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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-21 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 21,2000 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona,was held on March 21,2000,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 Urich led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman Vice Mayor Surra Councilmember Dietz Councilmember Durbala Councilmember Eck Councilmember Insalaco Councilmember Urich Staff Present:City Manager Curtis Shook Asst.City Manager George Hoffman City Clerk Kathleen Connelly City Attorney Joel Stern Public Safety Director Robert Warner Development Services Director Glen Van Nimwegen Others Present:Long Range Planner Kate Langford REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 1 OF 23 Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND THAT WE RECOGNIZE THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE FOLLOWING CITY EMPLOYEES:PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE DAVID CAYLOR;PARKS & RECREATION EMPLOYEE RAUL GUERECA;AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS City Manager Curtis Shook introduced George Williams of Williams & Associates. He was previously employed by the Federal Aviation Administration and retired from there last year.He now provides consulting work regarding airspace issues.He is knowledgeable of the dry heat issues.City Manager Curtis Shook commented he has discussed the issue with Mr.Williams and he requested he come before the council to discuss the issue with them.He reminded the council that the Federal Aviation Administration officials who had already been here had talked about the Phoenix Airspace Users Work Group,and he and the city attorney will be attending the first meeting which will be on Thursday morning.They will give the council a report on the meeting. Mr.George Williams commented he had been with the Federal Aviation Administration for 37 years and had been their regional division manager for all of western California,Arizona and Nevada.He gave a brief description of his work history.In April 1998 he retired and started to work as director of air traffic for America West Airlines.At an Albuquerque meeting in April of 1998,there were discussions with the military to acquire a path through their airspace east of Williams Gateway.The route was to be a reliever for traffic departing eastbound from Sky Harbor and heading towards St.Johns.This would split the departure paths in that area.Sky Harbor has two parallel runways that run east and west;eastern departures mandate departing on the north REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 2 OF 23 runway.This is the result of a court agreement from 1995.The development of the pre -heat departure would allow them to take off on the south runway and make a left turn around Ahwatukee and proceed over Apache Junction. Negotiations between the military and the Federal Aviation Administration started in May of 1998 and the first draft for dry heat was done in September. The original plan called for the planes to depart on Runway 8,going straight east.The airplanes were to turn due south,then make a left turn and proceed eastbound.This would have brought them even more over the Apache Junction area.Dry heat has been revised a number of times.The current plan was finished on December 15,1998.The plan was developed by America West in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration.It was a lead air carrier -type concept.A lead air carrier is defined by the Federal Aviation Administration as somebody who has an item they would like to see get into publication;they are responsible for the item.America West is the proponent for any of the random -type navigation procedures coming out of Phoenix.As a co -developer,the only other airplanes allowed to fly that route are airplanes that would sign a letter of agreement with America West.America West signed with the Federal Aviation Administration,other airlines signed with America West.The dry heat departure was set to begin on February 25,1999.It was originally put in as a pre -heat departure because the environmental work could not get done as the procedure could not get published,could not be briefed and could not make all the charting dates that are required.Charting dates deal with software and charts,and they all must come together.A departure can be put in on an ad hoc basis or an interim basis as a test while the pending requirements are finished.It went in as a test procedure,and they normally last between 90 days and 180 days.It must then be withdrawn and put away.A test procedure cannot be transitioned to a permanent procedure. However,this is what was done with dry heat.There was no real solicitation of pilot or community feedback.Noise complaints that went to the City of Phoenix were relayed to the Federal Aviation Administration at Phoenix Approach Control so there was no log of any complaints.The airport would normally handle those,but the pre -heat was developed without airport concurrence so they refused to handle those complaints.This made i t appear that there was very little effect there.The Air Traffic Controllers Union in April stated this was to be a 30 day test;obviously it has become something much more than that.The Federal Aviation Administration implemented the dry heat departure on March 28,1999;it was implemented as a permanent procedure and it remains in effect today.The departure was implemented to provide a second departure path for eastbound traffic and to alleviate some delays.The REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 3 OF 23 majority of delays are caused by airline banking;this is when all the eastbound flights are scheduled for the same time so they all sit in line and wait.Another route would split these planes up and theoretically save money. The initial savings was about $3,000 to $4,000 per day,but inefficiencies have eaten that up.The procedures group will start meeting on Thursday. They had earlier asked John Clancy,the Federal Aviation Administration Division Manager to