HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-05-01 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 1,2001
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on May 1,2001,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 Eck led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Surra
Councilmember Dietz
Councilmember Eck
Councilmember Insalaco
Councilmember Urich
Staff Present:
(Councilmember Durbala was absent.)
City Manager Curtis Shook
Assistant City Manager George Hoffman
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Robert Warner
Finance Director Keith Lewis
Interim Development Svcs.Director John Petroff
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MAY 1,2001
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Others Present:Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Assistant to the City Manager Bryant Powell
Management Assistant Shari Watson
Recreation Superintendent Liz Langenbach
Parks Superintendent Nick Blake
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND THAT WE RECOGNIZE THE
OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE FOLLOWING CITY EMPLOYEES:
MECHANIC I I KEITH BEDWELL AND MECHANIC HELPER STEVE BEACH FOR OUTSTANDING
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE;AND PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR GREG MAYER,
TRAFFIC SIGNAL I I DAVE CAYLOR,AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR PAT GARLAND FOR A
TREE REMOVAL FOR A RESIDENT AFTER HOURS.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Coleman read a proclamation designating April 29 -May 5 as "Municipal
Clerks Week"and presented it to Deputy City Clerk Jan Mason.
Mayor Coleman recognized the 5th and 6th grade All -Star Basketball teams for
their success in finishing second in a Payson tournament.Recreation
Superintendent Liz Langenbach introduced the members and presented them with
certificates.
Parks Superintendent Nick Blake recognized Lonnie Pace of Pace Concrete and
presented him with a plaque for his contribution of volunteer labor to
complete concrete walks at the Little League Complex,saving the city
approximately $7,000 to $8,000.
Recreation Superintendent Liz Langenbach presented the "Brian Hosey Award"to
the volunteer coach of the year.This year's recipient was Mona Barton.
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MAY 1,2001
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CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Ron Kill,349 S.Saguaro,Apache Junction,addressed the council to
commend the local sports programs.He commented his grandson,Dennis Bartos,
and Mike Worley have both spent a lot of time in the programs,and his
grandson will be competing in the National Amateur Athletic Union Baseball
Tournament.Mike Worley will be attending an international football
tournament in Australia.
Ms.Maggie Gold,11237 E.Covina,Mesa,addressed the council to introduce
herself as the new general manager of MediaCom.She stated she would be
meeting with most of them and she was looking forward to being part of the
community.
Mr.Tom Schuelke,1889 S.Palo Verde,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the update on development fees.He suggested requiring new
residents to match the contribution existing residents have paid instead of
spending $45,000 for a new study.He added he would like an explanation on
the new open space preservation category for development fees.He does not
feel i t is fair that existing residents have not had to pay for this.He
again requested the city not spend city resources on acquiring State Trust
land without a citizen vote on the proposal.He commented about another
possible new category for development fees,that being for public buildings.
He believed this would be for the $6 million to be spent on the city complex,
which was originally supposed to be built with borrowed money to be repaid
from sales tax surcharges.This could cause new residents to pay as much or
more towards the city complex.The fees should be fair,and new residents
should not have to pay twice for some things.He asked they consider whether
the local sales tax on construction materials should be credited towards
development fees.He believes this could cause people to pay sales tax on top
of development fees.He stated i f local sales taxes paid were subtracted from
the development fees it would eliminate the manufactured housing inequity in
the tax code;this could save implementation of the use tax.He urged the
city to examine the interaction between the development fees,construction
taxes and sales tax.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction
Association for Effective Government,addressed the council regarding the
liability issue on the court's deciding the school impact fees were illegally
collected.He also spoke about his pending initiative on mandatory training
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MAY 1,2001
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and psychological evaluations on officers involved in shooting deaths.He
requested a letter from the city manager on these issues if the city manager
was unwilling to respond at this meeting.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR A NEW LICENSE,INDIVIDUAL,
SERIES 12 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR CAPPOTTO'S
ITALIAN DELI & GRILL
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.This is a new restaurant proposed for the
southeast corner of Broadway and Idaho.Staff comments are included in the
packet and the applicant was advised to attend this evening.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr.Randy Cappotto,4580 N.Cactus
Road,Apache Junction,owner and operator of the business,addressed the
council.
chain of stores.
proprietor restaurant.
intended to be open.
Councilmember Eck asked if this is a
Mr.Randy Cappotto stated this is a
Councilmember Eck asked when he
Mr.Randy Cappotto stated they hope
to be open by the end of July,depending on when the building department will
let his contractor go in and finish the build out.
