HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-03-01 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 1,1994
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,
Arizona,was held on March 1,1994,at the Apache Junction City Council
Chambers pursuant to the notice required by law.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Perkins called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
INVOCATION
Councilman Perkins gave the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilman Coleman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Councilmen Present:
Staff Present:
Others Present:
Mayor Perkins
Vice Mayor Barker
Councilwoman Richmond
Councilman Hendricks
Councilman Perkins
Councilman Coleman
(Vacancy)
City Manager Michael R.Lee
City Clerk Kathleen Connelly
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut
Assistant City Manager George Hoffman
Acting Public Safety Dir./Capt.Dan Scott
City Engineer Gordon Grandy
Parks & Rec.Director Jeff Bell
Library Director Pam Loui
Finance Director Keith Lewis
Public Works Supt.Doug Dobson
Planning Division Manager/Acting Director of
Development Services Jim Nakagawa
Econ.Dev./Hous.& Grants Coord.John Flumerfelt
Midge Conway,902 S.
Junction
Bill Schulte,861 W.
Junction
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 1 OF 33
Ocotillo Dr.,Apache
Superstition #4,Apache
Nancy Koerner,1026N.Goldfield Rd.,Apache
Junction
ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA
)Councilman Coleman MOVED THAT THE
CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED.
Councilman Hendricks SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Nancy Koerner addressed the Council regarding the City's responsibility
to protect the city's trail system which is being destroyed by hunters,ATV
riders,artifact seekers and people dumping trash and junk vehicles.She also
announced a magazine advertisement for the upcoming antique tractor show
scheduled for March at the rodeo grounds.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Mike Lee gave a financial report update.He stated there
was an increase in sales tax over the same time last year as follows:City
sales tax 15%,State sales tax 6.6%,and County one half -cent sales tax 14%.
He pointed out that although expenses are within budget,they exceed revenues.
He also reported that Lost Dutchman Days was a success.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCE NO.887,PZ-20-93,REZONING
REQUEST FROM MOUNTAIN VIEW LUTHERAN
CHURCH FOR A PRESCHOOL/DAY CARE CENTER )
)Planning Division Mgr.Jim
Nakagawa briefed the Council on this item.He stated the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommended approval of this rezoning application and Planning
Division concurred with that.
Mayor Perkins opened the public
hearing;there being no one wishing to speak on this item,she closed the
public hearing.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 2 OF 33
Vice Mayor Barker asked why if this
project can be done with a conditional use permit,why Planning is recom-
mending to go through the planned development zoning process instead;if that
was the precedent set by the day care center on Ironwood Dr.
Mr.Nakagawa answered that it was.
He explained that the conditional use permit can be accomplished through the
planned development zoning process without going through both separately and
thus reducing the processing time.
Councilwoman Richmond MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.887 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
Councilman Coleman SECONDED THE
MOTION.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly read:"AN
ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,
ARIZONA,AMENDING THE APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,ZONING ORDINANCE BY AMENDING
THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP,CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA;CHANGING THE ZONING
DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION IN CASE PZ-10-93 FROM R1-43 (CONVENTIONAL SINGLE-
FAMILY HOMES)TO CR-4/PD (RESIDENTIAL ZONE FOR A CHILD DAY CARE CENTER BY
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT);REPEALING ANY CONFLICTING PROVISIONS,AND PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY."
Councilwoman Richmond MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.887,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Vice Mayor Barker SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO.94-06,GPA-93-05,COASTAL
INVESTMENTS CORP./JOE GUZMAN.APPLICANT )
)Planning Division Mgr.Jim
Nakagawa briefed the Council on this item.He reminded the Council that this
item was presented to them on November 16,1993,which they denied,but the
applicant offered a compromise which was so different that it required
beginning the process again through the Planning and Zoning Commission.He
briefed the Council on the hearings before the commission and the stipulations
they were recommending upon approval of this application.
Mayor Perkins opened the public
hearing.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 3 OF 33
Mr.Bill Schulte,Main Street
program manager,stated that even though they are a pro -development group,
Main Street would recommend against passage of this item because of the mobile
home park that is being proposed right in downtown.He stated that at the
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on February 8th,Mr.Guzman mentioned
that he was looking at Section 11 HUD housing but when he called HUD about it
they did not know that as a HUD housing section;Section 11 is a loan
guarantee program for construction of a medical service group site;that Mr.
Guzman also mentioned Section 8 but that is a voucher program for low-income
housing and is not a subsidy to the developer but to the person who is running
the property.
Mr.Schulte continued stating that
perhaps Mr.Guzman was looking at Section 8-11 which is for the elderly and
the disabled;this section benefits the developer directly,however that
project needs to be run by non-profit organizations;also Section 202 is
specifically for elderly who do not have to be disabled but again that project
has to be run by a non-profit organization which Mr.Guzman is not.He
further explained their reasons for opposing this project.
Mrs.Midge Conway,902 S.Ocotillo
Dr.,agreed with Mr.Schulte and asked if this was the first or second of the
two amendments a year to the General Plan.
Mr.Nakagawa answered this was the
first time for 1994.
Mrs.Conway questioned whether or
not the City is supposed to advertise an amendment to the General Plan for
other individuals who might be interested in doing this also.
Mr.Nakagawa answered there were no
other applicants.
Mrs.Conway asked if people were
made aware that this was the time to do the amendments.She further spoke
opposing this item.
Mr.Joe Guzman,applicant,stated he
is financially capable of developing both the mobile home park and the motel
and briefed the Council about other projects he has completed in Phoenix and
Apache Junction.He stated that he has been working with HUD since 1974 and
as their administration changes from one to another HUD changes with it;what
was Section 8 might have become another section as Section 11 from 1974 became
another section;that there are about 95 sections under HUD;that he said he
would lease his property to individuals who are over 55,retired,on a fixed
income;that some of that money comes from what he has always called Section
11 which seems to be now under Section 8;that he got from HUD about 42
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 4 OF 33
sections but regardless of what section it is,what is important is the people
he is renting to.
Vice Mayor Barker asked about
problems with the septic system.
