HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-07-17 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 17,2001
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on July 17,2001,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
Councilmember Durbala 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
City Engineer Ron Grittman
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell
Library Director Pam Loui
Public Works Director Doug Dobson
Development Services Director Dean Svoboda
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 1 OF 23
Others Present:Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Commander Steve Francis
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 EMPLOYEES:THE PARKS & RECREATION
EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ON THE FOURTH OF JULY EVEN
THROUGH THE RAIN;PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES DAVID HARWELL,FRANK GRANILLO,TOM
TENNANT,RICK BRITTON AND TERRY JOHNSON FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE IN MOVING KEN
SIMPKINS TO THE CHAMBER BUILDING;AND MIS SUPERVISOR BRIAN TSCHUDY AND MIS
TECHNICIAN TOMMY NORRIS FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE,PATIENCE AND TIME IN ORGANIZING
KEN SIMPKINS'TELEPHONE AND COMPUTER NEEDS;AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO REJECT ALL BIDS FOR PROJECT PW 2001-07,CONSTRUCTION
OF CURB,GUTTER,VALLEY GUTTER,SIDEWALK,SIDEWALK RAMPS,DRIVEWAY ENTRANCES.
•STORM DRAINS,CONCRETE SPILLWAY,SCUPPER HEADWALL,CATCH BASINS,RCRCP AND CMP
PIPE ON BROADWAY AVENUE FROM MERIDIAN DRIVE TO IDAHO ROAD DUE TO SEVERAL
ANOMALIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE BID;AND
THAT THE AWARD OF. BID FOR PROJECT PW 2001-10,INSTALLATION OF GUARD RAIL AND
OTHER RELATED MATERIALS AT HEADWALL LOCATIONS NO.2 AND 3,ON OLD WEST HIGHWAY
BETWEEN WICKIUP ROAD AND CORTEZ ROAD,BE AWARDED,TO ARIZONA HIGHWAY SAFETY
SPECIALISTS,INC.IN.THE BASE AMOUNT OF $50,,.685.00 PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10%IN
THE AMOUNT OF $5,068.50 IN THE EVENT OF UNFORESEEN CHANGE ORDERS,FOR A TOTAL
AMOUNT OF $55,753.50,SUBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR FY
2001-02;AND
THAT APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO EXPEND UP TO $25.000 FROM THE
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT'S OPERATING BUDGET FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR
CAPITAL FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS,SUBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL APPROPRIATION OF
FUNDS FOR FY 2001/02;AND
THAT APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO SPEND IN EXCESS OF $10,000 (NOT TO
EXCEED $100,000)THROUGH STATE CONTRACT WITH BAKER AND TAYLOR,INC.FOR •
LIBRARY MATERIALS,SUBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR FY 2001-
02;AND
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 2 OF 23
THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PROJECT NO.PR -01-03,PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
OFFICIATING SERVICES,BE AWARDED TO SOUTHWEST OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION IN THE
AMOUNT OF $16.50 PER GAME,SUBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR
FY 2001-02;AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO.01-10,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR
A SMALL AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY,BE APPROVED;AND
THAT APPROVAL BEIGIVEN TO ENTER INTO AN'AGREEMENT WITH EARTH TECH,INC.IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $108,865 FOR PREPARATION OF DESIGNS FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS
AT SUPERSTITION BOULEVARD AT IDAHO ROAD,DELAWARE DRIVE AT BROADWAY AVENUE,
IRONWOOD DRIVE-AT BASELINE AVENUE,AND CURB,GUTTER,AND SIDEWALK ON ROYAL
PALM ROAD FROM OLD WEST HIGHWAY TO SOUTHERN AVENUE,SUBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL
APPROPRIATION OF'FUNDS FOR FY 2001-02;AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE
MAYOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT,PENDING -APPROVAL OF THE CITY ATTORNEY;AND
UPON THE REQUEST OF COUNCIL,COULD WE MOVE ITEMS 14A AND 14B TO JUST AFTER "H"
ON PUBLIC HEARINGS,JUST AFTER ITEM 12.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell updated the city council on the capital
facilities plan projects.Perimeter security fencing for the skateboard park
will be going up next week.Construction staking has already started.The
Maricopa County Flood Control District has thrown in some last minute
engineering requirements that need to be fulfilled before a permit can be
issued to construct within their easement.The issue should be resolved
without any significant delay.Completion is slated for October or November.
