HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-11-07 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 7,2000
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on November 7,2000,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 Insalaco led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Surra
Councilmember Durbala
Councilmember Eck
Councilmember Insalaco
Councilmember Urlch
Staff Present:
(Councilmember Dietz was absent.)
City Manager Curtis Shook
Assistant City Manager George Hoffman
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Robert Warner
City Engineer Ron Grittman
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell
Public Works Director Doug Dobson
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Development Svcs.Director Glen Van Nimwegen
Others Present:Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
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:SENIOR CUSTODIAN
JOYCE BRAYSHAW,CUSTODIAN JOANNE DELYS AND CUSTODIAN ANNE MCELROY FOR THEIR
EFFORTS AT CLEANING,WAXING AND POLISHING THE SENIOR CENTER FLOOR;PARKS
SUPERVISOR KEITH GRAVES,PARKS & RECREATION EMPLOYEE MATT KING,AND RECREATION
COORDINATOR LIZ LANGENBACH FOR PERFECT ATTENDANCE IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF
2000;PARKS WORKER I I JAMES ANDERSON FOR BEING THE PARKS & RECREATION
"EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER"FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2000;SENIOR ENGINEERING
TECHNICIAN DEBORAH HOLLAND FOR BEING THE PUBLIC WORKS "EMPLOYEE OF THE
QUARTER"FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2000:AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DOUG DOBSON,
PUBLIC WORKS MANAGER PETER PLANTE,CITY ENGINEER RON GRITTMAN,PUBLIC WORKS
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ELAINE JONES,PUBLIC WORKS ACCOUNT CLERK TINA MARIE HAYES,
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR MIKE RUSH,PUBLIC WORKS STREET MAINTENANCE
SUPERVISOR GREG MAYER,PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER FRANK GRANILLO,PUBLIC
WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER TERRY JOHNSON,PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER
DARRELL FLIPPO,AND CODE COMPLIANCE SUPERVISOR BOB MAYES FOR VOLUNTEERING TO
WORK THE WHITE GOODS COLLECTION EVENT ON OCTOBER 21;AND
THAT RESOLUTION NO.00-34,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,SUPPORTING AND COMMENDING THE FRIENDS OF THE
LIBRARY OF APACHE JUNCTION FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN SUPPORTING THE APACHE JUNCTION
PUBLIC LIBRARY THROUGH A CAPITAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN,BE APPROVED;AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE "FOOD FOR FINES"PROGRAM FROM MARCH 1 THROUGH
MARCH 31,2001,AT THE APACHE JUNCTION PUBLIC LIBRARY;AND
THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN FOR THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE PRESIDING
MAGISTRATE,SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF THE CITY ATTORNEY AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE
CITY MAGISTRATE;AND
THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR THE MAYOR TO SEND A LETTER TO THE LEAGUE OF
ARIZONA CITIES AND TOWNS REGARDING TAX CODE AMENDMENTS FOR PLACEMENT OF
MANUFACTURED BUILDINGS UNDER ARTICLE IV OF THE MODEL TAX CODE TO PARALLEL
STATE LAW;AND
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NOVEMBER 7,2000
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THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PW 2000-30,FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LOADER AND GANNON
SCRAPER BOX BE AWARDED TO FALCON POWER THROUGH A TOWN OF GILBERT PURCHASE
CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,809,00,INCLUDING TAX,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager Curtis Shook presented a plaque to Assistant Library Director
Spencer Paden for his outstanding contribution to the city as Management
Information Systems Manager for two years during the Y2K transition.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell gave an update on the first phase of the
capital facilities plan.Staff,the design consultants and school officials
have spent a considerable amount of time in planning the swim center
renovations,skate park development and general park improvements.These
projects are all slated for the area between the high school and middle school
on Southern Avenue.They believe they have a functional program for both the
school and the community.The park master planning is being handled by Seth
Placko of BRW.The skate park is being planned by Mark Leone from Site and
Design Group.The swim center is being planned by Gene Brauer from Versar
Inc.,and Arnold Teton has been assisting with project management services.
He also thanked the school district for the assistance of Dr.Sutter,Dr.Al
Shockley and Athletic Director Cheryl Morrow.
Mr.Gene Brauer,Versar Inc.,briefed the council on the master plan for the
entire parks area.The budget is $2.4 million,with $1.7 million earmarked
for the swimming pool renovation,$250,000 for the skate park development and
$500,000 for the first phase of the park improvements.Some existing
facilities will have to be moved or demolished.The tennis courts will have
to be relocated,and the roadway along the drainage for the bus storage area
will be relocated.They will put in a new football practice area,a new
parking lot area for the tennis courts and ball field,a new soccer field and
the new skate park.An existing parking lot will be expanded.The swim
center will have a new play pool with a zero depth entry,a water slide,play
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NOVEMBER 7,2000
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features and spray features.The diving boards will be replaced,and one
diving board will be removed to add a drop slide.The rest rooms will be
completely revamped and enlarged.There will be a new entrance with an
administration type building and a new equipment building to handle the water
treatment for the pool.A concession building will be added to service the
pool area and possibly the skate park.Shaded ramadas will be added.A
vortex area will be added to the pool area that will have currents in it to
help participants exercise.The skate park will be refined according to the
information received at last night's meeting.They anticipate the park
improvements and the skate park to be completed by next summer.The swimming
pool will be completed in 2002.The pool is delayed due to the school
district having use of the pool until November 2001.
Councilmember Eck asked if the pool would be heated.
Mr.Gene Brauer stated the existing pool would be heated.
Councilmember Eck asked if it would be designed to accommodate bleachers for
when they have swimming meets.
Mr.Gene Brauer stated they will have bleachers under the long ramada area.
They will also have a sand volleyball area adjacent to the pool with a
controlled access for sand to be washed off before they can re-enter the pool
area.There is a lot of deck space around the pool for those who want to "set
up their own camps".
