HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-09-18 City Council Regular MinutesMeeting location:
City Council Chambers
at City Hall
300 E. Superstition Blvd
Apache Junction, AZ
85119
www.ajcity.net
Ph: (480) 982-8002
City of Apache Junction, Arizona
Meeting Minutes
City Council Meeting
7:00 PM City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDERA.
Mayor Serdy called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEB.
Vice Mayor Wilson gave the invocation and Councilmember Rizzi led the meeting attendees in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALLC.
Staff in attendance:
Bryant Powell, City Manager
Matt Busby, Assistant City Manager
Anna McCray, Assistant to the City Manager
Joel Stern, City Attorney
Kathy Connelly, City Clerk
Al Bravo, Public Information Officer
Thomas Parker, Lieutenant, Apache Junction Police Department
Larry Kirch, Development Services Director
Rudy Esquivias, Senior Planner
E'lan Vallender, Senior Economic Specialist
Mayor Serdy
Vice Mayor Wilson
Councilmember Barker
Councilmember Evans
Councilmember Rizzi
Councilmember Struble
Councilmember Waldron
Present:7 -
CONSENT AGENDAD.
A motion was made by Councilmember Evans and seconded by Councilmember Waldron to
approve the consent agenda as presented and the purchase of a new 2020 Freightliner M2-106
Dump Truck which is a replacement for a 1998 Freightliner Dump Truck with approximately
129,447 miles through the Houston Galveston Area Council Cooperative Contract # HT-6-018 in an
amount not to exceed $125,000.. Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker,
Councilmember Waldron, Councilmember Struble, Councilmember Rizzi and Councilmember
Evans approved the consent agenda and the purchase of the dump truck as presented.
1.18-386 Consideration of acceptance of agenda.
The agenda was accepted.
Page 1City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
2.18-387 Consideration of approval of minutes of regular meeting of September 4,
2018.
The meeting minutes were approved.
3.18-374 Consideration of approval of the purchase of a new 2020 Freightliner M2-106
Dump Truck. This is a replacement for a 1998 Freightliner Dump Truck with
approximately 129,447 miles. The purchase would be through the Houston
Galveston Area Council Cooperative Contract # HT-6-018 with an amount not
to exceed $125,000. This item was approved in the fiscal year 2018-2019
budget.
This purchase was approved.
AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONSE.
4.18-384 Proclamation designating the week of September 23, 2018 through
September 29, 2018 as "Child Passenger Safety Week." (Discussion Only)
Mayor Serdy read the proclamation. Lieutenant Thomas Parker of the Apache Junction Police
Department was present to accept the proclamation.
5.18-413 Presentation of proclamation designating September 17th - 23rd as
Constitution Week. Karen Barks of the Daughters of the American Revolution
will be present to accept the proclamation. (Discussion Only)
Mayor Serdy read the proclamation. Karen Barks and Carol Wilson of the Daughters of the
American Revolution was present to accept the proclamation.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CURRENT EVENTSF.
Page 2City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
6.18-388 Announcement of current events from mayor and councilmembers.
(Discussion Only)
Councilmember Struble announced the Horizon Health Center will be holding an open mic
session the third Thursday of every week until next Spring for young people to showcase their
singing and music talents. Councilmember Struble attended the student of the month awards
ceremony at Apache Junction Unified School District where students were recognized for being
friendly and for serving the community.
Councilmember Evans reported that two weeks ago on Saturday that cleanup efforts at Earthheart
community garden to prep for planting season and the farmers market began. Councilmember
Evans wished to thank Wayne Ness, property owner just north of old plaza shopping center, for
allowing the city to develop a walking path from Flatiron Park to Earthheart Park.
Councilmember Barker went to the concert in the park on Saturday where she noted despite it
being hot it was still well attended. Councilmember Barker announced the movie in the park
event this Saturday, September 22 at which Avengers: Infinity Wars will be shown.