The swim center drawings are complete and.have been submitted to all reviewing
agencies.It will be bid out nextmonth and awarded in September.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 3 OF 23
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr'.Elliott Fisher,547 E..Quail,Apache Junction,Greater.Apache Junction
Association for_Effective .Government,addressed the council regarding
newspaper article in,the Tribune that had incorrectly included the mayor's
picture in i t :,his ongoing court case against the capital facilities plan,his
concerns with city elections -,and transportation studies and issues
Mr.Tom Schuelke,1889 S.Palo Verde,: Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding items he would like to see removed.from -the-consent agenda for
public Comment,his comments beingsUmmarized;and his 'suggestedsolutionAo a
tax situation he believes inequitable regarding manufacturedihousing.He.
also urged staff tbreviewtheJables he gave to council for any discrepancies
and urged the council not to implement the use tax;
Councilmember Durbaja6commented_Mr.Fisher either does not receive his mail or
his lawyer does not keep i n contact with him.The repeal on the retabulation
was dismissed by.the.courLof appeals last week.
Vice Mayor Surra had a statement for Mr. -Fisher for the record:"I'm always
amazed at the depth of misunderstanding of Mr.Fisher.And,indeed,this,time
I havEtome to believe that his threatening and his vociferous loquaciousness
is merely an indication of the obvious minus percentage of his insignificant
intellect,and so I pay him little mind."
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Curtis Shook commented:the city had written several letters to
the City of Phoenix regarding the proposed landfill:site.I t is clear that
the City of Phoenix got the letters:He spoke to;the Phoenix city manager who
then called for their public works director..They :are in the middle section
of a study on landfills.The first section' identified possible sites using
various criteria:The middle section involves an in depth analysis and he has
been told the Apache Junction site looks less likely than others.The list
Will be narrowed down to 3 or 4 by the fall.They will hold public hearings
at that time in the areas of those sites: .Unless they are asked to have a
public hearing,he recommends no further action..
In addition,the Federal Aviation Administration has an update on overflights
noise in the area.Our mayor and others signed a letter asking for an
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 4 OF 23
extension on the comment period on the Northwest 2000 flight plan.Our staff
and the consultant are taking part with the east valley in discussions
regarding any plans.Certain flight plans are being pushed that have as
little effect as possible on all east valley communities.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.00-32,DECLARING
. AS A PUBLIC RECORD THAT CERTAIN DOCUMENT
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK AND ENTITLED
"CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION TAX CODE
AMENDMENTS ON THE USE TAX",WITH THE
EMERGENCY CLAUSE;PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.
1140,ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THAT CERTAIN
DOCUMENT FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK AND
ENTITLED "CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION TAX CODE
AMENDMENTS ON THE USE TAX",WITH THE ,
EMERGENCY CLAUSE
•)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item,specifically the changes in the Model Tax
Code.The Arizona Department of Revenue did not make any changes during the
last legislative session regarding certain issues.As a result,the League of
Arizona Cities and Towns is going ahead with the Model Tax Code changes that
would take manufactured housing and put i t under the contracting category.
She described the process for this change to occur,and i t should be at its
final phase this fall.If the use tax is passed this evening,it would have
an effective date of October 1,and they could be back in November asking the
council to undo that due to the changes in the Model Tax Code.From a
business and expense prospective,she requests they postpone or continue this
action until all the other changes have had their chance to work through the
process.They could then look at the changes to the Model Tax Code and then
see how the use tax pertains to other items.
