City Hall and Municipal Court
Now Open for Business
In March the community’s new City Hall and Municipal Court opened for business and it is not business as usual. These facilities embrace the concept of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D.), and are an important attribute to promote sustainability in the community.
For a little history on the City’s Capital Facilities Plan we must go back to May 1998. At that time a Town Hall was held to determine what capital facilities were needed in Apache Junction. Capital facilities are things such as parks, buildings, and physical improvements designed to serve an entire community for many years. Numerous public hearings were held. Many plans helped create the Capital Facilities Plan including the General Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The success of the Capital Facilities Plan 2000 can be seen clearly in our new Swim Center which opened in the summer of 2002. It features increased hours of operation and days of available use, created a zero depth play pool and has upgraded bathhouse facilities.
The new soon-to-be-opened Multigenerational Recreation Center will meet the needs of all age groups for recreation and will be expandable to accommodate future growth.
A new Skate Park which also opened in 2002 is located near the Swim Center and serves as a focal point for youth and other age groups to enjoy year round.
A new City Hall and Court facility was identified as one of the top three priorities at the 1998 Town Hall. The then current City Hall and Court were housed in old modular buildings intended to be temporary.
This new complex achieves the following for the community:
• allows our municipal court to comply with Supreme Court mandates
• eliminates separate aging and cramped buildings
• reduces utility and maintenance costs
The initial City Hall/Municipal Court construction was budgeted at $5 million and with additional planned project enhancements had a construction budget of approximately $7 million.
The project enhancements considered the scope and size of the building, construction and material inflation, Council directed additional alternates, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design aspects.
Originally the project called for 45,000 square feet of space however, Council directed an increase to 49,898 in the summer of 2003. At a cost of $125 per square foot the additional 4,898 square feet cost $612,250.Construction and material costs also rose during this period and the inflation rate from 1999 to 2004 was 15.82 %. These added costs amounted to $791,000 for the project.
Council directed alternates included a different Development Services roof, L.E.E.D. certified wood, landscaping, a concrete elliptical path and simulated stone for an additional cost of $271,000.
L.E.E.D. certification equaled approximately 5% of the project’s cost or $350,000. this included more efficient HVAC systems, lighting controls and extreme limitations on Volital Omission Content (V.O.C.).
From an initial construction budget of $5 million the actual budget including all planned enhancements was as follows:
• Additional square footage $ 612,250
• Construction costs inflation $ 791,000
• Council directed alternates$ 271,000
• L.E.E.D. certification $ 350,000
Total $ 7,024,250
In addition, the before mentioned Multi-Generational Recreation Center is estimated to be ready for the public and open in August 2005.
As our community grows the City believes that all residents will benefit from improved capital facilities – both new and long term residents. Residents also benefit because winter visitors or folks just passing through town will share in paying for these improvements every time they make a purchase in Apache Junction.
L.E.E.D. certification equaled approximately 5% of the project’s cost or $350,000. this included more efficient HVAC systems, lighting controls and extreme limitations on Volital Omission Content (V.O.C.).
From an initial construction budget of $5 million the actual budget including all planned enhancements was as follows:
• Additional square footage $ 612,250
• Construction costs inflation $ 791,000
• Council directed alternates$ 271,000
• L.E.E.D. certification $ 350,000
Total $ 7,024,250
In addition, the before mentioned Multi-Generational Recreation Center is estimated to be ready for the public and open in August 2005.
As our community grows the City believes that all residents will benefit from improved capital facilities – both new and long term residents. Residents also benefit because winter visitors or folks just passing through town will share in paying for these improvements every time they make a purchase in Apache Junction.
City of Apache Junction Seeks to Fill Board and Commission Vacancies
The City of Apache Junction is actively seeking citizens in the community to volunteer as members of various important City Boards and Commissions.
Board and Commission members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council after submitting a brief one-page Talent Bank Application and being interviewed during a formal work session. Appointees serve a non-paid, fixed three-year term and are eligible for re-appointment at their term’s expiration.
Becoming involved with one of the many Boards and Commissions will give you the opportunity to work with other community members and the City Council to help make decisions about the future of the City and its services. Boards and Commissions deal with a wide variety of community issues, and give residents an opportunity to take an active role in addressing the vital needs of our growing City.
The City currently (or will soon have due to upcoming resignation(s) vacancies on these Boards and Commissions: (Those marked with an (*) asterisk require you be a resident of the City of Apache Junction.)