meet with them,and he has agreed to form this work group. The term of the work group will depend on the issues that are raised.It will be jointly chaired with the Air Transport Association,which is the lobbying arm of the airlines,and the local Federal Aviation Administration.He has been assured that the Los Angeles Federal Aviation Administration will be keeping an eye on the meetings.It has also been announced in Washington, D.C.,that this group was being formed and it is a result of Matt Salmon's efforts during the pre -heat discussion.John McCain had also asked about this route:he was told it was a new route to create a second departure corridor to the east and that it was an existing route that had been reopened.Mr. Williams stated there are some changes that can be done;there can be higher crossing altitudes and some change of routes,especially where it would effect Williams Gateway.There are also different things they can do with flight management system and random navigation procedures to avoid populated areas as well as possible abolishment.Sal DiCiccio,under the Freedom of Information Act,asked for all the documentation and justification that they used to make their decision to implement and their decision to continue with the implementation of dry heat.However,Sal DiCiccio has moved on and the Phoenix council member replacing him is interested but i t is not a high priority.He suggested pursuing this if the council was interested. Vice Mayor Surra asked what PAUWG stood for. Mr.George Williams stated it is the Phoenix Airspace Users Work Group.I t is one of four initiatives going on with the Phoenix Sky Harbor Part 150 Study, the Williams Gateway Part 150 Study,the Phoenix User Group and the Maricopa Association of Governments Study.These issues need to be looked at and watched due to their impact on the rest of the system. Councilmember Dietz asked if there would be any recourse since the Federal Aviation Administration did not follow their own policies and federal regulations in not doing an environmental assessment of this. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 4 OF 23 Mr.George Williams that was the reason for the Freedom of Information Act request.They wanted to generate all the environmental studies that they did, all the noise complaints,and all the rationale.They asked for all the documentation in Phoenix and Albuquerque that was used to approve the departure.It was not approved correctly.It was said at a meeting in April 1999 by the airspace manager out of the western region that they would go ahead and bulldoze this thing through and make it a procedure.They would assume that they got no phone calls.I t is a matter of calling everybody together,getting all the information together and looking it over. Councilmember Dietz asked if congress calling for a study of valley air noise over this run would be the same as an environmental assessment. Mr.George Williams stated it would not.A study could be anything,such as the current procedures group.This group could evolve into something else, depending on the issues that are brought up.They will be setting down and looking at aviation and the issues,but they may not be changing anything. Councilmember Dietz asked if there was anything that could be done to get an environmental assessment taken care of. Mr.George Williams stated as soon as the Freedom of Information Act material comes in,and it is not sufficient to support the decision,they can proceed. Councilmember Dietz commented that would be if he got the information. Mr.George Williams stated he would,and what they do not have he does have since he worked for America West.He already has all the information. Mayor Coleman asked if he believed the work group would have any impact. Mr.George Williams stated it has the impact to change the majority of aviation issues in the valley:what happens at Sky Harbor,how Williams Gateway tends to grow and their traffic patterns,and what airplanes will eventually be moved to other valley airports.They are supposed to put together a report for the House on the aviation needs for the valley.He believed this committee may meet for about one year to resolve the issues. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 5 OF 23 Councilmember Eck asked for the definition of a public outcry.They were never given a definitive answer by the Federal Aviation Administration. Mr.George Williams stated it is anyone who starts complaining over a new procedure.It would not be just one phone call,but fifteen or twenty. Councilmember Eck commented they had a signed resolution from the city and it was not deemed a public outcry. Mr.George Williams stated he believed they based it on public comment.They were already flying the route,and they put i t in as a test procedure.The test procedure allows them to fly the route,they do not have to coordinate and they do not have to advise anyone.If no one starts making phone calls, and the City of Phoenix is supposed to catalog the noise complaints,then it is deemed that there really is no impact out there. Councilmember Durbala asked if complaining about this issue could cause other planes to get diverted over to Williams and create an even bigger problem. Mr.George Williams stated he believes Williams needs to start being developed now for procedures or there could be more problems. Councilmember Durbala was concerned about creating three times as many problems as they currently have.He has been told that if they cannot fly out here because of the dry heat,they cannot fly over this part of the city anyway.If the dry heat is changed,Apache Junction could be the total flight path for most of Williams. Mr.George Williams stated that is possible but he does not think i t is true. The people at Williams Gateway are more than willing to work to keep airplanes within the confines and away from the populated areas.They are concerned that if they wait too long,someone else will take the airspace and they will have nowhere to go. Councilmember Durbala commented Queen Creek is talking about putting in 10,000 homes in the present flight pattern for practice flights.He is concerned that Apache Junction will end up getting even more traffic as a result of this.The planes will also be a lot lower. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 6 OF 23 Mr.George Williams stated that is possible,but Williams does not have any procedures to handle instrument traffic nor a large amount of practice -type traffic. Councilmember Durbala commented they are gearing up for that,and they are getting federal funding now.They are attempting to become a national air freight airport. Mr.George Williams agreed.They hope to be there by the end of the year. Councilmember Durbala added air freight sometimes has more planes than passenger airlines.They could end up with more traffic. Mr.George Williams agreed.There needs to be some positive effort on the part of the council to make sure that does not happen.The best way to do that is to be in on the meetings when the procedures are made at Williams and with the Phoenix TRACON.Williams Gateway is not controlled by Phoenix,i t is controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration in Phoenix,and their main concern is to continue to run air traffic.Williams used to handle ten times more aircraft then it has right now with the air force base and it had a lot less intrusion on the communities.It needs to get back to the point of being a real airport,a big airport,and put back some of the procedures that they had in some of the airspace initiatives that they had then. Councilmember Durbala asked if he knew how many flights might be coming out of Williams once they become fully operational with freight lines. Mr.George Williams stated they are now running high density level two traffic which is in excess of 220,000 per year.If they are a full-fledged airport in five years,he would guess that could go up by 30% to 40%. Councilmember Durbala commented it would be a reliever airport like Midway in Chicago and ones in other larger cities. Mr.George Williams agreed,other than they controlled the growth at Midway by making them be able to get a gate at Midway if they wanted a gate at O'Hare. It will be more voluntary on the airlines part at Williams:it will be if they cannot find space. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 7 OF 23 Councilmember Urich commented the mayor,on behalf of the entire council., signed a strongly worded resolution to the Federal Aviation Administration, and she did not understand why that is not considered a significant public outcry. Mr.George Williams stated he believed what had happened was that the justification and the answers that have been provided to the top decision maker have not been true and complete.A lot of things were done in a vacuum and some were done after the fact.They were done to basically please the airlines.The regional administrator,who is stating they cannot find anything in there,he relies only on information provided to him by Phoenix. The City of Phoenix supported the airline in bringing on the departure. George Sullivan,the manager at the time,prepared the answer for the regional administrator.He was also hired by the City of Phoenix for Sky Harbor Airport shortly after his retirement. Councilmember Urich asked if there is enough mileage between the airport and Apache Junction to allow the planes to climb higher to avoid some of the noise. Mr.George Williams stated there is.A crossing restriction could be placed to the east side or the west side of Apache Junction or any city out there. If they extend them out another mile off of Runway 26 to avoid the Ahwatukee area,that would add another 3 flying miles and another 1,500 feet of altitude here.Currently,i t appears that off of Runway 26,the altitude is above 11,000 feet.They have not gotten a good altitude estimate off of Runway 8, which is the one that comes off straight to Apache Junction.They hope to get data on i t next week.If the procedure is flawed,it can be curtailed or changed.It could be moved a little further north or northeast;crossing altitudes can be changed.An altitude of 11,000 feet will not constrain any Williams Gateway traffic.Their normal traffic patterns are 2,000 to 3,000 feet above the ground.Those planes coming into Williams normally descend from 6,000 feet coming over the airport. Councilmember Durbala commented they could still get all the traffic was Williams plus all the traffic from dry heat. Mr.George Williams commented that unless the city works with Williams Gateway and works with the procedures work group,that can happen. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 8 OF 23 Councilmember Durbala asked how much of an impact they would have if they worked with them since they are smaller than other cities. Mr.George Williams stated they would have as good an impact as anyone.All the smaller California cities had impacts on airport issues that affected them.Once the city understands the air traffic control requirements and the Federal Aviation Administration requirements,and they can make recommendations for procedures that meet the federal regulations,meet the airlines demand and accommodate the controller,they will sit and listen.I f the city says it does not like something and asks them to move i t and they have no rationale,they will get a stone wall. Councilmember Durbala commented he believed they were going to have more air traffic in a few more years either way. Mr.George Williams stated that is possible,but they should start trying now to segregate that traffic to where they want it. Councilmember Durbala agreed they should do something,but the Federal Aviation Administration will be calling the shots when i t comes to air safety and traffic rights. Mr.George Williams stated the Federal Aviation Administration has two purposes:one is to control a safe air traffic control system and the other is to respond to the public.There is a requirement where they cannot move noise from one area to another to give relief.That is what happens whenever they change procedures without a hearing or without filing an environmental assessment. Councilmember Durbala asked how it works if they cannot change traffic patterns to relieve noise. Mr.George Williams stated there are a lot of areas in the valley where random navigation and precise navigation procedures can go without impacting people, particularly at high altitudes.Random points can be put anywhere on the map that require airplanes to fly certain routes.They need to sit down with them and make their desires known.The City of Tempe does have some noise abatement;they have departure procedures that the planes must come out to a certain point and turn,and they must balance the east and west departures. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 9 OF 23 They must go out to the freeway and to the power plant before they turn.When the city makes its presentations and its desires known,they must be done in a professional way so that they understand that they cannot refute except what their own regulations refute;normally these get adopted. Vice Mayor Surra stated he has clarified a lot of things for them.She understands things greater now.She commented it would take someone of a certain caliber to represent the city at these meetings.If things get into the "nitty gritty"at these meetings,they may need to call in some help. City Manager Curtis Shook stated he and Joel Stern do not "speak FAA".They would be at a distinct loss. Mr.George Williams commented that was his reason for coming out here. Councilmember Durbala asked the vice mayor if she would like to give direction for a contract person at a later date. City Manager Curtis Shook stated he would like to give the council a report on the first meeting before they decide if they need to contract to someone to speak for them. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Mr.Ron Kill,349 S.Saguaro,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He thanked the council for its support of the Apache Junction Little League.He added that every council member has personally contributed money to the program,and,in addition,Councilmember Durbala umpires and Councilmember Eck coaches.City Manager Curtis Shook also comes out to help,and the parks department does a beautiful job on the fields.Councilmember Insalaco coaches the small kids,and he is one of the longest,continuous sponsors of the Little League.He was presented with a special thank you. Mr.Tom Schuelke,1889 S.Palo Verde,Apache Junction,addressed the council. He was concerned that the council was ignoring the largest poll taken to date on the capital facilities plan.Out of 1,000 residents,only the most popular part of the plan received a 36% response.The most costly only received 14%. He believes that 70% of the voters in the city would not approve the plan due to the survey results.Mass transit and open space preservation are not even REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 10 OF 23 part of the plan;he would estimate less than 50% would support any element of the plan.He requested staff review the survey response numbers,and that the citizens be allowed to vote.If 70% vote for the plan,he would buy Councilmember Durbala lunch.He commented those who would benefit from the city's expense will come forward in support;he does not believe these "squeaky wheels"should be rewarded without a vote.He called Mr.Fox who had requested the larger council chambers;after talking to him,Mr.Fox changed his attitude and now would like to see an a la carte vote.He has questions on some of the plan that he would like to see addressed before any vote is taken.Where would the city get $600,000 a year for operating expenses?Is it wise to take on such spending when faced with the loss of the vehicle license tax and shared income tax revenues?There will be empty space with the advent of the new building,can the city center construction plans be scaled back?Can some of the space be used for the multi -generational center? Chandler built a skateboard park for $621,000,does Apache Junction need a $250,00 skateboard park?Does an indicated 20% support level justify an inclusion of the rodeo center?Why the rush for council vote on a plan after only weeks following the cancellation of the city vote?He is concerned that the council fears a public vote on the plan,and he challenged them to prove him wrong. Mr.Jerry Dean,825 W.12th Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council. He complained of the tax increase made by Pinal County.He did not agree with Mr.Schuelke.He would like to see the children watched over,that there be a place for the older generation to have recreation,and that there be a meeting of the minds.He had been told that Broadway and Southern would be put all the way through,and he would like to see this done.He referenced an ongoing investigation he was doing but did not specify the topic. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Curtis Shook stated to enhance the training of personnel,he will be having his assistants at various times prepare the council agenda and provide the direct staff service for the meeting;Michael Munroe will be doing i t for the next meeting.Secondly,the Valley Forward report card came out. Last time the city received an "F";this time the city received a "B"in Land Use Planning,a "B-"in Transportation,a "D-"in Air and Air Quality,and a "C"in Water.The city is working on improving the air quality by paving a number of the dirt roads,and the city is looking at building a treatment REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 11 OF 23 plant for tap water soon.The city has come a long way in the last three years. PUBLIC HEARINGS PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.99-61/CASE NO.SD- 97-10/FINAL PLAT FOR SUNRISE SHADOWS SUBDIVISION )Councilmember Dietz stated he had to abstain from the item due to a conflict of interest.He worked on this item as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Long Range Planner Kate Langford briefed the council on the item.This subdivision will be located at the northwest corner of San Marcos and 12th Avenue.Beazer Homes will be the developer and has submitted a final plat.I t is in substantial compliance;an internal tot lot has been