Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-05 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 5,1999 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona,was held on January 5,1999,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 Dietz Councilmember Urich Councilmember Insalaco Councilmember Eck Councilmember Durbala Staff Present: Others Present: City Manager Curtis Shook Assistant City Manager George Hoffman City Clerk Kathleen Connelly City Attorney Joel Stern Public Safety Director Robert Warner Public Works Director Doug Dobson 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:ENGINEERING ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT THERYN HANSEN;LIBRARY EMPLOYEE GAIL FISEL;SECRETARY TO THE POLICE CHIEF CARLENA LAWSON;RECREATION SUPERINTENDENT BETH COWLES; RECREATION LEADER JAY REYNOLDS;PARKS SUPERINTENDENT NICK BLAKE;PARKS & RECREATION EMPLOYEE KEITH;PARKS & RECREATION SECRETARY MARY MARCH;COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR PAT BRENNER;CODE ENFORCEMENT SUPERVISOR BOB MAYES; REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5,1999 PAGE 1 OF 10 SECRETARY TO THE CITY MANAGER BARBARA PRUITT;THE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT;AND THAT RESOLUTION NO.99-01,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,PROVIDING NOTICE OF THE REGULAR PRIMARY ELECTION;ESTABLISHING POLLING PLACES AND VOTING DISTRICTS AND THE TIMES THAT SUCH POLLS WILL BE OPEN;AND APPOINTING ELECTION OFFICIALS AND FIXING THEIR RATE OF COMPENSATION,BE APPROVED;AND THAT THE AWARD OF BID FOR PR 98-05,PROSPECTOR PARK MULTI -PURPOSE FIELD LIGHTING BE AWARDED TO AJP ELECTRIC IN THE AMOUNT OF $98,888.88 PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% FOR CHANGE ORDERS; AND THAT APPROVAL BE GIVEN OF THE REQUEST FOR OFFSET OF ROAD DEVELOPMENT FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,600 BY COURTLAND HOMES FOR CORTEZ RANCH SUBDIVISION IN EXCHANGE FOR NECESSARY OFFSITE IMPROVEMENTS TO BASELINE AVENUE ALREADY CONSTRUCTED BY THE DEVELOPER. Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Coleman read a proclamation designating February 26 through February 28, 1999 as Lost Dutchman Days.He presented the proclamation to Bob Lake,a representative of the Chamber of Commerce. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Mrs.Midge Conway,902 S.Ocotillo Drive,Apache Junction,addressed the council regarding all the signs that are on the right-of-way.She believes there is an ordinance against this.She also requested that signs be put up for rezonings so the public can be aware of any potential zoning changes. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Curtis Shook reported that the city has been working on Y2K programming since FY 96/97.Significant progress has been made for the internet and in studying imbedded chips for Y2K to the point where the city has been recognized by Southwest Risk as being far ahead of the other cities and they want to use the City of Apache Junction as a model for other communities and school districts that are in the pool.They are going to give the city a grant in the amount of $45,000 to continue the work.He considers it an honor for the city to be ahead in this area.He commended the work of Spencer Paden,Brian Tschudy and Donley Hurd. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5,1999 PAGE 2 OF 10 OLD BUSINESS. None. NEW BUSINESS. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.98-33/EXECUTION OF DRAINAGE AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT LOCATED NORTH AND WEST OF THE ROCK SHADOWS RV PARK )City Manager Curtis Shook briefed the council on this item.The easement is in the large wash area behind the Fry's Food Store that is being built.It is a main drainage area for the downtown area.The request for the easement is so the city will be able to upgrade and maintain the wash area.The owner has agreed to the easement and is requesting to build a block and stucco wall along the entire length of the western portion of the property,which should assist in cleaning up the area. He recommended approval of the easement. Mayor Coleman opened the item to council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.98-33,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,FOR EXECUTION OF A DRAINAGE AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT LOCATED NORTH AND WEST OF ROCK SHADOWS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK;AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY;BE APPROVED. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.99-02/EXECUTION OF A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH ROCK SHADOWS PARTNERS,L.L.C.,REQUIRING CONSTRUCTION OF 6 -FOOT WALL BY ROCK SHADOWS L.L.C. )Mayor Coleman opened the item to council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.99-02,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,FOR EXECUTION OF A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A MASONRY WALL LOCATED IN ROCK SHADOWS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK;AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY,BE APPROVED. