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, February 4, 2025 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 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 Evie McKinney, Acting City Clerk Joel Stern, City Attorney Michael Pooley, Police Chief Johnny John, Assistant Police Chief Angelie Hawley, Finance Director Rob Wisler, Management Analyst Eli Richardson, Management Analyst Shane Kiesow, Public Works Manager Sherell Waskiewicz, Purchasing Administrator 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 February 4, 2025 1. 25-001 Consideration of acceptance of agenda. 2. 25-003 Consideration of approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 21, 2025. 3. 25-037 Consideration of award of contract to Empire Power Systems for the installation of an emergency backup power generator for city hall. The work would be through the Sourcewell cooperative contract No. 092222-CAT in the amount not to exceed $582,500.00 which includes a project contingency of $50,000. Majority of the work is planned to be completed within March and April with the last of the generator equipment installed and connected in October/November. This item was previously presented at the council meeting on January 21, 2025. E. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS F. REGIONAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL UPDATES 4. 25-004 Brief summary of intergovernmental updates from mayor and councilmembers. Councilmember Cross attended a couple of neighborhood meetings that the City hosts in the communities. He stated citizen concerns included water supply for future growth and hunting/shooting on the State Land Trust. He encouraged everyone to attend one of these meetings. Vice Mayor Schroeder went to Legislative Day at the state Capitol with Mayor Wilson. They spoke to elected officials and legislators about the food tax bill that is being proposed. If this bill were to pass it would be crippling to small towns that rely on this tax like Apache Junction does. Mayor Wilson attended a networking event and ribbon cutting for the Arizona Bluegrass Association at the Chamber of Commerce. At this event they spoke about their 3rd Annual Bluegrass Roundup, which Mayor Wilson also attended. He enjoyed the bluegrass music and the various bands that played. Mayor Wilson also spoke about the neighborhood meetings and the benefits of attending one. G. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT 5. 25-005 City Manager's Report. City Manager Bryant Powell stated updates will be provided on the food tax bill as they are available. He also spoke about the very important arterial in our community, Meridian Road. It is being studied by the region as lies between two counties and 3 cities and is mostly owned by the State Land Department. The Maricopa Association of Governments is holding an Open House on February 11, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Desert Ridge Junior High School. This is to identify needed improvements to address existing and future travel needs and improve connectivity for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 2 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 4, 2025 6. 25-043 Presentation by Jill Shaw of Heinfeld, Meech & Co. on the city's annual financial audit. Auditor Jill Shaw for Heinfeld, Meech and Co. presented an overview of the City's annual financial audit. She explained the scope of the audit, the responsibilities of the Auditor and Management and highlighted important parts of the report. She stated the auditors did not find any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses. Councilmember Soller acknowledged the City and City Management for working together with the Auditors. 7. 25-006 Announcement of Current Events. Management Analyst Eli Richardson shared upcoming events: - Free Dump Week on February 3 - 8, 2025, from 6:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. at the Apache Junction Landfill, 4050 S. Tomahawk Road. Proof of residency must be provided. - 2025 State of the City on February 12, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. It will take place at the Desert View Events Center, 2014 S. Starr Road, Apache Junction. - 24th Annual Lost Dutchman Days Marathon on February 16, 2025. Register at lostdutchmanmarathon.org for the half marathon, 10K, 8K or the 2 mile fun run. The full marathon is currently sold out. - 61st Annual Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo on February 21 - 23, 2025. Pre-sale tickets can be bought at the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce. - 2025 Lost Dutchman Days Carnival on February 21 - 23, 2025. Pre-sale tickets can be bought at the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce for $35.00 or at the gate for $45.00. - Lost Dutchman Days Parade on February 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. H. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. 25-023 Consideration of application for a new Series 6 Bar liquor license for First Water Cocktail Bar located at 1545 W. Broadway Ave #101-103, 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 Soller moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that the application for a Series 6 Bar Liquor License submitted by Justin Evans for First Water Cocktail Bar 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 Acting City Clerk Evie McKinney stated the city received an application for a new Series 6 Bar Liquor License for First Water Cocktail Bar located at 1545 W. Broadway Ave, on December 23, 2024, and the Notice of Posting was placed at the establishment on January 13, 2025. The City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 3 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 4, 2025 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. Councilmembers had no concerns. Business owner Justin Evans spoke about why he has applied for a second liquor license. Mayor Wilson opened the Public Hearing, receiving no comments from the public, he closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. 9. 25-024 Consideration of application for a new Series 6 Bar liquor license for The Wheelhouse Tavern located at 495 W. 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 Cross moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that the application for a Series 6 Bar Liquor License submitted by Chandra Lee Robinson for The Wheelhouse Tavern 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 Acting City Clerk Evie McKinney stated the city received an application for a new Series 6 Bar Liquor License for The Wheelhouse Tavern located at 495 W. Apache Trail, on December 23, 2024, and the Notice of Posting was placed at the establishment on January 13, 2025. 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. Development Services department stated the building is currently undergoing some remodeling work for which the owners are aware a building permit is required, along with plans drawn by an Arizona registrant. All four entities find compliance with the inspection requirements and recommend approval. Councilmember Heck asked if the business owners now own the building where this business will be located. Business owner Chandra Robinson explained how they bought this liquor license and acquired the location for the bar. Mayor Wilson opened the Public Hearing. Cindy Pierson, 269 N. WInchester, spoke in support of the approval of this liquor license. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 4 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 4, 2025 Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing and asked for a motion. I. OLD BUSINESS J. NEW BUSINESS 10. 25-042 Presentation, discussion, and consideration of rejection of proposals for the downtown 10-acre property, RFP #2024-006, due to unresponsiveness. Vice Mayor Schroeder moved, seconded by Councilmember Nesser that the rejection of proposals for the downtown 10-acre property, RFP #2024-006 be approved. Yes: 7- Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Schroeder, Councilmember Nesser, Councilmember Heck, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Cross and Councilmember Soller No: 0 Purchasing Administrator Sherell Waskiewicz presented that on November 6, 2024, the city issued a Request for Proposal for the sale or ground lease and development of city-owned land. On January 9, 2025, the city received two responses: LDG Development and Old West Welding Service. Staff reviewed the responses and found that both submissions were unresponsive due to missing documentation. Councilmember concerns included why the bids were not the right fit and not needing to rush for this project. Assistant City Manager Matt Busby explained the proposals did not match up with our goals and we will try this again once the new Economic Development Director starts. 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, noted that free dump week has a limit of 500 pounds per person and thanked the Apache Junction Mounted Rangers for their help at the Superstition Mountain Museum events. She also commented on the City rain water flow on Highway 88. Nancy Andruschak, 925 N Plaza Drive #19, Apache Junction, commented on people feeding the pigeons in the City parks and her support for the office of Mayor being a 4 year term. Donna Carr, 2178 W. Virginia Street, Apache Junction, expressed her concern about marijuana smoke at Public events, free dump week rules, and her concern for reclaimed water. Councilmembers asked City staff if signs can be put out at public events regarding marijuana smoke and if citizens are feeding birds at City parks. N. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m. City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 5 City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes February 4, 2025 ACCEPTED THIS DAY OF , 2025, BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA. SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS DAY OF , 2025. WALTER “CHIP” WILSON Mayor ATTEST: EVIE MCKINNEY Acting City Clerk City of Apache Junction, Arizona Page 6