HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-19 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 19,2002
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on February 19,2002,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 Dietz 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:City Manager Curtis Shook
Assistant 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
Development Services Director Dean Svoboda
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
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Others Present:Community Relations Manager Patrick Brenner
Management Assistant Shari Watson
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
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:DEPUTY CITY CLERK
JAN MASON FOR RECEIVING AN AWARD OF AN ARIZONA MUNICIPAL CLERKS'ASSOCIATION
SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE 2002 INSTITUTE;BUSINESS LICENSE COORDINATOR TALEEN
CARPENTER FOR HER ASSISTANCE IN PROCESSING A LAST MINUTE BUSINESS REQUEST FOR
LOST DUTCHMAN DAYS;CITY CLERK SECRETARY DOTTI PIEPER FOR HER ASSISTANCE OF A
PARTICIPANT IN THE LOST DUTCHMAN MARATHON;AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER PAT
BRENNER FOR CREATING AND DEVELOPING THE CITIZEN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Coleman awarded certificates of graduation to the participants of the
city's fourth Citizen Leadership Institute.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Herman Olson,310 N.Pinyon,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding problems with his neighbors and their dogs for the past six years.
They have 5-8 dogs running between the two houses and they are making a mess.
They bark continuously.They also have a lot of junk on the property but the
neighbors are afraid to sign a petition against them.He and his wife are in
their 80's and they can hardly stand the noise,day in and day out,plus the
smell of the manure.Code enforcement has been out but has stated there is
nothing they can do.They have been trying to sell the house but they cannot
because of the dogs next door.He is concerned that a little child may
eventually move in there and have a hand bitten.
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
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Mr.Charles Duffing,1183 S.Delaware,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding his concern on untrimmed palm trees.They harbor nests and he
believes they are conducive to rat infestations.He has also heard
neighborhood children discussing setting the palm trees on fire.
Mr.George Aragon,457 S.Lawson,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the smell radiating from the dog track.They are not complaining
about the noise or the sound of gunshots coming from the track.They got them
to stop storing the dead bodies of the dogs within the first year of their
residence by the track.However,the smell of the urine is something else.
I t rises from the heat,but at night after 6:30 p.m.the smell is terrible.
They cannot use their evaporative cooler when the dogs are here.Bob Mayes
from code enforcement came out three years ago and did an investigation and
found that the urine soaks into the dirt as there is no drainage.I t
permeates the air with ammonia that is mixed in with the smell of the fecal
material.No one supervises to make sure the trash cans are kept closed.
Code enforcement has no authority.They have called the health department and
others to test the air.The health department stated they could not act
unless the city council requested them.Animal Control Officer Tim McGrady
had been requested by Bob Mayes to investigate this and see if something could
be done.He suggested they pack up the dirt,haul it off,put in a drainage
system and enclose the area,making i t into a real kennel.Homes are on three
sides of this kennel and something needs to be done.He requested council do
something about the problem.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction
Association for Effective Government,addressed the council regarding the
leadership institute,the signing of his petitions,and his lawsuits against
the city.
Councilmember Urich requested staff to review the concerns brought by Herman
Olson,Charles Duffing and George Aragon.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Curtis Shook stated the Town Hall on developing a community -based
consensus on concept and visualization for the Central Business District has
been tentatively scheduled for May 18 at the John Calvin Church on Broadway
just east of Royal Palm.They are now establishing a method of reaching
delegates from all areas of the community.He reminded everyone that this
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
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weekend is Lost Dutchman Days with the festivities starting on Friday and
going through Sunday.The city will have an informational booth there.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR A PERSON TRANSFER,
CORPORATION,SERIES 9 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR
WAL-MART SUPERCENTER #1381
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.This is located on Apache Trail.Responses
have been received from the police department,zoning department and the fire
district.The fire district was unable to determine any problems as the store
is yet to be opened.Representatives of Wal-Mart contacted her office earlier
last week about any protests filed but none were received.The applicant was
notified to be present this evening to answer any questions.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Ms.Clare Abel,702 E.Osborn,
Phoenix,addressed the council.She is the attorney for Wal-Mart that handles
their liquor license applications.They anticipate opening April 10.It will
be their standard department store plus a full service grocery store,
including the sale of liquor.The entire Wal-Mart staff participates in a
Techniques of Alcohol Management program.The managers also attend the state
certified program.
