Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-03 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 3,2002 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona,was held on September 3,2002,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 7:20 p.m. INVOCATION Vice Mayor Surra gave the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Milkey led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present:Mayor Colmeman Vice Mayor Surra Councilmember Durbala Councilmember Eck Councilmember Milkey Councilmember Urich Staff Present: (Councilmember Dietz was absent.) Interim City Manager George Hoffman City Clerk Kathleen Connelly City Attorney Joel Stern Public Safety Director Robert Warner City Engineer Ron Grittman Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell Finance Director Keith Lewis Public Works Director Doug Dobson REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3.2002 PAGE 1 OF 25 Others Present: Interim Development Svcs.Dir.Rudy Esquivias Assistant to the City Manager Bryant Powell Library Manager Spencer Paden Assistant Planner Juli McDaid Finance Manager John White Administrative Assistant Janine Solley Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED AND THAT WE RECOGNIZE THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE FOLLOWING CITY EMPLOYEES:RECREATION COORDINATOR JAMIE SULLIVAN FOR ALL THAT SHE DOES FOR PARENTS AND KIDS; ASSISTANT PLANNER JULI MCDAID,PLANS EXAMINER FRED KLINGER,CIVIL ENGINEERING PLAN REVIEWER SAM JARJICE,AND PERMIT TECHNICIAN I I PATTI SIKORSKI FOR THE EXCELLENT SERVICE PROVIDED ON THE CAST -N -STONE PROJECT;PARKS WORKER BILL LANT,PARKS WORKER MARTIN VASQUEZ,PARKS WORKER AARON MCDONALD,PARK ATTENDANT ROGER LUTH,PARK ATTENDANT EARL BLACK,PARK ATTENDANT DOUG FRANKLIN,PARK ATTENDANT RAY STICKLER,AND PARKS WORKER DENNIS STEVENS FOR KEEPING THE BASEBALL FIELDS IN TOP NOTCH CONDITION FOR OUR LITTLE LEAGUE;AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE CONTRACT BETWEEN BAKER & TAYLOR,INC.AND THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS,AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS AND RELATED SERVICES THROUGH MOHAVE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES COOPERATIVE BID PRICING IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $136,015:AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE CONTRACT;AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR RESOLUTION NO.02-16,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION TO ALLOCATE JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY INCENTIVE BLOCK GRANT FUNDS TO PINAL COUNTY AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND STAFF TO TAKE ANY AND ALL STEPS NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH THE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT;AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO PURCHASE EBSCO INFORMATION SERVICES DATABASE SUBSCRIPTIONS THROUGH AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASING AGREEMENT WITH MARICOPA COUNTY IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $19,000;AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO PURCHASE FROM VISIONAIR A RENEWAL OF SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE ON CAD (COMPUTER -AIDED DISPATCH),MOBILE,ACJIS (ARIZONA CRIMINAL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 2 OF 25 JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEM)ACCESS AND RMS (RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM)FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM SEPTEMBER 30,2002 TO SEPTEMBER 29,2003,IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 48,922.04;AND THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PROJECT NO.2002-15,CORRUGATED METAL PIPE,BE AWARDED TO ARIZONA CULVERT COMPANY IN THE UNIT AMOUNTS SHOWN ON THE BID OPENED AUGUST 14,2002. Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Coleman announced the city had been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30,2001 from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.The association also awarded an Award of Financial Reporting Achievement to John C.White,City of Apache Junction Finance Manager.He presented both awards to John White. Mayor Coleman read a proclamation designating September as "Library Card Sign- Up Month"and presented it to Library Manager Spencer Paden. Mayor Coleman read a proclamation designating September 11,2002,as "Always Remember 9-11 Day".He presented the proclamation to City Clerk Kathleen Connelly. Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins and Lisa Henderson,the state coordinator of the Arizona Main Street Program,gave a report on the May 18, 2002,Town Hall.Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins commented the Town Hall was a partnership between the state Main Street organization,the Department of Commerce,Arizona Public Service,the Apache Junction Main Street Program,the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Apache Junction.Ms. Henderson commented they received a lot of good information from the citizens and they embraced what they would truly like to see in their community. Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins stated they would be back at the REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 3 OF 25 September 16 work session for a complete discussion.The mayor asked if the report would be available to all the delegates.Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins stated it would be.He thanked Rayna Palmer,Lisa Henderson and Shari Watson for their work in putting this together. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Ms.Kristi Youtsey Ruiz,2312 S.Calle Maria Juana,Casa Grande,addressed the council to introduce herself as a candidate for Pinal County Clerk of the Superior Court.She gave a background on herself and her qualifications. