HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022.1122.MinutesTOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 22, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER at 5:01 pm
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Scott Grzybowski; Commissioner Brian Jennings; Commissioner Bill Craig;
Commissioner Janice Holden; Commissioner DJ Willard; Commissioner Steven Nurney
Absent: Commissioner Sherry Irwin
Staff Deputy Town Manager/Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin; Parks
Present: Superintendent Kevin Snipes; Executive Assistant Patti Lopuszanski
3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §36-431.01(H), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters NOT listed on the agenda Any such
comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Commission, end (in is subject to reasonable time, place, and manner
restrictions. The Commission will not discuss or take legal action on matters raised during Call to the Public unless the matters
are properly noticed for discussion and legal action. At the conclusion of the Call to the Public, individual commissioners may
(i) respond to criticism, On ask staff to review a matter, or NO ask that the matter be placed on a future Commission agenda
Public comment from Jim Tilbe complimenting the Town of Fountain Hills and the MMPC on the
trails.
4. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approving the September 27, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Minutes were tabled until January 23, 2023 Meeting.
5. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approving the October 25, 2022 Meeting Minutes
Minutes were tabled until January 23, 2023 Meeting.
6. UPDATE: Trail Naming Workgroup — Bill Craig, Sherry Irwin, Brian Jennings
Commissioner Nurney will develop a 4 question survey to be sent out to trailblazers, trailhead hosts
and volunteers for their input on trail naming after MMPC has reviewed. Commissioner Nurney will
forward the link to Ms. Lopuzanski to be sent out from the Town. The survey results will be shared
with the workgroup to be reviewed at the next MMPC meeting.
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of November 22, 2022 2 of 3
7. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: 2021 Accomplishments
Accomplishments 2021 - Present
• Authored Guidelines for the management of the preserves
• Authored Trail Master Plan and received Town Council approval
• Completed the Ridgeline and the Lower Ridgeline Trail
• Continued collaboration with the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills which was
instrumental in our Trail Master Plan approval, trail maintenance to positive feedback
• Findings from the trail difficulty rating efforts
• Updated preserve rule and regulations
• Numerous updates to the MMPC town website
8. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: 2023 Goals
2023 Goals
• Trail Maintenance
• Findings from the trail renaming efforts
• Continue trail development of the North Leg
• Install a high-tech trail counter at ACT
• Install camera(s) at ACT
• Updated signage
• Consider vetting of another trail
• Quantity total number of hikers of ACT
• Improve the surface of the promenade from the ACT gate
• Assess the value of commission and its relationship with SCFH
9. UPDATE: Sonoran Conservancy Fountain Hills Liaison
Commissioner Craig informed the commissioner that the trailblazers are busy working to complete
clean up of trails and get ready for the November 30th hike. Commissioner Holden shared that the
hike ratings were distributed and well received. Hosts training of stewards and Desert First Aid was
scheduled. It was also noted that an A -Frame with info on one side, including upcoming hikes and
events, including what you will see in the Preserve, and on the reverse side, and Sonoran
Conservancy contact information would be created in December and only up when trailhead hosts
are there.
10. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Future Agenda Items
Future Agenda Items:
• Update: Parking Workgroup
• Discussion: Budget
• Update: Promenage Entrance: Stayloc
• Update: Golden Eagle Sewer Line Repair
11. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Trail Counter Activity
Mr. Snipes informed the commissioners that the trail counter parts had been ordered.
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of November 22, 2022 3 of 3
12. UPDATE: Next MMPC Meeting January 24, 2022
13. ADJOURNMENT at 5:52 pm
MOVED BY Commissioner Brian Jennings, SECONDED BY Commissioner Bill Craig
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
5SfTtAND PREPARED BY:
a LopuszanskW Exe r� a Assistant
MCDOWE 1 MOUNTA ADVISORY COMMISSION
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting held by
the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Advisory Commission in the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 22nd day
of November 2022. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present
DATED this 24th day of January, 2023.
Patti Lopuszanski°Execg •be Assistant