added as requested at the preliminary plat phase. There was discussion on a drainage channel running along the southern edge of the property;it was originally proposed to take the water from wash that ran from the western portion of the property and direct i t straight down through the project,then it would be turned west at the end of the project and turned south down through Arroyo Verde.Beazer and its engineers have redirected it south a much shorter distance.The channel will not be a gunite channel,i t will be landscaped and look more natural.There was also concern on the visual impact of the homes on residents already living in the area.The structures were limited to single story along the southern boundary and the western boundary.The size of the homes will go up incrementally.Beazer will be offering two story homes for the larger square footage homes.They are requesting approval of the final plat resolution.They have a representative in attendance to answer any questions. Councilmember Urich asked if she had received any response from the residents from the March 1,2000,letter she sent out. Long Range Planner Kate Langford stated she has not had any response,but some of the people are in the audience.She is unaware if any other staff may have received any. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 12 OF 23 Councilmember Eck asked if there was a time limit between when a developer starts the process to when the council would be receiving the final plat. Long Range Planner Kate Langford stated there is not. Councilmember Eck commented this started almost three years ago. Long Range Planner Kate Langford stated that is correct.The application date was in early 1997.The preliminary plat was done in mid 1998.There were ten revisions to that plat. The rezoning was done a few months before that.There is no time frame,but there is a reversion time for zoning that the council may evoke after two years,but no such reversion for a hard zoning in a subdivision plat. Councilmember Eck,City Manager Curtis Shook and Long Range Planner Kate Langford discussed the time frame reversion factor.Councilmember Eck commented he was not interested in having the property revert,he was just curious as to the process. Mayor Coleman asked the applicant to address the council. Mr.Mark Hanson,Beazer Homes, addressed the council.They have enjoyed working with staff and he was there to answer any questions. Councilmember Eck asked when they would start building. Mr.Mark Hanson stated as soon as possible.They already have permits ready for approximately 12 units. Mayor Coleman opened the public hearing on the item. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 13 OF 23 Mr.Jerry Dean,825 W.12th Avenue, Apache Junction,addressed the council.The two lots on the southeast corner were supposed to remain single story homes according to the preliminary plat; he was concerned that they remained single story. Long Range Planner Kate Langford stated those two lots and the entire row of houses there would be single story. Mayor Coleman closed the public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council discussion.There being no further discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.99-61,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT FOR SUNRISE SHADOWS SUBDIVISION,CASE NO.SD -97-10,BY BEAZER HOMES,TEMPE,ARIZONA,BE APPROVED. Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:5-1-1 (Councilmember Insalaco voted in opposition,Councilmember Dietz abstained due to a conflict of interest.) The motion carried. OLD BUSINESS. DISCUSSION ON AND POSSIBLE SELECTION OF PROGRAM FOR INPUT ON THE 2000 CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN )Mayor Coleman commented this had been discussed at the work session last evening as to where the council should go from here.He does not want to go forward with the election as the council could be held personally liable and have to pay for it themselves out of their own pockets.He added he did see Mr.Schuelke's letter to the editor asking for everyone opposed to call the mayor and council.Thus far he has not received one phone call at the mayor's office or at his home;using Mr. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 14 OF 23 Schuelke's reasoning,he could assume there are 20,000 people in favor of this project. Mr.Tom Schuelke asked if he had received any calls in favor. Mayor Coleman stated he had.It was suggested at the work session last night that they have a one day forum to discuss this,and another idea was to put this on an agenda and vote on it. He does not believe a public forum will influence the way he feels about this. Councilmember Eck asked if there would be a public hearing if this were put on the agenda for a vote. that for public input. Mayor Coleman stated there would be. Councilmember Eck suggested using Mayor Coleman stated they could. Councilmember Durbala asked if they should have two public hearings on this;one to approve the plan and one to approve the sales tax increase. Councilmember Dietz commented he thought they had already approved the capital facilities plan.They would only have to approve the sales tax increase. Councilmember Durbala thought i t had only been approved to be put on the ballot. Vice Mayor Surra stated they had adopted the plan and asked that it be put before the public. City Attorney Joel Stern commented they would need a motion to implement the plan as well as a separate motion to increase the sales tax. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 15 OF 23 Vice Mayor Surra commented she had listened to everyone who came forward and voiced their opinions during the town hall and the various public hearings.They all seemed to want these programs and opportunities to provide the programs for the youth,seniors and the people who use the library.There has only been one voice at the last few council meetings who has taken every opportunity to try to sway the many people who have participated over the last three years.He has been unsuccessful.She sees no reason to not go forward in placing this and the funding source on the agenda.This item has been well -received by the people out there who count. Councilmember Dietz commented he believed they should just go forward also.Staff should be directed to prepare the necessary ordinance and to schedule the necessary public hearing. He asked how many public hearings they would need. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they would need to have at least one because i t is an ordinance and i t is a change in the city tax code. Councilmember Urich commented she believed the public hearing process would be the way to go as some of the residents are just getting used to the fact that there will be no bond election.The majority of the people she has talked to have been in favor of the entire capital facilities plan.She recommended having two public hearings so that the citizens do not feel like something is being pushed down their throats.She has heard some concern that a city property tax might be put through next year,which she has no intention of doing,and she does not believe the rest of the council is intending to do that either.This tax will stop in ten years,though they may have it paid off in seven years.The tax amounts to one cent for every five dollars spent. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion and called for a motion. Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT WE PLACE ON AN AGENDA ITEM AT THE SOONEST POSSIBLE DATE.She asked if a date certain was needed. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 16 OF 23 City Clerk Kathleen Connelly commented since this is requesting a tax code change,there will be some notification requirements.The motion should just say at the earliest possible. Vice Mayor Surra continued her motion with AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE MEETING,THAT WE'LL CONFORM WITH ALL THE STATE REGULATIONS DEALING WITH THE APPROPRIATE PUBLIC NOTICE BEING GIVEN FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ISSUE OF RAISING A SALES TAX PERCENTAGE IN ORDER TO FUND THE BALANCE OF OUR CAPITAL FACILITIES PLAN;AND ALONG ON THAT AGENDA,I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US HAVE AN AREA THAT WOULD ALLOW FOR A PUBLIC HEARING AND INPUT REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THAT PLAN THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN APPROVED. Councilmember Dietz asked if her motion included staff preparing the necessary ordinance. Vice Mayor Surra commented she asked for the item to be on the agenda. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated that would include the ordinance. City Attorney Joel Stern commented that would be included under any state requirements. Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. Mayor Coleman called for a ten minute break. Mayor Coleman reconvened the meeting. NEW BUSINESS. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 17 OF 23 WORK PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT )Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins briefed the council on this item.He gave a timeline on what has occurred downtown to date.The goals for his plan are to expand the range of goods and services available,to provide wide market niche retail and service opportunities available in the downtown area,and to create activity centers for residents and visitors.This will create a successful retail and service core for the community and provide an option for the big boxes that are going to go along the US 60 corridor.The plan has been broken down into three year periods.This year they need to move ahead with the formation of the Meridian redevelopment area;this package will be presented at the next meeting.A single central business district needs to be established:this will also be at the next meeting.Additional redevelopment strategies need to be evolved and the neighborhood community revitalization strategies need to be completed. The latter is being done by Partners for Strategic Action.The store front loan program needs to be instituted:i t is currently being reviewed by the city manager.Updated demographics need to be provided,and a community profile needs to be completed.The Chamber of Commerce profile is not adequate.He suggested benchmarking communities to see how to develop successful downtowns and freeway corridors.In the second year,the city needs to look at single central business district overlays in regards to setbacks,side yards,building heights and signage.A retail gap analysis should be completed and design review criteria developed.Downtown marketing schemes need to be developed,and selective parcels need to be marketed.They need to plan for the physical redesign of the single central business district.In year three,overlay plans for the area,street and store front signage programs,and numbering programs to assist in finding the businesses need to be implemented.A retirement program for nonconforming signs needs to be instituted.A master parking plan and public art plan should be developed. Strategic acquisitions by the city that can be land banked and used in the future for potential retail development should be considered.Most importantly,the marketing program needs to be developed.He is thinking of downtown Apache Junction as the retail choice.Broadway Road and Superstition Boulevard will be completed which will allow for the physical redesign of Apache Trail.This will be the expensive part.At this point a downtown business association should be established like the Mill Avenue Association in Tempe.Each item will be brought back for approval to the council.If this plan is approved,he will work with Kerry Lyman to maximize the resources and minimize the staff time. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 18 OF 23 Councilmember Dietz asked if the he and Kerry would be able to work together with the demographics and the community profile. Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins stated they would be working together on that or one would do it and the other would be able to use it. Councilmember Insalaco asked him to explainAhe downtown business association. Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins stated it would be a merchants association,other than a chamber,to represent the downtown businesses themselves.I t is something that needs to be explored. Vice Mayor Surra asked if this is because the Chamber includes businesses from the Greater Apache Junction Area while the other would be just those in the downtown area.They would have similar needs. Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins stated that would be correct.The businesses in the downtown area will need to have a strong voice as to how it will be put together.It could be a formal or informal association.They will represent the downtown area only and not include all the other businesses such as those in the Main Street association. Vice Mayor Surra asked how soon his recommendations would be coming on the zoning regulation overlay.The city is already getting started on that. Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins stated he would like to have a voice in that as the zoning is being updated so that certain aspects can be tailored to meet the downtown businesses. Vice Mayor Surra commented she believed they would all have a voice in that. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 19 OF 23 Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins estimated it would take about 18 months or more to get this done. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion and called for a motion. Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT THE WORK PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT BE APPROVED. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTION AMENDING THE APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE, VOLUME II,LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,CHAPTER 1,ZONING ORDINANCE,ARTICLE 13,ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS AND CHANGES,SECTION 13.0105 PUBLIC HEARING )Development Services Director Glen Van Nimwegen briefed the council on this item.He believes the council wants to direct staff to amend the section requiring applicants to post zoning signs subject to specific criteria that they will put together as far as what the sign looks like so that you get a standardized look to the zoning signs. Mayor Coleman opened council discussion on the item.There being no discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT STAFF BE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION REGARDING AMENDING THE APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE,VOLUME II,LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,CHAPTER 1,ZONING ORDINANCE, ARTICLE 13,ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS AND CHANGES,SECTION 13.0105 PUBLIC HEARING:TO FOLLOW GLEN'S RECOMMENDATION TO STAFF. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 20 OF 23 Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON MONDAY,APRIL 3,2000,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY;AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,APRIL 4,2000,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM:AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION ON TUESDAY,APRIL 11,2000,BE HELD IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AT 6:00 P.M.FOR PERSONNEL MATTERS. Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. INFORMATION AND REPORTS Councilmember Dietz commented the article in the Tribune on the 15th of this month that addressed the Citizens'Leadership Institute was a very good article.It talked about how the city was taking a stand and teaching people how government works. Vice Mayor Surra agreed it was a very good article,and she hoped the next enrollment would increase. Mayor Coleman commented the classes have been full and there is a waiting list. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 21 OF 23 City Manager Curtis Shook stated it has been a successful program,partly because i t has been different and updated each time.The program will continue and will be kept contemporary. Mayor Coleman commented he liked the fact that other professionals are brought in from other communities.He added that he and the city manager attended the national league of cities conference in Washington,D.C.,this past weekend. It was very informative.He commented in one morning they heard from President Clinton,Attorney General Janet Reno,and cabinet members Andrew Cuomo and Director of Commerce Daly.He was very impressed with the quality of the booklets they put out.There were approximately 3,500 local,elected officials.One of the most productive times they had was when they had dinner with other Arizona attendees. City Manager Curtis Shook commented there has been a commitment to community block grants under the Clinton administration;if this changes because of an election,there could be problems for other cities that have relied upon those monies,causing budget cuts.Apache Junction should not be effected as i t does not rely on those block grants except for additional police officers.An area of concern is health care and the federal programs.There is also concern for telecommunication and the internet and whether there should be taxation there,or deregulation of utilities. ADJOURNMENT ) )Mayor Coleman adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1.Acceptance of Agenda. 2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 7,2000. 3.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees. Employees receiving recognition are:David Caylor:Raul Guereca;and Public Works Department employees. ACCEPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF APRIL ,2000,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 22 OF 23 SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 4TH DAY OF APRIL ATTEST: KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk DOUGLAS COLEMAN Mayor CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CERTIFICATION ,2000. 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 21st day of March,2000.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 24th day of March,2000. KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 21,2000 PAGE 23 OF 23