HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-03 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 3,1996
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on December 3,1996,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
Councilmember Barker led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present:Mayor Coleman
Vice Mayor Richmond
Councilmember Surra
Councilmember Urich
Councilmember Durbala
Councilmember Barker
(Councilmember Hendricks was absent.)
Staff 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
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Bell
Library Director Pam Loui
Development Services Director Larry Harmer
Others Present:Planning Manager Jim Nakagawa
Parks & Recreation Superintendent Chuck Baker
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Vice Mayor Richmond MOVED THAT
THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED:AND THAT MILLIE LITTLE BE
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DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 1 OF 17
APPOINTED TO THE LIBRARY BOARD WITH A TERM TO EXPIRE JUNE 30,1998;AND THAT
AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO PROCEED WITH THE PURCHASE OF A 1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA
FROM CHAPMAN CHEVROLET FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$15,488 (INCLUDING TAX);AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN FOR WESTERN
TECHNOLOGIES TO COMPLETE SEWER TRENCH TESTING FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$20,000,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS.PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Parks & Recreation Superintendent Chuck Baker stated Brian Nosey had passed
away in the summer of 1995,and the city had lost a valuable member of the
parks & recreation team,Four Peaks Elementary lost an outstanding teacher,
the kids in the community lost an excellent coach and role model,and the
Nosey family lost a loved one.His life was dedicated to all of these
families.He coached because of his love for the game and his love for
teaching the game to kids.He coached sportsmanship,maximum participation
and instilled pride in his players.The "Brian Nosey Award" was created in
his honor for the volunteer coach of the year,and the 1996 award was given to
Dan Potts.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
None.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Curtis Shook briefed the council on the recent Town Hall.A
summary of the Town Hall should be received within the next week or two,and
each of the delegates will receive a copy.Copies will be available for
anyone else who would like them.He added the neighborhoods program is in
progress,four meetings have taken place so far,and they are adding them to
the block watch meetings.There should be a number of them each month as of
January.The general schedule will be given to council for their attendance
as soon as i t is available.He will be speaking to the senior citizens on the
12th,and anyone interested in attending should call his office.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CONTINUATION OF LOCAL ALTERNATIVE
LIMITATION -HOME RULE OPTION
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on this item.This is the second public hearing required
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DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 2 OF 17
on this item prior to the vote on adoption.She stated per state law,council
must call a special meeting immediately after the public hearing on this item
to vote on the adoption of the resolution.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and called for discussion by the council.There being no
discussion,the council convened a special meeting to vote on the resolution.
SPECIAL MEETING
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.96-37,LOCAL
ALTERNATIVE LIMITATION -HOME RULE OPTION )
)City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
briefed the council on this item.She stated the wording of the resolution is
given to us by the Auditor General's Office with very little options.There
were considerable changes from four years ago,but there is no discretion in
this area.It must be done in both spanish and english.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and called for discussion by the council.There being no
discussion,he called for a motion.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.96-37,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,PROPOSING AN EXTENSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE
EXPENDITURE LIMITATION -HOME RULE OPTION,BE APPROVED.
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
Mayor Coleman reconvened the regular
meeting of the city council.
PUBLIC HEARINGS CONTINUED
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.962,NO PARKING
ZONE ON CONCHO STREET
)City Engineer Gordon Grandy
briefed the council on this item.The pavement is only 16'wide in this area
and as a result the residents are parking up on the sidewalk and beyond the
sidewalk area into the landscaped area.He recommends no parking be placed on
the north side of Concho Street from Meridian to Cedar Drive to alleviate the
problem,and that enforcement actions attempt to be pursued once the signs are
in place.If this ordinance is passed tonight,he will advise the homeowners'
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DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 3 OF 17
association president that it will be effective in 30 days and have him notify
all the residents.
Mayor Coleman opened the public
hearing on the item.There being no one wishing to speak,he closed the
public hearing and called for discussion by the council.
Councilmember Surra asked about the
off-street parking availability for the residents.
City Engineer Gordon Grandy stated
there are two spaces provided internally inside the site for each of the
units.There are other spaces on Windsong to the north of the project and on
Cedar Drive to the east of the project.Concho Street is so narrow there is
no dirt area that can be beaten down for people to park on,whereas on the
other two streets there are dirt areas that had been beaten down.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.962 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Vice Mayor Richmond SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read
Ordinance No.962 by title only.
