HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-07 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 7,1998
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on July 7,1998,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 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION
Reverend Ray Dugan gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Mayor Surra led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Surra
Councilmember Urich
Councilmember Durbala
Councilmember Eck
Councilmember Insalaco
Staff Present:
(One vacancy exists on the council.)
City Manager Curtis Shook
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Joel Stern
Public Safety Director Robert Warner
City Engineer Gordon Haws
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell
Public Works Director Doug Dobson
Community Outreach Coordinator Patrick Brenner
Economic Development Specialist Ken Simpkins
Others Present:Assistant Planner Paul Michaud
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )
)Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT THE
CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND THAT WE RECOGNIZE THE OUTSTANDING
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE FOLLOWING CITY EMPLOYEES:PERMIT ASSISTANT
MIKKIE FRAZIER;PERMIT ASSISTANT SANDY DONATO;DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 1 OF 38
RECEPTIONIST SHARON BURGE;PERSONNEL ANALYST JACKIE TREVINO;THE PARKS &
RECREATION DEPARTMENT;RECREATION SUPERINTENDENT BETH COWLES;PARKS &
RECREATION DIRECTOR JEFF BELL;LIEUTENANT STEVE FRANCIS;PATROL OFFICER HOWARD
WILLIAMS;FACILITIES MAINTENANCE WORKER DAVE HARWELL;AND THAT THE ANNUAL
REPORT OF THE APACHE JUNCTION PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR FY 1997-98
BE ACCEPTED;AND THAT THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ARIZONA
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION MUTUAL AID IN THE
LAW ENFORCEMENT STATE WIDE GANG TASK FORCE BE APPROVED AND THE MAYOR
AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT;AND THAT THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE CITY OF APACHE
JUNCTION FOR THE STREET CRIMES INTERDICTION GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,340 BE
APPROVED AND THAT THE MAYOR BE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Coleman presented an appreciation plaque to former city engineer Gordon
Grandy recognizing his years of service to the city.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Amber,a youthful member of Pool Partners,addressed the council in
appreciation of the opportunities given to them for fundraising at the Fourth
of July Celebration.They thanked the council for approving the purchase of a
water slide for the pool and providing them with the best parks and swimming
facilities allowable under budget constraints.She then presented a check to
the city for $1,037 to assist in the construction of a second city pool.
Mrs.Pat Richmond,3080 W.16th Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council
representing Pool Partners.She commented the youth worked at a spaghetti
dinner,the Fourth of July Celebration,and the Main Street Program at
Greyhound Park to raise this money.They intend to continue with the program
and are getting containers out to various local businesses.She urged the
citizens to donate whatever change they had.They are also collecting
aluminum cans.
Mr.Thomas Damiano,822 E.Kachina Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the
council regarding the extension of the deadline for council vacancy
applications.He disagreed with the idea of postponing the selection until
September.He believed seven applicants had turned in their applications on
time and additional time should not be given to anyone who was on vacation.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 2 OF 38
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR A LIQUOR LICENSE FOR
APACHE GREYHOUND PARK
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on the item.She commented this is a routine request for
a corporate change.All inspections were done with no objections.The
applicant was notified to be present.
Mr.Dan Luciano,the president of
American Greyhound Racing,the operator of Apache Greyhound Park,addressed
the council.The sports unit in the corporation has now taken over the food
and beverage part from another unit in the company.I t is a transfer only.
Councilmember Urich asked if he had
attended a department approved liquor training class within the last five
years.
Mr.Dan Luciano stated he had and
everyone involved with food and beverage completed that class last week.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and opened the item to council discussion.There being no
discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR AN INTERIM PERMIT,PERSON TRANSFER,CORPORATION,SERIES 6
LIQUOR LICENSE SUBMITTED BY DANIEL LUCIANO FOR APACHE GREYHOUND PARK BE
RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND
CONTROL.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR A LIQUOR LICENSE FOR LUCKY
LIQUOR AND CONVENIENCE STORE
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on this item.She commented this is for an individual
transfer of a liquor license.The inspections have been made with no
objections.The applicant was notified of the public hearing.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 3 OF 38
The applicant declined to address
the council at this time.
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.
Councilmember Durbala commented his
packet was missing the recommendation from the police department.He asked to
see one from one of the other councilmembers.Upon review,he had no further
questions.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR A PERSON TRANFER,INDIVIDUAL,SERIES 9 LIQUOR LICENSE
SUBMITTED BY TOM YORK FOR LUCKY LIQUOR AND CONVENIENCE STORE BE RECOMMENDED
FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1039/REZONING
REQUEST BY PHILLIP CAVE
)Assistant Planner Paul Michaud
briefed the council on the item.This is to rezone a 2.5 acre property from
general rural to R1-8/MH zone.The owner would like to create an 8 lot
manufactured home subdivision.The preliminary plat will follow at a later
date and that would have the preliminary drainage report.It is located at
the northeast corner of Vista Road and the 22nd Avenue alignment.The current
zoning allows 1 and 1/4 acre lots zoned single family residential.The
requested rezoning allows medium density residential with a manufactured home
overlay allowing for lots of 1/4 acre or 8,000 sq.ft.minimum lots.He
briefed the council on the zoning and uses of the surrounding properties and
described the two site plans produced by the owner.The commission
recommended denial 3-2 for this rezoning,with Commissioners Reinagel and
Gardner dissenting.They were concerned with the potential impact on the
adjacent properties,the localized wash on the site,the site being in Flood
Zone X (lowest flood zone potential over 500 years),the additional traffic in
the area,and that the road appears to act as a natural divider between the
larger and smaller lots.Staff recommends approval based on following the
adopted land use plan.The ordinance calls for 33'of federally patented
easements on the southwest and east along with the corners on the southwest
and southeast to be dedicated to the city.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 4 OF 38
Councilmember Durbala asked why the
plat plan and the drainage had not been received by council.The whole
controversy is whether this land will be flooded or not.
Assistant Planner Paul Michaud
stated regulations do not stipulate that a preliminary plat and a rezoning
request have to be brought in together,though it has been typical in the
past.
Councilmember Durbala asked if that
could have been requested.
Mayor Coleman commented it would be
expensive for them to go through with the preliminary plat if they could not
be certain that the concept would be approved.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
wanted to know about the flooding problem.He will not approve that without
knowing about whether there is a problem or not.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated the
rezoning and preliminary plat are two separate issues.The rezoning has be be
approved first.
