HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-11-05 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 5,2002
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on November 5,2002,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 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION
Vice Mayor Surra gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Milkey led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Surra
Councilmember Dietz
Councilmember Durbala
Councilmember Eck
Councilmember Milkey
Councilmember Urich
Staff Present:Interim City Manager George Hoffman
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Robert Warner
City Engineer Ron Grittman
Public Works Director Doug Dobson
Interim Development Svcs.Dir.Rudy Esquivias
Assistant to the City Manager Bryant Powell
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 1 OF 28
Others Present:Management Assistant Shari Watson
Assistant Planner Juli McDald
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 ELIZABETH KNOX AND RECREATION EMPLOYEE HOLLY NINE FOR PROVIDING
PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS ASSISTANCE IN SETTING UP AND COORDINATING THE BOY
SCOUTS OF AMERICA,GOLD CANYON TROOP 219 SWIMMING AND WATER RESCUE RANK
REQUIREMENTS EVENT;CITY CLERK KATHY CONNELLY,DEPUTY CITY CLERK JAN MASON,
AND SECRETARY BRENDA CHERRYHOLMES FOR THEIR COMPLETION OF THE ARIZONA
MUNICIPAL CLERKS'ASSOCIATION AND THE LEAGUE OF ARIZONA CITIES AND TOWNS 2002
ELECTION WORKSHOP;AND ESPECIALLY TO CITY CLERK SECRETARY BRENDA CHERRYHOLMES
FOR HER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM TO BECOME A CERTIFIED
MUNICIPAL ELECTION OFFICIAL;AND
THAT MICHAEL KLATT BE APPOINTED TO THE LIBRARY BOARD FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE ON
JUNE 30,2005,AND
THAT JOYCE PAYNE BE APPOINTED TO THE LIBRARY BOARD FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE ON
JUNE 30,2003;AND
THAT KATHLEEN WALDRON BE APPOINTED TO THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY
FACILITIES DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE JULY 7,2008,
THESE FOLKS ALL APPEARED BEFORE US YESTERDAY FOR THEIR INTERVIEWS;AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE 2002/2003 PUBLIC AWWARENESS GRANT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE ARIZONA AUTOMOBILE THEFT AUTHORITY AND THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION
POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,885.00 FOR STEERING WHEEL LOCKS PROVIDED
TO CITY RESIDENTS;AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KIRKHAM
MICHAEL TO MASTER PLAN AREA AND DEVELOP CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR PHELPS DRIVE
FROM APACHE TRAIL SOUTH TO THE ENTRANCE TO THE CROSSINGS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$98,491.00 PLUS 10% CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,849.10 IN THE EVENT OF
UNFORESEEN CHANGE ORDERS FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $108,340.10,AND
THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT PENDING FINAL
APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT AS TO FORM BY THE CITY ATTORNEY;AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
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THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT NO.PW 2002-21,INSTALLATION OF
GUARD RAIL AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS AT THREE LOCATIONS IN APACHE JUNCTION
BE AWARDED TO 5-G IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,622.50 PLUS 10% CONTINGENCY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $5,662.25 IN THE EVENT OF UNFORESEEN CHANGE ORDERS FOR A TOTAL
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $62.284.75:AND
THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT NO.PW 2002-14,CONSTRUCTION OF
TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT IRONWOOD DRIVE AND SUPERSTITION BOULEVARD,SUPERSTITION
BOULEVARD AND IDAHO ROAD,AND IRONWOOD DRIVE AND BASELINE AVENUE,BE AWARDED
TO AJP ELECTRIC IN THE AMOUNT OF $285,080 PLUS 10% CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUUNT
OF $28,508 IN THE EVENT OF UNFORESEEN CHANGE ORDERS FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $313,588;AND
THAT THE AWARD FOR BID FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT NO.PW 2002-19,CONSTRUCTION
OF CONCRETE,RELATED IMPROVEMENTS AND AGGREGATE BASE COURSE ADDITIVE
ALTERNATIVE ON BASELINE AVENUE AT IRONWOOD DRIVE AND WINCHESTER ROAD,BE
AWARDED TO PIPKIN CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,983.46 PLUS THE ADDITIVE
ALTERNATIVE BID #1 OF $42,467.11 TOTALING $126,450.57 PLUS 10% CONTINGENCY IN
THE AMOUNT OF $12.645.06 IN THE EVENT OF UNFORESEEN CHANGE ORDERS FOR A TOTAL
AMOUNT OF $139.095.63,AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO EXTEND THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PDS
TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR TEMPORARY BUILDING INSPECTOR/PLANS EXAMINER FOR AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,000.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Coleman read a proclamation designating Novenber 16,2002,"Women's Expo
Day"and presented it to Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 3 OF 28
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction
Association for Effective Government,addressed the council regarding the
status of the capital facilities plan litigation,his concern about
construction zones causing confusion with signs on elections days,and items
being placed on the consent agenda spending thousands of dollars without
giving the public an opportunity to speak on those items.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Interim City Manager George Hoffman announced that Assistant Planner Jull
McDaid will be leaving the city's employ on November 13.He commented on a
number of projects she had worked on that would leave a lasting effect on the
community and the numerous committees she participated on.He encouraged
everyone to drive on Superstition Boulevard from Idaho to Ironwood and then
south to Apache Trail to see the street improvements made by public works.