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.There being no
further discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR A PERSON TRANSFER,LOCATION TRANSFER,CORPORATION,SERIES 9
LIQUOR LICENSE SUBMITTED BY CLARE H.ABEL FOR WAL-MART SUPERCENTER #1381 BE
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
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VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PZ-5-01 -APPEAL OF LANDSCAPING AND
SCREENING REQUIREMENTS,SECTION 6.1.5(D)2,
TRANSITION/SEPARATION OF USES BY BEVERLY
CHOSA-LERESCHE AND MARK LERESCHE ON BEHALF
OF CHOSA'S HARLEY-DAVIDSON
)Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.This is for the new Harley-Davidson shop on
Apache Trail.He described the site and surrounding area.They are
requesting a delay in the construction of the masonry wall.They have
considered building an ornamental iron fence or a split rail fence on the east
and west sides of the property.He does not believe a split rail fence would
work due to the maintenance factor.The applicants have provided
illustrations of what the optional fences would look like.The south half of
the property is located in a floodway.I t is not a flood channel,but an area
where waters collect due to the construction of Apache Trail.Staff
determined the wrought iron fence would be preferable in the area;a masonry
fence would have to be signed by an engineer with weep holes to allow water
collecting in the area to drain.The applicants were requesting delaying
construction of future walls on the west and east until they could discuss
them with future neighbors in order to construct compatible walls.I t is
unknown when the neighboring properties will be developed.A permanent
decision would relieve staff from having to monitor the property for future
development and it negates the need for posting a bond for the future wall.
Staff recommended a wrought iron fence with masonry cones as shown in their
illustration and that they be stuccoed.In exchange,the applicants are being
asked to construct an architecturally compatible 6'high wrought iron fence
with intermittent masonry columns on their west and east property boundaries
prior to final certificate of occupancy;they shall install additional
landscaping on both the west and east sides of the property;at least 50%of
the trees required shall be 24"box;a revised landscape plan must be produced
for permanent record;and all other approved plans of the property shall be
implemented.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
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Mr.Bob Hunt,49 W.1st Street,
Mesa,the architect,addressed the council.The applicants are amenable to
the stipulations cited by Mr.Esquivias.The wrought iron fence will solve
the maintenance and longevity problems and provides visibility and security.
The retention areas along the south side are designed to contain the 100 year
storm water and then relieve themselves.Their original landscaping plan
exceeds the 50%stipulation at this time.They would be willing to make 100%
of the trees 24"box.He commented on the shrubbery they would be installing.
Councilmember Eck commented he
believes the wrought iron looks much better than the block wall.The project
looks fantastic to him.