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Interim City Manager George Hoffman announced they would be flying the Trail of Flags on September 11 at half staff and the police officers will be wearing the black band over their badges.He announced the mayor has been selected to serve as treasurer of the Executive Board of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns,which is a career track progression for leadership in the organization, an important organization for municipal officials in the state.In addition, Mayor Coleman was selected as a recipient of the East Valley Partnership 2002 Cox Excel Award for Excellence in Leadership,given to community leaders who have shown commitment to excellence in how they lead the community.Cox Communications will be spending a half day with the mayor to create a short documentary in preparation for the event. PUBLIC HEARINGS PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.02-17,REQUEST FOR FINAL PLAT AMENDMENT TO MERIDIAN MANOR BY CLYDE BARNEY REPRESENTING RSC ENTERPRISES ) )Assistant Planner Juli McDaid briefed the council on the item.The property is located on the northeast corner of Meridian and Southern.There were three phases approved in 1996. Phases 1 and 2 are nearing build out and are age -restricted.As Phase 3 is slow in lot sales,the applicant is requesting to develop it with conventional homes and open it to families with children,building a wall along the southern perimeter to separate Phase 2 and Phase 3.The developer is offering to delete nine lots as opposed to the original five lots approved earlier.He will have a full court basketball court on one of the open areas along with some sod and landscaping.The other open area will have 25-30 ramadas with REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 4 OF 25 separate tables,4 picnic grills and a tot lot.The request is compliant with the general plan.The amendment to the plan will have several positive impacts,attracting more permanent residents,more recreational areas,an additional access for better traffic circulation,and it will be conventionally constructed homes rather than manufactured homes.More rooftops in the area may hasten the development of the commercial corner. There are 8 elevations and floor plans from approximately 1,300 square feet to 2,400 square feet.The only potential negative impact would be previous buyers in the age -restricted area may be upset about children being allowed. The amenities in Phases 1 and 2 could not be utilized by Phase 3 residents and vice versa.She briefed them on a recommended motion and four stipulations. Mayor Coleman requested the applicant address the council. Mr.Clyde Barney,P.O.Box 30549, Mesa,commended the staff for the work they have done.He commented they have had a lot of people come into Meridian Manor who want to live in a gated community,with a number of them being young ladies.They could not sell to them because they were not 55 years old:they feel they will be able to target a lot of empty nesters.They will not be first time home buyers due to the price of the homes,as they start at $120,000 and go up to $170,000.He requested their approval of the amendment.This will hopefully attract more year round residents. Mayor Coleman opened the public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the public hearing and opened the item to council discussion. Vice Mayor Surra commented i t is a nice plan.She stated he may want to make the basketball court half court i f there will be fewer younger people there.They might consider another ramada there. Mr.Clyde Barney commented he is planning on putting in a tennis court at the other one. Councilmember Eck asked how he is going to isolate the other phases from this phase. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 5 OF 25 Mr.Clyde Barney stated they are putting card boxes on the swimming pool and clubhouse so that only those residents would have access to those facilities. Councilmember Eck commented he is happy to see the additional open space providing an area for the kids to play. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion with no further comments and called for a motion. Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.02-17,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AMENDING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT FOR MERIDIAN MANOR SUBDIVISION,PHASE III,CASE SD -1-02,BY CLYDE BARNEY OF RSC ENTERPRISES,L.L.C.,BE APPROVED. Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1164/AN-2-00 - REQUEST BY PROPERTY OWNER FOR ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 40 ACRES OF PRIVATE AND PUBLICLY OWNED LAND,INCLUDING RIGHT-OF- WAY PORTIONS OF SECTION 33 BY NO BULL, L.L.C.,A SUBSIDIARY OF EARNHARDT,INC.) )Assistant Planner Juli McDaid briefed the council on the item.The property is on the south side of U.S.60 between Royal Palm and Cactus.She described the rights -of -way the city would be annexing.The property includes vacant land,the Earnhardt property,and a portion of U.S.60 and county right-of-way.Most of the land has been designated employment/retail with a small area intended for trail and landscaping.She described the annexation process for this request.All the requirements under the Arizona Revised Statutes have been met and staff recommends approval. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 6 OF 25 Mayor Coleman requested the applicant address the council. Assistant Planner Jull McDald stated they anticipated that there would be a representative but he had a conflict. After talking to the interim director,she advised the applicant that it was not necessary for anyone to attend as this was owner requested and everything had been met.There is no opposition to the annexation. Mayor Coleman opened the public hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the public hearing and opened the item to council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion. Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1164 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED. Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read the ordinance by title only. Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1164 BE APPROVED AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK. Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1156 -AMENDING CHAPTER 15 OF THE CITY CODE ALLOWING PARK REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 7 OF 25 RANGERS TO ACT AS ENFORCEMENT AGENTS OF PARK ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS )Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell briefed the council on the item.He stated the amendment is necessary for implementation of the park ranger program. Councilmember Durbala asked if the rangers would have arrest powers or would the police still have to be called in. Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell stated they will have the ability to issue citations dealing with park ordinances.The police department would have to be called for an arrest. Councilmember Durbala asked if the police would be aware i t is a priority when the park rangers call for assistance. Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell stated he hoped so. Councilmember Durbala asked the police chief if the park rangers would have a high priority when they call. Public Safety Director Robert Warner stated they would. 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 Surra commented she is excited about the program and has been speaking about it to staff for the past three years.I t should have been in place before the skateboard park was opened.She recommends approving the program. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion with no one else wishing to speak and called for a motion. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 8 OF 25 Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1156 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDNINANCE BE WAIVED. Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read the ordinance by title only. Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1156,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED. Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. OLD BUSINESS NEW DIRECTION FOR LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE PROJECT )Interim Development Services Director Rudy Esquivias briefed the council on the item.A consulting firm was hired in October 2000 to be the lead consulting firm in the rewrite of the land development code.They were unable to meet their schedule and they voluntarily ended the professional services agreement with the city in November 2001.There were six main phases involved in the rewrite.The first three tasks were done,the last three were not done.In February the former development services director proposed some options.Council directed staff to use a combination of staff involvement and the use of a consultant.That option became unfeasible when the development services director left in May. There are low staffing issues and duties have been reassigned.The option is still doable,but only after they are at full staffing levels.He is REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 9 OF 25 proposing a fourth option,that of a more focused use of staff and consultants.He suggested taking five or six of the council directions that are priority and have staff work on those over the next year.They could incorporate consultants on an as needed basis.He listed the directions to staff they have received that are still pending and examples bringing about the directions.He also added other areas of concern that council has mentioned in past meetings.He stated on his memo he placed asterisks in front of the items he would like to pass off to a consultant.He asked that council consider these directions to staff and the other options that had been presented in February and determine where they want to go from here.He will bring this item back in two weeks on the regular agenda for council direction. Vice Mayor Surra asked if there was funding available from the Main Street Program for design review standards. She recalled they may be doing design review standards for commercial that could be expanded upon for other commercial areas.She would not like to see it being done in two places for efficiency and cost-effectiveness purposes. She asked that he contact them and bring that information back to them in two weeks.It would free up our staff if someone else is already doing it. Interim Development Services Director Rudy Esquivias stated they have come up with a design dictionary and some preliminary design guidelines that could be used. Councilmember Eck commented he believed the first two directions were a priority regarding the land splits and private access ways.If they have the criteria for the private access way,the owners would know up front if they could split it three or four ways. They would like to keep these lots at 1.25 acres if possible.He believes number four would be easier to accomplish;he feels they have been holding someone back from building a home if they are not allowed to have a manufactured home on the property while they are building a conventional one. Vice Mayor Surra commented she thought that one had already been completed. Interim Development Services Director Rudy Esquivias stated there are a couple of zoning districts which allow an RV to be placed on a property. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3.2002 PAGE 10 OF 25 Councilmember Eck stated right now they must pull a mobile home off if they are wanting to build a single-family house.A lot of people will not do this. There was general discussion on whether they had allowed this to be done for one resident.Councilmember Durbala commented he thought the zoning administrator had been allowed to determine an administrative order on each case. Vice Mayor Surra stated there should be a one year time limit maximum on these cases. Councilmember Eck commented the nonconformities are not included on this list.A resident called him wanting to put a 2002 double wide on a property to replace an old single wide but he could not do so as it was a nonconforming use.He believes if the old mobile were to burn down,he currently could not replace it on that property. Interim Development Services Director Rudy Esquivias stated i t is currently written that what is there is grandfathered in and something new would have to comply with current codes. Councilmember Eck commented i t appeared to him that the resident was taking a 30 -year -old mobile home off and replacing it with a new one.This should be addressed.He added he did not think addressing the solid wall in Ordinance No.940 would be difficult to take care of. Councilmember Durbala stated they are always making compromises.He would like to see the updating and clarifying of codes for manufactured homes/RV parks for construction additions taken care of.They are now starting to get some of these and they need to be upgraded for the permanent parks.He does not want to have the problems they have had in the RV parks regarding the right-of-way issues. Vice Mayor Surra commented they could fix number two by not having any.I t should always be a real exception; do not put anything into the code that is not to become a standard.She does not believe in the private access. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 11 OF 25 Councilmember Durbala commented cul- de-sacs are better for that.He believes there should be more discussion on it. Councilmember Eck commented if there is not a private access there will be 310'by 660'lots. Councilmember Durbala commented those are nice,long lots. Vice Mayor Surra commented they should be very stringent about private access ways if they are going to allow them at all. Councilmember Durbala commented he believed they are supposed to be paved to city street standards. Mayor Coleman commented he was reminded at the resolutions committee meeting that there are several municipalities that have the requirement that high impact development also meet with the school districts so that they can accommodate the growth. Interim Development Services Director Rudy Esquivias stated he will also be giving them an update on where the first draft is of the land development code in two weeks.There may be some things in there that can already be used. Mayor Coleman closed the item with no more discussion. 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 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 12 OF 25 CITY/SCHOOL JOINT PROJECTS )Interim City Manager George Hoffman briefed the council on the item.They would like to consider some additional projects.He stated the city engineer would describe the projects and Dr.Sutter of the school district was here to say why they are needed.He would like authorization to co-sign the letter of understanding and come back at a future time and put them into a formal intergovernmental agreement. Supervisor Smith is also here to present a parking lot paving project. Mayor Coleman asked if hearing the county item would be legal. City Attorney Joel Stern stated the agenda calls for city/school district projects. Interim City Manager George Hoffman stated i t is on school district property. City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t would then be acceptable. City Engineer Ron Grittman briefed the council on the item.They have already completed the project at Superstition Mountain Elementary School.They did it on the heels of the Broadway project so that everything could be incorporated into one thing.The projects listed are trying to resolve specific problems for each one of the schools.San Marcos Drive will involve curb,gutter and sidewalk improvements from Southern to the freeway right-of-way.It will also have a drainage component that is part of the storm water master plan.The city will acquire right-of-way from State Land for this project. Mayor Coleman asked if this would give any relief to the people who live north of Southern. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated i t is one of the components to give relief.The channel has to be constructed in order for the water to be collected in the basin.Another drainage project would be extended up San Marcos in a second phase.Four Peaks Elementary requires the installation of curb,gutter and sidewalk along Idaho and some parking lot improvements.A mid -block traffic signal is requested at the REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 13 OF 25 quarter mile section between San Marcos and Ironwood to allow egress of the buses onto Southern. Mayor Coleman asked if the signal would be triggered to go at a certain time. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated i t would be a standard signal.It would only stop traffic along Southern when a call comes through i t from the bus that is coming northbound. Councilmember Durbala commented he was hoping for a stoplight that would only work for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon.It does not have to be working at other times.He asked if a light could be set up that way. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated i t would pose problems to the motoring public.A dark signal is treated as a four-way stop sign.The only time they use signals of that type is when i t is for a fire station. Vice Mayor Surra commented the buses may be there at other times of the day for tours and other events. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated that is why he is proposing that the signal only change as needed.They will be using similar signals at Baseline and Ironwood,with Ironwood being the major street.Ironwood will always see green until a vehicle comes up on Baseline. Councilmember Urich asked if it meets the warrants. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated i t meets the distance,they have not done a warrant study yet. Councilmember Urich stated if it does not meet the warrants it cannot be legally put in. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated they still have to do the study on the intersection. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 14 OF 25 Councilmember Durbala asked how these new lights can be put in for new schools going up that have not been constructed so there can be no warrant for the light at that time. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated the engineers do a projected vehicular volume for the school.That is allowed in the warrants themselves. Councilmember Durbala asked if there is something they can do to get around some of these warrants for safety features.He has talked to other cities that have put stoplights in without there having been a warrant because they know it is needed there.There has never been a lawsuit regarding a stoplight being put in without the warrants. We sometimes wait too long before the stoplight is put in. Interim City Manager George Hoffman stated current staff can tell you of lost litigation regarding the placement of traffic control devices that were not done consistently with professional engineering standards. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated this one does not pose any outstanding problems.The signal can be placed there when the warrant is met. Councilmember Eck asked if a study had been done at the entrance to the high school. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated he would go on to the school when they were finished discussing this project. Councilmember Durbala asked if the schools go under a special warrant versus the regular flow of traffic in a residential area. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated Warrant No.4 is specifically for school crossings.It deals specifically with pedestrian traffic associated with the school itself.This is for the school crossing,the 15 mile per hour zone. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 15 OF 25 Councilmember Durbala suggested moving the crosswalk to the area of the traffic signal. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated there is already a crosswalk there. Councilmember Durbala asked if it would warrant a traffic signal being put at that crosswalk. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated he had not done the warrant study yet.There are no features that would preclude them from putting i t in there. Interim City Manager George Hoffman stated they are in agreement with the district that they would like to take this forward.There is no argument against that:he is giving the steps that he will have to go through to make the project a reality. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated the final project is the high school.They looked at many alternatives,and the signal at the student entrance and exit is the highest priority.It does not meet the warrant for the school crossing as there is no crosswalk there. The signal would be less than 1,000 feet from the Arizona Department of Transportation signal to the south,posing a warrant problem.They have recommended making this a bus entrance,separating the bus traffic from the student traffic northbound on Ironwood.A bus lane will come off the Arizona Department of Transportation right-of-way to a separate entrance south of the current student driveway.It will tie into the bus movement back to the bus barn.It can be set up as one-way traffic.They will be setting up a "right out"turn for the student traffic coming out of the parking lot.They will install an acceleration lane along Ironwood for the students for them to merge over.There will be a deceleration lane coming into another entrance into the school.Traffic will be pushed northbound on Ironwood.I t is not a perfect solution,but they could not reroute the student traffic without putting them in conflict with buses or the elementary school. Vice Mayor Surra asked if the Arizona Department of Transportation ever allows exceptions to the 1,000 foot rule. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 16 OF 25 City Engineer Ron Grittman stated i t is not imposed by the Arizona Department of Transportation.They are warrants set for national standards.They do not seek the transportations department's approval for the signal.The fact is they would be going against a national standard i f it were installed.Any accidents that would occur at either signal open the city up to problems. Councilmember Eck stated he asked for this to be on the agenda.A resident called him and made him aware of the problem.He asked the resident how long they had waited in the median lane to turn,and it was ten minutes.He called Dr.Sutter who admitted i t is a problem.They back up in the median almost to Ironwood.The problem needs to be addressed,even if they have to do traffic control with police officers. His daughter admitted to having had problems driving to school.They need to find a solution as soon as possible. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated they are looking at changing the direction of student drop off.Traffic would come in the northern entrance and come out heading north on Ironwood.Drop off traffic would be occurring to the north and student traffic coming into their parking lot occurring to the south.Currently they are both trying to use the same entrance. Councilmember Eck commented he was hoping they would discuss this tonight,hear from the city engineer and the school district and get some plan of attack resolved.He is most concerned about getting the Ironwood issue resolved. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated this addresses the issues the school has approached them with as best as i t can be addressed. Interim City Manager George Hoffman stated city staff has been aware of this issue.They would like to affirm it is a problem and i t is an issue that needs their mutual attention.Dr.Sutter would prefer to have a traffic signal there,but from the standpoint of traffic professionals,i t is not that easy.They worked through the alternatives and they are comfortable with the solutions. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 17 OF 25 Vice Mayor Surra asked what the time frame would be for the high school solution. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated the school will do the design and the city will do the construction.That is what they did for Superstition Mountain Elementary School.They can do the construction site faster than the school district can.There are some drainage issues that will have to be resolved with Ironwood.Some retention basins will have to be removed and the drainage will have to go underground. They intend to do all the projects over the summer when school is out. Vice Mayor Surra asked what will be done to temporarily provide a solution for the high school during this school year. Councilmember Durbala asked Dr. Sutter if the worst problem was the entrance on Ironwood by the freeway. Dr.Barry Sutter stated i t is. Councilmember Durbala asked if it would be feasible for a police officer to direct traffic for a half hour in the morning and afternoon.He did not think it would be much of an overtime issue.He asked if that would alleviate some of the problem. Dr.Barry Sutter stated he did not know how it would affect the police department staffing or their safety.They are looking at the start of the next school year as the target date for completion of the roadway changes. Vice Mayor Surra stated it does not make i t any less hazardous this school year. Councilmember Durbala asked if it would create a problem for the police department to do traffic control. Public Safety Director Robert Warner stated they cannot do this with the existing staff,and they have to pay a minimum of two hours overtime each time someone is called in.They could not guarantee that on -duty officers could be there,so they would have to do it on REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 18 OF 25 an overtime basis like they currently do the skate park.They could be looking at four hours minimum overtime a day to do that. Councilmember Durbala stated they may want to look at i t anyway.Some things are important,especially when i t is dollars versus a life. Public Safety Director Robert Warner stated it will only work if there is some place for the police officer to direct vehicles to.There is the mistaken impression that if you put a police officer there they will clear up traffic.If you have been to a major sporting event,you know that is not true.It would be the same thing.He fears they would have a good witness for accident scenes as there is no room for them to go in and out. Dr.Barry Sutter requested that they be able to do the things needed to move these projects ahead.It will be a long term resolution for a number of issues.They are now designing their schools in a hub design at one location -elementary,middle school and high school.They were not thinking ahead at the time the high school was built and it was a cost issue.He commended everyone for their assistance.I t is a liability now,but they can wait for a warrant.They are liable with the way i t is now,and they are liable if they put in the signal without a warrant. Interim City Manager George Hoffman asked if they had any more discussion on these items. Vice Mayor Surra commented no more discussion is needed,they should just go forward.They need to determine the most effective and most rapid way that will bring them some alleviation of today's problems while they work on next year's problem at the high school. Interim City Manager George Hoffman stated they are sensitive to that and they will partner with the schools on short term strategies and longer term ones. Dr.Barry Sutter stated they think i t is an issue,and they want to partner with the solution.If the solution is supporting an officer for traffic control,they will also partner on the cost of that. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 19 OF 25 Vice Mayor Surra commented they have no place to put them.They might try it out. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated as soon as a vehicle comes in they have to make an immediate right turn.I f there is another vehicle coming out,they stop.There is no place for an officer to direct traffic to. Councilmember Urich commented ten officers there would not make it any better. City Engineer Ron Grittman stated they would not. Councilmember Eck asked what another alternative would be. Interim City Manager George Hoffman stated they can brainstorm with them at the staff level.They might need a combined on -street and off-street coordination and park them in rows and not where they want. Vice Mayor Surra commented they are leaving this with the city engineer. Councilmember Eck commented they all want a solution and he hopes they can all sit down together and come up with something in the next couple of weeks that could be put into effect. Vice Mayor Surra asked if Sandie Smith's project would be included in the direction to staff. Interim City Manager George Hoffman stated if council is comfortable with her proposal he would ask them to go ahead and tell him to do it.I t is a near term project. Mrs.Sandie Smith,Pinal County Supervisor,addressed the council.Pinal County has been working with the citizens in Gold Canyon and the school district.They are expanding the back area of the Gold Canyon School to have a park to be utilized by the school REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 20 OF 25 district and by residents.They need to put down some hot mix,and the city's public works department is unequaled at putting i t down.They need the use of the city's machines and staff to lay down the hot mix.The material has already been volunteered by a private company.The landscaping and plans have been donated.George Hoffman had told her this would be an ideal time to approach council with this issue as i t is a school district project. Interim City Manager George Hoffman commented the scope is 16 spaces or approximately 4,350 square feet.I t is a small parking lot. Mrs.Sandie Smith stated it would add to the school's ability to utilize their fields.They will have additional parking. Interim City Manager George Hoffman stated there are Apache Junction residents that attend that school,such as his own daughter. Mrs.Sandie Smith stated i t is a wonderful working relationship.They have found that until they started partnering with everyone,they could not get things done.It makes the money go further if those involved partner up. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion and called for a motion. Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT STAFF BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING THE CITY/SCHOOL JOINT PROJECTS:WHICH IS TO WORK TO MOVE FORWARD ON THE FOUR REMAINING PROJECTS AS WERE PRESENTED BY OUR ENGINEER RON GRITTMAN THIS EVENING;AND TO FIND SOME TEMPORARY RELIEF SOLUTIONS FOR THE PARTICULAR PROJECT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL BEFORE THAT'S COMPLETED;AND USE OF OUR PUBLIC WORKS STAFF IN ORDER TO ASSIST IN THE PAVING OF A PARKING LOT THAT WILL BE IN THE PART WHICH IS SHARED BETWEEN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND PINAL COUNTY. Interim City Manager George Hoffman asked if the motion subsumes authorizing the city manager to co-sign the letter of understanding with Dr.Sutter. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 21 OF 25 Vice Mayor Surra commented that is what "in going forward"meant. Interim City Manager George Hoffman stated he just wanted to be sure. City Attorney Joel Stern commented the memorandum of understanding is not a legal document. Vice Mayor Surra stated i t is just a morally and ethically appropriate document. what "in going forward"meant. stated he just wanted to be sure. Interim City Manager George Hoffman stated they will be bringing back an intergovernmental agreement for this. Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON MONDAY,SEPTEMBER 16,2002,IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM AND THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS,RESPECTIVELY; AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 17, 2002,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM. Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 22 OF 25 INFORMATION AND REPORTS Mayor Coleman announced a lot of them bowled at the Boys & Girls Club fundraiser. Mayor Coleman announced that they had the League of Cities and Towns Conference last week.Vice Mayor Surra received a service award for her 8 years of service. City Attorney Joel Stern stated the open meeting law has changed and as of tonight any council member may bring up an item or announce some event or meeting,but there can be no discussion. Councilmember Eck commented he is having a golf tournament on September 21 which benefits chronic fatigue syndrome. Councilmember Durbala commented Williams Gateway may have the commercial aircraft flying over the southern part of the city and he is requesting a presentation from them. ADJOURNMENT )Mayor Coleman adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1.Acceptance of Agenda. 2.Acceptance of Minutes of Special Meeting of August 5,2002. 3.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 6,2002. 4.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees. Employees receiving recognition are:Jamie Sullivan:Juli McDaid:Fred Klinger:Sam Jarjice;Patti Sikorski:Bill Lant;Martin Vasquez:Aaron McDonald:Roger Luth,Earl Black;Doug Franklin:Ray Stickler;and Dennis Stevens. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 23 OF 25 5.Consideration of contract with Baker & Taylor,Inc.(through Mohave Educational Services Cooperative bid pricing)to purchase books,audio- visual materials and related services in an amount not to exceed $136,015. 6.Consideration and possible approval of Resolution No.02-16,Authorizing the City of Apache Junction to allocate Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant (JAIBG)funds in the amount of $8,617 to Pinal County. 7.Consideration of request to purchase Ebsco Information Services database subscriptions in an amount not to exceed $19.000 through an intergovernmental cooperative purchasing agreement with Maricopa County. 8.Consideration of approval of purchase from VisionAir for renewal of software maintenance on CAD (Computer -Aided Dispatch),Mobile,ACJIS (Arizona Criminal Justice Information System)access and RMS (Records Management System)for Police Department from September 30,2002 to September 29,2003,at a cost of $48,922.04. 9.Consideration of award of bid for Project No.2002-15,Corrugated Metal Pipe to Arizona Culvert Company in unit amounts shown in bid.(Plain Corrugated Metal Pipe (Round)12"diameter at $9.90 per linear foot,18" diameter at $14.03 per linear foot,24"diameter at $24.59 per linear foot, 30"diameter at $30.82 per linear foot,36"diameter at $37.06 per linear foot,and 42"diameter at $43.11 per linear foot;Plain Corrugated Metal Pipe (Arch)18"at $14.67 per linear foot,24"at $25.23 per linear foot, 30"at $31.62 per linear foot,36"at $37.86 per linear foot,42"at $44.17 per linear foot,and 48"at $48.71 per linear foot,) ACCEPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER ,2002,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 17TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER ,2002. DOUGLAS CVLEMAN Mayor REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 24 OF 25 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 3rd day of September,2002.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 10th day of September,2002. KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 3,2002 PAGE 25 OF 25