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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-08-17 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 17,1999 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona,was held on August 17,1999,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 Vice Mayor Surra 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: Others Present: City Manager Curtis Shook Asst.City Manager George Hoffman City Clerk Kathleen Connelly City Attorney Joel Stern Public Safety Director Robert Warner Development Services Director Glen Van Nimwegen REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 1 OF 17 ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND THAT WE RECOGNIZE THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE FOLLOWING CITY EMPLOYEES:BUSINESS LICENSE COORDINATOR TALEEN CARPENTER;PARKS WORKER I JIM WALL;AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO SPEND IN EXCESS OF $10,000,NOT TO EXCEED $70,000,VIA STATE CONTRACT WITH BAKER AND TAYLOR,INC.FOR LIBRARY MATERIALS. Councilmember.Urich SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS.PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS Mr.James Rodriguez,Community Development Director for Pinal-Gila Community Child Services,Inc.gave a presentation on a federally funded transportation program for welfare recipients.Approximately 18 months ago Councilmember Urich requested him to try for a Tanner Transportation Program funded by the Arizona Department of Economic Security as he had been successful in getting funding for a program in Casa Grande.There were no affordable transportation resources available there,either.The state decided not to fund Apache Junction as they felt it was not needed in the region from Superior to Apache Junction.Continuous requests from Councilmember Urich and County Supervisor Sandie Smith urged him to pursue a federal grant funded by the U.S.Department of Transportation,Federal Transit Administration,Job Access and Reverse Commute Opportunities.This is one of only two programs funded for the entire State of Arizona,the other being Maricopa County.It was funded for the maximium available for a rural community.This funding requires a public presentation be given in the community it affects,including its purpose,the routes,the hours and the community support.Any questions must be addressed at this time.Briefly,this grant is to help low income persons seek job opportunities in areas such as the growing East Valley.It will start at 5:00 a.m.in Superior,go through and service the City of Apache Junction,and end at 7:30 a.m.at Superstition Springs Mall in Mesa.There will be continuous routes and services in Apache Junction and Mesa for the remainder of the day. The last service ends at 8:00 p.m.in Superior.The hours will be based upon the services.Community support would include safe places for loading and REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 2 OF 17 unloading,plus advertising support for marketing in the communities.This grant requires in -kind 100% matching funds.They will have an 18 passenger bus that will be awarded by the state for operating costs,made available by the federal government.However,the communities must come up with the capital at this time and the federal government will pay them back,which could take as long as six months.As of August 2,they have had a 15 passenger bus servicing the community.They should have the 18 passenger bus with two wheelchair lifts in another month or two.This should help out those people needing transportation services,especially with the closing of the mines in Superior and the new job opportunities just west of Apache Junction. His office will be open to questions and he will continue to check out other programs. Vice Mayor Surra asked if he was looking for community input,as there are some residents who have made transportation their issue and the city could guide them to his office for future information. Mr.James Rodriguez commented they do Head Start,and they are going to do what each local community needs and work around any grants.They will take local resident input insofar as where stops are needed and the needed hours. The first quarter will be rough,but the input should have it running smoothly by the third or fourth quarter.With the input he should be able to go into the second and third year of funding and he can reapply for continuous funding for Apache Junction.His goal is to try to bring in transportation that will be here for five or six years down the road. Councilmember Urich commented though it has taken awhile,she is glad to see it come to fruition.She has heard he is getting numerous calls about it. Mr.James Rodriguez stated the calls are from both genders and all different ages.He commented it says a lot for their agency to receive this program funding as they competed across the nation for it.They were assisted by strong letters of support from City Manager Curtis Shook,Mayor Doug Coleman, the mayor from Superior and County Supervisor Sandie Smith.The federal government would not have funded it without the support of the civic leaders. Continued support is vital to the success of the program. CALL TO THE PUBLIC REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 3 OF 17 Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,Apache Junction,commented he was glad to see transportation looking like a reality in the city.He complained about the agenda issues not being clearly defined and big development "popping up" out of nowhere and passing with an emergency clause.He added he will be there to add his input to the transportation program. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT Assistant City Manager George Hoffman stated organizational development is one of Mr.Shook's goals.Through the budget Mr.Shook asked for and was allocated money for formal development of staff.In addition Mr.Shook is asking staff to take on new tasks and do some cross training.Tonight he is doing some cross training to provide this function in the event of the unavailability of the city manager.He reminded the public of the general plan work session on August 30 at 6:30 p.m.Staff has been working on the Y2K issue and has met with the water district,sewer district and will be meeting with other entities to assure responses will be integrated and coordinated. The city has now received over $2,000,000 in development fees for the city and over $1,500,000 in development fees for the school district. PUBLIC HEARINGS PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1099/APPROVAL FOR TRANSFER AND ASSIGNMENT OF A CABLE SYSTEM LICENSE FROM TRIAX MIDWEST ASSOCIATES, L.P.TO MEDIACOM ARIZONA LLC )City Attorney Joel Stern briefed the council on the item.This ordinance will transfer all the duties and responsibilities of the license agreement from Triax to Mediacom. Mayor Coleman requested the applicant address the council. Mr.Tom Bordwell,Triax Midwest Associates,L.P.,addressed the council.He,Jim Carey from Mediacom and Louis Gentile were there to answer any questions on the transfer.The companies are working together in order to have a smooth transition. Councilmember Eck asked if Triax is looking at reinvesting in Apache Junction. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 4 OF 17 Mr.Tom Bordwell stated he is not aware of any plans of that nature. City Attorney Joel Stern commented two signed copies of the license agreement where provided by Triax today. 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 further discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1099 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.1099,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED. Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. OLD BUSINESS, None. NEW BUSINESS. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 5 OF 17 CONSIDERATION OF NEW APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS TO CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS )City Clerk Kathleen Connelly briefed the council on the item.Two work sessions ago individuals interested in reappointment were interviewed.Her memo calls attention to those boards and commissions council had already given direction to staff to review.Those required by state law or by other legislation cannot be changed except for reconfiguring membership,such as the Planning and Zoning Commission; adjustments can be made but they cannot be eliminated.This item allows them to reappoint those members they wish to at this time,and there will be additional applicants (interviewed at a later date)who could not attend the interview or are new. Mayor Coleman opened the item for council discussion. Councilmember Eck asked if there would be new applicants for these positions. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated there is more than one vacancy on most boards and commissions.There will be additional people needed to fill the vacancies. Councilmember Durbala asked if these boards have more vacancies than reappointments. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the Construction Code Board of Appeals has vacancies that will have to be filled by specific category.There are five vacancies on the Economic Development Commission. Vice Mayor Surra asked if they still needed that board.The city is working with Main Street,Focused Future and the Chamber of Commerce.There seems to be a lot of duplication and the membership is difficult to maintain. Councilmember Durbala asked if some of the other applicants would be interested in being on some of the boards they are voting on tonight. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 6 OF 17 City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated some are and some are not.It is possible that they may be interested in serving on other boards if they are asked. Councilmember Durbala asked how many applications were on file. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated she has only two new ones,and Mr.Namsick and Mr.Littell will be present at the next work session.Mr.Namsick and Mr.Littell wish to be reappointed. Councilmember Durbala asked what boards and commissions the two new applicants were interested in. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated one was the Board of Adjustment and the other was for the Municipal Property Corporation,and possibly the Industrial Development Authority or the Economic Development Commission.The first applicant has stated she would be interested in other positions. Councilmember Durbala suggested waiting until all the applicants had been interviewed. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated some of the boards and commissions may be running short if appointments are held off. Councilmember Durbala commented he believed that would be the Municipal Property Corporation,which has an annual meeting.He would like to see all the applicants before appointing anyone. Councilmember Dietz asked if there would be reappointments showing up on September 20. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated that would be Mr.Namsick and Mr.Littell. Councilmember Urich commented Patrick was also going to check with some of the people from the Citizens' Leadership Institute,and do some additional advertising. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 7 OF 17 City Clerk Kathleen Connelly commented there was only one response. Vice Mayor Surra asked if they could proceed with eliminating some or adjusting the number of members tonight,and then do the reappointments tonight for those that have served faithfully.She commented there may still be some vacancies on the boards even after people are reappointed.She would like to keep the membership as close to a quorum as possible throughout the deliberations so that those that have to work can work. Councilmember Durbala asked if she was talking about those that are short now and could not handle a quorum.He commented if those people are already on the commission,they stay on the commission until they are reappointed or replaced. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated that is correct unless they choose to resign. Vice Mayor Surra commented her concern is that some of the people who are up for reappointments have faithfully been coming to council meetings waiting to be reappointed during these deliberations.She would not want to make those people come back again. Mayor Coleman suggested they consider them one at a time. Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT DALLAS DEWEY BE REAPPOINTED TO THE CONSTRUCTION CODE BOARD OF APPEALS IN THE CONTRACTOR OTHER THAN THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR POSITION WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2002. Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 8 OF 17 Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT WE SKIP OVER THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SINCE I THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE LOOKING AT SOME KIND OF DISCUSSION REGARDING WHETHER OR NOT WE WOULD MAINTAIN THAT COMMISSION. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT JENNIE BENNETT AND CAROL CRANMER BE REAPPOINTED TO THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION WITH TERMS TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2002. Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT BARBARA GARDNER BE REAPPOINTED TO THE LIBRARY BOARD WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 30, 2002. Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. Councilmember Eck asked if the Municipal Property Corporation was a mandatory board. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated it was. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 9 OF 17 Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT MARIA EWELL BE REAPPOINTED TO THE MUNICIPAL PROPERTY CORPORATION BOARD WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2002. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. Councilmember Durbala asked if an individual has to live in the city limits to be on the Parks & Recreation Commission according to the city code. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated the city code requires they live within the city limits. Councilmember Durbala asked if a certain address was in the city limits. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated it is. Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT RICHARD ANDERSON BE REAPPOINTED TO THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2002. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. Councilmember Urich asked if there were two vacancies due on the Municipal Property Corporation Board. Vice Mayor Surra commented Mr. Namsick would be coming at the next meeting. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 10 OF 17 Councilmember Dietz MOVED THAT TOM KELLEY-DEVANEY,EDWARD TIRADOR,AND PAT RICHMOND BE REAPPOINTED TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION WITH TERMS TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2002. Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION OF AGREEMENTS WITH HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999- 2000 )City Clerk Kathleen Connelly briefed the council on this item.This provides public funds for human services agencies who in turn are required to provide services directly to city residents only.The agencies and amounts funded are:Apache Junction Reach Out (Food Bank),$15,000;Boys and Girls Club of Apache Junction, $10,000;Community Action Human Resources Agency,$20,000;Mesa Senior Center, $17,000;Salvation Army,$18,000;and Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center,$10.000,for a total of $80,000.All the service contracts have been standardized and have similar provisions. Mayor Coleman opened the item to council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion. Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE AGENCY CONTRACTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000 IN THE DOLLAR AMOUNTS AND INCLUDING THE STIPULATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION BE APPROVED. Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. Mayor Coleman thanked the Health and REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 11 OF 17 Human Services Commission for their efforts.He appreciates the time put in by all the members of every board and commission. Vice Mayor Surra commended the Health and Human Services Commission for getting extra money out of the budget each year. CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO COUNCIL TO CONSIDER FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE MORRISON/BROOKINGS GROWTH STUDY )Assistant City Manager George Hoffman briefed the council on this item.This is a growth study in the East Valley.They want to describe and map where growth is occurring,trends in the region in terms of population,employment settlement patterns, demographics,etc.They want to analyze why the growth is occurring in this area and make recommendations as to the federal and state policies that can be implemented at the local level to promote quality, growth.They want to objectively compare what is happening here with other areas in the region. They have asked for financial support from various agencies. City Manager Curtis Shook commented they are asking for financial support from cities and for-profit businesses that area part of the East Valley Partnership,which has about 300 to 500 different members.He expects many of the members will give something towards this study as it will highlight the East Valley.It will provide a snapshot of what other places have done and the strengths and weaknesses of the East Valley.He urged them to give some type of support to the study. Vice Mayor Surra asked if the city is a dues paying member of the partnership. City Manager Curtis Shook stated the city is a dues paying member. Vice Mayor Surra asked if the legalities would be clear to participate if the partnership