Prescott eNews

Prop 207 was approved by the voters in November, 2006.

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano signed the Private Property Rights Protection Act Dec. 4, 2006 after voters approved the proposition a month earlier.

The proposition added a new article in the state's revised statutes permitting owners of private real property to seek just compensation from the state or municipalities that enact or apply a land use law reducing existing rights to use, divide, sell or possess the property resulting in a decrease in the fair market value of the property.

In a memo to council members regarding their vote on this issue, Town Planner Joe Scott states the law "recognizes that the state or political subdivisions may reach agreements with private property owners to waive claims for diminution in value resulting from land use law actions proposed by the state or political subdivision or requested by the property owners. Arizona courts have recognized the inherent authority of municipal corporations to enter into agreements within the scope of their legislative powers, the same as individuals and other corporations, in matters that appertain to said municipal corporations.

"Waivers have been collected ever since as part of the land use application process in the Community Development Department. However, there has not been a clear process for seeking approval of the Mayor to sign such waivers on behalf of the town.

"We now have such a process and the waivers will be routinely included in the materials in the packets for council action. We just need to catch up on past land use applications that were previously approved by the council."

If council approves the waivers, as they are expected to, land use agreements awaiting clearance consist of nine Fain properties; Prescott Valley Crossroads; Eastridge Place; Prescott Valley Pepsi Distribution Center; Prescott Valley Medical Plaza; Holiday Inn; Indigo Resort (at the old Castle Golf property); Yavapai Gas; Prescott Valley Women's Clinic; Russel Dalton Dental Office; Spray Jones LLC; and Pony Espresso Coffee House.

However, the dollar amount to be exchanged has not yet been made public.

In other council action at Thursday's meeting, council will consider doubling the charge card spending limits for Town Manager Larry Tarkowski up to $8,000 and Finance Manager Bill Kauppi up to $4,000. The same "yes" vote would give Utitilities Manager Neil Wadsworth and Human Resources Director Danielle Bowman charge cards with $1,000 limits.

Those attending Thursday's voting session also may expect to hear an update on plans for the new library as well as accomplishments over the past year for the current library at town hall.

Two agenda items are directed at improving safety in Prescott Valley. One is the approval of an intergovernmental agreement with Yavapai College to provide an Academy Sergeant for the Northern Arizona Regional training Academy for a five-year term. The other is acceptance of a nearly $16,000 grant for DUI abatement.

Council members plan begin the meeting at 5:30 Thursday night at the Prescott Valley Civic Center and take a brief recess for refreshments after honoring the town's eighth Citizens Academy graduating class.

After reconvening and voting on a relatively small agenda, council will meet in executive session to perform an annual review for Magistrate Judge Keith Carson.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed