HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-12-04 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 4.2001
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on December 4,2001,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 Eck 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
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Robert Warner
City Engineer Ron Grittman
Public Works Director Doug Dobson
Development Services Director Dean Svoboda
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 1 OF 21
Others Present:Assistant Planner Juli McDald
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
Parks Superintendent Nick Blake
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT THE
CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED:AND I MOVE THAT WE RECOGNIZE THE
OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE FOLLOWING CITY EMPLOYEE:CITY
ENGINEER RON GRITTMAN FOR USING PERSONAL TIME,AND IN THE WORDS OF THE
RESIDENT THAT HE ASSISTED,"HIS KINDNESS AND HIS PROFESSIONALISM",WHICH
ASSISTED THEM WITH A PROPERTY DETERMINATION.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Bret Stilson,1053 S.Warner,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding the motocross park.He believes it will be a great thing for the
community and the kids who reside here.A random show of hands at the Boys
and Girls Club unanimously showed everyone thought they would participate at
the motocross facility in some way.A Honda Motorcycle representative stated
they would give the Boys and Girls Club motorcycles to start a program at the
club for rider safety and handling instructions.They would like to get the
children on the track with some positive adults that would be good role
models.I t is an innovative program for those that would not compete in
sports.Motorcycles and engines tend to get these kids going.He believes i t
would be a good program for the community.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 2 OF 21
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,NEW
LICENSE,CORPORATION,SERIES 10 LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR TEXACO STAR MART
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.The packet includes reports from the police
department,zoning department and the fire district.The applicant was
notified to be present this evening to answer any questions.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.No representative was present.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and opened the item to council discussion.
Vice Mayor Surra commented that
there were several pages of violations in the past included in the packet.A
great number of them deal with selling to minors at various locations.She is
concerned that there is no record of remedial measures taken to either train
their staff or make changes in the process for the way they ask for
identification.Alot of the violations were for failing to even ask for
identification.As no representative is here tonight-to answer the question
on what they intend to do about the remedial measures at this site,she would
not favor the application.
CouncilmeMber Dietz commented there
are 17 pages listing the violations.
Councilmember Eck asked if this
could be continued.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
commented the state only allows a certain amount of time for the city to
respond within.If there is no response,they take i t as an approval.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated it
would be recommended that the council either recommend denial or approval.I f
i t is for approval,there will not be a hearing withAhe state liquor board on
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 3 OF 21
the application.I t is an administrative acceptance.I f i t is a
recommendation for denial,a hearing is held before the state liquor board.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
if it is a recommendation for denial,reasons must be provided.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated they
must have findings if that is their motion,
Councilmember Eck asked if the time
frame would allow them to continue this to the December 18 meeting.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
he believed it was 30 days from acceptance.
Councilmember Urich commented there
are pages that have been filled out incorrectly and not completed.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they
listed the business as being in.the County of Maricopa.She questioned i f
they knew where they are located.
Councilmember Dietz commented this
was accepted on October 26 and askedMf the 30 days .starts from then.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
i t has to be posted for 20 days prior to the public hearing.They are
currently :within the time frame.
Councilmember Eck commented he could
not understand why they took this so lightly with all the background
information here.He believed someone should have been sent to discuss the
application.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
i t is within 60 days 'after the filing of the application that the city shall
enter an order recommending approval or disapproval.That is 60 days from the
time that they file with the state.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 4 OF 21
There was general discussion on the
possibility of continuing this item to December 18.It was determined to make
the recommendation now.
Councilmember Urich asked if the
fire district completed their investigation.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
they did not.
Mayor Coleman asked if they would
have to outline the reasons for denying the application.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated the
person making the motion for denial needs to set forth the reasons for
recommendation for denial.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,NEW LICENSE,CORPORATION,SERIES 10 LIQUOR
LICENSE SUBMITTED BY GREGORY SARGOVETZ ON BEHALF OF TEXACO STAR MART BE
RECOMMENDED FOR DENIAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL DUE TO THE FOLLOWING REASONS:DUE TO THE NUMBER OF VIOLATIONS OF
UNDERAGE DRINKING AND UNDERAGE VIOLATIONS AT NUMEROUS PLACES:NO PLAN TO
REQUIRE TRAINING OR ANY TYPE OF FOLLOW-UP TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS WOULD NOT
HAPPEN IN PARTICULAR PLACES:NO REPORT BACK FROM THE FIRE DISTRICT AS WELL:
AND THE APPLICANT WAS NOT PRESENT AND THE APPLICATION WAS NOT ACCURATELY
FILLED OUT AND STATING THAT THEY WERE FROM MARICOPA INSTEAD OF FROM HERE.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.01-21:DECLARING
AS A PUBLIC RECORD THAT CERTAIN DOCUMENT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 5 OF 21
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK AND ENTITLED
"THE 2001 AMENDMENTS TO THE TAX CODE OF
THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION"AND DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY:PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1154:
ADOPTING THE 2001 TAX CODE AMENDMENTS TO
THE CITY TAX CODE BY REFERENCE;
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE;PROVIDING
FOR PENALTIES:PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.These series of changes to the tax code were
generated because of legislative changes at the session ending last spring.