Mr.Guzman answered that ADEQ in
Tucson told him they do not have the authority to grant him a permit for a
septic system and ADEQ in Phoenix told him that because of the sewer system
coming in 1995,he would be allowed to use septic tanks on a temporary basis
with the stipulation that as soon as the sewer line came in he would have to
hook up to it.He stated he has a problem getting that information in writing
from ADEQ.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if the hotel
is not economically successful,the rooms would then be rented for more than a
night or two to tourist or as apartments for winter visitors.
Mr.Guzman answered that the hotel
would be solely operated as such.
Vice Mayor Barker stated that she
had a problem with the trailer park at that location because of aesthetics as
well as safety reasons.She asked if the Council does not approve the trailer
park,if Mr.Guzman would then lose interest in any type of development on
that property.
Mr.Guzman explained that he might
not be able to develop that area entirely as commercial because it would
exceed the cost he has anticipated for that development.
Vice Mayor Barker clarified that she
meant if Mr.Guzman would then develop only the commercial part of it without
the trailer park.
Mr.Guzman replied he would not want
to develop half of the property if the Council approved only one of the
projects because it was not economically feasible.
hotel would be a two-story building.
Councilman Perkins asked if the
Mr.Guzman confirmed that.
Councilman Perkins pointed out that
the rooms on the second floor would be looking down on the trailer park.
Mr.Guzman confirmed that.
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MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 5 OF 33
Councilman Perkins asked if there
was adequate parking for the hotel.
Mr.Nakagawa answered the parking
meets City requirements.
Councilman Perkins asked if the
project meets the water retention requirements.
City Engineer Gordon Grandy answered
he has not seen an engineering layout of that project.
Mr.Nakagawa stated that normally
that is submitted at the time of final planned development approval when they
come in for the building permit but not during the preliminary stage.
Councilman Perkins asked if the
Council requested proof of financial capabilities as well as more detailed
drawings of the hotel;if Mr.Guzman could provide those within a certain
amount of time.
was adequate parking for the hotel.
meets City requirements.
Mr.Guzman answered he did not have
a problem with that but he did not know how long it will take the engineers to
do that;that as soon as he can obtain a permit,he can do that.
Councilman Perkins asked Mr.Schulte
if that property was in Main Street's scope.
Mr.Bob Trepp of Main Street
answered that the project would encompass more space than they are looking at
right now,so it will be within the scope of Main Street planning area
eventually.
Councilman Perkins suggested to send
this back to staff to seek answers to some questions;that a phased project
showing offsites be required within a certain amount of time as part of the
first phase,then proceed with the commercial aspect with permits being drawn
up within a certain period of time;that the issue about the sewer system be
submitted in writing;that the specific sections of HUD covering this project
be included in the ordinance;and that an agreement between the City and Mr.
Guzman be done.
Mr.Guzman stated that what
Councilman Perkins is requesting may cost thousands of dollars for something
that the Council might not even approve.He stated he would rather have that
as the stipulations he would have to comply with.
Councilman Perkins replied that i t
may cost this community as well if,after this is approved by the Council,
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 6 OF 33
ADEQ does not allow the septic system.He further explained why he wanted
some questions answered in written form.
Councilman Coleman questioned why
the number of dwellings in the mobile home park is one to ten and one half
units per acre when our medium density classification for residential areas
allows for one to six units per acre.
Mr.Esquivias of Planning answered
that mobile home ,parks are typically more dense than subdivisions.
Councilman Coleman asked if the lots
will be 36'x 60 .
Mr.Guzman confirmed that.
Councilman Coleman stated that was a
very tight fit for the units and he did not like the trailer park at that
location.
Councilman Perkins asked if the size
of the lots would allow for awnings.
Mr.Esquivias answered that it would
allow for an inner patio or carport but not for awnings on both sides;that
they discussed about making the lots wider but Mr.Guzman indicated that HUD
allowed only single -wide units for that type of housing.
Councilman Perkins asked,since that
type of housing is for elderly and disabled people,how many of them will be
driving cars,and since Mr.Guzman mentioned that because of the location
people would be able to walk to the stores.
Mr.Guzman answered that even though
some people will be disabled,not all will be incapacitated to drive.
Councilman Perkins asked to know
specifically what sections of HUD cover this type of housing project and that
it should be included in the ordinance.
Councilman Hendricks spoke against
having another mobile home park.
Mayor Perkins stated she did not
favor the park from the beginning and that the Council should not have
encouraged Mr.Guzman to come back with this issue.
Mrs.Conway asked if there are going
to be new or used units in the park.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 7 OF 33
Mr.Guzman answered that he would
buy old units and remodel them.
Mrs.Conway expressed concern about
a fire hazard because the units will be very close together.
Mayor Perkins closed the public
hearing since there was no one else wishing to speak on this item.
Councilman Perkins MOVED THAT THIS
ITEM BE SENT BACK TO STAFF;THAT THE QUESTIONS ABOUT H.U.D.HOUSING COME BACK;
MORE CLARIFICATION ON THE SEWER ISSUE;THAT THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE
WITH OFFSITES BE PUT IN PLACE FIRST AND PERMITS BE DRAWN FOR THE COMMERCIAL TO
PROCEED AFTER THE OFFSITES AND THEN THE PERMITS FOR THE TRAILER COURT;THAT
FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION BE PRESENTED SUBSTANTIATING THE FINANCES ARE AVAILABLE
AND WILL BE SET FORTH FOR THIS PROJECT;BASICALLY,THAT THE PROJECT IS GOING
TO BE BUILT AS IS SHOWN AS FAR AS THE SPORTS BAR AND THAT THOSE ARE GOING TO
BE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY;AND ANY SPACE THAT IS NEEDED FOR RETENTION OR EXTRA
PARKING IS GOING TO HAVE TO COME OFF OF THE NORTHERN SITE TO ACCOMMODATE IT;
AND IF ANYTHING CHANGES AFTER THAT POINT,THEN THE ZONING REVERTS BACK TO HOW
IT WAS BEFORE.
Vice Mayor Barker asked the City
Attorney how that would work out legally.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut explained
that State law provides for that.
Vice Mayor Barker pointed out that
Mr.Guzman was interested in doing both the commercial complex and the mobile
home park but the motion refers only to the commercial aspect of it.