The dispatch console has been completed enough for staff to move back in to
the original area.The downtown work plan is being aggressively pursued,with
the Phelps Drive improvements being approved tonight and street light design
for the downtown area to be discussed at the next meeting.George Martin
started working for the city this week as the park ranger supervisor and will
assist in retaining additional park ranger staff and work with the parks
attendants to enhance the security of the area parks.He has also requested
that the skate park now close at 10:00 p.m.instead of 10:30 p.m.to make the
time more consistent with curfew.He thanked the parks and recreation staff
for another successful Halloween event at Prospector Park.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1168:PZ-4-02,
CITY -INITIATED REZONING REQUEST FOR 13
PARCELS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF WEST APACHE
TRAIL BETWEEN MERIDIAN AND DELAWARE DRIVES
AND 19 PARCELS ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF WEST
APACHE TRAIL BETWEEN MERIDIAN DRIVE AND
THE WARNER DRIVE ALIGNMENT
)Assistant Planner Juli McDaid
briefed the council on the item.The properties are located along West Apache
Trail between Meridian and Delaware on the north and along West 4th Avenue to
Apache Trail between Meridian and the Warner alignment on the south.The
zoning varies,with the majority being CB -2,a general business zone.The
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 4 OF 28
south side has some CI -1,light industrial.The general plan calls for
employment/retail along Apache Trail.Most of the development on Apache Trail
is retail with the exception of a church and a residence.The area north of
4th Avenue is designated as medium density according to the general plan,but
the developed properties consist of a mixture of light industrial uses and an
older mobile home park.The ordinance was drafted based on planning and
zoning commission recommendations.The stipulations address the architectural
style of new construction,color palettes,lighting,signage,building height,
compliance with codes,provision for cross access agreements between
developments,standard language guaranteeing required improvements and fees
and how they are made and collected,uses proposed for the area if it is
rezoned to C3 -PD and recommended for strip center developments only,uses
proposed for stand alone developments,amendment process to request a use not
included,and landscaping issues,The ordinance does not include the area
north of 4th Avenue because this document has to reflect the exact commission
recommendation.They excluded that area based on opposition expressed at the
public hearing.Language contained in condition 12 would add those parcels
back in should council wish to do so.The commission recommended approval of
the resulting area in order to establish a palette of retail,professional,
office and other uses along the Apache Trail corridor for development and
redevelopment;to create a sense of community within the neighborhood as a
place to live,work and play;to increase and improve the range,variety and
quality of economic goods and services that are being made available to both
residents and visitors;to insure that the property owners are provided with a
hospitable and secure environment,maximizing opportunities for investment;
and to create a unique character and provide for continuity in the area.
Eleven protest petitions have been submitted to the city and she designated
those on the map.The validation process showed that 10 of the 11 petitions
were verified but the total necessary acreage based on the amount required was
not achieved.A three-quarter vote of council will not be required.This was
audited by the development services director and the final determination was
corroborated by the city attorney.
Councilmember Eck commented they did
not have a copy of the map in their packet.
Assistant Planner Juli McDald stated
there should be a similar one in their packets.
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PAGE 5 OF 28
Mayor Coleman commented they did not
get the staff report.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they did
not get that.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid
recalled that they got them the previous time.She realized i t had not been
put back in their books.She had left specific instructions that i t be
included.
There was general discussion on
whether the council should take a break or go on to the next item to allow her
time to gather the information needed to complete this item.The council
consensus was move on to the next item and return to this item upon the next
item's completion.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.02-21,APPLICATION
TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR
THE COMMUNITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS
ASSESSMENT PROGRAM.