assessed a fee to all of its members to fund this study. City Attorney Joel Stern commented it would not.He suggested they condition this contribution that the study REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 12 OF 17 use figures in Apache Junction,or include Apache Junction as part of their study.The figures should be tied to Apache Junction somehow. Mayor Coleman commented this would show the city is receiving some benefit from the study. City Attorney Joel Stern stated it would not be a "donation"if it could be shown that the city derived some benefit from the study. Mayor Coleman asked how that should be worded. Councilmember Eck asked if they needed to have that in writing before the city gives a contribution. Vice Mayor Surra asked if they know the scope of the study and how Apache Junction will be included. City Manager Curtis Shook stated he does not know how it will include the individual City of Apache Junction.He does not know if there will be a section on Apache Junction,but he suspects the city's demographics,growth patterns and building permits will be part of the study,as well as the current subdivision and zoning regulations. City Attorney Joel Stern suggested continuing this matter until September 20 so that the partnership could get a letter to the city explaining how the study is done and what information will be used. Vice Mayor Surra stated they can use the information supplied by the city,but the city already has that information so it receives no benefit. City Attorney Joel Stern stated the benefit would be the study compared to other communities;the final product is the benefit. Councilmember Eck commented they want to request something that specifically says Apache Junction. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 13 OF 17 City Manager Curtis Shook stated they will receive a report.He should have a better explanation of the scope of the study by September 17.His concern is that it will be an important study of the East Valley and the city should be a part of it. Vice Mayor Surra asked if they could find out what various other communities and entities have pledged by that time. City Manager Curtis Shook stated he could find out who has committed at that time.He believes the city is in the forefront at this time. Vice Mayor Surra stated she has a problem with the fact that a specific amount is not requested of each contributor.It is open-ended;one funding the most could get the least benefit.She has a concern about setting that dollar amount. Councilmember Eck suggested giving the minimum amount and then they would not have to expect too much. Vice Mayor Surra stated she would have no problem if each contributed equally. City Manager Curtis Shook stated the partnership tends to be open-ended. Mayor Coleman suggested the city manager come back with a recommendation for council. Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT WE CONTINUE THIS ITEM TO THE SEPTEMBER 21 MEETING. Councilmember Dietz SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 14 OF 17 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 A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON MONDAY,SEPTEMBER 20,1999,IN THE CITY CONFERENCE CENTER AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY:AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 21,1999, IN THE CITY CONFERENCE CENTER. Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE MOTION. Mayor Coleman commented the regular work session and regular meeting of September 5 and 6 has been canceled because of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Conference and the Labor Day holiday. City Attorney Joel Stern commented they would have a continued executive session after this meeting for two items from last night. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. INFORMATION AND REPORTS Councilmember Eck stated the Apache Junction News had an article regarding some dogs that were looking for a home that are being kept at Animal Control. There is a woman who will donate the fees for one or two of the dogs to be adopted for free. Mayor Coleman announced that Planning and Zoning Commissioner Kent Slocum had suffered a heart attack.He is doing much better now. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 15 OF 17 Councilmember Durbala commented Kent Slocum was visiting his family in Michigan when he suffered a massive heart attack.He will have a quadruple bypass on Monday.He is up and walking now but he will be recuperating there for some time.He will give the city clerk the address for him if anyone wants to send cards or letters. Mayor Coleman announced that the city had been successful on the Homebuilders' Association challenge of the school impact fees at the Superior Court level. Councilmember Eck announced he is hosting a golf tournament on September 18 at the Apache Creek Golf Course to raise funds for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research and Support Group.He urged everyone to attend. ADJOURNMENT )Mayor Coleman adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1.Acceptance of Agenda. 2.Acceptance of Minutes of Special Meeting of July 19,1999. 3.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of July 20,1999. 4.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees. Employees receiving recognition are Taleen Carpenter and Jim Wall. 5.Approval to spend in excess of $10,000 (not to exceed $70,000)with Baker and Taylor.Inc.,a library materials vendor.(Baker and Taylor, Inc.is on state contract to provide library materials in Arizona.) ACCEPTED THIS 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1999,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 5TH DAY OF OCTOBER ,1999. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 16 OF 17 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 the 17th day of August,1999.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 2nd day of September,1999. KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 17,1999 PAGE 17 OF 17