HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-06-02 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 2,1998
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on June 2,1998,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 7:03 p.m.
INVOCATION
Pastor Lynn Coombs gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Coleman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Surra
Councilmember Urich
Councilmember Durbala
Councilmember Eck
(Councilmember Insalaco was absent.)
(One vacancy exists on the council.)
Staff Present:
Others Present:
City Manager Curtis Shook
Deputy City Clerk Janet Mason
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Robert Warner
Development Services Director Larry Harmer
Community Outreach Coordinator Patrick Brenner
Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
Management Assistant Robert Galloway
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
Housing & Grants Coordinator John Petroff
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT THE
CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED.
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JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 1 OF 42
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
None.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR A NEW LIQUOR LICENSE FOR
AMVETS POST 2
)Councilmember Durbala claimed a
conflict of interest and removed himself from the council chambers.
City Attorney Joel Stern briefed the
council on the item.He gave a summation on the liquor license application
process.AMVETS is requesting approval of this application.He commented
there are memos from the fire district,city clerk,building official,
planning and others regarding this application.He stated council must
determine if the public convenience and best interest of the community would
be substantially served if the liquor license is issued.If council
determines this license should not be granted,the reasons for such a
recommendation must be specifically stated in the motion.He added the motion
page includes a motion for an unlicensed business establishment exemption.
Materials have been included in the packet addressing that issue.If a
negative recommendation is given,the state will have to have a subsequent
hearing and the letter with the attached reasons will become part of the
record for that hearing.
Mayor Coleman asked the applicant or
their representative to address the council.
Mr.David Little,who lives in Mesa
and is the agent for AMVETS Post 2,addressed the council.He stated their
liquor license application had been withdrawn and no longer exists.He
commented he could not see how something could be discussed or voted upon that
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JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 2 OF 42
no longer exists.He advised they went to the liquor board and withdrew it,
adding he has a notarized copy of the file deactivation form dated May 29,
1998.A copy was provided to the city offices by AMVETS later that same day.
He commented since they are unable to vote,the discussion is needless.
Vice Mayor Surra asked what date
that was brought to the city.
Mr.David Little stated it was at
midday Friday,May 29,1998.He added it was short notice to get it off the
agenda.
Vice Mayor Surra stated it was
already an advertised agenda item.
Mr.David Little insisted they could
not vote on a nonexistent item.
Deputy City Clerk Janet Mason stated
there is supposed to be two pages to the withdrawal form;the city was only
provided with the first page which is not signed by any liquor license
employee.She added they have not received any notification from the liquor
department that this application had been withdrawn.
Mayor Coleman stated this would just
be a recommendation only.
City Attorney Joel Stern asked i f
the city clerk office had received anything from the state liquor board
regarding this application.
Deputy City Clerk Janet Mason stated
the office has not received any fax or anything in the mail regarding this
application from the liquor board other than the original application.
Mr.David Little stated he had the
notarized form with him,and added the first page was blank on the back.
Mayor Coleman stated since this was
advertised as a public hearing the council would continue with the public
hearing.He requested Mr.Little to proceed with any other comments he had
for the council.
Mr.David Little stated the
application was withdrawn on May 29,1998.He stated the notice was posted on
May 1,1998,with twenty days after posting given for people to file
affidavits for or against the license application.He added the notice is
supposed to be removed after twenty days.It has to be removed by the posting
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JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 3 OF 42
clerk,and i t is still there.He commented they have received information
from reporters indicating the council had already determined what their
decision was going to be.The paper states that AMVETS Post 2 is unsavory;he
has been a member since 1984 and commented they have had no court convictions
since that time.He admitted they have not walked on water,but they have
never been convicted of anything.He commented the establishment described as
a church within the 300'limit is licensed as an office,not as a church.He
commented they have been in Apache Junction since 1976 and have been good
neighbors and citizens,contributing many hours and dollars to the community.
At this time they are involved in the Headstart program and the Care Bear
program.He added the 300'limit for a church applies to liquor license
classes 1-12;they are exempted as theirs is a class 14 license.They are not
a public bar or commercial establishment.They are a private organization;
they are registered with the state as a nonprofit corporation.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.
Colonel James E.Kohler,3500 S.
Tomahawk #155,Apache Junction,declined to address the council,stating the
Mr.Little had already said everything that needed to be said.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He asked if civic groups would have
less requirements in terms of insurance.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated the
liability laws for serving liquor and allowing customers to become intoxicated
are covered in Title 28,but he is not sure how it would apply to this
situation as there is no liquor license at the present time.
Mr.Elliott Fisher inquired if the
civic groups were allowed to have less insurance than other liquor licenses.
City Attorney Joel Stern believed it
was based on the circumstances of each case.He could not determine more than
that as this is not an agendized issue.
Mr.David Little stated the national
association requires local chartered posts who serve liquor in a social room
to maintain $300,000 in liability insurance.They cannot have a bouncer and
must call the local police department if a drunken person attempts to enter or
becomes unruly.
Mrs.Lori Rice,owner of Bee Lovely
Hair Boutique located at 1000 W.Apache Trail directly above the application
site,addressed the council.She stated her landlord,Vinton Peck,gave her
informal notice on May 23 to look for another place of business if she did not
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JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 4 OF 42
stop the protest petition.She also represented the other 12-14 business
owners in Thunderbird Plaza.These owners have been in business there for as
long as 22 years.She stated their issue is the parking issue.There is not
much parking to begin with,and there already is a problem from October to May
with the parking.They are also concerned with the late hours some of the
girls work,some leaving as late as 9 p.m.Monday through Saturday.She
commented she is looking for a new place as AMVETS has been offered her
building spot as they had heard they could not get their license downstairs.
Mr.David Little stated what Mrs.
Rice has brought up is between she and her landlord.He surmised she has not
had a trouble free history there.He does not see where the trouble with the
landlord is a city council issue.
Ms Jeri Noon,owner of one of the
shops in the plaza,addressed the council.She stated she has a lot of
respect for the veterans and thanked them for serving their country.However,
she does not believe their plaza has any business having that type of facility
located there.These are small shops with elderly customers who require a
little more extra care and room.The parking is not correct for that type of
facility;they need a more private area that would not interfere with
businesses.
Mr.David Little commented if the
license were existent,it would be for a private social room for a members
only bar.There is a great deal of difference.Their membership is primarily
middle aged and above.This is a social room for veterans of good character.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing on the item and opened it to council discussion.
Vice Mayor Surra asked Mr.Little if
they pulled the liquor license application because they would no longer be
using those premises.
Mr.David Little stated their reason
for withdrawal,according to what they gave the state,was to enlarge the
space and remodel to meet the Apache Junction safety code as required.They
will replat and resubmit when it has been accepted by the Apache Junction
Housing Authority.He commented they realize they will not be able to do
anything until they meet the demands of the city.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they were
just postponing the request for the liquor license on those premises.
Mr.David Little stated they will
resubmit when they have the funds and a structure meeting requirements.He
added a class 14 license cannot be transferred from location to location;i f
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JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 5 OF 42
they were licensed at this location and then transferred it,it would cost
them an additional $1,200,besides having to go through the application
process all over again.They cannot see spending the $1,200 when they have no
indication that they can operate at that location.If they can meet structure
codes for this location,they will reapply.
Mayor Coleman asked if the money had
been refunded for the application.
been refunded.
their application was still open.
Mr.David Little stated it had not
Mayor Coleman commented it appeared
Mr.David Little stated it is not.
The state requires a $150 application fee,nonrefundable,with the remainder
paid upon approval but prior to issuance of any license.
