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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-07 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 7,2003 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona,was held on October 7,2003,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 Waldron gave the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Mayor Eck 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 Interim Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Kathleen Connelly City Attorney Joel Stern Public Safety Director Robert Warner Finance Director Keith Lewis REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 1 OF 11 Others Present: Public Works Director Doug Dobson Finance Manager John White Management Assistant Shari Watson Secretary Dotti Pieper Proactive Abatement Program Coordinator Bob •Mayes Building Official Dennis Dixon ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )Vice Mayor Eck MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND THAT WE RECOGNIZE THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE FOLLOWING CITY EMPLOYEE:COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER PATRICK BRENNER FOR COMPLETING THE CERTIFIED PUBLIC MANAGER PROGRAM; AND THAT RESOLUTION NO.03-23.A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,PINAL AND MARICOPA COUNTIES,ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE GREATER ARIZONA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PURSUANT TO TITLE 41,CHAPTER 10,ARTICLE 8,OF THE ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES,BE APPROVED;AND THAT RESOLUTION NO.03-25,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,CERTIFYING THE MUNICIPAL COURT QUARTERLY REVENUE COLLECTED ABOVE THE BASELINE COURT COLLECTION FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2003-2004 FISCAL YEAR;DIRECTING STAFF TO FORWARD THE CERTIFICATIONS TO THE STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE;AND DIRECTING STAFF TO SEND SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF ANY QUARTERLY REVENUES COLLECTED IN EXCESS OF THE CERTIFIED BASELINE LEVELS TO THE STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE SUBJECT TO MONTHLY REVENUE COLLECTION• LIMITATIONS,BE APPROVED;AND THAT THE CONTRACT WITH MESA MATERIALS, .PW 2002-11,FOR PAVING MATERIALS BE EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 30,2004,IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $600,000.00;AND THAT THE BID FOR BOX CULVERTS AND RELATED STREET IMPROVEMENTS 04 BASELINE AVENUE AT .CORTEZ RANCH AND WEEKES WASH CROSSING AT BROADWAY AVENUE:BE AWARDED TO MERIDIAN ENGINEERING COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $401,968.00 PLUS 10% CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,196.80 FOR UNFORESEEN CHANGES FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $442.164.80;AND THAT THE MAYOR BE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE APPROPRIATE AGREEMENT. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 2 OF 11 Councilmember Waldron SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Finance Director Keith Lewis presented a Certificate of Achievement for, Excellence in Finance Reporting plaque that the city received for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year ending June 30,2002. In addition,he presented Finance Manager John White with an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement John is the person primarily responsible for preparing the award winning report. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Ms.Marta Saint -James,6646 S.Sinagua Court,Gold Canyon,addressed the council.She works closely with.Apache Junction Animal Control,offering her expertise,research,drawings and design for a dog park in Apache Junction. She also apologized for comments made in an Arizona Republic article on Gold Canyon incorporation that appeared in the paper September 27.She stated the article does not represent the sentiment of the community,only a few.She believes in incorporation for Gold Canyon,but not the bashing of Apache Junction.She loves the community.She commented our country,state,and community have far more important priorities than to be fighting about the statements of the few which do not reflect the feelings of the majority. Mr.Curt Fonger,6646 S.Sinagua Court,Gold Canyon,addressed the council. He is outraged about the statements.He commented he and the majority of the residents in Gold Canyon do not feel in any way,shape,or form as a few individuals who chose to make negative statements about Apache Junction.He believes he and Marta,due to their involvement in their community,represent their community well and they feel qualified to speak this evening on behalf of themselves and others to the east that are outraged.He stated their phone rang off the hook with upset people by the inferences in the article.He listed the various committees he and Marta are on,and their participation in Apache Junction committees and events.They,and other Gold Canyon citizens, patronize Apache Junction businesses.He believes i t is time for REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 3 OF 11 incorporation,but not to separate themselves from Apache Junction.He believes i t is time for them to have their own say so in their parks, recreation,libraries,planning and zoning and impact fees.He would like to see a teamwork approach with the help of Apache Junction.Mistakes will be made,and people will try to drive a wedge between them.They need to build a positive foundation for their future and learn from Apache Junction.They need to look past the comments of a few narrow-minded people.Both communities stand to gain by uniting