)Management Assistant Shari Watson
briefed the council on the item.This assessment would assist entities in
providing infrastructure necessary for community and economic development.I f
the application is approved,an assessment of telecommunications needs will be
conducted focusing on community and economic development.Three things could
result from the assessment:the assessment would determine the current status
of the telecom infrastructure in specific areas;it would assess telecom needs
for the future;and it would identify the most practical technology to meet
those needs.Examples of current issues facing communities are internet
connectivity for broadband service,phone issues or dead zones for cell
phones,and long distance telephone calls between government entities.She
showed on a map the Internet connectivity need for the city.She commented
other counties and municipalities have approved the resolution to be a partner
in the application,including Pinal County,Gila County,City of Globe,Town
of Florence,Town of Winkelman,Town of Hayden,Town of Miami,Town of
Kearney,and the Town of Payson.The Central Arizona Association of
Governments has also approved the resolution,along with numerous chambers of
commerce from unincorporated areas and the Gila River Indian Community.
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 6 OF 28
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
addressed the council.He asked for an example of an entity.He asked i f i t
was WorldComm,Quest or any one under federal investigation by the Federal
Communications Commission.He asked why the city is applying for a
telecommunications assessment in that area without knowing who might be
involved in this.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the item to council
discussion.
Vice Mayor Surra complimented
Management Assistant Shari Watson on her presentation and commented she
believes the city would like to have areas of need identified regarding
special telecommunication gaps.She added the Commerce Department would be
paying for i t and she thanked Pinal County for incorporating all of the
smaller "entities"like the City of Apache Junction and the City of Globe,
both government entities,and i t has nothing to do with businesses.She would
like to see the city be a part of the resolution.
Councilmember Eck commented he is
for i t i f i t helps his cell phone work better.
Mayor Coleman closed the item with
no more discussion and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.02-21,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,PINAL COUNTY,ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR THE COMMUNITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS ASSESSMENT
PROGRAM BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 7 OF 28
The motion carried.
minute break.
meeting.
Mayor Coleman called for a ten
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1168,PZ-4-02,
CITY -INITIATED REZONING REQUEST FOR 13
PARCELS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF WEST APACHE
TRAIL BETWEEN MERIDIAN AND DELAWARE
DRIVES AND 19 PARCELS ON THE SOUTH SIDE
OF WEST APACHE TRAIL BETWEEN MERIDIAN
DRIVE AND THE WARNER DRIVE ALIGNMENT
)This item is being continued from
earlier in the evening.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
her earlier briefing has covered the staff report and she was ready to answer
any questions.
Councilmember Dietz asked how many
properties the commission recommended excluding.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
there are 13 parcels.She designated them on the map.
Councilmember Dietz asked how many
of them are developed.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid
designated the status of each property on the map.
Councilmember Dietz asked what is
south of 4th Avenue.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
i t is all single family residential.
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
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Councilmember Dietz asked if a
topless bar or strip club could be put in there under the current zoning.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
the current zoning allows them.They would have to apply.
Mayor Coleman asked her to outline
planned development and that it would restrict certain uses.I t appears the
biggest concern on the protest petitions is land devaluation.He asked what
uses would be allowed now that would not be allowed if approved.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
slaughter houses,poultry killing places,and more intensive industrial
activities than what staff was directed to put together on a list of allowed
uses for this case would not be allowed.The planned development overlay
would allow some industrial uses that would be able to exist with appropriate
screening.That is recommended because they are aware there are existing
industrial businesses and they want to decrease the level of non -conformity
being created by the proposed rezoning.Non -conforming status would be
granted to these businesses as long as they do not expand their building more
than 25%,they do not change or expand the use,and when they go to develop
the vacant properties they will be subject to the planned development.The
non -conformity runs with the use of the property,not the ownership.
Councilmember Milkey asked what
would happen to the property with the building permit.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
that is in process and there have been some improvements done.
Mayor Coleman commented i t is for an
RV storage.He asked if that use is permitted or would i t immediately become
a non -conforming use.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
it would immediately become non -conforming as far as the use.He will be
required to meet the landscaping standards,but the use would be
grandfathered.
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City Attorney Joel Stern commented
he had talked to the owner,Mr.Stan Jenkins,at the commission public hearing
and explained he would be considered vested as he has put substantial amounts
of money into the property.He has also done off -site improvements along
Meridian Drive required by the city.If council approves this rezoning
tonight,he would be able to continue that use unhindered.If it were sold,
the person buying it would be able to conduct the same activity Mr.Jenkins
did.However,if the use does not continue for year,if there is a twelve
month break,because there are no structures in there,there would be no
abandonment issue.If there is a building and it burns down and i t is in
disrepair by more than 50%,then there could be an abandonment issue.He
would have the same rights that he has now.Whatever they are doing now they
could continue until they stop using i t for 12 months or they otherwise
abandon it.