Mayor Coleman asked if they would
have to spend the $150 again.
Mr.David Little stated it would be
$150 plus $24 each for fingerprinting and background investigations on at
least two officers.
Mayor Coleman commented he was just
trying to determine where in the process this application stands.
Mr.David Little stated they
withdrew at this time to keep the remainder of the unspent funds available to
bring the buildling up to the city's standards.There will be efforts in the
meantime to recoup that money through yard sales,donations and whatever other
legal means they have to raise funds.They, plan on working with the landlord
and the city to bring the building up to code,and if successful,they will
try to get a license there.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they
planned to run their organization as a bring your own liquor to the gatherings
during the meantime.
Mr.David Little stated the size of
their events will be miniscule with no license.They would only have 12-15
people.They would have larger cookouts in the backyard.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they had a
backyard.
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JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 6 OF 42
Mr.David Little stated there is
parking to the rear of the building rarely used.He commented Mrs.Rice parks
in front of her own place instead of around back.He added they hope to be
able to allow each member to bring in 24 ounces of beer or 6 ounces of wine
which they cannot store,keep or refrigerate.If they bring it with them they
consume it.This is the same regulation that allows winetasting clubs to meet
in a restaurant instead of in a bar,or to have alcohol at a wedding
reception.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they had
that arrangement when the organization met at Royal Palm and Highway 60 at the
entrance to the Palm Springs Subdivision.
Mr.David Little stated they did not
as they were ignorant of the existence of that state regulation at that time.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if the reason
they were raided at that location was because they went beyond the 24 ounces
of beer or 6 ounces of wine.
had gone beyond that,but
allowing members to bring
They were ignorant of the
legally it was not AMVETS
there.
Mr.David Little did not believe it
there was alcohol consumed there.They were
in alcohol though they did not have a permit for it.
permit and they got caught.However,ethically and
Post 2 that got charged.There are no convictions
Vice Mayor Surra stated he had
mentioned the newspaper articles that had called them unsavory.
Mr.David Little stated he had a
copy of the article for her.He gave it to her as she had not seen the
article.He commented it is from the Arizona Republic and attributes
information to several different people.
Mayor Coleman asked if Chapter
Commander James Vickery was here.
Mr.David Little stated he was
there.
Mayor Coleman stated he had seen the
article that appeared on June 1st by Edith Jensen.He added the article
comments that the city council is expected to vote to deny the license.He
clarified that he did not discuss his vote with anyone.He commented that in
the article it quotes Mr.Vickery as saying that the city tried to shut AMVETS
down the Friday before Memorial Day,but they came in that weekend anyway.He
is further quoted as saying he wanted the police to come and arrest them and
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 7 OF 42
take them to court,but no one came.Mayor Coleman asked if that was an
accurate quote.
Mr.James Vickery,commander of Post
2,stated he had only been there for a month as commander.He denied making a
remark that they had wanted to be arrested.He denied saying that the council
has already made up their mind on their vote.He commented the reporter
informed him that they were going to be denied the license.He stated he
questioned to the reporter on how that could be when the meeting was not until
the next Tuesday.
Mayor Coleman stated he wanted to
determine if there had been an error in communication on what he was quoted as
saying.
Mr.James Vickery stated no one at
AMVETS Post 2 wants to be arrested nor fight the city and say they are going
to be there whether the city wants them to be there or not.
Mayor Coleman clarified he is
denying he said that.
Mr.James Vickery denied saying i t
and stated the reporter apparently misinterpreted what he was saying.He told
her it was a shame the city picked a Friday on Memorial Day weekend,honoring
veterans,to put a no occupancy sign on their front door.He commented he was
the person who was charged with dealing in alcohol without a license,not
AMVETS Post 2.The liquor agent informed him he would be charged with it so
that AMVETS would not have it on their record and therefore would still be
able to obtain a liquor license.The hearing on him is in city court and is
in abeyance for six months.He has to donate $240 to the Headstart Program
and pay a $240 fine to the city.Upon completion of his fines,the charge
will be dismissed from his records.He commented someone has passed i t around
that AMVETS has a lengthy police record.That is not true.He commented the
post would like to know about i t if such a record exists.He stated they have
never been charged or in court for any violation.
building code violations.
never been in this court
attempt had been made by
Plaza.
Mayor Coleman asked if that included
Mr.James Vickery stated they have
for building code violations.
Councilmember Urich asked if any
AMVETS to talk with the businesses at Thunderbird
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JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 8 OF 42
Mr.James Vickery stated he did not
because he had been informed that a petition was being passed around by
individuals that did not want them there in that location.He commented Mrs.
Rice made no attempt to contact them or get to know them.She must have
formed her opinions talking to other people.He did not attempt to change her
mind.
Councilmember Urich commented she
was curious as quite of few of the businesses in that area signed the
petition.
Mr.James Vickery stated he
understood that because they are new and the other people have been there for
a long time and are friends.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she did
not recall friendship as being one of the reasons on the petition;she
recalled concern about parking and the amount of traffic going through the
area and concern about alcoholic beverages refuse being found on the property.
The refuse could possibly have portions in them and children have access to
something left outdoors.They were concerned about safety.There was no
mention of long friendships in the petition.
Mr.James Vickery stated that beer
cans in the parking lot is the first argument anyone uses when they are
against someone getting a liquor license.Beer cans are not allowed to be
taken off the premises in their establishment.They keep them and recycle
them.He commented if someone attempts to leave without finishing their can
they will be barred for a minimum of 30 days.
Vice Mayor Surra commented since
they do not have a liquor license,the members are bringing their own liquor
in and could be bringing their own liquor out.
Mr.James Vickery stated they cannot
take it out.They have to drink the two cans or empty it down the sink.
Vice Mayor Surra commented that they
could finish i t in the parking lot.
Mr.James Vickery stated they do not
allow that.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they
confiscate an opened or unopened can before they leave.
Mr.James Vickery stated that was
correct.
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JUNE 2,1998
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Vice Mayor Surra asked if that was
also true for the six ounces of wine.
Mr.James Vickery stated that was
correct.
Councilmember Urich asked how many,
by a show of hands,businesses from Thunderbird Plaza were in the audience.
The hand count showed six business owners in attendance.
Mr.James Vickery commented that
out of twelve complainants they only had five show up.
Councilmember Eck commented he was
confused over the withdrawal of the application as he did not have a copy of
it.As far as he is concerned,there is still an application.He commented
this is the wrong location for this business in his opinion.
Mr.James Vickery asked why it would
be zoned for alcohol sales if it was the wrong location.
Councilmember Eck commented a dozen
of your neighbors have complained and he cannot imagine this business being in
that location.
Vice Mayor Surra commented that
zoning has wide perameters for uses for any given area of commercial
establishment.However,what the council chooses to see in linked commercial
groupings of stores should be compatible.The businesses are telling the
council that this is an incompatible use.They have cited some legitimate
concerns regarding safety,children,religious organizations being present on
that site,and parking availability,leading to traffic concerns in the high
use times of the year.This is the real issue,not whether liquor is allowed
on those premises.She asked if the Baptist church located within the 300'
limit holds church services.
Mr.James Vickery stated they are
licensed as an office;the building does not meet the assembly codes of the
city to have a church in it.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if there was
anyone from the church in attendance or if anyone knew what kind of license i t
has.There was no one in attendance who knew what kind of license the church
has.She commented she walked around the plaza to check the site and see how
she would feel if she used the businesses there.She stated there was a big
red sign stating "no occupancy"on the AMVETS door but she was allowed in.