There were general comments by the
council that they liked the menu.
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MAY 1,2001
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Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented he understands that the
liquor licenses are approved by the state,but i t appears to him that there
have been a lot of these coming through the council lately.He wondered i f
there was a reason for that and if the standards needed to be raised.Some of
these are within several hundred feet of each other,and he asked if this
could be a problem.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council
discussion.
Councilmember Eck commented the
council's hearing liquor licenses is a response to applications being filed
with the state by an individual.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT
THE APPLICATION FOR A NEW LICENSE,INDIVIDUAL,SERIES 12 LIQUOR LICENSE
SUBMITTED BY RANDY CAPPOTTO FOR CAPPOTTO'S ITALIAN DELI & GRILL BE RECOMMENDED
FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR A LOCATION TRANSFER,
CORPORATION,SERIES 9 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR
OSCO DRUG #9293
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.This license is being transferred from one
Osco site to another.The applicant has been advised to attend.
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MAY 1,2001
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Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr.Nicholas Guttilla,4150 W.
Northern,Phoenix,addressed the council.He is the attorney for the
applicant.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she had
asked all of her questions at their last hearing and she had received all of
her answers then.
Mr.Nicholas Guttilla stated he was
at that hearing,but this is a different license than the last one.
Vice Mayor Surra recalled it was the
other store.
Mr.Nicholas Guttilla stated it was
for the one on Southern.
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
discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR A LOCATION TRANSFER,CORPORATION,SERIES 9 LIQUOR LICENSE
SUBMITTED BY THOMAS DIETERLE FOR OSCO DRUG #9293 BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL
TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.01-06,AUTHORIZING
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MAY 1,2001
PAGE 6 OF 24
SUBMISSION OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT (CDBG)APPLICATION
)Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
briefed the council on the item.The resolution would authorize the
submission of the grant application with support for the city's administered
housing rehabilitation programs,support for the local food bank,and support
for Habitat for Humanity,plus money to be recouped by the city for
administrative costs.He has received five comments on the grant.One person
thought they would get more for the money if it was put into the streets
program,and if it could be subcontracted out in order to get it done within
the 18 month period.The other four comments were positive for the housing
rehabilitation program.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if several of
these would go under one category so it would not look like the city was
submitting eight separate requests.
Grants Specialist Roger Hacker
stated they would be submitting three applications;one is for the housing
package,one for the Habitat for Humanities,and the third would be for the
food bank.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.01-06,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR FY 2001
STATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS;AND CERTIFYING THAT THE
APPLICATION:1)MEETS THE COMMUNITY'S IDENTIFIED HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT NEEDS;AND 2)IS NECESSARY FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLETION OF
THE ACTIVITIES OUTLINED IN THE APPLICATION,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1,2001
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NEW BUSINESS
PZ-01-02,APPEAL OF LANDSCAPING AND
SCREENING REQUIREMENTS,SECTION 6.1.5(D)4
TRANSITION/SEPARATION OF USES BY ROBERT
LEMBERGER ON BEHALF OF LEAR DEVELOPMENT
L.L.C.
)Assistant Planner Juli McDaid
briefed the council on the item.They are proposing to utilize the northern
490'of the property for a secured self -storage facility.I t is currently
zoned CB -2.They are appealing the 25'setback between a commercial use and
the property line when the adjoining uses are residential.He is also
appealing the construction of the 8'wall along that same property line.The
contiguous property is the KOA Kampground,zoned TH.The applicant wishes to
maintain a 10'setback along the east property line.They do not want a
hidden or "dead space"between that side of the building and the separation
wall.He feels the building should be considered the wall as there are no
doors or windows.A previous conceptual site plan was approved for this
property for an auto service and RV repair facility.I t had erroneously been
approved with the 10'side setback.That site plan was never realized.This
is a new site plan,and the developer was advised of the 25'setback.There
are a large number of campsites near the east boundary line.A reduced
setback could diminish the character of those sites and financially impact the
campground facility.The applicant claims that surrounding cities allow a
zero setback for storage facilities adjacent to residential properties.Her
research shows that surrounding cities are similar to ours or more.I f
council agrees to the appeal,staff will recommend architectural treatments
along that building and an 8'wrought iron fence.Lighting will have to be
addressed,along with security issues and landscaping.
Mayor Coleman asked if the KOA had
been contacted regarding this property.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
the 300'notices have not gone out yet so they have not been contacted yet.
Councilmember Eck commented he was
concerned on how the neighboring properties would feel about this.I t is
premature to do anything but discuss.