Councilmember Rizzi attended a meeting at the East Valley Institute of Technology which is a
school to equip students to be workforce ready which may also be beneficial for local businesses
in Apache Junction to attend. Councilmember Rizzi announced happenings at Apache Junction
High School including the upcoming 50-year reunion as well as resurrection of old homecoming
traditions such as the homecoming parade on Saturday and the homecoming bonfire.
Vice Mayor Wilson thanked everyone who voted but also expressed his disappointment that over
70% of the 19,000 registered voters in Apache Junction failed to come out and vote.
Mayor Serdy stated he loves the events the city has which include the food trucks at Shoppers
Supply every Friday night and the various events in city parks on Saturday.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORTG.
7.18-389 City manager's report. (Discussion Only)
City Manager Bryant Powell explained the high school homecoming parade is mostly on school
property and begins at 9:00a.m. this coming Saturday, September 22. The homecoming dance is
on Saturday, the bonfire is next Thursday, September 27 and the homecoming game is on Friday,
September 28.
Mr. Powell reported that the city is purchasing a display case for the council chambers lobby to
display the various awards the city receives.
Mayor Serdy mentioned Apache Junction was recently named in the top 20 safest cities of the 91
cities and towns in state.
PUBLIC HEARINGSH.
Page 3City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
8.18-395 Consideration of application for a temporary extension of premises from Elks
BPOE#2349, 2455 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, Arizona, for the Apache
Junction High School Reunion Mixer on October 5, 2018. The next step in this
process is for the city council to hold a public hearing and make a
recommendation for approval or denial to be forwarded to the Arizona
Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. (Action Item)
City Clerk Kathy Connelly described the event and stated no city departments have concerns with
the event. The applicant was present to answer any questions. There were no questions.
Councilmember Rizzi made a motion and Vice Mayor Wilson seconded that the High School
Reunion Mixer on October 5, 2018 be approved.
Yes:Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Rizzi, Councilmember Struble and Councilmember
Waldron
7 -
No:0
9.18-396 Consideration of application for a special event liquor license from the Pinal
County Veterans Memorial Foundation for an event to be held at Dolce Vita,
3301 S. Goldfield Road, Apache Junction, Arizona, on March 3, 2019. The
next step in this process is for the city council to hold a public hearing and
make a recommendation for approval or denial to be forwarded to the Arizona
Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. (Action Item)
City Clerk Kathy Connelly described the event and stated no city departments have concerns with
the event. The applicant provided background on the event to build a memorial for fallen
soldiers in Casa Grande which has donated 1.5 acres of land for it and was present to answer any
questions.
Councilmember Waldron moved and Vice Mayor Wilson seconded that the application for a
special event liquor license submitted by the Pinal County Veterans Memorial Foundation for an
event to be held at Dolce Vita, 3301 S. Goldfield Rd, Apache Junction, Arizona on March 9, 2019
be recommended for approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.
Yes:Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Rizzi, Councilmember Struble and Councilmember
Waldron
7 -
No:0
Page 4City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
10.18-397 Consideration of application for a special event liquor license from the Apache
Junction Chamber of Commerce for an event to be held at Flatiron
Community Park, 100 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, Arizona, for
November 10, 2018 and November 11, 2018. The next step in this process is
for the city council to hold a public hearing and make a recommendation for
approval or denial to be forwarded to the Arizona Department of Liquor
Licenses and Control. (Action Item)
City Clerk Kathy Connelly described the event and stated no city departments have concerns with
the event. Michael Eastwood, CEO, of the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce was present
to speak about the event and to answer any questions.
Councilmember Barker moved and Councilmember Rizzi seconded that the application for a
special event liquor license submitted by the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce for an
event to be held at Flatiron Community Park, 100 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, Arizona on
November 10, 2018 and November 11, 2018 be recommended for approval to the Arizona
Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.
Yes:Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Rizzi, Councilmember Struble and Councilmember
Waldron
7 -
No:0
Page 5City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
11.18-400 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration on Resolution No.
