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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-08-18 City Council Special MinutesCITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 18,1987 The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona,was held on August 18,1987,at the Apache Junction City Council Chambers pursuant to the notice required by law. CALL TO ORDER Vice Mayor Bakkedahl called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Councilmen Present: Councilmen Absent: Staff Present: Councilman Damiano Councilwoman Gardner Councilman Bluntschly Vice Mayor Bakkedahl Councilwoman Perkins Councilman Burgess Mayor Hill City Manager Bill R.Da Vee Deputy City Clerk Lori Zmayefski City Attorney David Alexander OPTION AVAILABLE WITH REGARDS TO HAZARDOUS WASTE (AND APPROPRIATE ACTION IF NECESSARY) )City Manager Bill R.Da Vee gave an update on the status of the hazardous waste,and that the State is ready to implement the existing plan,which is to move the new tailing on top of the existing tailings and to cover with 3 feet of soil,along with gates and postings.Mr.Da Vee further stated that Mr.Kalinski of the Arizona Department of Health Services agreed to not implement this plan until input is given from the City on the report. Mr.Da Vee stated that the State's report,in his opinion,draws many technical conclusions leading to their recommendation,and i t also seems that some of their rational and assumptions may be arguable on a legal ground,and much the hydrology and some of their reasonings associated with perceived hazards to public health appears to be based on very preliminary data and/or superficial interpretation of statutes and regulations,and recommended that the City Council authorize the entering into SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 18,1987 PAGE 1 contract with a firm having technical expertise to evaluate the State's report, and advise the City in writting as to whether or not to agree or disagree with this conclusion regarding the disposal of the hazardous waste.Mr.Da Vee also stated that this report could also be used as a basis for the City's decision as to whether to take a planned action,as to whether other alternatives should be sought by the City. Vice Mayor Bakkedahl pointed out that the word "preliminary"is mentioned several times in the report,and asked how long i t would take a technical firm to report to the City Council. Mr.Da Vee replied that i t would cost approximately $2,500 to $3,000,and should not take as long as 30 days. Vice Mayor Bakkedahl asked i f this is the kind of information necessary for a court action. City Attorney David Alexander replied that yes this is the type of information,and Pinal County has indicated that they will not assist in this action. Councilman Damiano expressed the feeling that this is a County problem,and should be fought by them with City "backing". Mr.Da Vee commented that the possibility of water washing that material into the City is great,and is a good reason for the City to be concerned and involved. Councilman Bluntschly agreed in principle that the City should be pushing the County into doing something about the waste,but i t appears that the County is not going to do anything,so the City should as i t will probably affect our groundwater,and we may wish to annex that property someday. Councilwoman Gardner asked how they will be able to tell the old tailings from the new. Mr.Da Vee stated that i t will befairlyeasytodefinethosefromcolor,etc. Councilwoman Gardner suggested attempting to get Pinal County to fund the study. Councilman Bluntschly asked i f the City Manager had a particular firm in mind,to make a recommendation. Mr.Da Vee replied that there is no particular firm,but Western Laboratories does this type of study and would certainly be one of those contacted. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 18,1987 PAGE 2 Councilwoman Gardner MOVED THAT PINAL COUNTY •BE CONTACTED TO REQUEST FUNDING FOR A TECHNICAL STUDY,AND TO POSSIBLY REIMBURSE THE CITY,AND THAT AUTHORIZATION BE GIVEN TO THE CITY MANAGER TO CONTRACT WITH A TECHNICAL FIRM TO PREPARE A RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT TO ACCEPT THE FINDINGS SUBMITTED BY THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES. Councilman Damiano seconded the motion. VOTE:Unanimous The motion carried. EXECUTIVE SESSION,AUGUST 18,1987 )Councilman Bluntschly MOVED THAT AN EXECUTIVE SESSION BE HELD ON AUGUST 18,1987,AT 7:55 P.M.,IN THE CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM. Councilman Damiano seconded the motion. VOTE:Unanimous The motion carried. ADJOURNMENT )There being no further business, Vice Mayor Bakkedahl adjourned the special meeting at 7:55 p.m ACCEPTED THIS 6TH DAY OF OCTOBER ,1987,BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA. SIGNED ATTESTED TO THIS 8TH DAY OF COTOBER ,1987. NORMAN S.HILL Mayor ATTEST: SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 18,1987 PAGE 3 KATHLEEN CONNELLY City Clerk I SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 18,1987 PAGE 4 I N