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MAY 1,2001
PAGE 8 OF 24
Councilmember Dietz commented he
would like to get with KOA,too.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
she counted at least 20 campsites that would be near the 10'minimum setback
area for that building.She believes it will affect their business.The
building would take away from the camping atmosphere.
Councilmember Eck asked what the
additional 15'would do to the development of this project.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
they have incorporated every square foot of space into their building,so the
building size would have to be decreased.
Councilmember Eck asked about the
previous site plan.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
it was for an RV/boat facility/auto repair center.That conceptual plan
showed a 10'setback along the eastern property line.That plan was approved
but never realized.The error was caught when he came back with a different
facility and use.
Mayor Coleman asked how long ago
that was.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated i t
was a year to 18 months ago.Any building permit or approval previously given
would have elapsed.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
no permits were issued as it was conceptual only,as this one is.
Vice Mayor Surra stated her
presentation told them a lot of things and she would like a copy of it.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
she would give them a copy,and it would probably be part of their staff
report.
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MAY 1,2001
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Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and moved on to the next item.
APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION FOR CITY
MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH KRAMER.FIRM,
INCORPORATED TO COMPLETE A TECHNICAL
AUDIT OF MEDIACOM COMMUNICATIONS
CORPORATION'S CABLE SYSTEM AT A COST
OF $16,450
)Management Assistant Shari Watson
briefed the council on the item.The MediaCom system upgrade has been
completed and a technical consultant needs to determine if they are in
compliance with FCC regulations and contractual obligations.She is seeking
council authorization to enter into an agreement with Kramer.Firm.Their
scope of work will be a physical comprehensive plan inspection,a review of
FCC proof of performance test reports and an evaluation thereof,and an
evaluation of the FCC signal quality.Additional costs for travel,lodging,
local licenses or permits are not to exceed $5,000.The total for the audit
would be $21,450.They anticipate completion in 8 weeks.
Councilmember Eck asked if this is
to determine if MediaCom is where i t should be with the technical enhancements
to the system.
Management Assistant Shari Watson
stated the cable license agreement includes a number of technical requirements
by the FCC.City staff does not have the knowledge or expertise to review
these requirements.
Councilmember Eck asked i f i t is
strictly technical.
Management Assistant Shari Watson
stated that is correct.
Councilmember Dietz commented he
recalled talking about this audit when they were discussing the cable license
agreement.They thought at that time that this would be the best option for
the city.
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MAY 1,2001
PAGE 10 OF 24
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
they wanted to make sure they got the very best service,and the funds had
been included in the agreement.The audit was to take place once the build
out was done.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she wants
to make sure this audit will satisfy the things documented in the agreement
that the city is responsible to do,and that it will be the only audit the
city is obligated to do.
Management Assistant Shari Watson
stated she believed that is so.I t is time to accept the system if MediaCom
is in compliance with the system upgrade.
Mayor Coleman asked if the city
manager or the mayor is supposed to accept the agreement.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
the mayor is supposed to accept the agreement.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if it was
$21,450.
Management Assistant Shari Watson
stated i t is not to exceed that amount:she anticipates less than that.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no more comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT
APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH KRAMER.FIRM,INCORPORATED TO COMPLETE A TECHNICAL AUDIT OF MEDIACOM
COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION'S CABLE SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,450 PLUS
PROJECT EXPENSES NOT TO EXCEED AN ADDITIONAL $5,000,FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $21,450:AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE
AGREEMENT PENDING APPROVAL OF THE CITY ATTORNEY.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
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MAY 1,2001
PAGE 11 OF 24
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
DUNCAN & ASSOCIATES FOR UPDATING
DEVELOPMENT FEES AND AMENDING THE CITY'S
DEVELOPMENT FEE ORDINANCE
)Assistant to the City Manager
Bryant Powell briefed the council on the item.He gave a brief history of
development fees in the city.The agreement would allow the consultant to
update the existing development fees and amend the city code.This would take
into account any changes in the basic study of the components during the last
four years,including land use categories,the cost of doing business now,
facility inventories and demand,existing development,and outstanding debt
and funding sources.New components to be reviewed will be open space and
city vehicles.School development fees will not be included in the update.
Adjustments to fees will be based on the 'smart growth'objectives of housing
affordability,economic development and in fill and redevelopment.The total
project cost is $44.700.The project will begin in June and be completed in
November for council approval.
Councilmember Eck asked if the study
would give any information on how the development fee would impact the smaller
developer,such as those building one to five homes per year.