18-30 (case GPA-1-18) by Amerco Real Estate Company and U-Haul
International LLC, represented by David Pollock. GPA-1-18 is a proposed
general plan land use map amendment to redesignate 50 acres of a 78-acre
property at the southeast corner of US60 and S. Idaho Road, from Community
Commercial to Light Industrial/Business Park. PZ-2-18 is the companion
rezoning case to the map amendment, proposing to rezone the 50 acre
property from B-1/PD (General Commercial by Planned Development) to
B-5/PD (Light Industrial/Business Park by Planned Development). (Action
Item)
E'lan Vallender, Economic Development Specialist, presented the resolution proposing a general
plan amendment and provided background on the applicant, AMERCO Real Estate Company,
requesting this change. Councilmember Rizzi inquired with the city attorney due to her
ownership of a like business whether this item presented a conflict of interest for her. The city
attorney explained what constitutes a conflict and Councilmember Rizzi chose to recuse herself
from the discussion and any action on this item and she left the room during the discussion on
this item.
Councilmember Barker asked how the continuance requested by the applicant at the Planning
and Zoning Commission impacts what the council decides tonight where the General Plan
amendment is voted on and the rezoning is continued until November 13, 2018. Mr. Vallender
explained the continuance provides the applicant time to research the elements and project
feasibility being recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias provided background on the property and explained the city
currently has very few zoned industrial areas and this proposal would redesignate 50 acres of a
78-acre parcel to light industrial located at the southeast corner of South Idaho Road and the US
60. Mr. Esquivias explained the remaining 28-acres would remain community commercial for
store front retail stores and that the applicant was provided a list of exclusions for use on the
property. AMERCO Real Estate Company was in agreement with all exclusions except for
prohibited RV storage, which the city has numerous inquiries on a regular basis. The Planning
and Zoning Commission was in favor of the General Plan amendment with some conditions and
in the continuance of the rezoning until the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on
November 13, 2018.
David Pollack, the development manager for the project, was present to explain their inteny, the
various roles the entities involved in the project play, and to discuss why the request for
continuance was made.
Councilmember Waldron moved and Councilmember Barker seconded that Resolution No. 18-30,
a resolution of the mayor and city council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona approving
general plan amendment case GPA-1-18, a request from Amerco Real Estate Company for a
major land use plan map amendment to redesignate approximately 50 acres of a 78-acre
property at the southeast corner of US60 and S. Idaho Road, from "Community Commercial" to
"Light Industrial/Business Park" be approved.
Yes:Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Struble and Councilmember Waldron
6 -
No:0
Recused:Councilmember Rizzi1 -
Page 6City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
12.18-401 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of Ordinance No.
1463 (case PZ-2-18), the companion rezoning to case GPA-1-18. (Action
Item)
E'lan Vallender, Economic Development Specialist, presented the ordinance proposing an
amendment to the zoning ordinance, specifically the zoning district map, in order to create a
light industrial/business park to bring potential jobs to the city. Mr. Vallender explained the
applicant is seeking a continuance until after the next scheduled Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting on November 13, 2018 to assess the feasibility of the project and to research
the recommendations the Planning and Zoning Commission is making on the project.
Councilmember Rizzi inquired with the city attorney due to her ownership of a like business
whether this item presented a conflict of interest for her. The city attorney explained what
constitutes a conflict and Councilmember Rizzi chose to recuse herself from the discussion and
any action on this item and she left the room during the discussion on this item.
Councilmember Barker moved and Vice Mayor Wilson seconded that Ordinance No. 1463, 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-2-18 from general
commercial district by planned development ("B-1/PD") to light industrial/business park by
planned development ("B-5/PD") for 50 acres of a 78-acre property and amending the
development plan for the remaining 28 acres; repealing any conflicting provisions; and providing
for severability, be continued until November 20, 2018.
Yes:Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Struble and Councilmember Waldron
6 -
No:0
Recused:Councilmember Rizzi1 -
Page 7City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
13.18-402 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration on Resolution No.