Mr.Gimbut replied that the motion
is simply to continue the hearing asking staff to bring this back for Council
consideration.
Vice Mayor Barker SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Councilman Coleman offered a
substitute motion:THAT RESOLUTION NO.94-06,"APPROVING GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT GPA-93-05,A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE 1987 GENERAL PLAN LAND USE MAP BY
REDESIGNATING FROM 'COMMERCIAL'TO 'MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL WITH
MANUFACTURED HOME OVERLAY'A 9.2 -ACRE AREA IN SECTION 20 ON THE EAST SIDE OF
NORTH PLAZA DRIVE,ABOUT 750 FEET SOUTH OF WEST SUPERSTITION BOULEVARD,"BE
DENIED.
There was no second to Councilman
Coleman's motion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 8 OF 33
Councilman Perkins asked if the
continuation of this item would affect the window for General Plan amendments.
Mr.Nakagawa answered that it would
move it up to the time when it normally occurs,in spring time.He suggested
that April be the time for this to come back otherwise this would have to be
advertised all over again.
Councilman Perkins asked for a
specific date.
Mr.Gimbut stated that it will be
just a continuation of the public hearing so legally the window is still being
met and the Council can choose any date.
Councilman Perkins ADDED TO HIS
MOTION THAT THIS ITEM BE BROUGHT BACK ON APRIL 19TH.
Vice Mayor Barker SECONDED THE
MOTION.
City Engineer Gordon Grandy
recommended not having the offsite improvements prior to anything else because
it may be affected by utility lines running through there and other
construction activity.
Councilman Perkins explained that
there is a problem with offsite improvements being postponed for a long time
and sometimes never done.
Mr.Grandy replied that is why we
require the bond and insurance on projects.
The Council proceeded with the vote
on Councilman Perkins's motion.
VOTE:In favor:Vice Mayor Barker,Councilman Perkins,Mayor
Perkins.
Opposed:Councilman Coleman,Councilwoman Richmond,
Councilman Hendricks.
Councilman Coleman explained that he could never support a mobile home
park at that location and he would not like to waste Mr.Guzman's time.
The motion failed.
Councilman Coleman offered another
motion:THAT RESOLUTION NO.94-06,"APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GPA-93-
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 9 OF 33
05,A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE 1987 GENERAL PLAN LAND USE MAP BY REDESIGNATING
FROM 'COMMERCIAL'TO 'MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL WITH MANUFACTURED HOME
OVERLAY'A 9.2 -ACRE AREA IN SECTION 20 ON THE EAST SIDE OF NORTH PLAZA DRIVE,
ABOUT 750 FEET SOUTH OF WEST SUPERSTITION BOULEVARD,"BE DENIED.
Councilman Perkins SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:In favor:Councilman Coleman,Councilman Perkins,Vice
Mayor Barker,Councilwoman Richmond.
Opposed:Councilman Hendricks,Mayor Perkins.
The motion carried.
Mayor Perkins recessed the meeting
at 8:35 p.m.She reconvened the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO.888,PZ-11-93,COASTAL
INVESTMENTS CORP./JOE GUZMAN
)Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO.888 BE DENIED.
Councilman Perkins SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
ORDINANCE NO.889,AMENDING RULE XI
"ATTENDANCE AND LEAVES"OF THE PERSONNEL
POLICIES BY ADDING SECTION 14
)Asst.City Manager George Hoffman
briefed the Council on this item.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if this
ordinance was formulated based on the Federal law.
(A response was not audible.)
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.889 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE
ORDINANCE BE WAIVED.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 10 OF 33
Councilwoman Richmond SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly read,"AN
ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,
ARIZONA,AMENDING THE PERSONNEL POLICIES,CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,RULE XI;
ATTENDANCE AND LEAVES,BY ADDING SECTION 14,FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE POLICY;
REPEALING ANY CONFLICTING PROVISIONS;AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY."
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
ORDINANCE NO.889 AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Councilwoman Richmond SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
SELECTION OF PERSON TO FILL COUNCIL
POSITION VACATED BY MR.ED COX
)Mayor Perkins opened nomination
for the person to fill the Council vacancy.
Councilman Perkins MOVED THAT ANNE
SURRA BE APPOINTED TO FILL THE CITY COUNCIL VACANCY.
Councilman Coleman SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Mayor Perkins stated that they could
vote for each nomination or make all nominations first and then vote.
Councilman Hendricks MOVED THAT
RICHARD MORRISON BE APPOINTED TO FILL THE CITY COUNCIL VACANCY.
Vice Mayor Barker SECONDED THE
MOTION.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 11 OF 33
Councilwoman Richmond MOVED THAT
WILLIAM CARNS BE NOMINATED TO FILL THE COUNCIL VACANCY.
Mayor Perkins SECONDED THE MOTION.
Mayor Perkins asked if there were
any further nominations.
Councilman Perkins MOVED THAT TONY
VEHON BE APPOINTED TO FILLJTHE,CITY COUNCIL VACANCY.Vice Mayor Barker made a
point ,of order.Councilman Perkins withdrew his nomination until the second
round.
VOTE FOR NOMINEE SURRA:
The motion failed.
VOTE FOR NOMINEE MORRISON:
The motion failed.
VOTE FOR NOMINEE CARNS:
In favor:Councilman Coleman,Vice Mayor
Barker,Councilman Perkins.
Opposed:Councilman Hendricks,Councilwoman
Richmond,Mayor Perkins.
In favor:Vice Mayor Barker,Councilman
Hendricks.
Opposed:Councilman Coleman,Councilman
Perkins,Councilwoman Richmond,
Mayor Perkins.
In favor:Councilwoman Richmond,Mayor
Perkins.
Opposed:Councilman Hendricks,Councilman
Coleman,Councilman Perkins,Vice
Mayor Barker.
Councilman Perkins MOVED TO APPOINT
TONY VEHON TO FILL THE CITY COUNCIL VACANCY.
MOTION.Councilman Coleman SECONDED THE
Mayor Perkins asked if there were
further nominations.
Councilman Hendricks MOVED THAT
RICHARD MORRISON BE APPOINTED TO FILL THE CITY COUNCIL VACANCY.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 12 OF 33
Vice Mayor Barker SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Mayor Perkins asked if there were
any further nominations.