There were three people there having a little meeting.She commented the
church office is along the side near the Village Bootery and the video store.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 10 OF 42
She added she also saw the beauty shop where they expect to put their new
place,and i t is still in the same location even though it is one floor up.
Now it will be more accessible to anyone off the street as it will be on the
ground floor.It would allow for easy access for the disabled,but it will be
just as easy an access for young people.
Mr.James Vickery stated that would
only be if they were allowed in there.
Vice Mayor Surra commented if things
are left around the way they have been left in the past they will have much
more accessibility to them.
Mr.James Vickery insisted that was
not by them.He commented he does not understand the concern over a private
club when they do not allow the public in there.He added Cobbs Restaurant is
100'away across the street and it has a 24 hour restaurant and bar open to
the public.He asked if that posed a problem for these people.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they have
a separate parking lot.
Councilmember Eck added they also
have a separate building.
Mr.James Vickery stated it is
different.They are a private club in the same mall.
Vice Mayor Surra stated they are not
in the same mall as Cobb's;there is a street running between Cobb's and the
plaza.
a separate parking lot.
have a separate building.
Mr.James Vickery commented the
church is right across the street from Cobb's;it is less than 75'away.He
added the statements of trash and young children being allowed in has not
occurred there.They have not even been in business there so it could not be
happening.These are all allegations given to make them look bad so that the
council would not allow them to be in that area.
Vice Mayor Surra commented it
appears that they have been unable to find a good location for AMVETS where
they are able to comply with the regulations.She added her father belongs to
some of these organizations and they all have their own buildings with their
own space and they are not overflowing into other public business areas.They
are self-contained.She commented that when AMVETS does that,they will
probably not have any problem getting a license.
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JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 11 OF 42
Mr.James Vickery commented Mr.
Dixon of the building department told him there was not a building in Apache
Junction that would meet their requirements unless they built a new one.
Vice Mayor Surra stated she is
thinking of their failure in the past to obtain proper permits,and with that
history it is difficult for the council to look with favor upon AMVETS for
this request for this location.The public is going to be in this area a lot.
Mr.James Vickery stated AMVETS used
to own its own property about seven years ago at Tomahawk and Old West
Highway.The state purchased that property,and at that time there was an
agreement that the state and the city would assist AMVETS in relocating.That
has never happened.After a year of no action,the members voted to move to
Maricopa County and never to come back to Apache Junction.A number of them
decided a few years ago that Apache Junction was their home and they came
back.The trouble started when the state purchased the property that they
owned and forced them to move so that they could build up the road level at
that location.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they have
not found a home since.
Mr.James Vickery stated they have
not found one that satisfies the people of Apache Junction.
Vice Mayor Surra added or one that
satisfied their pocketbook.
Mr.James Vickery added or their
pocketbook for buying a new building as recommended by Mr.Dixon.
Councilmember Eck asked if the state
purchased the building from them.
Mr.James Vickery stated it was the
State of Arizona.
Councilmember Eck asked if there
were not enough funds to look for an appropriate building.
Mr.James Vickery stated he was not
a member at that time.
Vice Mayor Surra asked what the
hours of operation would be if this location is kept for the club.
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JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 12 OF 42
#123.
Mr.James Vickery asked if she meant
Vice Mayor Surra stated she meant
the hours for the area they propose to be,as they may lease that entire
building.
Mr.James Vickery commented only if
it was approved by the city.
Vice Mayor Surra stated the city
does not approve leases.
Mr.James Vickery meant their
approval of the liquor license application.He added as far as they and the
state are concerned,this application has been cancelled.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if that meant
they would have no hours of operation.
Mr.James Vickery stated they will
not have a liquor license in that basement.
Vice Mayor Surra asked what hours of
operation would they have even if they did not sell liquor.,
Mr.James Vickery stated they never
open before noon.He added if they had five people in there before 6 p.m.i t
would be a lot.Most of their customers come from 6 p.m.to 10 p.m.,with
more than six on a week night being a lot.
Councilmember Eck asked what a
customer was.
Mr.James Vickery stated they are
members in there purchasing alcohol in the social room.
Councilmember Urich asked how many
members they have.
Mr.James Vickery stated they have
approximately 168 members.They have 89 lifetime members,with many of them
living out of state.They have about 50 people who actively participate in
this area.
City Attorney Joel Stern recommended
they reopen the public hearing as some of the discussion has covered things
that deserve a rebuttal by others.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 13 OF 42
hearing on the item.
Mayor Coleman reopened the public
Mrs.Lori Rice stated they are
waiting for her to be evicted before they go in and remodel her salon.She
has no intention on leaving without a fight and it could be a long time.Her
lease is up and her landlord came over and asked her if she was going to buy
the building.She had until 10 a.m.that morning to come up with $30,000 for
a down payment.The landlord refused to get an appraisal.She and her
husband turned him down.The landlord told her she had until June 15 to be
out.There was no way she could move out in two weeks and he would not renew
a lease for her.However,he took a June rent of $615 and asked her husband
to sign a handwritten notice giving AMVETS permission to come in and do
remodeling during off hours.Her husband signed it trying to buy her more
time.She commented this is how things stand right now.
Councilmember Eck asked how many
years she had been in that building.
Mrs.Lori Rice stated she had been
there 8 years.She worked for the landlord's wife for 4 years before she
bought the business from them.She has never had a problem with her landlord
before this.I t is a matter of money;they have offered him more money than
he is getting now.She added until she receives formal eviction notice and
her lawyers go over it,it will be a long wait.
Councilmember Urich asked if her
lease expired.
Mrs.Lori Rice stated it did.She
added her landlord brought it up that she had an unsigned lease.She had an
unsigned lease all year last year and she put $7,000 into the flooring and
rebuilding the salon.
City Attorney Joel Stern interrupted
her to ask the relevance of this to AMVETS.
Mrs.Lori Rice answered they had
brought up that they were going to reapply.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated that
is not really on the agenda.He advised her to keep it to the liquor license.
Vice Mayor Surra commented that in
order for them to have a liquor license they must first have a building that
accommodates the business that is applying for the liquor license.They would
like to have the renovations to the possible leased property done while she is
still conducting business.She asked Mrs.Rice if that was correct.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 14 OF 42
Mrs.Lori Rice stated that was
correct.
Vice Mayor Surra asked her if she
would be in compliance with her business license if they have her salon torn
up.
Mrs.Lori Rice stated she did not
believe she would be in compliance.
Mr.Elliott Fisher suggested i f
everyone in the situation put their heads together they might be able to work
something out with a local restaurant.There are so few members coming to the
location at so few times that they might be able to do this at a restaurant.
He suggested the city might be able to do something for them tax -wise or a
financial incentive given for them to stay in a bar.
Ms Jeri Noon stated she stayed
downstairs in Mr.Peck's basements for six weeks last year and she verified
that the church does conduct services twice a week.I t is a full church and
they have a congregation.I t is not just an office that they are renting.
She reminded them that there are three owners in that plaza,making the
parking situation difficult,as the parking area behind the beauty salon is
not Mr.Peck's property.It belongs to another landlord;there is a conflict
between three owners that has not been addressed.
Mr.David Little gave a description
of the buildings at the plaza and its parking facilities.He claimed it was
open parking not assigned to anyone.He agreed with Mr.Vickery that the size
of their organization would not put a parking burden on anyone.Regarding
litter and others,those issues have not come to pass here or elsewhere.The
issue between the landlord and his tenant is their issue,not AMVETS.He
reminded council there is no application before council to be voted upon.
