HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-10-15 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 15,1996
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on October 15,1996,at the Apache Junction City Council
Chambers pursuant to the notice required by law.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Coleman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Surra gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Coleman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Richmond
Council member Barker
Council member Hendricks
Council member Surra
Councilmember Urich
Council member Durbala
Staff Present:
Others Present:
City Manager Curtis Shook
Asst.City Manager George Hoffman
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut
Public Safety Director Robert Galloway
City Engineer Gordon Grandy
Library Director Pam Loui
Public Works Director Doug Dobson
Development Services Director Larry Harmer
Planning Manager Jim Nakagawa
Associate Planner Kate Morris
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )
)Vice Mayor Richmond MOVED THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND THAT WE RECOGNIZE THE
OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BY THE FOLLOWING CITY EMPLOYEES:
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 1 OF 24
Sergeant Robert "Woody"Haywood;Detective Corporal Bob Nye;Officer Barry
Kerr;Library Director Pam Loui;Library employee Trish Pelletier;AND
THAT THE RESIGNATION OF JEANETTE HAUCK FROM THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES BE
ACCEPTED WITH REGRET;AND
THAT THE "FOOD FOR FINES"PROGRAM TO BE HELD DECEMBER 6-23,1996,AT THE
APACHE JUNCTION PUBLIC LIBRARY BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Mr.Neal Haney,2061 E.Lockwood St.,Mesa,addressed the council regarding
Ordinance No.952.He represented the Arizona Mobile Housing Association.He
stated it will be costly to the citizens,as there will need to be a vote on
the referendum in place,plus other factors requiring expenditure of their
money.He urged repealing the ordinance due to the controversy it had created
and to start fresh with a new ordinance after gathering information from all
the parties involved.He commented some parts of the ordinance appear to
conflict with state and federal laws.
Mr.Gordon Arkley,3519 E.Shea Boulevard,Suite 136,Phoenix,addressed the
council regarding Ordinance No.952.He is a broker with Combined Realty
Services Incorporated.He represents a buyer and seller currently in escrow
which is awaiting how the ordinance is going to affect the transaction.He is
requesting the ordinance to be amended excluding existing mobile home parks.
A telephone survey he took of 19 cities and 2 counties in the surrounding
areas showed none of them had age limits on mobile homes (three gave no
answer).Delaying a decision would limit any sales in the area.
Councilmember Surra asked how many parks he had contacted.
Mr.Gordon Arkley stated none.
Councilmember Surra asked if he had inquired on Apache Junction.
Mr.Gordon Arkley stated he had talked to Larry Harmer.
Councilmember Surra asked if the city was one of the sixteen replies.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 2 OF 24
Mr.Gordon Arkley stated he believed everything except pre -1976 was allowed in
now,and asked Larry Harmer to correct him if he was wrong.
Development Services Director Larry Harmer stated he was correct.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut reminded Mr.Arkley that staff cannot enter into
discussions during this part of the meeting.
Mrs.Susan Brenton,2334 S.McClintock,Tempe,addressed the council.She is
the executive director of the Arizona Association of Manufactured Home Owners.
The association believes Ordinance No.952 is unconstitutional.They believe
the extra expenses could be put to better use.She had contacted eight
manufacturers and only two make 16" eaves,which run an extra $1,000.
Permanent foundations run $3,500-$5,000,depending on home size.These
additional costs make the homes unaffordable for young couples starting out.
The association requests the council repeal the law and work with AAMHO,the
park owners association and the industry association to create an ordinance
that will work for everyone.
Mrs.Midge Conway,902 S.Ocotillo Drive,addressed the council regarding
Ordinance 952.She disagreed with some of the earlier statements made by
others.She stated the banks would only allow a fifteen year mortgage on a
mobile home with an interest rate of 10.75% to 11%.On a house you can get a
30 year mortgage at 7.25%interest.Therefore,a house was as affordable as a
mobile home,and mobiles depreciate,while houses appreciate.She commented
on the general plan,stated she thought it might be a good idea to repeal the
ordinance,and requested that all mobile homes in the future be put into
mobile home parks.
Mrs.Charlaine Bishop,8449 E.Apache Trail,Mesa,addressed the council
regarding Ordinance 952.She works for Prestige Homes in Mesa.She disagreed
with Mrs.Conway.She stated the banks give a 30 year mortgage on mobile
homes with a current interest rate of 6.9%,and a land/home package is 8.2%.
She commented that those homes built before 1976 are fire traps,but all those
built since are built like site -built homes.She stated young people who can
afford $25,000 for a mobile home are better off than being on welfare.