Following those changes,the Unified Audit Committee together with League of
Arizona Cities and Towns and the Arizona Department of Revenue made a series
of recommendations regarding those changes.Those changes went to the
Municipal Tax Code Commission who subsequently passed them.The cities and
towns are now obligated to make the changes that have been recommended by the
Municipal Tax Code Commission.The effective date will be later in December
and almost all of the cities will have adopted this by their second meeting in
December.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the items.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and reopened the items to council discussion.There being no
further discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.01-21,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,DECLARING AS A PUBLIC RECORD THAT CERTAIN
DOCUMENT FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK AND ENTITLED "THE 2001 AMENDMENTS TO THE
TAX CODE OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA";AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY,
BE APPROVED.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 6 OF 21
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1154 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY WITH THE EMERGENCY CLAUSE AND THE
READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only with the emergency clause.
Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1154,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AN -02-00,ANNEXATION PROPOSAL BRINGING
APPROXIMATELY 40 ACRES OF PRIVATE LAND
AND FREEWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY IN PORTIONS OF
SECTION 33
)Assistant Planner Jull McDaid
briefed the council on the item.The city received a request from Earnhardt
Properties on November 2,2000 to annex approximately 40 acres on the south
side of US 60 between Cactus Road and the Royal Palm alignment.State
procedures for annexation have been followed:this is the required public
hearing prior to the end of the waiting period.The property is currently
vacant and has been zoned General Rural by the county:it will therefore be
annexed under our General Rural zoning.The general plan specifies most of
this area as employment/retail with a small area intended for trails and
landscaping.The city must provide police protection,zoning and code
enforcement.Water will be provided by the water utility district and sewer
by Superstition Mountain Community Facilities District.
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DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 7 OF 21
Mayor Coleman asked where the
subject site was located.
Assistant Planner Jull McDaid stated
i t is immediately adjacent to the west of the existing Earnhardt property
currently being developed as the Ford dealership.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and opened the item to council discussion.There being no
discussion,he moved on to the next item.
OLD BUSINESS
UPDATE ON STREET CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS )
)Public Works Director Doug Dobson
briefed the council on the item.The storm drain system is complete between
Meridian and Delaware on Broadway.The utilities are being completed between
Delaware and Ironwood.The contractor is rough grading the curbs,gutters and
sidewalks of the complete project and they should be done with the portion
between Meridian and Delaware in two weeks.City crews are installing the
drainage culverts at San Marcos.The asphalt pulverization will be started in
about two weeks.The curbs and gutters have been installed on the west side
of Cactus;the east side has been postponed a couple of days due to the rain.
Councilmember Eck asked what the
projected due date is for the Broadway project to be completed.
City Engineer Ron Grittman stated i t
should be done in early February.
UPDATE ON THE CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN
)Parks Superintendent Nick Blake
briefed the council on the item.The skate park is underway;he gave a
presentation on its progress.The parking lot is to subgrade right now.The
tennis courts and fencing are 50% completed.The demolition part of the
swimming pool has taken place to primarily remove the plaster in the areas
that need to be replastered.The project appeared to move slowly as the
facility infrastructure was being put in.The actual park has been worked on
for the last 3 weeks so i t now is taking shape.Construction has been
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 8 OF 21
relatively smooth from a cost standpoint.The skate park is a little bit
behind schedule.The school had some concerns about the bus access road but
public works has come in and paved the area.
Councilmember Eck asked if he could
ask about the skate park maintenance and operations.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t
would be appropriate as it goes to the capital facilities plan on the skate
park in general.
Councilmember Eck commented he was
over at Gilbert and his son used the skate park over there.They do not
require the use of a helmet there and i t appears they needed an ambulance
and/or fire truck about every 3 to 4 hours.He asked if there would be a
telephone there so that paramedics could be called to the Apache Junction
facility.
Parks Superintendent Nick Blake
stated there will be a pay phone over by the pool with a sign at the skate
park advising of the phone's location.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated the
sign should also say they should use a helmet.
