CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Foster 7:01 P.M.
INVOCATION: Mayor Foster.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: All in attendance.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Foster, Vice Mayor Cowell, Council Members Anderson, Kelley, Lukkasson, and Winslow.
ABSENT: Council Member Lizarraga.
STAFF PRESENT: Town Manager Alex Taft, Town Attorney Shadle, Town Clerk Karen Norris, Finance Director Heidi Turner, Al Johnson C.B.O. and Police Chief Jeff Gilbert.
REPORTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mr. Hal Davidson gives a brief report on the recall efforts.
Ms. Star Bearcat announces that October 20, 2010 is National Bullying Month. She would like the town to do a proclamation regarding this issue. Ms. Bearcat comments regarding bullying and raising awareness.
Mrs. Mary Huntley gives a report on the flag retirement ceremony that was held June 12th in the town park.
Ms. Anita Carlson with Operation Hero Comfort thanks everyone who brought flags to the flag retirement ceremony. Ms. Carlson also thanks everyone who helped and participated in the ceremony. Ms. Carlson presents Town Manager Alex Taft, for the Town, with a certificate of thanks for their support. Ms. Carlson also presents Alex Taft with a grommet for her help and support. Ms. Carlson comments that she has certificates and a grommet for the two firefighters who helped with the ceremony also.
Ms. PJ Bettmann gives a report on the Senior Center’s project of securing a grant for a generator and requests the Town’s support. Ms. Bettmann also gives an update on the Senior Center kitchen.
Mrs. Carol Kelley comments regarding a donation that was given to the Senior Center to help pay for the generator. Mrs. Kelley also comments regarding the Senior Center charging $2.00 for meals.
Pastor Jeff Jones comments regarding where the churches stand in the division of the town. Pastor Jones comments he supports the Mayor, he supports the Council and he supports the Police Department. Pastor Jones asks that everyone show some character and integrity when addressing the Council at the mic.
Ms. Shanana “Rain” Golden-Bear gives a Centennial Committee report. Ms. Golden-Bear comments regarding the importance of the Centennial Committee and planned celebration.
Sabrina (?), resident, comments regarding the need for jobs in town. Sabrina asks if there is there anything Council can do to help with this type of issue.
Mr. Dean Taylor, resident, agrees with Sabrina regarding the job issues. Mr. Taylor comments on bullying and this Council body getting along.
Council Member Lukkasson makes a statement regarding a couple of letters he has sent to Mayor Foster. Council Member Lukkasson states that he has copies of the letters for anyone who would like to read them. Council Member Lukkasson comments regarding the Council working together.
Mayor Foster comments regarding the only Council Member that shook his hand and welcomed him was Council Member Kelley.
Council Member Anderson gives a brief report following up on a work session that took place on March 11, 2010. It was concerning the presentation by Corplan regarding proposing a prison within the Town of Quartzsite town limits. Council Member Anderson states the issues was not put on an agenda for Council approval, the item was dropped and there will not be a prison within the Quartzsite Town limits.
Mr. Dean Taylor comments regarding Council Member Lukkassons statement. Mr. Taylor comments regarding being present when Council Member Lukkasson stated he would work with Mayor Foster.
Mr. Victor Allen comments regarding doing the job in an open and honest way. Council should show the community progress, leadership, honesty, integrity and the community will respond.
Council Member Winslow reads a letter aloud regarding the Mayor’s conduct and brings up issues of violations. Council Member Winslow requests the Mayor to resign from his office for: continuing to align himself with the Reform Coalition group, dissemination of false information; the several lawsuits brought against the town; the recall efforts; the many, many public records requests or “fishing” expedition. Council Member Winslow comments on the recent incident with the Town’s recycling being stolen from dumpsters. Council Member Winslow comments regarding shouting and outbursts from the audience and the Mayor choosing to ignore it. Council Member Winslow closes by commenting regarding leading by example and being a good leader; stating a military saying “lead, follow, or get out of the way”.
Mayor Foster says this is a perfect display of lack of unity in this Council. Mayor Foster states this circumstance started before this election. Mayor Foster comments regarding a criminal investigation into the election. Comments regarding employees trying to influence and election. Mayor Foster clarifies he did not sue the Town, he took them to court to ask them to obey the law; and has no intention of resigning.
Mrs. Joyce Snyder comments on the changes she has seen in the Town in the 30 years she has lived here.
Police Chief Gilbert comments on protecting and serving everyone and will not bow down to politics. Chief Gilbert comments on the election issues and misrepresentation of the facts by Mayor Foster. Chief Gilbert comments on the “emergency” powers of the Mayor. Comments regarding the recent water issue with Mr. Bennett’s pool. Urges the community to seek out the truth, be united and care about the community.
Mr. Jerry Wilcox comments regarding Council Member Winslow should use his time to do something positive for the community instead of trying to tear him down (Jerry Wilcox).
Mr. Douglas Gilford comments regarding Police Chief Gilbert’s comments. Clarifying the statute.
CONSENT AGENDA:
1. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of June 8, 2010
Council Member Lukkasson motion to approve the minutes of regular meeting of June 8, 2010 and the accounts payable in the amount of $176,614.01. Motion seconded by Vice Mayor Cowell. Mayor Foster states the accounts payable is not included with this agenda item. Town Attorney Shadle advises that if Council wants to have those items together it is fine. Mayor Foster advises Town Manager Taft that he would like to know who the four highest check amounts are being paid out to ($2,441.88; $2,063.25; $1,865.80 and $2,027.68); clarifies he would like to know for the last consent agenda also. Town Manager Taft states she will get those for him tomorrow. Mayor Foster calls for the vote. Vote – 5 in favor, 1 opposed (Mayor Foster), 1 member absent. MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS:
062210 – 1. Discussion and possible approval of accounts payable (Check Series: 30279-30347 /total= $176,614.01.
This item was taken with and voted on with the Consent Agenda. (see above)
062210 – 2. Discussion and possible approval of Resolution No. 10-11 (as corrected) Canvass the vote of the Town of Quartzsite General Election.
Council Member Anderson motioned to have discussion and possible approval of Resolution No. 10-11 (as corrected) canvass the vote of the Town of Quartzsite General Election. Motion seconded by Council Member Kelley. Mayor Foster calls for the vote. Vote – 6 in favor and 1 member absent. MOTION CARRIED.
062210 – 3. Discussion and possible approval of Tentative Budget for Town of Quartzsite fiscal year 2010/2011.
Council Member Lukkasson motioned to approve the Tentative Budget for Town of Quartzsite fiscal year 2010/2011. Motion seconded by Council Member Anderson. Mayor Foster calls for the vote. Vote – 5 in favor, 1 opposed (Mayor Foster) and 1 member absent. MOTION CARRIED.
062210 – 4. Discussion and possible direction to Vice Mayor Cowell to sign Ordinance No. 10-07 as passed at the Regular Council Meeting of May 25, 2010 as allowed for in Quartzsite Town Code Chapter 2, Section 2-2-6.
Council Member Kelley motioned to direct Vice Mayor Cowell to sign Ordinance No. 10-07 as passed at the Regular Council Meeting of May 25, 2010 as allowed for in Quartzsite Town Code Chapter 2, Section 2-2-6. Motion seconded by Council Member Lukkasson. Mayor Foster calls for the vote. Vote – 5 in favor, 1 opposed (Mayor Foster) and 1 member absent. MOTION CARRIED.
062210 – 5. Discussion and possible approval of Ordinance No. 10-09; Subdivision and rezone for applicant Jim McGovern, New SW Development, 72 Senter Street.
Vice Mayor Cowell recues herself from this agenda item. Council Member Anderson motioned to discuss and possible approval of Ordinance No. 10-09; Subdivision and rezone for applicant Jim McGovern, New SW Development, 72 Senter Street. Motion seconded by Council Member Kelley. Mayor Foster amends the motion to table this item. No second on the amendment. Council Member Anderson amends her motion to stipulate that both complaints be taken care of prior to final approval. (1-complaint of demolition of residential structure that was pushed across property line onto BLM land; 2- Open exposure of empty septic tank.) Mayor clarifies that prior to recordation Mr. McGovern will address both complaints. Amendment seconded by Council Member Lukkasson. Mayor Foster calls for the vote on the amendment. Vote – 4 in favor, 1 opposed (Council Member Kelley), 1 abstention (Vice Mayor Cowell) and 1 member absent. Mayor Foster calls for a roll call vote on the original motion. Mayor Foster-aye, Vice Mayor Cowell-abstains, Council Member Anderson-aye, Council Member Kelley-nay, Council Member Lizarraga-absent, Council Member Lukkasson-aye and Council Member Winslow-aye. MOTION & AMENDMENT CARRIED.
062210 – 6. Discussion and possible approval of Ordinance No. 10-10; Conditional Use Suburban Residential 43, applicant Tracy Phoenix, 1350 West Main Street.
Council Member Kelley motioned to approve Ordinance No. 10-10; Conditional Use Suburban Residential 43, applicant Tracy Phoenix, 1350 West Main Street. Motion seconded by Mayor Foster. Mayor Foster calls for the vote. Vote – 6 in favor, 1 member absent. MOTION CARRIED.
062210 – 7. Discussion only regarding water report given by Mayor during Regular Council Meeting of June 8, 2010.
Council Member Kelley motioned to discuss water report given by Mayor during Regular Council Meeting of June 8, 2010. Motion seconded by Council Member Lukkasson. Discussion only regarding water report given by Mayor during Regular Council Meeting of June 8, 2010; no action taken on this agenda item.
COMMUNICATIONS/PETITIONS & CITIZEN COMMENTS: (call to the public)
Mrs. Joyce Snyder comments regarding volunteering at the animal shelter. Comments they need volunteers.
Ms. Higia Hafmer (?) resident, comments regarding homeschooling her children. States she would not bring them to a Council meeting to introduce them to civics, she sees nothing here she would want her children to see.
ADJOURNMENT:
9:30 p.m.
CERTIFICATION:
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 Quartzsite, Arizona, held on the 22nd day of June 2010.
I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
DATED this 13th day of July 2010.
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Karen Norris, Town Clerk
APPROVED:
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Ed Foster, Mayor