscaping would have been integrated in the right-of-way. Councilmember Waldron commented i t is not 8'back fromthe sidewalk. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated there is probably 24'from the back of the sidewalk,plus another 8', then.the drive. discussion only, stated i t is. back before the council. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 10 OF 27 Mayor Coleman commented this is for Associate Planner Steve Abraham Mayor Coleman asked when it would be. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated the council would hear it again on March 2. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion and moved on to the next item. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1199,REZONING CASE PZ-1-04,CITY INITIATED REZONING OF APPROXIMATELY 8.53 GROSS -ACRES FROM CB -2 AND GR TO C-3/PD FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREATING AN APPROVED PALETTE OF USES AND DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR A FUTURE COMMERCIAL SITE )Associate Planner Steve Abraham briefed the council on the item.This is for 9 parcels located on the north side of West Apache Trail between Ironwood and Valley Drives.The GR parcels are primarily located along Roosevelt,the CB -2 parcels are along the frontage.This property is more commonly known as the Golden West Restaurant and all the associated living purposes surrounding the site,and the Aero Propane site.There is a variety of uses on the parcels currently.I t is the goal of the planning and zoning commission to formulate a palette of commercial/retail uses conducive to job and sales tax generation.Using the Meridian Redevelopment Area as a model,staff divided the recommended uses into two categories:shopping center uses intended to be strip retail;and stand alone uses which would use an entire development site.The latter uses could also be integrated into shopping center uses.He listed the recommended uses for both categories.Staff recommends that the buildings in the rezoning area exhibit a southwestern theme,strong color selections be restricted i f not prohibited,and that the stipulations remain in effect in the staff report.A major change is a site specific requirement due to the immediate transition of a future commercial uses to mid-to large lot residential to the north.This rezoning will enhance the value of the area.New development and redevelopment will be stipulated to be of the highest quality;by establishing a palette of retail/professional office and other compatible uses,staff feels it will create a hospitable environment for private investment and future development or redevelopment of the area.He listed a number of the stipulations,including existing uses as specified in the staff report shall be allowed to remain.The lawful non -conforming residential uses shall be phased out as new development or building expansions in the amount of 25% or more are proposed.Most of those residential uses are not allowed in that REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 11 OF 27 zoning but by virtue of their age have been allowed to remain.This rezoning will not stop those residential uses or some of the existing commercial uses yet until they are expanded upon or new development is proposed.Staff is requesting the council approve the plant palettes listed as Attachment A and Attachment B:this will give the area some unity.Separation of property shall be accomplished by landscaping or wrought iron fencing.Although this is a city -initiated rezoning,staff has been working with the property owner on multiple facets of this rezoning.Staff has been meeting with the applicant as a result of some issues that arose a couple of months ago.The applicant is requesting an additional use,mini -storage,be added to the list of recommended uses.Staff would consider that use if it was put at the back of the subject area along Roosevelt:it would have to be integrated into the larger commercial focus.It will be a council decision to add that use.The commission approved the rezoning unanimously.Staff is requesting direction on whether the mini -storage use should be crafted and inserted into this. Mayor Coleman asked how many property owners are involved. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated there is one property owner. Vice Mayor Eck commented he was going to ask why some other lots were not included but he assumes i t is because they are only working with the one owner.He is aware that Lots 9,10 and 11 have had inquiries about future office building development.However, they are not properly zoned for that.He asked if staff believes it would be a good idea to try to include those properties or should they do them individually. City Attorney Joel Stern stated the current zoning before them has been authorized by a court decision.There was a case in 2002 that was continued into 2003 where the city was allegedly targeting'the property owner and her residence.It was worked out in court in August 2003 that Ms.Johnson would 'agree to rezone the pieces that she owned to C-3/PC(with whatever uses the city wanted to increase or decrease.She agreed to this with her attorney present.He has heard of additional interest but the city wants to do a rezoning that would be a sure thing.Other owners may not be willing to take this,this was coming up and it was time to complete it. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 12 OF 27 Vice Mayor Eck commented he believes the other one would probably be a rezoning only on the contingency of there being an actual purchaser. City Attorney Joel Stern stated there might then have been a development agreement issue and they would not want to couple this rezoning with anycomplications..They can do those properties in.the future,especially if they want a development agreement.. Vice Mayor Eck;asked if the planning , and zoning commission agreed to the mini -storage. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated they did not. Vice Mayor Eck commented he likes the idea of putting it to the rear where it would not be as noticeable,but he does not think the downtown area is the place for a storage facility. Associate Planner Steve Abraham stated he could craft a stipulation for the council's review. Mayor Coleman commented he prefers i t not be in the palette of uses. There was general discussion on . others located:within the city and where they should be located.It was the general consensus of the council that they preferred:it not be downtown. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion and moved on to the next item. AWARD OF BID FOR PROJECT PW 2003-11, CONSTRUCTION.,OF CONCRETE AND RELATED STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON SOUTHERN AVENUE ) )City Engineer Ron Grittman briefed the council on the item.This is for improvements on Southern-Avenue between Weekes Wash and Royal Palm An front of the Beazer Home subdivision. The funds.for this project are coming from roadway impact fees.This will widen the roadway. and add capacity .to Southern.I t is a continuation of many REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 13 OF 27 projects that have been done that have been designed in house as a means of reducingAhe costs that Public Works incurs from outside contracted engineers. The award is to Silver Eagle Western Limited Liability Corporation.They are E a new contractor for the city.They have good references. Councilmember Sippel asked if this would tie into the work.done on the bridge. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated i t does;i t runs across there and ties in with the curb and gutter on the east side;of Weekes Wash. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion - mithno, further comments and called for a motion. Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT. THE AWARDi0F. BID FOR PROJECT NO..PW 2003-11,CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE AND RELATED STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON SOUTHERN AVENUE BETWEEN ROYAL PALM ROAD AND MARIPOSA ROAD,BE AWARDED TO SILVER EAGLE WESTERN LLC IN THE AMOUNT,OF $110,100 PLUS 10% CONTINGENCY OR. $11.010 IN THE EVENT ,OF UNFORESEEN CHANGE . ORDERS'FORA TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 4121;110-. Councilmember Sippel SECONDED THE MOTION. NOTE:Unanimous; The motion carried. PRESENTATION AND :DISCUSSION' ON PAVING OF DIRT STREETS , .)Public Works Director Doug Dobson - briefed the council on the item.For- several years they have been using_a process to:rateithe dirt streetsto .decide the order-on,whith dirt streets should:be paved.He,gaveHa presentation on -the process to the council.There. are.currently 145 miles of 'paved streets; with 281.82 milesAf dirt streets.. The streets:arE.ratedby. the, type of -street•they,are,whether it be. a section: line,street,orYmilestreets such as Meridian,Ironwood,Idaho,Broadway, Southern;the mid-Section:or- half mile streets;the collector streets and finally the=residential streets_They also go-byAhe ,number ofliouses on ,the- REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 14 OF 27 street or the traffic flow.There could be only 5 houses on a street,but 4 short streets empty onto it that have 26 other houses,causing that street to carry the traffic from 30 houses.They also consider the maintenance,such as the number of times i t has been bladed.Some are weekly,some are twice a week,some are once every two weeks,some are once a month,and some are once every six months.They also have a street status.He described the 100 point system they use to rate the streets.They start out at 100 points and deduct points from there;the lower the street is,the higher i t is on the priority list.Section line streets are 15 points,mid -section 10 points,collectors .5 points and residential are 0 points.If there are over 20 houses served by the street it gets 15 points,15 to 20 houses 10 points,10 to 15 houses 5 points,and less than 10 houses zero points.If the road has to be maintained at least once a week it gets 10 points,if done every two weeks 5 points,and once a month or less 0 points.As far as status,if it links two paved streets or links a dirt street and a paved