City Council Meeting

Meeting location: City of Apache Junction, Arizona City Council Chambers at City Hall Meeting Minutes 300 E. Superstition Blvd Apache Junction, AZ City Council Meeting 85119 apachejunctionaz.gov Ph: (480) 982-8002 Tuesday, February 21, 2023 7:00 PM City Council Chambers A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Heck gave the invocation and Councilmember Cross led the meeting attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. C. ROLL CALL Present: 6- Mayor Wilson Vice Mayor Schroeder Councilmember Nesser Councilmember Heck Councilmember Cross Councilmember Soller Absent: 1- Councilmember Johnson Staff in Attendance: Bryant Powell, City Manager Matt Busby, Assistant City Manager Jennifer Pena, City Clerk Joel Stern, City Attorney Al Bravo, Public Information Officer Michael Pooley, Police Chief Anna McCray, Human Resources Director Liz Langenbach, Parks & Recreation Director Evie McKinney, Deputy City Clerk D. CONSENT AGENDA 1. 23-073 Consideration of acceptance of agenda. 2. 23-074 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 7, 2023. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 1 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 21, 2023 3. 23-078 Consideration of approval of award of contract to CORE Construction for the Parks and Recreation Administration add-on to the Multi-Generational Center in an amount of $2,602,184.00 plus an additional 5% contingency of $130,109.20 for an amount not to exceed $2,732,293.20. E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 4. 23-046 Presentation of 25-year Service Award to Lt. Thomas Parker of the Apache Junction Police Department. Police Chief Michael Pooley announced the anniversary of 25 years of service for Lieutenant Thomas Parker. He mentioned Lt. Parker is passionate about the community, and he is very well respected. He is a veterans advocate, being one himself, and is very involved with the VFW and other entities with and for veterans. He loves his family, and that is evident by the attendance of his family here tonight. City Manager Bryant Powell also recognized Lt. Parker by stating his attitude is infectious, and his public service orientation is stellar. He truly wants to do what he can to support others. His career ladder started as a Police Officer in 1998, August of 2006 to 2009 he held the position of Corporal, 2009 to 2017 he served as Sergeant, and from 2017 to current he has fulfilled the role of Lieutenant. Mr. Powell then read and presented a plaque and award to Lt. Parker. Lt. Parker thanked everyone for their support, especially his family which he recognized by name as they came to the floor. He recognized other members in the audience that he has been associated with over the past 25 years, as well as special attention given to his long term mentor, Dave Woodard, and the officers that are on duty this evening. Mayor Wilson shared a personal message from Councilmember Johnson that she is sorry she is not in attendance but does wish Lt. Parker the best. F. REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES 5. 23-075 Brief summary of intergovernmental updates from mayor and councilmembers. Mayor Wilson shared statistics on the recent numbers of travel activity at the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport over Super Bowl weekend, which included the Barrett Jackson Auction, and the Waste Management Open PGA Tour 2023. The state saw revenues in excess of $100M. Senator Mark Kelly will be holding a Mobile Office Hours on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at city hall from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This is an opportunity the Senator's office takes to share topics related to federal activities and also for the general public to express concerns they would like to make the Senator aware of. Vice Mayor Schroeder attended the Pinal County Supervisors Meeting where discussion of revenues generated from various valley events is significant. G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 2 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 21, 2023 6. 23-076 City Manager's Report. City Manager Bryant Powell excitedly shared the terrific and huge success from the Lost Dutchman Marathon. He shared photos of the event, and thanked the various departments for all the efforts they put forth. He commended the Lost Dutchman Marathon committee who sponsors this event. He highlighted the revenues generated since the origin of this event. Regarding the Lost Dutchman Marathon, Mayor Wilson mentioned the various participant numbers and ages involved in the event. Vice Mayor Schroeder announced Councilmember Cross' son was the first Apache Junction participant to cross the finish line first place in the local 10K marathon. Councilmember Nesser stated this marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, however, Boston does not have the mountain view we have here in Apache Junction! Mr. Powell reminded everyone of the Lost Dutchman Days Parade and Rodeo coming up this weekend, and that extra parking is offered this year at the rodeo grounds. Councilmember Heck highlighted this is the City's signature event, and that over 100 vendors are registered for the rodeo. He encouraged attendance anytime between Thursday noon to Sunday evening, of which is chock full of activities. Councilmember Cross announced Friday is "Tough Enough To Wear Pink Cowboy Day" at the rodeo, and this is in support of breast cancer awareness. City Manager Bryant Powell noted the Apache Junction School District has asked Apache Junction Water District and Arizona Water Company about the current water availability. The two water organizations will be giving a presentation at the School Board Meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. on February 23, 2023. He gave a brief update on the status of the development with DR Horton. 7. 23-077 Announcement of Current Events. Public Information Officer Al Bravo reminded everyone to check out the City's website homepage that will have a link for all Lost Dutchman Days events. www.apachejunctionaz.gov He stated the Chamber of Commerce has sold out of rodeo tickets, but you can still enter at 1:00 p.m. any day at the gate. He also announced the Library will be at a booth presented by the City on Friday, and Saturday, Apache Junction Water District and Arizona Water Company will be offering the "One Water- Our Water Campaign." Apache Junction Water Festival will be held on March 2, 2023. This is offered to our local 4th graders to impress the importance of water conservation. Councilmember Cross announced the 2nd Annual Pony Express will be coming through downtown Apache Junction on March 3, 2023. Mayor Wilson shared information about the Police Awards Banquet held on Friday, February 17, 2023, and that several officers were recognized for their dedication and service. He thanked all of the officers for their hard work. Mayor Wilson attended the Cowboy Poet event at the Library, and stated due to the huge success of it the Library staff will be offering this entertainment again next year. H. PUBLIC HEARINGS City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 3 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 21, 2023 8. 