Town Council

MINUTHS 0F THE REGULAR MEETING 0F THE HONORABLE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN 0F PINETOP-LAKESIDE, ARIZONA, HELD ON THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2022 IN THE TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS LOCATED AT 325 W. WHITE MOUNTAIN BOULEVARD, LAKESIDE, AZ 85929 > Call to Order Mayor Irwin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.in. > Roll Call The following Council Members were present: Name Position Stephanie Irwin Mayor Jeny Smith Vice Mayor Lym Krigbaum Council Member Jim Snitzer Council Member Paul Watson Council Member Sterling Beus Council Member Taber Heisler Council member Also Present: Name Position Keith Johnson Town Manager Kevin Rodolph Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Kristi Salskov Deputy Town Clerk Dan Bames Police Chief Matt Patterson Public Works Director Jeremiah Loyd Community Development Director Betsy Peck Library Manger Daniel Wilkey Police Commander > Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation Mayor Irwin led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting -March 3, 2022 Page 2 Council Member Sterling Beus offered the Invocation. 8. Call to the public Mayor Irwin called for public comments. Rob Ingles offered the following comments. "7lfecz#fa )/oc4, A4lcz);or cz#d Cow73cz./. 4f this time Of public participation, I wanted to share with you that I am personally disappbinted to see a new connection made to Highway 260. I am trying to get inf;ormation down from ADOT and am waiting on a response. I have had some conwersation regarding what has happened since 2019 and concerns expressed by citizens about the acreage between Camp Grace and the Family Fun Park. Those Of us that have property in the Show Low Lake Road area have had traffic concerns. Other people in the community have expressed concerns over several rof;erendums, and building. ADOT stated that the permit that was given out fior access, based on traffic studies for an Ky park, was given out at the end of last year. I specifically sat, as a citizen irrvolved in a referendum, and would like to know who the applicant was . I am waiting to see if we need to make a public records request to ADOT. I would like to find out the timing Of the permit. How that property will get developed has been an ongoing problem f;or years. I fieel that the voters have spoken. I had several phone calls on Tuesday night. I also spoke with Community Development Director Loyd last Thursday night with the same concerns. I am hoping that as a community we can have transpareney on how we move ahead and how future development Of properties will affect us. I suggest more interaction rather then waiting until something happens. Thank you f;or the time to address you. Like I said, there has been a lot of history leading up to this new intersection on Highway 260 in the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside. It seems there could have been more involvement with the Community Development Department. The Town Manager drives by this site daily and is aware. I don't mean to name people individually, but I think there is a responsibility to listen to the citizens, share irformation, and act on the behalf Of citizens . Thank you f;or your time tonight. " C. Consent Agenda Mayor Irwin announced consideration of the Consent Agenda and explained that all items listed would be acted upon by a single vote of the Council, unless a member of the Council asked that specific items be removed from the Consent Agenda, discussed, and voted upon separately. Minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting -March 3, 2022 Page 3 Council Member Beus moved for passage of the Consent Agenda. Vice Mayor Smith seconded the motion and by show of hands the following vote was recorded: AYHS NAYS ABSTAIN Mayor Irwin X Vice Mayor Smith X Council Member Krigbaum X Council Member Snitzer X Council Member Watson X Council Member Beus X Council Member Heisler X Mayor Irwin then declared that all consent agenda items in these minutes were approved, passed, and adopted with a 7-0 vote. C.1 Consider approval of the Minutes of the Town council Meeting held on February 17, 2022. By a unanimous vote under the Consent Agenda, Town Council approved the minutes of the Town Council Meeting held on February 17, 2022. C.2 Consider approval of the Town check Register for the period January 1 through 31, 2022. By a unanimous vote under the Consent Agenda, Town Council approved the Town Check register for the period January 1 through 31, 2022. C.3 Consider approval of the special Event Liquor License from the Nature Center of the White Mountains for the