They wish to remain in Apache Junction.
Mayor Coleman asked why they were
here defending their position if there were no valid application.
Mr.David Little stated they are
here because they could not get i t removed from the agenda and discussion has
been allowed on it.They have been maligned and wished to rebut those
statements.
Vice Mayor Surra commented she did
not want AMVETS going away thinking they had been maligned;asking these
questions is a responsible tact for the council to take.Council has only
asked them to clarify things they have already heard,seen in print or have
viewed personally.She commented a history of inappropriate use of premises
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 15 OF 42
and failure to comply with all of the licenses and permits does give council
something to question.This is not maligning,it is going about business.
She added they are aware that they have served their country and the city is
honored to have any veterans'organizations in the city.They do honor them,
but serving liquor is another thing.The city has to be careful about where
the places that serve liquor are located,and that they be of compatible use.
mean to infer that the city council
hearing with no one else wishing to
discussion by the council.
Mr.David Little stated he did not
had maligned AMVETS.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
speak.He called for any further
Councilmember Urich clarified that
the signatures on the protest petition numbered sixteen,either owners or co-
owners of businesses.She commented she wished AMVETS had worked with them
closer to try to come to some agreement with the businesses there.She added
she drove over there at midnight one night and realized it is a very small
parking lot for those two buildings.
Councilmember Eck stated he would
love to have AMVETS in the community,but he has a problem with this location
based on written and verbal testimony from persons who reside in or own or
lease property in close proximity.
and called fora motion.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
Vice Mayor Surra stated that "in
view of the fact that we have not had anything from the state removing the
application for liquor license,and that we are indeed here as a public
hearing and a vote for the issuance or recommendation for issuance of a liquor
license,I MOVE THAT THE APPLICATION FOR A NEW LICENSE,CLUB,SERIES 14 LIQUOR
LICENSE SUBMITTED FOR AMVETS POST 2 BE RECOMMENDED FOR DENIAL TO THE ARIZONA
STATE DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.I STATE MY REASONS FOR THAT
BASED ON A HISTORY OF INAPPROPRIATE USE OF BUILDINGS AND PREMISES WITHOUT
PROPER PERMITS,WITHOUT PROPER LICENSING,WITH NO REGARD FOR THE COMPATIBILITY
OF THE PREMISES IN REGARD TO THOSE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY,TO THE FACT THAT PEOPLE
OF LONGSTANDING BUSINESSES WOULD BE IN OPPOSITION ALSO TO THE AMVETS LOCATING
IN THAT PARTICULAR•AREA AND HAVING THAT KIND OF BUSINESS IN THEIR PLAZA.I
WOULD FURTHER MOVE THAT A LETTER BE SENT TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL REQUESTING THAT THE UNLICENSED BUSINESS
ESTABLISHMENT EXEMPTION AS APPROVED BY DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL OFFICIALS ON MARCH 23,1998,BE REVOKED AND THAT FAILURE OF THE
LICENSEE TO COMPLY WITH THE DIRECTOR'S RULES AND STATE LAW AND FOR THE REASONS
PREVIOUSLY GIVEN AS PART OF THE RECOMMENDATION FOR DENIAL OF THAT LICENSE BE
INCLUDED IN THAT LETTER,ESPECIALLY TO THE FACT THAT THE APPLICATION ITSELF
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 16 OF 42
THAT WE SAW DID HAVE SEVERAL AREAS THAT WERE MARKED THAT REQUIRED FURTHER
EXPLANATION AND IT WAS NOT TOTALLY COMPLETED AND COMPLIED WITH SO I FEEL WE
DID NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION WE SHOULD HAVE HAD FOR THAT APPLICATION.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.(4-0 as Councilmember Durbala had declared a conflict of
interest and removed himself from discussion and vote on the item.)
The motion carried.
minute recess.
meeting.
Mayor Coleman called for a ten
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.98-19/FY 1998
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
APPLICATION
)Development Services Director
Larry Harmer briefed the council on this item.The two mandatory public
hearings have been held.Requests for use of funds have been virtually non-
existent from outside agencies for any projects.They are therefore proposing
to allow for curb,gutter,sidewalk and paving to improve Ocotillo and Saguaro
between Superstition and Apache Trail.This year's funding is approximately
$260,000.The remainder of the funds would be for standard grant
administration costs,which is a minor percentage.Staff requests council to
adopt the resolution to establish this as the grant request for next year.
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 by council,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.98-19,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR FY 1998
STATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS.CERTIFYING THAT SAID
APPLICATIONS MEET THE COMMUNITY'S PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND IS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT AND COMPLETE THE ACTIVITIES
OUTLINED IN SAID APPLICATION,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 17 OF 42
The motion carried.
APPEAL OF ORDINANCE NO.940 BY CHEVRON
PRODUCTS COMPANY
)Long Range Planner Kate Morris
briefed the council on the item.It is located at the junction of Idaho Road,
Old West Highway and Apache Trail.The site already has the Chevron and
garage on it.Chevron wants to update the station with the construction of a
standard convenience market.The pump aisles will be replaced and reoriented.
There will be an additional bay of pumps.The garage will be demolished and
an RV pump station erected in its place.During review it became clear that
Ordinance No.940 would have to be applied.The ordinance requires a 6'
masonry wall between the two commercial properties.The property also has 3
street frontages which require landscaping.Staff requested a 25'setback due
to the focal nature of the site.Due to the buildings and pump aisles,this
setback would not work.A compromise reached involved the density of the
landscaping and an alternative to the wall involving increasing the density of
the landscaping there along with intermittent boulders.Four responses came
in too late to be included in the packet.One showed concern for trash coming
across from the property and graffiti on the wall.The others were just
requesting details,with one commenting the improvement was welcomed.The
police department was also concerned about graffiti on the wall,plus it being
a shield for illegal activities.The planning and zoning commission
recommended four stipulations:increasing tree and shrub size;direction on
clustering,contouring and mounding techniques;all building equipment must be
integrated into the building structure and screened from view by the public,
including air conditioning roof mount;and the landscaping along the east
property line must provide a safe and attractive appearance,prevent
ingress/egress from the vacant property,and buffer the RV dump facility from
Old West and 2nd Avenue.She added a representative from Chevron was in
attendance.She commented she had been asked earlier by a councilmember how
many appeals had been considered and what they had been for.She stated this
is the sixth appeal and half of them have dealt with walls;the ordinance was
adopted a little over 2 years ago.All of the parcels applying for and
receiving any kind of appeal have been unique -substandard,commercial lots
smaller than the required size or very narrow light industrial lots.This lot
is a good size but has a unique shape.
Councilmember Eck asked if the
appeal process cost Chevron Products Company a fee.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated it does as this is a noticed public hearing;mailed notices and legal
advertisements in the paper must be done.
Councilmember Eck asked if that was
due to Ordinance No.940.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 18 OF 42
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated the fee and process are outlined towards the end of that document.
Vice Mayor Surra commented the
Chevron station at that location has historically been one of the nicer
appearing businesses in the city on a voluntary basis.They have shown a lot
of responsibility towards the aesthetics of the community.She expects them
to do the same again,even with the new owner.She added she recently saw a
program concerning using certain vegetation in place of walls.They used
ocotillo for the desert area,planted in such a way to make a natural wall.
Graffiti could not be put on the ocotillo and they would catch any paper
blowing around.She suggested the council consider the different materials
that could be used for walls besides masonry.She highly recommended ocotillo
after seeing that program.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
commented Chevron is leaning towards making the landscaping more xeriscape
landscaping.She added numerous desert plants have their own protection with
the use of spines.They can stop people and vehicles.