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 hoped
staff would take measures to make sure that no non -compatible uses would be
adjacent to this site.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
that is an excellent point,but the CI -2 zone allows a lot of uses that would
not be compatible with a retail,neighborhood -friendly strip we would like to
see created along Apache Trail.Anything going in next door will be required
to meet the minimum standards.The only way to get rid of the CI -2 is to
rezone the property.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they may
want to look at that.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT THE
APPEAL OF THE SCREENING REQUIREMENT AS SET FORTH IN APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE,
VOLUME II,LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,CHAPTER 6,LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
REQUIREMENTS,ARTICLE 6-1,IN CASE PZ-5-01 AND SUBMITTED BY BEVERLY CHOSA-
LERESCHE AND MARK LERESCHE REQUESTING A WAIVER OF THE SIX-FOOT HIGH MASONRY
WALL REQUIREMENT ALONG THE EAST AND WEST PROPERTY BOUNDARIES FOR THE CHOSA
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
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HARLEY-DAVIDSON STORE LOCATED AT 2910 WEST APACHE TRAIL IN APACHE JUNCTION BE
APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS:THAT THE PROPERTY OWNER SHALL
CONSTRUCT AN ARCHITECTURALLY COMPATIBLE SIX-FOOT HIGH WROUGHT IRON FENCE WITH
INTERMITTENT MASONRY COLUMNS ON THEIR WEST AND EAST PROPERTY BOUNDARIES PRIOR
TO CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY BEING GRANTED FOR THE PROPERTY;NUMBER TWO,THE
PROPERTY OWNER SHALL INSTALL ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPING ON THE WEST AND EAST SIDES
OF THE PROPERTY AS DEPICTED ON THE SITE PLAN RECEIVED ON FEBRUARY 4,2002,
CONTAINED IN CASE FILE PZ-5-01:THREE,50% OF THE TREES,INSTEAD OF THE 25%
NORMALLY REQUIRED,SHALL BE IN 24"BOX:THE LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION PLAN
SHALL BE REVISED TO REFLECT THE APPLICABLE CONDITIONS HEREIN STATED,
RESUBMITTED FOR THE REVIEW AND APPROVAL AND THE PLANTS INSTALLED AND INSPECTED
PRIOR TO FINAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY;SET PLAN SHALL ALSO INCLUDE A FENCE
DETAIL FOR THE NEW FENCE:NUMBER FOUR,ALL OTHER APPROVAL PLANS FOR THE
PROPERTY SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF AN EIGHT -FOOT HIGH
MASONRY WALL ON THE NORTH PROPERTY BOUNDARY SEPARATING THE INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT SITE FROM THE RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD;AND,NUMBER FIVE,THE CITY
COUNCIL MAY RESCIND THE GRANTING OF THIS ORDINANCE NO.940 APPEAL IF ANY OF
THE ABOVE CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED OR NOT COMPLIED WITH.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a ten minute
break.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE UPDATE
)Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda briefed the council on the item.In October 2000 the city hired a
consultant to update the land development code.Workshops were held and a
rough draft of the ordinance was completed.Due to staff turnover,the
consultant was unable to complete the contract and has terminated it.The
product is unfinished and staff needs direction on where to go from here.
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
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There are three basic options:hiring another consultant:have staff do the
work in their spare time;or restructure the project and do a combination of
consultant and staff work over a phased period of time.He briefly went over
the three options.He recommended the third option,having staff complete a
basic rewrite of the ordinance,focusing on the zoning ordinance,the
subdivision ordinance and the landscaping ordinance.The consultant's
existing work would be used and supplemented with staff's expertise.They
would reformat and modernize the ordinance to create a new foundation to be
built upon over time with other major amendments.He described the process he
is recommending.The remaining consultant money available would be targeted
towards where it would do the most good.He estimated a product could be
brought back to the council within a period of months for further discussion.
Staff commitment would involve the senior planner and himself devoting part of
each week to the project.They would need to delegate some of their duties to
other staff and he would have to do some restructuring within his department.
Some of the vacant positions would have to be used,and this would assist them
with this project and other long term challenges in the future.He estimates
a year to sixteen months before there is a final product that council could
take action on.
Councilmember Eck asked how much
consultant money is left.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated they have approximately $20.000 to $30,000 available and there
may be some contingency money set aside that would also be available.
Councilmember Eck asked if staff
would have the time needed for the third option.He would prefer to see that
option employed.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated he believes they will have the resources once the vacant
positions have been filled,and they have already been authorized.It would
have to be a short term targeted basis.They need to look at the land
development code as an ongoing work in progress.
Councilmember Eck asked how they
would prioritize the things that need to be done first.He asked if the
design review was part of this.
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
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Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated it could be.