Balloon Festival at Mountain Meadow on June 24th through June 26th, 2022. By a unanimous vote under the Consent Agenda, Town Council approved the Special Event Liquor License from the Nature Center of the White Mountains for the Balloon Festival at Mountain Meadow on June 27th through June 26th, 2022. D. Business Before the council Minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting -March 3, 2022 Page 4 Mayor Irwin announced that Public Comment will be taken at the beginning of each agenda item, after the subject has been announced by the Mayor and explained by Staff. Any citizen, who wishes, may speak one time for five minutes on each agenda item before or after Council discussion. Questions from Council Members, however, may be directed to staff or a member of the public through the Mayor at any time. D.1 Consider Resolution No. 22-1610, Adopting a seventh Amendment to the Development Agreement Between the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, Aspen Meadow at Pinetop, LLC, AZG Meadows, LLC, AZG Lot 9, LLC, Southern Oasis Inc., and Flag Hollow Investment Group, LLC. Community Development Director Loyd stated that the owners of the Aspen Meadows Development would like to extend the Development Agreement for an additional five-year period, extending the agreement to July 1, 2027. This project was started in 2004 and much of the infrastructure has been put into place. The current Development Agreement expires July 1, 2022. This will be the 7th amendment to the Development Agreement. There are no other requested changes to the agreement. Daniel Shreeve offered the following comments. "Good eve#z.77g, A4lcz)/or cz#d Council. My name is Daniel Shreeve. We have been inwolved with this project fior 14 years. The history Of this project is; In approximately 2007-2008, We started the infrastructure. Then, with the econony going down, we put it in moth-balls, if you will. Since that time, it has been our hope to, at the right time, begin developing again. We feel this is the time. We did have it on the market f;or sale. Currently, it is under contract. If the new bnyers go f;orward, great, because I think they have the same vision and plan we did. If they do not, our game plan at this point is to go ahead and finish the infirastructure, get it to that point and see where we go. If we start going vertical or what we do at that point, but at least get the infirastructure in. So, that's the game plan at this moment. We had planned that a couple years ago, but when COVID hit, it put a little kink in our works if you will and we put it on the back burner. Suddenly, we're up again fior another extension. Please lanow that we 're imesting in it. We have close to two and a half.million dollars of infrastructure in the project. Time is money and it's been long enough. We are hoping that, soon the development moves f;orward. Thank You. " Minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting -March 3, 2022 Page 5 Rob Ingles offered the following comments. " 7lfecz72k);oc4 czgcH.73, A4lcz);or, cz7cd Cow#cz./. I happen to be an adjoining property owner to this project. Thanks to neighborhood meetings, having a General Plan that was adhered to, and a plan development that inchaded buffering around the perimeter fior those of us that pref;er a low-density lifestyle. The ability to create commercial opportunity and higher density and clustering in areas. Keeping open spaces that would provide f;or drainage. I am a strong supporter Of the proj ect moving ahead and being renewed. I am wishing them the best and feel it will be a reliof to have a row of single-f;amily residential lots. Looking back on our Town Code and our General Plan, I was looking fior guidance as this plan came f;orward, there was a lot of effbrt put out by the developers at that time to deal with neighborhood meetings, talk about options, and bringing the traffic out onto Highway 260, because of the density, and lonowing that this project borders Penrod Lane, which is pretty confined due to the businesses and narrowness Of the road. So, as a resident in that area, to see a project come fiorth and feel it has stalled out, but to renew it now as a Council, and to give it an opportunity and green light to move ahead, would be an exciting thing for the whole community. Again, I appreciate ray 42 years of residing in this community and being on the Planning Commission, in the past, to see the fioresight in this, and the plaming that went into a project like this. Hopefully, the marketing will occur, and we will have a new development that will make people happy in the community. Thank You. " Council Member Krigbaum moved to approve Resolution