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5,1999 PAGE 3 OF 10 Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.98-42/EXECUTION OF DRAINAGE AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT LOCATED NORTH AND WEST OF DIRTWATER SPRINGS RESTAURANT )City Manager Curtis Shook briefed the council on the item.He commented this is similar to the previous item, as it grants the city an easement in a stormwater managemment area.The ditch is on the west side of Dirtwater Springs,and consists of earth and berm.It is also a major wash and it would be in the city's best interest to have control and maintenance over it.In addition,it would allow Dirtwater Springs to improve their place of business. Mayor Coleman opened the item to council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.98-42,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,FOR EXECUTION OF A DRAINAGE AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT LOCATED NORTH AND WEST OF DIRTWATER SPRINGS RESTAURANT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY;BE APPROVED. Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH APACHE JUNCTION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES )City Manager Curtis Shook briefed the council on this item.He commented the city is awaiting an additional attachment by the Chamber.Dr.Barry Sutter agrees it would be appropriate to continue this item at this time to a future council agenda. Mayor Coleman opened the item to council discussion.He asked if the motion would have to be date specific. City Manager Curtis Shook stated it does not have to be date specific. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5,1999 PAGE 4 OF 10 City Attorney Joel Stern agreed. Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT WE POSTPONE ITEM NO.10,THE AGREEMENT WITH THE APACHE JUNCTION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UNTIL STAFF COMPILES ALL THE INFORMATION AND BRINGS THIS BACK TO US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. be continued or postponed. since they still have to act on it, MOTION TO READ TO CONTINUE THE ITEM. Vice Mayor Surra ,asked if it should City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the motion should say continued. Councilmember Durbala AMENDED HIS Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTION AMEND CITY CODE ARTICLE 2-18 CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS BY ELIMINATING SPECIFIC BOARD AND COMMISSION LIAISON APPOINTMENTS )Councilmember Durbala briefed the council on the item.He would like to discontinue the liaison positions and have them removed from the city code.He believes the positions have outlived their 'usefulness. Mayor Coleman asked if he meant all of the liaison positions. Councilmember Durbala commented he meant all of the board and commission liaisons for the city.He would like the outside agency liaisons to remain.They could be looked at later on as needed. Mayor Coleman opened the item to council discussion. Councilmember Eck disagreed with Councilmember Durbala.He believes they are excellent communication and information tools and he would like to see the council more active as liaisons. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5,1999 PAGE 5 OF 10 Councilmember Dietz agreed. Councilmember Urich agreed with Councilmember Eck.She believes they are an excellent form of communication. Councilmember Durbala asked them to show him where in the city code the job responsibilities are listed. Councilmember Eck asked if the city code had to say what the responsibilities are. Councilmember Durbala commented that if it is in there,the responsibilities should be addressed. Councilmember Eck stated i t reads that the position is to serve as a liaison. Councilmember Urich read the job responsibility from the city code. Councilmember Durbala believed they all have access to all the department heads and the boards and commissions that they would want to talk to.He does not see the benefit for the city boards and commissions as a whole by placing one individual in a particular area. Councilmember Eck commented they are not limited to that one position.One can go to a meeting without being the liaison. Councilmember Durbala stated that was his point.They can go to any of the meetings without being a liaison. Councilmember Eck commented he would like to see the liaison go to the meeting. Councilmember Durbala stated it is not required in the city code. Councilmember Dietz commented he believes i t is good for them to have a person that they can contact,whether the person goes to the meetings or not.He would like to see the liaisons kept for right now. Councilmember Urich commented she attends all county and city meetings on health and human services issues.She believes the liaison position is an excellent form of communication. