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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-06-02 City Council Regular MinutesCITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JUNE 2,1992 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona,was held on June 2,1992 at the Apache Junction City Council Chambers pursuant to the notice required by law. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Damiano called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. INVOCATION Councilman Coleman gave the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Cox led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Councilmen Present:Mayor Damiano Councilwoman Barker Councilman Perkins Councilwoman Alger Councilman Coleman Councilman Cox (Vice Mayor Eidson was on vacation.) Staff Present: Others Present: City Manager Michael R.Lee City Clerk Kathleen Connelly Director of Public Safety Bill McDaniel Director of Public Works Rich Broman City Engineer Gordon Grandy Interim Dir.of Development Serv./ Planning Division Manager Jim Nakagawa Housing Rehabilitation Tech.John Flummerfelt Judge Corwin Brundrett ACCEPTANCE OF CONSENT AGENDA )Councilwoman Barker MOVED THAT THE CONSENT AGENDA BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED;AND REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 1 OF 13 AND THAT AUTHORIZATION TO PARTICIPATE IN SPECIAL WATER PROJECTS AS PART OF THE PINAL COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL ALLIANCE,BE APPROVED. Councilman Coleman SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. AWARDS,PRESENTATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS City Engineer Gordon Grandy introduced Mr.Brian Patterson from the Arizona Department of Transportation to give a presentation on their construction schedule for widening and improving Idaho Road between SR 360 and Scenic Street. Mr.Patterson briefed the Council on the construction schedule and stated they plan completion of the project in November.He described the major activities for June which include a detour at SR 360 and signage to decrease the traffic flow on Idaho Rd. City Manager Mike Lee asked if the detour at the freeway means the Idaho exit will be closed. Mr.Patterson replied they will try to keep it open for local traffic and discourage thru-traffic. Mayor Damiano asked if there will be any provisions for street lights. Mr.Patterson replied that at the intersections there will be street lights. Mr.Grandy stated the existing street lights will only be relocated,that there will not be addition of new street lights,and that traffic lights will be at Scenic Street/SR 88/Idaho and at Broadway Avenue. Mayor Damiano asked if there would be a traffic light at Southern Ave. Mr.Grandy replied Southern will not have a traffic light nor a 4 -way stop and it will be priority for the north- south traffic on Idaho Rd. Mayor Damiano was concerned that traffic will not do the proper stop at that intersection. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 2 OF 13 Mr.Mike Harrington of ADOT stated striping marking will take care of that;that they will put twelve -inch stop bars that will indicate traffic to stop. Mayor Damiano stated that will not mean anything. Councilman Perkins asked Mr.Grandy to make sure the Fire District is informed of construction and detours. Mr.Dean Zarosinsky of Nesbitt Contracting Company,replied the local authorities will be notify. Councilman Perkins asked what was the rationale for not putting a traffic signal at Southern Ave. Mr.Grandy replied the traffic on Southern did not warrant a traffic signal at this time. Mr.Patterson stated they are making provisions to lay conduit for future signalization. Councilman Perkins asked who will be responsible for the cost of the signalization when it is warranted. Mr.Patterson replied ADOT will pay 50% of the cost and the City the other 50%. Councilwoman Barker asked if there will be a crosswalk at Southern. Mr.Grandy replied that is not in the plans.He stated that when there is four lanes of traffic with a left- turn lane often there are gaps to cross the street. projected speed limit. hour. to the mail boxes. Councilman Perkins asked what is the Mr.Grandy replied 35 miles per Mayor Damiano asked what will happen Mr.Zarosinsky stated they will propose to the Post Office that the boxes on the east side be relocated temporarily on the west side,that way one side will not have to cross the street during construction activity. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 3 OF 13 CALL TO THE PUBLIC None. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Mike Lee gave a statistical report on the public works cleanup week.He stated that through the $10 fee the City recovered the landfill and fuel costs;that there were 100 calls more than the previous cleanup in December. Mr.Lee gave a financial report and stated that as of May 31,1992 revenues are higher but expenditures are about the same as they were last fiscal year.He pointed out that part of the increased revenues is attributable to the $600,000 grant fund from ADOT for improvements on US 60. Mr.Lee reported he attended a meeting of the Arizona Department of Commerce where they made the final decision on granting the contracts for economic development highway projects and Apache Junction was awarded a grant of $71,000 for development of a shopping center on US 60. PUBLIC HEARINGS ORDINANCE NO.830,PZ-92-03,AMENDMENT TO THE NONCONFORMING USE PROVISIONS OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE )Planning Division Manager Jim Nakagawa stated this was an item under direction to staff on the April 7th meeting and that Council wished the amendment to proceed.He then briefed the Council on this item. Councilwoman Barker MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.830 BE READ BY TITLE ONLY AND THE READING OF THE ENTIRE ORDINANCE BE WAIVED. Councilman Coleman SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. City Clerk Kathleen Connelly read, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA,AMENDING SECTION 3.0104 AND SECTION 3.0108 OF ARTICLE 3 OF THE APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,ZONING ORDINANCE,ALLOWING FOR UTILITY REPAIRS,ALTERATION, AND REPLACEMENTS FOR NONCONFORMING USES;REPEALING ANY CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 4 OF 13 Councilwoman Barker MOVED THAT ORDINANCE NO.830,AS READ BY THE CITY CLERK,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED. MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. RESOLUTION NO.92-10:VACATION OF A DEDICATED RIGHT-OF-WAY AND RESOLUTION NO.92-11:ABANDONMENT OF A FEDERALLY PATENTED EASEMENT ON SHIPROCK STREET briefed the Council on this item. N.Wickiup,spoke on his behalf. Councilman Coleman SECONDED THE )City Engineer Gordon Grandy Mr.Charles Gifford applicant,1365 Councilwoman Barker pointed out that Mr.Gifford submitted the application for abandonment and that the Development Coordinating Committee and the Transportation Board decided the abandonment is not a problem as long as the properties involved (14 & 15)are owned by the same owner,but Mr.Gifford would not care to participate in that ownership. Mr.Gifford stated he would not like to buy property 14 because until a dam is built in that area it would not be feasible for him to buy it.He stated one of his neighbors has applied to buy two other properties and maybe he would be interested on property 14. Councilwoman Barker commented there seems to be a reluctance on the part of the two committees to recommend the abandonment if there wasn't a single ownership due to access. Mr.Grandy replied that was the majority vote of both committees. Councilwoman Barker asked about access on Bowman. Mr.Grandy replied the access on Bowman is reasonable to a certain point and explained the circumstances. Councilwoman Barker stated she is looking for a kind of a situation that would answer the problems of Mr. Gifford as well as the problems that Mr.Grandy is foreseeing. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 5 OF 13 Mr.Grandy replied that the problem they did foresee was accessibility to one of the lots,but if it's owned together with one of the adjacent lots,that problem goes away. Mr.Gifford asked if they did that, would a septic system be feasible? Mr.Grandy replied he could not answer to that because he did not know what the criteria is in that case. Councilwoman Alger stated she lives in that area and that she has been told that no septic tanks are allowed in that area of the flood plain. Mr.Gifford stated his house is already built on a pad and that they would want to keep Bowman Road open because the lot on the side of Cortez Road is cut in two by the Weekes Wash and it needs to have access at both ends;the lot owner could not make a roadway through the wash. Councilwoman Alger pointed out that Bowman on the north is an access road that is already open. Councilwoman Barker commented that the lot that is predominately a wash is not built on and is not being used at the moment and there is a possibility that the City would extend the access on Bowman to the south. Public Works Director Rich Broman stated there is a policy about extending dirt roads;if two or more people whose lots are relative to Bowman can have access through another road as their primary access,the City would not open Bowman;if they wanted to use Bowman for access this would be considered a private road and the City would not maintain it;but,if a third person developed a house there,then the City would open Bowman and maintain it. Councilwoman Barker asked if that would alleviate part of the problem they're talking about. Mr.Grandy replied it would not alleviate the City's problem,there is still a major contention on how to cross Weekes Wash. Mr.Broman commented that a good example of the problem would be other private access roads across Weekes Washes that are accessible when the wash is dry but not during a major storm. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 6 OF 13 Mr.Gifford stated that in his opinion the opening of Bowman Road would serve more people than the abandonment he is requesting because that would never go across the wash. Mayor Damiano asked Mr.Gifford if he has contacted the owner of property 14. Mr.Gifford replied he has sent to Mr.Warren,the owner,the abandonment documents for his signature. Councilman Coleman pointed out that the Transportation Board voted 3-2 and asked Mr.Grandy why the two votes were against the motion. Mr.Grandy replied it was because the members did not think they had the right to put on the stipulation that the two parcels had to be combined. Councilwoman Alger commented that knowing the area quite well,property 14 will never be built on until something is done with the federal flood plain. Councilwoman Barker MOVED THAT RESOLUTION NO.92-10,DECLARING THAT A CERTAIN DEDICATED RIGHT-OF-WAY COMMONLY KNOWN AS SHIPROCK STREET DESCRIBED IN ABANDONMENT CASE AB -92-01,IS NO LONGER NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC USE AS A ROADWAY AND IS HEREBY VACATED AS A PRESENT OR FUTURE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED;AND THAT RESOLUTION NO.92-11,DECLARING THAT A CERTAIN FEDERALLY PATENTED EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY PURPOSES COMMONLY KNOWN AS SHIPROCK STREET DESCRIBED IN ABANDONMENT CASE AB -92-01,IS NO LONGER NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC USE AS A ROADWAY AND IS HEREBY ABANDONED AND EXTINGUISHED AS A PRESENT OR FUTURE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY,BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED. MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. Councilwoman Alger SECONDED THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING NEEDS ) )Mr.Flummerfelt stated that this public hearing is to solicit input from the public and the Council as far as potential needs of the community that can be addressed through certain funding sources such as Community Development Block Grants.He stated there is the possibility this year for job creation/retention/hiring related to a jobs bill that may or may not develop;however,if there are needs identified that relate to that,the City can then use the input for an application. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 7 OF 13 There was no input from the public or the Council. Interim Director of Development Services Jim Nakagawa stated there are usually a series of public hearings on this matter,that there was a public meeting the previous day at the program room of the Library,and that the next public hearing will be on July 6th at the Council's work session. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF ON PROPOSED LEGISLATION OR ACTIONS US 60/BROADWAY/ROYAL PALM )City Engineer Gordon Grandy briefed the Council on background information regarding this intersection.He stated that the freeway has taken most of the east -west traffic and this caused a significant drop on Southern Avenue and US 60,but Broadway traffic is increasing;that projections for the year 2000 are that US 60 will get more traffic and Broadway's will continue to increase.He then explained traffic counts taken in those areas before and after the freeway opened. Mr.Grandy stated they proceeded to hire a consultant to study some design alternatives for that intersection for the future and that ADOT estimated their share for any improvements there would be $300,000;that a variety of alternatives were considered and three alternatives were preferred,which he explained;and the consultant,staff and the Transportation Board decided on alternate "C"because of what it provides overall for the whole community. option "C"would cost. to about $470,000. of it would be ADOT's contribution. Councilman Coleman asked how much Mr.Grandy replied that is estimated Councilwoman Barker asked how much Mr.Grandy replied that it would have been $300,000 but some of that money has already been put somewhere else such as the Capital Improvement Plan. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 8 OF 13 Councilwoman Alger asked how long it would be before the intersection is changed. Mr.Grandy replied that would depend on the schedule for utilities and if the acquisition of the right of way problems could be avoided so the City would not have the lengthy process of property negotiations or condemnation procedures,but design might take six to nine months;and if the City does not proceed by using up the ADOT money on other things,the money can be used on this project. Councilwoman Alger asked that if the City did not have the ADOT money for this project,what would the City begin doing. Mr.Grandy replied they could start with the design and contacting the utilities for any relocations,that some times it takes the utilities a year's notification if there are any relocations. Councilwoman Alger asked if the Council gave approval to begin the project now,it conceivably be two years before any construction is done. Mr.Grandy replied two years would be about right,that the approval they're looking for tonight is to hire a consultant to start looking at detailed plans. Public