Vice Mayor Surra asked how mature the plants will be that are to be placed in
there.
Mr.Gene Brauer stated they have put low maintenance plants around the pools.
They are desert type plants.They will start with 24"box trees to begin
with.There will be landscaping around the pool area.
Mayor Coleman introduced Mayor Keno Hawker from Mesa who was seated in the
audience.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Roger Purcell,760 W.Southern,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding flooding in the Southern and San Marcos area.He and his neighbors
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are being flooded out consistently.He has had to replace the carpeting
several times;he has replaced the sheet rock and now he is starting to get
dry rot because of the amount of flooding.The drainage ditch that comes out
of the subdivision behind him is not adequate.The water backs up through the
neighbors'property,then through an alleyway into his property and the
neighbors on either side of him.He requested something be done to solve the
problem.
Ms.Janice Parks,790 W.Southern Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the
council regarding the flooding at Southern and San Marcos.She commented the
water flows in from San Marcos into her backyard underground and i t has caused
an 8'sinkhole where her septic used to be.They found this by digging out to
the street.Once the water on San Marcos stops flowing,the water coming into
her yard stops flowing.Something needs to be done or her house may
eventually end up in a large sinkhole.
Mr.Idwin Winberg,3270 S.Goldfield Road,Apache Junction,addressed the
council regarding the Superstition Falls development.He is concerned for the
traffic control and noise pollution in that area.
Mayor Coleman asked Mr.Winberg if he would like to address that item during
its public hearing.Mr.Winberg agreed.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction
Association for Effective Government,addressed the council.He complained
that the capital facilities plan was going forward when he has a referendum
before the appellate court in Tucson on the issue.He does not want to see
any action taken until the court has decided if this is a ballot issue,as he
feels there is the possibility it could be wasted time,money and effort.He
complained he has still not received the photographs from the police
department that he requested via a public information request.He has been
told by other agencies that Apache Junction should be the agency to
disseminate the information.He is also concerned about the changes to
initiative,referendum and recall petition circulators on their being required
to be city residents.He feels this prevents local businessmen from filing
one on an item that could protect his investment in the community.He urged
the city to make the petition circulators qualified electors only.
Mr.Raymond Blevins,730 W.Southern Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the
council regarding the flooding at Southern and San Marcos.The flooding runs
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along his property line.The wash cannot hold the flow of water;i t overflows
into the alleyway where i t is held up by the block wall and overgrown brush.
The yards of 730,760,790 W.Southern Avenue,2319 S.San Marcos,and 711 W.
23rd Avenue are flooded.They have talked to the city about this problem
since 1991.He requested the city council look into the problem and get i t
taken care of.
Ms.Lisa Twigg,711 W.23rd Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council
regarding flooding at Southern and San Marcos.She asked for consideration
for the drainage problem in the neighborhood.The easement ditch on the east
side of her property continues south through the Blevins yard and out to
Southern Avenue.During heavy rains,the ditch overflows,running towards
their garage and front porch before going across the front of their yard to
the west side,becoming a river,and then running into the alleyway.There is
also water coming from the neighbor's yard to the west of them.The water
then floods the houses behind them.I t is not a new problem.Before their
house was built,the water ran across the entire lot.The builder owned the
lot and their house was a spec home.They have been battling this problem
since a few months after buying i t in 1991,when i t flooded in December.Upon
calling the builder,they were told that after they had poured the slab and
framed the house,the city told them it might be too low.She queried why the
building permit was issued and why they had not been informed.The public
works department graded the ditch deeper for her,but they did not have a
solution.Then City Manager Mike Lee stated it was the builder's
responsibility.The builder gave them some ideas and landscaping to build up
the area in front of their house and river rock for the west side of her yard.
This has not solved the problem.The mayor has been out to see the property.
This is when public works graded out the ditch.The problem still exists.
Doug Dobson had the curb broken down and had concrete poured to control the
flow and added large river rock to keep the flow from the house.They
continue to get more and more water.Public works has continued to grade the
ditch when requested,and engineers have looked at the problem but no one has
a solution.They have been told that new development may take care of the
problem.She thanked public works and the mayor for the attention to the
problem and urged them to find a solution.
Mr.Tom Schuelke,1889 S.Palo Verde,Apache Junction,addressed the council.
He commented on the Stone v:City of Prescott case regarding the use of the
emergency clause.The Circuit Court of Appeals threw out the case stating i t
did not violate the constitution.It was not an affirmation of that council's
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alleged attempt to use an emergency clause to avoid a referendum.The
plaintiffs were informed they had brought the case to the wrong court.He
challenged the council to explain the logic behind creating the citizen's
right of referral if the council can simply add an emergency clause to an item
thought likely to be referred.He will watch to see if the use tax returns
with an emergency clause.He urged the revision of the city tax code and gave
a handout on suggested changes;he then commented on his suggested changes.
While he urged the repeal of some taxes,he urged the addition of a property
tax.
Mayor Coleman requested that a permanent solution to the drainage or storm
sewer problem be found in order to provide relief to the area of Southern and
San Marcos.
Vice Mayor Surra stated that is not the only problem area.They need a
citywide storm drain system.
Mayor Coleman agreed he had received phone calls from all over,but everything
drains to that one corner the way that subdivision is built.
There was general discussion as to whether direction could be given to staff
on the issue at this meeting or if it would have to be brought back at another
meeting for direction.It was determined it would have to be brought back on
a future agenda.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Curtis Shook commented staff gave a presentation on county
legislation affecting air quality in the city.As of January 1 cars will need
to be emissions tested.Council has tried to keep the city out of the non-
attainment district but i t has not been successful.Council has asked for an
emissions testing station in Apache Junction.Air Quality is in the process
of awarding a request for proposal for emissions testing in the east valley.
