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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-09-05 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 5,2000 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona,was held on September 5,2000,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 Vice Mayor Surra gave the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Insalaco 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 Assistant City Manager George Hoffman City Clerk Kathleen Connelly City Attorney Joel Stern City Engineer Ron Grittman Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell Development Svcs.Director Glen Van Nimwegen Others Present:Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 1 OF 22 Patrol Commander Steve Francis Public Works Manager Peter Plante Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins Grants Specialist Roger Hacker 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:CODE COMPLIANCE OFFICER CINDY BORBA:THE CODE COMPLIANCE STAFF:PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER I I ANDY AMADO;ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN I MIKE DODGSON;AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO THE LIBRARY TO SPEND IN EXCESS OF $10,000 BUT NOT TO EXCEED $90,000 ON LIBRARY MATERIALS THROUGH STATE CONTRACT WITH BAKER AND TAYLOR;AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO PINAL COUNTY TO LEVY THE 2000-2001 STREET LIGHT IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ASSESSMENTS AS APPROVED BY THE PINAL COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON AUGUST 16,2000;AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN TO REJECT THE BID FOR PROJECT NO.PW 2000-22,STRIPING MATERIALS,DUE TO INSUFFICIENT BIDS,AND THAT STAFF BE ALLOWED TO PURCHASE STREET STRIPING MATERIALS THROUGH THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BID CONTRACT. Councilmember Eck asked if the rejection of the bids for the striping materials was because of the quality of the striping materials. Public Works Manager Peter Plante stated i t is not.They only received one bid.They have found that they can use the company that submitted the bid and Pervo Paint on the state contract, and the state contract prices are better. Councilmember Eck asked i f it would be the same quality of paint that the Arizona Department of Transportation uses. Public Works Manager Peter Plante stated i t is. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 2 OF 22 Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS None. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Mr.William Lewitz,9252 E.Broadway,addressed the council regarding a new renter's tax.He spoke on behalf of his parents who reside at Aurora House. He complained about the city putting a tax on renter's fees.He believes i t is unfair for the elderly,the assisted living homes and the nursing homes. They have to pay $30 a month more,and he questioned where they would get the additional money.These people have already paid their dues. Vice Mayor Surra asked that the first sentence be repeated as she did not hear it. Mr.William Lewitz stated he was representing his parents who live at Aurora House.The state has put them in a home as his mother has dementia and his father is blind.They are now being taxed an additional $30 a month.I t is unfair.They will have to be wards of the state and the state will have to pay for them.They will have to take their social security and then the state will have to pick up the rest of the bill. Vice Mayor Surra commented she had thought he had said something about a new tax. Mr.William Lewitz stated he got a letter stating they had added a new tax of $30 a month. Ms.Rochelle LaBonte,600 S.Idaho Road,Apache Junction,filled out a form but declined to speak as Dan Austin would be addressing the issue. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 3 OF 22 Mr.Dan Austin,1353 S.Valley Drive,Apache Junction,addressed the council regarding market days.He is the executive director and president of the Arizona Winter Visitors Association.He complimented the beautification along Phelps Drive.He commented a number of people spoke to the planning commission about 30 days ago on the market days issue.Winter visitors have been on a steady decline to the city over the last two years,with an approximate 20%-25%drop in the last year.The business community has asked them to help reverse this trend,and they have raised over $200,000 for a promotional campaign to bring the winter visitors back.He asked the council to consider that as they consider the market days.He believes the cancellation of market days will send a bad message,possibly that Apache Junction does not like winter visitors.No one is being hurt by market days. The taxes derived from these operations are not hurting the mom and pop operations.Market days is a social program for the parks.He urged them to review the comments made to the planning commission and to contact him if they have any questions. Ms.Sharon Day,400 N.Plaza Drive,#654,Apache Junction,addressed the council regarding market days.She is the activity director for Lost Dutchman RV Resort.The original purpose of market days was to provide for some shopping as there was an inadequate amount in the local area.Most of the items purchased are handmade and unavailable in a commercial store.They are not taking anything away from the businesses in the city.Serious shoppers go to the mall or to Wal-Mart.Locally they shop for small things and groceries. They are not making a lot of money in their park during market days.The seniors enjoy the crafts and i t is a social time.The residents in her park support the city in various ways by volunteering for different agencies and fundraising to support the fire district and Project Help.The seniors will not feel valued and will feel unappreciated if market days are discontinued. She urged them to consider possible ramifications. Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction Association for Effective Government,addressed the council.He complained about his efforts being thwarted to get a public petition on the ballot in this city,and suggested council should come up with a means of assisting people in getting proper initiatives and referendums on the ballot.This would address legal costs.The city is giving something to the residents by adding the transportation for seniors,but i t is taking things away with the cancellation of market days.The city is taxing for development fees which he considers a cost push inflation on rents in these parks.With the REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 4 OF 22 cancellation of market days,the residents cannot make i t up anywhere.He thinks the competition makes things better.He complained that the people are being left out of the decisions on tax issues that could have been put to a vote.Instead,i t is being litigated.He asked if cooperation ever comes in during contact with the city. Mr.Glenn Eubank,Golden Vista Resort,Apache Junction,addressed the council regarding market days.He urged the council to keep market days.I t is vital to the senior citizens and promotes their social wellbeing.I t is an important social event for them and they often do not even recoup their expenses for the items made.They have 9 market days,have the permits and make sure everyone has licenses.He urged the city to work with the parks to ensure the city is happy with the operation,and suggested getting together to come up with good ideas. There was general discussion by the city attorney,Councilmember Eck, Councilmember Dietz and the city manager regarding the new senior citizen tax and if it should be added to a future agenda or if a staff report and contact with the individual asking the question would suffice.Council consensus was that a memorandum and contact with the individual would suffice on this issue. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Curtis Shook commented there has been misinformation on the issue of market days.Council is not contemplating the elimination of market days. This was never the direction to staff.The direction was to amend the ordinance to make it more meaningful for the park participants.He encouraged the audience members to advise the park residents that council is not contemplating the elimination of market days,but to make the experience stronger for the park residents.He also encouraged them to call the city and discern what the city's plans are for market days.He stated the architects have been hired and will start the design work for the pool and its facilities.They will next look at the design work for the multigenerational center. PUBLIC HEARINGS REQUEST BY TURF PARADISE RACE COURSE FOR APPROVAL OF AN OFF-TRACK WAGERING FACILITY AT ARIZONA JOE'S RESTAURANT REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 5 OF 22 )City Clerk Kathleen Connelly briefed the council on the item.This request is only for the Arizona Joe's facility:the facility at the greyhound park is being made through Phoenix Greyhound Park.If this is acted on tonight,their approval will begin tomorrow. Mayor Coleman asked the applicant to address the council. Ms.Tina Lovelady,601 N.Merrill Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council.They have had the off-track betting for 6 years and they would like to continue having it. 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 council discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT THE OFF-TRACK WAGERING FACILITY AT ARIZONA JOE'S RESTAURANT REQUESTED BY TURF PARADISE FOR THE TIME PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER 6,2000 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5,2001, BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA RACING COMMISSION. Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. APPLICATION FOR A SERIES 6 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR LONGHORN BAR & GRILL,INC. )City Clerk Kathleen Connelly briefed the council on this item.The business was previously located at Highway 60 and Phelps Drive:they are proposing to move to the current Pizza Hut location,with Pizza Hut moving to Idaho Road and Broadway.The fire marshal has been requested to attend the meeting due to the wording of their letter.A later letter clarifying their position was distributed earlier this evening. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 6 OF 22 Mayor Coleman requested the applicant address the council. Ms.Linda Stewart,293 S.Belair, Apache Junction,addressed the council to answer any questions. Councilmember Eck asked if there would be any negative effect on this being granted at a later date if it was not granted tonight. Ms.Linda Stewart stated it would not.Pizza Hut does not have to be out until December and they have not yet broken ground on the new building. Vice Mayor Surra asked what kind of fees were attached to the application and would they have to be paid again on a re -application.She queried if the hearing could be extended. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they paid a non-refundable fee to appear on the agenda.If council requests that i t be continued,they would probably not charge them another fee. However,the state expects a response from the city within a certain amount of time.If they do not get a response,they deem i t an approval. Vice Mayor Surra asked if there were any fees involved in the state application. State Liquor would have to answer that. were paid when she put in her application. time frame that covers. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated Ms.Linda Stewart stated those fees Vice Mayor Surra asked how long a Ms.Linda Stewart stated she had already paid her renewal fee for the following year. Councilmember Dietz asked what the time limit is for the city to give its approval. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 7 OF 22 City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated i t is so many days from the time the city receives the application.I t could possibly be stretched to the next meeting,but they would be taking a chance. Councilmember Dietz stated they could then forward a recommendation after the next meeting. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated they could,but the state -will act on it when it comes up on their agenda.I f they do not hear from the city,they will presume approval. Councilmember Eck asked if they knew when it would come up on the state's agenda. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the city would have no idea,but she cannot imagine it malting to next year. It would probably be within the next 60 days,or sooner. Vice Mayor Surra stated they would not know the condition of the property for the fire district recommendation until after they take possession. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated that is correct.The city has adopted the Uniform Fire Code. Vice Mayor Surra stated they could give i t no occupancy if there were problems. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated that is correct. Vice Mayor Surra commented she does not see any reason to hold up the liquor license because the property cannot be assessed right now as to its fitness.I t is not the applicant's fault that she cannot get in there. Mayor Coleman opened the public hearing on the,item. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 8 OF 22 Mr.Joe Vincent,the co-owner of Arizona Joe's,addressed the council.He has known the applicant for 21 years.She has been a bartender for almost that entire time.She knows the laws and he believes she will be an asset to the community. Mr.David Montgomery,Apache Junction Fire District,addressed the council.They do predeterminations for businesses before they open on a regular basis.Typically the paperwork states their approval is conditional upon acceptance of their final plan review and certificate of occupancy.The inspector on this item used different language than usual;he therefore provided a new letter to Kathy Connelly to clarify their approval.The council may grant the liquor license before they have done an inspection or had a plan review,with the condition that the certificate of occupancy is granted. Mayor Coleman closed the public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the item to council discussion.There being no further discussion,he called for a motion. Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT THE REQUEST FOR A PERSON TRANSFER,LOCATION TRANSFER,LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, SERIES 6 LIQUOR LICENSE SUBMITTED BY LINDA RAE STEWART FOR THE LONGHORN BAR & GRILL,INC.,BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL. MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. minute break. Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE Mayor Coleman called for a ten Mayor Coleman reconvened the meeting. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.00-26;FINAL APPROVAL OF PRIVATE ACCESS WAY FOR JOHN & BRENDA BARBER PROPERTY AT NORTHEAST CORNER REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 9 OF 22 AREA OF NORTH IRONWOOD AND WEST SMOKETREE STREET ALIGNMENT ) Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias briefed the council on this item.This property was earlier split with the approval of council into three lots,and the council approved a 28'wide private access easement to be shared between the applicant's property and their neighbors to the north.Each property owner would designate 14'on their side of the property line.Both property owners have signed a cross access agreement creating a perpetual right of ingress,egress and utilities and the city has been given a copy of that agreement.The final step is for the council to approve the easement.The resolution covers all the final details. Mayor Coleman requested the applicant address the council.The applicant declined.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 called for a motion. Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.00-26,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF A TWENTY-EIGHT FOOT (28')WIDE PRIVATE ACCESS WAY,IN CASE PA -3-00 AND AS CONCEPTUALLY APPROVED IN CASE PZ-01-00 BY ORDINANCE NO.1123,FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ACCESS TO CERTAIN PARCELS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND ZONED TH/PD (TRAILER HOMESITES BY PLANNED DEVELOPMENT),BE APPROVED. Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. PROPOSED ANNEXATION CASE AN -01-00/ APPROXIMATELY 12 GROSS ACRES AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER AREA OF SOUTH IRONWOOD DRIVE AND WEST SOUTHERN AVENUE )Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias briefed the council on the item.He commented i t is actually 13 acres gross REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 10 OF 22 and 12 acres net.The north end of the property is zoned CB -2;the south 4 acres is zoned for a mobile home park.The applicants wish to be annexed into the city and rezone i t for commercial use with a C-3/PD.They are going through a concurrent rezoning process.Both items will be brought back together on a future agenda.The applicant initiated this request. Mayor Coleman requested the applicant address the council. Mrs.Billie Thomas,3817 E.Minton Place,Mesa,addressed the council.They currently have plans for a Walgreen's to be developed at this site.They are leasing the site to Walgreen's.They are concerned about ingress and egress for other parts of the property.She was requesting an additional study session with planning and zoning to bring these concerns before them.They would like a few questions answered. Vice Mayor Surra asked what they would be allowed to discuss at this time. City Attorney Joel Stern stated they would be limited to the annexation.There could be a pre -annexation agreement and a resolution to extend the sewer district boundaries.However,these are not part of the annexation.They will be separate hearings.He believes this is tentatively planned to be brought back in two weeks. Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias stated they will have the annexation and rezoning brought back in two weeks. Mayor Coleman opened the public hearing on the item. Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail, Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction Association for Effective Government, addressed the council.He urged the city to think about annexing this property for a future Walgreen's when there will be an Osco across the street. He asked if he was off the subject. Mayor Coleman commented he had talked about competition being good earlier. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 11 OF 22 Mr.Elliott Fisher commented there is competition and there is competition.People are now buying drugs off the internet.He asked if the city will demand that the developers have some kind of assurance for the economic wellbeing of the city,or will the city be left holding the bag.He suggested some kind of insurance or bonding or some kind of "escape routes"for people that rely on jobs that get involved in these types of developments.He added there probably will be other "giveaways"like other retail projects in the city. Mayor Coleman closed the public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the item to council discussion. Councilmember Eck commented he would prefer to see a convenience store there rather than a drug store. Councilmember Dietz stated i t currently takes two to three hours to get a prescription from the current Walgreen's and Osco in the area.He does not see the Internet pulling the business away. Councilmember Durbala commented Walgreen's would not be looking at the site if they did not think there was a profit to be made there. Vice Mayor Surra asked if they could tell an applicant what business can go in if it already falls into the current zoning.She asked if they would be asking for a rezoning in order for the Walgreen's to be developed there. Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias stated they will be rezoning the entire property to C-3/PD. Vice Mayor Surra commented it would then be a planned development which would allow council to put stipulations on i t and to beautify the area. Mayor Coleman closed the item with no more discussion. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 12 OF 22 PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1135/REPEALING THE DESIGNATION FOR STOP SIGNS AS PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED UNDER ORDINANCE NO.378,IN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, WITH THE EMERGENCY CLAUSE:PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1136/ESTABLISH LOCATIONS FOR STOP SIGNS IN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,WITH THE EMERGENCY CLAUSE )City Engineer Ron Grittman briefed the council on the item.At the intersection of Cortez and Foothill the stop signs are currently on Cortez.Cortez should now be the through street.The first ordinance repeals the stop signs on Cortez,the second establishes them on Foothill. Mayor Coleman opened the public hearing on both items.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the public hearing and opened the items to council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1135 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY WITH THE EMERGENCY CLAUSE AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED. Councilmember Eck 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.1135,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED. Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 13 OF 22 The motion carried. Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1136 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.1136,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED. Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.00-22/ADOPTION OF MERIDIAN REDEVELOPMENT AREA IMPROVEMENT PLAN )Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins briefed the council on the item.The Planning and Zoning Commission determined in June the redevelopment plan was in conformance with the general plan.Council discussed the plan in July at a work session.The final step is to approve the plan by resolution at a public hearing. Mayor Coleman opened the public hearing on the item. Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail, Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction Association for Effective Government, REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 14 OF 22 addressed the council.He stated he has not seen anything about this in the newspapers.He suggested the city should publicize some of this.He asked what the redevelopment area was,and if there was a brief description here. He commented if this had been his first council meeting he would have no idea what area was under issue. Mr.Tom Schuelke,1889 S.Palo Verde,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented there is residential and commercial property in this district.The portion along Apache Trail appears to be an area ripe for development as population increases.This is a hotbed of development,not a blighted area.He is concerned about spending public funds to further the interests of the commercial property owners in the area.Housing codes should be enforced on those with substandard housing.He asked if the district would condemn and consolidate parcels so new residential construction could take place.Lower income residents will need to have a place to live:there should be adequate housing within their means.He is not against free market forces resulting in new and best use for land,but he is against government involvement and interference in such a process.This tends to benefit developers and large landowners at the poorer and smaller land owners expense.After viewing the proposal,i t appears to be unclear as to what is being proposed.Subsidies and cost sharing may be used,and he questioned how much public money is to be spent and on what.He wanted clarification as to where the district is going and what is to be done. Mayor Coleman commented he believed this would be a means of making some other money available by ways of grants. Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins commented that by having the redevelopment status i t provides a means of additional federal funding. Mayor Coleman asked if there was a possibility of the quality of housing improving in the area. Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins stated that is correct. Mr.Tom Schuelke asked if this was going to help individuals get new homes.If condemnation is not being REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 15 OF 22 considered for that,he would prefer it to be left out.He would prefer the language for condemnation be taken out of the document. City Manager Curtis Shook stated there are a number of reasons to do a redevelopment district.One is condemnation:the city has not condemned any property in the time that he has been here.The redevelopment districts can act in a way that benefits the owners of the land because they can assemble pieces large enough in order to do projects.There is one area in the other redevelopment district that is split into 61 shares.The owners cannot do anything with i t as there is no common ownership.The district can act as an assembler to give the people the ability to get more out of their land.I t is another resource and opportunity to create value. Mr.Tom Schuelke stated he does not approve of public government authorities condemning land for private projects. He would only approve of condemnation for public projects.There are a number of things in this authorization that he would not like to see his city do.He supports their doing it to help people get funds,but he will be watching to see what is being done. Mayor Coleman commented that he would expect him to be watching the city.He then closed the public hearing with no one else wishing to speak and opened the item to council discussion. Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.00-22,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING THE REDEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR THE MERIDIAN REDEVELOPMENT AREA AND FINDING THAT SUCH PLAN IS FEASIBLE AND IN CONFORMITY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,BE APPROVED. Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.00-29/AUTHORIZING REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 16 OF 22 SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR A GRANT TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE FY 2001 LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE FUND I I PROGRAM )Grants Specialist Roger Hacker briefed the council on the item.This resolution will authorize the submission of a grant to participate in the local transportation assistance fund and commit $15,000 of the city's funds to assisting Mesa Senior Services for the Senior Center.The grant money would be matched by the Senior Center; a 25% match is required for the program.This would enable them to start a transportation program that would pick up seniors,deliver them to the center, take them to doctors'appointments and take them shopping. Mayor Coleman opened the public hearing on the item. Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail, Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction Association for Effective Government, addressed the council.He asked if the grant was specifically for senior transportation,and,if so,i t seems unfair.The community needs transportation.The city is getting a multigenerational center,but i t is not getting a multigenerational transportation system. Grants Specialist Roger Hacker stated this program specifically states that the monies have to be used for transit projects for senior citizens,low-income people,people with disabilities,or people on welfare to work programs.It was staff's suggestion to address a need that came from the Senior Center. Mayor Coleman closed the public hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened ,the item to council discussion. Councilmember Durbala commented Mr-. Fisher is always stating that the city is not doing anything towards transportation.He added Councilmember Urich went out on her own to get a grant to be able to get the bus that runs through town and up to the mall and back.I t appears W.Fisher does not like anything that the council does.He encouraged him to run for office,let the public hear what he wants to do,as REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 17 OF 22 all he talks about is spending money that the city does not have to spend.He comes up with great ideas,but no solutions.Councilmember Durbala thinks the council has done a good job on transportation,getting some grants and having studies done,and with the grants specialist on board they will hopefully get more grants towards other programs.He commented Mr.Fisher should get the information before he starts talking about things that he does not understand. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion. Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.00-29,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A GRANT TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN ITS FISCAL YEAR 2001 LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE FUND I I PROGRAM,BE APPROVED. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF THE SENIOR CENTER )Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell briefed the council on the -item.Mesa Senior Services provides services to the city senior citizens at the senior community center located at the library.These services are provided in exchange for building use, utilities and maintenance by the city.This arrangement is cost effective. However,the site limits the ability to provide services for the senior citizens.Residents are turneds away and placed on waiting lists for the nutritional,health and social programs.Ways to eliminate the waiting lists have been explored.AdditionaUspace appears to the only viable solution at this point.The multigenerational center will provide a solution,but i t is REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 18 OF 22 at least 3 years away.After exploring larger facilities in the community suitable for this operation,allowing for the capability of fulfilling current and future needs and for an easy transition to the multigenerational center, it was found that the old church building at St.George Catholic Community would meet the demand.I t is located at 1890 S.Plaza Drive and they are willing to work out a short-term use agreement.I t is 6,000 sq.ft.in size and is in good condition except for a few accessibility issues.The layout of the building is ideal for anticipated use.Church officials have indicated the building can be obtained free of any rent or lease requirements. Utilities,maintenance and insurance would be the responsibility of the city. Besides the benefit of an enhanced program for the seniors,additional benefits would be the parking problem being relieved at the library,current Senior Center space being freed up to be used by the city,library expansion having the possibility to occur sooner if needed,the provision of additional space for community use during the evenings,and it would allow relationships to strengthen between staff and the seniors during the transition to the multigenerational center.Improvements needed include entryways and restrooms accessibility.Mesa Senior Center has committed to interior repairs of painting,lighting and carpet cleaning.Initial costs are estimated at $25,000,with annual costs projected in the same range.Funds are available in the Parks and Recreation budget.The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously supported this proposal at their last meeting. Mayor Coleman stated he liked the idea and asked when it would be coming before council. Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell stated they could probably have i t ready for the next agenda. City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t would probably be in the form of a lease on the consent agenda calendar. Councilmember Eck commented he thought it was an excellent idea with the perfect location. Councilmember Dietz stated it would be a short term solution to a big problem the city has had. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 19 OF 22 Councilmember Durbala liked the fact that they could use the building for other activities besides the Senior Center. Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell stated that is correct.They will be able to offer other special interest classes that were previously looking for space. Councilmember Durbala asked if they would be able to get additional grants for the Senior Center by being able to accommodate more people. Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Bell stated he believes opportunities to provide for additional funding may come with the expansion of services.I t is hard to find grants for operating funds;they are normally for capital funding. Vice Mayor Surra commented she was glad the commission was able to have a discussion and give a recommendation to the council.They have done some fine things for the city and are interested citizens and residents.The recommendation is meaningful to her. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion with no further comments. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON ANY OF THE ABOVE LISTED AGENDA ITEMS None. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTION 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 TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 18,2000,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY;AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 20 OF 22 THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 19,2000, IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM. Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. INFORMATION AND REPORTS None ADJOURNMENT )Mayor Coleman adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: I .Acceptance of Agenda. 2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 1,2000. 3.Acceptance of Minutes of Special Meeting of August 1,2000. 4.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees Employees receiving recognition are:Cindy Borba and Code Compliance group:Ron Sumerix:Andy Amado:and Mike Dodgson. 5.Approval for Library to spend in excess of $10,000 (not to exceed $90,000) with Baker and Taylor,a library materials vendor.(Baker and Taylor is on State Contract to provide library materials in Arizona.) 6.Approval of Street Light Improvement District Assessments for 2000-2001 for Pinal County to levy. 7.Approval to reject bid for Project No.PW 2000-22 for striping materials and to allow City staff to purchase street striping materials through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)bid contract. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 21 OF 22 ACCEPTED THIS 19TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2000,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 19TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2000. ATTEST: KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk DOUGLAS COLEMAN Mayor CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and: correct copy of the minutes of the regular,meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,Arizona,held on 5th day of September,2000.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was: present. Dated this 8th day of September,2000. KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 5,2000 PAGE 22 OF 22