Works Director Rich Broman stated one alternative may be that if they get the design "on a shelf"and if there are unused funds in the federal aid program,the City might have a chance of inserting that project and getting some funds that normally would not be available for that;that many of other cities do this and he thought this project was a good candidate. Mr.Grandy stated he had anticipated that federal funds would be available for this project. Mayor Damiano stated that he lives in the area and uses that intersection constantly and he did not see any problem with the way it is now;there were problems before when Broadway Avenue was open but now with the cul-de-sac on Broadway they are having no problems.He thought they could wait for a couple of more years. Mr.Grandy stated that the cul-de- sac was a temporary solution but he did not know for how long. Councilwoman Barker commented that by getting the plans "on the shelf"would allow the City to do the project in the future. REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 9 OF 13 Councilman Cox suggested to hold off on the project.He stated nobody has been killed there yet but it will happen once they open Broadway again. Mr.Grandy replied if they open Broadway there it will be with a signal light. Councilman Cox insisted there will still be people killed there. Councilwoman Alger MOVED THAT THE CITY MANAGER BE AUTHORIZED TO DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED WITH FINALIZING STREET IMPROVEMENT AND SIGNALIZATION PLANS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF US 60,BROADWAY AND ROYAL PALM PREDICATED ON CONCEPT PLAN "C"AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY'S TRANSPORTATION BOARD. MOTION. VOTE:In favor: Opposed: Councilwoman Barker SECONDED THE Councilman Perkins,Councilwoman Barker,Councilwoman Alger, Councilman Coleman,Mayor Damiano. Councilman Cox. The motion carried. CABLE T.V.PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL TO EITHER REQUIRE THE CHANNEL OR TO AMEND THE ORDI- NANCE DELETING THE REQUIREMENT )City Manager Mike Lee stated that at the time the cable T.V.license was awarded with a requirement to provide three access channels;one governmental channel,one educational channel and one local public access/origination channel.He stated because of the lack of interest the local access channel was never provided but recently there has been an individual interested in seeing one who is not a resident of the City. He explained this would increase the rates and that there is a problem with controlling what is shown in the public access channel. Councilwoman Alger MOVED THAT THE FOLLOWING DIRECTION BE GIVEN TO STAFF REGARDING A T.V.PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL IN APACHE JUNCTION TO PROCEED WITH CHANGING THE CONTRACT AND ORDINANCE TO DELETE THE PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL. Councilman Coleman SECONDED THE MOTION. Councilwoman Barker asked if there is a way to work into this contract at this point getting some minimal REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 10 OF 13 equipment that the Council could use on the governmental channel,such as video recorder and a VCR. Mr.Lee replied that has not been discussed yet but he believes Triax would be receptive to that concept. Councilwoman Barker commented they would also need some special lights which would be relatively minimal compared with the possibility of building a studio. Councilwoman Alger ADDED TO THE ORIGINAL MOTION THAT NEGOTIATIONS ON EQUIPMENT BE DISCUSSED WITH TRIAX CABLE VISION. Councilman Coleman AGREED WITH THE CHANGE AND SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES,TIMES,LOCATIONS,AND PURPOSES Councilwoman Alger MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:00 P.M.AND A WORK SESSION AT 7:00 P.M.BE HELD ON MONDAY,JUNE 15,1992,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,JUNE 16,1992 IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM. Councilwoman Barker SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE:Unanimous. The motion carried. INFORMATION AND REPORTS Mayor Damiano read a letter from Congressman Kolbe regarding a $220,000 grant award from the Arizona Dept.of Commerce for the City Housing Rehabilitation program. ADJOURNMENT ) ) REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 11 OF 13 Consent Agenda Items are as follows: 1.Acceptance of Agenda. 2.Acceptance of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 19,1992. 3.Authorization to participate in Special Water Projects as part of the Pinal County Governmental Alliance. ACCEPTED THIS 16TH DAY OF JUNE ,1992,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 17TH DAY OF JUNE ,1992. THOMAS DAMIANO Mayor ATTEST: KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 12 OF 13 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction,Arizona,held on the 2nd day of June,1992.I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 9th day of June,1992. KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL JUNE 2,1992 PAGE 13 OF 13