I t is currently unknown if the city will receive a station,and he will send
another letter requesting one.The non -attainment area extends almost to
Florence Junction.He commented the alternative fuels debacle will apparently
have an impact on sales tax for municipalities.It appears it will cost the
city $250,000 to $300,000 in income tax revenue from the state shared
revenues.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR THE APACHE JUNCTION ROTARY
CLUB #1246 FOR SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN
STAMPEDE,NOVEMBER 24-26,2000
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.I t is an annual request.The application
was submitted for review and their comments are attached.There have been no
objections to the issuance of the license.The applicant is in attendance.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr.Gary Collins,927 E.Mesquite,
was there to represent the rotary club.This is one of the fundraising
activities they do for their scholarship program.
Councilmember Urich asked if the
security personnel would be supplied by the AJ Mounted Rangers.
Mr.Gary Collins stated that was
correct.Everyone's ages will be checked and they will have to wear wrist
bands.
Councilmember Eck asked if the
format would be the same as last year.
Mr.Gary Collins stated it would.
He believes there will be two beer stations,but they may need a third for
Lost Dutchman Days.
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 Durbala MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE SUBMITTED BY THE APACHE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 8 OF 37
JUNCTION ROTARY CLUB #1246 FOR THE SUPERSITION MOUNTAIN STAMPEDE BE
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL AND THAT THE RECOMMENDATION BE FORWARDED TO THE
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a ten
minute break.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
meeting.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1143/PZ-08-00,
REZONING REQUEST BY MOUNTAIN VIEW LUTHERAN
CHURCH AND CHRISTIAN ASSISTED RETIREMENT
FOR EVERYONE
)Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.The property is approximately 13.5 acres and
currently has three different zoning districts;the north 5 acres is CR-4/PD,
south of the sanctuary is GR,and the remainder is C-3/PD.The church has
purchased all of the property to the south and southwest of them and they
propose to develop an expanded campus,including a new fellowship hall,a
school,and an assisted living complex and independent living facility.The
existing day care center will be converted into administrative offices.I t
will be developed in phases.This will be a planned development with unifying
design elements and a master landscaping plan.The fellowship hall will have
a recreation area and classrooms.The living facility will be a three story
building.They are asking for a maximum building height of 31';the CR-S zone
typically allows a 25'height.The commission recommended approval of the
project.Neighbors were contacted and there have been no calls on the
development.He briefed the council on the conditions in the ordinance.All
buildings must be sprinklered.As there is a street separating the three
story building from residences and additional setbacks on either side,a 25'
deviation from the normal 60'setback has been justified.The existing
sanctuary is already at about 31'in height.The applicant is in attendance.
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Vice Mayor Surra asked if the 31'
height was asked for in order to line up with the sanctuary or to accommodate
the ceilings.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the request height is to accommodate the building height.The existing
sanctuary is 38'in height according to the applicant.What is seen on top of
the building are parapet walls hiding mechanical equipment.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr.Craig Eyerly,10617 N.24th
Street,Phoenix,addressed the council.He represents Mountain View Lutheran
Church and he will be developing the assisted living and independent living
facilities.He commended city staff for being very helpful.
Councilmember Eck asked what the
first phase would be.
Mr.Craig Eyerly stated the first
phase would be the assisted living and independent living facilities.The
church will build the fellowship hall recreation portion next,with the
classroom wings being added one at a time,dependent on their financial
situation.I t could be done in as early as a year,but they may be a year
apart.
Councilmember Eck asked if there is
an appropriate fire sprinkler system on the three story building.
Mr.Craig Eyerly stated there is.
I t is part of the city's requirement.
Councilmember Urich asked if there
are extra fire hydrants that the deputy fire marshal mentioned.
Mr.Craig Eyerly stated that will be
done during site design.
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NOVEMBER 7,2000
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had a problem with that request.
Councilmember Urich asked if they
Mr.Craig Eyerly stated they do not.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if there were
basketball courts superimposed over the recreation hall.
Mr.Craig Eyerly stated the larger
court is built to high school specifications and the perpendicular one is for
grade school.
Vice Mayor Surra commented that they
intend to play basketball there.
Mr.Craig Eyerly stated that is
correct.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and reopened the item to council discussion.There being no
discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1143 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY 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.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1143,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED.
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PAGE 11 OF 37
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1144/PZ-09-00,
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT MAJOR AMENDMENT PLAN
APPROVAL FOR SUPERSTITION FALLS NORTH
COMMERCIAL TIER BY S.F.II,L.L.C.
)Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on the item.This is for a commercial development at the
southeast corner of Goldfield Road and US 60.This is a 21 acre property
zoned general commercial.This is the first phase,consisting of seven
proposed commercial lots north of the entrance to Superstition Falls off
Goldfield Road.This is a comprehensive design package with unifying design
elements incorporated in the clubhouse at Superstition Falls.It will have a
unified theory in signage,arch windows,undulating buildings,stucco
buildings with tile roofs,archway features and similar landscape elements.A
Phillips 66 gas station is proposed for lot B.The corner also includes a
convenience mart and a car wash.Council requested a use identified for each
lot and that was included in the staff report.Lot A is a proposed
restaurant,lot B is a gas station,east of the gas station is a two story
motel,and the next three lots are proposed medical,office buildings or
retail shops.Lot 7 is proposed as a sit-down type restaurant.Deviations
requested are a waiver for separation walls and a waiver of perimeter walls.
The landscaping would be added to along the entrance drive.They will need to
add additional landscaping elsewhere to bring i t up to the landscaping
regulations.The ordinance represents the motion made by the commission.I f
council wishes to nail down the uses previously described,he recommended that
condition number two be reworded as referenced in his memo.He described the
comprehensive sign package.The commission was concerned with the 45'sign
proposed along the freeway.After reviewing all the information on building
and freeway heights,the commission recommended the sign height not exceed
35'.As the freeway is approximately 23'high,this give the normal 12'
visibility from ground level.They asked for two 16'high signs located to
either side of the entry drive near the gas station and restaurant,and an
additional 16'sign at the motel entrance.The commission recommended those
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PAGE 12 OF 37
sign heights be limited to 12'.The council did not want to accept the entry
drive as a public roadway which is addressed in condition number nine.