Assistant to the City Manager Bryant
Powell stated they can ask them to look at that.
Councilmember Eck stated he would
like that information,especially for the southern area.
Vice Mayor Surra stated she thought
this study was to determine the fees and if they are equitable.
Assistant to the City Manager Bryant
Powell stated that is correct.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they are
based on national guidelines.
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MAY 1,2001
PAGE 12 OF 24
Councilmember Eck commented the
study is also supposed to show what effect the fees have on developers in the
community.
Assistant to the City Manager Bryant
Powell stated development fees can be used as a public policy.The consultant
can look at setting different rates,or lower development fees,in certain
areas of town to encourage growth.
like that information.
is talking about an in fill credit.
Powell stated that is correct.
Councilmember Eck stated he would
City Manager Curtis Shook stated he
Assistant to the City Manager Bryant
City Manager Curtis Shook stated the
study is to look into different areas the council has found important,such as
open space,and whether council wants to add any additional fees in part,
wholly,or not at all as well as update the current fees.There will be a
section regarding incentive developments.
Councilmember Eck commented they
would like to promote the smaller developer with the custom homes,and he
believes they may be the ones most affected by the fees.He would like to see
what the impact is on them.The fees are needed,but he would like to
determine their impact.
Mayor Coleman stated he believes the
study will determine what level they are funding the items at right now.I t
is a policy decision as to how much the city will charge,and how much it will
subsidize.Some communities are repealing the commercial development fees in
order to encourage commercial development.The study will show what areas the
money is being spent in,and the amount of money to be collected that will be
spent in those areas.Development fees cannot be collected to enhance city
services or programs;they can only be collected to maintain the programs and
make development pay for itself.The study will give them the actual costs
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1,2001
PAGE 13 OF 24
per house to maintain the programs.The council must then decide if it wants
to collect that amount.
Councilmember Eck stated he
understood,but he would like to have that information from this study.I f
not,he would like another study.He is hearing i t is a tremendous impact on
the small builder.I t has stopped small developers from building in the
community,and he wants to be sure i t is not just the development fee that is
doing that.
Mayor Coleman commented i t is the
same fee whether i t is a small or a large developer.
Councilmember Eck commented he
recently heard from a small developer that said they could not build a home in
Royal Palm as the development fees were much higher than to go outside the
community and do i t for thousands less.
Mayor Coleman stated they could not
do i t for thousands less.He asked what the current fee was.
Assistant to the City Manager Bryant
Powell stated the current fee for a single family detached house is $1,006.
Mayor Coleman stated they could do
i t for $1,000 less.
Councilmember Eck asked how much the
water impact fee is.
Vice Mayor Surra commented that is
not on this agenda and i t cannot be talked about.
Councilmember Eck commented he is
i t for $1,000 less.
water impact fee is.
aware of that but i t is a fee.
Vice Mayor Surra stated the council
cannot discuss that at this time.
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MAY 1,2001
PAGE 14 OF 24
Mayor Coleman stated the question
would be how much does the water district want to subsidize.
Councilmember Eck stated he is just
talking about in total.
Mayor Coleman stated the city is far
less than any other east valley community in total.
Councilmember Eck stated that may
be,but he does not think i t is horrible to ask for this from this study.
Mayor Coleman commented he did not
think i t should be in this study,as this determines the actual costs.His
concern would be the policy statement later on as to whether the council wants
to subsidize growth in certain areas.
Assistant to the City Manager Bryant
Powell stated they will base the costs on the formulas and methodology they
use equally.After that i t could become the policy.
purpose of this study.
Powell stated i t is to get the base line.
Mayor Coleman stated that is the
Assistant to the City Manager Bryant
Councilmember Eck asked again what
the city total is for a single family detached.
Assistant to the City Manager Bryant
Powell stated i t is $1,006 for library,parks,police,roads,and municipal
buildings.There were school impact fees earlier.
Mayor Coleman commented the city was
lower than all the others even with the school impact fee.
Councilmember Eck commented i t does
sound extremely low to him.
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MAY 1,2001
PAGE 15 OF 24
Mayor Coleman stated they also take
into account the revenue the city receives off the sales tax of a home.The
developer also gets credit for in -kind contributions,such as donating land
for a park.
Mayor Coleman closed the item with
no further discussion and called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH DUNCAN AND ASSOCIATES FOR UPDATING DEVELOPMENT FEES AND AMENDING THE
CITY'S DEVELOPMENT FEE ORDINANCE IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $44,700;AND
THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a ten
minutes break.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
meeting.