Mayor Perkins passed the gavel to
Vice Mayor Barker and MOVED TO NOMINATE WILLIAM CARNS.
MOTION.
any further nominations.
MOTION.
VOTE FOR NOMINEE VEHON:
The motion failed.
VOTE FOR NOMINEE MORRISON:
The motion failed.
VOTE FOR NOMINEE CARNS:
Councilwoman Richmond SECONDED THE
In favor:Councilman Coleman,Councilman
Perkins.
Opposed:Councilwoman Richmond,Councilman
Hendricks,Mayor Perkins.
Abstained:Vice Mayor Barker.
In favor:Councilman Hendricks,Vice Mayor
Barker.
Opposed:Councilman Perkins,Councilman
Coleman,Councilwoman Richmond,
Mayor Perkins.
In favor:Councilwoman Richmond,Mayor
Perkins.
Opposed:Councilman Coleman,Vice Mayor
Barker,Councilman Hendricks.
The motion failed.
ANNE SURRA TO THE VACANT COUNCIL SEAT.
MOTION.
further nominations.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 13 OF 33
Councilman Perkins MOVED TO APPOINT
Councilman Coleman SECONDED THE
Mayor Perkins asked if there were
Councilman Hendricks MOVED THAT
RICHARD MORRISON BE APPOINTED TO FILL THE CITY COUNCIL VACANCY.
Vice Mayor Barker SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Mayor Perkins passed the gavel to
Vice Mayor Barker and NOMINATED WILLIAM CARNS.
were any further nominations.
VOTE FOR NOMINEE SURRA:
The motion failed.
VOTE FOR NOMINEE MORRISON:
The motion failed.
There was no second on that.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if there
In favor:Councilman Coleman,Councilman
Perkins,Vice Mayor Barker,
Opposed:Councilman Hendricks,Councilwoman
Richmond,Mayor Perkins.
In favor:Vice Mayor Barker,Councilwoman
Richmond,Councilman Hendricks.
Opposed:Councilman Coleman,Councilman
Perkins,Mayor Perkins.
Councilman Coleman MOVED TO NOMINATE
TONY VEHON TO BE APPOINTED TO FILL THE CITY COUNCIL VACANCY.
Councilman Perkins SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Mayor Perkins asked if there were
further nominations.
Councilman Hendricks MOVED THAT ANNE
SURRA BE APPOINTED TO FILL THE CITY COUNCIL VACANCY.
Vice Mayor Barker SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Mayor Perkins asked if there were
any further nominations.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 14 OF 33
Mayor Perkins passed the gavel to
Vice Mayor Barker and NOMINATED WILLIAM CARNS.
Councilwoman Richmond SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if there
were any further nominations twice.Since there were no further nominations
she asked for the roll call.
VOTE ON NOMINEE VEHON:
The motion failed.
In favor:Councilman Coleman,Councilman
Perkins.
Opposed:Councilwoman Richmond,Councilman
Hendricks,Mayor Perkins.
Abstained:Vice Mayor Barker.
VOTE ON NOMINEE SURRA:In favor:Councilman Perkins,Councilman
Coleman,Councilman Hendricks,Vice
Mayor Barker.
Opposed:Councilwoman Richmond,Mayor
Perkins.
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly
administered the Oath of Office to newly selected Councilwoman Anne Surra.
CONSIDERATION OF PAY ADJUSTMENTS FOR
CITY EMPLOYEES
)City Manager Mike Lee briefed the
Council on this item.
Vice Mayor Barker asked what
direction he was asking from the Council.
Mr.Lee answered that they did not
need to take any action on this;that information was being presented because
of previous direction that it be considered at a future Council meeting;so it
was up to the Council to decide on that.
Councilman Perkins stated he was the
one who requested that this issue be postponed until the first of January.He
stated he has reviewed the financial statements and he has seen expenditures
in areas that he thought were not necessary;that he thought the City is
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 15 OF 33
trying to balance the budget on thetacks of city employees;and that he
thought employees deservedithe merit increase.
Councilman Hendricks commented that
the economy did not look good for companies nationwideand,acknowledged that
budgets are being balanced:on the back of employees but this was necessary
even for another year.
Vice Mayor Barker agreed with
Councilman Perkins that the merit increase was a system in place to reward
employees for a job well done;that both "belt -tightening"and a small merit
increase might be a possibility;that there were other approaches to reward
employees such as incentives that would add to employees benefits,etc.but
one way or another employees have to have something.
Mr.Lee stated that management will
work on a fall -back plan and pointed out that 70% of the general fund is for
personnel costs,so it was difficult to balance the budget without considering
that.He agreed that employees should be treated fairly and stated that
management has considered granting an additional one -week's vacation which
could probably be granted without affecting the service level.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if that
would be paid vacation.
Mr.Lee answered yes.
Asst.City Manager George Hoffman
explained how that vacation time could be worked out.
Councilman Perkins stated there is a
problem with accrued compensatory time in the Detectives Division where it is
already difficult for those employees to take time off from work,so they may
end up losing that additional vacation because they cannot take it.He was
concerned that the City was under -staffed with some people already doing two
jobs and if they are given additional vacation time,what will happen to the
work load.
Mr.Hoffman replied that the
employees who have that problem are relatively few and they could address
those situations individually;that when they look at the utilization of
vacation leave for last year,they see that 94% of the hours which were
accrued were utilized,so most people tend to utilize that time.
Councilman Perkins asked how much
that week's vacation for all employees would add to the budget.
Finance Director Keith Lewis
answered that would not be :a dollar figure.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 16 OF 33
Mr.Hoffman explained that having
employees off work does not change their salaries.
Mr.Lee added that it may cause some
additional overtime but they have taken that into account.
Councilman Perkins asked that if
there is $68,000 in the general fund,what are the projections on the merit
increase if it was left in place.
Mr.Lewis answered it would be about
$128,000 to $135,000 for a 5% in a year.
Mr.Gimbut added that projection was
for a certain level only.
Mr.Lewis clarified that it did not
include department heads.
Councilman Perkins asked for the
best estimate on the merit increase.
Mr.Lewis answered it would be about
$160,000.