Councilmember Eck commented most of
the little kids do have helmets but the teenagers do not.I t is dangerous and
the paramedics are consistently there on the weekends.There are no city
employees around for supervision.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated the
city intends to do that differently;it will be supervised.
Councilmember Eck commented he would
like to see telephone access to the skate park as there will be several calls.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they had
discussed regulations on the safety equipment that would be required in order
to use the facility.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 9 OF 21
Councilmember Eck commented they do
not do i t in Mesa either.
Parks Superintendent Nick Blake
stated they do not require them,but if they do,they are required to have
supervision there at all times.The city does not have the resources for
that.
Councilmember Eck commented he was
overwhelmed over there as they have no limit to the amount of skaters that can
use the facility at one time.
Councilmember Durbala commented he
thought they had discussed having someone there and having certain hours on
it.The kids were also supposed to have the required equipment or they would
not be allowed to skate.
Councilmember Eck stated they might
need to look into that.Supervision would make all the difference in the
world.
Vice Mayor Surra suggested the parks
and recreation board discuss this at a meeting and give some recommendations.
Parks Superintendent Nick Blake they
could probably look at that.
Vice Mayor Surra stated those are
parents who are concerned and she would like to know how they would feel.
Parks Superintendent Nick Blake
stated there are 8 parks in the valley that have on -site supervision.
Mayor Coleman stated that would be
somewhat expensive.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they have
to have lifeguards at the pool.She thought it was worth looking into.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 10 OF 21
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
they may be talking about someone who is not specifically dedicated to the
skate park but someone who would oversee the park in general.They would be
providing security to the park,not instruction.
Councilmember Eck commented he liked
the vice mayor's suggestion of having the parks and recreation board look at
this and make a recommendation.
Councilmember Dietz agreed.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and moved on to the next item.
NEW BUSINESS
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF
CONCERNING MOTOCROSS FACILITY SOUTH OF
APACHE JUNCTION
)Councilmember Durbala commented
he had asked for this item but he would like staff to give a report first
before discussing this.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.This was originally brought to the council
within the city limits;the development services director drafted a letter to
the state advising of several planning issues with the proposed location and
the lack of on -site improvements.The council had additional concerns as the
new general plan,worked out with State Land,did not have a motocross
facility in that area as an approved use,plus concerns for the PM10
regulations.A recommendation of denial was forwarded to State Land on the
development.The applicants are now proposing leasing a different site from
State Land that is basically farther south than the original site and i t is
within Pinal County.He described the sphere of influence planning area.
Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the
request and i t is going on to the board of supervisors.Council has been
provided with the Pinal County staff report.The board of supervisors
recommended the report as is with all of the 9 stipulations and plus a
stipulation to limit the hours of operation.The applicants had requested to
go to midnight,the stipulation limits them to 10 p.m.The request is similar
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 11 OF 21
to the one submitted to the city.They are still proposing the use of Porta-
Johns and minimal dust control measures.They are looking at water trucks to
keep the dust down on the track and putting gravel in the parking lot.The
county may require a deceleration lane off of Ironwood.There will be 4 dirt
tracks within the planning area,2 would be for more experienced riders.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda commented the board of supervisors is scheduled to hear this on
December 19.This is now a request for a permit instead of a lease,
reflecting the temporary or non-existent improvements to the site.State Land
did not refer this directly to the city as they considered it too far south of
the city for referral.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias
corrected the hours of operation.In the wintertime it will be 8 a.m.to
dark:in the summer it will be open from 6 a.m.to noon and then from 6 p.m.
to 10 p.m.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated they plan to have a chain link perimeter fence and a 4'berm
will be placed around the property.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if the permit
would be renewed every year and if gathered complaints and concerns would be
taken to the state board to advise them of these concerns,and if that would
have an impact on their decision to renew.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated he understands that is the situation per State Land.It will
be a short term permit with periodic review and the state will be interested
in any concerns or complaints.
Vice Mayor Surra asked what plans
Pinal County's General Plan had for the area.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
i t shows that area as partly transitional to urban land use designation.
There does not appear to be a general plan conflict.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 12 OF 21
Vice Mayor Surra asked if there were
other things than portable restrooms that can be used to make i t less
unsightly for that purpose.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
they do not propose anything more substantial.They mention a concession
stand and some small buildings for storage but nothing concerning restrooms.
Councilmember Durbala asked if they
would still have to have potable water for the snack bars as they would have
sanitation needs.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
that is correct.They do mention a water line.
Councilmember Durbala asked if this
was the group that came to them a year ago.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias stated
that is correct.
