HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSAC.2022.1024.MinutesTOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
THE COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION
OCTOBER 24, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER at 5:05 PM - Chair Varela welcomed the newly appointed Youth
Commissioner, Sruti Peddi to the CSAC Commission.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Natalie Varela; Commissioner Stephen Barnes; Youth
Commissioner Sruti Peddi; Vice Chairman Carey Reddick, Jr.; Commissioner
Rory Wilson; Commissioner Craig Rudolphy
Absent: Commissioner Ron Ruppert
Staff Community Services Director/Deputy Town Manager Rachael Goodwin;
Present: Recreation Mananger Linda Ayres; Senior Recreation Program Coordinator
Ryan Preston; Executive Assistant Patti Lopuszanski
3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(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, and (ii) 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 am properly noticed for discussion and legal action. At the
conclusion of the Call to the Public, individual commissioners may (i) respond to criticism,
(ii) ask staff to review a matter, or (iii) ask that the matter be placed on a future
Commission agenda.
NONE
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of September 27, 2022 CSAC
Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Rudolphy had the following comment related to the minutes of
September 27, 2022:
"I believe during the discussion of walkability I had mentioned coordinating with the
Streets Department for them to provide the list of their priorities for walkability and that
was not included in the minutes."
The minutes of September 27, 2022 were approved as amended with the addition of
Commissioner Rudolphy's comment.
MOVED BY Commissioner Craig Rudolphy, SECONDED BY Commissioner Rory Wilson
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
UPDATE: CSAC Commissioners Follow-up on Observed Areas Lacking Walkability
Ms. Goodwin reminded the commissioners of the summer project results that were
shared by Chair Varela and Commissioner Barnes at the September meeting and at the
end of the conversation there was a request to follow-up for commissioners to identify
other areas that had gaps in walkability. It was discussed to locate what the priority
areas were to focus on.
Ms. Goodwin informed the commissioners that on November 9, a community feedback
meeting about sidewalk infill would be held. There are funds to start infilling some
sidewalks and address where there are gaps. As a commission, it is important to have a
voice there that says, Hey, these are the areas the commission has identified as being
needed.
Chair Varela shared that the span between Fountain Hills Boulevard and Pepperwood
near the Sanitary District, also had a gap. Ms. Goodwin asked to consider focusing on
how people get from their homes to the parks, and whatever park is closest, can you
walk from your house to your park? Can you ride your bike there? Can you cross the
street safely at a crosswalk?
Commissioner Wilson asked when the meeting will be and Ms. Goodwin shared it will
take place on November at the Community Center at 4 PM -7 PM with ADOT Federal
Grant between the Palisades and Saguero Project to begin in summer of 2023 and
completion in 2024. Commissioner Rudulphy requested a map to to review the infill
projects.
6. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Review of Skate Park Renovation Project
MOVED BY Commissioner Craig Rudolphy, SECONDED BY Commissioner Stephen
Barnes Chair Varela asked for a Motion in support of the Skatepark renovation and
expansion of the FH Skatepark . Commissioner Rudolphy moved to approve the
renderings and support of the project by the Community Services Advisory Commission.
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
Ms. Goodwin is looking for a vote from CSAC approving the newly shared renderings of
the skate park project that will be presented to the Town Council at the November
meeting. The skate park is 15-20 years old and in a bit of need for repairs, with concrete
crumbling. It was built in phases, but Phase 2 was never built for upkeep repairs. A
popular amenity to add is a pump track with multiple elements for all users. There was a
lot of support from two different skating groups.
Commissioner Wilson asked if the pump track was dirt and Ms. Goodwin stated the dirt
track takes more maintenance in the long term and has erosion concerns. Chair Varela
asked if there had been any opposition and Ms. Goodwin informed the commission that
it had more support than anticipated.
UPDATE: Fountain Controller App
Ms. Goodwin provided an update on the Fountain internet control app at the Pumphouse
that has been 20 years in the making. Technology and the interne( are now available to
run the fountain remotely by phone. Data on wind speed, and which pumps are working
and emergency issues will now be able to be reviewed and regulated through the app.
Manual controls were the only option available in the past. Parks Superintendent., Kevin
Snipes is the admin and IT is the master. Ms. Goodwin and Mr. Snipes have the log in
and Ms. Goodwin confirmed it very sercured when asked by Commissioner Peddi.
S. UPDATE: Community Center Mold Issue
Ms. Goodwin informed the commissioners of the extensive water leaking at the
community center and how long it had been going on. Last summer, the renovation did
not see the extent of the leak until after the rains. In December, they decided to
remediate and fix the leak. The drywall was getting wet during these rainstorms. We
were talking about remediating and testing for mold and an air quality test was done and
came back fine and then they tested behind the wall and samples showed evidence of
mold and must fix the problem. On Veteran's Day weekend, they will be removing the
walls and remediate the mold and test again and if test is clear they will put it back
together.
Chair Varela asked where the area of mold is in the lobby and what windows are in need
of repair. The building sits 4 inches below grade, the seals around the windows are
cracked and dry rotted. The Community Center is closed for the fair weekend and we
are using that time to do repairs. Once the walls are open and the mold is remediated,
the facility must be closed until it is retested.