Planning and Zoning Commission* – (3) vacancies – one term to expire on June 30, 2007 and two to expire on June 30, 2008
Library Board* – (2) vacancies – both terms to expire on June 30, 2008
Health and Human Services* - (2) vacancies – both terms to expire on June 30, 2008
Industrial Development Authority* - (3) vacancies – all terms to expire on June 30, 2007
Municipal Property Corporation* - (3) vacancies – two terms to expire on June 30, 2008 and one to expire June 30, 2007
Parks and Recreation Commission* - (2) vacancies – both terms to expire on June 30, 2008
Public Safety Personnel Retirement Board* - (1) vacancy – term to expire on June 30, 2008
Board of Adjustment* - (3) vacancies – all terms to expire on June 30, 2008
Construction Code Board of Appeals* - (2) vacancies, one in professional architect or engineer and one in contractor other than general – both terms to expire on June 30, 2008
It is helpful if you have some experience or knowledge about the Board or Commission on which you wish to serve. However, the most important attribute is that you have a desire to contribute your talents, ideas and opinions to make our community an even better place to live.
When considering participation for a Board or Commission, you should determine how much time you are willing and able to commit. Not all Boards and Commissions require a substantial amount of time. Some meet only on an as needed basis, which may be only once or twice in an entire year. Others may require several hours a month.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions are for a set term length. Under some circumstances, it is possible to serve consecutively on two boards. To apply for a board(s), you need only fill out a one-page Talent Bank Application, specify which Board or Commission you would like to participate in, and return the application to the City Clerk’s Office.
Applications are available at the City Clerk’s office, at 300 E. Superstition.
Applications are also available online at www.ajcity.net, click on City Clerk, then on Apply for a Board or Commission. There you will find information on the duties of the various Boards and Commissions, as well as a downloadable Talent Bank Application. For additional information contact the City of Apache Junction City Clerk’s Office at (480) 982-8002.
Recently Found Pets and Others Ready For Adoption
Available For Viewing On-Line
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Hi there! See your next furry friend and
best pal by visiting www.ajcity.net. |
The City of Apache Junction Rabies Animal Control Division of the Department of Public Safety has animals ready for adoption and recently found pet’s pictures available to review on-line at www.ajcity.net
Click on Animal Control and see your next furry friend and best pal by visiting our website regularly. A unique feature of this web page allows for all recently found animals to have their picture posted and updated weekly on the City’s website.
Although some cities and counties post pictures of some available animals for adoption, it is believed that this is the first local, virtual dog pound, where all found animals or missing pets can be viewed by owners without having to drive down to the physical pound.
The virtual pound offers full size pictures of dogs, cats, and other animals as well as descriptions and details on where the animal was found.
The City’s Rabies/Animal Control facility is located at 725 E. Baseline Road in Apache Junction. The site offers modern, clean facilities and friendly customer service oriented employees.
For further information call the facility at (480) 983-4405 or at (480) 982-8260 after hours.
Roof Rats And AJ – Season About To Start
Roof rat sightings are becoming more common throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Once again it’s the time of year where these critters might pop up throughout the Southeast Valley, although none have been sighted in AJ yet.
Roof rats have the ability to spread their territory and have been reported in the Arcadia District of Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, and in Scottsdale, among other locations.
Roof rats are typically dark brown or black and can be 12-16 inches in length. It is important to eradicate roof rats’ 
preferred habitats by reducing their food supply and generally cleaning up the environments where they proliferate.
The damage caused by roof rats can be extensive. Their burrows can contribute to building damage and they have a strong chewing habit especially of wires and rubber tubing and hoses of all kinds. Also, roof rats derive much of their water from eating certain plants such as succulents and shrubbery. They will often be drawn to irrigation areas or wherever rubbish and garbage is collecting. When resident leave food and water outside for their pets these rats can be drawn to the neighborhood.
Roof rats travel mostly in the late evening or at night and spend much of their lives in the air, that is to say in trees, and in high perches largely out of sight. They travel along power lines, wires, over branches and vines much as tree squirrels do.