Councilmember Eck commented they are
essentially doing hard zoning instead of a palette of uses for the lots.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated it would be use specific.
Councilmember Eck asked if it would
be a general plan amendment if they wanted to put something different on those
lots.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated it would require a planned development amendment.
Councilmember Eck asked if those
would have to be passed with a two-thirds vote.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated it would be by majority vote of the council after the commission had
made its recommendation.
Councilmember Eck commented he did
not understand the reference to the public roadway in condition number nine.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the applicants would be required to do any additional improvements and
dedications on Goldfield Road.The engineering department is asking for
deceleration lanes which do not show up on this concept plan.A deceleration
lane is needed leading up to the driveway.The dedication of the driveway to
the city has been taken out of the ordinance.
Councilmember Eck asked if the main
roadway would be a private access road.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the main entrance drive is a private road.The improvement plan shows
that it was constructed to city residential standards.The road was not
inspected.The council needs to decide if they want i t public or private.
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Vice Mayor Surra asked what he
anticipated would be retail shops.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the zoning permits a variety such as delis,clothing stores,shoe
stores,furniture stores and arts and crafts shops.The developer is
intending to develop those as medical or office buildings but there is the
possibility of light intensity neighborhood businesses.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if the
ordinance stipulated that because it does not appear to.I t only states
retail shops.She asked if the language for that variety of use should be
stipulated.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated they can if they want to.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they can
stipulate i t by number from what he had read.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated that was from his memory;he was not reading i t from anything.
Vice Mayor Surra stated that palette
of uses would be acceptable to the people who were buying there.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivais
stated they could insert something into condition number two.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she
thought there was something in the city code giving a palette of uses.She
just wanted the number of that to insert into the condition.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the C-3 zone permits a lot of uses not already mentioned here that the
council does not want in this commercial subdivision,such as auto repair and
supermarkets.The applicants have not requested a palette of uses,but that
could be inserted into condition number two requiring those uses to be light
intensity,neighborhood friendly -type retail.
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NOVEMBER 7,2000
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Councilmember Durbala commented he
would like to see condition number nine changed from may include to shall
include the provisions of curbs,gutters and sidewalks.
There was general discussion on the
freeway sign regarding its height and visibility.I t is believed there would
be half mile visibility which would give drivers time to exit the freeway.
Councilmember Durbala commented
people could see the 45'sign,but they probably would not see the 35'sign
until they were up close to it or past the ramp.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated i t could be compared to the Super 8 sign which can be seen for a half
mile and i t is 36'.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr.Phil Entz,from S.F.II,L.L.C.,
11201 N.23rd Avenue,Phoenix,addressed the council.He commented on the
manner in which the property was designed.They requested the waiver on the
walls to provide ease of access for pedestrians and vehicular traffic.They
do not have a problem with the stipulation as written regarding the uses,nor
altering it to prevent high intensity uses.I t is to be for residential
service and retail related to office uses.He agreed to planned development
amendments if there was to be a major change in use.He believes the final
discussion on the entrance road should be discussed at the subdivision plans
when they come before council later.They wanted the 45'sign for the
westbound traffic on the freeway;the hotel could block part of the sign due
to the curve in the road.The major users could also be included on the sign
and they would be visible over the hotel.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if the gas
station design could be modified to make it more in keeping with the other
buildings.
Mr.Jerry Little,301 W.Furnith,
Phoenix,the architect of the gas station,car wash and quick service
restaurant facility,addressed the council.The building materials come from
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NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 15 OF 37
the building's use;this calls for a masonry building.The stucco is
incorporated to match the rest of the center;they are trying to incorporate
the elements of the center yet still keep the durability.The block will be
painted to match the existing facility.They will be using split -faced and
scored block with different color bands.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she just
wanted to know if they were going to make any modifications,and they are not.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Idwin Winberg,3270 S.Goldfield
Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council.The Desert Sun Community is
concerned with their entrance.I t is almost exactly across from the proposed
entrance to this complex.During the winter months there is a high density of
traffic on Goldfield traveling beyond the speed limit.He believes it will be
difficult for people to enter their complex.He is concerned with the traffic
control plan.
Mr.Jim Madge,3270 S.Goldfield
Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He is concerned with the
traffic problem this may cause.He would like to know what provisions are
being made for residents of Desert Sun Condominiums to be able to make a left
turn from their driveway.
Mr.Dick Augustine,3270 S.
Goldfield Road #217,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He is also
concerned about the traffic situation.All of the traffic will be coming by
them as there appears to be no entrance before their drive for the commercial
complex.There are only two lanes of traffic and i t is difficult to get out
of their complex now.There is a light pole that is also in the way.He is
concerned that all traffic from the gas station and their condominiums will
funnel into one lane of traffic.This was originally a residential area,and
commercial is now being brought in.He enjoys looking at Superstition
Mountain,but they may be seeing a 45'sign instead.His wife is allergic to
petroleum products so a gas station across the street would not be healthy for
her.He complained that the rezoning change occurred in September when it was
difficult for them to attend from out of state.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 16 OF 37
Ms.Kathleen George,3270 S.
Goldfield Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council.Her concern is for
safety and traffic flow.She commented there are 200 units at Desert Sun and
700 units at Superstition Falls.Golden Vista has almost 1,000,and there are
two other manufactured home developments on Baseline.There is only one road
in and one road out.There are 250 parking spaces in the commercial complex.