Councilmember Durbala asked how high
the wall behind the dump station would be.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated it is required to be 6'tall masonry block by ordinance.
Councilmember Durbala asked if he is
proposing landscaping there.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated he is proposing a vegetative screen.
Councilmember Durbala asked how many
gallons their septic tank system would be for the dump station.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated she would have to refer that question to the representative.
Mayor Coleman requested the
applicant to address the council.
Mr.Joseph Salvatore,a principal
with the firm Architectron,of 398 S.Mill Avenue #301,Tempe,addressed the
council.He is the architect for Chevron.They are trying to upgrade the
site by putting in a convenience store with the service bay.They are also
contemplating an RV station,but they may drop that due to the difficulties
they are having with the septic system.They will provide RV parking for the
propane filling area.They may do a 5,000 gallon holding tank underground for
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 19 OF 42
the dumping which will be dumped every week or as demand needs.That waste
would be hauled off to a waste treatment facility.He commented he brought a
revised landscaping plan with him.They will try to create some vertical
interest by introducing mounding,boulders,more lantanas,Chilean mesquites
and palo verdes along Old West Highway.The landscaping along Idaho Road will
also be redone.They had trouble with getting the building to provide
surveillance to the pumps from the cashier's stand and still keep it with 25'
setbacks on two sides and a 10'setback on the third side.They will fully
landscape the Old West Highway side,which will have a 50'to 60'buffer.
They are taking off all the external building equipment and putting i t inside.
They will have different colors and layers of stucco treatments on the
building.The entry will be identified by a tower element.The glass along
the east side is mullioned glass which will allow constant view.
Councilmember Durbala asked where
the dumpster would be.
Mr.Joseph Salvatore showed them on
the overhead where it would be.
Councilmember Durbala commented he
wanted to make sure it was not going to be behind the building.
Mr.Joseph Salvatore stated they are
going to dense up the landscaping,mound it,put in boulders and have a
retention area there as well.
the dumpster would be.
the overhead where it would be.
Councilmember Durbala asked how high
the mounds would be back there.
Mr.Joseph Salvatore stated they
will be from 2 to 3 feet tall.With the effect of the retention,they could
appear to be 5 to 6 feet tall.
Mayor Coleman asked if the
landscaping is intended to buffer the impact of the dump station.
Mr.Joseph Salvatore stated they
have some nice palm trees that will not blend in with the landscaping they
intend on doing.They will be putting in 24"box trees everywhere.They will
also have 5 gallon bushes as well.It will create a canopy mass with bush
mass underneath.They want to have darker color at the bottom with a lighter
color and airier type of canopies above.This should visually buffer the RV
dump.However,the RV dump is just a pad with a spigot to wash the waste
down.It will basically be an underground tank with a manhole for pumping the
waste out.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 20 OF 42
Vice Mayor Surra asked if the
landscaping plan had been passed by parks and recreation.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated parks and recreation has looked at this and is proposing
primarily xeriscape landscaping.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on this item.
Mrs.Midge Conway,902 S.Ocotillo
Drive,addressed the council.She stated she was glad to hear their comments
about a fence.If brick walls are put up all the time,the air flow will be
stopped.She thinks it is wonderful they are going to do landscaping.She
added the indians used to use ocotillo all the time;it even stops snakes.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the item to council
discussion.
Councilmember Eck commented it
appeared to be a beautiful plan.He believes the more open space the city
has,the better off it is,and everyone is getting tired of walled in
communities.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no more comment and called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT THE
APPEAL OF ORDINANCE NO.940 BY CHEVRON PRODUCTS COMPANY REQUESTING RELAXATION
OF DEEPER SETBACKS ALONG OLD WEST HIGHWAY AND A 6 -FOOT HIGH MASONRY WALL ALONG
THE EASTERN PROPERTY BOUNDARY BE APPROVED.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.(There was general discussion about the four stipulations
recommended.It was determined there would have to be another motion to
include those stipulations.)
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman MOVED THAT THE FOUR
STIPULATIONS RECOMMENDED TO THE COUNCIL IN THE PACKET BE INCLUDED.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 21 OF 42
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1039/CASE PZ-98-06/
REZONING REQUEST BY PHILLIP CAVE
)Development Services Director
Larry Harmer briefed the council on this item.The applicant has requested
this item be continued to July 7,1998.This was received after
advertisement;a public hearing should be held on the item.This is to rezone
2.5 acres of property at the northeast corner of S.Vista and 22nd Avenue from
general rural to R-1/8 for the future creation of 8 manufactured home
subdivision lots.
hearing on the item.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
Ms Margaret Lawson,1835 E.20th
Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She is located just north of
that property on an acre and a quarter.She commented there is a natural gas
line and washes on the property requesting rezoning.She cannot see how 8
houses can be put on that property without disturbing the washes.She would
like to see no more than two houses go in there,adding the whole subdivision
on that street has acre and a quarter lots.It would look out of place to
have 8 houses there.She is also concerned about the type of houses going in.
Mr.Alan Spencer,2144 S.Vista
Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He owns the property directly
across from the subject property.He agreed with Ms Lawson's comments,adding
that 2 homes would be the maximum you could put in there.He asked if an
engineering report had been done on the property.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated this is for rezoning only;engineering and drainage reports are
automatic requirements of subdivision plats.
Mr.Alan Spencer commented he did
not think they had anything to worry about once that report was submitted.
Ms Sherry Chandler,2245 S.Vista,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.She commented they are just south of
the 2.5 acres.She added there is a large ditch that goes through their
property;they have added stone trying to bring it up.When the water comes
through,i t is 1'to 1.5'deep and will take out anything in its path.She
stated these people attempted to put an in -ground mobile home on the property,
but they apparently decided not to do that.However,they have left the hole
in the ground.Washes travel throughout that property,and at the planning
and zoning meeting the owners showed that they were going to put a drainage
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 22 OF 42
area at the north end by her fence.She commented it would have to be one big
ditch due to the heavy water flow when it rains,and she does not want it all
in her yard.She added they had been told you cannot dam it up,the water has
to go where it wants to go.She cannot see how they can put 8 homes on that
property.She added that from 20th Avenue to Southern,everyone has a acre
and a quarter.She called for council to deny this project.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the item to council
discussion.
when this item would be brought back
CONTINUATION FOR A PUBLIC HEARING BE
There was general discussion as to
before council.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT A
MOVED TO JULY 7,1998.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.98-03/FINAL PLAT
FOR IRONWOOD COVE I I SUBDIVISION )
)Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on this item.He commented this is straight zoning having
big lots,i t is a quality builder,the commission liked it and requested
council to approve the rezoning.
Mayor Coleman asked the applicant to
address the council.
Mr.Steven Ray,1855 S.Recker,
Mesa,respresenting SRC Homes,commented they would appreciate the council
passing the rezoning.
hearing on the item.