Councilmember Durbala stated they
have had access to this with many other developments -they have been looked
at at the same time.He wanted to see it with this one,also.
Vice Mayor Surra commented the
acceptance of a plat has nothing to do with the acceptance or denying of a
rezoning.
Councilmember Eck asked if they had
a protest percentage.
Assistant Planner Paul Michaud
commented they received no formal protests.They did receive comments.
Councilmember Urich commented she
believed there were some people here to speak tonight.
Councilmember Eck stated i t looked
like 3/4's of the properties surrounding it have acre and a quarter lots.
Assistant Planner Paul Michaud
stated that was correct,concerning the properties north,east and south.
Mayor Coleman asked the applicant to
address the council.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 5 OF 38
Mr.Sean Lake,10 W.Main Street,
Mesa,addressed the council on behalf of Phillip Cave.He commented this is
an infill piece of property and the owner had to determine what he could
economically do with it.The owner decided the large lot subdivision would be
more beneficial to the city.He would have to add off site improvements,and
he felt this would be the best plan.Staff stated they would not support the
concept plan that abandoned 22nd Avenue.He urged council to keep in mind
that staff recommended approval of this project and that i t is consistent with
the general plan.The drainage information will be provided with the
preliminary plan.He commented the city engineer will stop the project if it
is not handled properly.He urged council to support the project as it is
compatible with the area.
Phillip Cave lived in the area.
east valley.
lived in Apache Junction.
know.
Councilmember Insalaco asked if
Mr.Sean Lake stated he lives in the
Councilmember Insalaco asked if he
Mr.Sean Lake stated he did not
Councilmember Insalaco commented it
appears they are supposed to be worried about his 2.5 acres of infill property
but they are not supposed to be taking into consideration all the larger lots
the neighbors own and who want to keep it general rural.He suggested Mr.
Cave should split his property to match the other properties adjacent to his.
He does not want to take any more of the general rural area and change it.
Vice Mayor Surra asked what natural
attributes environmentally are there on the property that will change because
of the rezoning and possible 8 lots.
Mr.Sean Lake asked if she meant the
natural vegetation.
Vice Mayor Surra stated it could
also mean the wash or other natural structures.
Mr.Sean Lake stated he is not sure
there is a major wash here as they are outside of the 500 year flood zone.He
commented they will be required to handle all of the water.He committed to
preserving the washes and natural attributes as much as they possibly can when
they did the site plan review and overlay.
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JULY 7,1998
PAGE 6 OF 38
Councilmember Eck asked if the
property owner inquired about a different type of zoning.
Mr.Sean Lake stated he looked at
that,but since this is bounded by three streets no other zoning was
economically viable.
Councilmember Eck stated he did not
realize they would have to do a rezoning to get 20,000 sq.ft.lots.
Mr.Sean Lake stated they would have
to go through a rezoning to get a 20,000 sq.ft.lot subdivision and the city
would require them to do off site improvements.
Councilmember Eck stated he could
have split i t in two,leaving one an acre and a quarter and splitting the
other part into three lots.
Mr.Sean Lake stated you would
typically split i t in two,sell if off and have no off site improvements.
Vice Mayor Surra advised Mr.Sean
Lake that his client lives in Mesa.
hearing on the item.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
Ms.Margaret Lawson,1835 E.20th
Avenue,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She lives just north of this
property on one and a quarter acres.She stated there is a gas line that runs
on the that site from Vista across the entire property.She commented she
does not want to see 4 homes on that property,let alone 8.All the other
properties are one and a quarter acre properties and she feels they are
crowded enough.She is also concerned about the additional traffic causing a
safety problem for the children in the area that are used to riding their
bikes and walking along the street.
Ms.Lois Potts,481 S.Olmo Circle,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.She does not live in the area but is
there on behalf of a friend who lives there,plus for a secondary reason.She
is a real estate agent in the area.She stated the logical division is to
divide this in two,or else higher density would be created which would
negatively impact the surrounding properties.She then commented that she
lives in a small tract house,but she hears people complaining about these
large lots being carved up when they moved out here to a lower density area to
have more quiet.She added if they keep cutting these large lots up,she will
begin to think she is back in Los Angeles again.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 7 OF 38
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He stated the council needs to
consider that the city has schools to support and services that residents
would like to see in the future.The city has to pay for all this.The
properties are not going down in value,they are only going up.He urged the
council to find creative ways for revenue sources rather than 55+ developments
that do not want to support schools and the younger generation.He commented
on the trailer housing just up the road where people were living right on top
of each other,and questioned what these people were protesting.He commented
the property rights of the people have to be considered.
Mr.John Snyder,who lives on Vista
Road across from this property,addressed the council.He commented they have
seen water going by there real strong.He added a lot of the owners are gone
for the summer but none of them want this subdivision.The residents there
want it to stay the way it is now.He suggested larger homes that would fit
in with the contour of the land.He complained about having numerous children
move into the neighborhood.
Ms.Sherry Chandler,2245 S.Vista
Road,Apache Junction,addressed the council.She lives south of the
property.She commented her driveway is washed out because of the rain today
-the little bit of water that runs across there that nobody notices.She
admitted there are small lots across from them,but they are not walled in or
55+.She added they have Raindance Park south of them and they are a walled
in community.She questioned what would be offered to these people if this
subdivision was put it the middle of these larger lots.The children will
need space to be kids and not be in the streets where they can get run over.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing and opened the item to council discussion.
Councilmember Urich stated she is
concerned about the wash and she cannot envision 8 homes on this site.
Councilmember Eck commented it is
obvious that the neighborhood does not want this property to increase its
density.He would have supported a different rezoning on this property to no
lower than 20,000 sq.ft.lots.
Mayor Coleman commented there have
been times when the council approved smaller lots,but most of the time there
has been a trade off between having 450 homes or 900 RV units which the
property was zoned for previously.In every case,this council has opted for
the lowest density possible.People do not realize that when they see the
smaller lot homes.The council is not in the business of carving up and
making small lots.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 8 OF 38
Councilmember Durbala requested to
make a motion.He MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.1039 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE
READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1039,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE DENIED.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1044/PZ-98-09/
REZONING BY PERRY INVESTMENTS
)Assistant Planner Paul Michaud
briefed the council on this item.It is a rezoning request from CB -2 to C-
3/PD on Superstition Plaza II,excluding the Norwest Bank and the grocery
store plus outlets pad.This is for reduced setbacks for the chamber visitor
center pad and to facilitate future pad development.The chamber building is
approximately 60'by 120'with 10'setbacks on the north side,20'on the west
and 0'on the south and east.The current zoning requires 15'front and 10'
rear and side setbacks.The proposed rezoning requires 10'on the north side
and 25'on the other sides.The rezoning meets general plan objectives by
possibly aiding in developing land already served by utilities,encouraging
the development of nodal commercial centers,encouraging a unified central
business district,and redeveloping the existing commercial center to better
serve existing and new residential growth in the area.The commission
recommended approval by unanimous vote on this rezoning.On the parking
issue,76 are required by ordinance and this plan has 93.Staff recommends
designating one of the five east of the center as an accessible parking space.