Councilmember Dietz asked if the
business would continue if they sold it.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t
would.The use runs with the land as long as the same use continues for that
parcel of land.
Mayor Coleman asked if they can
rebuild and continue the use if the property is already developed and i t burns
down.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i f
i t is damaged more than 50%,i t could be presumed abandoned and the building
official or zoning administrator would have to determine that.
Councilmember Durbala asked if these
people would not have to do any landscaping or set backs unless they put in a
new building or structure,increased their property size by 25%,created a
parking lot or they went to a different use.They would stay the same as long
as they are there.
Assistant Planner Jull McDald stated
if they remain in the as is,where as condition,they do not have to do any
changes to their building or landscaping.
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
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Councilmember Durbala commented this
will not affect most of these businesses.Their businesses are protected
unless they change the business or abandon i t for a year or more.Their
children would be able to come in and take over the business and not have to
worry about how long they stayed there.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
they can sell i t numerous times as long as the use remains the same.If they
change or expand,i t affects them.Newly developed property would have to
adhere to the conditions.
Councilmember Durbala asked if they
would have to expand at least 25%.
Assistant Planner Jull McDaid stated
it must be at least 25%structurally and the change of use only requires
compliance at 50%.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they could
mention those parcels particularly in the ordinance so that they would have
something in writing stating those properties already occupied or in the
process of being occupied will not fall under the new requirements as long as
that use does not change.
Assistant Planner Jull McDaid stated
they have a process where people can apply for legal non -conforming status.
Staff may be able to look into a shortened version because of the number of
letters to give them the formal assurance they are seeking for their use.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she would
like to support this ordinance without excluding these properties,but she
would not do that without the owners having very hard copy assurances and
their being comfortable with them.
Interim Development Services
Director Rudy Esquivias stated they could add a stipulation that would
basically read along the lines of "developed properties with established
businesses shall be allowed to continue until such time as they are
discontinued for a year,a change in use occurs,or they otherwise become
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 11 OF 28
destroyed non -conformities".They could also specify which parcels are
involved.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she
wanted the public to know that they have that possibility and they may be able
to hear from the owners how they feel about that.
Mayor Coleman asked what else would
be non -conforming.
Assistant Planner Juli McDald stated
staff was directed to create a palette of uses that specified professional
uses,office uses,retail uses in the hope of getting sales tax generating
businesses to come in and businesses offering employment.They wanted to
maximize the areas for investors who wanted to come in and build businesses to
make it more appropriate for a downtown where people could gather,bring in
visitors and be an area for residents to come to.
Vice Mayor Surra commented i t is
also to protect the build up of residences that has occurred since the
original building were erected.The safety of the residents is primary to her
and she wants to make sure the uses are compatible.
Interim Development Services
Director Rudy Esquivias commented stipulation 12 on page 6 of the original
staff report designates the permitted uses.There is the possibility for open
storage yards as long as they have extra screening and landscaping.Other
possible uses are plant nurseries,used car dealerships,service and repair
within a building,sign shop,ceramic studios,veterinary hospitals,and
apartments and condominiums.Things specifically left out are auto -wrecking,
open air contractor yards,adult uses,and things that would not be compatible
with the nearby neighborhood and the type of retail corridor they are trying
to create.
Mayor Coleman asked if there was a
mechanism in place for them to come and apply for a variance of use.
Interim Development Services
Director Rudy Esquivias stated they can come before the council.I t is a
planned development and they can be amended through the commission and council
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
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process.Higher intensity uses may be allowed if they plug in extra
buffering,extra screening or noise mitigation measures.
Vice Mayor Surra commented i t does
not address giving assurance to the existing property owners.
Interim Development Services
Director Rudy Esquivias stated they would have to come up with that language.
Councilmember Eck asked if the
commission recommendation was to cut the south parcel in half.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
their recommendation was to delete those parcels south of the Safeway/K Mart
line.
Councilmember Eck asked how many of
those property owners filed a protest.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
11 of 13 filed protests.
Councilmember Eck commented his
original concept was that this was for properties adjacent to Apache Trail.
He asked if the other properties were in there because they are part of the
redevelopment district.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
the redevelopment district encompasses a much larger area.
Councilmember Eck asked why it was
added.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
it was added because it was straight CI -1 zoning and the general plan shows i t
as medium density residential.
Councilmember Eck commented he is
more concerned with the Trail itself.If the city does not have the buy in
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 13 OF 28
from those property owners,than he believes they should follow the
commission's recommendation.