Councilman Perkins stated he thought
the merit increase should be left in place.
Mr.Lee asked if they should then
address the budget problems in another way.
Councilman Perkins answered yes.
Councilwoman Richmond asked that i f
this is a "merit"increase,would everybody come up to the 5%raise.
Mr.Lee answered no.
Councilman Hendricks asked who would
merit the 5%.
Mr.Lee answered that a majority of
employees get the 5% but the average was a little less than 4%.
Mr.Lewis affirmed that.
Vice Mayor Barker stated that a 5%
raise was high.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 17 OF 33
Councilman Perkins agreed with Vice
Mayor Barker and stated that the merit system should be reviewed;that
employees who do more than they are expected to do may deserve it but not just
anybody who is doing what they have to do.He suggested to follow up on this
with Personnel.
Councilwoman Surra stated that the
5% merit increase for employees was high so maybe the week's vacation would be
better while they assess the criteria for the merit increase.
Councilman Perkins asked if the
City's merit system follows the trend of other cities our size as far as the
merit increase is applied.
Mr.Hoffman answered that his
recollection is that our merit system is representative of municipal
government but that does not mean that it does not merit a review.
Councilman Perkins commented that
the City is in the job market and perhaps the merit system is a competitive
factor in the retention of employees.
Mr.Hoffman replied that in his
opinion,when people leave,money is often a symptom of some underlying
concern about job satisfaction,recognition and working relationship among
peers,bosses,etc.;that money is a factor,but he believed that the City is
not losing employees,except in very rare occasions,due to our salaries.
Vice Mayor Barker stated she
remembered that the merit increase review was one of the goals for this year.
Mr.Hoffman stated there needs to be
a general understanding of what the evaluations are and what the various
criteria are for a merit increase;and if the current merit system does not
meet the expectations of Council,then they need to look at all the merit
increase systems.
Mayor Perkins asked if some
departments were under -staffed and they approve the merit increase,how can we
bring more employees to lighten other people's work loads.
Mr.Hoffman stated that salary is
one form of compensation but there are other benefits.He reminded the
Council that a compensation study was done three or four years ago and the
City made adjustment increases which contributed to retaining employees.He
stated that other benefits are in the form of health insurance,which
employees do not feel as more benefits because it is the City who pays more to
maintain that coverage and that is one reason why expenditures exceed
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 18 OF 33
revenues.He added he believes there might be a reduction in health insurance
rates next year and the City might even get a reimbursement on that.
Councilman Perkins stated that Mr.
Hoffman is asking the Council to consider not only merit increases and COLA
but also look at the whole package of benefits such as the one week's vacation
and medical benefits.
Mr.Hoffman added that Workers
Compensation does not care whether the City gives its employees an increase or
not;if that goes up again next year,we will pay it regardless.
Mr.Lee added that in the last few
years the City has increased the percentage of employees'dependent coverage.
Councilman Perkins asked if the
merit increase can be done between now and the next fiscal year.
Mr.Hoffman confirmed that.He
added that he saw that increase not as $160,000 but as $1.6 million over ten
years from now because that additional money marches on.
Councilman Coleman stated that the
merit increase will cost money whereas the additional one week's vacation time
may not.
Councilwoman Surra asked if the one
week's vacation does not have to be taken all at once but gradually.
Mr.Hoffman answered yes.He
clarified that the idea of additional vacation was being presented as an
alternative as opposed to nothing or instead of the merit increase.
Mr.Lee clarified that vacation time
will cost some but not as much as the merit increase or cost of living
increase and there might even be situations when the City will have to pay for
overtime or vacation time because some people may not be able to get away from
work.
Councilman Coleman suggested to have
an "Employee of the Month"recognized at Council meetings;that this was
suggested before but it has not been done.
Mr.Hoffman mentioned he also talked
with Mayor Perkins about other ideas that would save the organization money.
Councilman Perkins MOVED TO MAKE THE
MERIT INCREASE RETROACTIVE TO JULY 1,1993;THAT WE GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF TO
BEGIN WORK ON A TOTAL STUDY OF SALARY AND BENEFITS TO THE CITY AND TO BEGIN
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 19 OF 33
DEVELOPING A THREE-TO FIVE-YEAR PLAN OF WHERE THOSE COSTS ARE GOING AND
CAPPING.
Mr.Hoffman asked what would be the
percentage on the merit increase.
Councilman Perkins answered it would
Vice Mayor Barker SECONDED THE
MOTION WITH THE AMENDMENT THAT THE INCREASE BE CUT IN HALF (2.5%).
percentage on the merit increase.
Councilman Perkins AGREED ON THE
AMENDMENT.
Mr.Hoffman asked for clarification
on the amendment.
Vice Mayor Barker explained that the
ceiling at 2.5% would be for the person who would have gotten the 5%.
Mr.Hoffman asked if that would
leave the freeze on management.
Vice Mayor Barker answered that
leave the freeze on management.
increase would be across the board.
getting a 4% merit
VOTE:In favor:
Opposed:
The motion carried.
Mr.Hoffman asked if a person
increase would then get only 2%.
Vice Mayor Barker answered yes.
Councilman Hendricks,Councilwoman Richmond,
Councilwoman Surra,Councilman Perkins,Vice
Mayor Barker,Mayor Perkins.
Councilman Coleman.
RESOLUTION NO.94-07,AUTHORIZATION TO
SUBMIT APPLICATION TO CDBG FY '94 CENTRAL
ARIZONA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT (CAAG)
REGIONAL ACCOUNT
)Housing and Grants Coord.John
Flumerfelt briefed the Council on this item.
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.94-07,"AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS FOR FY 1994
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 20 OF 33
STATE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS,CERTIFYING THAT SAID
APPLICATIONS MEET THE COMMUNITY'S PREVIOUSLY IDENTIFIED HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE CDBG PROGRAM,"BE
APPROVED.
Councilman Coleman SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO.94-08,ADOPTION OF A
RESIDENTIAL ANTIDISPLACEMENT AND
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PLAN
)Housing and Grants Coord.John
Flumerfelt briefed the Council on this item.
Mayor Perkins commended Mr.
Flumerfelt for a job well done.