18-31 (case GPA-2-18), by McMillan Manufactured Home Development
Company LC and Lennar Homes, represented by Ralph Pew, for a land use
map amendment to the city's general plan, proposing to redesignate a +/-38
acre property at the southwest corner of E. Old West Highway and S.
Goldfield Road, from Community Commercial to Medium Density Residential,
so that the property may later be developed with a conventional single family
homes subdivision. (Action Item)
Senior Planner Rudy Esquivias presented the request by the applicant for a major land use map
amendment that would then allow Lennar Homes to come into this area of the community to
build single family homes. Mr. Esquivias described what the surrounding property consist of and
provided an overview of the conceptual site plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended approval with one condition.
Councilmember Barker asked if this proposal included manufactured homes. Mr. Esquivias
responded with no. Councilmember Barker also asked about the impact of home values situated
next to freeways.
Vice Mayor Wilson asked if the proposal includes access onto Starr Road as well as Goldfield
Road. Mr. Esquivias responded with yes the proposal includes access onto Starr Road. Vice
Mayor Wilson expressed his support for the main egress to be located on Starr Road because
everything is there.
Councilmember Struble asked if the main egress would include a stop light. Mr. Esquivias
responded with where traffic control will go still needs to be determined by the city engineer.
Mr. Ralph Pew represented Lennar Homes reiterated that the homes being proposed are not
manufactured homes. Mr. Pew also explained that many homes built along freeways, when
done correctly, thrive in those areas. Mr. Pew stated Lennar Homes is approximately a week
away from filing the rezoning case.
A man that did not wish to disclose his name or address expressed concern of the 38-acres being
split among 100 homes that equates to less than .25 acres per lot and that doesn't include streets.
In his opinion, those lot sizes in addition to the setback requirements will result in no quality of
life. He further stated people live in Apache Junction for open spaces and only the developer
wins with five homes per every acre.
Resident Tom Burkelow spoke on whether that site which sits on a main arterial in town would be
better used as a commercial base that generates tax revenue versus numerous additional homes
that police and fire would have to provide services to.
Resident George Schroeder spoke in opposition to the number of homes per acre being proposed
and how that east side of town needs something that attracts people to come into town which
homes will not do. Mr. Schroeder also inquired who will build the retention wall between the
homes and the freeway.
Councilmember Barker pointed out the General Plan amendment only proposes to change the
General Plan to residential and does not decide the rezoning issues such as homes per acre and
egresses. Councilmember Barker stated she has lived in the city for fifty years and that
commercial industries remain uninterested in that location.
Councilmember Barker moved and Councilmember Evans seconded that Resolution No. 18-31, a
resolution of the mayor and city council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona, approving
Page 8City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
general plan amendment case GPA-2-18, a request by McMillan Manufactured Home
Development Company L.C., for a major land use map amendment to redesignate an
approximately 38 gross acres property at the southwest corner of S. Goldfield Road and E. Old
West Highway, from "Community Commercial" to "Medium Density Residential", be approved.
Yes:Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Rizzi, Councilmember Struble and Councilmember
Waldron
7 -
No:0
14.18-412 Consideration of approval of proposed Resolution No. 18-27, declaring as a
public record that certain document filed with the city clerk entitled "2018
Amendments to Apache Junction City Code, Vol. 1, Chapter 3: Administration,
Article 3-7: Procurement Procedure", repealing any conflicting provisions;
providing for severability; and declaring an emergency. (Action Item)
City Attorney Joel Stern explained the proposed changes to the city's procurement policy which
will now includes four tiers of procurement for staff to adhere to.
Councilmember Barker moved and Councilmember Rizzi seconded that Resolution No. 18-27, a
resolution of the mayor and city council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona, declaring as a
public record that certain documents filed with the city clerk entitled "2018 amendments to
Apache Junction city code, volume 1, chapter 3 administration, article 3-7 procurement
procedure", repealing any conflicting provisions; providing for severability; and declaring an
emergency be approved.
