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, October 17, 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 Councilmember Cross 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 Jennifer Pena, City Clerk Joel Stern, City Attorney Al Bravo, Public Information Officer Evie McKinney, Deputy City Clerk D. CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Soller 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 1. 23-553 Consideration of acceptance of agenda. 2. 23-554 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of October 3, 2023. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 1 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 17, 2023 3. 23-569 Consideration of approval on proposed Resolution No. 23-33, an intergovernmental agreement with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for the State Shared Revenue Program for Calendar Year 2024 for the city to act as the pass-through agency for Superstition Fire and Medical District to receive Proposition 202 grant funding in an amount of $111,983.83 for portable radios and safety rescue equipment. 4. 23-539 Consideration of approval of the contract to Weems Asphalt for the reconstruction of Tomahawk Road from Broadway Avenue to Superstition Boulevard. The work would be through the Maricopa County cooperative contract No. 210166-S in the amount of $907,229.28 plus a 10% contingency for unforeseen change orders in the amount of $90,722.92 for a total not to exceed $997,952.20. Work will result in a new road base and pavement surface for the length of Tomahawk Road as presented and discussed in the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Improvement Plan and Street Maintenance Plan at the July 18, 2023 City Council regular session. Work is planned between November 2023 to January 2024. 5. 23-566 Consideration of approval of Resolution 23-26 Intent to Form Streetlight Improvement District No. 2023-SV-BR-1 Blossom Rock Phase 1. 6. 23-567 Consideration of approval of Resolution 23-27 Ordering the Installation of Streetlights for Streetlight Improvement District No. 2023-SV-BR-1 Blossom Rock Phase 1. 7. 23-568 Consideration of approval of Resolution 23-28 Adopting the Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for Streetlight Improvement District No. 2023-SV-BR-1 Blossom Rock Phase 1. E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 8. 23-564 Proclamation designating the month of November as "National Alzheimer's Awareness Month". Mayor Wilson read the Proclamation designating the month of November as "National Alzheimer's Awareness Month." 9. 23-565 Proclamation designating the month of November as "National American Indian Heritage Month". Mayor Wilson read the Proclamation designating the month of November as "National American Indian Heritage Month" and presented it to Jenni Morrison, the American Indian Chair with National Society Daughters of the American Revolution - Apache Trail Chapter. F. REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 2 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 17, 2023 10. 23-555 Brief summary of intergovernmental updates from mayor and councilmembers. Councilmember Soller and Mayor Wilson attended the Faith and Blue event held this past weekend. It was well attended and they both shared their appreciation to the attendees for their support to the local churches and law enforcement. Councilmember Soller and Mayor Wilson also attended the Latter Day Saints (LDS) Stake Holders Conference. Mayor Wilson attended the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority meeting today. He learned that a recent audit has been completed by the Authority, which received an outstanding award for clarity, accuracy and promptness in the report. Phoenix East Valley Partnership presents an annual Legacy Award, to a corporate leader or an organization that has made a significant impact on businesses, and improvements to the quality of life in the east valley and greater Phoenix area. It was announced at the Airport Authority meeting today that this distinguished award will be shared with the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, and Richard Silverman, who served over 40 years as the General Manager for Salt River Project. The awards will be presented after January 2024. Mayor Wilson shared a photo with a key the city recently received by acquiring the Rodeo Grounds. The city had a contract with the Bureau of Land Management for a 30 year term but there were many restrictions. Through the professional staff involvement and much collaboration the city was able to purchase this event center. G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 11. 23-556 City Manager's Report. City Manager Bryant Powell shared highlights from the recent Make a Difference day, by presenting some before and after photos of a homeless encampment that had been cleared. The East Valley Back Country Horsemen's Association is partnering with the City to keep the area trail system clean, as well as report sights to City staff to address these areas, which will create rehabitation in our beautiful desert area. Mr. Powell also highlighted two city staff members for recent recognition and awards: Apache Junction Library Outreach Supervisor Megan Carbiener received the "2023 Rising Stars Award," issued by the Association of Bookmobiles and Outreach Services, which highlights achievements of individuals that are new to the bookmobile and outreach profession. Lieutenant Daniel Saldana received the "40 Under 40 Award," which was given by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. This prestigious award is granted to police officers that demonstrate excellent leadership and commitment to their profession. 12. 23-557 Announcement of Current Events. Public Information Officer Al Bravo shared upcoming events: * Recap of the Make a Difference Day and the success of the community efforts City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 3 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 17, 2023 * Superstition Community Foodbank Chili Cookoff - Saturday, October 21, 2023, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. * Joint Council Meeting with Queen Creek and Apache Junction, Monday, October 23, 2023 at 6:00pm, at the Queen Creek Chambers located at 20727 E. Civic Parkway, Queen Creek, AZ * Seed Up Meet Up program continues at Horizon Health and Wellness, in partnership with the Apache Junction Library. More information can be found at www.ehpcg.org or www.ajpl.org. * All local events and announcements can be received through e-mail every Thursday by signing up for the city newsletter at www.apachejunctionaz.gov/newsletter. H. PUBLIC HEARINGS 13. 23-559 Consideration of application for a new Series 10 Beer and Wine Store Liquor License for Apache Korners located at 420 N. Apache Trail, 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. Councilmember Nesser moved, seconded by Councilmember Cross that the application for a new Series 10 Beer and Wine Store Liquor License for Apache Korners, located at 420 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, Arizona, be recommended for approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 City Clerk Pena stated the city received an application for a new Series 10 Beer and Wine Store Liquor License for Apache Korners located at 420 N. Apache Trail, on September 20, 2023, and the notice of posting was placed at the establishment on September 21, 2023. The posting requirement has been met with no comments from the public. Correspondence related to inspections of the premises for safety and code compliant matters have been received from the Apache Junction Police Department, Planning and Zoning Department, Building and Safety division and the Superstition Fire and Medical District. All four entities find compliance with the inspection requirements and recommend approval. Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing, receiving no comments, he closed the public hearing. I. OLD BUSINESS J. NEW BUSINESS City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 4 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 17, 2023 14. 