The following preventive measures should be taken by all residents to ensure the spread of roof rats to Apache Junction is eliminated or reduced:
• Seal holes and vents leading into homes, storage sheds and other structures as well as into attics and crawl spaces
• Pick up pet and animal waste as quickly as possible in your yard
• Don’t leave pet’s food and water outside when these nocturnal rats are in search of subsistence
• Make sure that all outside garbage containers are tightly closed and pulled away from buildings and tall shrubs
• Store food in sealed containers and keep it inside secured buildings
• Pick up any fruit that has fallen from citrus trees
• Make sure that all citrus is picked from the tree and not left to hang
• Keep plants such as oleanders and other shrubs trimmed, pruned and cut back to minimize shelter and travel paths
for roof rats
• Poisons and traps may be used but special caution here should be exercised so as not to injure pets or wildlife
Roof rats are most active from November through May and besides living off the ground can be found in woodpiles and other dense vegetation. A good source of local information on roof rats can be found at the website www.roofrat.net.
City of Phoenix Arcadia resident Barry Paceley maintains the above site and has extensive experience in dealing with these rodents in that community. Some of the information in this article is derived from his website or has been summarized from extensive reports available by link to his site.
The City of Apache Junctions asks any resident who observes the evidence of roof rats, which can include chewed wiring, visual sightings, or destroyed vegetation such as hollowed out citrus fruit, take all precausions to eliminate their habitat. Visit the City of Apache Junction’s website at www.ajcity.net for roof rat updates and reports of any sightings.
City Receives Funds to Address Community Transportation Needs
The City of Apache Junction is pleased to announce the receipt of grant funds to help local citizens to address their transportation needs.
On April 5, 2005 during the City Council meeting, AZ Department of Housing staff presented a ceremonial car key to Mayor Douglas Coleman.
Joy Johnson, the Community Revitalization Manager, and Lisa Bacha, Community Revitalization Specialist, with the Arizona Department of Housing presented the key to Mayor Coleman.
The key symbolizes the nine vehicles that were secured with funds from the Fiscal Year 2004 Community Development Block Grant State Special Projects grant.
The grant enabled sedans, vans, and station wagons to be purchased for the following agencies:
1. Apache Bravo Young Marines
2. Central Arizona Council on Developmental Disabilities
3. City of Apache Junction Police Dept. Victim Services
4. Community Alliance Against Family Abuse
5. Salvation Army of Apache Junction
6. Superstition Mountain Mental Health Center.
The key also represents a vehicle secured for the Parks and Recreation Department thru an Arizona Department of Transportation transit grant.
These agencies or City departments all provide transportation to local residents for social, daily living, emergency, and recreational purposes.
The vehicles were available outside of Council Chambers for the public to view before the 7:00 pm Council meeting and during the break at 8:00 pm.
For further information please contact Melinda Larson at (480) 474-2635.
West Nile Virus Alert – City Urges Clean-Up And Inspections
The West Nile virus is a mosquito-born virus, which can infect humans, birds and horses among other species. The majority of humans and animals that are infected have a mild illness or suffer no symptoms. In much fewer cases the infection can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
The City of Apache Junction is strongly encouraging all residents in every neighborhood to be especially aware of habitats that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Some mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water that has been stagnant for as little as four days. Weeds, tall grass and
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Pools gone bad are major breeding
grounds for mosquitos. |
shrubbery provide an enticing home for mosquitoes to thrive. Some will breed in discarded tires, buckets, birdbaths, pots, pet dishes and any other outside containers that are open.
The City is advising all residents to check, identify and eliminate all of the following areas and conditions where these potentially deadly carriers of West Nile virus can breed:
• Clogged gutters which can collect water
• Untreated, standing water
• Swimming pools and ponds which are unattended
• Pots, planters, bird baths and dishes that collect water outside the home
• Leaky outdoor faucets
• Any outside vegetation such as grass, leaves or other debris which allow standing water to collect or retain surface water
The City urges all residents to canvass not only their individual homes but also their neighborhood in order to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
The West Nile virus can have a serious affect on animals and pets who remain outside for all or most of the day. Horses are highly susceptible to infection by certain types of mosquitoes that can carry the virus. Any animal that spends time outdoors near any of the above-cited conditions is a potential candidate for becoming infected with West Nile.
Some additional proactive measures that citizens can take include:
• Avoiding outside activity at dusk and dawn
• Making sure that doors and windows have tight fittings and solid screens that repel mosquitoes’ entrance
• Draining all standing, stagnant water
• Using insect repellent that features DEET
• Changing water in bird baths, pet dishes and flower pots every few days
For further information on West Nile virus contagions contact the Pinal County Department of Public Health Mosquito Control Hotline at 1-866-287-0209 ext 6200 Additional information and links to public health agencies is available on the City of Apache Junction website www.ajcity.net Development Services Code Compliance pages.