Mayor Coleman opened the item to
council discussion.
Vice Mayor Surra asked how
exclusionary is the city allowed to be on the use tax.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 5 OF 23
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
the city does not have the ability to do that.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if it is
always by dollar amount.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
i t is by dollar amount;it must be a single item over $1,000.It must be
purchased for use,consumption or storage in the city.
room set would be considered one item.
uncertain how to answer.
Vice 'Mayor Surra asked if a dining
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly was
Vice Mayor Surra stated they could
be purchased separately but they usually ring them up together as a set.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
commented Councilmember Eck had earlier asked a question about the purchase of
a refrigerator.For the average individual who purchases a refrigerator or a
dining room set,the city would never know it.We have no ability to track
it.However,if these items were purchased for a rental property,making it a
business purchase,and the city does an audit for sales tax purposes,then i t
would also do a complimentary use tax audit.Those items would then be
discovered.Motor vehicles,boats,and motor homes,things that have
licenses,are tracked through the Department of Motor Vehicles and are
reported to the Department of Revenue,who then contacts the individual to pay
the use tax.
Vice Mayor Surra commented i t is
because i t is discretionary and discriminatory regarding purchases that she
has a problem with the use tax.If it cannot all be tracked,she is not sure
she is a proponent for the use tax.She hopes the Model Tax Code is adjusted
so the city can get those items taxed.She is not interested in inventorying
peoples'residences.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
that is not something the city would be doing.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 6 OF 23
Mayor Coleman commented if the
manufactured homes were placed under contracting they would be treated like a
site built home.It would not matter where i t is built but where i t is sited.
He asked if she talked to an industry representative today.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
she and the city manager talked with Scott Butler and he assured the city that
they were ready to support these changes.
Mayor Coleman commented they would
have no opposition.
Vice Mayor Surra commented that is
fair because manufactured housing is becoming a fine alternative for site
built homes.They should be assessed the same way.She also understands
about a vehicle being purchased out of state and being brought into state and
then having to pay the tax difference.She agrees with the use tax there,
however,this use tax encompasses much more.
Councilmember Eck commented he has
never liked the use tax from the start.He does not believe they should
create something that is unenforceable.He also hopes the Model Tax Code
changes go through,as he believes 90% of the use tax would have been that
collected on manufactured homes.
Mayor Coleman commented it would not
matter if it was purchased in the county or in Mesa.With the use tax,i t
would matter.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
that is correct unless there are some other changes made.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Ms.Susan Brenton,Executive
Director for the Arizona Association of Manufactured Homeowners,addressed the
council.They represent 25.000 people state-wide.They are opposed to the
use tax because of the enforcement issue.She asked how they would track
motor vehicle purchases and if these people would be billed later for the use
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 7 OF 23
tax.She asked if they would be getting large appliance retail sales records
to check for payment or if they would be offering a whistle blower's fee.By
law they would have to go after everything that should be taxed.They believe
all personal consumer goods should be removed from the.use tax.She urged the
council to reconsider the generic wording in the Model Tax Code and reconsider
the ordinance.
Mayor Coleman asked how the use tax
is applied in Tempe where they are located.
Ms.Susan Brenton stated she does
not know as she does not live in Tempe.
Mayor Coleman commented he thought
she would be at every council meeting.
Ms.Susan Brenton stated she has
been out here once a year and she has only been to three or four other
councils.
Mayor Coleman stated Tempe has
already implemented it.She is asking how Apache Junction is going to enforce
i t and other communities already do it,including where their headquarters are
located.He commented there must be a way to enforce it.
Ms.Susan Brenton stated she has
received some tax statements in the past for her large business machinery and
equipment.She has no problem with that as i t is a business.But she does
not like having choices of where she can go buy her personal goods taken away.
CouncilmeMber Dietz commented.it is
the same use tax and Model Tax Code in the City of Tempe and the other cities
that have the use tax.