23-470 Consideration of applicants for annual appointments and reappointments for the City of Apache Junction Boards and Commissions. Council interviewed applicants at the October 16 city council work session and may take this opportunity to fill the positions. Mayor Wilson thanked all the applicants and their interest to serve their community and shape its future. He than began the appointment process. Board of adjustment Councilmember Heck moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Schroeder that Frank Schoenbeck be appointed to the Board of Adjustment for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed Councilmember Johnson moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Schroeder that Rod Martin be appointed to the Board of Adjustment for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed No appointment made to the Board of Adjustment for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. Construction Board of Appeals Vice Mayor Schroeder moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that George Ellison be appointed to the Construction Board Of Appeals as the “Lay Person” for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed No appointment made to the Construction Board Of Appeals as the “architect/engineer” for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. No appointment made to the Construction Board Of Appeals As “a general contractor” for a term to expire on October 31, 2024. No appointment made to the Construction Board Of Appeals as “contractor- (non-general)” for a City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 5 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 17, 2023 term to expire on October 31, 2024. Health & Human Services Commission Councilmember Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Heck that Della Wood be appointed to the Health & Human Services Commission for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed Councilmember Nesser moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Schroeder that Angela Smithson be appointed to the Health & Human Services Commission for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 6 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 1 - Councilmember Heck Motion passed Councilmember Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Cross that Penny Voisine be appointed to the Health & Human Services Commission for a term to expire on October 31, 2025. YES: 6 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 1 - Councilmember Heck Motion passed Industrial Development Authority No appointment made to the Industrial Development Authority for a term to expire October 31, 2026. No appointment made to the Industrial Development Authority for a term to expire October 31, 2026. No appointment made to the Industrial Development Authority for a term to expire October 31, 2027. No appointment made to the Industrial Development Authority for a term to expire October 31, 2028. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 6 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 17, 2023 No appointment made to the Industrial Development Authority for a term to expire October 31, 2028. Library Board Councilmember Heck moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that Catherine Meek be appointed to the library board for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed Councilmember Nesser moved, seconded by Councilmember Soller that Barbara Fitzgerald be appointed to the library board for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 6 - Mayor Wilson, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 1 - Vice Mayor Schroeder Motion passed Municipal Property Corporation Councilmember Heck moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Schroeder that Frank Schoenbeck be reappointed to the Municipal Property Corporation for a term to expire October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed No appointment made to the Municipal Property Corporation for a term to expire October 31, 2026. No appointment made to the Municipal Property Corporation for a term to expire October 31, 2026. Parks And Recreation Commission Councilmember Heck moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that Judy Borey be reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term to expire October 31, 2024. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 7 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 17, 2023 NO: 0- Motion passed Councilmember Johnson moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Schroeder that Felicia Madrid be appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term to expire October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed Councilmember Cross moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Schroeder that Diele Kyhn be appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission for a term to expire October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed Planning And Zoning Commission Councilmember Cross moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that Jesse Gage be reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed Councilmember Heck moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that Sheryl Bigelow be appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 5 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck and Soller NO: 2 - Councilmembers Cross and Johnson Motion passed Councilmember Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Soller that Ari Kalan be reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 8 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 17, 2023 NO: 0- Motion passed Public Arts Commission Councilmember Johnson moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Schroeder that Catherine Meek be appointed to the Public Arts Commission as “interested in art” for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed Councilmember Heck moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that Gretchen Klett be reappointed to the Public Arts Commission as “practicing artist” for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed Councilmember Nesser moved, seconded by Councilmember Cross that Angela Smithson be appointed to the Public Arts Commission as “interested in art” for a term to expire on October 31, 2026. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- Motion passed Public Safety Personnel Retirement Board Councilmember Soller moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that Ron Neitzer be appointed to the Public Safety Personnel Retirement Board as “citizen member” for a term to expire on October 31, 2024. YES: 7 - Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmembers Nesser, Heck, Cross, Johnson and Soller NO: 0- City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 9 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 17, 2023 Motion passed Councilmember Nesser encouraged participation in the Citizens Leadership Institute, by contacting Public Information Officer Al Bravo. She also mentioned the need for volunteers in various city departments. K. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF L. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES M. CALL TO PUBLIC Eddie Ohly, 2364 N. Apache Drive, Apache Junction, shared his concerns regarding a safety matter with southbound traffic on Idaho, south of Lost Dutchman. He requested a guard rail extension be installed on Idaho Road. Council requested staff look into the extension and costs associated with extending this guard rail. Catherine Meek, 1327 S. Belair Road, Apache Junction, announced upcoming events to be offered at the Superstition Mountain Museum, located at 4087 E. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ. Donna Carr, 2178 W. Virginia Street, Apache Junction, shared her appreciation to city staff for addressing a previous concern regarding squatters near her residence. She also encouraged more events to be held at the Rodeo Grounds, much like what is offered at the Superstition Mountain Museum. George Schroeder, 2444 W. Virginia Street, Apache Junction, stated there has been some effort from city staff in addressing his neighborhood but much more needs to be done. He expressed his comments are from his heart. He also commented on his frustration with the lack of building permit enforcement in the City. N. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 10 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 17, 2023 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 11