There is also the proposed hospital impacting the area,creating over 3,000
possible vehicles in the area.The only other exit is Baseline,and i t only
goes one way.This is over impacting Goldfield.She urged the council to
consider this.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction Association for Effective Government,
addressed the council.He is concerned with the sign situation on the
freeway.The sign heights need to be addressed.He asked if the people
further south were being considered.He asked if when the freeway was
approved as an advertising corridor.He urged finding a better way to
advertise the businesses yet still protect the vistas of the city.He
believes 45'is too high.He does not believe the standard of how much can be
seen from the freeway is a good way of looking out for the citizens or
travelers on the freeway who are looking at these signs.
Mr.Tom Schuelke,1889 S.Palo
Verde,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented if the bypass for
Gold Canyon goes in,the interchange would be directly east of this.If there
is an interchange there,people traveling in the area should not be looking at
high signs.The freeway services signs are better which indicate what
services are available at each intersection.He also suggested moving the
dual use site of office/restaurant to just east of the motel as there is a
residential area just southeast of that.It would make the restaurant closer
to the motel and the hospital,and it would make for less distance for the
general public to travel on that road.I t appears a traffic light would be
needed at this interchange.
Mr.Larry Anderson,3270 S.
Goldfield Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He asked if the
extension of Baseline to the highway had been considered.This could
alleviate some of the traffic from Baseline and those coming from Gold Canyon
to the hospital.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 17 OF 37
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing on the item and reopened the item to council discussion.
Councilmember Urich asked if Desert
Sun Condominiums is in the unincorporated area.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated that is correct.
Councilmember Urich asked i f
Goldfield is a two lane road.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated is not completely constructed at this time.I t is section line road
that will be a five lane road,and the applicants would be required to make
any improvements that need to be made to Goldfield Road to accommodate their
development.There will be two northbound lanes,two southbound lanes and a
middle turn lane.
Councilmember Urich asked if the
area south of the freeway,where it goes into one lane,will be expanded.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated that is correct.
Councilmember Urich commented this
would alleviate some of their concerns.She asked if the entrance was
directly opposite.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the engineer requires that.They either have to be lined up or off set
by 200'.I t is also not the only entrance drive.There is a northerly drive
that will serve three uses.There will be a main entrance drive for the
hospital,and Baseline is proposed to go farther east than Goldfield Road as
the mobile home park is being developed.There will be a secondary emergency
entrance for that park there,as it will extend about three-quarters of the
way across.
Councilmember Eck asked if it will
be adequate for them to turn north out of Desert Sun.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 18 OF 37
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated they would be turning into the middle turn lane and then accessing
their lanes accordingly.
Councilmember Eck asked how far i t
is to their entrance.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated i t is about 100 yards after coming off the freeway ramp.
Councilmember Eck commented i t
appears it will be difficult,but he does not know if there is another
solution other than going with five lanes.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated once the traffic patterns emerge and people learn what places to avoid,
some of that may be resolved.Baseline is also a two way road and people can
access the freeway on Tomahawk from that development.
Councilmember Eck asked if the
current private drive has sidewalks now.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated he does not believe it does.That was an issue during the subdivision
approval.
Councilmember Eck commented if this
is going to be a city street,they need to have the sidewalks on both sides
now.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the commission made the recommendation that the city could put in the
sidewalk in twelve months,but the developer would also have to have his
sidewalk developed in twelve months whether the lots are developed or not.He
believes they will be asking for sidewalks whether this is a private or public
road.
Councilmember Eck commented he
supports the sidewalks now and recoup i t from the developer later.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 19 OF 37
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
commented since they do not know the timing of the development,there could be
segments missing from the sidewalks for a long time.
Vice Mayor Surra asked him to
clarify the use for lot 7.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated lot 7 would be a restaurant.It would not be for medical or office
uses.
Vice Mayor Surra commented there is
a restaurant closer to the gas station and hotel.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated that is correct.
Vice Mayor Surra commented there
were some very good points made regarding the,traffic and signage.She has
had the same concerns,especially on the signage.Earlier they did not have
permission to put that kind of signage on the freeway,but now they do so
there is no reason to put the 35'or 45'signs by the freeway.People
generally do not go to hotels without some prior plan.She disagrees with the
altering of the signage and wants to protect the vistas.She is in agreement
with the suggestions made tonight.The traffic issues are a concern to her.
Mayor Coleman asked if the twelve
stipulations are already included in the ordinance.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated those twelve are those as recommended by the commission.If they wish
to change number two and number nine,they would need to mention the amendment
in the motion.Vice Mayor Surra also mentioned specific uses for the lots.
Councilmember Durbala asked why they
could not say just what they are supposed to be.I t should not have to be
broader.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 20 OF 37
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated retail is a broad term:some uses may be more obnoxious than they would
want to see,such as a pawn shop,gun shop,or a bar.
Mayor Coleman asked how much wider
the entry drive would have to be in order to be considered commercial.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated the main roadways where most of the commercial areas are located have
100'right-of-ways.Apache Trail has 150'right-of-ways.
Mayor Coleman commented most of
those do not go through residential.
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
stated that is correct.This road is basically built to residential street
standards,which is a 50'right-of-way.
Councilmember Eck agreed with the
vice mayor on the height of the sign.They need to set a precedent on the
height of these signs.The freeway indicator signs are very helpful.More of
the mountain gets cut off the further one goes east.They need to control the
growth there.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no more comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1144 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 21 OF 37
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1144,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING
STIPULATIONS ADDED:ON NUMBER TWO,IT READ WITH THE EXACT ITEMS THAT ARE
LISTED FOR BUSINESSES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF WHAT SAYS RETAIL MUST BE USER
FRIENDLY AND NEIGHBORHOOD FRIENDLY ON THAT ONE;AND THEN ON NUMBER NINE,IN
THE SECOND SENTENCE,SAID SAID IMPROVEMENTS,WHERE IT SAYS "MAY"IT SAYS
"WILL"INCLUDE THE PROVISIONS OF THE CURBS AND GUTTERS.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she did
not believe number two went far enough in stating for the record what you
would need in the motion regarding the retail shops.She AMENDED THE MOTION
THAT IT STATE THAT IT WOULD BE FROM THE COVER MEMO THAT WAS SUPPLIED BY STAFF
WITH THE ADDITION OF,IN NUMBER TWO,THAT THE BUSINESS OFFICES OR RETAIL SHOPS
WILL BE LIGHT INTENSITY,NEIGHBORHOOD FRIENDLY RETAIL ONLY.She commented the
signage was not included in any of the motion.