Wide vehicle parking is not required by parking regulations.He commented on
the ordinance and its eight stipulations.The applicant requested changing
the stipulation on dedicating the right of way to "may"instead of "must",but
prior and current city engineers both recommend it to stay at "must"as the
right of way may not be easily obtained later.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 9 OF 38
address the council.
Mayor Coleman asked the applicant to
Mr.Dan Donahoe,2211 E.Highland,
Phoenix,addressed the council.He complimented staff for their work on this
property.He believes this will improve the area.
Councilmember Urich asked if there
will be pull through sites for motor homes.
Mr.Dan Donahoe stated there would
be pull through sites.They accommodate the people who will be pulling
trailers.He is not sure as to where they will be but that is a function of
the chamber building.
Councilmember Urich stated she is
concerned because a lot of the visitors to the center have a motor home with a
vehicle attached.I t is difficult to find parking.She highly recommended
many of these.
Mr.Dan Donahoe commented he did not
know how many of them there would be,but it would be a user friendly site.
It will be worked out with the chamber,the people themselves who give them
the background and information,and what is required by law.
chamber had discussed this area with him.
Councilmember Urich asked if the
Mr.Dan Donahoe stated they had not.
Councilmember Urich stated she is
also concerned about the RV storage on the property and when that would be
cleared out.
Mr.Dan Donahoe stated there is a
stipulation as to when that must be done.
Councilmember Urich stated she would
like to see that stipulation changed.
Mr.Dan Donahoe stated he does not
like the storage there either,but at the time there needed to be some income
off the property.He added this plan will make it a very attractive place.
hearing on the item.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
Mr.Rene Lesieutre,3400 S.
Ironwood,Apache Junction,addressed the council.He was there to represent
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 10 OF 38
the Chamber of Commerce Building Committee.He thanked the city manager and
council in assisting them to buy the building,and for allowing them to lease
the old Parks & Recreation building at a reasonable fee.He commented the RV
center is set to be removed 30 days prior to the completion of the building.
He urged council to approve this rezoning.
Mr.Elliott Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He commented it should be rezoned.
He took exception to the name of "Visitor Center"as there are a lot of people
moving into the community that do not see the city as a visitor town.They
are here year round and would like to see more services geared toward that
idea.
Councilmember Durbala asked him if
he was familiar with what the chamber does.
Mr.Elliott Fisher stated he was.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He opened the council discussion
on the item.
Vice Mayor Surra stated she had
concerns about the larger vehicles that take advantage of visitor centers.
However,she sees a larger capacity and options for parking at this site.She
asked Carolyn Doty how many pull through sites they have at their current
location.
Commerce stated they currently have none.
had at their prior location.
also none.
Ms.Carolyn Doty of the Chamber of
Vice Mayor Surra asked how many they
Ms.Carolyn Doty stated there were
Vice Mayor Surra commented that this
will be an improvement even if they only have one.She added she liked this
plan and liked seeing the chamber located more visibly in the community and at
the center of things.
City Attorney Joel Stern recommended
reopening the public hearing since there had been some interaction with the
audience.
Mayor Coleman reopened the public
hearing on the item.
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JULY 7,1998
PAGE 11 OF 38
Mr.Elliott Fisher stated he wanted
to answer Councilmember Durbala's question.He stated the council promotes
businesses and business activity in the city,but they also have to be
concerned about the people who live in the city that will support these types
of projects.Everyone has to be considered,not just the people it is geared
towards.
Mayor Coleman
hearing on the item.He reopened the item to council di
Councilmember
else on the council would support the removal of the RV
construction of the first building.
Councilmember
believed they had already worked out a mutual agreement
under stipulation eight.He read the stipulation aloud.
he thinks it will be removed before it is required to be
Mayor Coleman
be rental fees that have been paid and people will need
RV's.
closed the public
scussion.
Urich asked if anyone
storage area upon
Durbala commented he
and that i t is already
From the comments,
commented there could
time to relocate their
Councilmember Durbala commented it
is a lovely building,it should be an asset to the community and the chamber,
and it is in the perfect location.
Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1044 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Insalaco MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1044,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 12 OF 38
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.1045/PZ-98-10/
REZONING REQUEST BY ROBERT & NAOMI
STEWART & DUSTY & LAURIE UMPHREY
)Assistant Planner Paul Michaud
briefed the council on this item.The property is located at the southeast
corner of Meridian and Broadway.The owners are requesting to rezone from TH
Homesite to C-4 for a manufactured home sales lot.The majority of the
surrounding properties are residential,with some commercial properties in the
area.The nearest are the less intensive zones to provide retail for the
immediate neighborhood.He detailed the commercial sites in the vicinity.
The manufactured homes for sale will be a mixture of new,used and repossessed
units.At the start of the business there will only be new homes,and council
may want to clarify the time frame included in the start of the business.All
the comments are attached and discussed in the staff report.He commented Mr.
Robert W.Jones III,who has property within 300'of the site,wrote in
opposition of the sales lot,desiring something more upscale.Major concerns
mentioned by the public were the traffic congestion,the noise when moving the
homes and the nature of that type of use at an entryway into the city.The
commission voted 4 for denial and 3 for approval of the planned development.
They were concerned with the traffic and aesthetic concerns in that location.
The applicant stated the homes would only be moved between sunrise and sunset
and there would be no Saturday moves.The movement of homes does not take any
more time than a car pulling out onto the street once they are hitched.The
majority of repossessed homes should be 1996 and 1997 models and they predict
50 to 70% of the homes would be new models.All sales contracts would be
signed on the site and they have no other sales lot.They would be able to
show older units to customers at Superstition Storage outside the city limits.
They expect to use this lot for sales for two to four years,followed by
either site expansion or a gas station with a convenience market.Staff has
no recommendation on this development.The planned development designation
would give the city more control over more obnoxious future uses that the C-4
designation would allow.He mentioned the stipulations included in the
ordinance.
anything on this property currently.
stated i t is vacant at this time.
address the council.