Apache Junction,
developments and
Apache Junction,
Mayor Coleman opened the public
Mrs.Midge Conway,902 S.Ocotillo,
addressed the council.She commented she is in favor of SRC
requested council to approve this one.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
asked if this would be 55+ housing or single family.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 23 OF 42
Mr.Steven Ray stated it would be
single family homes.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the item to council
discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.98-03,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT FOR IRONWOOD
COVE I I SUBDIVISION,CASE SD -97-07,BY SRC HOMES,BE APPROVED.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1042/CASE PZ-98-08/
PROPOSED SUPERSTITION FALLS COMMERCIAL
REZONING REQUEST
)Long Range Planner Kate Morris
briefed the council on this item.This is for a property south of the freeway
on the east side of Goldfield Road and north of Baseline.This is for
approximately 21 acres to be rezoned from trailer homesite by planned
development to a general commercial designation by planned development.There
are no end users at this time.She commented she received about 7 written
comments from individuals in close proximity.They were generally all opposed
to the development with concerns over traffic flow.A few individuals were
for the development.Of big concern to the commission and the public is there
being a shared main access road into the commercial area and the park.The
road goes through the commercial rezoning area.The commission recommended an
additional stipulation that the entrance to the mobile home park be separate
and not through the commercial area.There was also a change in stipulation
three regarding the location of the east property line of the commercial
development.
Mayor Coleman asked the applicant to
address the council.
Mr.Ralph Pew,10 W.Main Street,
Mesa,addressed the council.He reminded council that the applicant was to
file for a commercial zoning on this property as a stipulation of the original
rezoning by this applicant.He urged approval of the case as recommended by
the commission with the exception of the stipulation added concerning the
entrance to the manufactured home park.He commented the park has already
been approved and the ordinance adopted.The northern entrance is the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 24 OF 42
entryway into Superstition Falls;the question is whether they want to rezone
the land north and south of that entry for commercial purposes.The rezoning
will provide economic benefit to the community.This entryway will facilitate
and separate the pad users on the north side from the south.It will allow
the residents the opportunity of not having to go back out on Goldfield or
Baseline in order to shop.He commented that they cannot practically change
the entrance to the park;it cannot be relocated at this point.
questions by the council.
Mayor Coleman opened the item to
Vice Mayor Surra stated the final
plan for this development has not been approved.She commented they have not
satisfied another ingress to their commercial property if that was part of the
mobile home park entrance that was approved at that time.The commission
noticed that and they were not happy with the fact that one has to come
through the commercial property in order to get to the park.The commission
wants that relocation considered.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated that the zoning
ordinance adopted for Superstition Falls is final and approved.I t is not
subject to further design or subdivision requirements.The entry on the north
end of the property has always been the main entrance.
Vice Mayor Surra stated the
commission does not want it being the main entrance to the commercial area
also.
Mr.Ralph Pew commented that is what
they are suggesting.To him,that is saying that the council does not want i t
zoned commercial.They cannot relocate the main entrance to the park at this
late stage.
Vice Mayor Surra stated they are not
asking him to relocate the main park entrance.They are asking for the
relocation of the commercial entrance.
missing the point.
Mr.Ralph Pew commented he is
Vice Mayor Surra commented he
insists on having one entrance to both the commercial and the mobile home
park.The council wants an entrance for each.
entrances to the commercial site.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 25 OF 42
Mr.Ralph Pew stated they have three
Vice Mayor Surra stated then they do
not need the other commercial entrance.
Mr.Ralph Pew asked how they were to
gain access to the pads on the north ends of the property.
Vice Mayor Surra suggested they not
have those then.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated they filed the
request for commercial at the request of the council to expand the commercial.
They elongated the commercial to provide for those pads.
Vice Mayor Surra added they then
changed the entrance.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated the entrance
has always been at that location.
Vice Mayor Surra stated there are
people who do not like having to go through the commercial section for an
entrance to the park.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated there are those
who believe that the entrance serving both the commercial and park is not a
good idea.They disagree with that.It will be similar to the pad sites at
the freeway and Ray.They believe the main corridor will provide good
circulation.It will be a dedicated right-of-way.The commission thought
there would be too much traffic at the intersection of Goldfield and the
entrance to the park.There will be traffic there,but it will be managed by
three entrances along Goldfield.
Vice Mayor Surra stated she thought
since the falls for the entrance had been changed,the entry had been changed.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated that has not
changed.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if the
placement of the decorative water feature had been changed.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated the
feature has been there,but it was moved to accommodate the reconfiguration of
the lot.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated the water
feature within the park had to relocate slightly.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 26 OF 42
Vice Mayor Surra stated that is at
the entrance to the park.
Mr.Ralph Pew commented the entrance
to the park has always been at that location on Goldfield Road.The water
feature was shifted slightly to get more commercial acreage.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
showed the council the plans for the second planned development amendment (the
one for the park)on the overhead in order to give council an overview of the
entire plan.
Vice Mayor Surra asked her to show
them where the other entrances to the park were located.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
showed them that there was one on Baseline and two on Goldfield.They are
looking at combining them and locating them across from Golden Vista's south
entrance.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and opened the public hearing on the item.
Mr.Howard Moore,3710 S.Goldfield
Road #495,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented he has not
been able to find another community where a commercial roadway is used to gain
access into a residential community.He added Mr.Pew told him this would be
a gated community with a either a guard in attendance or an automatic gate.
He can visualize someone stopping to talk to the guard and backing traffic up
to the point where people trying to exit the commercial property are locked
in,and people trying to get to their residences are not given access due to
the commercial traffic.He believes the reason why the developers want that
roadway is because they gain 8 more houses in the residential area.He is
concerned about the traffic due to the exit and entrance to the freeway being
in such close proximity.People may be lined up blocking those ramps and it
will create a huge traffic problem.The commission wanted them to lower the
commercial property and put a driveway to the north of the commercial
property.He believes they will not do this because they want those 8 more
houses.He commented the developer will move on once this is through;i t is
the community who will have to live with this.A commission member allegedly
stated this property would generate $450,000 worth of revenue to the city per
year,and he believes this is why the commission passed this.By his
figuring,$22.5 million would have to be spend there a year to come up with
$450,000 in taxes for the city.He reminded the council that their decision
would be something everyone would have to live with for the rest of their
lives.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 27 OF 42
Mayor Coleman interjected to say
they do not take their decisions lightly.
Mr.Howard Moore stated he hoped
not.He added the city has 4.5 acres of city parks,13 acres plus of
(interrupted by Mayor Coleman).
Mayor Coleman asked Mr.Moore to
stay with the issue.
Mr.Howard Moore commented they do
not want to hear about that,though they wonder what the kids are doing.He
commented this property will be the only commercial property south of the
freeway.Everything else is privately -owned in the area.He added there is
14 miles of land available on Old West Highway.These people want to have an
unrestricted commercial piece of property where they can build a 30'high
anchor in a residential zone.He does not mind some commercial property going
in there,he just does not want that large a commercial building there.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He asked who this would be serving.
He added the town needs commercial properties on the south end,especially
grocery stores and any kind of services.However,this is way out on the
fringe.He would like to see a multi -use building with some retail,along
with some multi -family housing here.They would then get some revenue from
the housing along with some retail to service the community out there.This
seems completely out of place with what is around it.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing on the item with no one else wishing to speak.He asked Mr.Pew to
address the council with any remarks concerning the public hearing.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated the gated entry
occurs within the project.It does not happen at Goldfield Road so there
should be no traffic backing up onto that street.Regarding 8 more houses,
the commercial acreage was increased to expand the economic base and as a
result the number of units has decreased.Finally,he has no idea where the
$450,000 in tax revenue has come from.
Councilmember Durbala asked what
would happen if they widened the main entrance road,and he asked the intended
width.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated it should be
sufficient for two-way traffic.He asked if Mr.Harmer would have an
estimate.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 28 OF 42
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated the standard minimum requirements are one lane in each direction
plus a left turn lane.
it would basically be a street.
correct.
down the street the gate was going to be.
know.
turning radius was as much as 100'.