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5,1999 PAGE 6 OF 10 Vice Mayor Surra commented that is one of the boards she feels the least comfortable about having a liaison on. That board often expects a lot of input and participation by the liaison;they appear to consider them a board member.She feels this may be a conflict of interest,as the liaison has to approve the recommendation which they may have helped foster.She believes that happens with boards and commissions that are part of the city's departments.This makes it difficult for the liaison to be impartial when they are sitting on the council.She believes they have become more than a conduit for information.The communication is there that was not possible in the past.She does not believe attendance at the meetings should be limited to one council member,and added that what occurs at the meetings is not always passed on by word of mouth from the liaison or from written reports from them.She believes the liaisons for non -city boards and commissions should be retained and the city boards and commissions positions reviewed. Mayor Coleman commented he was criticized in the past for not attending meetings but it was because he felt while attending them that a head nod or shake would indicate what he wanted them to recommend to him.He did not feel that was his purpose.The boards were created to give the public input and to have them make their own decisions.In the past he believed the position had been used to inform some council members about things and not others.Those council members would not inform the rest of the council.He has tried to divide them up equally,but he could not make everyone happy as everyone wanted the same two or three. This placed him in a difficult position.He does see the need for liaisons for outside organizations,but he is not sure they are needed for city boards and commissions.He does not want it to seem that the council members are making recommendations to them as to what the council would like to see recommended to the council.He is willing to review it,and he does not want to deprive anyone from attending any of the meetings.He believes they may be able to improve on what they are doing this way. Councilmember Urich commented she tries to be an observer and not a participant. Mayor Coleman closed the discussion and called for a motion. Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING AMENDING CITY CODE ARTICLE 2- 18,CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS,BY ELIMINATING CITY ONLY BOARD AND COMMISSION LIAISON APPOINTMENTS. Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:4-3 (Councilmembers Urich,Eck and Dietz voted in opposition.) REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5,1999 PAGE 7 OF 10 The motion carried. AMENDMENT TO APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE, VOLUME II,LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,CHAPTER 7,DEVELOPMENT FEES,PERTAINING TO CITY COUNCIL'S DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY FOR GRANTING OFFSET CREDITS FOR REQUIRED ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS )City Attorney Joel Stern briefed the council on this item.He commented the city code is inconsistent with the state statute.He is asking for direction to amend the city code to be more in line with case law on offset credits for developers who are required to improve roadways within the city -approved arterial roadways. Mayor Coleman opened the item to council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING AMENDING APACHE JUNCTION CITY CODE,VOLUME II,LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,CHAPTER 7,DEVELOPMENT FEES, PERTAINING TO CITY COUNCIL'S DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY FOR GRANTING OFFSET CREDITS FOR REQUIRED ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS:THAT THE CURRENT DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE PROVISION SHOULD BE UPDATED TO REFLECT STATE LAW. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES.LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON MONDAY,JANUARY 18,1999,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE CENTER AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY. AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,JANUARY 19, 1999,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE CENTER. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. INFORMATION AND REPORTS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5,1999 PAGE 8 OF 10 Councilmember Durbala and City Clerk Kathleen Connelly discussed the arrangments for the council retreat on January 16.It will be held at the Grand Hotel and start at 8 AM. ADJOURNMENT )Mayor Coleman adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1.Acceptance of Agenda. 2.•Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 15,1998. 3.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees. Employees receiving recognition are:Theryn Hansen,Gail Fisel,Carlena Lawson,Beth Cowles,Jay Reynolds,Nick Blake,Keith Graves,Mary March, Pat Brenner,Bob Mayes,Barbara Pruitt,and Jeff Bell and the Parks and Recreation Department. 4.Approval of Resolution No.99-01,Notice of Election for the March 9, 1999 Primary Election. 5.Approval of Award of Bid:PR -98-05,"Prospector Park Multi -purpose Field Lighting". 6.Approval of Request for offset of road development fees by Courtland Homes for Cortez Ranch Subdivision. ACCEPTED THIS 19TH DAY OF JANUARY ,1999,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 19TH DAY OF JANUARY ,1999. DOUGLAS LEMAN Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5,1999 PAGE 9 OF 10 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 5th day of January,1999.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 7th day of January,1999. KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 5,1999 PAGE 10 OF 10