Councilmember Urich MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.962,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Vice Mayor Richmond SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.973 AND PROPOSED
RESOLUTION NO.96-40,ADOPTION OF
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES )
)Development Services Director
Larry Harmer briefed the council on this item.He advised this is the first
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DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 4 OF 17
of two scheduled public hearings on the item.They have been advertised in
the newspapers,the newspapers have carried stories on the subject,and they
have mailed out copies of the recommended schedules,ordinance and resolution
to numerous builders in the area either already building or who have indicated
a desire to build in the area.Information was also sent to the Homebuilders'
Association of Central Arizona,some of the manufactured home industry groups
and they have had contact with one of the legal firms who represents several
of the major builders in the valley.They were all advised to come to the
public hearings to hear any input from them.All but one comment received so
far have been verbal.Some of the organizations stated they would try to be
in attendance on the 17th,and all responses were favorable.The one written
response was from the law firm of Julian,Nicholas,Fisher,Courtney,Cook &
Pew,wherein Mr.Pew states the builders generally do not object to impact
fees that are properly adopted in accordance with Arizona Statutes and that
are reasonable in their exaction.Ours are considered reasonable and are
probably the lowest in the valley area.We are suggesting fees that are not
being used by other areas of the valley,such as the library and the police.
He stated Jim Duncan & Associates will be represented by Jim Duncan on the
17th if there are any final questions.He stated before the impact fees are
adopted,an impact fee administrator must be officially designated,which is
generally the city manager or a development services director,in-house work
on the actual method of collection must be finished,and a utilization plan
will have to be developed.Part of the resolution defines the service area as
being the entire incorporated limits,which is reasonable at this time,
however,as development starts moving to the south,two service areas may need
to be established,one north and one south of the freeway.He added they had
received a phone call from James Duncan after the packet material was
completed that indicated they had received new census information,so a more
accurate fee assessment was created.The previous schedule also did not
include projected land costs.He stated staff is requesting direction as to a
phase -in schedule in order to have the final resolution and ordinance ready
for the next meeting.
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 discussion by council.
Councilmember Surra and Development
Services Director Larry Harmer discussed the phase -in schedule.It had been
discussed in previous work sessions the possibility of increasing the fees by
25% each month,to be phased in over the first 6 months.Other council
members stated it was to be over a four month period.It was generally agreed
upon that the fees would not be implemented until February 1997,with full
fees being charged in June.
Councilmember Surra stated she
thought the council had favored the fee schedule that graduated by 25% each
time which gave more leeway to the individual homebuilder.
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DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 5 OF 17
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated it starts on February 1 and by the first of May it would be at
100%.
Councilmember Surra stated it is at
25% on February 1.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated that is correct.
Councilmember Surra stated this is
what she came away with from the work session and she did not see it reflected
in the current information,so she would like the council to "rethink"it.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
thought the consensus was to go with the 50% increments in order to have it
done as quickly as possible.
Councilmember Urich recalled the
same information as Councilmember Surra.
Mayor Coleman recalled there was no
consensus.
Councilmember Durbala stated he did
not see where it would make any difference to the developer,as he will be
paying that when he comes in for his permit.
Councilmember Surra stated it was
not the developer she was concerned with,it is the small individual.
Councilmember Durbala stated most of
the small individuals are building for other people,they are private
contractor hires.
Councilmember Urich stated she did
not feel it would have such an impact on people building,especially the
individuals,if we staggered it over a 4 month period.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
would be willing to start off at 50% and stagger the last two at 25%.
Councilmember Urich stated she would
be willing to do that.
Councilmember Surra stated that was
a good idea,however,that would mean the implementation date would have to be
delayed to provide proper notice to everyone involved.She suggested a March
1 implementation.She would compromise on that.
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DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 6 OF 17
Councilmember Urich and
Councilmember Durbala agreed to the compromise.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated this would not be a major impact to the fund.
Councilmember Surra stated she was
more concerned about proper notice to the people than the fund.
Councilmember Barker wanted it
clarified that the fees begin on March 1 at 50%,they would be 75% as of April
1,and they would be 100% as of May 1.
She was advised by a number of other
council members that she was correct.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING THE EFFECTIVE DATE AND FEE
PHASING ON THE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE DECEMBER 17
REGULAR MEETING:THAT THE STAFF ADJUST THAT SCHEDULE TO REFLECT 50% ON MARCH
1;75% ON APRIL 1;AND 100% ON MAY 1;AND ALSO THAT STAFF DO SOME RESEARCH ON
THE THINGS I GAVE YOU.
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS.
None.
NEW BUSINESS.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION NO.96-41,EMISSIONS
CONTROL
)City Manager Curtis Shook briefed
the council on the item.Council has decided to state its position with the
Governor's Task Force and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
regarding the city being recommended for inclusion into the non -attainment
area or into the "Plan A Map Area".The words "or inclusion of the city in
the Plan A Map Area"should be added to the present resolution in the heading
after "expansion of Maricopa Non -Attainment Area",in the third paragraph
after "ozone non -attainment area"the words "or Plan A Map Area"should be
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 7 OF 17
added,and then at the end after "Maricopa Non -Attainment"should be added "or
Plan A Map Area".
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.96-41,A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,OPPOSING THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF THE MARICOPA
NON -ATTAINMENT AREA AND/OR THE PLAN A MAP AREA,BE APPROVED WITH THE FOLLOWING
AMENDMENT:THAT "OR THE INCLUSION OF THE CITY IN PLAN A"BE ADDED TO THE END
OF THE TITLE;THAT IN PARAGRAPH 3 OF THE RESOLUTION,THE WORDS "OR PLAN A MAP
AREA"BE ADDED TO THE END OF THE FIRST LINE (AFTER "EXPANSION OF THE OZONE
NONATTAINMENT AREA";AND THAT "OR THE INCLUSION OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION
IN THE PLAN A MAP AREA"BE ADDED AFTER "MARICOPA NON -ATTAINMENT AREA"IN THE
FINAL PARAGRAPH.)
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDING
MAGISTRATE/DIRECTION REGARDING PREPARATION
OF CONTRACT/SIGNATURE AUTHORIZATION
)Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT
DAVID ALEXANDER BE SELECTED AS PRESIDING MAGISTRATE AND THAT THE FOLLOWING
DIRECTION BE GIVEN REGARDING THE PREPARATION OF THE CONTRACT AND
AUTHORIZATION:FOR THE MAYOR TO COMPLETE NEGOTIATIONS AND BRING CONTRACT BACK
FOR THE DECEMBER 17 MEETING.
Councilmember Urich SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF A CELLULAR
ANTENNA AGREEMENT WITH U.S.WEST
NEW VECTOR GROUP,INC.
)City Manager Curtis Shook briefed
the council on the item.He stated they received consensus on the final
agreement late this afternoon.He is requesting council to approve the
concept with the major tenants outlined this evening and authorize the mayor
to sign the agreement.The final document will be brought back December 17
for ratification.They have changed this from a lease to an easement
agreement,the monthly payment has been renegotiated to another $50 per month,
and the payments will be made annually instead of monthly.Years 1-5 will be
$7800 per year or $39,000,years 6-10 would include the $50 month increase
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 8 OF 17
plus CPI increase and would produce $46,200.If they continue with a 20 year
lease,years 11-15 would produce $54,600,and years 16-20 would produce
$75,000.In addition,the city has the right of acceptance in design,a
section guaranteeing grant or approval of the design will be added,the city
would set the stakes for the easement placement to prevent any future problems
with future structures on the site,and they must conform to the landscape
ordinance standards.This gives the city some control and some income.
Mayor Coleman opened the item to
discusson by the council.He then called for a motion.
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT THE
PROPOSED AGREEMENT BETWEEN U.S.WEST NEW VECTOR GROUP,INC.AND THE CITY OF
APACHE JUNCTION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CELLULAR ANTENNA SITE AT THE PUBLIC
WORKS YARD ON EAST BASELINE AVENUE BE APPROVED AND THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE
AUTHORIZED TO COMPLETE NEGOTIATIONS AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT.
Vice Mayor Richmond SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:5-1 (Councilmember Surra voted in opposition.)