Vice Mayor Surra asked if there was
Assistant Planner Paul Michaud
Mayor Coleman asked the applicant to
Mr.Bob Stewart declined to speak,
adding he was there to answer any questions the council might have.There
were no questions from the council at this time.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 13 OF 38
hearing on the item.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
Mr.Elliot Fisher,547 E.Quail,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.He thinks this is a better
alternative then a Diamond Shamrock or a Circle K,but he does not think this
will send a good message to people entering Apache Junction.The city has
been trying to balance the idea of manufactured housing,and this would be at
the gateway to the city,plus having a number of other sales lots on Main
Street.It seems like overkill to him.
Mr.Keith Stachar,1153 N.Holmes,
Mesa,addressed the council.He has an interest on a property at the
northwest corner of this intersection.He believes the landscaping and site
plan of this property will be a good start to creating a commercial corner
that will lead to finer things.It will also bring more sales tax into the
community.We need more commercial in town to balance out the vast growth in
residential properties.
Mrs.Midge Conway,902 S.Ocotillo,
Apache Junction,addressed the council.She heard two things she did not
like.She agreed that the corner would not be a good gateway for Apache
Junction for mobile home sales.She also does not like the idea of a fence
around the property,and would prefer it to be landscaped.She thinks there
should be a more desirable commercial project that should go there.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak and opened the council discussion on
the item.
cannot envision this at that intersection.
question for the owner.
Mesa,addressed the council.
satellite to other businesses.
Councilmember Urich stated she
Councilmember Eck stated he had a
Mr.Bob Stewart,3530 E.Pueblo,
Councilmember Eck asked if this is a
Mr.Bob Stewart stated it is not,it
is a family -owned business.Most of their lifesavings are in this venture.
They looked at other manufactured home sales lots in Apache Junction and they
do not want to conduct business like those already present.He stated over
19% of all new home applications were for manufactured homes.By the year
2000 they estimate 50% will be manufactured homes.They would like to give
people to opportunity to upgrade their homes.They would like this to be
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 14 OF 38
beautiful,and he pledged to the council that it would be the best looking lot
that they could imagine.
City Attorney Joel Stern recommended
they reopen the public hearing.
Councilmember Durbala asked what
kind of time frame he would be looking at before he would have other than new
homes on the sales lot.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated they would be
show model homes.It will be dedicated to all new homes to start with but he
could not give an answer as to when they would have used homes.
Councilmember Durbala asked him if
they would agree to putting in the ordinance that they would put nothing but
new homes on that property for the first 5 years.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated he would not
as they plan to put some used ones on there.However,they will look new.
Councilmember Durbala stated that is
not what he heard from staff.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated they have an
agreement that there will be some used units on this lot but they will not be
trashy looking units.This allows an unfortunate family to get into a house
at a reduced price.Their business is to put these people into homes.
Everything will look new,and they will primarily be starting with all new
units.
Councilmember Durbala asked if he
would go with a percentage of there being no more than so many used units.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated they have
another lot that is used for the trade-ins and older units.He does not see
where the councilmember is coming from with a time limit on this.He asked
what he was supposed to do with a two year old home that looks gorgeous.
Councilmember Durbala asked if he
would compromise and say that 80% of the lot would be new and 20% old.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated he could do
that,that he was willing to work with the council.
Councilmember Durbala asked what
would be acceptable to him as a business owner.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 15 OF 38
Mr.Bob Stewart stated he would work
with the council,even if it was 90% new and 10% old,whatever council wished
to do.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
wanted to add it to the stipulations.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated he did not
understand what the councilmember meant.He asked what difference it would
make.
Councilmember Durbala stated this is
a gateway to the community,and once Broadway if four-laned all the way
through,it will become a major thoroughfare.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated he knows that
and they are going to make this into a beautiful corner.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
realized that but they have been told that in the past and it has not worked
out that way.
Mr.Bob Stewart asked him to give
them a chance.
Councilmember Durbala asked if they
would be willing to put that in the stipulations.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated he may do so
and they will sign it.
Councilmember Durbala asked what
would be a fair percentage.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated 90% new and
10% old would be fair.He asked if the councilmember was happy with that
percentage.
Councilmember Durbala commented he
would be happy with that,but he did not know if the rest of the council was
even interested in a figure.
Councilmember Eck commented he was
happy with that.
Mayor Coleman commented he was
interested in how he was going to enforce that.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 16 OF 38
Councilmember Durbala stated i t
would be put into the ordinance.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated it
is one thing to put i t in as a stipulation but enforcement is another issue.
It could be enforced through inspections but that would mean more personnel to
do those types of inspections.It might also show up in the sales tax figures
for the types of models that were sold,which would mean more screening of
what is going through the sales tax figures.
Councilmember Eck asked if it would
be paved in between the homes.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated it would not
be paved in between the homes.
Councilmember Eck asked if it would
remain dirt.
Mr.Bob Stewart answered it would be
gravel.There will be paving for the parking lot and the traffic areas.
be paved in between the homes.
be paved in between the homes.
remain dirt.
Councilmember Eck asked if these
models would be set up with skirting.
Mr.Bob Stewart stated the outer
models would be set up with skirting and some of the inside models would be.
The ones with the most exposure would have skirting.
Councilmember Eck stated he was
trying to imagine what it would look like.
Mr.Bob Stewart commented it would
not look like the drawing.They will have setbacks and about half of the
units on there will be coming off the lot.They do not have room to put
"junky"looking units.
Councilmember Insalaco commented
that if Mr.Stewart would be going through all this,and the new model homes
bring in a lot of money,he is sure he would not want to have "junky"homes
next to the new ones.He believes you must have some faith in him,especially
if he agrees to the 90/10 ratio.He would be happy with that.
give them a monthly report.
might not be a bad idea.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 17 OF 38
Mr.Bob Stewart stated they could
Councilmember Insalaco stated that
Mayor Coleman reopened the public
hearing on the item.
Mr.Elliott Fisher stated he would
rather see a building and a sales office with pictures inside.It could be a
multi -use building.The manufactured housing industry serves a purpose in the
community and we need it,but it seems like overkill for Apache Junction.
Mr.Keith Stachar added he is
looking forward to seeing this business in this community.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing with no one else wishing to speak.He reopened the council
discussion.
Councilmember Eck and Assistant
Planner Paul Michaud discussed what could go on the lot if the rezoning was
not successful.It was determined manufactured homes with 20,000 sq.ft.lots,
unsubdivided,could go on the property.