together for the good of both communities.With a we versus them mentality,everybody loses and nobody benefits. Mr.Dan Wald,3400 S.Ironwood Drive #26.Apache Junction,addressed the council.He was impressed with the group of citizens and others that helped put together the first OctoberFest.The individual who went above and beyond was Sandie Smith. Ms.Brenda Barleen,2275 Old West Highway,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She is one of the owners of Arizona Opry Dinner Show located in Apache Junction two miles east on Old West Highway.They are in the planning stages of building a new state of the art dinner theater.They are currently leasing their building and they want to have their own.The existing theater is 10,000 sq.ft.:they are planning one that is 14,000 sq.ft.that will seat 620 for dinner and show.Other professional groups could be accommodated when their season is over.It will also be a facility for community events and meetings.They have been looking at a site at Southern and Ellsworth,but they are now looking at a site recently rezoned in Apache Junction.They may be asking for some waivers and help to get them on the fast track to get this open in November 2004. Mayor Coleman asked where the Apache Junction site is located. Ms.Brenda Barleen stated i t is behind the Wells Fargo Bank,next to the old K Mart.There is some acreage there,with about 67'of frontage that would enable them to have signs.They do not have to be right up on the main street,and the price is right. Mr.Cliff Axt,10322 E.Breathless Drive,Gold Canyon,addressed the council. He commented they were fortunate to find an Apache Junction location for the Arizona Opry Dinner Show before they signed a lease on Ellsworth.He REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 4 OF 11 complimented George Hoffman,Kathy Connelly,and Ken Simpkins for their assistance.He thinks it will benefit the city. Mr.Tom Cosgrove,3500 S.Tomahawk Rd.#181,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented the Apache East Estates is a 120 home -site community that held a meeting this morning to authorize him to state that the opinions expressed in his letter also represent their opinion.The letter is in regards to a proposal for the landfill expansion traffic.They would like the traffic rerouted from Tomahawk to Idaho and Baseline with the possibility of creating a new entrance along Baseline Road or at the northwest corner of the landfill property.They are proposing this because of the density of the population,the increasing number of children using school buses,school bus traffic,and the heavy high speed traffic on the road.More traffic will come with the Earnhardt facilities.He feels this could be put into effect with a few strategically placed signs on US 60,Tomahawk and Idaho. Mayor Coleman requested the landfill issue be placed on a work session agenda. Vice Mayor Eck requested a contact person be assigned to the Barleen family project.He thanked the others for their attendance and kind words. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager George Hoffman stated they will schedule the traffic flow item for the October 20 work session,and perhaps Mr.Cosgrove will be available. He commented he is pleased with the partnership he sees forming and developing between the city government and the business community collectively.Last night they heard a presentation *asking for their Support for development guidelines and standards.He asked for assistance from the business community in developing a new business advocate position,and received it.He also received help on literature,the S.Phelps Drive project,and private sector partnerships.He is an ex officio Member of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.Kathy Connelly regularly participates with the Main Street Board of Directors.Bryant Powell regularly participates with the CDC Board of Directors.This will allow the city to deal with keeping businesses in town, such as the Barleen Dinner Theater.He thanked Dan Wald,Cliff Axt,Tom Smith,and others for their assistance.I t is a positive trend which is giving him hope and optimism. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 5 OF 11 PUBLIC HEARINGS None. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA ITEMS None. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON OTHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS PRIVATE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS ) )Management Assistant Shari Watson briefed the council on the item.There have been no significant updates to the standards since the creation of this city code.The standards help to promote the health,safety and welfare of city residents,preserve neighborhoods from blight and deteriorating conditions,and maintain property values.The city needs understandable,concise and enforceable standards and definitions in one location within the city code.Currently they are scattered in two chapters.It would then be user friendly for staff and residents.Staff wants to be proactive,establish maintenance standards,and educate the community on the benefits of these standards.Staff is requesting direction to prepare draft property maintenance standards.They anticipate a lot of discussion once these standards are presented to council.They will be brought back prior to the end of the year for council review. Mayor Coleman asked if they could share at the neighborhood meetings what they envision this code doing for the community.He would like to have widespread community support and understanding. .REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 6 OF 11 Management Assistant Shari Watson stated Patrick Brenner is aware of what