Mrs.Norma Wessels,2302 N.San Marcos,addressed the council.She has
resided in Apache Junction since 1979,and lives in a 1965 trailer.Because
she has been able to pay off the mobile home,she now has reliable
transportation,can pay for her insurance,and was able to raise two children
on one income.She financed her 18-year-old's 1974 mobile home.She has now
co-signed for her daughter to have reliable transporation.None of them have
been on welfare,and it is the best she and her family can do.She never had
child support.Her daughters are living with the fathers of their children,
and they need the responsibility of taking care of their mobile home,not
having to call a landlord for repairs.She believes this ordinance will not
let anyone get ahead,especially those on a low income,and it will not allow
people to have their own property.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 3 OF 24
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Curtis Shook stated the upcoming City Town Hall would be on
Saturday,November 16,and would last all day.He then asked City Clerk Kathy
Connelly to brief the council on the event.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated Town Hall would be held at John Calvin
Presbyterian Church on Broadway between 9 a.m.and approximately 4 p.m.It is
hoped there will be 100-150 delegates.There is no fee and it is open to
everyone;however,only residents have voting delegate status.There will be
registration forms available next week in the "City Page"of the Independent,
with the registration deadline being November 1.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated the city has started a "City Page"in the
Independent,which is generally on the back page,and it runs once a month.
It will contain items on what is happening inside the city.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR
LICENSE FOR SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN
PROMOTIONAL GROUP
)City Clerk Kathy Connelly briefed
the council on this item.It is for the weekend of October 25-27,for the
Superstition Mountain Fall Fever event to be held at the rodeo grounds.The
applicant was requested to be at this session to answer any questions.
Mr.Gary Mulholland addressed the
council.He asked for the council's acceptance,and stated they had complied
with all the requests by all the departments.The group recognizes an event
needs to be held in the fall to promote the city,and they hope to bring in a
lot of people to see the 2 -day rodeo,the concert with Marty Haggard (the son
of Merle Haggard),local entertainment on the free entertainment stage,and
local vendors to display their products.Friday night has been turned into
"Local Teen Night"with the approval of the high school student council,and
it is not being promoted outside the city.Two bands will be available,along
with the carnival.The carnival starts on Thursday.The Mammoth Steakhouse
and Saloon is the distributor for alcoholic beverages.Arizona Clean and
Beautiful has declared this a Clean and Beautiful Event and is supplying the
containers for cans only,which the local youth can turn in for the profits.
They will also be walking around during the event promoting clean events and
clean litter.
Mayor Coleman opened the item to
questions from the council.There being no discussion,he opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 4 OF 24
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE SUBMITTED BY SUPERSTITION
MOUNTAIN PROMOTIONAL CORPORATION FOR THE 1996 SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN FALL FEVER
EVENT BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES
AND CONTROL.
Vice Mayor Richmond SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR
LICENSE SUBMITTED BY APACHE JUNCTION
MAIN STREET PROGRAM.)
)City Clerk Kathy Connelly briefed
the council on the item.It is for the coming weekend for the Cowboy Poets
event sponsored by the Apache Junction Main Street Program.The liquor
license being used is from the Eagles organization,and the applicants were
notified it would be heard tonight.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
would have a conflict of interest with this,as he is a member of the
organization sponsoring the alcohol.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and reopened to discussion by the council.
Vice Mayor Richmond stated she
needed to abstain from the vote as she is the state president of the
organization.
Councimember Surra stated she did
not believe it was a conflict of interest unless you profited from it
personally.She therefore had no problem with letting the two councilmembers
vote on the item.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT THE
APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE SUBMITTED BY APACHE JUNCTION
MAIN STREET FOR THE 1996 COWBOY POETS GATHERING BE RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL TO
THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF LIQUOR LICENSES AND CONTROL.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 5 OF 24
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:5-0-2 (Vice Mayor Richmond and Councilmember Durbala abstained.)
The motion carried.
CASE NO.PZ-96-09,PROPOSED ORDINANCE
NO.961
)Associate Planner Kate Morris
briefed the council on the item.It is a rezoning request for a property
located on North Ironwood.This is to establish a bookstore from an existing
single family residence.Some on -site paving is required for the driveway
area,which would create more run-off,and therefore some type of retention
basin is required.The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial of
this rezoning and Ordinance No.961 because of the site plans originally
submitted,which were hand drawn.They only need to be drawn by an engineer
or some other professional to be approved.The current zoning is general
rural,the general plan is commercial.This is the first property in that
area that will become commercial.There are 7-9 stipulations prepared in the
drafted ordinance involving redesigning the property with an engineer,
landscaping requirements,screening considerations and insuring accessibility
to the landlocked property behind it.