Mayor Coleman commented he is
concerned because Broadway and Meridian are so busy,possibly too busy to be
moving models in and out.He then called for a motion as there were no more
comments or questions from the council.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1045 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
the ordinance by title only.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.1045,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED WITH
THE FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS:THE SIX THAT ARE IN THE ORDINANCE AND THE NEW
STIPULATION SEVEN TO BE READ "APPLICANT SHALL NOT STORE MODELS THAT ARE MORE
THAN 10% OF AVAILABLE STOCK UNITS WHICH HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN SOLD OR
TRANSFERRED".
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 18 OF 38
VOTE:3-3 (Councilmember Urich,Vice Mayor Surra and Mayor Coleman voted in
opposition.)
The motion failed.
minute break.
meeting.
Mayor Coleman called for a ten
Mayor Coleman reconvened the
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Sergeant Haywood gave a presentation on the law enforcement memorial.He
brought in some renditions to display to the council,one showing an up close
view and one showing the memorial from a short distance.He clarified that
the pillars will not be high so that children can enjoy the site.They will
be approximately at waist height.He stated these drawings have been shown to
the Duncan family and they have endorsed them.The dedication for the
memorial is tentatively set for the last weekend in October.The general
specifications have been completed for the molds for the project.He
currently has three acrylic lighted block manufacturers looking at the
project.The only delay could be the fiber optics.The memorial will be
continuously lit during the hours of darkness,the colors will change and i t
will go black for 13 seconds to represent the national average of the loss of
a law enforcement officer's life every 13 hours.This can be adjusted i f
needed.He needs the names of specific people council would like invited to
the dedication in order to make the arrangements.He believes they should
come in under the $5,000 projected.Councilmember Urich commented that she
hoped they may never add another name.
OLD BUSINESS.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.98-20/
CONSIDERATION OF CROSSROADS
REDEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN
)Economic Development Specialist
Ken Simpkins briefed the council on the item.The boundaries of the plan are
generally Broadway Avenue on the south,Superstition Boulevard on the north,
Winchester Road to the east and Valley Drive on the west.The plan was
circulated among the taxing entities in the redevelopment area and the
planning and zoning commission.The commission approved it as conforming with
the general plan.This was advertised as a public hearing even though it does
not need to be a public hearing,so the opportunity to speak should be given
to the public.This document can be changed at any time,and the plan is
needed in order to implement some financial mechanisms.It will allow the
start of the redevelopment of the core of the city.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 19 OF 38
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and opened the item to council discussion.There being no
discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.98-20,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING THE CROSSROADS REDEVELOPMENT AREA PLAN,
BE APPROVED.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS.
BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS/
REAPPOINTMENTS
)Mayor Coleman stated discussions
were held at the work session last evening.He asked any further comments.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
corrected the information distributed in the memo.The library appointees are
Peter Nolan and Millie Little.Joyce Poteet's term runs for another couple of
years.
Mayor Coleman asked if there was
only one applicant for the Library Board.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
Millie Little is interested in being reappointed.
Councilmember Durbala stated there
had been no one else who had applied for positions on the Board of Adjustment,
the Economic Development Commission,the Health & Human Services Commission,
the Library Board,the Municipal Property Corporation and the Parks &
Recreation Commission.He asked if the council wished to vote in one motion
if everyone agreed on them or if they wanted to vote on each one individually.
Council in general requested to vote
on them individually.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
KENT SLOCUM BE REAPPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE
JUNE 30,2001.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 20 OF 38
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:5-1 (Vice Mayor Surra voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
MARI GARDNER BE REAPPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE
JUNE 30,2001.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT ED
BARKER BE REAPPOINTED TO THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION FOR A TERM
TO EXPIRE ON JUNE 30,2001.
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
LAURA LYTLE BE REAPPOINTED TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR A TERM
TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
MAURICE METZGER BE REAPPOINTED TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR A
TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 21 OF 38
The motion carried.
Vice Mayor Surra stated applicant
Brian Milkey has offered to serve in whatever capacity he could.She MOVED
THAT BRIAN MILKEY BE APPOINTED FOR THE THIRD VACANCY ON THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:5-1 (Councilmember Urich voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
PETER NOLAN BE REAPPOINTED TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR A TERM TO
EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
MILLIE LITTLE BE REAPPOINTED TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR A TERM TO
EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT
RICHARD ANDERSON BE APPOINTED TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A TERM
TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Mayor Coleman SECONDED THE MOTION.
VOTE:2-4 (Councilmembers Insalaco,Eck and Durbala and Vice Mayor Surra voted
in opposition.)
The motion failed.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 22 OF 38
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT TOM
KELLEY-DEVANEY BE REAPPOINTED TO THE MUNICIPAL PROPERTY CORPORATION FOR A TERM
TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
RICHARD ANDERSON BE APPOINTED TO THE MUNICIPAL PROPERTY CORPORATION FOR A TERM
TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
KRISTY MOYLE BE REAPPOINTED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR A TERM
TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
RICHARD BUSHON BE REAPPOINTED TO THE TRANSPORTATION BOARD WITH A TERM TO
EXPIRE ON JUNE 30,2001.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT NICK
MCVICKER BE REAPPOINTED TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WITH A TERM TO
EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 23 OF 38
Councilmember Eck SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:5-1 (Councilmember Durbala voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
Councilmember Eck MOVED THAT ROSALIE
GIFFORD BE REAPPOINTED TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO
EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:5-1 (Councilmember Urich voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
RICHARD DIETZ BE APPOINTED TO THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO
EXPIRE JUNE 30,2001.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:5-1 (Councilmember Urich voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
There was general discussion on the
remaining unfilled positions on the boards and commissions.
Councilmember Durbala asked how soon
these people would be sworn in for their positions.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
they will be getting written notification and they have ten days in which to
come in and be sworn.
Councilmember Durbala asked if the
position becomes effective once they are sworn in.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
they should not be voting or participating until they take the oath of office.
Councilmember Durbala asked if those
here could stop in tomorrow.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 24 OF 38
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
they should call first to make sure someone is there who can swear them in.
Mayor Coleman suggested
consolidating the list down to what is still available and ask for applicants
for those specific positions.
CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM
THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
COMMISSION FOR HUMAN SERVICES FUNDING
FOR FY 1998-99
)Mr.Ed Barker,860 S.Saguaro,
Chairperson of the Health and Human Services Commission,briefed the council
on the item.Seven organizations requesting funding met the criteria of the
city ordinance.Their requests totaled $115,000.The commission recommended
funding the Apache Junction Reach Out Food Bank for $15,000;the Boys & Girls
Club of Apache Junction for $9,000;the Community Action Human Resources
Agency for $12,000;the Mesa Senior Services,operating the Apache Junction
Senior Center,for $17,000;St.George's Catholic Community for $10,000;and
the Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center for $15,000.Their
recommendations total $78,000 for Fiscal Year 1998-99.They also included
some stipulations for timely reporting and recordkeeping.It appears that the
funding is being used only for city residents,as so stipulated by the
ordinance.The agencies serve more residents than they are funded for,they
just need to keep more accurate recordkeeping.
Vice Mayor Surra commended the board
for their job and on their always being thorough and with no bias.She
thanked the board members publicly for their hard work.She added she liked
the direction the board is taking regarding trying to bring in new
organizations.
Mr.Ed Barker asked the council to
think over tying their funding to the total budget.The initial budget ten
years ago was $48,000,and it was still at only $64,000 four or five years
ago.They are recommending $78,000,but he encouraged council to consider
some kind of mechanism that would tie it to a certain percentage of the
budget.
Vice Mayor Surra stated that is a
good thought.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
the restricted funds could not be part of that.
Vice Mayor Surra commented they
would take it under advisement.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 25 OF 38
Councilmember Urich added she was
able to increase the funding to $78,000 this year,which is more in line with
what she knew the commission was going to be recommending.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
with no further comments and called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION FOR HUMAN
SERVICES FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998-99 BE ACCEPTED AND THAT SERVICE
CONTRACTS REFLECTING THE REQUIREMENTS OF ORDINANCE NO.659,THE
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION AND OTHER APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS BE
RETURNED FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH FINAL BUDGET ADOPTION.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Vice Mayor Surra stated the
community should be applauded along with the city departments as this is one
of the few municipalities that supports a health and human services
department.I t is unusual and it speaks to everyone out there as to where the
real heart of the Apache Junction residents is.She thanked all the residents
of the city who support this funding.
Councilmember Urich stated she
believed Apache Junction is the only city that has a health and human services
commission.Coolidge is in the process and is using Apache Junction as a
guide.
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE AWARD OF BID
FOR PROJECT ENG 98-02 COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT STREET
IMPROVEMENTS
briefed the council on this item.Four
June 24,with bids ranging from $31,415
Krisdan,who has done work for the city
bid to Krisdan.
council,Mayor Coleman called for
AWARD BID ENG 98-02,CONSTRUCTION
)Public Works Director Doug Dobson
packets were returned and opened on
to $54,970.The low bidder was
before.Staff recommends awarding the
There being no discussion by the
a motion.
Councilmember Insalaco MOVED TO
OF CURB,GUTTER,SIDEWALKS,DRIVEWAYS,RAMPS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 26 OF 38
AND RELATED WORK FOR PALO VERDE DRIVE,TUFA STREET AND BELMAR COURT TO KRISDAN
COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,415,PLUS 10% FOR UNFORESEEN CHANGE ORDERS.
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTION
PROCEDURES FOR INTERVIEWS
APPLICANTS
discussed this last night
discussion by council.
FOR CITY COUNCIL
)Mayor Coleman commented they had
at the work session.He called for any further
Councilmember Urich stated "Your
honor,based on the discussion we had last night,I went home and,I still
don't feel comfortable about it,and I have prepared a statement and I'd like
to read it.Two years ago on July the 1st,1996,I was voted by unanimous
vote of the previous council to fill a council vacancy.The vacancy was
created when a council member died on April the 30th of 1996.The vacancy,
for a three year term,was announced for less than two weeks.Two and a half
months later,I was seated on the council.I took my oath of office on July
the 2nd,and I was seated on July the 16th.Even though I was not voted into
office by the citizens of Apache Junction,I have to answer to the citizens.
I cannot sit here quietly and let this attempt at travesty of justice prevail.
Anyone that knows me knows that I will fight for the principle of any
situation.I want all people to have equal opportunity.During the past two
years I have been out in the community talking to and encouraging our citizens
to get involved.Our citizens have gotten involved.In fact,eight of our
citizens have applied for the current vacancy on the council,but only seven
met the residency requirement.Last February it was announced in one of our
local newspapers that a council member was going to resign.In fact,we were
notified on April the 18th that a council member was resigning effective April
the 31st,1998.The vacancy was announced and was open for just over 5 weeks.
Articles and notices about the vacancy were published not only in our two
local newspapers,but also in the Mesa Tribune and the Arizona Republic.Our
city cable channel even carried information on how to apply and what the
deadline was.Even if some possible candidates were on vacation and didn't
have a chance to apply,if they really wanted to apply they would have.I
can't believe now,that after almost three months,that my colleagues now want
to reopen the vacancy announcement.This is like slapping the seven qualified
applicants in the face.Some are new members of our community while others
have been active in the community a number of years.However,the basic
requirement was that they have lived in Apache Junction for at least one year.
All seven meet this requirement.Recently there was confusion in both papers
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 27 OF 38
about when we would be interviewing and selecting the candidates.That was
the only confusion.There was no confusion about the date the vacancy closed,
which was June the 19th at 5 PM,which was almost three weeks ago.However,
even before the applications were in my hand to review,rumors were floating
around the Junction about the council wanting to extend the deadline.Council
members were furnished with a copy of each candidates'application last
Thursday,July the 3rd.I would like to suggest that we interview these seven
candidates as soon as possible.I know the term is for almost 3 years.And I
hope it does not take the entire term to fill this vacancy."
Mayor Coleman commented he thought
her statement was a little premature,and he had not meant to slap anyone in
the face.
Councilmember Urich stated she had
not meant the mayor,but comments that were made by others that she thought
were slapping,and that she wanted her comments to be on record.
Mayor Coleman asked if there were
any other comments.
Councilmember Eck commented he did
not know they were doing a travesty of justice.