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT
RESOLUTION NO.94-08,"ADOPTING A RESIDENTIAL ANTIDISPLACEMENT AND RELOCATION
ASSISTANCE PLAN,AS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 104(d)OF THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974 AS AMENDED FOR FY 1994,"BE APPROVED.
Councilwoman Richmond SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS
TAPING LAND CABLE BROADCASTING OF
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
)Vice Mayor Barker stated she put
this on the agenda because of many unanswered questions regarding this issue.
She stated that in the original agreement with Dowden Communications,Inc.,
which is now Triax Cable,there was a list of equipment worth about $60,000;
that the City has received a video camera and a VCR and asked where was the
rest of that equipment.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut explained
that the predecessor of Triax made a franchise proposal with the City and it
accepted that as a contract;that unfortunately this is not clearly defined as
to the contractual relationship.He stated that the equipment listed in the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 21 OF 33
agreement related to a single studio to be built by the cable company at the
High School or the Community College to be a joint shared facility used by the
schools systems,the City,a local access channel in the community,and the
cable company,but that never happened.
Mr.Gimbut further stated that the
clause has been viewed by different people in different ways.He stated that
Triax Cable tried to donate and has been involved in developing the system at
the High School and they view that as their contribution under this contract,
but the school district does not view it that way.He stated that the City
was trying to enter into a sort of intergovernmental agreement with the
schools district so we could use their studio and call it a contract
performance,but this never came to pass so we cannot say that the studio at
the school is that joint use facility.
Mr.Gimbut explained that under
those circumstances,it was difficult to say that the contract has been
honored or abridged.He stated that a portion of the contract indicates that
the cable company would provide help and staff for productions for a calendar
year,so possibly they will produce and broadcast our Council meetings for a
year and we can call that a performance.
Mr.Tony Wagoner of Triax Cable at
2300 N.Apache Trail,stated that they have met the equipment needs for the
City.He explained that the list of equipment in the franchise agreement from
1984 was obsolete;that in order to comply,they bought new equipment for the
school district and the City,which is much better than what is listed.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if the
equipment the City has is good enough to broadcast Council meetings and if the
current conditions of the room,such as lighting,were appropriate for that.
Mr.Wagoner answered he was not an
expert in video production but that we could probably get a fair production of
the meetings with what we have.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if we then
have the equipment necessary and the capability to broadcast the Council
meetings.
Mr.Wagoner answered yes and he
explained how the equipment could be set up in the Council chambers and how
the meetings would be broadcast;that it would not cost much;that they would
supply the cables,hookups necessary,and thee people to do the installation
but he would like to use City employees to open up a trench between the
Council chambers and Administration for the wires.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if the two
possibilities are live and tape broadcasting.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 22 OF 33
Mr.Wagoner explained how the two
types of broadcast could be done by one single person.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if taping
could be done while broadcasting it live.
Mr.Wagoner answered yes.He added
that the cost would be minimal.He explained how the camera could be put in a
box in the wall of the Council chambers.
Mr.Gimbut stated that while that
was technically feasible it was not legal.He explained that live
broadcasting can cause a liability so we need to have the ability to control
what goes on the air to avoid that situation.
Mr.Wagoner agreed with Mr.Gimbut.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if live
broadcasting would then be eliminated but not taping of Council meetings.
Mr.Gimbut answered that taping
would require some level of editing ability.
Councilman Perkins asked if Triax
could offer a solution.
Mr.Wagoner replied that what they
are offering is inexpensive but the production of tapes to the City could come
up to about $100,000 a year which will show on cable bills of customers as a
line item which was not convenient for either the cable company or the City.
Councilman Perkins asked what was an
inexpensive way to do the editing.
Mr.Wagoner answered Triax did not
have any editing capabilities and they were not a production facility.
Councilman Perkins asked what would
it take to edit an VHS tape.
Mr.Wagoner answered that the City
needed two live recorders and a controller in the middle and buy another VCR
with the capability of doing basic editing which would cost about $5,000.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if editing
could not be done with the equipment the City has now.
Mr.Wagoner answered it would look
unprofessional.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 23 OF 33
Mayor Perkins stated the Council
want their meetings taped in order to quench any rumors,but if they start
editing the tapes,that would defeat their purpose of televising the meetings.
Vice Mayor Barker stated that once
in a while it happens that people call other people names,but it does not
happen often enough that it would be a problem.
Councilman Perkins asked if maybe
that type of behavior would not increase once the broadcasting is in place.
Vice Mayor Barker replied that the
Council could decide not to televise Call to the Public due to the possibility
of liability.
City Manager Mike Lee stated that
the same type of behavior could happen during public hearings but since Mayor
Perkins controls the meetings,she could have that time cut off from the tape.
Mr.Gimbut replied that it would be
difficult to predict what somebody is going to say to cut it off in time.
Mr.Lee pointed out that it would be
a minute or two instead of ten.
City Engineer Gordon Grandy was
concerned that the video camera could not show presentations on the screen
through the overhead projector because of the location.
Vice Mayor Barker stated that the
problems of the Council during meetings are not insurmountable.She suggested
to direct staff to look into this situation and get some concrete answers for
the Council and try everything in their power to make it possible.
Mr.Lee suggested to borrow one of
Mr.Gorenc's tapes of Council meetings and see how they look.
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING TAPING AND CABLE BROADCASTING
OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS:THAT THE STAFF MAKE EVERY POSSIBLE EFFORT TO PROVIDE
A METHOD THAT COULD BE USED TO RECORD COUNCIL MEETINGS.
Councilman Coleman SECONDED THE
MOTION.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 24 OF 33
PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF TIRES AS
LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS
)Planning Division Mgr.Jim
Nakagawa briefed the Council on this item.
Councilman Perkins asked if that
problem could be regulated by fire codes.
Mr.Nakagawa answered that it does
fall under health and sanitation in the City Code as part of the trash
abatement ordinance,so the Council may want to consider that;that EPA or DEQ
may have some restrictions as to how many tires may be placed at a given
location because once they catch on fire,they burn for a long time,but he
was unfamiliar with ADEQ requirements.
Councilman Hendricks stated there
were 26 tires lining the property in case as planters;that 17 or 18 of the
neighbors are against it and so he recommended to eliminate the use of tires
for landscaping;that according to EPA and the Fire District,tires are
hazardous and if we want to attract tourists,the use of tires to decorate our
yards is not very appealing.