DISCUSSION ON COUNCIL BUDGET GOALS AND
PROPOSED BUDGET ADOPTION SCHEDULE FOR
FY 2001-2002
)City Manager Curtis Shook briefed
the council on the item.He would like to term this budget year as one of
transition and assimilation.We are developing new permanent sales tax
revenue however it will not be available until the following budget year.
This year will be a "make do"situation based on current revenues.He
commented he would like to have a second council goals and objectives at the
next meeting.He would like to focus on six different key policy issues:the
capital facilities plan;the amendment to the land and development code;
economic development;a holistic restructuring plan for roads along the lines
of Southern and several other residential and arterial roads;to implement the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1,2001
PAGE 16 OF 24
pay and classification study;and storm water management.This will be a
tight operating budget,and he is proposing a lower than normal operating
capital budget.He is requesting no or few new positions,and he is asking
for an employee assistance fund.The latter will provide funds for employees
with emergencies such as expensive dental work and employees who have been
renting a house for years only to have the owner attempt to sell i t out from
under them within 30 to 60 days.In these cases other employees have given up
vacation or sick leave to assist the employee needing help.The general fund
is estimated to receive $1.7 million is state -shared revenues this budget
year;he is asking that 70%be put in the general fund operating budget and
the other 30%be held for contingencies.
Mayor Coleman stated he mentioned
what he felt should be focused on.He considers the condition of the roads to
be important.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated the
Municipal Property Corporation meets twice a year.Once a year they talk
about funding something,the other they are updating them on status.Interest
is low again and he would like to incorporate new bonds in the same range as
they currently have.I t is an excellent time to accelerate the program.He
would like to start reconstruction of some of the roads.
Mayor Coleman commented storm water
management is of great concern with a lot of the residents.He opened the
item to council discussion.
Councilmember Eck commented he
agreed with all the priority items.He is concerned about the projections on
the revenue coming in from new major retailers;he wants to be sure that the
loss of revenue from current retailers has been taken into account.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
they try to figure that in.There was no market share loss when the Holiday
Inn came in.When Fry's came in,there was an impact.Generally,there is an
immediate impact for the first four to six months,then i t starts coming back.
Within a year or two,the competitive stores are about 90% to 100%back to
their original figures.
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MAY 1,2001
PAGE 17 OF 24
Councilmember Eck stated he is
concerned with Wal-Mart.Since i t is not in this next budget,they should
have an idea since it will have been opened for five or six months before they
have the following year's budget.
Assistant City Manager George
Hoffman stated they have been working on a revenue expenditure model.They
are not looking at doing 100%of estimates because of the phenomena just
spoken about.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
they will be figuring in the competitive aspects regarding the number of
months.
Councilmember Eck reiterated he
liked the priorities that were presented.
Councilmember Insalaco commented he
understood about hiring few or no new employees.However,he was concerned
that current vacant positions be filled,especially in the police department.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
there is no attrition program or freeze on hiring.Certain areas have taken
longer to recruit.They intend to retain all the positions that they have
right now.
Councilmember Insalaco asked about
the current openings.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
they are currently recruiting in all the open positions with the exception of
one.At present time the amount of work that position had been doing has been
grossly cut back.I t is not in the police department.They should be able to
go with few or no new positions as they are focused on the programs they have
to do and they are not adding any new programs.However,he will admit if a
mistake is made so he would like to place a certain amount of census revenue
increase into the contingency budget in order to give them that flexibility.
He is concerned because usually their forecasts have been so close that i t is
scary.However,this year they did not get the visitation they normally get
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1,2001
PAGE 18 OF 24
and the city still has leakage in residents spending their dollars out of the
city.
Councilmember Dietz asked if they
are taking into consideration the business Wal-Mart will be pulling in from
outside the city.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated he
believes they will pick up some and they will recapture some of the people who
used to shop at Power Road.
Councilmember Dietz commented
Earnhardt's will help once they are on line.
City Manager Curtis Shook commented
the forecasts that they have deal with square footage.These people know what
they get per square foot.These are their best estimates.Wal-Mart stated
the store proposed here should produce $56 million in sales,but they
anticipate this one will do better.Earnhardt estimates they will do roughly
a half million dollars in sales tax revenue.
Councilmember Dietz commented he
liked all the priorities,but he really liked the employee assistance program.
Vice Mayor Surra asked how they are
going to add no new positions,yet bring in the positions needed to assist
with the accelerated program on streets.She understands that all the vacant
positions will be retained and filled.She asked how many positions would be
needed to accomplish the accelerated street program.