The motion carried.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS
REZONING OF THE 40 -ACRE APACHE JUNCTION
LANDFILL )
)Development Services Director
Larry Harmer briefed the council on the item.Staff has met with landfill
representatives in the last week to discuss the issues.An understanding has
been discussed with Allied Waste regarding the final grade and the landscaping
concerns.The basic concern is that the existing operation is on -going.
Council can initiate a rezoning,through the public hearing process,and we
would hope Allied Waste would still perform certain things as far as providing
information.This would keep the wheels turning on the existing landfill
itself.He stated this is for discussion for tonight and to give staff
direction if the council so chooses.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
there are some questions on the operation of the existing 40 acres.He is
concerned with the height,which he has learned they intend to make some 95+
feet at the current landfill.That is not acceptable,and the city is the
regulatory body there.There is a concern over lack of contact by Allied with
the city to produce a specific plan.However,they have met recently with the
new representative for this area,Don Swierenga,who is here tonight.There
are additional concerns about non -conforming uses on state land.The
situation needs to be rectified as soon as possible.
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DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 9 OF 17
Councilmember Barker stated she had
read in one of the city attorney's letters that there was an illegal expansion
on "x"amount of acres,and asked if that was still the case.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
that still exists as of this afternoon.The city believes that any excavation
on the additional 89 acres recently purchased would be a violation of the
operation plan and the zoning ordinances.The city attorney's letter asked
them to cease and desist.He has been told by Allied Waste that they believe
they have the right to continue excavation.They would like to continue
excavation but would make an agreement with the city while the attorneys are
discussing the points that if it is determined that is not a legal use,they
would bring back all the material and revegetate it at their own expense.
They are requesting to continue at their own risk;his concern is he believes
it is a violation of the zoning ordinance.In good faith,he asks that the
cease and desist be followed until the legal rights are determined.
Councilmember Barker asked if it
would be an advantage for the council to go ahead an initiate a rezoning.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated
there are two questions here.The rezoning withdrawn is for the entire site.
The council is concerned about the growing height on the existing 40 acres.
There is a weakness in the height limitations in the present zoning code,
which regulates structures and buildings but does not include "earth".This
creates a problem as the city cannot regulate the height of earth.This can
be corrected by either amending the code and regulations to control the height
of the artificial piling or to rezone the property to make it conforming to a
planned development zone,which would have a planned development restriction
on height.This would not take away from the existing vested rights,but
would it would put a cap on future growth.This would give some control over
the existing 40 acres.The remaining 129 acres has been left up to Allied as
to their use.That was the state of affairs as of last week.Last week we
had a very productive meeting and some of the miscommunications were cleared
up.Allied was told data was needed behind their drawings and concepts.
Allied has pledged to come back with the data within the next two weeks.This
problem may be resolved to the satisfaction of staff before the rezoning
application is ever heard.They hope to work with Allied and get that done.
The proposal for the rezoning tonight is not the total solution.The rest of
the land needs to be included as well.
Councilmember Barker asked if the
council would be better off forgeting the rezoning for the moment.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated
that is a council decision.If you wish to keep it moving,this is one way to
clear it up.If you wish to do some other method,you may do so as council
makes policy.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 10 OF 17
City Manager Curtis Shook suggested
to keep the pressure on them and keep moving forward,as there is a lot at
stake here.He would like to see more answers to the height and expansion
questions than he has received.
Councilmember Surra asked if we were
not dealing with the landfill and someone was using land inappropriately for
its zoning,what would the city be doing?
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
exactly what we have been doing.They would be notified to cease and desist,
after a certain amount of time legal actions would be taken if the cease and
desist order was not followed.
Councilmember Surra asked what the
time frame was.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated it
is generally 30 days,sometimes two weeks.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated if
there is a desire for council to seek legal action,he requested this be done
in executive session.
Councilmember Surra wanted to know
why the city just does not handle this through regular channels,the way it is
done for anyone else that has received a cease and desist request.
City Manager Curtis Shook believes
it has been handled through regular channels up to this point.The item was
on the agenda to make sure staff proceeded down the road that council wanted
them to use.
Councilmember Surra asked if without
abandoning the regular process,can they then additionally define further
sanctions by rezoning the 40 acres?