Vice Mayor Barker stated that other
communities require spaces between the tires rather than eliminating them;
that there a lot of houses with a tire in their garden some of which look nice
and she could not go for total elimination of tires.
Mayor Perkins asked if in this
particular case they are tractor tires.
Councilman Hendricks answered yes.
Mayor Perkins replied there is a
difference in the size of tires.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if people
could still have a tire to make a swing even if they are prohibited for
decoration.
Councilman Perkins asked if we could
require one tire per resident to be used as they wished.
Councilwoman Surra asked if the most
pressing reason was to clean up the City and its appearance based solely on
tires because there is also the problem of junk cars in the front of homes;
that she saw a lot of energy spent on telling people how to decorate their
lawns;and she suggested to address the problem of tires on an individual
basis instead of making it an ordinance applicable to everybody.She added
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 25 OF 33
that something having to do with fire safety and health was different than
imposing the Council's feelings about what is aesthetically pleasing or not.
City Manager Mike Lee stated the
problem was that the City could not do anything about that problem as far as
enforcement because there was nothing in the City Code about it.
Code Enforcement Officer Rick
Williams explained that other municipalities allow the use of tires for
landscaping:that the Town of Gilbert tried to eliminate them completely but
they lost their cases in court:that staff discussed allowing tires at 25 feet
apart for fire safety but in order to eliminate them completely,a health or
fire hazard reason was needed.
Councilman Perkins asked if the City
can regulate the number of tires per acre because if they are allowed at 25
feet apart,anybody can fill out an acre with tires at 25 feet from each other
or stacked up.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated
there are provisions in the National Fire Code regarding tires,stacking and
appropriate distances.
Councilman Perkins asked if the 25
feet apart is the required distance for tires by other communities.
Officer Williams answered that other
than Gilbert other communities have not had a problem with tires and that
Avondale required a distance from a structure:that Mr.Gimbut suggested the
25 feet apart for fire hazard reasons,away from a structure,and not
stackable.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if the City
can do nothing about that problem with the ordinances that are in place.
Councilwoman Richmond stated that i f
the tires are filled with manure,then they are a health hazard.
Mr.Gimbut stated sthatpeopie call
that a fertilizer and Officer Williams was not able to get a conclusion from
the County Health Department that this is a sanitation problem.
Officer Williams stated he contacted
ADEQ but they had nothing indicating that was a hazardous problem.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly asked if
anyone checked the Animals section in the City Code which has some
restrictions about manure,fly infestation,etc.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 26 OF 33
Officer Williams replied they have
checked it out and everything about it is fine.
Councilman Perkins stated that i f
they adopted an ordinance,that would take care of that problem.
Vice .Mayor Barker .stated that i t
would take a number of code enforcement officers to go out and measure the
distance between the tires.She added that it would not be an enforceable
ordinance.
Councilman Hendricks suggested to
postpone this item until Council members went out to look at the problem.
Councilman Perkins pointed out that
most of the time code enforcement officers go out in response to complaints
they receive.
Councilman Perkins MOVED THAT THE
FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING PROHIBITING THE USE OF TIRES
AS LANDSCAPING ELEMENT,THAT THE FOLLOWING VERBIAGE BE ADDED TO SECTION 9-2-2
LITTER ON PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PROPERTY:"TIRES THAT ARE ACTIVELY BEING USED OR
UTILIZED FOR A PURPOSE OTHER THAN STORAGE SHALL BE PLACED A MINIMUM OF TWENTY-
FIVE FEET APART AND MAY NOT BE STACKED ONE UPON ANOTHER.SAID USE SHALL OCCUR
A MINIMUM OF TWENTY-FIVE FEET FROM ANY STRUCTURE."
Vice Mayor Barker SECONDED THE
MOTION.
Mr.Nakagawa clarified that the
verbiage has not been reviewed by the City Attorney for .legal terms;this is
being suggested by the Code Enforcement Officer and it may change.
Mr.Gimbut replied he interpreted
that as direction to staff to come back with an ordinance.
Asst.City Manager George Hoffman
asked what was the time frame associated with this direction.
Councilman Perkins asked Mr.Gimbut
when could that be brought back to the Council.
Mr.Gimbut answered tt could be done
by the next Council meeting (April 5th).
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 27 OF 33
AMENDMENTS TO THE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
AND ZONING ORDINANCE
)Planning Division Mgr.Jim
Nakagawa briefed the Council on this item regarding some conflicts that arose
when Quail Creek Apartments was changed to condominiums.He stated that
currently State law and City ordinances do not require that notification be
given to those tenants.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if nothing
was found in the Zoning Ordinance with regard to that.
City Clerk Kathy Connelly answered
it was found in State law under the Landlord and Tenant Act which requires a
120 -day notification period and that she believed the City is entitled to make
reference to State law in things that it adopts.
City Attorney Glenn Gimbut stated
that State law also has a specific title on condominiums which has notice
provisions for when a unit has been converted that is likely to be sold.He
stated that what Mr.Nakagawa is proposing is different than that which is a
notification to the public that an application for a subdivision has been
submitted and it will be presented to the City Council in a public hearing.
Vice Mayor Barker replied that
according Mr.Nakagawa's information,it has to do with requiring a
notification to tenants of pending conversion of apartments to condominiums
but it says nothing about hearings.
Mr.Gimbut replied that i t is his
interpretation that there is a pending application for a subdivision plat
approval which is a necessary step for a conversion and which requires a
resolution.
Vice Mayor Barker stated she was not
under the impression that the City would have to notify the tenants but rather
that the applicants would have to notify the tenants.
Mr.Gimbut replied that was right
but he was not clear with Mr.Nakagawa's interpretation of the mechanics for
that notice.He stated his legal concern was that Arizona has a statute that
prohibits us from adopting any form of regulation in our zoning code or
subdivision regulations that would discriminate against the condominium form
of ownership.He added he did not know if this would be a violation of that
or not.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if statutes
contain specific language regarding condominiums,why could we not reference
those as we do in other areas of our policies.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 28 OF 33
Mr.Gimbut answered because that is
already a legal requirement in the State law.