they are trying to do and is supportive of communicating that in the neighborhood meetings. City Manager George Hoffman asked i f council is interested in the community looking at draft standards and providing feedback. ,Mayor:Coleman commented he would like a presentation -to go to -the neighborhoods.He would like their feedback on the proposal.: City Manager George Hoffman commented they could direct staff to proceed with the development of the draft standards and then have -staff take them out to the community and present them to get community feedback. Vice Mayor Eck•asked if this will address the diesel rigs,with them being parked,all over•the city. Management Assistant Shari Watson commented -she believes that is a zoning issue,. City Attorney Joel Stern Stated they have -had some -prosecutions. involving that issue:There was a superior court decision that held .our provision on truck parking in the -city ,code a -violation of the law.That was the city code,not the zoningordinance.The more appropriate place to put this is the zoning prdinance.He believes. Rudy has. already been instructed to. take care of thatin .thezoningordinance. Mayor Coleman closed, theAiscussion with no further comments and called for a motion. COuncilmember Milkey MOVED -THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFFREGARDING:PROPOSED;PRIVATE PROPERTY ' MAINTENANCE STANDARDS::THAT STAFF PROCEED,WITH-DRAFTINGTRIVATE PROPERTY ' MAINTENANCE STANDARDS THAT WOULD ADDRESS CURRENT DEFICIENCIES IN THE CITY CODE;AND COMMUNICATE THE PROPOSED. DRAFT TO NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITIES TOSEEK: FEEDBACK -AND SUPPORT PRIOR' TO PRESENTATION TO THE. CITY COUNCIL,• REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 7 OF 11 Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. ESTABLISHMENT OF FRIDAY,DECEMBER 26, 2003:AS A TEMPORARY CITY HOLIDAY )Mayor Coleman commented they talked about: this a little last night.Christmas falls on a Thursday,and he thinks it,would:be ,nice'to allow the employees to have Friday'off:also.He realizes there -is some cost for police and Others who do not get the day off. City Manager Georgeddoffman stated i t is estimated that thewlice departMent -and city court costs would be under $9,000. council discussion, thought it was- a great idea. Mayor Coleman opened:thEitem ,to CounciImember Mllkey commented he Mayor Coleman closed the item with no -further discussion and called for a:motion. ..CounciTmember Insalaco MOVED THAT THE FOLLLING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO:STAFF REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FRIDAY,DECEMBER 26 :2003; ASA TEMPORARY HOLIDAY FOR CITYEMPLOYMEES:THAT WE MAKE IT 'A TEMPORARY HOLIDAY Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES;JIMES,IOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES' REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 8 OF 11 Councilmember Milkey MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND'WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON MONDAY,OCTOBER 20,2003,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY; AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,OCTOBER 21, 2003 IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM. Vice Mayor Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. INFORMATION AND REPORTS Vice Mayor Eck announced that he went to the Central Arizona Association of Governments meeting in Mammoth.It was very interesting.The mayor of Globe is now the director.He commented the amount of growth in Pinal County is overwhelming.Maricopa is planning a subdivision of about 40,000 people. They were promoting a soap box derby race and requested anyone interested contact them.They would like to hold a race each month in different communities throughout Pinal and Gila Counties. Mayor Coleman commented they had a Central Arizona Association of Governments and Maricopa Association of Governments meeting on the same night and he could not attend either one.Councilmember Waldron filled in for him at the Maricopa Association of Governments meeting. ADJOURNMENT )Mayor Coleman adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1.Acceptance of Agenda. 2.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employee:Pat Brenner. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 9 OF 11 3.Consideration of Resolution No.03-23,Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA)funding for capital facilities projects (City Hall/Court Complex and Multi-generational/Recreation Center). 4.Consideration of Resolution No.03-25,Quarterly certification of Magistrate Court collections for period ending September 30,2003 5.Consideration of Request for Extension Of Contract No.PW 2002-11 with Mesa Materials from July 1,2003 through June 30,2004,in an amount not to exceed $600.000. 6.Consideration of Award of Bid for Project PW 2003-04,Box Culverts and Related Street Improvements on Baseline Avenue at Cortez Ranch and Weekes Wash Crossing at Broadway Avenue to Meridian Engineering Company in the amount of $401.968 plus 10%,or $40,196.80,for unforeseen changes for a total not to exceed $442,164.80. ACCEPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2003,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS ATTEST: KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk 18TH REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 10 OF 11 DAY OF NOVEMBER .2003. 6t4A16/441 6°'DOUGLAS C LEMAN Mayor 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 7th day of October,2003.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 10th day of November,2003. KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 7,2003 PAGE 11 OF 11