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, June 6, 2023 7:00 PM City Council Chambers A. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. B. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Heck gave the invocation and Vice Mayor Schroeder led the meeting attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. C. ROLL CALL Present: 7- Mayor Wilson Vice Mayor Schroeder Councilmember Nesser Councilmember Heck Councilmember Johnson Councilmember Cross Councilmember Soller Staff in Attendance: Bryant Powell, City Manager Matt Busby, Assistant City Manager Joel Stern, City Attorney Jennifer Pena, City Clerk Evie McKinney, Deputy City Clerk Michael Pooley, Police Chief Al Bravo, Public Information Officer Rudy Esquivias, Development Services Director Ted Wolf, Public Works Director D. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Heck moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser to approve the Consent Agenda. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 1 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes June 6, 2023 1. 23-299 Consideration of acceptance of agenda. 2. 23-300 Consideration of approval of minutes of the special meeting of May 15, 2023. 3. 23-301 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 16, 2023. 4. 23-297 Consideration of approval of Resolution 23-12, adopting the budget and estimates of assessments of the Apache Junction Street Light Improvement Districts for Fiscal Year 2024. This item was presented and discussed at the May 15, 2023, work session. 5. 23-319 Consideration of approval of Superstition Vistas, Phase 1B Parcels 19.8 and 19.9 Final Plat - SV-22-35-SD. 6. 23-327 Consideration of approval of employment agreement with presiding magistrate Aaron LaSota. E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 7. 23-305 Presentation of certificates to the graduates of the 2023 class of the Citizen Leadership Institute. Mayor Wilson congratulated the 23rd graduating class of the Citizens Leadership Institute and presented each of them with their certificate. F. REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES 8. 23-302 Brief summary of intergovernmental updates from mayor and councilmembers. Mayor Wilson announced the following items: - He attended a meeting with Senator Mark Kelly and the Secretary of Energy at Li-Cycle Corporation, a battery facility in Gilbert near the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport that recycles batteries in what is described as "urban mining" for reuse. - He attended the Drop Zone event which was organized by the office of U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs as a “one-stop shop” for veteran resources. - He attended the Apache Junction High School graduation on May 25th. - Announced the rehabilitation of the city entrance sign on State Route 88 and Hackamore Road. Councilmember Soller announced he and Councilmember Cross attended the East Valley cities and towns dinner where the issue of water was the major topic for the evening. G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 9. 23-303 City Manager's Report. City Manager Bryant Powell addressed the following items: City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 2 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes June 6, 2023 - Today was the first "Level-up Your Business" event which focused on social media and marketing techniques. City staff members Rayna Steffen and Jorge Gutierrez were amongst the panel members for this event. - Apache Junction Library Kindness Carnival and summer reading kick-off event. There were 737 attendees this year, last year there was roughly 100. They enrolled 591 youth for the summer reading program. Apache Junction PD, Superstition Fire and Medical, and Apache Junction Head Start partnered with the library for the event. - A tour to ASU Polytech revealed the recycling of a variety of plastics which is being used for skateboards, sitting benches and other items. 10. 23-304 Announcement of Current Events. Public Information Officer Al Bravo highlighted the upcoming events for June and July. He reminded residents about the "Shop Local" promotion that occurs during the summer months and more details could be found on the city webpage. H. PUBLIC HEARINGS 11. 23-326 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of application for a Class B Bingo License for Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary # 3850, Apache Junction, AZ. Councilmember Nesser moved, seconded by Councilmember Soller to recommend approval of the Class B bingo license for the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary # 3850, Apache Junction, AZ. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 City Clerk Jennifer Pena stated the Police Department, Fire District, Building and Planning Departments have performed the safety and zoning inspections and are recommending approval for this bingo application. She stated the applicant was present if Council had further questions. Applicant Jennifer Brindley shared the Auxiliary's charity work and allocations, they were as follows: - In 2021-22 they donated $32,955.37. (Auxiliary members are at 300) - In 2022-23 they donated $24,800 and members volunteer in the community. They work the gates at the Lost Dutchman Rodeo, and this year they received $8,000. They donated $4,000 to the Aerie and $4,000 to the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary donated their $4,000 to AJ Youth Genesis and Project Help. She announced they recently purchased the building behind them to expand. Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing, receiving no comments, he closed the public hearing. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 3 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes June 6, 2023 12. 23-328 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of application for a Class A bingo license for Jay Alan McWhorter, Tumbleweed Bar and Grill located at located at 725 W Apache Trail #2A Apache Junction, Arizona. Councilmember Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser to recommend approval of the Class A Bingo license for Tumbleweed Bar and Grill as amended for games to be held on Monday and Tuesday only. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 City Clerk Jennifer Pena stated the Police Department, Fire District, Building and Planning Departments have performed the safety and zoning inspections and are recommending approval for this Bingo application. She stated the application was amended earlier in the day, with games scheduled for Monday and Tuesday nights only. The applicants were present if Council had further questions. Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing, receiving no comments, he closed the public hearing. 13. 23-329 Presentation, discussion, public hearing and consideration of application for a new Series 7 Beer and Wine Liquor License for Cat Wagon Tap And Bottle, located at 2430 W. Apache Trail, #4, 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 Soller to recommend approval of the Series 7 Beer and Wine Liquor License for Cat Wagon Tap And Bottle, located at 2430 W. Apache Trail, #4, Apache Junction, AZ. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 City Clerk Jennifer Pena stated the Police Department, Fire District, Building and Planning Departments have all performed the safety and zoning inspections and are recommending approval of the Series 7 Beer and Wine Liquor License for Cat Wagon Tap And Bottle, located at 2430 W. Apache Trail, #4, Apache Junction, AZ. Development Services Director Rudy Esquivias provided information that the applicant has pulled a permit for improvements and remodeling, those are still ongoing. Use of the building and sale of liquor cannot occur until final inspection and approval and a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. The applicants were present to answer any questions from council. There were no further questions. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 4 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes June 6, 2023 Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing, receiving no comments, he closed the public hearing. I. OLD BUSINESS J. NEW BUSINESS 14. 23-313 Presentation, discussion, and consideration on the ratification of the purchase of a 2023 Ford F-250 with a royal service back to replace 30-239 a 2005 Ford F-150XL using the State of Arizona cooperative contract #CTR059323 in the amount not to exceed $60,213.89. Councilmember Soller moved, seconded by Councilmember Heck to ratify the purchase of a 2023 Ford F-250 with a royal service bed to replace fleet vehicle 30-239, a 2005 Ford F-150XL using the State of Arizona Cooperative Agreement #CTR059323 in the amount not to exceed $60,213.89. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 Public Works Director Ted Wolf stated they replaced a vehicle that caught fire and was a total loss. This vehicle is used for emergency operations and he was seeking ratification from the council. In response to questions from council he stated they were able to use the Arizona Cooperative Purchasing Agreement. The truck required a service body which added the extra cost. It is unknown at this time how it caught fire. 15. 23-332 Discussion and consideration of approval on allowing the Hitching Post Saloon to host a one-time rough stock and mutton-busting event sponsored by Arizona Junior Bull Riders, on Saturday, June 17, between the hours of 5:00 PM and 7:45 PM, and also to allow for future discussion of other potential allowable special events at the next scheduled City Council Work Session. Councilmember Johnson recused herself and left council chambers. Councilmember Cross stated Copper State Rodeo approached him on having a special fundraising event with the Jr. Bull-riding utilizing the Hitching Post. He stated the date of this special event causes a non-compliance issue with the current development agreement between the city and the Hitching post. He asked Stacie Reichwald to provide the details regarding these events. Ms. Reichwald represents Copper State Rodeo company and the Southern Jr. Bull Riding Association. This is an event for kids ages 4-18 who bull ride all over and compete for national titles. These events are held once a month and are qualifying events for these bull riders. Their next event is scheduled for June 17th, and are in need of an alternative location. Recreation Superintendent Jamie Sullivan stated the city had reached out stating they could use the rodeo grounds. They have reserved the grounds and are able to share this space with Archery club that night as there is plenty of room. They just need final details from Copper State Rodeo. Councilmember Cross inquired if the time slot originally requested could start earlier in the day due to needs of moving the stock. In response Ms. Sullivan stated she has reserved the entire rodeo grounds from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. She still needs more details as far as estimated City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 5 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes June 6, 2023 attendees and traffic. Ms. Sullivan stated since the city does not yet hold the deed to the rodeo grounds the event must occur under a non-profit organization, and the city must be listed as additionally insured. The city will cover the cost for the June 17th event since there was a misunderstanding that caused the need for change of venue. Vice Mayor Schroeder would like to explore options for addressing special events within development agreement with the Hitching Post. This item is tentatively scheduled to be brought to council July 17-18. Councilmember Johnson returned to the meeting upon conclusion of the discussion. K. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF L. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES M. CALL TO PUBLIC George Schroeder, 2444 W. Virginia St., spoke on the following items: - He has issues with the type of people moving into his neighborhood - referencing those with tattoos, motorcycles, drugs and nothing is being done about it. - A structure in his neighborhood has never been legal and code is doing nothing about it - Where are his rights as an American, his father was not a coward and did not look to religion to give him a free ride in life. - Stated the city does not strive for better and bends the rules to upset him. Andre Meek, 1327 S. Belair Rd., Thanked Councilmember Heck and Soller for addressing matters occurring at Flatiron Park. Homelessness is a national epidemic. Buying a home or paying for rent is beyond the reach of many. Being homeless does not mean an individual is a drug addict or an alcoholic, sometimes it is just life's circumstances. Change will come about from a thought outside the norm. Councilmember Heck stated there will be a city council work session on June 19th that will address what the city is currently doing to address a variety of community issues. N. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 6