Councilmember Urich commented she is
horrified at some of the uses if this rezoning fails there.However,she is
pleased to see so many property owners here tonight so that they can hear
first hand and can share each other's concerns.
Councilmember Eck asked how much CI-
1 and CI -2 zoning is out there.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
there is not a lot of CI -1.There are certain areas designated in Baseline
Industrial Park.There is some along the northern side,but i t is
sporadically mixed in.
Councilmember Eck commented there
are other properties in the city that could have those things and up until now
he has not seen that happening in this area.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
she believed this area of the city is the largest block of CI -1 that we have.
Interim Development Services
Director Rudy Esquivias stated there are some large vacant pieces off of the
freeway and Idaho.There is a 40 -acre CI -2 and a 40 -acre CI -1.
Councilmember Eck commented for the
benefit of the public that staff is only doing what they have been directed by
council to do.He apologized for not clarifying what he really meant.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
they sometimes bring things to light when they are researching something that
council was not aware of.
Councilmember Eck commented he
honestly thought they were concentrating on the downtown Apache Trail area.
Vice Mayor Surra commented staff
looked at the areas she thought they should be looking at in the first phase.
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
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They need to reevaluate all of the zoning throughout all of our areas to make
sure that they protect residential properties and maintain a good commercial
development base to balance the residential growth.
Councilmember Durbala commented they
are trying to buffer the residential area along 4th Avenue.They are trying
to get the industrial down in one area where they have i t zoned on Baseline.
It would be more convenient and more compatible than having housing around it.
He likes the idea,and they will have to do i t by pieces.
Assistant Planner Jull McDaid stated
they were trying to be cognizant of the fact of existing properties being
affected but when the quality of standards are increased,the line has to be
drawn somewhere.
Councilmember Durbala commented that
is what the council is up there to decide.
Assistant Planner Jull McDald stated
if they want to achieve the goals in the general plan,they have to work
towards that.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Greg Grebba,6280 E.Round Up,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He is concerned that the value of his
property will decrease if and when he decides to sell it.It will put a
burden on the new owner to conform to all the regulations.Those businesses
have been run for years and he would hate to see any changes.He does not
believe they are involved with anything happening on the Trail.They have
invested a lot of money in their properties.He does not think i t is fair for
a new buyer to be burdened with additional costs associated with changing the
use.He feels their freedom is being encroached upon.
Mr.Howard Meade,8302 E.Willetta,
Mesa,addressed the council.He owns several pieces of property on 4th
Avenue.He bought the property as an investment.He does not believe there
is a piece of property large enough in there to accommodate a slaughter house
or salvage business.He would like for it to stay as is.He foresees a big
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NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 15 OF 28
disadvantage if he leases the property and the people do not want to run the
same business.He has made a lot of improvements on his property.He feels
his property would be devalued by this zoning change and requests that i t
remain the current zoning.
Mr.Tom Liversedge,3050 W.4th
Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He appreciated the vice mayor
suggesting letters of assurance for non -conforming uses if this passes.I t
would help some people and make them feel a little better about what is
happening.He has been there for 27 years with a sheet metal shop;they do
make a lot of noise.I t is a residential area and he does not know what will
come of that in the future.
Mr.Stan Jenkins,5232 E.Dolphin,
Mesa,addressed the council.He is the owner who is not recognized on the
petition because his ex -partner is an ex -partner with a legal document that
was not recorded so i t is not acceptable.The man was never recorded as a
partner and he opposes the fact that he is not being recognized.I t bothers
him that the fact throws it out of being a super majority vote.He commented
topless bars and strip clubs were never discussed at the commission meeting.
None of them were aware of that use.They were aware of airports and fueling
dump stations.That was the fear voiced at the commission meeting,and logic
states those uses would be there.Poultry killing would be allowed by the
law,so i t is not an issue.He is concerned that the rezoning would disallow
a lot of uses currently allowed in there.Eight of the thirteen properties
are in non -conforming use if this is voted in.He would prefer they stipulate
certain uses out of the zoning,such as the topless bars,strip clubs and
poultry killing uses.He is currently allowed to have a caretaker or guard
live on his property;the new zoning would not allow that.They are allowing
townhomes,apartments and condominiums which are not allowed in other
industrial zones.The zoning was there before the general plan change and he
is not sure if it can be eliminated without allowances being made.He
commented there were five of them standing in opposition to this at the
commission meeting and they represented 11 of the properties.The two
properties not protesting are owned by a gentleman who did not turn his in for
some reason and the State of Arizona which will not oppose it.The majority
do not want this zoning change.He has been told he is probably vested.