Councilmember Durbala stated that is
because i t limits the signage to 12'in the complex and 35'for the freeway.
There was no discussion stating they were against either of those heights.
Councilmember Urich commented Rudy
had suggested different language on number nine.She suggested that be
included.
Vice Mayor Surra CONTINUED TO AMEND
THE MOTION WITH TO REMOVE THE WORDS "THE ENTRANCE DRIVE TO SUPERSTITION FALLS"
IN STIPULATION NINE;IT WAS TO BE DELETED.
Councilmember Durbala asked her to
make the amendment on the signage.
Vice Mayor Surra CONTINUED TO AMEND
THE MOTION WITH THE SIGNAGE TO NOT EXCEED THE STANDARD THAT IS ALREADY SET FOR
SIGNAGE.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 22 OF 37
There was general discussion as to
what the standard height limit is.The standard is 12',anything taller must
have a conditional use permit or planned development request to go higher.
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
AMENDMENT.
Councilmember Urich MOVED TO MAKE AN
AMENDMENT TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE ABOVE WITH THE EXCLUSION OF THE SIGN
PROVISION.
leave the freeway sign at 35'.
correct.
SECOND AMENDMENT.
Mayor Coleman stated that would
Councilmember Urich stated that is
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
Mayor Coleman called for a vote on
the second amendment first.
VOTE:5-1 (Vice Mayor Surra voted in opposition.)
The second amendment carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a vote on
the first amendment.
Councilmember Durbala asked that the
vice mayor pull her amendment since there would be no change as the sign has
been accepted.
Vice Mayor Surra refused to pull her
amendment.
VOTE:1-5 (Mayor Coleman,Councilmembers Urich,Durbala,Eck and Insalaco
voted in opposition.)
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 23 OF 37
The first amendment failed.
Mayor Coleman called for a vote on
the main motion.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a five
minute break.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
meeting.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.00-35/GPA-00-01,
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT REQUEST TO CHANGE
DESIGNATION FOR A 16,536 NET SQUARE -FOOT
TRIANGULAR -SHAPED PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF IRONWOOD DRIVE AND
16TH AVENUE FROM MEDIUM DENSITY (RANGE 1
TO 6 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE,TARGET
DENSITY 3.5 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE)TO
EMPLOYMENT/RETAIL;PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.
1141/PZ-00-12,REZONING REQUEST FROM CR-3
(SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE,PERMITTING SITE-
BUILT HOMES ONLY)TO C-1/PD (NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL/CONVENIENCE DISTRICT BY PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT)FOR A PROPOSED PROFESSIONAL
OFFICE BUILDING
)Development Services Director
Glen Van Nimwegen briefed the council on the item.The applicant would like
to develop the site for an office building of 3,600 sq.ft.The site needs to
be rezoned to commercial,calling for a general plan amendment.Staff
recommends denial of the general plan amendment if one is just looking at the
rezoning as this could affect subsequent zoning cases.The general plan calls
for commercial uses to be located at arterial intersections.Staff would not
like to set a pattern of commercial uses at half mile arterials.This will be
a difficult site to develop and changing the zoning to retail would raise the
intensity.Staff checked the other uses for the site;they could increase the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 24 OF 37
zoning to a multi -family designation without amending the general plan.Staff
determined i t could be single family,a duplex,a park,a recreation area or
an accessory use for the Seventh Day Adventists adjacent to the site without a
general plan amendment.The Department of Commerce was sent a letter
regarding the general plan amendment and commented since i t is a small site,
i t should be neighborhood friendly retail.The only comment received at the
planning and zoning commission meeting was that i t remain office.The
planning and zoning commission voted 4-3 on both the general plan amendment
and the rezoning.They felt this was the best use for this piece of property
and the neighbors seem to be happy with it.Council had been concerned with
the other elevations.In order to fit the project on the site,they will have
to build over a 20'landscape easement on 16th Avenue.Staff recommends
landscaping approximately 5'of the right-of-way of 16th Avenue from where
their site ends to where the arroyo crosses 16th Avenue.The applicant agreed
to the trade-off and agreed to maintain the landscaping.
Councilmember Eck asked what the
buildings would look like coming southbound.
Development Services Director Glen
Van Nimwegen stated the applicant will show them some representations.
Vice Mayor Surra commented the water
that came off that lot totally engulfed the street when she drove down this
earlier.She asked if this would be an opportunity for the city to get rid of
the flooding problem there.The neighbors state i t happens every time i t
rains.
Development Services Director Glen
Van Nimwegen stated they would be required to retain the water that falls on
the site.If the right-of-way is landscaped,they can use some of that for
retention.There may be other water that is ending up there from perhaps off
the street.
Vice Mayor Surra stated i t looked
like it was over running whatever is in there now.
Councllmember Eck asked if she meant
it was coming off the lot into the street.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 25 OF 37
Councilmember Durbala asked if the
water was coming down that whole street.All of the rain did not land on that
property,and all the water is not on the property.
Vice Mayor Surra commented i t looks
like a little ditch,possibly worn there from the most recent rain,but the
water runs across that lot every time i t rains,and it goes well into the
street.
Development Services Director Glen
Van Nimwegen asked if the water from the arroyo crosses over the property.