Ms.Connelly replied that was
already done in the towing policies;the City adopted the DPS regulations by
reference stating that a towing company has to conform with that.
Vice Mayor Barker added they also
referenced some of the statutes.
Mr.Gimbut stated that the statutory
notification is notices that occur after the subdivision plat approval is in
place;if the City adopts an ordinance that references State law,we are not
requiring something but simply saying the statutes have to be followed;but it
is not clear as to the mechanics of enforcement if there is a problem.
was not all clear and maybe it needed
Council also look at the Landlord and
Vice Mayor Barker stated this issue
to go back to staff for clarification.
Ms.Connelly suggested that the
Tenant Act.
Mr.Gimbut concurred with that.
Councilwoman Surra stated that
direction to staff was what Mr.Nakagawa was seeking.
Mr.Nakagawa agreed with that and
stated that if they find a State provision that would accomplish basically
what the City wants to do,then there is probably no need to make a change in
our local subdivision regulations.
Vice Mayor Barker asked if they
needed to list the changes suggested by Mr.Nakagawa for the subdivision
regulations and the zoning ordinance.
Mr.Nakagawa answered that those
deal with some separate issues which he explained.
Councilman Coleman asked if there is
a requirement in State law regarding the notification to tenants and if that
is not followed through,is there no recourse or is that a law with no
enforcement provision.
Mr.Gimbut explained that the
notification requirement of the conversion of apartments to condominiums as
contained in Title 33 is after the subdivision plat has been approved and
after a conversion has occurred;that the notice requirements under the
Landlord and Tenant Act are required in the termination of tenancy when a
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 29 OF 33
person is no longer allowed to rent a place;and that Mr.Nakagawa is talking
about a different kind of notice for something that is pending before the City
so that people know that a subdivision plat has been filed with the City which
is different from the State statutes;that he was not clear whether we can do
this or not.
Mr.Gimbut further explained that
the problem he saw was that subdivision regulations are administrative so if
people comply with these,it has to be approved whether we like it or not;
zoning regulations are legislative and even if these are complied with,there
is broad discretion and ability to say no if you do not like it.
Mr.Gimbut further explained the
problem that may happen if the City notifies people that a subdivision plat is
pending,which meets our regulations,and the people object to that.
Councilwoman Surra stated she did
not see it that way in Mr.Nakagawa's information;that she understood this
was for the Council to ensure that every landlord would give adequate time for
a tenant to find another place to live but not that people were going to come
before the Council to be heard at a public hearing regarding whether or not we
are going to allow the condominiums.She asked Mr.Nakagawa for clarification
on that.
Mr.Nakagawa stated he believed that
a lot of the tenants were taken by surprise when the Quail Creek Apartments
were being converted to condominiums;that if there were a city requirement
that notification be given to tenants that a conversion was taking place and
application for a plat had been filed,it would be up to the city to decide
how much notification would be adequate;that in California the time was about
180 days.
Mr.Gimbut replied that if that is
not a subdivision regulation then it seems to be a Landlord and Tenant Act
regulation what Mr.Nakagawa intends to do.
Mr.Nakagawa replied that it would
fall within the subdivision regulations based on his experience with
subdivision regulations in California where that was made a requirement,but
he did not wish for the City to get involved in a Landlord and Tenant type
regulation because that would not properly fit within subdivision regulations.
Councilman Perkins asked if Mr.
Gimbut was saying that if a person with a property zoned for high -density
applies for an apartment complex which complies with all City regulations and
all the citizens opposed to that,the City can not say no.
Mr.Gimbut answered no;the Council
has broad discretion in rezoning because it is a legislative act;but if the
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 30 OF 33
zoning is in place for a single-family house subdivision,for instance,and
the plat map meets all of the City regulations,then the City cannot say no.
Councilman Perkins asked if even
when all the citizens oppose that subdivision,the City cannot say no.
Mr.Gimbut answered that if it meets
all of the subdivision regulations,which is administrative,the City cannot
say no.He stated the problem with apartments converting to condominiums is
that we are prohibited to treat condominiums different than apartments;if a
person comes in with an apartment complex that meets all the regulations and
he simply wants to convert them to condominium,the City cannot impose
different regulations simply because they are going to be condos.
Councilman Perkins asked if the City
cannot require its own period of time for notification.
Mr.Gimbut answered that the
question was if we are treating people different and he was not clear about
it.
Vice Mayor Barker SUGGESTED THE
POSSIBILITY OF GETTING SOME CLARIFICATION AND DIRECT STAFF TO BRING THIS
INFORMATION BACK IN SUCH AS MANNER THAT EVERYBODY AGREED ON WHAT IS BEING
ASKED.
Councilman Coleman SECONDED THAT.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES.TIMES.LOCATIONS.AND PURPOSES
Vice Mayor Barker MOVED THAT AN
EXECUTIVE SESSION BE HELD AT 6:00 P.M.AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.ON
MONDAY,APRIL 4,1994,IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM AND CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS RESPECTIVELY;AND
THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION BE HELD AT 6:00 P.M.ON TUESDAY,APRIL 5,1994,IN
THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM;AND
THAT kBRIEFHSPECIAL MEETING FOR CANVASS OF VOTESAFTHE MARCH 15TH SPECIAL
ELECTION BEiHELD;014 MARCH 29,1994 AT 6:00 PA IN THE CIrt COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
AND THAT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ON APRIL 19,1994 AT 6:00 P.M.BE USED FOR THE
CITY MANAGER'S REVIEW.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 31 OF 33
Councilman Hendricks SECONDED THE
MEETING.
VOTE:Unanimous.
The motion carried.
INFORMATION AND REPORTS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
)Mayor Perkins adjourned the
meeting at 11:00 p.m.
Consent Agenda Items are as follows:
1.Acceptance of Agenda.
2.Acceptance of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 15,1994.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 32 OF 33
ACCEPTED THIS 5TH DAY OF Alan ,1994,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 7TH DAY OF APRIL
ATTEST:
HLEEN CONN
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CERTIFICATION
,1994.
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 1st day of March,1994.I further certify that
the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 18th day of March,1994.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 1,1994
PAGE 33 OF 33