Councilmember Eck stated he is also
concerned about the nonconformities in some of the areas.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated they could work with council to establish some of the
priorities where they might need additional consultants or major things to
tackle.He suggested letting them get into the basic ordinance itself and get
a feel for the skeleton that they have to work with.They may be able to plug
in some of the additional activities.They could come back to council in a
couple of months and let them set some priorities.The nonconformities is an
example of something they would bring back to council with an issue paper.I t
is very antiquated and is not comprehensive.He would prefer to bring back a
rough draft adding needed sections.
Councilmember Durbala asked i f
design review would be one of the listed priorities.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated they could approach that in several ways.In some respects i t
is an administrative procedure.They should devote a council work shop to the
issue to see what they have in mind.It could be done on a staff level,
board/commission level,geographic basis,city-wide or even be district-
specific.
Councilmember Eck suggested taking
them to Chosa's for the design review.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated that is very well taken.There are four aspects to design
review:the legal or statutory authority;the administrative procedures that
are used;the criteria or objectives established for design review;and the
guidelines used for people to meet.The latter part is frequently the last
one communities forget to implement.
Councilmember Durbala commented they
seem to have different ones for each subdivision.I t is time the city needs
to get this together.The homebuilding industry has not stopped at all.
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
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There was general discussion as to
whether council had discussed design review for residential before.It was
determined they had not.They have only discussed setbacks and lot size,not
color schemes or materials used for the home.
Councilmember Durbala commented
color schemes seem to be coming up a lot lately.
Vice Mayor Surra stated they need to
have diversity.She believes the homeowner has the right to pick their own
home color.
Councilmember Urich asked if this
would cost more than the $18,000 still left.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated he believed it would take more than that amount to do all of
the things council may want done.This is an ordinance brought in from Pinal
County and they need to make i t a model tool.
Councilmember Urich stated she feels
comfortable with Rudy and him working on it.
Mayor Coleman closed the .discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT STAFF
BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING THE UPDATE OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT
CODE:THAT WE USE OPTION NUMBER THREE TO USE .A COMBINATION OF CITY STAFF AND
CONSULTANTS.
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PRESENTATION ON OFF LEASH RECREATION
FACILITIES (DOG PARKS)
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 10 OF 20
)Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell briefed the council on the item.Staff researched off leash facilities
located in several East Valley cities at council's request.The report
included a description of the dog parks,the benefits an off leash facility
can bring to the community,suggested rules and regulations,and the estimated
cost of the facility.Southwest Risk would cover the facility with no
additional premium.Construction estimates are based on contractor installed
costs,not parking lots or existing facilities.Parks visited were Chandler's
Bark Park,Chandler's Shawnee Park,Tempe's Creamery Park,Tempe's Mitchell
Park,Gilbert's Crossroads Park,and Mesa's dog park.
Councilmember Urich asked if one
acre would be the bare minimum for the size of the dog park.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated that is correct.
Councilmember Urich asked if he
could recommend any of our current parks for a good location for a dog park.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated he would discourage i t at Superstition Shadows Park.Goldminer's
Park is too small so he would recommend this be located at Prospector Park or
in conjunction with the rodeo grounds.
Councilmember Urich asked if he
believes they might be able to build i t in-house cheaper than the estimate.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated they could easily build it cheaper in-house and with specific
direction on the specific site he could come up with an estimate,taking
advantage of the existing restrooms and parking lots.The Parks Commission
received this same presentation at their last meeting and recommended to the
council that the council,commission and staff include this in our long range
improvement program.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she would
like to see the number of dogs per handler limited.They need to have better
control of the dogs when they are off leash.Most parks limit one dog per
handler.She would like it stated in any rules we are looking at.She asked
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 11 OF 20
if he had heard about in ground disposal systems that they have for dog waste:
they are like little septic systems.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated he had not heard of them.