No. 22-1610, Adopting a Seventh Amendment to the Development Agreement Between the Town of pinetop- Lakeside, Aspen Meadow at Pinetop, LLC, AZG Meadows, LLC, AZG Lot 9, LLC, Southern Oasis Inc., and Flag Hollow Investment Group, LLC., and it's successors, and assigns. Council Member Beus Seconded the motion and by a show of hands the following vote was recorded. AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Mayor Irwin X Vice Mayor Smith X Council Member Krigbaum X Council Member Snitzer X Council Member Watson X Council Member Beus X Council Member Heisler X Minutes Of the Town Council Regular Meeting -March 3, 2022 Page 6 Mayor Irwin declared Resolution No. 22-1610 approved, passed, and adopted with a 7-0 vote. D.2 Introduction of commander Daniel wilkey. Chief Dan Bames offered the following comments. "Good eve7%.#g, A4lcz);or, yz.ce Mayor, and Council. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Commander Wilkey to the Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department. Daniel comes to us with a lot Of experience, which includes 12 years in the Marines. He worked with the Yuna Police Department fior 20 years and retired from there. He then went to workfior the Peoria Police Department as a Lieutenant. He completed 5 years with Peoria PD bof;ore coming to join Pinetop-Lakeside PD. We wholeheartedly welcome him and his wife. Commander Daniel Wilkey offered the following comments. "Gooc7 eve77z.72g, Mayor, and Council. I want to thank you all for giving me this opportunity. I am very happy to be here. My wife and I have had a residence here fior the last five years. Now we've gone full time, which is what we've always wanted to do. So, I have already began working with the Chief; our staff; and other city departments. I really like being here and I look f;orward to the opportunity to contribute to this community." Mayor Irwin welcomed and thanked Commander Wilkey and his wife for being at the meeting. D.3 Consider authorizing the Call of Election and Resolution No. 22-1609 for the Town's 2022 Primary Election, August 2, 2022, and General Election, if needed, November 8, 2022. Deputy Clerk Salskov shared the following information. "7lfoe row# o/Pz.73e/ap- Lakeside will hold a primary election on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, in conjunction with the county election, fior the purpose of electing a mayor (4-year term), three council members (4-year term) and one council member (2-year term). A general election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, to fill any seats that remain urifilled after the primary election. Navajo County registration and voting lists will be used fior the municipal election. In order to be qualified to vote you must be Minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting -March 3, 2022 Page 7 registered by Monday, July 4, 2022. Candidates seeking municipal office may obtain candidate packets, which contain nomination papers and other election materials, that must be filed by candidates fior public office at the Pinetop-Lakeside Town Clerk's Office, 325 W. White Mountain Blvd., Lakeside AZ 85929. Candidates must file nomination papers and other nomination f;orms by 5 ..00 p.in. on April 4, 2022 , at the Pinetop-Lakeside Town Clerk's Office f;or their nanes to appear on the Primary Election Ballot. The earliest date for filing nomination papers is March 7 , 2022. Candidates seeking nomination fior Mayor and Councilmember will be required to obtain a minimum Of 42 signatures." Vice Mayor Smith moved to authorize the Call of Election and Resolution No. 22- 1609 for the Town's 2022 Primary Election, August 2, 2022, and General Election, if needed, November 8, 2022. Council Member Watson seconded the motion and by the show of hands the following vote was recorded. AYES NAYS ABSTAIN Mayor Irwin X Vice Mayor Smith X Council Member Krigbaum X Council Member Snitzer X Council Member Watson X Council Member Beus X Council Member Heisler X Mayor Irwin declared Resolution No. 22-1609 approved and adopted with a 7-0 vote. D.4 Reports from Council Committee Liaisons and Town Manager. Council member Snitzer shared the approval of two grants for Tracks. One grant is going to help with building a short-cut on the Blue Ridge trail. This grant will help to pay for some of the equipment needed to cut this trail into the hard ground in this area. The second grant is to help obtain roll-over bike gates; this will make the forest much more bike firiendly. There are 43 locations that the gates will be installed. The hope is that this will help with tourism, bringing in visitors to enjoy our trails. Councilor Snitzer also shared exciting news