Councilmember Durbala asked why they
are persistent in putting this in Pinal County when the majority of their
group is in Maricopa County.He asked if Maricopa County was no longer
allowing any more of these to be built within the county.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda commented they are not aware of any moratorium in Maricopa County on
these facilities.Their application stated they intend to serve the southeast
valley,probably because of the amount of desert and state land in this
location.These types of facilities do exist in other parts of Maricopa
County.
Councilmember Durbala asked if they
were mainly in the northern part.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated they are mainly in the northwest.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 13 OF 21
Councilmember Durbala commented
there is nothing in this area.
Councilmember Eck commented Firebird
Lake has a facility.
Councilmember Durbala stated he is
concerned the dust may start drifting over the city and affecting the air
quality.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated he has seen a memo from Air Quality Control of Pinal County on
the facility detailing the water that would be used on the facility and he
assumes with that volume of water it would not create large volumes of dust
drifting towards the city.
Councilmember Durbala asked for
staff's recommendation on the facility.
Development Services Director Dean
Svoboda stated they do not have a hard recommendation at this time;they do
have site specific concerns and suggestions.They were asking for council's
direction on this project.
Councilmember Durbala commented
about the remarks in the newspaper today that were for the facility and
derogatory to anyone who was against the facility.Their attitude is either
do it my way,get out of here or go live in an oxygen tent.He is concerned
if this ends up being a long term lease that they would only stay on top of it
for the first two years or so.He asked if they were going to have paid
volunteers manning the facility or if they were going to have paid staff.He
asked how long the State Trust lease was going to be.He asked if County
Supervisor Sandie Smith would speak on this issue if the council agreed.
The council agreed to let Supervisor
Smith speak on the issue.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
addressed the council.She commented the issue is deeper than the motocross.
They are worried about the dust,but the people who currently come over and
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 14 OF 21
generate the dust on the weekend are within the city limits.She proposes
setting up a meeting with the State Land Department,the people who intend the
lease the land,and the people who control the air quality.She has asked her
air quality to research any violations of PM10 and dust regulations.What is
happening could far exceed the limits allowed by their ordinances.They want
to work for a solution that would look at the properties within the city
limits and outside the city limits.She would like to see an organized way of
controlling the dust.If they do not meet all of the stipulations on the
special use permit,the permit will go away.They will have EMTs on site.
She would like suggestions on how to improve the current stipulations.She
would like to continue the item on December 19 until they can meet with State
Land and ask what they plan for the whole area and how the dust issue will be
controlled on the organized and unorganized sites.She commented the issues
up on Baseline are far greater than what will be down at the motocross site at
this point as the dust will be controlled and they will have someone on site.
There are ATVs raising dust and people shooting guns inside the city limits at
this time.Recreation has to be provided for our youth;a balance needs to be
found.She will ask the city manager and any of his staff he chooses to
attend the meeting,along with her air quality people,Mr.Hudson from State
Land and the staff person who handles these leases.There is a lot of state
land down through the Queen Creek area and a lessee who has his cattle chased
by the ATVs.This needs to be balanced;she would like to see every one sit
down and come up with a solution.
Vice Mayor Surra asked when the
meeting would be.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
stated it would be 11 the first part of January.It will allow them to
develop good,substantial stipulations that will let the activity go forward
yet address the concerns of council and the citizens.
Vice Mayor Surra and Councilmember
Durbala commented that this sounded reasonable.
Mayor Coleman commented this
facility would be fenced and they have to pay to go in there.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
stated it will be contained.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 15 OF 21
Mayor Coleman asked what would stop
them from parking 200 yards north of there and riding there.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
stated that is why they have to work with the State Land Department and get
everyone's input.State Land issues recreational permits to individuals,but
they do declare certain areas off limits for certain things.This will also
give the public time for comments on their needs locally.
Vice Mayor Surra suggested
stipulating that State Land not issue individual permits for the same activity
so that all of that type of activity has to be within the same area.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
stated they will know what State Land's limitations are after they meet with
them.The meeting should help a lot as there is so much state land
surrounding the area and they need to know what the land can be used for.The
non -attainment area rules also have to be taken into account.
Councllmember Urich commented she
hoped the,concerns could be worked out and the facility given- a year's lease
as i t is such a positive thing for the youth and adults.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
commented the lease from the state is a year to year thing; special use
permits go from day to day.It could be revoked once the stipulations are in
there.They ,need to have good, strong stipulations.They need to figure out
how to make this meet the needs .and work with 'State Land to accomplish it.
Vice Mayor Surra stated they cannot
deny the existence of this type of track because of the popularity of it.She
would prefer seeing them in an area where there is some supervision and access
to medical care rather than what they are doing now.I t is a tremendous task
for the police to chase them down.