Vice Mayor Surra stated she is aware
they are available for backyard use.She suggested he may want to use those
instead of trash barrels.The odors are not supposed to be as prevalent.She
would like to see this project,but she does not want it to supercede those
projects benefiting our youth.
Councilmember Eck asked who would be
responsible if the dog attacks another dog.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated the owner would be.
Councilmember Eck stated he was
surprised because i t is a large open area where the dogs run.They are not
separate runs.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she has
seen those that are just dog runs.She does not like those:she prefers those
were the people can interact with their dogs.She thinks i t promotes better
behavior by the dogs in their own neighborhoods when they return there.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT STAFF
BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING OFF LEASH RECREATION FACILITIES
(DOG PARKS):THAT STAFF AND THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION EXPLORE WHAT
OPTIONS WE HAVE AT PROSPECTOR PARK,USING THE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WE HAVE IN
PLACE,AND BRING BACK TO COUNCIL POSSIBLE OPTIONS.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 12 OF 20
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
INTERVIEW CANDIDATES UNDER CONSIDERATION
TO FILL VACANCIES ON PARKS AND
RECREATION COMMISSION .
)Mr.Kris Sippel,1893 E.38th
Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He is a school teacher and
likes to work with the youth.He believes this would be a good fit for him.
Councilmember Eck asked where he
lived.
Mr.Kris Sippel stated he is in the
Trend Home subdivision.He commented he would like to see the landfill turned
into a community park some day.
Vice Mayor Surra commented
Councilmember Durbala would like to see the landfill area turned into a golf
course.
Mr.Kris Sippel stated he would
agree to either one.
Ms.Sue Clabuesch,2208 W.Baseline
#85,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She has lived here for four
years after wintering here for three years.She is retired.She serves on a
couple of advisory boards and had worked for a municipality in Georgia.She
likes to be involved in community affairs.She believes this board has a big
impact on the community and its youth and seniors.
Mayor Coleman closed the interviews
and stated the appointment would be on the next agenda.
REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF THE PARKS AND
RECREATION FEE SCHEDULE
)Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell briefed the council on the item.The commission completed their annual
review of the fee schedule at their last meeting.They are recommending some
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 13 OF 20
adjustments to the current schedule plus the addition of a group use fee.
This will cover the expense associated with large groups utilizing park
facilities.The fee schedule will be brought back in ordinance form at the
next meeting.They used to charge hourly rates for ball field usage;they are
now using blocks of time.A two-hour minimum will be assessed.The group use
fee will be for groups with bands and such:they will also be allowed to
designate what part of the park they go to.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they would
be in the area where the equestrian trail starts.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated they would be where they would offload the horses.There is a
playground,three ramadas,and east of the ramadas is a large group ramada
next to the horse shoe pits,which is next to the staging area for the
equestrians.Each case will be looked at individually.If the ramadas can
accommodate that group,they will allow the request.This will allow them to
manage large groups.
Vice Mayor Surra asked about the
field preparation fee being charged.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated there are two types of use that take place on the softball fields
other than city -sponsored.The organized use sponsor tournaments.They will
not be able to have a tournament without the city doing a field preparation
for liability reasons.They might want a field preparation early in the
morning and one in the afternoon.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they would
be charged that fee for each time they ask for a field preparation,not per
day.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated it would be for each time they prepare the field.I t is assessed
for each field they prepare for each time they prepare it.They will require
a minimum of one field preparation.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they are
doing away with the clean up deposit.
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 14 OF 20
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated they will have it worded in the final ordinance where it will
allow staff some flexibility.He does not see a need to assess a deposit on a
group that is known to clean up every time.Staff would not have to do as
many refunds.They will assess it on new groups and those they have problems
with.It will equal the rental rate.
Vice Mayor Surra commented that
known users could leave a check that could be torn up or returned to them
later.There would be no worry about money changing hands.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated they already do -a lot of that.
Councilmember Durbala asked if the
Little League would still be allowed to use the fields gratis.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated all youth serving organizations utilize city facilities free of
charge.