Mayor Coleman asked if the other
property owners were notifed and had any responded.
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
they had been notified and a couple of them called in with some general
concerns on the proposal.There were some questions but no complaints.
Vice Mayor Richmond asked how high
the screening block wall would have to be.
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
it will have to be 8 feet high.
Councilmember Hendricks stated he
had talked to the owners last week and they are willing to comply with all the
stipulations.
Councilmember Barker asked about the
recommendation for disapproval by the commission,yet they state conditional
approval would be recommended on the 9 stipulations.It appears the
conditions take care of the problem causing the commission to recommend
denial.
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
they prep their reports for both ways,approval and denial.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 6 OF 24
Councilmember Barker stated she
believed she had answered her own question.
There was general discussion on the
plans going back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for review after being
redone by a licensed architect or engineer.
Vice Mayor Richmond asked what would
happen if this was recommended for approval and nothing was done.
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
we would have one property zoned CB -1 surrounded by residential property.
They could continue to use it as a residential site.There would be more
difficulty if a portion of the development was done and then left,or if the
business was attempted to be started before the development requirements were
met.
Vice Mayor Richmond asked if this
would ever go back to residential.
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
it would be a commercial zoning with a planned development.This is for a
bookstore,any other use would have to come back through the design review
process.
Councilmember Barker stated since
the rezoning is conditional upon them meeting the stipulations,if the
stipulations are not met,then the rezoning is not valid.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly
recommended changing the first section to read "the development plans prepared
by a licensed engineer/architect must be prepared and submitted for review to
the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City Council prior to application for
any permits".She asked the city attorney if the appropriate language was in
place to make it official.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut
recommended changing the words "subject to the following stipulations" to
"subject to the following conditions and stipulations".He asked if they were
changing the density to a planned development,and then wanting the applicant
to come back with the planned development.
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
that was correct.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and reopened the item to discussion by the council.There
being no further discussion by the council,he called for a motion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 7 OF 24
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.961 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Hendricks SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly read
Ordinance No.961 by title only.
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.961,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED WITH THE
FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS:ON THE ORDINANCE SECTION I,JUST PRIOR TO NUMBER 1,
THAT THE WORDS "CONDITIONS AND"BE INSERTED BETWEEN "FOLLOWING" AND
"STIPULATIONS",AND THAT IN STIPULATION OR CONDITION NUMBER 1 THE WORDS
"SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW"BE ADDED IN THE SECOND LINE FOLLOWING THE WORD "AND".
Councilmember Hendricks SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
CASE NO.PZ-96-12,PROPOSED ORDINANCE
NO.967 )
)Associate Planner Kate Morris
briefed the council on the item.This is for a rezoning for a property at the
corner of Ironwood and Superstition Boulevard next to Ironwood Self Storage.
The applicant wants to build a 2200 square foot storage building.This item
had been continued previously because of encroachments into the existing
easements.The final proposal is for an application for an encroachment
permit to be filed to address the existing structures and for a 6'block wall
that would have to be built around the rest of the property.
was a 6'wall.
that was correct.
was on the other side of the wall.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 8 OF 24
Councilmember Hendricks asked if it
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
Councilmember Hendricks asked what
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
it is vacant directly west,there is a mobile home park to the north,and then
the existing residential structures.
Councilmember Hendricks questioned
why only a 6'wall when on the ordinance just passed it was an 8'wall.
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
there is an existing business.For existing uses,they have to be expanded
25% or more for the landscaping requirements to pertain.Since this does not
expand the facility 25%,this can remain a 6'wall as is already surrounding
the existing part of the facility.
Councilmember Hendricks stated he
thought it would have to go up to 8'like every other business.
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
this section covering existing facilities is covered in the beginning of
Ordinance No.940,in order to not impose additional requirements on existing
structures.She stated the applicant was present in the audience.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated
because it is a planned development,council can make specific conditions,as
in making this an 8'wall.
Councilmember Hendricks stated if
everyone else is required to have an 8'wall,he could not see why other
people could not come up to those standards.He would like to see it an 8'
foot standard for everybody.
Councilmember Durbala agreed with
Councilmember Hendricks.
Councilmember Barker stated the 6'
foot fence runs vertically through the property and because he is adding to
the property with the same use,she believes the 6'fence is sufficient.
Mayor Coleman agreed with
Councilmember Barker.