street it gets 10 points,an open dirt street connecting to a dirt street 5 points,and a dead end 0 points.He showed them a map of various street types he had described.After all the points for that street are deducted,the street rating is the remaining number.The lower the number,the more the need for paving the street.He gave an example of a street that would have a rating of 100 and another rated at 60.The 100 point street might be ranked 73 on the street paving list and the 60 point street might be ranked 5.He has to determine how many people he can serve with the dollar amount that he has,how much dirt and dust he can get rid of,and the traffic.He commented he is open to any suggestions for changes in this system. City Manager George Hoffman stated this was brought to the council tonight because of earlier discussions with the council at other meetings.The question was how it was decided which streets would get what treatment.He believes it is a policy decision,, and staff should be administering the council's policy decision.The objective tonight was to share the methodology that has been used,find out if it makes sense to the council,and apply it if it does.They can bring back the actual outcome of the implementation at a later date.They were given hypothetical information tonight. Vice Mayor Eck commented they could show them the actual list._ REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 15 OF 27 City Manager George.Hoffman stated they could,but he would like to talk first to see if the methodology makes sense.There is nothing magical about the ratings;if council wants to value something, such as maintenance over the number of houses on a -street,then council can advise staff of that.For practical purposes,they need a means of implementation. Public Works Director Doug Dobson stated he intends to bring back a list of the streets and how they have been ranked at the next council meeting.There are some options on how a street can be moved up. Vice Mayor Eck commented he thought they had given some directions at a previous meeting as there had been some citizens complaining.I t appears the complaints were from the northern part of town near Tepee and in the northwest area.Those are the two major areas of complaint that he has heard from. City Manager George Hoffman stated they will ideally have a rationale for what gets paved that can be articulated to the community.Otherwise,we have the potential of developing a dynamic where if you complain loud enough'and hard enough to get your street paved, you get your street paved.He asked what the city would be encouraging then. -Vice Mayor Eck conmented he thinks the formula they are using is fine.He-had:questioned what else could be used: to control dust if they cannot ,afford pavement on some of these. PubliC Works Director DougDobson stated when he brings this back he will be giving them four different things that can be done,but it depends,on the street as to what can be done..They cannot use a double chip in heavy.traffic areas. Councilmember Sippel asked for how long they had been using -this methodology. Public Works Director Doug Dobson stated he had been doing this for 23 years. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 16 OF 27 Vice Mayor Eck asked if they only get the street money from one fund. Public Works Director Doug Dobson stated they get the money from HURF funds. Vice Mayor Eck commented he has considered possibly putting some of the budget money towards streets and sidewalks,along with CDBG monies and other things.They have to consider these items as they come up. Councilmember Insalaco asked if they have any projections in years as to how long it would take to pave all of the roads within the city 'limits. Public Works Director Doug Dobson stated he and Ron Grittman had discussed the issue. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated i t is a trade-off.If you go with chip seal everywhere,it could be done in 3 to 4 years.However,they would have to be maintained regularly.It would be longer if they do it with 2.5"of asphalt,which would give them 10 to 15 years out of most of those roads.They will have costs associated with the paving of the roads so that council should determine their course of action. City Manager George Hoffman commented that maintaining dirt roads competes with the maintenance -of existing roads also. Councilmember Insalaco asked if they have a timeline for when all of the dirt roads would be paved. Public Works Director Doug Dobson estimated they would have all of them paved in 5 years. Councilmember Sippel asked if that would be with asphalt. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 17 OF 27 Public :Works Director Doug Dobson stated they would not all be with asphalt.Some streets could be done adequately with a double chip 'seal :and have i t last. City Manager George Hoffman commented they need to communicate what heimans by the assumption everything could be paved in 5 years,such as any arterial improvement,roadways to be put in as part of an economic:development incentive,and what it means for the emissions program.They might need to go, back to the staff level and outline those and come back with an answer to Councilmember Insalaco's question.This could become imprinted on the council's and community's minds and there area lot, of competing demands for that money.Roads are currently falling apart and are in desperate need. Mayor Coleman commented there are some roads in his neighborhood in suchtad condition that he would rather live on a dirt road.The road he lives on is highly traveled and maintained,but some of the side streets are bad. Public Works Director Doug Dobson stated he would not recommencLa chip seal on a section line,mid -section line or collector street.The traffic is too great in most cases to use a double chip on those streets. Mayor Coleman stated.he recalled telling.people earlier that ther.Ewas 49 tiles: ofHunpaved-roads in the city_ I t is encouragingthat it is down to 24:5 miles. Public Works Director Doug Dobson stated it will be lower than that in a few,days when they finishsome projects they,are currently working on. .Vice Mayor Eck asked if they would be :bringing tack anything:regarding:improvement districts where the. residents might be willingto pay for some of thecost: Public Works DireCtor:Doug -Dobson stated he will be bringingtack that infOrmation plus a,resolution that handles that,too. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 18 OF 27 Vice Mayor Eck commented he talked to a -property owner on Houston and they are doing that.He went in there for the first time in many years.and he could not believe the amount of dust.The - property owners are doing an improvement district and it should be paved within the next couple months. City Manager George Hoffman stated. they were hoping for some comments from the council on the methodology, and apply it.I t does not work for staff to be told i t looks fine,get the results and have council say they do not like it and want to change it. Mayor Coleman stated it appears to , be real fair to him:They need to explain it well to the people: •Vice Mayor Eck agreed.He added he would -be terrified to have i t ,where the one who complains the most would be moved up on the list if it did not meet the system.We are progressing dramatically,but he thinks they may need to look at other resources. Councilmember Waldron asked how- staff -determines the.priority -of repaving, apaved. street that is falling apart versus -a dirt street:thatHis also falling apart. •Public,WOrks.,DirectoriDoug_pobtoa statedfielooksh.at the existingstreet .to determine if' he will lose i t if Ht is not .paved.If he:will,thentemill•paveAheexistifig street andnotdoi the dirt -road.If he can slurry the existing street or it will .last until next year when he .can chip. seal it,he'wilT rpave the dirt road.I t is juggling. act..He looks at.what shape,they Will be!. tnthe next year.Hewill do what .fiecari to maintain thoAirtroad. Vice Mayor Eck asked if a city could be field liable fOr improper paving ,of potholes aresueh: City Attorney .Joel Stern stated.they are held liable.. Vice!Mayor Eck commented the Royal Palm area is ,almost getting:toithat REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE' 19 OF 27 City Manager George Hoffman stated those will be done before the end of the fiscal year. Public Works Director Doug Dobson stated they are working towards paving them.He will be using a new Nova chip on some of the south streets and then he will be coming down from the north side with paving. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion with no further comments and called for a motion. Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT STAFF BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING THE PAVING AND/OR IMPROVEMENT OF DIRT STREETS:THAT WE CONTINUE WITH THE CURRENT METHODOLOGY AND THAT STAFF RETURN BACK TO US INFORMATION CONCERNING PAVING ROADS SUCH AS THE LIST IN WHAT ORDER THE STREETS WILL BE PAVED MENTIONED IN THE EARLIER DISCUSSION ITEM. Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO .STAFF ON_ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA ITEMS None. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON OTHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS DISCUSSION ON COUNCIL BUDGET GOALS FOR FY 04/05 BUDGET )City Manager George Hoffman briefed the council on the item.He stated staff has:resolved to have a budget that can be adopted prior to thestart of the fiscal year.I t is substantially more aggressive than in most years past.This is .a seated council and they do not need to wait for council members to take office.The context for this budget is one that will characterized by fiscal constraints. The finance director tells me that the current relationship between revenues and expenditures is one that will be resolved by the end of the fiscal year. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 20 OF 27 The budget will balance by. the end of this fiscal year.However,the city has enjoyed a carry over in recent years,savings,that have been brought forth from one fiscal year to the next.That number in the past was approximately $1.5 million:We will not achieve that kind of carry over for next.year.We may balance to the good by a few hundred thousand dollars.Coupled with some very modest economic growth,the larger context for our: budget situation could be looked at through our.largest neighbor to the west.Their management committee is looking at reducing their budget in an absolute amount:they will lower their budget number.He encouraged the council to keep that macro- economic context in mind as they set their goals.The multi -generational facility will be coming on line in the next fiscal year and resources were allocated to get a better understanding of the issues associated with public safety.The audit found things that need to be addressed.The chief is working on the fault .lines and tracing back the technology issues,and may come back and ask for some special assistance for that or additional money for technology.He would like to.get a sense of the council's budgetary goals and priorities.The department directors could then .work on their -budgets that would.reflect their interest for the following economic year. Mayor Coleman asked about the insurance rates. City Manager George Hoffman stated there are a number of insurance rates.There is.workman's .comp;there is liability and health insurance.He discussed:health insurance ,with-the consultant;Bryant- and Jackie this .afternoon. Assistant City Manager Bryant Powell stated the city went out to bid combined with the -school district.They need to meet with them on the results which were received on January 30.The short answer is the rates are goinTto go up. City Manager George. Hoffman stated they think it will go up,but the question: is how much.. 'Mayor Coleman stated the school district told them that it would be going up about 15%..That was after the 19%last year. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 21 OF 27 City Manager George Hoffman stated i t appears our utilization has been more positive than the school district's, but that is only one component.There is the trend line nationally for costs. He does not have the estimates yet,but he anticipates that they are going up. Vice Mayor Eck commented a concern mentioned by George to him and that he is equally concerned with is to get the equipment that the employees need.If they need something to do their job better,more professionally,easier,and certainly to save time,they need to take care of the employees they already have and get the equipment.He does not believe there would be a lot of new positions. City Manager George Hoffman stated he anticipates they will be minimal.He has shared this information with the leadership team,will be talking to the Project SOAR team on Thursday,and would like to share the information with all of our employees and share with them the challenge and ask them for ideas of ways that they can be more efficient and effective in the -work they do.Councilmember Dietz had asked him if the city had done everything that it can do to explore the use of volunteers.He is questioning the -use of part-time employees and contract employees in order to achieve greater efficiencies.He envisions the next few years being characterized by a relatively lean work force of full time employees that are well trained,versatile,supplemented by other sources of assistance and that are well and fairly compensated. Mayor Coleman commentedthere are some recommendations in the audit that he feels they need to fulfill both technology -wise and personnel -wise.I t should be a priority.He wants to be able to afford to open the multi -generational center when it opens -. Vice Mayor Eck agreed.He is concerned that a new blade may be needed for public works.He asked if they could make i t another year. Public Works Director Doug Dobson stated he would try to milk it. Vice Mayor Eck commented that all the departments that need equipment should get their equipment. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 22 OF 27 Mayor Coleman asked what else staff needed to know. City Manager George Hoffman commented.they need to know if the council is interested in moving money from the general fund to street maintenance.They would be challenged to do that this year. Vice Mayor Eck asked how much roadway could be completed with $100,000. Public Works Director Doug Dobson stated $100,000 would pay for .5 miles of double chip seal. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated the. paving ofSmoketree from Delaware to Saguaro -and;Maincfrom Smoketree to Lost Dutchman cost $120:000,:it was administered-through air quality funds. That is a little over 1.5 .miles.. Councilmember Sippel statecLit'is approximately $100,000:a mile. Public WOrks Director Doug Dobson stated that is without: doing any base work:!someareas requiretasework: Theywouldliaveto do ABC:They. want to do as much as they can do with the. double-schip-in'tlie residential areas andiget -ty with it.They:would:therefore be doing more miles:withAhe double rhip:for that money than they. would actual, paving, City Engineer. Ron Grittman stated' they will have to do something very soon with Southern Avenue at San Marcos. That street seesiflore traffiCAhan Granada.j t is going to fall apart real fast. City Manager George HoffMan -asked. if the public-morks perspective is shifting ‘from'improvements.of arterials to, maintenance:: of existing streets.Theremould..still be,some•work ornthe arterials,but itisHmorety doing well'..with.whatve have in place. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 23.0F 27 Public Works Director Doug Dobson stated they do• not really have any other choice. City Engineer. Ron Grittman stated they are using ,impact fee dollars to add lanes,and they have a limited amount of Money. there All the money to add lanes to the arterials comes from impact fees,the rest of the funding is being shifted to maintenance. City Manager George Hoffman commented on an operative rlevel they are dealing with the.growth issues and the state land issues to:the south:They are very concerned about these. They were in this year's budget and he:is assuming they will be .carried forward.' Mayor Coleman agreed that they should remain a:priority.. Vice Mayor Eck commented staff should' only need to:look:at using money on the streets as probably a lower priority.He would hate:to see the audit and any of that held up_ Mayor Coleman commented they need to lookat; where we can -useAhe ,CDBG-monies and tryto take ,care of asInanyof those basic needs with. that. City, Manager George Hoffman commentedfthey'had referenCed,thefuse of some of:that -money for the •library a couple of meetings ago. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated they -willte doing a ',couple of 'roadway .designs with the CDBG, monies:andfthey will keep:them on,,the.shelf for whenever the monies become available to proceed: on those projects. -They Would -not•have:any design waits. Vice Mayor Eck commented that they have to compete for those monies. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated they'had a project come up earlier in ,the year but, it had to be completed in .6 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE ,24 OF 27 months time.If they had had a project on the shelf at that time,they could have pursued those funds. City Manager George Hoffman commented previous councils had expressed a much more aggressive approach to grant outreach programs.The last 5 years have been more dramatic than the 5 years before that with grant programs.We will maintain a very aggressive organization -wide posture looking for external sources of funding to augment city revenues. Vice Mayor Eck commented he believes this is too much to consider for the actual budget.He likes the idea of outside sources. City Manager George Hoffman stated this organization will continue to provide a tremendous level of service to the community.We are used to having a period of high growth and more dollars every year and that environment is changing. Mayor Coleman asked if staff needed a motion on this item. City Manager George Hoffman stated he has a good sense of what the council priorities are. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND WORK SESSION AT 7:00: P.M.BE HELD ON MONDAY,MARCH 1,2004,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY; AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,MARCH 2,2004, IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM. Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 25 OF 27 INFORMATION AND REPORTS Councilmember Sippel announced his son was in the Itty Bitty Olympics and he competed in the 3 and Under age bracket.There were 5 categories and he placed first in 3 of the 5 categories. Mayor Coleman commented some council members will be going to the League of Cities and Towns Day at the legislature on Thursday,including Vice Mayor Eck, Councimember. Insalaco and Councilmember Sippel. Vice Mayor Eck commented there is an East Valley Partnership meeting tomorrow. ADJOURNMENT )Mayor Coleman adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1.Acceptance of Agenda. 2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 3,2004. 3.Consideration of Approval to purchase four (4)vehicles for the:Public Safety Department using the State of Arizona Purchasing Contract from Five Star Ford as follows:1)Three 2004 Crown Victoria Police Interceptors for $23,860.09 each,for .a total of $71,580.27,and 2)one 2004 Econoline E350 Cargo Van (a prisoner transport van)for $19,662,32,for a grand total not to exceed $91,242.59. 4.Ratification of the appointment of Rudy Esquivias as Development Services Director effective February 2,2004. ACCEPTED THIS DAY OF ,2004,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 26 OF 27 DAY OF ,2004. ATTEST: KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk 1) DOUGLAS Ut Mayor CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CERTIFICATION LEMAN 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 17th day of February,2004.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 24th day of March,2004. KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 17,2004 PAGE 27 OF 27