Ms.Susan Brenton stated they will
probably be talking with each of them,too.There should not be much of a
problem with manufactured housing.Ninety percent of the homes sold today are
going onto privately owned land,with about 93% of those in county areas.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 8 OF 23
CounCilmember Dietz commented the
City of Tempe also charges the use tax on any personal items over $1,000..He
is also curious how they enforce it.
Mr.Donald Behrens, .President of the
Arizona Association of Manufactured Homeowners,addressed : the council to
oppose:the use tax.It will hurt consumers who buy their personal property in
an area that does not charge a sales tax:The retailers realize i t is good -
business sense.The manufactured housing dealers are no longer in the city
because they realize their customers ,are on a limited income.He urged:the
council to oppose the tax.:
Mr.W.Dean Thorpe,1615 N.Delaware
Drive,Apache Junction,addressed the council:He commented everybody ."jumps
on the bandwagon"when a new way to tax is determined.Hecommented -trying to
figure out how to process i t and collect it will cost More -than:what is
collected.Also,raising taxes:reduces taxable income;i t is self -defeating-
and will drive people out of the area.People should not be penalized for
buying outside the city.He urged the council to vote no on the use.tax.
,Mr:Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache .Junction,addressed the council.He believes i t is a bad idea,.
including a politically bad idea as he, may be in the mood for a:recall on
December 6.I t is also restraint of trade.The ability to pay the tax should
also be figured into any kind of tax imposed:in the city,and other
communities may have higher median incomes.
Mr.Tom Schuelke,1889 S.Palo
Verde,Apache Junction,addressed the council_The.change in the Model Tax
Code would improve the code but he does not think:they should:pass the use
tax.He urged the council to vote i t down.His comments. regarding
development fees and the requirements to consider -other taxes paid Still
stand.This will only target full time residents.The responsibility falls
on the citizens and: not the businesses.Council and,staff comments agree this
would be hard to enforce-,and i t should therefore not be enacted:He asked i f
the emergency clause is no longer being considered since this would not be
effective until October 1.The emergency clause would invite another lawsuit
and he gave :his reasons for why the:emergency clause is not:necessary or
legal.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 9 OF 23
There was general discussion as to
what would happen if the item were tabled,continued or postponed
indefinitely.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
commented the changes to the Model Tax Code would be brought to the council in
the fall regardless of this vote.
Mayor Coleman commented there are a
lot of things that bother him about the use tax.I t bothers him that i t is
not the business'responsibility to collect it.You go after the purchaser i f
i t is not paid,not the business.He feels like i t is inequitable.He was
hoping to rectify the inequity between site built homes and manufactured homes
brought in.He commented,regarding Mr.Schuelke's comments,that i t is the
council that decides whether something affects the peace,health and safety of
the community.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated
under Stone v.Prescott,a 9th Circuit case which went to the supreme court,
they essentially said they would not interfere with what the city council
decided upon.I t is a legislative decision and a panel of judges will not
interfere with the legislative beliefs or mental impressions OR what is peace,
safety or health.
Mayor Coleman stated i t is very hard
to define.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is why judges will not get involved,and. why there are different branches of
government.•
Councilmember Eck commented if we
cannot enforce something,it does not need to be created.He does not want to
table or continue this.He would like to be done with it.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.00-32,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 10 OF 23
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,DECLARING AS A PUBLIC RECORD THAT CERTAIN
DOCUMENT FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK AND ENTITLED "CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION TAX
CODE AMENDMENTS ON A USE TAX":AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY,BE DENIED.
MOTION.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
There was general discussion as to
how this item could be brought back to the council if so desired.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO.1140 BE DENIED.