Councilmember Surra stated it
appeared the fence would be 6'and then jump to 8'when the new section was
added,unless you are now requiring the owner to add an extra 2'to the
existing fence.She did not believe the owner should have to do that.
Councilmember Hendricks thought the
owner should have to add the 2'additional fencing.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 9 OF 24
Councilmember Durbala asked the city
attorney if that could be done.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut deferred
the question to Associate Planner Kate Morris.
Mr.Keith Stachar,the applicant,
stated all the existing fences were on his property.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated
the council would have the power to make it an 8'fence is they so desired.
Mr.Keith Stachar,1153 N.Holmes,
addressed the council.He stated the fences to the north and west on the
property are 6'fences,they match the fences of the existing development,and
they are entirely on his property.He stated he believed the section of
Ordinance No.940,regarding expansion of existing structures,pertained to
his property.He hoped the council would let him proceed with a 6'fence.
Ordinance No.940 could not be applied
planned development zoning,therefore,
this property.The height of the wall
determined by council.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated
to this property as it comes under a
specific conditions could be given to
and if there should be a wall can be
Mr.Keith Stachar stated when he
bought this property it was for expansion of the existing development,and
certain conditions were put upon it then.He is now caught in the middle
between the conditions then and the ones passed by council since that time.
Councilmember Durbala asked how long
the 6'wall is in an area he designated on the map.
Mr.Keith Stachar stated that is
approximately 510'long.
Mayor Coleman opened the the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and reopened any discussion by the council.There being no
further discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.967 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 10 OF 24
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly read
Ordinance No.967 by title only.
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.967,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Councilmember Surra stated she was
trying to correct a typographical error in the ordinance.
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT
SECTION 1,NUMBER 3,THIRD LINE "WHICH WILL DISAPPEAR WITH THE PARCELS ARE
COMBINED"SHOULD READ "WHICH WILL DISAPPEAR WHEN THE PARCELS ARE COMBINED".
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:6-1 (Councilmember Hendricks voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
CASE NO.PZ-96-13,PROPOSED ORDINANCE
NO.971,SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN MENTAL
HEALTH CARE
)Associate Planner Kate Morris
briefed the council on the item.This is located at 150 N.Ocotillo.This is
to rezone the parcel to a commercial planned development.This is occupied by
Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center,and the new building will be a
combination of adminstration and outpatient activities.The Planning & Zoning
Commission recommends approval,with a number of stipulations.There is a
letter from the director addressing these stipulations.An adjacent property
owner,with representatives here,directly to the west of the subject property
has lodged a protest petition concerning complaints in two areas.The two
areas are security,where in the past patients of the facility have entered
the park,the other was a concern for drainage on the entire property.The
letter submitted by Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center requests a
variance of the 8'buffer wall requirement.The stipulations note that some
off -site improvements are required,a revised site plan is to be prepared,and
the entire property must conform to Ordinance No.940 landscaping standards.
It also stipulates that traffic flow will be changed to one-way only,allowing
ingress/egress lanes to be reduced to a 15'width.On -site retention will be
required,to be determined by the capacity shown from a hydraulic study.The
final stipulation requires the architectural style to follow the southwest
territorial style of surrounding properties.
Mr.Gary Selvy,817 E.Granada,
addressed the council.He is the executive director of Superstition Mountain
Mental Health Center.He stated they have no problem with four of the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 11 OF 24
stipulations.He is not sure how the architectural style will affect them,
but is willing to work on it.The one stipulation they would like to change
is the 8'wall,concerning 885 linear feet.They want to do 435'of that,but
want consideration on the remaining 450'.He stated by placing the wall it
would make a driveway narrower in one area,and in another it may preclude the
use of nine recreational vehicle spots in the mobile home park,plus
destroying vegetation.He is also concerned on the Salt River Project
easements.Regarding security,only one mentally ill person has escaped
behind the facility in three -and -a -half years.He was brought in by police
officers,got away,ran through the lobby and was apprehended.There have
been a number of people who have privileges who have left the facility and
have been reported as missing,but these were people in the process of being
integrated back into the community.
Mayor Coleman asked if any
precautions have been taken to rectify the situation that caused the escape.
Mr.Gary Selvy stated they had a
number of conversations with the park owner and residents,and a new chain
link fence was constructed.The fence was jointly paid for.To his knowledge
the owners and residents of the park have been happy with this arrangement.
He also does not know which side of the wall to measure the 8'height.If
placed on one side of the drop off,it is 8'on one side and 11'on the other.
If on the other side of the drop off,it is 8'on one side and 5'on the
other.He needs clarification on this.