23-048 Consideration of application for a new Series 10 Beer and Wine Store Liquor License for Circle K Store #1556 located at 2360 W Broadway Avenue, Apache Junction, AZ. The next step in the process is for the council to hold a public hearing on the application and make a recommendation of approval or denial to the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control. Vice Mayor Schroeder moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that the application for a new Series 10, Beer and Wine store liquor license for Circle K store #1556, located at 2360 W. Broadway Avenue be recommended for approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. Yes: 6- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Johnson City Clerk Jennifer Pena suggested to Mayor Wilson that items 8 and 9 be combined for the public hearing, as they are both for the same applicant desiring the same new liquor licenses. Mayor Wilson agreed. She then explained the applicant currently holds a Series 9, and the request is for a new Series 10 liquor license. She informed the reason for these requests are due to the series 9 liquor licenses, which are quota licenses, being transferred to 2 new store locations within Pinal County. The Series 10 will not allow the stores to sell hard alcohol, but beer and wine only. The initial review process was completed by the City Clerk's office and responses have been received with recommendation for approval from all entities.The Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control will inspect the locations after approval has been granted. The applicant was in attendance but had no further details to share. Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing, receiving no comments from the public he closed the public hearing. 9. 23-051 Consideration of application for a new Series 10 Beer and Wine Store Liquor License for Circle K Store #8746 located at 85 W Superstition Boulevard, Apache Junction, AZ. The next step in the process is for the council to hold a public hearing on the application and make a recommendation of approval or denial to the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control. Vice Mayor Schroeder moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that the application for a new Series 10, Beer and Wine store liquor license for Circle K store #8746, located at 85 W. Superstition Boulevard be recommended for approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. Yes: 6- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Johnson City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 4 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 21, 2023 I. OLD BUSINESS J. NEW BUSINESS 10. 23-070 Presentation and discussion on revisions and updates to the proposed 2023 City of Apache Junction Personnel Rules. Human Resource Director Anna McCray thanked the Human Resource staff, the City Attorney and other department directors for their efforts and feedback in making this a success. The last update to the personnel rules was in 2016, and moving forward Human Resource staff will be looking at this on a bi-annual basis to make updates as needed. Amendments or additions to the City’s personnel rules are subject to approval by the City Council. The purpose and policy of the personnel rules is to incorporate changes in employment laws. It also provides each employee with an understanding which rights and privileges will serve to optimize working conditions and result in a professional, safe, enjoyable and efficient workplace. In addition, it provides each employee a clear and thorough understanding of the rules by which the City strives to operate, and the conditions under which employment with the City is accepted or continued. Ms. McCray called attention to some of the more involved rule changes that are being proposed. Councilmember queries included: clarity on compensatory time vs overtime, the background check process, classification of Police Lieutenant, and a deeper explanation on the rule that allows the city manager to reclassify a position within/without council approval. Ms. McCray addressed all of Council's questions. K. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF 11. 23-018 Direction to staff regarding Apache Junction City Code, Volume I, Section 2-11-2, relating to the number of Health and Human Services Commission members, and whether the level of funding for the 501(c)3 organizations should be increased. Vice Mayor moved, seconded by Councilmember Cross that staff leave the Health and Human Services commission members at 7 AND that no further action be taken on amending the funding currently allocated to the Health and Human Services Commission because Parks and Recreation has been allocated funds to assist in the goals and objectives of Health and Human Services. Yes: 0 No: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Johnson City Clerk Jennifer Pena explained this was an item previously brought forward by Councilmember Nesser, andbriefly reviewed the Health and Human Services Commision member history. She also shared the past activity relating to funding. Mayor Wilson and Council, after discussion, directed staff to leave the number of members at 7, and the funding level to remain where it is, due to the unforeseen decisions that may come from legislation this year, regarding the removal of sales tax on food. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 5 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 21, 2023 L. CALL TO PUBLIC Jeremy Jackson, 1353 S. Belair Rd., Apache Junction, AZ commented on 501c(3) organizations. He and his family have been serving the homeless on the weekends since November 2019. He expressed his interest in applying for this funding opportunity. Andre Meek, 1327 S. Belair Rd., Apache Junction, AZ commented on concerns regarding the zoning process, and how the enforcement is handled. He feels there should be a full review of the codes and make them more home owner friendly. He also shared his interest in rain harvesting and suggested this be more encouraged by the City. M. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. ACCEPTED THIS DAY OF , 2023, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS DAY OF , 2023. WALTER “CHIP” WILSON Mayor ATTEST: JENNIFER PEÑA 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 __________ day of _____________________, 2023. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this day of , 2023. JENNIFER PEÑA City Clerk City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 6