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, November 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 Vice Mayor Schroeder gave the invocation and Councilmember Nesser 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 Michael Pooley, Police Chief Ted Wolff, Public Works Director Patrick Ainsworth, Economic Development Director Evie McKinney, Deputy City Clerk 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 1. 23-624 Consideration of acceptance of agenda. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 1 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes November 21, 2023 2. 23-625 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of November 7, 2023. 3. 23-606 Consideration of approval of Resolution No. 23-23 Intent to Form Streetlight Improvement District No. 2023-SV-1B-1 Radiance at Superstition Vistas Phase 1B. 4. 23-607 Consideration of approval of Resolution No. 23-24 Ordering the Installation of Streetlights for Streetlight Improvement District No. 2023-SV-1B-1 Radiance at Superstition Vistas Phase 1B. 5. 23-608 Consideration of approval of Resolution No. 23-25 adopting the budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for Streetlight Improvement District No. 2023-SV-1B-1 Radiance at Superstition Vistas Phase 1B. E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 6. 23-633 Proclamation designating Saturday, November 25, 2023, as "Small Business Saturday". Mayor Wilson proclaimed Saturday, November 25, 2023, as "Small Business Saturday" and presented the proclamation to Aaron McDermid with the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce. F. REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES 7. 23-626 Brief summary of intergovernmental updates from mayor and councilmembers. Councilmember Heck shared that the Mayor and other councilmembers recently attended a tour of the newly designed Repubic Services Landfill. This was very informative, and they were shown how all the trash is handled, the precautionary steps taken to ensure ground protection, and that any liquid runoff is monitored and kept away from soil contamination. Mayor Wilson announced five Army servicemen died on November 10th in a training exercise over the Mediterranean Sea. One of the fallen was Sgt. Andrew Southard, who went to junior high and high school in Apache Junction and graduated from the high school in 2015. He went into the Army right after graduation and had an impressive career in just a few years. He passed a number of certifications and earned many awards and decorations. He was a member of the Army’s Special Operations Forces, part of the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He leaves behind a wife and two children. Last week, the city lowered its flags to half-staff in his honor. We requested and received a commendation from Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office in his honor. Flags at the state capital will be lowered on Saturday to coincide with services for Sgt. Southard that will be taking place in Tennessee. We convey our condolences to the sergeant's family and friends, and thank him for his service. Mayor Wilson also shared an update of the Veteran's weekend events and the many opportunities there were to honor our vets for the services they have offered for our freedom. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 2 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes November 21, 2023 Mayor Wilson mentioned a tour he recently participated in at the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport, that included a new gate access area. There is now a walkway between the old and new parts of the airport which will be enclosed with glass, and this will be a nice sitting area while passengers are waiting to board planes. G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 8. 23-627 City Manager's Report. City Manager Bryant Powell shared his appreciation for our police department after the announcement last week of the identification of an unknown victim from more than 30 years ago. Police Chief Mike Pooley and Crime Technician Stephanie Bourgeois told reporters on Friday that the body found in the desert of Apache Junction in the summer of 1992 has been identified as 15-year-old Melody Harrison of south Phoenix. It is so gratifying to see our department bring some resolution to the family of this girl more than three decades after her disappearance. Police Chief Mike Pooley introduced two new staff members with the Apache Junction Police Department. Commander Michael Beaten comes with a wealth of knowledge and he will be managing the patrol unit, and Commander Cindy Uwer comes with high respect and recommendations from her peers to lead the criminal investigations division. A video was shared of the recent Faith and Blue event, where six (6) Apache Junction churches shared service and over 600 people attended. A very successful toy drive was collected and shared with the Salvation Army for this Christmas season. Recently, the international honor of "40 Under 40 International" was awarded to Lt. Daniel Saldana as an upcoming future leader in law enforcement. A second award has been achieved by the Apache Junction Police Department in recognition of "Leadership in Community Policing." This particular award is granted to only one law enforcement agency in the entire world, and Chief Pooley is honored to be working with the force that has received this high recognition and award, and commended his staff for all they do. He also thanked the Mayor and Council for their support. 9. 23-628 Announcement of Current Events. Assistant City Manager Matt Busby shared the following current events and updates: * Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday on November 23, 2023, City Hall offices will be closed. Apache Junction Police Department remains in full force, and Parks & Recreation and the Library will be open with special hours. Please check the city's website for further details. * December 2, 2023, 3:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. at Flatiron Community Park - Holiday Event and Light Parade * Household Hazardous Waste event held on November 18, 2023 had a total of 290 attendees, of which 232 were city residents. The next event will be held on March 9, 2024, at the Public Works Yard: 575 E. Baseline Avenue, Apache Junction. * Jingle in the Junction is a decorating competition for all local businesses, hosted by the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce. Please visit www.ajchamber.com for more details. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 3 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes November 21, 2023 * Reminder to check out the city's website at www.apachejunctionaz.gov for more details on events and happenings. H. PUBLIC HEARINGS 10. 23-623 Consideration of application for a new Series 06 Bar Liquor License for First Water Cocktail Bar, located at 1545 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. Councilmember Cross moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that the application for a Series 6 Bar Liquor License for First Water Cocktail Bar, located at 1545 W. Broadway Avenue, Apache Junction, AZ be continued to the December 5th, 2023, City Council meeting, allowing the applicant time to apply for the required permits and inspections. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 Deputy City Clerk Evie McKinney stated the city received an application for a new Series 06 Bar Liquor License from the Arizona Department of Liquor License and Control, (Az DLLC) on October 19, 2023, for First Water Cocktail Bar, located at 1545 W. Broadway Avenue, Apache Junction. The Notice of Public Hearing was posted at the establishment on October 30, 2023, to comply with state regulation of the 20 day posting requirement. Correspondence has been received from the Apache Junction Police Department, Superstition Fire and Medical District, Building and Safety Division, and Planning and Zoning. Three of these entities recommended approval based on their safety and code compliant inspections. The Building and Safety Division has denied their recommendation due to the applicant not having pulled building permits for construction at the premises. Ms. McKinney informed Council at this time the decision can be made to approve or deny the application, or continue the Public Hearing on this matter at the December 5, 2023 Council Meeting, which would allow the applicant more time to submit building permit requests. Council made mention that a "Stop Work Order" issued by Code Enforcement was placed on November 8, 2023, and this is still in effect. The Building and Safety Division stated the applicant is waiting for his architecture plans, before submitting his building permit requests. Clarification was made that if the decision is made tonight to continue this item, it would go through the Public Hearing process at the December 5, 2023 meeting, not placed on the Consent Agenda. Due to the date requirements issued by Az DLLC, this item will need to be heard at the December 5, 2023 City Council meeting. The applicant was not present to respond. Mayor Wilson requested a motion. I. OLD BUSINESS J. NEW BUSINESS City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 4 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes November 21, 2023 11. 23-630 Presentation, discussion, and possible consideration of approval of Resolution No. 23-35, authorizing the City of Apache Junction to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Phoenix Police Department for the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Councilmember Soller moved, seconded by Councilmember Johnson that Resolution No. 23-35, authorizing the City of Apache Junction to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Phoenix Police Department for the Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force be approved. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 Police Chief Michael Pooley introduced and explained details of the intergovernmental agreement with the City of Phoenix Police Department. He stated this is a renewable agreement every five (5) years. Our local detective reports receiving at least 50 complaints per year to investigate child crimes via the internet. These crimes include child pornography and abuse of children. This agreement would specifically cover internet crimes involving children's safety. 12. 23-638 Presentation, discussion, and possible consideration of retroactive approval of the third amendment with JB Superior Maintenance Services, LLC to add janitorial services for the police substation located at 3880 South De Niza Road, Apache Junction increasing the annual cost from $300,000.00 to $328,800.00 a year. Councilmember Heck moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that the third amendment with JB Superior Maintenance Services, LLC to add janitorial services for the police substation located at 3880 S. De Niza Road, Apache Junction, increasing the annual cost from $300,000.00 to $328,800.00 a year, with a retroactive date of November 1, 2023, be approved. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 Assistant City Manager Matt Busby explained this item is to ratify a previous agreement, which would be retroactive approval for service to the recently leased office space for the police department substation. This agreement would cover basic janitorial services at this expanded office Council inquired what the additional cost of $28,800 will cover. Council also requested clarification on the dates involved in this agreement. Public Works Administrative Services Manager Heather Hodgman explained this is the total cost for the next three (3) years, which breaks down to $1200 per month for basic janitorial service. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 5 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes November 21, 2023 13. 23-639 Presentation, discussion, and possible consideration of approval of entering into an agreement with Centimark Corporation for the Library Building roof re-coating in the amount of $52,720.75 using the Mohave Contract # 18R-CTMK-0418. Councilmember Soller moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that the agreement with Centimark Corporation for the Library roof re-coating in the amount of $52,720.75, using the Mohave Contract # 18R-CTMK-0418 be approved. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 Public Works Administrative Services Manager Heather Hodgman stated the warranty on this roof has expired. Preventative work was last done 10 years ago. This contract will be to complete preventitve maintenance of this roof. Ms. Hodgman shared a visual of the roof color coded into sections and explained the areas this contract would cover. Council queried on the warranty terms, and materials to be used on this project. Ms. Hodgman clarified the warranty terms and types of materials to be used on the new project. K. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF L. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES M. CALL TO PUBLIC Catherine Meek, 1327 S. Belair Road, Apache Junction, shared that the new booklets for the Superstition Mountain Museum have just been published and are being distributed. November 25-26, 2023, will be the first Holiday Boutique, and special guest appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Clause are expected. Sunday, November 26, 2023, the Museum will be offering a 25% off jewelry sale. Donna Carr, 2178 W. Virginia Street, Apache Junction, commented on the impurities in our drinking water supply, made a suggestion to keep additional street lights low to maintain our "dark sky" efforts, and if construction will be added in some of the older areas in Apache Junction to please consider the design be kept more western themed to keep with our mining town atmosphere. Jane Brown, Val Vista Road, Apache Junction, emphasized that the 5 soldiers that were killed in the training accident over the Mediterranean Sea were the very best of the elite warriors and should all be recognized. She also shared her concerns regarding the lighting to be added with the new homes in the Radiance Development, and asked the council to consider this lighting design. Andre Meek, 1327 S. Belair Road, Apache Junction, commented on the unsheltered needs still existent, and he would like to see the dark sky efforts continued when new lighting is being installed throughout the city. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 6 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes November 21, 2023 N. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 7:51 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 7