Vice Mayor Pat Richmond asked if the
8'wall would be measured from ground level from where ever the wall is
placed.
Mr.Gary Selvy stated he did not
know.
Councilmember Surra stated it
appeared he would be looking at an 8'wall,whereas the resident on the other
side would be looking at an 11'wall.
Mr.Gary Selvy agreed that was
correct.
Councilmember Surra asked where the
difference was in this property and the one added to before where they did not
have to meet the landscaping standards.
Councilmember Barker stated it was
the square footage.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 12 OF 24
There was general discussion by the
council on the fact it was the square footage of the building that was
requiring the landscaping to be affected.
Councilmember Barker stated if an 8'
wall is built on the north side,it becomes a 5'wall when you walk out of the
acute care center,plus you have vegetation and power boxes that will have to
be moved since they are on the property line.It appeared a mobile home had
its back window open onto the wall.If it is put upon the retention wall,
this moves it in and makes the drive area much smaller,plus makes an 11'wall
for the mobile home park residents to look at.She believes this should be
worked out.She believes if increased security is needed,then an angled top
portion to the chain link fence should be added.If it is the aesthetics,
then slats could be added to the fence.She believes some relief should be
given the proposal.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.He had received one request to speak form from Nancy
Wood,but she deferred to Roger Balzer.
Mr.Roger Balzer,a construction
consultant for the Sundowner Mobile Home Park,addressed the council.He
stated the park was concerned about the escapes from the facility,of which
they believe have been more than one.The park owner would like to see a
permanent limit on the number of beds placed on the facility.He also gave
the council some photographs concerning the wall and drainage.In regards to
security,one is dealing with mentally ill people on medication.Park
residents are not the people being deterred from climbing an 11'wall,it is
the patients who need to be deterred from climbing a wall,and a 5'-6'wall is
easier to climb than an 8'or 11'wall.The park has lost tenants due to
people outside the building leering at the tenants,and they are requesting a
block wall at this time.He stated there is a large amount of drainage coming
out of the facility and into the mobile home park.He added that since the
facility is not a transitional facility but essentially a lockdown facility,
the park residents should be able to feel secure,and the 8'wall would give
them that.He believes the wall can be built where the present chain link
fence is located,and it would only have to go around a gas meter or hydrant.
The park owner is willing to let them encroach upon the park property to
handle this situation,if necessary.
Councilmember Surra asked if certain
pads and meters would be out of compliance if the wall was erected.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated the pads and meters are already there,the placement of the wall
is irrelevant.If they are out of compliance now,it will just be more
obvious with the wall.It would not change their status,they would be
grandfathered in.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 13 OF 24
Vice Mayor Richmond asked if any of
the electric meters would have to be moved due to the wall being constructed.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated unless they are encroaching on the property line,they would not
have to be moved,which can only be determined by a survey.
Vice Mayor Richmond asked whose
expense it would be if they had to be moved.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated he believed it would be the mobile home park's expense.
Councilmember Barker stated if the
city is mandating a certain type of structure,and it cannot be built because
of vegetation,lines and power boxes encroaching on it,then the city is
telling one party to do this,and the other that it is a civil case.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated if something associated with a development is encroaching upon
someone else's property,it is the encroaching person's expense to remove it.
Mr.Roger Balzer stated the fence
now up was supposed to be built according to a survey of the corners of the
property lines.Even if the fence comes over a couple of feet,it will not
encroach on any of the meters or park land.
Councilmember Barker asked when the
chain link fence was erected.
Mr.Gary Selvy stated it was erected
approximately three years ago.He added a certified survey was done
approximately one year ago.
Councilmember Barker asked if slats
in a chain link fence would be attractive to them.
Mrs.Nancy Wood,105 N.Delaware,
who is the manager of the park,stated it does not take long for those to
deteriorate and become an eyesore.She added the park and meters have been
there since 1956,and they tried to get a block wall before but the facility
would only agree to raise the four foot fence to six feet if they paid for
half of it.Since they are now applying for rezoning,it is up to them to
bring the property up to code.
Councilmember Barker asked if it
would be okay if they were not trying to rezone.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 14 OF 24
Mrs.Nancy Wood stated they asked
for a block wall at the time.
Councilmember Barker asked if they
would put up a block wall.