Councilmember Durbala clarified that
Mr.Ralph Pew stated that was
Councilmember Durbala asked how far
Mr.Ralph Pew stated he did not
Councilmember Durbla asked if the
Mr.Ralph Pew stated the site plan
is with the next case and it appears to be more than that.
Councilmember Durbala estimated it
to be about 400'to the gate,so he doubted there would be any traffic back
up.He commented there would be means of ingress/egress to both commercial
developments.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated that was true
and they think it will create a good traffic flow.
Councilmember Durbala asked if a
stipulation could be put in there for it to handle two lanes of traffic each
way,and how much commercial property would be lost.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated they would
probably lose the turning maneuver space between the two lanes.
Councilmember Durbala asked if there
were two other entrances in the southern part of the commercial development.
Mr.Ralph Pew stated that was
correct.
Councilmember Urich commented Lost
Dutchman Park has a commercial access from Plaza,and she has never seen a
back up of traffic.She would like to see the elimination of stipulation nine
because this would allow golf carts and wheelchair users access to this
commercial development without having to go on Baseline or Goldfield.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 29 OF 42
Councilmember Eck commented he could
not see any other alternative if they did not go this way.
Mr.Howard Moore suggested dropping
the commercial property down and moving the entrance to the top.
Councilmember Eck commented that
would have people entering off the freeway.There is no road at the north end
of the property.
Mr.Howard Moore stated they could
build one.
Mayor Coleman commented that is a
question for staff.
City Manager Curtis Shook commented
if it was relocated to the northern boundary it would probably, put i t in
conflict with other traffic going onto the freeway.It would not meet the
requirements for distance.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated that the Arizona Department of Transportation's right-of-way
extends some distance from the actual paving.He added Four Sons could not
get an entrance off of Idaho north of the freeway as they were prevented by
the Arizona Department of Transportation.They could only have access off of
29th Avenue.This would be the same situation.Though they could move the
entry north,the actual intersection to Goldfield Road could not.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated the property line is the Arizona Department of Transportation right-of-
way.She added the current location is probably the only location they have
up there for access to the property.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated the intersection is in alignment with the condominiums across
the street;those intersections should not be offset unless there is
substantial distance between them.
City Manager Curtis Shook reminded
them they are voting on whether this should be rezoned to commercial,and that
commercial property will come back to them in the form of a subdivision.This
is a conceptual plan only at this time.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer added it would have to come back through the process as either a
subdivision or a final plan before any type of construction could take place.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 30 OF 42
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
commented the park would most likely be built out first.She added the access
may be pre-existing by the time the commercial comes back in as a planned
development.She stated redirection and concerns of the council should be
addressed at this time.Where the access comes through may have several
options -conditions as recommended by the planning and zoning commission
without the addition of condition number nine.Council can change,alter or
delete any or all of those conditions.
City Attorney Joel Stern added they
could approve this with or without stipulation number nine.If council
decided later on that they did not want that road alignment,it could be
difficult to change the openings onto the mobile home park.They may be able
to change the preliminary plan so that the actual alignment of that road is
changed,but for the opening onto Goldfield eastbound into the park,that
location will probably have to stay the same depending on the vested rights of
the owners of the mobile home park.
Mayor Coleman closed the council
discussion and called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1042 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Deputy City Clerk Janet Mason read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1042,AS READ BY THE ASSISTANT CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND
ADOPTED WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT:ELIMINATE STIPULATION NUMBER NINE.
Councilmember Durbala stated that is
not in the ordinance.
There was general discussion on
whether the stipulation was in the ordinance and needed to be eliminated.
City Attorney Joel Stern suggested she phrase it to have the conditions as
stated in the current ordinance apply.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 31 OF 42
Councilmember Urich amended her
motion to read AS STATED IN THE CURRENT ORDINANCE.
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:4-1 (Vice Mayor Surra voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1041/CASE PZ-98-07/
PROPOSED SUPERSTITION FALLS MANUFACTURED
HOME PARK
)Long Range Planner Kate Morris
briefed the council on the item.This is the second amendment for this site.
The three main alterations to the site include an overall reduction in the
manufactured home park size from 142 acres to 137 acres,a reduction in the
total number of spaces from 756 to 739,and slight alterations in the layout
in the area of the commercial acreage.The water feature has been pulled back
down into the park itself.A number of spaces were lost when the commercial
was extended down Goldfield Road.The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval unanimously.This ordinance will replace Ordinance No.
1027B and includes part of the language from that ordinance regarding the
conditions.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if this is
the preliminary plan.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated that was correct.
Vice Mayor Surra commented then that
they have not voted on a final plan for this project,as was stated earlier.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated the finality of the approvals could be discussed on both sides since
this is a second amendment request for this park.She added the lot sizes
meet or exceed the minimum requirements,with setbacks and open spaces meeting
the minimums.
the preliminary plan.
stated that was correct.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if all of the
ingresses are gated.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
understood they were,either by card,keypad entry or gate house.
Mayor Coleman asked the applicant to
address the council.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 32 OF 42
Mr.Ralph Pew,10 W.Main Street,
Mesa,addressed the council.He commented they concurred with the staff's
recommendation and the commission's recommendation.He clarified his
statement about the final plan that had been already approved.He urged the
council's support of this amendment.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on this item.
Mr.Howard Moore,3710 S.Goldfield
Road #495,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He requested the council
eliminate the walls or amend it to a short wall with decorative wrought iron
on top,similar to the one at Sun Village.He is encouraged with the
development of that property.He asked if Baseline Road would get finished
south of the property.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated it would get finished to the entrance of that property only.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He asked if this would be family
housing or 55+ housing.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated it would be 55+ housing.
Mr.Elliott Fisher commented this
would be a lot of 55+ housing with a "cushy",little commercial development to
service that community.He added council may have to explain one day to other
-55 people in the community that would like to have the same thing.
Councilmember Durbala commented that
when he is 55 and he wants a place to move into when his children are grown he
hopes there are some available for him.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the item to council
discussion.
Councilmember Eck asked if this
parcel had been zoned TH.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated the zoning has been intact since annexation from Pinal County.
It had the planned development attached to it.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 33 OF 42
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1041 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Deputy City Clerk Janet Mason read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1041,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for a ten
minute recess.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
meeting.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1040/CASE PZ-98-02/
150 N.OCOTILLO DRIVE,SUPERSTITION
MOUNTAIN MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
)Long Range Planner Kate Morris
briefed the council on this item.This portion represents part of a building
permit application submitted in September 1997.The fire district noted that
the original proposal would not allow sufficient turning radius for fire
apparatus,and the widths were too narrow.This site plan redesigned was to
correct those problems and allow accessibility to the fire hydrant nearby.
The applicant is requesting a reduction in the total number of parking spaces.
The building permit includes site improvements such as restriping and
reorienting the parking lot and driveway flow,opening up the fire hydrants,
putting in the buffer wall,preparing the utilities for the building pad,
adjusting some lighting and increasing the landscaping.The permit for the
new building will come at a later date.Staff recommends approval.
Mayor Coleman stated this is an
issue about the number of parking spaces.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 34 OF 42
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated that was correct.
Mayor Coleman asked if this was to
allow for the fire department turnaround.
Long Range Planner Kate Morris
stated that was correct.The fire district has approved this plan.
stated that was correct.
allow for the fire department turnaround.
address the council.
Mayor Coleman asked the applicant to
Mr.Michael Munion,564 N.Idaho,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He stated they concur with staff
recommendations and he was willing to answer any questions.
hearing on this item.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
Mr.Roger Bowser,3151 E.Des
Moines,Mesa,addressed the council.He represented the Sundowner Mobile Home
Park.He stated his comments would have nothing to do with the reduction of
parking spaces;it concerned the wall.