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried..
minute break..
meeting.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
Mayor Coleman called for a ten
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
PZ-02-01,REQUEST BY JEFF COLE ON BEHALF
OF THE WAFFLE HOUSE RESTAURANT FOR A
WAIVER OF THE MASONRY WALL REQUIREMENT
ALLOWED UNDER THE APACHE JUNCTION CITY
CODE,VOLUME II,LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,
CHAPTER 6,ARTICLE 6-1 LANDSCAPING AND
SCREENING REQUIREMENTS (ORDINANCE NO.940
AND AMENDMENTS THERETO)
)Assistant Planner Juli McDaid
briefed the council'on the item.This request is to delete the 3'masonry
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 11 OF 23
wall required to screen headlights in the parking area on the east and west
sides of the property.The requirement increases development costs by about
$25,000,making the total development cost too high.They are stipulating
that since an amendment was granted to allow deletion of the 6'separation
wall,the 3'screen wall -should be deleted as well.The developer is
suggesting that dense shrubbery be installed instead,and that the elimination
of these walls will not affect any residential properties.Lights will shine
only on the back of Four Sons and on future commercial buildings to the east.
Staff concludes that higher density landscaping will be acceptable on the west
side,and that penstemon be installed.Staff concludes the wall is needed on
the east as no building plans have been filed so it would not be in the best
interest of the neighboring property owner.If council agrees to the higher
density level,staff recommends requiring the applicant to install
Leucophyllum species such as Chihuahuan Sage:they would have to be installed
at a 15 gallon size approximately 3.5'on center;and consider requiring a
maintenance contract for a period no less than 24 months to be provided-by.the..
property owner.She has received a letter of support from John Slentz for
this request.
Mayor Coleman asked if the developer
of parcel 4 will be required to put up a 3'wall when i t is developed.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
any property where headlight parking faces the street or a neighboring
property requires a 3'wall.
Mayor Coleman stated there could be
two 3'walls side by side between 39 and 40.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
they could,but usually the one that.develops first puts the wall in.
Councilmember Eck asked if the -
request is for the east and west side.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
that is correct.
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JULY 17,2001
PAGE 12 OF 23
Councilmember Dietz stated he has no
problem with the west side,but he is uncertain on the east side.The lights
would be going into the neighboring motel area.
Councilmember Durbala commented he
would like to see the wall on the east side and as the properties are
developed,each of them should have to construct a wall on the east side.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address thEcouncil.
Mr.Jeff Cole,5986 Financial Drive,
Norcross,Georgia,addressed the council representing Waffle House.The
purpose of the request is for visibility,access and decreased development
costs.The reason for deleting the 6'wall was so that people could see where
they were going.They thought that waiver also took care of the 3'wall;this
wall would also limit visibility and access to the site.If council decides
they must keep the wall,they would like to put in a wide screen wall made of
shrubbery to lower the development costs.
Councilmember Eck asked how they
could guarantee the shrubbery would be able to act 100% as a screen wall.
Mr.Jeff Cole stated they will put
in an irrigation system so that the plants will have the possibility of
success.They will want. to keep the shrubbery looking nice in the
development.Other than that,he has no solution.
Councilmember Eck commented he is
not sure this would work on the east side.Something may go up on that side
in the future that could be affected by it.The masonry wall would guarantee
that it would be protected.
Mr.Jeff Cole stated they are
talking about either a restaurant or a retail outlet for that lot.Most of
those would not be open much past dark.I t should not have a significant
effect on anyone.The shrubs would alleviate some of it.
Councilmember Eck commented he likes
to get away from walls,but he is not sure vegetation will do the job here.
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JULY 17,2001
PAGE 13 OF 23
Vice Mayor Surra commented she is
one of .the proponents -of landscaping rather than masonry walls,but she
understands staff's concern.This landscaping would have to be monitored for
maintenance and compliance.Their perception could be different from the
city's and their neighbors'perception on what looks nice.This is probably
why the 3'wall became the.compromise.She would like something -that combined
both,but she does not see how that could be done.
Mr.Jeff Cole gave them a copy of
the handout of the shrubbery proposed for the east side.
would be on the west side.