Mrs.Nancy Wood stated she could not
answer that as she has not talked to the owners about that.She added they
have discussed a block wall in the past and when the new chain link went up,
and at the time they hoped the chain link would be sufficient.However,they
are having a problem with their smoking section,which is an open patio.The
park ended up having to move a woman from her space after repeated lewd
remarks were made whenever she went to the public restroom.Somehow they had
discovered she was alone.She later moved out of the park,along with two of
her neighbors who also did not care for the remarks.She stated if it appears
to be a 5'fence on their side,when they climb it and come over the top,they
have a long,unexpected drop.A better deterrent would be to put the 8'on
their side,to create an unclimbable fence.
Councilmember Durbala stated he has
a 16'roll gate and he has had to replace the slats in there twice in ten
years.If they are not replaced and maintained,the wind rips them up fast.
Mrs.Nancy Wood added they also make
a horrible noise in the wind.
Mayor Coleman closed the public
hearing and reopened the item to discussion by the council.
Vice Mayor Richmond asked if the
property line is closer the the RV park than the retaining wall is,and the
applicant puts the fence on the property line,than the 8'would come from the
ground to the top,not from the retaining wall.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated it would not come from the retaining wall.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked if
the protest petition represents enough property owners to warrant a 3/4 vote.
Associate Planner Kate Morris stated
it does.
Councilmember Hendricks asked for
this to be explained.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated if
a certain number of property owners within a certain distance of a property
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 15 OF 24
protest the rezoning,than the only way a rezoning can get passed is with a
3/4 vote.That means at least 6 members of council must pass it.
Councilmember Barker asked what
properties signed that.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly stated
that she understood the mobile home park signed it.
There was general discussion as to
whether the protest had been in their packet.It was determined it was not:a
copy had been given to them as they came in and they had not been told about
it previously.
Councilmember Hendricks requested
Mr.Joe Balzer return for further questioning.He then asked him if he is
protesting the rezoning or the fact he may not get a block wall.
Mr.Joe Balzer stated he is
protesting the rezoning based upon his unawareness of the conditions that
would affect him considering that rezoning.The rezoning is not really being
protested,they want to make sure the drainage is taken care of and a block
wall erected to provide security and take care of optical concerns.He
suggested that if the wall was built in a straight line along the retaining
wall,it would not have to go from one side to the other.
Vice Mayor Richmond asked if the
retaining wall was stable enough to support a block wall.
Mr.Joe Balzer stated it would take
an engineering study to determine that.
Mr.Gary Selvy stated he has not had
an engineering report due to the lack of time,but a contractor has looked at
the wall and stated the city would not allow an 8'wall to be erected on top
of the retaining wall as there is no knowledge of its footing or how much
rebar is in the existing wall,and there is no way to determine that.
Vice Mayor Richmond asked if the
retaining wall could be part of the 8'wall if it is on the property line.
Mr.Gary Selvy stated the retaining
wall was 2'tall.
Mr.Joe Balzer stated if you are in
their parking lot trying to jump over the wall,then you are at ground level
in their parking lot,and the wall would be a 6'wall on their side.If you
are building an 8'wall,it should be 8'on your side,not your neighbor's
side.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 16 OF 24
Vice Mayor Richmond stated it would
be decided on what side of the fence you are measuring it from.
Mr.Joe Balzer stated if you are
building a fence,it goes on your property.
Councilmember Barker stated part of
the property is on the other side of the retaining wall.Therefore,an 8'
wall would be less than 5'.
Mr.Gary Selvy stated he understood
the 8'wall was not a security consideration,but one of separating commercial
from residential.
Councilmember Surra stated that was
correct.
Councilmember Barker stated it could
be built on the lower elevation of the property with great ease,which would
make it a 5'fence on one side,but it would still be within the constraints
of Ordinance No.940.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated
Ordinance No.940 was designed principally for aesthetics as opposed to safety
concerns,however,a planned development rezoning is in front of the council
and the council has the power to make conditions or stipulations about the
development,of which safety can be a concern for conditions,including the
height,the placement and where to measure.
and called for a motion.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
Cd1 Councilmember Barker MOVED TO
CONTINUE ORDINANCE NO.971 TO NOVEMBER15,1996.
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
wanted them to have a specific design for the building and the fencing.
General discussion by the council
decided that would come later,Councilmember Durbala pulled the amendment and
council voted on the original motion.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 17 OF 24
Mayor Coleman
minute break.
Mayor Coleman
meeting.
called for a ten
reconvened the
GPA-96-01/PZ-4-96,PROPOSED
SUPERSTITION VIEWS SUBDIVISION )
)Development Services Director
Larry Harmer briefed the council on the item.Pulte Homes has requested a
continuance to revise their site plans in order to reduce their proposal by 34
lots.This is not date specific and would have to be readvertised.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and called for a motion.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
GPA-96-01/PZ-4-96,A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND REZONING FOR PROPOSED
SUPERSTITION VIEWS SUBDIVISION,BE POSTPONED TO AN OPEN DATE TO BE DETERMINED
AND ADVERTISED FOR PUBLIC HEARING AFTER THE SITE PLAN IS RESUBMITTED.