Vice Mayor Surra stated that is
correct.I t definitely runs off of that lot.The whole lot is flooded.
Councilmember Insalaco stated the
water is coming from underneath Ironwood and coming all the way through the
wash.He travels that way going home.
Vice Mayor Surra asked how they
could build something there if it always floods.
Councilmember Insalaco commented i t
is not flooding on that piece of property;that wash continues.
Mayor Coleman commented Ironwood
used to flood all the time before the culverts were put in.I t is better now
than it was,but there is still a problem with 16th Avenue.However,this
property is not the problem;there is a large wash running there.
Development Services Director Glen
Van Nimwegen stated it will be improved but not solved permanently by taking
the water off that falls on the side.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant address the council.
Mr.Steven Ray,3850 E.Baseline
Road,#115,addressed the council.He is sure that they will be required to
retain all of the water that falls on that property.The water comes from a
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 26 OF 37
large area of property from upstream and it pours through there and has for as
long as he can remember.The property was left undeveloped because there was
nothing they could do with i t at that time.It was earlier considered to be a
good property for a convenience market,but i t is obvious that this would not
be a good location for one now.This property was not rezoned earlier because
he was not sure just what he wanted to do with the property for a long time.
Mr.Evan Ray,1936 W.Ray Lane,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He gave the council examples of the
possible elevations.They want to build the most beautiful office building in
the city.They believe i t is the best option and would add the most value.
The architecture will be upgraded all the way around and i t is buffered on all
sides.It will give the lowest impact for the property,as they intend to
sell custom homes from the site.
Councilmember Eck asked about the
elevations examples they were given.
Mr.Evan Ray stated that the
building shown is bigger in size,but i t has the architecture they will be
using.
Councilmember Eck commented it would
look like this all the way around,as there appears to be no back side.
Mr.Evan Ray stated there will be a
back side that will have heavy landscaping to beautify that.
sides show ficus trees for landscaping.
finally decided on the landscaping.
like to see something like that.
to see i t look nicer than that.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 27 OF 37
Councilmember Eck commented the
Mr.Evan Ray stated nothing had been
Councilmember Eck commented he would
Mr.Evan Ray stated they would like
Councilmember Urich commented they
appear to have the support of the neighbors.
Mr.Evan Ray stated they did go
around to the neighbors to get their support.There have been no objections.
Councilmember Insalaco commented
there could be no better way of showing the customers their homes than to sell
them out of a good looking building that they built.This building looks more
like a house than a commercial building,and he thinks i t is the best thing
for this property.
Councilmember Durbala agreed.This
states if they can build offices like this,and this is what the architect can
do,they should be able to sell custom homes from there.It will also have a
low intensity use.The building looks very nice and it will fit in nicely.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Mrs.Beverly Pilling,1515 S.Mara
Drive,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She commented the neighborhood
thinks i t is a very good plan and they are looking forward to it.She
commented she has lived there for fifteen years and the wash has never
overflowed.I t crosses 16th Avenue and goes into another wash farther down in
an undeveloped area.The neighborhood has no objections to the development.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction Association for Effective Government,
addressed the council.He likes the project and would like to see more of
them.
Mr.Tom Schuelke,1889 S.Palo
Verde,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented corporate offices
are ideal in a downtown development area;this change would hinder downtown
development.The best use would be either a parking lot or expansion by
either of the two adjacent churches.He hoped the city would do more than the
usual in sending out a notice to see if these churches have any expansion
plans.It could also be space for a utility.If this is granted,the owner
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 28 OF 37
should be required to provide maintenance for the wash.He also commented on
the water flow in the wash.
Mr.Alan Gruening,1815 W.15th
Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented people were
probably not here for the planning commission meeting because the people on
Mara are all winter visitors.He is concerned about the flooding and the wash
running from under Ironwood.The real flooding is on 16th Avenue.He does
not believe the site contributes a lot to it,but the water from Ironwood
joins this wash and i t piles up at the corner.He questioned putting a
building where one knows it will flood.He is also concerned as there is no
other commercial zoning in the area,and once they have built all their homes,
what would be going in there later.However,he will not object if the people
living on Mara are for this.
Ms.Irene Jones,1667 W.15th Lane,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.They look out over the wash.From
her yard she could see that there was no flooding in the triangular area,i t
was all water going down into the wash.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council
discussion.
Councilmember Eck commented they
have difficult pieces of property throughout the community.Each individual
lot cannot be foreseen in the general plan..This is one that slipped by in
the -general plan:The council would not be needed if they could just follow
the policy of the general plan.Hetelleves this is a.goodwse for the type
of lot that i t is.
Mayor Coleman agreed.The tendency
is not to put something of this quality on a problem lot.They frequently.
have a fence put around them and are made into RV'storage lots.
Councilmember Eck commented it would
be a horrible place for any utility.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no more comments and called for a motion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 29 OF 37
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.00-35,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GPA-00-
01,A REQUEST TO REDESIGNATE AN 16,536 SQUARE -FOOT PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE
NORTHWEST CORNER OF IRONWOOD DRIVE AND 16TH AVENUE FROM MEDIUM DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL (RANGE 1 TO 6 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE,TARGET DENSITY 3.5 DWELLING
UNITS PER ACRE)TO EMPLOYMENT/RETAIL,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Urich -MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1141 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION'.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1141:AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED:
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Development Services Director Glen
Van Nimwegen commented there was an amendment to condition number three
involving landscaping and maintaining the full ,arroyo.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 30 OF 37
Councilmember Urich AMENDED HER
MOTION TO INCLUDE THE CONDITION RECOMMENDED FOR CONDITION NUMBER THREE.