Vice Mayor Surra commented that
would come under city -sponsored events or anything like that.
Councilmember Durbala stated they
are not really city -sponsored.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell -stated these are program fees.They would be talking about Itty Bitty
Olympics and the holiday special events.I t does not deal with the Little
League season.
Councilmember Urich commented she
believes the fee for the swimming pool pass is too high for the individual.
passes.They are making i t $80 for families up to 5 members,thereby making
i t $16 each;She would like to see the individual season pass stay at its
current fee,which is $35 and $45.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated staff does not have a problem with that.The fees are very
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 15 OF 20
comparable if not lower than other valley communities.The daily fee for the
17 and under has been increased,but they feel that is warranted with the new
swim center.They did not increase the adults because they are trying to
encourage more adult participation.They assist in supervising the facility.
Councilmember Urich commented they
are penalizing someone who does not have a family by charging them that much
more.
Councilmember Durbala commented they
are encouraging families to sign up.
Councilmember Urich commented:
someone-may not be a member of a family;single people are being penalized.
Parks &Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated they have a swim season of 90 to 100 days and they consider i t
would cover that rate for half of the days.Staff,however,would :have no
problem lowering those a little.
Councilmember Durbala asked how much
more money the :increase would generate.
Parks & Recreation -Director Jeff
Bell stated they bring in $12,000 to $15,000 per year .under the current fee
schedule.This would only add $75 to $110 per year.
Councilmember Durbala stated i t
would not even pay for two part-time lifeguards with that total.The small
increase does not affect anything.Councilmember Milkey had told him i t cost
him. $2.50 a day to take -his child to a pool in Mesa.This would be quite a
reduction.
Mayor Coleman commented he does :not
look at i t as penalizing individuals,he looks at i t as giving a break to:
families.
Councilmember Dietz stated i t looks
fine to him.
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FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 16 OF 20
Councilmember Durbala agreed with
the mayor,stating i t allows families to spend more productive time together.
Vice Mayor Surra stated they have
actually given each group a $10 increase.She is not bothered by the
increase.
Councilmember Durbala asked if the
scholarship money donated by some groups is used for some of those children
whose parents cannot afford a season pass.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated i t pays for family passes and swimming instruction.
Councilmember Eck stated he believes
the fees are consistent and in line.He asked for how long the fees had been
kept low.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated they had been that way for four or five years.
Councilmember Eck agreed with the
gradual revision.He is concerned about the group use being for less than 75
people at $10 per hour.He asked what the minimum would be.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated that is hard to establish because it could be a family having a
picnic.
Councilmember Eck stated there are a
lot of birthday parties with 30 people.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Bell stated i f i t is just 30 people with no music or bounce houses,they would
not look at that as a group.If they bring in other attractions to go along
with their activity,they will put them in the group area.
Councilmember Eck commented it would
otherwise be first come,first serve with no fee.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 17 OF 20
Bell stated that is correct.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff
Mayor Coleman closed the item with
no further discussion.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA ITEMS
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON OTHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS
None.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON
MONDAY,MARCH 4,2002,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND THE CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS,RESPECTIVELY;AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,MARCH 5,2002,IN
THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Mayor Coleman urged everyone to participate in the Lost Dutchman Days
activities that are coming up.
Mayor Coleman announced that the Skate Park is opening on March 1 at 3:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 18 OF 20
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 5,2002.
3.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees.
Employees receiving recognition are:Jan Mason;Taleen Carpenter;Dotti
Pieper:and Pat Brenner.
ACCEPTED THIS 5TH DAY OF MARCH ,2002,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 5TH
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 19 OF 20
DAY OF MARCH 2002.
DDsz
DOUGLAS
Mayor
LEMAN
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,he'd on the 19th day of February,2002.J further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held .and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 25th day of February,2002.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 19,2002
PAGE 20 OF 20