for the Nature Center. A new list of programs will be taking place, with an emphasis on outdoor events, including nature walks. The Nature Center is also working with a company called Land and Sky to add a bird exhibit. Councilor Snitzer stated that the Nature Center received a Minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting -March 3, 2022 Page 8 $250,000.00 grant to build an amphitheater. Councilor Snitzer also shared that the birds will arrive Saturday, March 5, 2022, with hopes of showing the birds this summer. There will be 3 birds, a Crow, Eurasian Eagle Owl, and a Harris Hawk. Councilor Snitzer shared that the Nature Center will be looking to lease a part of the building to help with the affects of COVID. Lastly, Councilor Snitzer shared that the Little Colorado RCND, the group that has been working on Rainbow Lake and working with the irrigation company, is trying to show the need for recreational uses of the water. Council Member Watson shared that he has been working on affordable housing and there are several concepts that are being developed. Councilor Watson stated that when they talk about affordable housing, they talk about housing that is affordable to young professionals, such as, medical, education specialist, and first responders. Secondly, Councilor Watson stated that the number of patients in the hospital are down, and the hospital has been able to close several temporary ICU's that had been put in place. Vice Mayor Smith shared that the Municipal Property Coaporation has been dissolved because it is no longer needed. Vice Mayor Smith also shared that the Council and staff will be serving lunch on Thursday, March 17, 2022, St. Patrick's Day. Vice Mayor added that the Senior Center received a Legacy Grant for over $100,000.00 and will start upgrading their kitchen, tables, and chairs. Vice Mayor shared that the Transit Advisory Council will be meeting next month. Council Member Heisler had nothing to report at this time. Council Member Beus shared that the Historical Museum has not had any recent meetings but feel they may schedule something for this spring. Councilor Beus acknowledged the appreciation from Blue Ridge School regarding a threat, which was neutralized quickly by our Law Enforcement, as well as students stepping up and bringing the information forward. Councilor Beus mentioned that spring break is March 14th thru March 21St, 2022. Councilor Beus added that the school is struggling with affordable housing and has built out two small apartments on school property and are looking at a grant to help with four more small apartments. Councilor Beus stated that until April 15, 2022, you can donate to the school for a tax credit. Lastly, Councilor Beus mentioned that Beauty and the Beast will be preformed March 26th and 27th, as well as April 1St and 2nd, At Blue Ridge High School. Minutes of the Town Council Regular Mecting -March 3, 2022 Page 9 Council Member Krigbaum shared that Natural Resources Group has not met but continue to do their regular work. Councilor Krigbaum stated the Four Fry meetings are still held via zoom, and the Forest Health Committee still has not met but are hoping to have a meeting soon and are excited to have new Council Member Taber Heisler involved. Finally, Councilor Krigbaum shared that Save Our Park will meet in April. Mayor Irwin shared that the Blue Ridge Scholarship fund will hold their armual fundraising golf tournament on April 30, 2022, at White Mountain County Club and are seeking businesses to sponsor a hole, golfers to play, and donations for raffles. Town Manager Johnson stated that the first budget meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 9:00 a.in. at which time department reports will be given, as well as the Strategic Plan update. Town Manager Johnson also mentioned the Darren Reed Foundation fundraiser dinner will be held March 30, 2022. Lastly, Town Manager challenged all to sign up for the Sue's Crew Walk for breast cancer awareness. Mayor Irwin shared that the forest Service will be doing a prescribed bum in Woodland Lake Park which will take place the 2nd week of March. E. Adjournment There being no further business at this time, the regular meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.in. Stephanie Irwin Mayor ATTEST: Deputy Town Clerk CERTIFICATI0N I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular meeting of the Town Council of Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, Minutes of the Town Council Regular Meeting -March 3, 2022 Page 10 held on the 3rd day of February 2022. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. Dated this 3rd day of March 2022. Deputy Town Clerk