Councilmember Durbala asked what
Mr.Jeff Cole stated that would be
what staff had proposed.He continued with a description of the live.screen
wall and its maintenance.The owner of the remaining lots does not want the
masonry wall.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if part of
the 3'wall could be accomplished with a berm and landscaping with the berm.
Assistant Planner Jull McDaid stated
it could not.
Councilmember Durbala asked if they
would have trouble getting anyone else to put up a 3'wall after that if they
allowed this to go through with only shrubs and later every other business
just put in shrubs,and then one business goes under, and the shrubs are not
taken care of,thus creating an eyesore,
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid
responded too far from the microphones to be heard..
Councilmember Durbala commented i t
would be more Of a nuisance.They need to stay -consistentfrom the very .
beginning if they let them have shrubbery.If later the shrubbery does not
work,later developers will not want to put up the wall when the earlier
developers were allowed to put in shrubbery.He would.not like to see a
problem later on with other developers.
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JULY 17,2001
PAGE 14 OF 23
Councilmember Dietz asked if the
easement on the south side runs along all of the lots.
Mr.Jeff Cole stated i t runs all the
way to the Super 8.
Councilmember Dietz commented that
would give them the circular movement within the retail complex.
Mr.Jeff Cole stated that is
correct.Each lot would have a perpendicular drive aisle from it.
Councilmember Dietz commented he
could see no reason why a 3'wall would not work on the east side.They would
still have the circular movement within the complex.This would make it more
uniform.
Mayor Coleman commented the wall
would not cover the south 24'.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
that is correct.
Mayor Coleman commented the screen
wall is just for the parking area.He does like the movement flow idea.He
does want the 3'wall for the purpose of the headlights:he is not sure the
shrubbery would do it.
COUncilmember Dietz commented he has
no problem with the shrubbery on the west side.
Councilmember Urich agreed with
shrubbery on the west side and the 3'wall on the east side.
Vice Mayor Surra asked what kind of
shrubbery would be on the west side.
Mr.Jeff Cole stated they would be
using penstemon.He reiterated that the original developer does not want the
3'walls either.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 15 OF 23
Councilmember Durbala commented that
would make sense since it would be cheaper to sell.He has wanted a lot of
other things down there that he has not gotten.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Barry Tower,5986 Financial
Drive,Norcross,Georgia,also representing Waffle House,addressed the
council.He commented the 3'wall is a security issue.They are open 24
hours and someone could hide behind the wall and rob the restaurant when the
back door is opened to take out the trash.The dense landscaping is more
preferable as confetti cannot be drawn on it.If a vehicle hits the wall,the
wall will fall down.The wall could be ugly ten years from now.Plants could
die,but they can be replaced,possibly even denser and prettier than the
original planting.He requested they reconsider the wall.
Mr.Tom Schuelke,1889 S.Palo
Verde,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He would like to make sure the
plants used are not those that drop their leaves seasonally.As these lots
will be developed in stages,he suggested using one wall instead of adjoining
walls on two adjoining properties.I t is not fair for the first developer to
pay for the wall entirely;that developer should keep track of the cost and
the city should request the adjoining developer to reimburse the.first one for
half the cost.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council
discussion.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they were
advocating that every developer put up a west wall and an east wall,or just
that every developer put up a wall on the east end.
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
it would depend on how they faced their parking.
Vice Mayor Surra commented if they
are not facing headlights in the direction of the other businesses,they may
have to erect a 3'wall on the east or west end.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 16 OF 23
Assistant Planner Juli McDaid stated
they could have to erect a wall at any end of the property depending on the
way the headlights would be facing.
Vice Mayor Surra commented someone
could hide in dense shrubbery,too,if they really want to rob the Waffle
House.I t is not a good argument.If they could find a way for the developer
to take responsibility for the entire east end of the properties or all the
perimeters of the properties,having only one person to go to for maintenance
problems,this would ease some of the council's concern on code compliance
issues.In lieu of that,there is concern.She suggested getting together
with the developer for a better solution.She would like to see landscaping,
but she understands if they cannot do that consistently.