Vice Mayor Surra stated there had
been some misleading information out,such as when the council packets had to
be back,i t is usually assumed that shortly after that the interviews will
take place,followed by the selection process and the seating of the new
council member.Due to school letting out at the end of May,there were
people who knew they would not be here during the June,July and August period
and felt that they might have wanted to be considered,but did not feel they
could be here for the whole process.They did not want to appear to be asking
for time off from the start.She does not know if there were any people who
did not get their packets in and had asked for an extension.They do not want
to have the misleading information given in the paper be the reason why
someone did not make an application.This item is on the agenda in order to
make some determination about the process.No promise to interview has been
done at this time.She feels there has been some conflict between the time
the applicants filed and when the interviews would take place.This was the
only reason why she suggested extending the time that people had to file an
application.The people who have filed do not need to refile:this time would
be for new applicants.This has been a discussion only and no decisions have
been made.Other things suggested that night included interviewing in
alphabetical order,having a confidential waiting area and using a work
session totally dedicated to the interviews only.These and other ideas were
to be discussed tonight and a process determined.
Councilmember Durbala commented that
when they interviewed the city contract employees,in particular the attorney,
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 28 OF 38
the council went out twice looking for applications.The city attorney
selected was one of the original applicants.This does not mean that they are
waiting for certain people to get an application in.He commented they would
just like to have more candidates to look at,as the last time they had 18 and
the time before that there were 22 applicants.There should be more than 7
applicants and he agreed with the vice mayor that there should have been more
that applied.
Mayor Coleman commented he wanted
Mr.Dietz to understand that he is still an applicant for the council.The
appointment to the Planning and Zoning Commission does not affect his status
as an applicant for the council.If he should happen to be selected to the
council,he would have to resign from the Planning and Zoning Commission.His
philosophy is to fill the spots with the best applicants that can be found.
He added it does not matter to him if the application deadline is extended as
he feels he could support several of the applicants who have already applied.
He commented two of the present council were initially appointed and they have
strong feelings on the way that should be handled.He called for council to
discuss a procedure and a time frame.
the interviews be held at the
tentative budget approval is
they could do the interviews
interviews done that week or
Councilmember
next work session on July
Councilmember
for that same time.
Councilmember
a day before or day after.
as soon as possible.
Councilmember
may be some council members who would like to see this
Vice Mayor Su
should first decide if they want to extend the time for
Urich suggested that
20.
Durbala commented the
Urich commented that
She would like the
Durbala stated there
extended.
rra suggested they
applications.
Mayor Coleman called for a motion.
Councilmember Eck commented he would
not mind extending it,but it should not be extended for a long time period.
Councilmember Durbala suggested
extending it to the last working day in August.
Councilmember Urich stated if they
extended it they would be slapping the seven applicants in the face.
Councilmember Eck suggested they not
extend it then.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 29 OF 38
Councilmember Durbala did not agree
with Councilmember Urich.It is like saying they had slapped the city
attorney in the face when they asked for additional applicants for the city
attorney position.
Councilmember Urich stated they have
seven qualified applicants.If it is extended,she feels they would be
slapping them in the face.
Councilmember Durbala commented he
did not think that would be a slap in the face.
Vice Mayor Surra apologized to any
applicants in the audience if this appeared to be a slap in the face.It was
not the intent,she is trying to be fair to people who had voiced concerns
about the fact that this was being done over the summer when people take their
family vacations.She would like to see more family folks represented in the
applicant pool.She would like to see more applicants reflecting the
population that is moving into the city.
Councilmember Urich commented the
citizens have known since February of the vacancy,and she believed there are
some family -oriented people among the applicants.
Mayor Coleman stated he is concerned
that they will have angry applicants if they extend the application deadline.
Councilmember Eck commented it did
not matter one way or the other for him,though he would prefer to extend for
a short time.It would be acceptable to him if the majority agree to go with
the applicants they have.
Councilmember Urich interrupted to
ask what they were waiting for.
Councilmember Durbala asked
Councilmember Urich to allow each council member to speak before she
interrupted them.
Councilmember Urich replied she was
doing what he always does.
Mayor Coleman suggested considering
this in several parts.The first motion should be to consider extending the
deadline,and if that goes,the second motion would be to consider how long of
an extension it will be.If the first motion does not pass,they can then
consider a date for the interviews and the procedure.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 30 OF 38
EXTEND THE TIME FOR APPLICATION.
Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT WE
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:4-2 (Councilmember Urich and Mayor Coleman voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
Mayor Coleman called for discussion
or a motion on how long this should be extended.
Councilmember Durbala asked
Councilmember Eck how long he would like it extended.
Councilmember Eck suggested two
weeks.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
would like to see it extended 60 days,but he would settle for 30 days.
Councilmember Insalaco suggested the
first session in August so that they could get beyond the budget.He would
not like to see it go any longer.
Mayor Coleman asked if he meant the
interviews should be in August or the application deadline.
Councilmember Insalaco stated he
would like to be able to interview them then.
Vice Mayor Surra stated the first
session is August 3rd and the second session is August 17th.
Mayor Coleman stated they usually
cancel the second meeting in August.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
suggested it would be most likely the August 4th meeting when they have final
budget adoption.
Councilmember Insalaco added they
have to have enough time to advertise.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
she does not have enough time to advertise in two weeks.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 31 OF 38
was enough.
30 days was more than enough.
29th of August.
30 days for the entire process.
two weeks is not enough time to adverti
press.Thirty days would be more than
and to get the applications returned.
the deadline July 31 for the return of
August 10 for the interviews.
the council chambers would not be avail
meeting.
anything on the agenda.
Councilmember Eck asked if 30 days
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
Councilmember Durbala suggested the
Vice Mayor Surra asked if this was
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
se and get the information to the
enough time for all of that to be done
Vice Mayor Surra suggested making
applications with a work session on
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
able as there is a Board of Adjustment
Vice Mayor Surra asked if they had
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
there is a case coming up,but she does not know the date.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated it
is on the 13th of July.
Vice Mayor Surra commented this room
may be available then.
Mayor Coleman suggested they could
hold it at the conference center if this room were not available.
Councilmember Durbala wondered if
the conference center would have enough room as these are open to the public.
Vice Mayor Surra stated it would
depend on how it was set up.She reiterated having the application deadline
closing on July 31,the work session interviews on August 10,and added the
selection could be during a special meeting on August 11.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 32 OF 38
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
the room would not be available due to a Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting.
Councilmember Insalaco suggested the
first meeting in August again.
Vice Mayor Surra suggested they
could not do it on the third as there would not be enough time to get the
packets together.
Councilmember Durbala suggested the
interview meeting on August 10 and a special meeting on August 11.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
i t is difficult to record official voting business in the conference room.
Councilmember Insalaco suggested it
be moved to August 17 and August 18.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
those meetings are usually cancelled by the mayor.
Vice Mayor Surra asked the mayor i f
he planned on cancelling those meetings.At this time,it appears those
meetings will be cancelled.