Mayor Coleman commented this would
mean landscaping the first five feet only of the arroyo.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1142/AMENDING
APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE CHAPTER 1
GENERAL,ARTICLE 1-13 QUALIFIED ELECTORS,
RELATING TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR PETITION
APPLICANTS AND CIRCULATORS WITH AN
EMERGENCY CLAUSE
)City Attorney Joel Stern briefed
the council on the item.The ordinance changes the requirements for
applicants and circulators on nomination,recall,referendum and initiative
petitions.It will require that the person be a resident who has a physical
presence and intent to remain within the corporate limits of the city.I t
also adds several forms of showing identification.
Mayor Coleman commented the current
ordinance has been overturned through case law:it cannot state just a
qualified elector.This broadens to anyone who qualifies as an elector,
whether registered or not.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated i t
allows for anyone who is qualified to register to vote for a city election.
This is per state statute.
Mayor Coleman commented it would be
more inclusive than what is currently in the code.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated this
broadens the amount of people that could be applicants or circulators.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 31 OF 37
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,Greater Apache Junction Association for Effective Government,
addressed the council.He stated individuals would have to be living in the
city in order to apply for a referendum.This makes it more difficult for
someone that does not reside in the city,such as a businessman who has a
substantial investment in the community and may be at risk by some
legislation,to refer something here.He also questioned the use of the
emergency clause on this ordinance,as questions are moving through the courts
on the use of emergency clauses and there may be local lawsuits brought on the
issue.
Mr,Tom Schuelke,1889 S,Palo
Verde,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He approved of all residents
being able to petition instead of just registered voters,however,he does not
agree that a person should be a city resident.While i t is easier for some,
it will be more difficult for others.A seasonal resident,a business owner
and a property owner who does not reside within the city limits could not
circulate petitions.He does not believe this would ban non-residents from
circulating state petitions.He questioned the purpose of this ordinance.I t
could force a second person to circulate a local petition.I t appears the
city is attempting to thwart referendums.The petition circulators provide a
service to residents,and only actual residents can sign the petitions.He
questioned why this was discussed in executive session only.He asked what
are the effects of the emergency clause and why one was declared here.He
suggested doing away with the registration requirement as required by case law
but not restrict the activity to city residents.
City Attorney Joel Stern read into
the record "the emergency clause,under Section 4 says,the immediate
operation of the provision of this ordinance is necessary for the immediate
preservation of the public peace,health or safety,and that an emergency is
hereby declared to exist.Such emergency being,but is not limited to,the
proximity in time to the first day nomination petitions may be circulated for
the March -May 2001 primary and general elections."The petitions are
authorized to be circulated beginning Monday,November 13,2001."This
ordinance shall be in full force and effect,from and after its passage,
adoption,and approval by the Mayor and Council of the City of Apache
Junction,and shall not be subject to the referendum provisions under A.R.S.
§19-142(8)."The majority of this language has been approved by the 9th
Circuit Ruling in Stone v.City of Prescott.The U.S.Supreme Court refused
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 32 OF 37
to rehear that case,therefore this language is legal to use in any emergency
clause.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He commented that the council has
not done anything to thwart any referendum movements.They set policy.He
has not challenged anything and he believes that comment was totally unfair.
He commented a businessman could not take out a petition right now if he did
not live in the city.This allows those residents that are qualified to vote
but not registered to be able to circulate petitions.
Councilmember Eck asked if a
businessman or property owner who is not a current city resident could not
take out a petition.
Mayor Coleman stated that is
correct.It was felt that in order for something to be put on the ballot for
our citizens to vote on,there should be at least some citizens who can vote
in the elections to carry petitions.He was concerned that someone would be
collecting signatures on something the circulator could not vote on or affect.
I t should be of interest to the people circulating the petitions.
Councilmember Durbala commented i f
they are a resident,they should be able to carry a petition.He does not
think someone from Scottsdale should be coming over and knocking on residents'
doors and disturbing them for petition signatures.They do not live in the
community and probably have no idea what the petition is for that they are
carrying.They are paid per signature and there is some fraud in some of
these.A resident would know the people and what is going on in the
community.He believes city residents carrying petitions is the best thing.
He has pushed this for sometime.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no more comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1142 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY WITH THE EMERGENCY CLAUSE AND THE
READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 33 OF 37
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only with the emergency clause.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1142,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED WITH
THE EMERGENCY CLAUSE.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
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
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 34 OF 37
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON
MONDAY,DECEMBER 4,2000,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY;AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,DECEMBER 5,2000,
IN THE CITY CONFERENCE ROOM.She noted these must be called at this time due
to the cancellation of the November 20 work session and November 21 regular
meeting.
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 10:42 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 17,2000.
3.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees.
Employees receiving recognition are:Joyce Brayshaw;Joanne Delys;Anne
McElroy;James Anderson;Keith Graves;Matt King:Liz Langenbach;Deborah
Holland;Doug Dobson;Peter Plante;Ron Grittman:Elaine Jones;Tina Marie
Hayes;Mike Rush;Greg Mayer;Frank Granillo;Terry Johnson;Darrell
Flippo;and Bob Mayes.
4.Approval of Resolution No.00-34,Supporting the Friends of the Library of
Apache Junction fundraising effort.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 35 OF 37
5.Approval of "Food for Fines"Program to be held March 1-31,2001,at the
Apache Junction Public Library.
6.Consideration and approval of employee agreement for presiding magistrate.
(The current contract expires December 31,2000.)
7.Authorization for Mayor to send a letter to League of Arizona Cities and
Towns regarding tax code amendments for placement of manufactured buildings
under Article IV of the Model Tax Code.
8.Approval of Award of Bid for Project No.PW 2000-30,Four Wheel Drive
Loader and Gannon Scraper Box from Falcon Power Company for $44.809.00.
ACCEPTED THIS 5TH DAY OF DECEMBER ,2000,BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 5TH DAY OF DECEMBER ,2000.
DOUGLAS CIEMAN
Mayor
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 36 OF 37
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 7th day of November,2000.I further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 16th day of November,2000.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 7,2000
PAGE 37 OF 37