Councilmember Eck commented he would
prefer the landscaping,but with not knowing what is going on with the rest of
the lots he cannot go with just landscaping.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
There was general discussion on how
the motion should be phrased.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT THE
REQUEST BY JEFF COLE ON BEHALF OF WAFFLE HOUSE,CASE PZ-02-01,FOR A WAIVER OF
THE REQUIRED 3'SCREEN WALLS UNDER SECTION 6-1-5(E)(5)PARKING LOT
LANDSCAPING,AS REQUIRED BY THE APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE,VOLUME II,LAND
DEVELOPMENT CODE,CHAPTER 6,ARTICLE 6-1 LANDSCAPING AND SCREENING
REQUIREMENTS,(ORDINANCE NO.940 AND AMENDMENTS THERETO)FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 101 E.29TH AVENUE,(PARCEL NO.102-21-039),BE APPROVED WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:RECOMMENDED MOTION,CONDITION ONE,THE APPROVALS ARE AS
FOLLOWS,LANDSCAPING WILL BE INSTALLED ALONG THE WEST PROPERTY BOUNDARY WHERE
PARKING SPACES ARE LOCATED;PENSTEMON OR A PLANT MATERIAL WITH EQUIVALENT
CHARACTERISTICS SHALL BE INSTALLED AT 2.5'ON CENTER:INSTALLED PLANT SIZE
SHALL BE 5 GALLON AND SHALL BE TRIMMED AND MAINTAINED FOR THE PURPOSE OF
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE SCREEN AGAINST CAR HEADLIGHTS SHINING ONTO ADJACENT
PROPERTY;DECOMPOSED GRANITE SHALL BE PLACED IN THIS AREA AS SPECIFIED ON THE
APPROVED LANDSCAPE PLAN;CONDITION TWO,THE EAST WALL WILL BE A 3'TALL
MASONRY WALL RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE PROPERTY.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 17 OF 23
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED
THE MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.01,15,CITY-
INITIATED PRIVATE ACCESS WAY REQUEST FOR
PROPERTY OWNED BY :RICHARD AND ETTA
LAPORTE AT SOUTHEAST CORNER OF WEST
BROADWAY AVENUE AND SOUTH:CEDAR DRIVE
)Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.The city is preparing to widen Broadway from
Meridian to Idaho.The city engineer has been working with Mr.LaPorte to
gain additional right-of-way on Broadway.There is an easement that was
granted to the county across the property and the city is asking Mr.LaPorte
to dedicate it to the city. •The city is also asking for a 20'by 20'
disability corner at the southeast corner of Broadway and Cedar.Mr.LaPorte
wishes_to do a land split'in the future.He agrees to do the street
improvements on -.Cedar in order to have the land split:at a- later -date:.The
city is asking him to discontinue his accession Broadway,and in -return he
will be allowed to have an access on Cedar.ThEplanning and zoning
commission has given itsapproval.He outlined the conditions in the
resolution.
hearing on the Item.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
Mr.-Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council_He commented i t seems like the city:
needs something here so they are willing to bend the -rules,allowing the
private access:road:to be built to less than city -standards.
Mayor:Coleman closed the public .
hearing with no one -else -wishing to -speak.He reopened the item to council
discussion -.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 18 OF 23
Councilmember Eck. commended the
senior planner and the city engineer for their job on this case They used
creative solutions.
Mayor Coleman and Vice Mayor Surra
agreed.