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
DISCUSSION ON PZ-96-14,THE APACHE
JUNCTION LANDFILL )
)Development Services Director
Larry Harmer stated the applicant has requested a date specific continuance to
the planning commission for November 26.This will require council to
continue this item.Due to the approaching holiday season,and the
possibility of more work being required by the planning commission,he
recommended a date specific continuance to January 21,1997.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and called for a motion.
Councilmember Surra MOVED THAT PZ-
96-14,AN APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY ALLIED WASTE FOR THE APACHE JUNCTION
LANDFILL,BE CONTINUED TO THE JANUARY 21,1997,MEETING.
Councilmember Hendricks SECONDED THE
MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 18 OF 24
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS.
None.
NEW BUSINESS.
PRE -ANNEXATION DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH
MCM ARIZONA GROUP,L.L.C.
)City Attorney Glenn Gimbut
briefed the council on the item.The group was represented by their manager,
Jim McMillan.The owner's property has been unable to be annexed due to
various other annexation packages falling through.This package was
redesigned to allow it to be annexed.This agreement requires annexation,
that the property owner will sign all petitions presented for annexation,it
provides for the development of 36th Avenue and it provides for sewer service.
It allows the owner to get underway with development while the annexation is
in process.
Mayor Coleman asked when the area
would be annexed into the city,or if there were any conditions.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated
they are considering a couple of different designs,and they are trying to
bring in a broader area than just this property itself.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated the property cannot be brought in by itself as i t is not
contiguous to any property in the city limits.
Mayor Coleman closed the item to
discussion and called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker wanted it
clarified that this agreement is dependent upon annexation by the city,and
was assured it was.
Councilmember Durbala stated there
was a spelling error on Page 12,Exhibit A,in the fifth sentence.It should
be "east"fifty feet.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT THE
PRE -ANNEXATION DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH MCM ARIZONA GROUP BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Barker SECONDED THE
MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 19 OF 24
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS
DISCUSSION REGARDING POSSIBLE REVISIONS
TO DWELLING UNIT STANDARDS
)City Manager Curtis Shook briefed
the council on the item.
discussion by the council.
Mayor Coleman opened the item to
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
there are some things in the ordinance that do need to be cleared up,some
complications do arise from different types of circumstances.He is concerned
about the misinformation that is being spread.He stated that revision is
needed,but there still needs to be some standards for dwelling units.
Councilmember Surra stated if
redoing the wording assists in allaying the unwarranted fears of people who
live in parks,then she believes some revision on wording is needed.She
believes there has been a lot of misinterpretation on what was intended.
There was nothing in the ordinance requiring people to upgrade their mobiles.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
that has disturbed the staff.Many stories have been told that are not true.
Councilmember Surra suggested some
education sessions through the neighborhood program might help.
Councilmember Hendricks stated the
information he was getting is people are out there who are against this
ordinance and they are lying to people in this community about the ordinance.
They are spreading lies and trying to scare people into being against this
ordinance.They have not read it and it is their interpretation.He does not
believe i t is right to scare the people and he does not like it.He is very
upset with what has gone on around here.One person accused them of doing
this behind closed doors,when it was advertised and there was a work session
on it.It is up to the people to show up to give the council their input.He
stated nothing was ever hidden from the people and he is tired of the lies.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
on the item and called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT STAFF
BE DIRECTED TO REVIEW INPUT FROM OUR COMMUNITY:FURTHER STUDY THIS SUBJECT IN
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 20 OF 24
DEPTH;PRESENT THEIR FINDINGS AND BRING BACK A REVISED ORDINANCE TO COUNCIL NO
LATER THAN JANUARY 21,1997;WITH A SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING AT LEAST ONE MONTH
PRIOR TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE REVISED ORDINANCE;FURTHER,THAT STAFF BE
DIRECTED TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL ORDINANCE 952 WITH AN EMERGENCY
CLAUSE FOR THE NOVEMBER 5,1996,COUNCIL MEETING;AND TO REINSTATE THE
PREVIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 7 OF CITY CODE IN THAT SAME ORDINANCE.
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:6-1 (Councilmember Hendricks voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
PROPOSED NEW POLICIES FOR SEMI-ANNUAL
TRASH PICK-UP )
)City Manager Curtis Shook briefed
the council on the item.It is the staff's intention to continue the program
but correct some of the problems.