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
that was correct.
Councilmember Surra stated she had
no problem with that and would like that to be part of the wording in the
direction to staff.
Mayor Coleman closed the discussion
and called for a motion.
Councilmember Surra MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING THE CITY INITIATED REZONING OF
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 11 OF 17
THE 40 -ACRE SITE OF THE EXISTING LANDFILL LOCATED ON THE EXTENSION OF SOUTH
TOMAHAWK:THAT STAFF DRAFT A NEW ORDINANCE FOR MAKING THAT 40 -ACRES OF USE BY
THE LANDFILL A CONFORMING USE FOR THAT 40 -ACRES;AND THAT STAFF CONTINUE TO
PLACE IT IN A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONE WITH A CAP ON THE FUTURE HEIGHT GROWTH;
AND MAKE SURE THAT THE CITY CONTINUES WITH THE CEASE AND DESIST ACTION FOR THE
REST OF THE AREA.
Councilmember Durbala SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REVIEW BUILDING AND OPERATING PERMIT
PROCEDURES FOR THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT )
)Councilmember Durbala briefed the
council on this item.He would like to see staff work on some items and come
back in May with some information.He would like to see the permit removed
for installing a hot water heater,as most install them without getting a
permit.He would like to see the permit removed for reroofing a structure,
unless it is a tile roof which should be inspected.He would also like to see
the building and permit departments stay open later on Wednesdays,even if it
requires rotating some people around,and stay open at least one Saturday a
month to offer service to the community for the people that work during the
week.He believes it would be beneficial for the community as a whole.
Councilmember Barker asked the city
attorney about the liability to the city if those permits were removed.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated
the city would be liable in the sense that we have building codes and there
are minimum safety standards set in these areas.For example,when his hot
water heater was replaced,he was informed that all of his plumbing
connections were not according to code,even though his house had been built
after the time these codes were enacted.In addition,someone had put in an
ordinary light switch to break the power on a 220 volt connection,which was a
fire hazard.The house had to be rewired and replumbed to be safe.In the
preamble to the Uniform Building Code,the Uniform Plumbing Code,the Uniform
Mechanical Code and the National Electrical Code,it states these are minimum
safety standards,and if they are not followed it is negligence per se.We
have a proper enforcement code by permit.However,a fee does not have to be
charged for the permit.His suggestion is to do a no fee permit,which would
allow the city to properly administer the codes.There is negligence exposure
if the codes are not enforced in the proper manner.
Councilmember Surra stated none of
them are looking to make things less safe,but she believes there are a lot of
people who do not apply for any of the permits because of the fee.She agrees
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DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 12 OF 17
on removing the fees for replacement of water heaters and for roof repair.
The intent is health and safety,not to penalize someone.
Mayor Coleman stated that the
taxpayer ends up paying for that.
Councilmember Surra stated they are
paying for it twice.If the fee does not cover the cost now,they pay it
twice.
Mayor Coleman stated that the
taxpayer would pay the total burden if the fees were removed.He stated he
was not sure if he should have to pay for her water heater to be inspected by
the city if she was having it replaced.
Councilmember Surra stated according
to the city attorney you already are as enough money is not being generated to
pay for the cost.
Mayor Coleman asked if the fees
should be raised to cover the full burden.He was not sure.
Councilmember Barker stated she
would not want to see the permit dropped,if only for health and safety
reasons.
Councilmember Durbala stated while
he was talking to other communities in our county,he was told to look towards
Maricopa County for our legislation,which is more progressive.Most of the
cities that have it in their Uniform Building Codes do not require it,
including Eloy and Florence (requires permit,but there is no cost and they do
not inspect it).He questioned the reason for having the permit if it was not
to be inspected.You would have to pay an inspector to go out and inspect the
wiring when i t is put in.It is a simple process if you follow the directions
on your sheet,and most people are capable of that.