Pinal County Division of Environmental Health
DEAD BIRD SURVEILLANCE
Dead birds in an area may mean that West Nile virus is circulating between the birds and the mosquitoes in that area. Over 110 species of birds are known to have been infected with West Nile virus.
The Environmental Health Section, in association with the Arizona Department of Health Services, has established a dead bird reporting program. Criteria for the submission of a dead bird for WNV testing are as follows: 
Is the carcass intact and fresh (dead less than 24 hours)?
• A good indicator that the bird has been dead less than 24 hours is that the neck is still moveable from the body and the eye balls are still present
• If the carcass has an odor, is soft and mushy, has skin discoloration, feathers or skin easily rubs off, or has maggots present, it is too decomposed for testing.
Is the bird an adult?
• If the bird is a baby or young, the chance of the bird being infected with WNV is very remote. We are not accepting baby or young birds for testing at this time.
Is the bird the only one to have died in the past few days?
• Multiple birds found dead in close proximity to each other is more likely from pesticide poisoning, than WNV
What species is the bird?
• Crows, grackles, ravens, jays, magpies, doves, raptors and exotic avian species (if housed outside) are the most like to die suddenly from WNV infection.
• No pigeons or chickens are being accepted for testing
To submit a dead bird for WNV testing, please call the Environmental Health Dept. at (520) 866-6559 or (800) 231-8499 ext. 6559.
You will be asked to pick-up the bird using an inverted plastic bag and move it to a cool location out of the sun. Placing the bird in the refrigerator or on an ice pack would be helpful and greatly improve the viability of the specimen. Do not freeze the bird (if the bird is frozen at any time it will no longer be viable for testing).
For more information about WNV and Pinal County’s Mosquito Control Program, please call the Environmental Health Mosquito Hotline (520) 866-6200 or (800) 231-8499 ext. 6200.
WEST NILE VIRUS 2005 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q. What is West Nile virus?
A. West Nile virus is a virus that infects birds. Mosquitoes that bite infected birds carry the virus and can infect a human or horse by biting them.
Q. What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?
A. Most people who are infected with West Nile virus will never show any symptoms. Most of the people who do show symptoms only show mild symptoms like fever, headache, body aches and weakness. Some people, especially people over the age of 50, may get more severe symptoms such as higher fever, neck stiffness and inflammation of the brain.
Q. I have a fever and a headache, do I have West Nile virus?
A. If you have been bitten by a mosquito in the last few days and are feeling ill, please call your doctor for information on what to do.
Q. Is there a treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus?
A. Currently there is no treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus in humans. If you have symptoms of West Nile virus, please call your doctor or your local hospital. There is a vaccine for horses, if you would like to vaccinate your horses, please call your vet.
Q. Can my dog or cat get West Nile virus?
A. West Nile virus in dogs and cats is rare. Call your vet for more information.
Q. I just got bitten by mosquitoes, should I worry about West Nile virus?
A. Most people who are bitten by mosquitoes do not get infected or only get a very mild case where there are no symptoms. If you start to feel symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and weakness, call your doctor for follow-up.
Q. How do I protect myself from West Nile virus?
A. The best way to protect yourself is to get rid of the areas around your home where mosquitoes can live and to wear long sleeves and long pants when you are outdoors. Get rid of areas where there is standing water such as buckets, tires, cans, bottles, etc. Change the water in your flowerpots, water dishes and birdbaths every few days. Make sure your windows and screens are secure and do not have any holes or tears in them. Wear long sleeves and long pants and use insect repellant when going outside at night.
Q. I want to buy insect repellant, what brand should I get?
A. The Pinal County Division of Public Health does not endorse any specific brand of insect repellant. We recommend buying repellant that contains a substance called DEET. As with any chemical, follow the directions on the package when using it. If you have any questions about DEET you can call the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.
Q. Where can I call to get more information?
A. HOTLINES:
Pinal County Public Health Hotline at - 1-866-763-7252
PCDPH Mosquito Control Hotline at - 1-866-287-0209 ext. 6200
Arizona Department of Health Services Hotline at 1-800-314-9243
CDC Hotline at 1-800-232-4636.
WEBSITES:
Pinal County DPH: www.co.pinal.az.us/EnvHealth/WNV
Arizona Department of Health Services: www.westnileaz.gov
CDC: www.cdc.gov
Attorney General’s Office Looks For Volunteers
The Arizona Attorney General’s Community Services Program is looking for dedicated volunteers to help staff local Satellite Offices throughout Arizona. These satellite offices provide convenient locations for Arizona residents to access information on consumer fraud, civil rights, victims’ rights and other topics affecting the most vulnerable members of the community and the general population.
