Maricopa’s City Council met in regular session Tuesday night for public hearings on annexation and the proposed Avalea development. The annexation petition passed without public comment, adding 2,615 acres to the corporate limits of the city. The Avalea development, however, sparked discussion on the part of both citizens and council members.
Attorney Ralph Pew, representing the consortium of Avalea developers, called the 2,179-acre residential master-planned community “the largest in Maricopa.” He expressed the group’s appreciation to staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission for their work on the project.
However, former Superintendent of Schools Alma Farrell was not pleased with the development for personal reasons. Indicating that she had resided on West Farrell Road for 48 years, she told the council that she had personal concerns, which she had not brought forward previously because of her position with the school district, regarding the Santa Rosa Springs and Avalea developments. Farrell’s concerns included the block wall cutting off her northern view, the three-foot drop on either side of her driveway limiting her access, her water line and the fact that she cannot get Internet access without paying a $600 fee due to the two-story homes nearby.
“I have no alternative but to make a plea to you councilmen,” Farrell said. Her son, Councilman Edward Farrell did not participate in the discussion, declaring conflict of interest. “I have talked and been assured they (the developers) would work with me; until yesterday, I had no communication,” added the former Superintendent. “I appreciate the consideration of all of you to help work with the developers on this.”
Alma Farrell related some personal concerns with the developments surrounding her property.
Later in the meeting, Pew responded to Farrell’s concerns, stating that Fulton Homes to the east of her residence would provide a water connection, a 30-foot buffer zone on the east and south of her property, restrict building to single story structures in the area and would probably donate a satellite dish and assist her with an Internet connection.
Delia Carlyle, chairperson of the Ak-Chin Community, expressed some additional concerns regarding the Avalea development. “We still have to meet regarding traffic signals, a buffer zone and issues with aerial spraying,” she explained. “All we ask is that we have the opportunity to take human remains back to the reservation where they’ll never be moved again. The community still feels the need for ongoing dialogue.” Pew responded that traffic access on SR 347 had not yet been determined, and, since the annexation had been approved, Vestar, the city and the Ak-Chin Community would be meeting.
Avalea Zoning Stipulation:
The Planning & Zoning Commission previously stipulated that developers display a 32 square foot sign disclosing the presence of the ethanol plant, the railroad and dairies in the area of the development. Court Rich, representing the Vestar development connected with Avalea, expressed concern regarding the negative impact of such signage.
Planning Director Amy Haberbosch explained, “It’s an enforcement issue as well, something we owe to the public. Allow them (the developers) to design it and place it anywhere they so desire.”
Mayor Kelly Anderson agreed, saying, “There is no stip on font size; they can go on and on about the rich history of Maricopa and the Ak-Chin Community.”
“In keeping with current concerns, I think we need something visible,” added Vice-Mayor Brent Murphree. “I see disclosure as informational and friendly. My concern is for the landowners who have been here and are being encroached upon. We need to let people know that we are primarily agricultural and will be for a time.”
Kevin Treacy, one of the Planning & Zoning Commissioners, agreed. “I don’t think we can give too much information to people. I don’t think developers would put in this kind of money if they thought the area would hinder home sales.”
Pew, representing those same developers, stated, “It’s important that buyers know what they’re getting into, but the sign has a stigma; it creates negative perceptions.”
Councilman Will Dunn also had issues with the signage. “If you spend $200,000 to $300,000 for a home and don’t take the time to drive around the area, that’s your loss. We’re not any different from any other community in Arizona going up on farms.”
“My concern is the negative impact of someone pulling up and seeing it (the sign). Developers can have every person sign a disclosure separately from the public report. I think that carries more force than a sign,” noted Councilman Joseph Estes.
Councilman Kelly Haddad added, “I think you’d be more educated with a sheet of paper than the sign.”
In the end Estes moved to substitute a separate disclosure statement to be signed by the buyer at the time of contract, removing the stipulation for signage at the development site. The motion carried with only Mayor Anderson and Vice-Mayor Murphree voting against it.
Special Events:
Council approved a request by Parks, Recreation and Libraries Director Marty McDonald to hold a classic car show and display called Hot October Nights as part of the Founders Day celebration and in response to what McDonald termed “a tremendous amount of interest in the community.”
The second annual Holiday Homes on Parade was also approved. The event, according to McDonald, “will give homeowners the chance to display their homes in different holiday motifs.” Last year’s event had over 1,500 votes in various categories. This year’s categories will include Most Creative, Best Use of Lights, Best Theme, Best Color and Best on Parade. Maps will denote the homes on display, and winners will receive gift cards from either Lowe’s or Home Depot.
New City Clerk:
Vanessa Bueras, Deputy City Clerk since March 2004 (see related feature), was appointed as the new City Clerk, receiving a standing ovation from the council members. City Manager Rick Buss noted that Bueras had completed the requirements for Certified Municipal Clerk in two years although it is normally a three-year process.
City Manager Rick Buss introduces new City Clerk Vanessa Bueras to the council members and the audience.
A member of both the Arizona Municipal Clerks Association and the International Municipal Clerks Association, Bueras plans to pursue a Master Municipal Clerk designation, which is generally a seven or eight year course of study. “I have found that if I work hard enough that it can be done in approximately four years, and I plan to do it in that time,” explained Bueras in her report to the council. Buss explained that there are presently only five such designations in Arizona.