Councilmember Surra asked if the fee
was high.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated the building code has not been updated since 1991.We are a
full building code behind.The 1997 code is expected out shortly,but
indications statewide are that most communities will not adopt it,they will
just update to 1994.The reason why is the entire nation is going onto a
single code,whereas right now there are three.There is one for west of the
Mississippi,one for the northern states and one for the southern states.The
single code will be issued around the year 2000.Right now we are working off
a 1991 code with a 1991 fee structure.The question is whether the city wants
to look at the potential of working under a cost recovery system.There are
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DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 13 OF 17
more fees than these two involved.They are looking at coming to the council
in the spring when the 1997 code comes out with specific recommendations as to
what type of updates to our code we want to do to be in alignment with the
other valley communities and to be in an area of less liability than we are
right now.As far as the extra hours,that is already being discussed at
staff level.They have looked at doing it on an evening basis,however,that
does take away from some of the duties that can be performed in the daytime.
The only other thing to do is add staff,which is not an option at this time.
To stay open in the evening would take a minimum of two people and there is a
security issue.Being open on a Saturday has not been discussed thus far,and
that would take a minimum of two people to do for adequate manning,which
would mean sometime during the middle of the week we would be short.It might
be able to work with a graduated method and see what the response is.In the
past,they have not had a great response to this.
Councilmember Surra stated Mr.
Durbala was discussing not having fees for those things that were for
replacements,not improvements or expansions or new buildings or anything
else.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated that would be council's choice in direction to staff.However,
there are safety features involved in replacing a roof.It has to reinstalled
in a certain progression.If you want to relieve the city of the
responsibility on any plumbing,electrical and other inspections,that is the
council's choice.
Councilmember Durbala and
Councilmember Surra stated they did not say anything removing the inspection,
just the fee.
Development Services Director Larry
Harmer stated they are then talking about a free service,which is another
issue.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
Councilmember Durbala had asked some good questions,and Development Services
Director Larry Harmer had pointed out there are numerous things from code
enforcement and code standard that are already being addressed.He suggested
that staff bring this back in the spring after looking at all the issues
involved,if council concurs.
Councilmember Durbala stated there
were many other items,he had picked those two in particular as his initial
concerns,plus being open in the evenings or Saturday daytime hours.
City Manager Curtis Shook stated
while he was sure everybody would like to do that from a customer service
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 14 OF 17
standpoint,he thinks in order to propose something workable and usable by the
public we need to look at what our capabilities are there.
Councilmember Durbala stated he
realized that,but the only way to get a direction to staff was to bring it up
in a meeting,not at an executive session or elsewhere.This was the time to
bring it up to get it out to the public so they would understand we are
working towards their benefit and service to them.
FOLLOWING
OPERATING
LOOK INTO
COME BACK
MOTION.
Mayor Coleman called for a motion.
Councilmember Durbala MOVED THAT THE
DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING THE REVIEW OF THE BUILDING AND
PERMIT PROCEDURES FOR THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT:REVIEW THE CODES TO
THE FEE BASIS;TO POSSIBLY HAVE EVENING HOURS OR SATURDAY HOURS;AND
TO COUNCIL AT THE LAST MEETING IN MAY.
motion to be repeated.
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
Councilmember Urich requested the
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
repeated the motion.
VOTE:Unanimous.
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,DECEMBER 16,1996,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,DECEMBER 17,1996,
IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Vice Mayor Richmond SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
Councilmember Barker MOVED THAT AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 15 OF 17
MONDAY,JANUARY 6,1997,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,JANUARY 7,1997,IN
THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM.
Councilmember Surra SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Councilmember Surra commented the council has been invited to participate in
the Parade of Lights for Main Street on Friday evening,and she encouraged
everyone to come out,see them and wave.Councilmember Durbala stated they
would actually be singing,too.
ADJOURNMENT )
)Mayor Coleman adjourned the
meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of agenda.
2.Acceptance of the Minutes of Special Meeting of November 12,1996.
3.Consideration of appointment to the Library Board.
4.Approval and authorization to proceed with purchase of vehicle for
Public Works Department totaling $15,488 (received budget approval for
FY 96-97).
5.Approval for Western Technologies to complete sewer trench testing (not
to exceed $20,000).
ACCEPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF DECEMBER ,1996,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 17TH DAY OF DECEMBER ,1996.
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DECEMBER 3,1996
PAGE 16 OF 17
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
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 3rd day of December,1996.I further certify
that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 9th day of December,1996.
KATHLEEN CO NEL
City Clerk
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
DECEMBER 3,1996
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