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 Doors are open to the public at least 15 minutes prior to the posted meeting start time. Tuesday, September 17, 2024 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 Johnson 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 Michael Pooley, Police Chief Rudy Esquivias, Development Services Director Ted Wolff, Public Works Director Liz Langenbach, Parks & Recreation Director Evie McKinney, Deputy City Clerk Kayla Fulmer, Marketing and Communications Director 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 City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 1 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 1. 24-753 Consideration of acceptance of agenda. 2. 24-754 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of September 3, 2024. 3. 24-637 Consideration of approval of award of contract to Chasse Building Team for Library restroom remodel, utilizing the 1GPA Cooperative Contract #23-15PV-02, in an amount not to exceed $135,620. This matter was presented and discussed at the September 3, 2024 city council meeting. 4. 24-732 Consideration of approval of awarding contract to FM Solutions Management for a city facility condition assessment utilizing the City of Phoenix Cooperative Contract No. CON159213-0 in an amount not to exceed $131,694. This item was presented and discussed at the September 3, 2024, council meeting. E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS 5. 24-710 Presentation of Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA) award winners honored at the annual APRA state conference. Parks and Recreation Director Liz Langenbach shared the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department received two awards at the recent Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Conference. The first award she brought attention to was the Outstanding Sports Program Award, which was given to the City of Apache Junction based on the Parent/Tot Sports Program. The second award was given to Management Analyst Riley King, for the Young Professional of the Year. A brief video was played for the receipt of each award, followed by photo opportunities with staff and the Mayor. 6. 24-740 Proclamation designating the week of September 17 through September 23, 2024 as "Constitution Week." Mayor Wilson read the Proclamation designating the week of September 17 through September 23, 2024, as "Constitution Week." Accepting the Proclamation were several members from the Apache Junction Unit of Daughters of the American Revolution. Kelly McDonald thanked the Mayor and Council for this recognition, and informed this Proclamation will be on display at the Apache Junction Public Library. F. REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES 7. 24-755 Brief summary of intergovernmental updates from mayor and councilmembers. Mayor Wilson attended an event held at Avalon Elementary School, where flags were presented to the Apache Junction Police Department and the Superstition Fire & Medical District, in honor of "9/11". This event was held to recognize the lives lost of the first responders during the "9/11" tragedy. He also participated in the Crazy Hat event which was combined with the Library Card Program offered at the Apache Junction Library. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 2 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 One further update was that as of today State Route 88 has reopened for high clearance four wheel drive vehicles only. No trailers are currently allowed, but work continues on the project to eventually allow access for all types of vehicles. G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 8. 24-756 City Manager's Report. City Manager Bryant Powell congratulated Parks and Recreation staff for the awards they recently received. He also expressed his gratitude to Apache Junction Public Library Director Pam Harrison for the successful and entertaining Library Card Program. 9. 24-709 Presentation and update on Friends of Apache Junction with Roxanne Coleman. Program and Resource Coordinator Fox Young, along with Friends of Apache Junction President Roxanne Coleman shared the history of the program, which began in 2009. The purpose is to afford a vehicle for people to make donations on behalf of government entities. The organization exists to enhance the programs, facilities and services of the community. Ms. Coleman shared some of the recent projects funding was provided for. She expressed appreciation to the community for being great donors, which in turn offers enhancements and further programs for our residents. She also announced the Board is always looking for more members, so if anyone is interested please discuss with her or Mr. Young. Mr. Young shared the impact this organization has had regarding donations to the City, and stated these funds continue to increase each year. All donation amounts go directly back into the community. When funds are donated, the donor specifies where they would like the funds to be applied, and the Friends Board assures this funding goes to that entity. He shared an example that an amount of $70,000 was donated to the Apache Junction Animal Control for a recent renovation of the facility, making it a much more efficient and safe environment for the animals as well as the employees. Councilmembers and City Manager Bryant Powell shared their appreciation for the services and opportunities this organization has offered, and the efforts put forth by Mr. Young in making events such as Make a Difference Day such a great success. 10. 24-760 Presentation and update on Proposition 486 Pinal County Road Maintenance Fund renewal. City Manager Bryant Powell and Assistant City Manager Matt Busby shared updates and information on Proposition 486. Mr. Powell stated that the funding received from the Pinal County Road Maintenance and Improvement Fund, (PCRMIF), a half cent sales tax, is one of the single largest revenue sources for the Apache Junction Public Works Department. This has now been voted on twice, and has been in affect for nearly 40 years. This is a combination of cities and towns working with Pinal County to continue streets and road maintenance. Mr. Busby presented a video prepared by Pinal County which highlighted what Proposition 486 is: a reauthorization of the PCRMIF, a half cent existing tax used to maintain roads within Pinal County. It has been in affect since 1987, and is not a new tax or a tax increase. The funds are shared with other cities and towns within Pinal county. If this Proposition passes in the election on November 5, 2024, it will be extended through 2046. If it does not pass it will discontinue at the end of 2026. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 3 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 Mr. Busby shared important upcoming dates regarding the election on November 5, 2024, where this Proposition will appear on the ballot. He also explained the process of collected revenue allocations, and statistics of local focus on what this funding has done over the past 20 years. The City of Apache Junction received $4 million in Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF) from this tax in the past year. A video designed by City of Apache Junction staff was shared, which highlighted Apache Junction Key Projects completed by use of these funds. More information regarding this Proposition is available at www.PreservingPinal.com. 11. 24-757 Announcement of Current Events. Assistant City Manager Matt Busby shared information on the upcoming AJCDC Make a Difference Day, to be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Visit www.apachejunctioncdc.com for further details. H. PUBLIC HEARINGS 12. 24-711 Consideration of application for a permanent extension of premises for Hitching Post Pizza Pub located at 2341 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119. 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 be forwarded to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. Councilmember Soller moved, seconded by Councilmember Johnson that the application for a permanent extension of premises for the Hitching Post Pizza Pub, located at 2341 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ, 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 Jennifer Pena stated the city received an application for a permanent extension of premises from the Hitching Post Pizza Pub, located at 2341 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ. She explained the applicant's desire is to extend the patio areas by 20 feet into the parking lot, and the full length of 85 feet with a slatted chain link fence. 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. Donna Carr, 2178 W. Virginia Street, Apache Junction, suggested ways to design the extension with safety in mind. Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 4 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 13. 24-712 Consideration of application for a permanent extension of premises for Paladino's Italian Eatery located at 300 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85120. 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 be forwarded to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. Councilmember Cross moved, seconded by Councilmember Soller that the application for a permanent extension of premises for Paladino's Italian Eatery, located at 300 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ, 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 Jennifer Pena stated the city received an application for a permanent extension of premises from Paladino’s Italian Eatery, located at 300 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ. This extension will be placed at the front of the building, using a 3' lattice at both ends. She explained 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. No complaints have been received from the public on this extension request. Council concerns included the location and area of the extension, and confirmation that this area has been approved by the Building and Safety Division. Ms. Pena addressed Council concerns. Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing. Receiving no comments he closed the public hearing. 14. 24-751 Consideration of application for Class C Bingo License for VFW Post # 7968, located at 250 S Phelps Dr, Apache Junction, AZ. Councilmember Johnson moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser to recommend approval of the Class C Bingo License for the VFW Post # 7968, located at 250 S. Phelps Dr, 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 city received an application for a Class C Bingo License from the VFW Post # 7968, located at 250 S. Phelps Dr, Apache Junction, AZ. This application is to upgrade their current Class B to a Class C, due to the revenues collected. She explained 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. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 5 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 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. 15. 24-761 Consideration of application for Class B Bingo License for VFW Post # 7968 Auxiliary, located at 250 S Phelps Dr, Apache Junction, AZ. Councilmember Nesser moved, seconded by Councilmember Johnson to recommend approval of the Class B Bingo License for the VFW Post # 7968 Auxiliary, located at 250 S. Phelps Dr, 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 city received an application for a Class B Bingo License from the VFW Post # 7968 Auxiliary, located at 250 S. Phelps Dr, Apache Junction, AZ. She explained 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 K. COUNCIL DIRECTION TO STAFF L. SELECTION OF MEETING DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS, AND PURPOSES M. CALL TO PUBLIC Donna Carr, 2178 W. Virginia Street, Apache Junction, thanked Council for listening to her concerns. She commented on the conditions of Apache Trail, and Ocotillo Drive in Apache Junction. Andre Meek, 1327 S. Belair Road, Apache Junction, commented on the importance of Proposition 486, and Constitution Week and what the Constitution represents. Councilmember Cross requested staff research the concerns mentioned regarding the street conditions of Apache Trail and Ocotillo Drive. Councilmember Soller encouraged all citizens to register to vote, and then Go Vote. N. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 6 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 ACCEPTED THIS DAY OF , 2024, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS DAY OF , 2024. WALTER “CHIP” WILSON Mayor ATTEST: JENNIFER PEÑA City Clerk City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 7