Mayor COleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT -
RESOLUTION:NO.' 01-15,A RESOLUTION OF.THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING THE CREATION A TWENTY-EIGHT FOOT
(28')WIDEPRIVATE ACCESS WAY PURSUANT TO THE APACHE' JUNCTION CITY CODE„
VOLUMEII LAO DEVELOPMENT CODE;CHAPTER I ZONING ORDINANCE,ARTICLL20
PARKING,LOADING,AND INTERIOR OR,PRIVATE STREET STANDARDS SECTION 20;0l08:
PRIVATE ACCESS WAY STANDARDS,IN CASE PA -1-01,FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING ,
LEGAL ACCESS TO CERTAIN PROPOSED'TH (TRAILER HOMESITES)-ZONED PARCELS
DESCRIBED HEREIN:BEiAPPROVED.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous,
The motibrycarried.
OLD BUSINESS
Wine.
NEW BUSINESS::
ACCEPTANCE OF HUMAN SERVICES FUNDING
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FY 2001-02 AND
DIRECTION TO PREPARE CONTRACTS FOR AGENCY
SERVICES
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly,
briefed the *council on the 'item:The recommendations were givenat"the work
session last night.The recommendations are the ,sameas last year with the
REGULAR MEETING OFI THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 19 OF 23
additional stipulation that should any of the applicants default during the
contract period,their remaining funds go to the Boys and .Girls Club.
Mayor Coleman opened the item to•
council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT THE
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION FOR HUMAN
SERVICES FUNDING FOR FY 2001-2002 BE ACCEPTED AND THAT SERVICE CONTRACTS
REFLECTING THE REQUIREMENTS OF ORDINANCE NO.659,THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
COMMISSION AND OTHER APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS BE RETURNED FOR COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH FINAL BUDGET ADOPTION.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
•
The motion carried.
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,AUGUST 6,2001,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RESPECTIVELY;
AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,AUGUST 7,2001,
IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 20 OF 23
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
meeting at 8:54 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 3,2001.
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
3.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees.
Employees receiving recognition are:Parks & Recreation employees:David
Harwell:Frank Granillo:Tom Tennant:Rick Britton:Terry Johnson,Brian
Tschudy:and Tommy Norris.
4.Approval to reject all bids for Project PW 2001-07,Construction of curb,
gutter,valley gutter,sidewalk,sidewalk ramps,driveway entrances,storm
drains,concrete spillway,scupper headwall,catch'basins,RQRCP and CMP
pipe,on Broadway Avenue from Meridian Drive to Idaho Road.
5.Approval to award bid for Project PW 2001-10,Installation of guard rail
and other related materials at headwall locations No.2 and 3.on Old West
Highway between Wickiup Road and Cortez Road to Arizona Highway Safety
Specialists,Inc.in the amount Of $50,685.
6.Approval and authorization_to expend up to $25.000 in design services for
Capital Facilities improvements.
7.Approval and authorization to spend in excess of $10,000 (not to exceed
$100,000)with Baker and Taylor.Inc.,a library materials vendor.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 21 OF 23
8.Approval to award bid for PR #01-03,Professional Sports Officiating
Services,to Southwest Officials Association in the amount of $16.50 per
game.
9.Approval of Resolution No.01=10,Intergovernmental Agreement, with the
Arizona Department of Transportation for the Small Area Transportation
Study.(This study will provide the City with a master plan to address
future transportation requirements in developed and undeveloped areas of
the City:)
10.Approval and authorization for Mayor to enter into an agreement with Earth
Tech,Inc.in the amount of $108,865 for preparation of designs for traffic
signals at Superstition Boulevard at Idaho Road;Delaware Drive at Broadway
Avenue;Ironwood Drive at Baseline Avenue;and curb,gutter,sidewalk on
Royal Palm from Old West Highway to Southern Avenue.
ACCEPTED THIS 7TH DAY OF AUGUST ,2001,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 7TH DAY OF AUGUST 2001.
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 22 OF 23
)0UGLAS C EMANDOUGLAS COtEMAN
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 17th day of July,2001.I further certify that
the meeting was duly called and held and that a .quorummas present.
Dated this 20th day of July,2001.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 17,2001
PAGE 23 OF 23