Yes:Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Rizzi, Councilmember Struble and Councilmember
Waldron
7 -
No:0
15.18-411 Consideration of approval of proposed Ordinance No. 1462 adopting the “2018
Amendments to the Apache Junction City Code, Vol. 1, Chapter 3:
Administration, Article 3-7: Procurement Procedure" repealing any conflicting
provisions; providing for severability; and declaring an emergency. (Action
Item)
Vice Mayor Wilson moved and Councilmember Waldron seconded that Ordinance No. 1462, an
ordinance of the mayor and city council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona, adopting by
reference that certain documents entitled "2018 amendments to Apache Junction city code,
volume 1, chapter 3 administration, article 3-7 procurement procedure", repealing any conflicting
provisions; providing for severability; and declaring an emergency, be approved.
Yes:Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Rizzi, Councilmember Struble and Councilmember
Waldron
7 -
No:0
OLD BUSINESSI.
NEW BUSINESSJ.
Page 9City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFFK.
SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSESL.
16.18-390 Executive Session at 6:00 P.M. and Work Session at 7:00 P.M. for Monday,
October 1, 2018 in the city council conference room and city council
chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard, Apache Junction,
Arizona, respectively. (Action Item)
Councilmember Rizzi moved and Councilmember Waldron seconded that an executive session at
6:00p.m. and a work session at 7:00p.m. be held on Monday, October 1, 2018 in the city council
conference room and city council chambers, located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard, Apache
Junction, Arizona, respectively.
Yes:Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Rizzi, Councilmember Struble and Councilmember
Waldron
7 -
No:0
17.18-391 Executive Session at 6:00 P.M. and Work Session at 7:00 P.M. for Tuesday,
October 2, 2018 in the city council conference room and city council
chambers located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard, Apache Junction,
Arizona, respectively. Other meetings if necessary. (Action Item)
Councilmember Waldron moved and Councilmember Barker seconded that an executive session
at 6:00p.m. and a work session at 7:00p.m. be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 in the city council
conference room and city council chambers, located at 300 E. Superstition Boulevard, Apache
Junction, Arizona, respectively.
Yes:Mayor Serdy, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Barker, Councilmember
Evans, Councilmember Rizzi, Councilmember Struble and Councilmember
Waldron
7 -
No:0
Page 10City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
CALL TO PUBLICM.
Property owner Steven Stonesipher stated he and other residents in Santa Fe subdivision are
looking for solutions to the recent requirements that the city is requiring them to clean up the
surrounding property adjacent to the street but that none of them have the means to the
expensive fix. He would like the city to take over the maintenance of the property.
Property owner, Bruce Hamaker, bought a home in 2008 which was run down in the Santa Fe
subdvision and he and his wife do not recall at anytime the landscaping that is required to be
there. Allegedly in violation of CC&Rs. They would like to see the CC&Rs modified to not be so
strict to include items such as an irrigation system which they can not afford. He would like to
see the land vacated to the city.
Property owners Mary and John Gray who own property in Santa Fe subdivision is asking the city
to address the drainage issue which has potential to cause flooding of his property and causes
weeds which the city is now stating they are responsible for cleaning up. Mary explained the
subdivision consists of 10 homes, 7 of which are occupied by veterans, several of whom are not in
good health and they need help in taking care of the property. They do not want an HOA.
City council requested city staff meet with the homeowners to explore opportunities to get the
homeowners assistance, but that the city can not take over any and all property a subdivision
without an HOA can not maintain.
ADJOURNMENTN.
Mayor Serdy adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m.
ACCEPTED THIS DAY OF , 2018, BY THE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS DAY OF , 2018.
JEFF SERDY
Mayor
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
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 19th day
of June, 2018. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was
present.
Page 11City of Apache Junction, Arizona
September 18, 2018City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes
Dated this day of , 2018.
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
Page 12City of Apache Junction, Arizona