Commissioner Wilson, how much will this cost? Ms. Goodwin informed the
commissioners that this was not known. Operations administer the programs but the
facilities take care of all the buildings in Town. If a window breaks, or AC needs to be
repaired that is Justin Weldy's staff overseeing the project. The question will be how bad
it is and may be broken down into phases.
Commissioner Rudolphy informed the commissioners that the town has a facilities
replacement fund. The Community Center is 20 years old so its not something that
would be considered normal routine maintenance and could become a capital
improvement project that would receive dedicated funds.
Commissioner Barnes asked why it took so long to identify this problem and who is
accountable. Ms. Goodwin, stated they did not know how big the problem was until this
year's monsoons. The drainage by the front doors was taken care of during the
remodeling last year, but the problems became much bigger when they realized how big
the issue was This agenda item will remain on future agendas for updates.
REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Town of Fountain Hills Dementia Friendly Designation
The Town of Fountain Hills is working towards becoming the tenth Dementia Friendly
community in the State of Arizona with support from the Mayor and council members. A
growing problem for all of America and setting in earlier identifying the need for support
for caregivers and those with dementia. A task force has been developed with a
number of stakeholders in the community including a local realtor, crisis response,
healthcare, Morningstar, and Encore.
The meetings will be held monthly on the second Monday at 10:30 am. Chair Varela
asked if doctors were contacted for their input and Ms. Goodwin confirmed notification of
this task force was sent out but had not received a response from a medical facility.
Additional partners who will be sought after for support will be in banking and an attorney
with elder law.
Commissioner Peddi asked about Banner's involvement and Ms. Lopuszanski shared
that the Dementia Friendly America state liaison Janice Greeno was from Banner and
her resources will be affiliated with them as the guide for Dementia Friendly
Community. No funding is set aside but when an initiative is put out for an awareness
event, we will have to look at grants.
Oakwood Center is a dedicated adult daycare facility in Mesa where those with different
stages of dementia have a safe place to go to while their caregivers take care of things
for themselves. There is a balance of resources and model after them to bring
awareness of the quality of life. Chair Varela, asked if there was a cost involved for
families and Ms. Goodwin shared that there is a charge and that currently a member of
the task force has her loved one attend there daily.
Commissioner Wilson shared that she attended the Fountain Hills Cares event when
they did a presentation on dementia and thought it was great. She shared she has had
family members that had dementia and it touched her personally. She supported
Fountain Hills, seeking to become designated as a dementia -friendly community and
also willing to go to the meetings. This agenda item will be updated monthly as the task
force works towards completing the designation process.
10. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Orientation Manual for Commissioners
Ms. Lopuszanski reminded the commissioners of the September presentation from
Linda Mendenhall, Town Clerk. It was determined that there was more information
needed to put in the orientation manual specifically for boards and commissions. The
goal is to have the manual completed for everybody after the holidays.
11. UPDATE: Special Events
Ms. Goodwin shared the listing of upcoming events with the next one being Spooky
Blast at Four Peaks Park expecting over 1000 to attend. Concerts on the Avenue will
begin on November 2 on Wednesdays until November 16. Day of Play and Touch a
Truck and Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning and with a grant for marketing
billboards will draw more people out to the event. This is the only event with a revenue
component. In December is Roll in the Glow, Season's of Celebration and Noon New
Year's Celebration along with the hiking challenge.
12. UPDATE: Volunteer Opportunities and Town Events
Ms. Goodwin informed the Commissioners of upcoming events and opportunities to
volunteer for Spooky Blast and the Turkey Trot.
13. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION: Future Agenda Items
Ms. Goodwin informed the Commissioners that the future agenda item gives them the
opportunity to learn more about something they are interested in to talk about as a
group at a future meeting. Ms. Goodwin recommended resuming the conversation about
scheduling onsite visits and putting them on the next agenda. Commissioner Wilson
suggested touring Golden Eagle Park.
Commissioner Rudolphy suggested having the finance director come and talk about the
different pots of money. Ms. Goodwin confirmed that can be done as it coincides with
budget season.
Ms.Goodwin added that Golden Eagle Park lights had just been upgraded and
renovations approved at the last Town Council meeting for almost $2 million. The lights
are 25 years old and repairs were becoming very costly, with over $50,000 paid out
since May.
14. ADJOURNMENT at 6:05 PM
Oyu`
Patti Lopuszanr i, E
MOVED BY Commissioner Rory Wilson, SECONDED BY Youth Commissioner Sruti
Peddi Chair Varela asked if there was no further business, was there a motion to
adjourn? Commissioner Wilson moved to adjourn and Commissioner Peddi seconded the
motion.
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
TEST AND PREPARED BY:
ive Assistant
COMMUNITY SERVItES ADVJSORY COMMISSION
Natalie Varela, Chair
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 Community Services Advisory Commission in the Town Hall Council
Chambers on the 24th day of October 2022. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a
quorum was present.
is 2jjrd day of Januaryf2023
Patti LopuszarlSki, F c cutive Assistant