Volunteers staff satellite offices, make educational presentations for community groups, distribute educational materials at community events and assist individuals filing complaints or referrals for assistance.
A local presence in Apache Junction is available at:
Apache Junction Office Hours
Mondays (open all year)
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Apache Junction Senior Center
1177 N. Idaho Road
Apache Junction, AZ 85219
(480) 982-3223
If you are interested in volunteering with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, please contact the Community Services Program at (602) 542-2123 or send an email to community services@azag.gov.
Help Protect Your Property From Brush Fires
The City of Apache Junction and the Apache Junction Fire District would like to remind residents that there are several preventative measures that you can take to help reduce the danger of brush fires during this very dry season.
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There are several preventative
measures that you can take to
reduce the danger of brush fires. |
We recommend you consider the following:
• Examine the area surrounding your home. All grass, brush and debris should be cleared at least 30 feet from the structure.
• If you smoke, dispose of smoking materials properly after use. DO NOT throw lit smoking materials on the ground.
• Never leave bar-b-que and charcoal grills unattended.
• No open burning of brush or trash is permitted during the summer season. This includes open cooking and heating fires.
Your cooperation can make the difference in the Fire District’s efforts to protect your property. If you do have a fire emergency, call 911. For questions or additional information on brush fire prevention contact Dave Montgomery at the Apache Junction Fire District (480) 982-4445.
Backyard Checklist For Mosquito Breeding
? Bird baths = Empty or flush every two days out with a garden hose
? Pet water bowls = Empty or flush out every two days
? Potted plants = Empty saucers or flush out every two days
? Buckets and other containers that hold water = Turn over or throw away
? Plastic covers & tarps = Drain water trapped in folds
? Garbage cans & barrels = Keep lid on a can
? Old tires = Dispose of at a Solid Waste Transfer Station
? Children’s toys = Store inside or turn over
? Abandoned or unused swimming & wading pools = Remove, fill-in or chlorinate regularly
? Wheelbarrows = Turn over when not in use
? Ornamental ponds = Stock with fish or circulate water continuously
? Boats & canoes = Pump out bilges and turn over canoes and small boats
? Low spots in yard, drainage ditches & culverts = Fill in depressions, remove grass and weed
clippings so water can flow and/or drain freely
? Patio umbrella stand or portable basketball stand = Fill with sand and keep water out of depressions on stand
? Septic Tanks = Keep lid closed
? Horse & Cattle Tanks = Add Gambusia aka mosquito-fish
FIGHT THE BITE
Who is responsible for mosquito control?
— As property owners and residents of Pinal County, we all have a role to play in reducing mosquito breeding on property 
we own or occupy.
Protect yourself and your family, don’t forget the DEET!
Products containing no more than 30% DEET are deemed appropriate for people ages 3 to adult when used according to product label.
Call the “Mosquito Hotline” for information on spraying in your area or to make a mosquito complaint
1-866-287-0209 ext. 6200
www.pinalcounty.org/EnvHealth/WNV
ET Is Here – Enabling Transportation (ET) Now Available To City Residents
The City of Apache Junction in conjunction with Mesa Senior Services Inc., continues to support “ET” – Enabling Transportation for City of Apache Junction residents.
The Alternative Transportation – “ET Mileage Reimbursement Program” is funded by a $30,000 City grant and provides mileage reimbursement for passengers who rely on their friends and neighbors, or non-residing relatives for transportation.
Residents who are senior citizens 60 and over or disabled adults 18 through 59 (with proper disability certification for the ET program), may be eligible to participate. In addition, these same residents must be unable to drive or have a car. Those who apply for this program choose their own volunteer driver (friend, neighbor, or non-residing relative). ET does not provide drivers.
Mileage is paid to the ET passenger at 34 cents per mile for the purpose of reimbursing their driver when they are in the driver’s car.
Most destinations are allowed, such as shopping for groceries and medical appointments, for a maximum limit of 300 miles in one calendar month.
To apply to the Enabling Transportation Program contact Mesa Senior Services at (480) 218-2221 and request an ET brochure packet which includes an eligibility application. These packets are also available at the Apache Junction Senior Center counter located at 1177 Idaho Road or visit www.mesaseniorservices.com.