Councilmember Urich suggested
interviewing them earlier.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
suggested moving the deadline up to July 27 and do the interviews on August 3.
Councilmembers Insalaco and Eck
agreed with that deadline.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
it would still give her enough time.
Vice Mayor Surra suggested having
the interviews on August 3 and selecting a council member on August 4.The
selection could be done during the regular agenda items.However,the 3rd
should have no other items on the agenda.She requested the city manager to
not place any other items on the 3rd so they could devote the whole time to
the interviews.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
reminded them they would have final budget adoption on August 4.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 33 OF 38
Vice Mayor Surra stated the
selection process does not take as long as the interviews take.
Councilmember Durbala clarified that
the application deadline will be on July 27 at 5 PM,the work session will be
on August 3 for the purpose of interviews,and the council will vote on August
4.He asked the city manager to have the agenda light that night.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
this would include those applicants who have already submitted their
applications.
Councilmember Durbala stated that
was correct and they do not have to reapply.He asked if the one individual
who did not qualify due to lack of residency would then be qualified with the
extension.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly stated
he would not have been here a year until September.
Councilmember Urich asked if the
current applicants could do an addendum.
Vice Mayor Surra stated they could
add information or finish answering questions that had not been answered
before,as the application is still open.She MOVED THAT PACKETS FOR COUNCIL
APPLICANTS BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE JULY 26TH DATE;AND FINAL FILING
DEADLINE DATE BE JULY 27 AT CLOSE OF BUSINESS;AND THAT INTERVIEWS FOR THE
COUNCIL VACANCY BE HELD ON AUGUST 3RD ON A WORK SESSION AS A SOLE AGENDA ITEM;
AND THAT SELECTION OF THE ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS INTERVIEWED BE HELD ON THE
FOLLOWING EVENING ON AUGUST 4TH DURING A REGULAR MEETING,AND NOT NECESSARILY
BE THE SOLE AGENDA ITEM.She added APPLICATIONS ALREADY ON FILE MAY BE
AMENDED THROUGH THAT SAME DATE,7/27,IN CASE THERE IS ANY NEW INFORMATION
THAT APPLICANTS WOULD LIKE TO ADD:THAT APPLICANTS BE INTERVIEWED IN ALPHA
ORDER BY LAST NAME;APPLICANTS AWAITING AN INTERVIEW BE MADE COMFORTABLE IN
ANOTHER SITE OTHER THAN WHERE THE INTERVIEWS ARE BEING HELD BUT CLOSE ENOUGH
SO THAT THEY ARE WITHIN CALLING DISTANCE;THAT QUESTIONS FROM THE COUNCIL
MEMBERS BE INDIVIDUAL,NOT NECESSARILY PLANNED,CAN BE ASKED AT WILL,BUT SHE
WOULD SUGGEST THAT WE LIMIT NO MORE THAN THREE QUESTIONS PER COUNCIL PERSON
PER APPLICANT FOR THE EXPEDIENCY OF TIME.
MOTION.
if they wanted prepared questions.
not want prepared questions.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 34 OF 38
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly asked
Council in general stated they did
Councilmember Durbala asked if the
applicant gave a rebuttal,would that count as another question.
Vice Mayor Surra stated as long as
it was the same topic or a clarification was required it would only count as
one question.
VOTE:5-1 (Councilmember Urich voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
IMPLEMENTATION OF CRIME FREE MULTI -HOUSING
PROGRAM IN THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION
RENTAL HOUSING
)Mayor Coleman asked the city
attorney if he had anything to add to last night's discussion.
City Attorney Joel Stern only
requested that they direct staff on the way council wished to go.If council
would like this,it could involve a trip over to Mesa or their coming here.
Mayor Coleman stated he would like
to see Mr.Zering come here.
City Attorney Joel Stern stated he
could arrange that.He had originally scheduled him for the 4th but council
may not want that on the agenda.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Vice Mayor Surra MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CRIME
FREE MULTI -HOUSING PROGRAM INTO CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION RENTAL HOUSING:THAT
STAFF DRAFT A PROGRAM AS WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT BASED ON WHAT WE SAW IN THE
PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION FROM MESA;THAT TO BE USED AS A GUIDELINE FOR
FURTHER DISCUSSION;AND THAT WE INVITE FROM THE CITY OF MESA THE INDIVIDUAL
WHO CAN GIVE US SOME FIRST HAND INFORMATION AND MORE CLARIFICATION ON HOW WELL
THE PROGRAM IS DOING,MR.ZERING,AT A FUTURE DATE.She added if his
presentation is not too long,they could have it on the 4th.
Councilmember Insalaco SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 35 OF 38
SPECIAL MEETING FOR ADOPTION OF THE
TENTATIVE BUDGET
)Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
A SPECIAL MEETING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF THE TENTATIVE BUDGET
FOR FY 1998-99 BE HELD ON MONDAY,JULY 20,1998,AT 7:00 P.M.IN THE CITY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS PRIOR TO THE REGULAR WORK SESSION.
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.
MONDAY,JULY 20,1998,IN THE
RESPECTIVELY;
AND THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION
THE CITY CONFERENCE CENTER;
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
Councilmember Durbala 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,JULY 21,1998,IN
Vice Mayor Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Vice Mayor Surra announced she heard there had been a great fireworks display
sponsored by the city on the 4th of July,and that people came from far and
wide to see them.Councilmember Eck added the paper stated there was
approximately 5,000 people in attendance.
Councilmember Eck announced that the Girls'Senior Softball All Stars is in
Apache Junction District 7 for the next ten days.Apache Junction plays
tomorrow night at 7:30 P.M.
Councilmember Durbala announced that Councilmember Eck was recently voted on
as a board member for the Little League.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 10:13 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 36 OF 38
2.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees.
3.Acceptance of the Annual Report of the Apache Junction Public Library
Board of Trustees for 1997-98 fiscal year.
4.Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of
Public Safety for mutual aid in law enforcement State Wide Gang Task
Force and authorization for Mayor to sign agreement.
5.Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of
Public Safety for "Street Crimes Interdiction Grant"in the amount of
$13,340 and authorization for Mayor to sign agreement.
ACCEPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF AUGUST ,1998,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 4TH DAY OF AUGUST ,1998.
DOUGLAS cpumAN
Mayor
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 37 OF 38
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the
minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache
Junction,Arizona,held on the 7th day of July,1998.I further certify that
the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 20th day of July,1998.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 7,1998
PAGE 38 OF 38