Currently his property is approved for three contractor's yards and that would
not be the case if this is approved this evening.That is the second phase of
the RV storage.He fears the city government;it took him 2 years to put up
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 16 OF 28
four walls under a zoning that allowed the walls.He is concerned about
condemnation under redevelopment that is allowed and i t is not the same
criteria for condemnation for legitimate public use.The city can just make a
decision.He requested the properties south of Safeway be left as they are,
though he would be willing to let them stipulate some uses out of this
particular zoning.He believes the property owners would help if they knew
what was happening.This has been in progress for 2 years;they did not hear
about anything until August 2002.They have not been approached as to what is
happening here.He questioned why they have done this without being talked to
about i t and asked if they still have any property rights.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He has never seen this many parcels
with private owners have a city -initiated rezoning imposed on them since he
has been coming to the council meetings.Many of the councilmembers are
conservative and have stated they would protect property rights and business.
Industrial zoning is in short supply.It took 2-3 years for one gentleman to
get his business approved in the industrial zone south of Baseline.He is not
sure they have a strong commitment to industrial south of Baseline.He
remembers a gentleman that had a legitimate property that was forced out of it
under strange circumstances.He commented the city can stipulate things,but
he has learned in the courts that there is a stretch towards governments when
it comes to interpretation of the laws and the way they are written.He
believes these people have valid concerns over what they could be subjected to
or what code compliance could decide was wrong with their properties.
Ms.Irene Tabakov,2526 S.Molera
Circle,Mesa,addressed the council.They have the mobile home park.These
businesses have been here for years with no problems.She believes the reason
for this rezoning is to beautify Apache Trail and make it more up to date and
attract more people to the area.They have no frontage on 4th Avenue.I t is
a street that ends and turns;there is not much traffic.Across the street is
residential.It would be more of a disturbance to put in industrial,
apartment complexes or businesses than just leaving the properties currently
there alone.If the properties were bought later on and they wanted them
zoned to something else,they would have to go before the council.It would
be easier to leave the properties with their current zoning.The zoning
change could create a problem for a future property owner.She does not
believe the residents of their mobile home park would like to be disturbed or
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 17 OF 28
moved out because they were increasing the size of the recreation hall or
adding amenities.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing on the item and opened it to council discussion.
Councilmember Eck commented he
agrees with the commission decision.His intent was for Apache Trail,and the
only reason they do not have enough of a majority percentage on the protest is
because Wal-Mart and K Mart have the mass of the property.Eleven of the 13
property owners in that area are not for this rezoning.He would like to see
them left out of the rezoning.
Councilmember Milkey asked if they
could reopen the public hearing.
Mayor Coleman reopened the public
hearing.
Councilmember Milkey asked Cliff
Axe,a local realtor,how this would affect the marketability of these
parcels.
Mr.Cliff Axt stated the high end of
anything that they do is the commercial zoning of properties.Nothing is as
high end per square foot as commercial.Industrial is down the ladder a
little bit.I f i t is an industrial site with the opportunity to go
commercial,they are in a good position.He commented those people who have
owned their properties for 25 years and built their businesses could turn
around and sell to someone who wants to put a commercial retail establishment
on that location and the original property owner would make 3 times the money
when i t is commercially zoned.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she
thought they were saying that if they continued the use,nothing happens to
them.If,after a year,you have had no use on the property,i t now goes to
the commercial zone.She asked if he thought that was unfair.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 18 OF 28
Mr.Cliff Axt said no.He agrees
with what she stated.They will be in a better position when that time
arrives.
Councilmember Durbala asked i f
someone had industrial property and they were going to sell that,knowing i t
would become commercial property as soon as it was sold,would the owner still
get the higher dollar for the property knowing i t is going commercial grade.
Mr.Cliff Axt stated that is
correct.
Councilmember Durbala commented the
concern that their property values will fall is unrealistic.
Mr.Cliff Axt agreed.
Mayor Coleman commented the value of
commercial property is judged by the traffic flow.He asked if 4th Avenue
would be something of value.
Mr.Cliff Axt stated it would not.
If it was on the Trail,Meridian or some place where the traffic count is what
commercial users are looking for,then you would get the higher dollar.He
does not think 4th Avenue will be high dollar.
location is everything.
Councilmember Eck commented they say
Mr.Cliff Axt agreed.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if he thought
those properties facing 4th Avenue would benefit from the rezoning.
Mr.Cliff Axt stated they would not.