City Attorney Joel Stern interrupted
to state that is not on the agenda and therefore would be in violation of
state law if it were discussed.
Mr.Roger Bowser stated he would not
discuss the wall issue,he was just giving some history to the council to
establish relevance.
City Attorney Joel Stern advised to
keep his comments to the parking issues.
Mr.Roger Bowser stated his
information may or may not be that.Both owners have had property line
surveys done,with both concurring that all the property lines in this section
are off 2 to 3 feet.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if that would
change the number of parking spaces.
Mr.Roger Bowser stated he did not
know.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 35 OF 42
Vice Mayor Surra stated she was not
interested in the property lines unless it changed the number of parking
spaces.
Councilmember Durbala asked if they
knew how much the property lines were off.
Mr.Roger Bowser stated they have
concurred on how much they are off.He added Mr.Selvy asked him to stop in
and speak to the council as this issue makes conditions that will manifest
themselves in the removal and the building of the walls discussed earlier.
Vice Mayor Surra advised him to
forget about the walls,she wanted to hear about the parking spaces.She
asked him how the property lines would impact the parking spaces.
Mr.Roger Bowser stated he did not
know that it would.
Vice Mayor Surra told him he did not
have an issue before council.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
wanted to hear where the 3'line difference comes in.It may affect Ordinance
No.971 and come into play here,affecting the parking spaces.He wants to
hear what Mr.Bowser has to say about it.
he could not tell them anything.
them where the property lines will move.
would like to know that.
not on the agenda tonight.
could affect the proposal in front of
continuing this until they get better
at the request of Mr.Selvy.He said
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 36 OF 42
Vice Mayor Surra commented he said
Mr.Roger Bowser stated he can tell
Councilmember Durbala stated he
Vice Mayor Surra commented that is
Councilmember Durbala stated it
them.
Vice Mayor Surra suggested
information.
Mr.Roger Bowser stated he was here
if this is not the format where he can
bring this up,he will retire.This could save his business a lot of money
and alleviate the anxiety of both firms.
Mr.Michael Munion stated Mr.Selvy
did not ask Mr.Bowser to speak on his behalf,they support the staff
recommendation.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the item to council
discussion.There was no council discussion.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1040 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.
Deputy City Clerk Janet Mason read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1040,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:4-1 (Councilmember Durbala voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1037/AM-2-98/CITY
COUNCIL -INITIATED AMENDMENTS TO
DEFINITIONS (SEC.5.0101)OF ZONING
ORDINANCE
)Associate Planner Rudy Esquivias
briefed the council on this item.The changes include deleting existing
definitions for uses and adding new,more comprehensive and up-to-date
definitions for adult uses and definitions for development services director
and zoning administrator.These are reflective of current case law.These
are recommended for approval by staff and the commission.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 37 OF 42
City Attorney Joel Stern added this
ordinance curtails into the regulatory ordinance which will be brought up at a
different time.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on this 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
ORDINANCE NO.1037 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
the ordinance by title only.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
Deputy City Clerk Janet Mason read
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1037,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS.
CROSSROADS REDEVELOPMENT AREA DRAFT PLAN )
)Development Services Director
Larry Harmer briefed the council on this item.He stated this is the next
step to bring the plan up to compliance with state statute.The word changes
and updates have been done to the 1996 plan.They crossed out the words
referring to blight and slum.The advisory committee was given this for
review,however,no comments by them have been received at this time.Staff
is asking that this be referred to the planning and zoning commission again to
review for conformity to the existing plan and that a public hearing be
authorized for July 7,1998 to consider the adoption of the plan.Their
consultant,Bob Logan,concurs with what they have done.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 38 OF 42
Mayor Coleman opened the item to
council discussion.There being no discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT AFTER
REVIEW OF THE DRAFT CROSSROADS REDEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN,THAT THE AREA PLAN BE
FORWARDED TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION TO REVIEW FOR ITS CONFORMITY
TO THE CURRENT GENERAL PLAN;AND THAT A CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING BE
AUTHORIZED FOR JULY 7,1998 TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED
CROSSROADS REDEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN.
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
UTILIZATION OF BUILDING BEING VACATED BY
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN MENTAL HEALTH CENTER)
)City Manager Curtis Shook briefed
the council on this item.A layout has been devised for that building to have
the Management Information Systems Department and the Human Resources
Department located in it.Staff is requesting council approval to remodel the
building in accordance with these changes with funds out of contingency.
Councilmember Durbala thanked
Management Assistant Bob Galloway for being there even though he got to say
nothing.
Vice Mayor Surra stated the plan
makes good use of that structure.She thinks it should be put into effect as
soon as possible.She requested to make the motion.Vice Mayor Surra MOVED
THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO PROCEED WITH THE USE OF FY 97-98 CONTINGENCY
FUNDS FOR THE REMODELING OF THE BUILDING BEING VACATED BY SUPERSTITION
MOUNTAIN MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CITY COMPLEX IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $18,000.
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS.
None.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTION
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 39 OF 42
PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATION OF EXTENSION
OF PREMISES/PATIO PERMITS SUBMITTED BY
IN -CITY LIQUOR LICENSE ESTABLISHMENTS )
)City Manager Curtis Shook briefed
the council on the item.He stated this is a request by the city clerk
recommending that extension of premises/patio permits come before the city
council for a public hearing and action.
City Attorney Joel Stern added prior
to this it was an adminstrative function with the city clerk and the
department of public safety signing off on them.Liquor Board policy has
changed to where the city would be the authorizing agent.Staff is asking
that they come before council as a result.
Vice Mayor Surra stated these would
be for special events.
Deputy City Clerk Janet Mason stated
it may be for a special event and it would normally not last more than a few
days.These permits are for those that already have their own liquor license.
She stated the liquor department does have a special event liquor license,but
it is for people who do not have a liquor license.
City Attorney Joel Stern commented
he believes the state calls the latter temporary permits rather than special
event permits,and they are for a limited amount of time for a type of event
that is desired.
Councilmember Durbala asked if they
went under R-19-1.244.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated he
does not have that section memorized.This is a regulation that had to be put
in place by the liquor department pursuant to A.R.S.§ 4-244.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING PROCEDURES FOR CONSIDERATION
OF EXTENSION OF PREMISES/PATIO PERMITS SUBMITTED BY IN -CITY LIQUOR LICENSE
ESTABLISHMENTS:BE THAT REQUESTS FOR EXTENSION OF PREMISES/PATIO PERMITS GO
BEFORE CITY COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC HEARING AND ACTION.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 40 OF 42
ACCEPTED THIS 21ST
COUNCIL OF THE CITY 0
SIGNED AND ATTESTED
ATTEST:
faitrffNittfy
City Clerk
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M
MONDAY,JUNE 15,1998,IN THE
RESPECTIVELY;
AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
THE CITY CONFERENCE CENTER.
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT AN
.AND WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON
CITY CONFERENCE CENTER AND CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
BE HELD AT 6:00 P.M.,TUESDAY,JUNE 16,1998,IN
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 10:48 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of Minutes of Regular Meeting of May 19,1998.
DAY OF JULY ,1998,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
TO THIS 22ND DAY OF
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 41 OF 42
JULY
L I
DOUGLA
Mayor
,1998.
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 2nd day of June,1998.I further certify that
the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 13th day of July,1998.
KATHLEEN CONNELL
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JUNE 2,1998
PAGE 42 OF 42