City Manager Curtis Shook commented
he believed they would need four:one sign engineer,a tech engineer,and two
maintenance I's.
Assistant City Manager George
Hoffman stated he believed they could ask for six positions,including a
couple maintenance people.They have not looked at that budget yet,but
holding the line was especially for the general fund budget.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY I ,2001
PAGE 19 OF 24
City Manager Curtis Shook commented
the public works budget is funded by HURF revenues.His earlier comment
concerned the general fund budget.All of this except for the roads program
comes out of the general fund budget,though they all come from "different
pots".
Assistant City Manager George
Hoffman stated the city manager tasked public works with being able to
implement an aggressive roads program.They were to see what areas would tend
to or were currently causing bottlenecks and recommend a staffing pattern to
eliminate or mitigate those bottlenecks.They have done i t but i t has not yet
been reviewed.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they have
a lot of people who are concerned about the actual construction of the street
that was damaged or has a lot of undulation.They have also been tasked with
needing to do the street sweeping and striping.She would like to make sure
these are still done during these other projects.
City Manager Curtis Shook commented
that is an excellent point.
Assistant City Manager George
Hoffman commented he believed they asked for 3 maintenance people;they were
responsive to that.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
this is premature at this point.He is trying to alert them to his concern
over the general fund budget.The budget may=have new positions as he will
not sacrifice smooth running projects and offices.If they find they cannot
hold to no new positions,they will not hold to it.This will,however,take
a lower priority than some other things.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if the health
and human services funding could be pulled out from all of the places in the
budget to show how much is being expended.If the council knows that i t has
been expended in other areas,it may show that the total health and human
services budget is way out of line for what the city is able to do.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1,2001
PAGE 20 OF 24
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
they can create an object of expenditure called "Outside Agencies"and they
can put all outside agencies expenses into that report.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if that would
have to do with health and human services.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
health and human services would be one line item,the Chamber another,Main
Street another,and any other outside agencies that are funded within the
current budget could be split out into separate line items.
Vice Mayor Surra stated she is only
looking for what dollars are being put into health and human services.
Councilmember Dietz asked if she
meant which grant money was given to them.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she wants
to know if they received money from grants,general fund or whatever funding.
She wants the total dollars expended on health and human services.
Assistant City Manager George
Hoffman asked if that would include the volunteer money that allows the city
to offer scholarship in parks and recreation for income disadvantaged people.
Vice Mayor Surra stated that is
correct.She believes people think the city is only spending $80.000 a year
on health and human services and she wants to be able to show the actual
percentage of the budget that is spent in that arena.
City Manager Curtis Shook asked i f
that could be put in the narrative.
Vice Mayor Surra stated that would
be okay as she just wants the information made available.
Councilmember Urich.asked if the
positions-that have not been filled over in the police department would be
filled.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1,2001
PAGE 21 OF 24
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
they are in the process of being filled.
Councilmember Urich asked if those
would be considered new positions.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
they would not.No job titles will be cut out,and no positions will be cut.
All vacant positions are in the process of being filled with the exception of
one,and that one will be filled when i t becomes necessary.
Assistant City Manager George
Hoffman restated that the vacant position is not in public safety.
Councilmember Urich commented she is
happy to see that the city is looking into the employee assistance fund.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated i t
is something they have talked about,and he frequently has 2 or 3 things come
across his desk each year that have made him feel bad.The employees have
been benevolent enough in the past to take care of these people.There needs
to be a way to help people without making a big "hullabaloo"about i t and
allow the employee to pay back the city over a period of time.I t is a
personal goal of his.
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
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1,2001
PAGE 22 OF 24
MONDAY,MAY 14,2001,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RESPECTIVELY:
AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,MAY 15,2001,
IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Mayor Coleman asked if the state legislature has changed the law regarding
this section yet.City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t has not:he will advise
him when i t has been passed.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 9:04 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 17,2001.
3.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees.
Employees receiving recognition are:Keith Bedwell;Steve Beach;Greg
Mayer;Dave Caylor:and Pat Garland.
ACCEPTED THIS 15TH DAY OF MAY ,2001,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 15TH DAY OF
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1,2001
PAGE 23 OF 24
MAY ,2001.
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
DOUGLAS COLEMAN
Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the
minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache
Junction,Arizona,held on the 1st day of May,2001.I further certify that
the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 9th day of May,2001.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1,2001
PAGE 24 OF 24