Pinal County _Supervisor Sandie Smith
stated they have the added problemof the shooting occurring in the area,even
if it is hunting -season and state land.They need to determine the rules for
shooting on state land as they are doing i t near the residences.She was not
sure if it was illegal to shoot on state land within city limits.:
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 16 OF 21
Councilmember Eck commented you
cannot shoot within the city limits,even on state land.And you must be a
quarter mile from a residence.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
stated she was concerned how they would get in to check that as there are four
gates to get in and out.The citizens she has heard from are concerned about
the gate near Tomahawk and the residences in proximity there.
Councilmember Durbala commented he
wanted to bring this to the council so that the county could hear what the
council has to say about it.He now knows the county is intending to delay i t
and get input from State Land and city staff.Some of the concerns he has may
get straightened out,some may not.He added it does not matter if it is free
to the public or not,there will still be people going wherever they want.
The police department has tried to enforce this on the state trust land.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
stated there are those that will abuse and those that will be responsible.
She would hate to have those that are organized and responsible suffer and not
receive consideration because of the abusers.
Councilmember Durbala stated i t sure
seems odd that they have not tried to get something in Maricopa County as they
have so many large groups coming from there.The majority of them will come
from Maricopa County,with some coming from as far away as Cave Creek.He
thought they should work for something on the state trust lands on that side
of the county.I t should not be in Apache Junction just because i t is
pristine and they want to have i t in that area.He would like to know why
there is no available area in Maricopa County as well when they talk to State
Land at that meeting.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
commented the ones who are using our rights -of -way and do not have trailers
are locals.
Councilmember Durbala commented you
see a lot of trailers down there.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 17 OF 21
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
stated there are some,but there are also quite a few coming down on the
rights -of -way.There needs to be a balance achieved.
Councilmember Durbala commented he
hoped the meeting would be very productive.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
stated she hoped so,too.
Vice Mayor Surra added that some of
those driving a distance to participate may see the beautiful area and decide
to build homes out here and start businesses.We should never not investigate
especially as this is a short term permit.They cannot guess what will
happen,but they will have a better idea of what is going on after a very
short time.They need to put the best stipulations they can on it.
Pinal County Supervisor Sandie Smith
suggested having them build a shell around the Porta-Johns.There are a lot
of things that can be done that they can explore.
Councilmember Eck stated he is for
this motocross track.They came to the city and were told no because they
were too close.They found a location further south and he thinks i t is a
much better location.He raced motocross and rode dirt bikes for about 15
years.They did not have a track where he grew up and everyone was racing in
the dirt lots.A motocross track was built on the outskirts of town and that
gave them a place to ride.It took a lot of the dust away from town.He
would be concerned about dust but they will be required to use water on it.
He hopes the people will come from far away and stay at the motels,and the
Porta-Johns do not bother him as they use them at the rodeo.He thinks i t
will be a good thing and he likes that i t is a permit and not a long lease in
case a major development comes that way.
Mayor Coleman agreed.He closed the
discussion and called for a motion.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING THE MOTOCROSS FACILITY SOUTH
OF APACHE JUNCTION:REQUEST THAT STAFF ATTEND THAT MEETING THAT SANDIE SMITH
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 18 OF 21
IS SETTING UP AND THEN REPORT BACK TO US WITH THE INFORMATION THEY RECEIVE
FROM THAT.
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AUTHORIZATION FOR PURCHASE OF REAL
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 507 NORTH IRONWOOD
FROM DOROTHY L.MUELLER IN CONJUNCTION
WITH THE CITY'S STREET IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
)City Engineer Ron Grittman
briefed the council on the item.I t is necessary to purchase this home due to
its proximity to the newly constructed back sidewalk.I t is too close to the
sidewalk.The best thing is to purchase it outright,construct the project
and decide at a later date what to do with the property.
Vice Mayor Surra complimented the
city engineer for the information he presented at the work session and giving
them enough time to review it.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT THE
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 507 NORTH IRONWOOD DRIVE
FROM DOROTHY L.MUELLER IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CITY'S STREET IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $70,303.00 BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 19 OF 21
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,DECEMBER 17,2001,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY:AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,DECEMBER 18,2001,
IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Mayor Coleman announced that Councilmember Durbala and the city manager will
be leaving tomorrow for the National League of Cities Conference in Atlanta.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 8:13 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 6,2001.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 20 OF 21
3.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees.
Employees receiving recognition are:Ron Grittman.
ACCEPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2001,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE, CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 18TH
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
DAY OF DECEMBER ,2001.
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 4th day of December,2001.I further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 11th day of December,2001.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 4,2001
PAGE 21 OF 21