He agrees with Councilmember Eck that those parcels should be eliminated from
the rezoning and let them use their current uses.He could not see that area
ever being a commercial area.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 19 OF 28
Vice Mayor Surra asked how they
could rewrite the rezoning so that even if those properties are excluded,they
could exclude the undesirable uses from those excluded properties.
Interim Development Services
Director Rudy Esquivias stated they could not.They could establish a planned
development overlay on those parcels to prohibit certain uses or they could
revisit the CI -1 ordinance and take out the uses they do not like,making a
text amendment to the zoning ordinance.
Mr.Stan Jenkins commented i t is not
just the zoning classification but the dimensions of the property that affect
the value.Long,narrow properties are not worth as much as those that have
more frontage.This would not increase his income.
Mr.Elliott Fisher stated no one
knows where commerce is going.Money has been lost in downtown redevelopments
and projects.He commented e -commerce may change the whole picture.
Mr.Howard Meade commented if this
is passed and someone comes and wants to relet his property,they have no
options other than what is already there.That takes a lot away from him.He
does not believe the properties are suitable for the uses they do not want in
there.He also would not want to see those uses in there.He still has to
pay taxes on his property and it would be to his disadvantage to pay those
taxes and not be able to use his property.The taxes are not cheap.
Vice Mayor Surra commented he is
paying taxes to the county,fire district,school district and college
district.There is no property tax by the city.
Mr.John Insalaco,1570 S.Buena
Vista,Apache Junction,addressed the council.Most of the businesses they
are afraid of want to be on Apache Trail.They want to be seen,and they
would not be seen on 4th Avenue.They do not want to have to spend money
advertising.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing on the item.He called for any further discussion by the council.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 20 OF 28
Councilmember Eck commented they had
about a dozen public hearings on the new general plan.When enough people
showed concern in an area,it was revised.People had an opportunity to let
us know and council followed through.There is only one public hearing for
this.For those areas that were revised on the general plan,they had maybe
10%of the people involved attend.We now have the opposite of that.He
believes it would be easiest to follow the commission's recommendation on
these properties.
Councilmember Durbala commented
there have been three public hearings on this:one here and two with the
commission.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1168 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Milkey SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1168,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Milkey SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:3-4 (Vice Mayor Surra and Councilmembers Urich,Durbala and Dietz voted
in opposition.)
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 21 OF 28
Vice Mayor Surra explained her vote
as being no because the other uses are still in there.If the other parcels
are excluded,then they need to add the other stipulation to exclude the other
uses.
The motion failed.
Mayor Coleman called for any other
motions.
Vice Mayor Surra commented it would
take some time to come up with a new motion to exclude those uses for those
parcels.If they do i t for CI -1,then i t is for all of them.They need to be
included for the industrial park.They need a stipulation that works within
this section.
Interim Development Services
Director Rudy Esquivias stated he believes they would like to add stipulation
12 in the staff report to rezone the area CI-1/PD which already has the
limited uses and use the language written by the city attorney to preserve the
non -conforming properties.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she is
concerned that those non -conforming properties would not have the new zoning
ever.I t is the C-1 that gives the uses they do not want,so they have to
change C-1.She wants to change all of those without affecting the current
uses.They need to be added in.They could do C-1/PD with the current uses
added in.
Councilmember Durbala commented he
thought she was talking about making those legally non -conforming.
Vice Mayor Surra commented there is
a bigger issue.They are not concerned about being non -conforming now,but
that they would lose the non -conforming for the other uses that are available
now if they sell the property.
Interim Development Services
Director Rudy Esquivias stated he believes she is saying to use stipulation 12
and add all of the existing uses that are there now as allowed uses.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 22 OF 28
Vice Mayor Surra agreed.They would
then be able to drop out all the other uses that they are concerned about.
They could then resell for the same use.
Interim Development Services
Director Rudy Esquivias stated they would add mobile home park,RV storage
yard,contractor storage yards,sheet metal shop,and whatever the other uses
are.
could then be used on the Trail.
uses are out now.
this is getting confusing.
Councilmember Dietz stated they
Vice Mayor Surra commented those
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
Vice Mayor Surra suggested they not
vote on this tonight and come back another night after this has been redone.
The public hearing should be continued to a date specific.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
would be better than doing a floor amendment now.He stated if they wanted to
take them out of it,they should have voted yes on Mr.Eck's motion.
Vice Mayor Surra commented that
would have left those uses in that they wanted eliminated.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated they
wanted to exclude some of the uses under CI,but not all of them.He
recommended they set another hearing date certain.
Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT WE
CONTINUE THIS PUBLIC HEARING TO THE NOVEMBER 19TH REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 23 OF 28
The motion carried.
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
AMENDMENTS TO CITY CODE CHAPTER 8
BUSINESS,ARTICLE 8-8 SPECIAL EVENTS
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.City staff,members of the business
community and members of non-profit organizations agreed the current process
is not working.Staff is recommending some changes based on the processes
used by other cities.It will make it a lot easier for everyone involved.
Three categories are proposed:the events approved by council during the
budgetary process;a community event category;and private events.Staff is
having difficulty in enforcing the current ordinance.Rayna Palmer,Gary
Mulholland and Judd Williams were sent the information given to the council
regarding these changes and asked to respond on behalf of their events if they
had any problems with the proposed changes.There has been no response.She
requested direction as to whether the council would like her to draft an
ordinance to be brought back to them at the first meeting in December.These
processes under the special events category would only apply to those events
that have vendors set up in booths.They are also proposing to leave the
massage therapy regulations intact.
Mayor Coleman commented they
sometimes have massage therapy tables set up at the end of a marathon where a
massage therapy school and its students practice.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 24 OF 28
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
i t is permissible provided the school is willing to take the responsibility
for their students.The school last year did not want to do that.They
worked with a local chiropractor instead who was willing to take that
responsibility.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they did
not charge for the massages.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
they did it to accumulate additional hours but there is still a responsibility
to the public that these are students in training and they are supervised.
Mayor Coleman closed the item with
no further discussion and called for a motion.
Councilmember Milkey MOVED THAT
STAFF BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO CITY CODE
CHAPTER 8 BUSINESS,ARTICLE 8-8 SPECIAL EVENTS LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:THAT
CITY STAFF DEVELOP APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE TO BRING A RESOLUTION TO THE COUNCIL
MODIFYING SPECIAL EVENTS LICENSING REQUIREMENTS TO THE BENEFIT OF EVENTS,
VENDORS,AND CITY STAFF.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON
MONDAY,NOVEMBER 18,2002,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS,RESPECTIVELY,AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 19,2002,
IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 25 OF 28
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 15,2002.
3.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees:
Elizabeth Knox:Holly Nine::Kathy Connelly,Jan Mason;and Brenda
Cherryholmes.
4.Consideration of appointments of qualified applicant(s)to the Library
Board.
5.Consideration of appointment of Kathleen Waldron to fill current vacancy on
Superstition Mountain Community Facilities District Board of Directors for
term expiring July 7,2008.
6.Approval of agreement between the City of Apache Junction Police Department
and the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority for a 2002/2003 Public Awareness
grant in the amount of $2,885 for steering wheel locks for our community.
7.Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Kirkham Michael in the
amount of $98,491 plus 10%,or $9,849.10,for contingency for a total
amount not to exceed $108,340.10 to master plan area and develop
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 26 OF 28
construction plans for Phelps Drive from Apache Trail south to the entrance
to The Crossings and authorization for Mayor to sign agreement.
8.Approval of Award of Bid for Public Works Project PW 2002-21,installation
of guard rail and other related materials at three locations in Apache
Junction to 5-G in the amount of $56,622.50 plus 10%,or $5,662.25,for
contingency for a total amount not to exceed $62,284.75.
9.Approval of Award of Bid for Public Works Project PW 2002-14,Construction
of traffic signals at Ironwood Drive & Superstition Boulevard;Superstition
Boulevard &Idaho Road;and Ironwood Drive and Baseline Avenue to AJP
Electric Inc.in the amount of $285,080 plus 10%,or $28.508,for
contingency for a total amount not to exceed $313,588.
10.Approval of Award of Bid for Public Works Project PW 2002-19,Construction
of concrete,related improvements and aggregate base course additive
alternative on Baseline Avenue at Ironwood Drive and Winchester Road to
Pipkin Construction in the amount of $83,983.46 plus the additive
alternative bid #1 of $42,467.11 for $126,450.57 plus 106',or $12,645.06,
for contingency for a total amount not to exceed $139,095.63.
11.Consideration of request to extend Professional Services Agreement with PDS
Technical Services for "Temporary Building Inspector/Plans Examiner"for an
amount not to exceed $10.000.
ACCEPTED THIS 19TH DAY OF NOVEMBER ,2002,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 19TH DAY OF NOVEMBER ,2002.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 27 OF 28
DOUGLAS
Mayor
LEMAN
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the
minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache
Junction,Arizona,held on the 5th day of November,2002.I further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 13th day of November,2002.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY 47
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 5,2002
PAGE 28 OF 28