Councilmember Barker asked how big
the pick-up is.
Public Works Director Doug Dobson
stated two of the staff tables,plus one foot and you can make the piles three
feet high.
Councilmember Durbala asked if the
week of the pick-up could be changed to after Christmas,in order for the
Christmas trees which are usually left laying around until March to be picked
up.
Public Works Director Doug Dobson
suggested two weeks.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
would like to see it the first or second week of January,which would get rid
of a lot of trees that seem to linger around in the lots.
Councilmember Surra stated they
could get rid of all the old toys.
Councilmember Durbala stated they
could also get rid of the boxes of trash.He does not know how the others
feel,but he thinks it would be a good idea.
Councilmember Surra stated it might
be nice to not have piles of trash out during Thanksgiving and the time before
Christmas when people start having parties at their homes.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 21 OF 24
Vice Mayor Richmond asked if they
were still going to be allowed to put the trash out two weeks prior to pick
up.
There was general discussion as to
when the trash would be put out.It was determined that residents could start
putting out the trash on January 5,with pick-up to be January 20-24.
There was general discussion as to
when payment must be received.It was decided to receive payments through
January 17,with late payments accepted through January 21.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated code compliance is already seeing significant piles of trash all
over the community.He wanted them to be aware that code compliance would be
actively pursuing illegal trash dumping and the council may get complaints.
They are already getting people who are saying they have always put it out
there before;now they are being told they cannot put it out there early,they
are issued a warning,and if it is not cleaned up they are issued a citation.
They will no longer take items needing freon certification.There are
refrigerators in the right-of-way now,with the property owners claiming
someone else dumped it there.They are being told they are responsible for
their property and what is adjacent to it.
information was being placed in the "City
Harmer stated it is being placed in there
article on it.However,the council will
Councilmember Barker asked if this
Page".
Development Services Director Larry
and the Independent has run an
still be hearing complaints.
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING THE SEMI-ANNUAL TRASH PICK-
UP:THAT THE ACTUAL PICK-UP BE DURING THE WEEK OF JANUARY 20 THROUGH 24,
1997;THE FIRST WEEK ANYONE CAN PLACE ITEMS IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY WILL BE THE
WEEK OF JANUARY 4,1997;A FEE OF $15 WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL 5:00 P.M.ON
MONDAY,JANUARY 17:PAYMENTS RECEIVED BEYOND THAT WOULD INCLUDE A LATE FEE OF
$10;NO PAYMENTS WILL BE RECEIVED AFTER 5:00 P.M.ON JANUARY 21;AND THAT THE
RECOMMENDATIONS BY STAFF OF LIMITING THE AMOUNT OF ITEMS TO 3 CUBIC YARDS PER
HOUSEHOLD,REMOVING REFRIGERATORS,FREEZERS AND AIR CONDITIONERS FROM THE
ITEMS TO BE COLLECTED,PROHIBITING ANYONE FROM FROM PLACING ITEMS FOR PICK-UP
IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY BEFORE TWO WEEKENDS PRIOR TO THE ACTUAL COLLECTION,AND
MAKING IT ILLEGAL FOR ANYONE TO ADD TO AN EXISTING PILE OTHER THAN THE
PROPERTY OWNER,BE ACCEPTED.
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 22 OF 24
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON
MONDAY,NOVEMBER 4,1996,IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY;AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.BE HELD ON TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 5,1996,
IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Hendricks SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Mayor Coleman reminded everyone of the combined work session between the
council and the planning and zoning commission tomorrow night in the council
chambers at 7:00 p.m.on development impact fees.
ADJOURNMENT )
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 9:52 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of agenda.
2.Acceptance of the Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 1,1996.
3.Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Community by City Employees.
4.Acceptance of Resignation of Jeanette Hauck from the Library Board of
Trustees.
5.Approval of "Food for Fines"Program to be held December 6-23,1996,at
the Apache Junction Public Library.
ACCEPTED THIS 5TH
COUNCIL OF THE CITY
SIGNED AND ATTESTED
DAY OF
OF APACHE
TO THIS
NOVEMBER ,1996,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
5TH DAY OF NOVEMBER ,1996.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 23 OF 24
ATTEST:
City Clerk
at t"-PLAL-,_,
DOUGLAS OLEMAN
Mayor
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the
minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache
Junction,Arizona,held on the 15th day of October,1996.I further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 28th day of October,1996.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 15,1996
PAGE 24 OF 24