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Home My WebLink AboutAGENDApacket__03-24-21_0151_186 NOTICE OF MEETING REGULAR MEETING STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION Chairman John Craft, Jr. Vice Chairman Peter Bordow Commissioner Chad Bernick Commissioner Gerard Bisceglia Commissioner Patrick Garman Commissioner Cynthia Magazine Commissioner John McHugh TIME:4:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING WHEN:WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021 WHERE:FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS 16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ Commissioners of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person or by telephone conference call; a quorum of the Town’s Council, various Commission, Committee or Board members may be in attendance at the Commission meeting. Notice is hereby given that pursuant to A.R.S. §1-602.A.9, subject to certain specified statutory exceptions, parents have a right to consent before the State or any of its political subdivisions make a video or audio recording of a minor child. Meetings of the Commission are audio and/or video recorded and, as a result, proceedings in which children are present may be subject to such recording. Parents, in order to exercise their rights may either file written consent with the Town Clerk to such recording, or take personal action to ensure that their child or children are not present when a recording may be made. If a child is present at the time a recording is made, the Town will assume that the rights afforded parents pursuant to A.R.S. §1-602.A.9 have been waived. REQUEST TO COMMENT The public is welcome to participate in Commission meetings. TO SPEAK TO AN AGENDA ITEM, please complete a Request to Comment card, located in the back of the Council Chambers, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion of that item, if possible. Include the agenda item on which you wish to comment. Speakers will be allowed three contiguous minutes to address the Commission. Verbal comments should be directed through the Presiding Officer and not to individual Commissioners. TO COMMENT ON AN AGENDA ITEM IN WRITING ONLY, please complete a Request to Comment card, indicating it is a written comment, and check the box on whether you are FOR or AGAINST and agenda item, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to the discussion, if possible. Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Meeting of March 24, 2021 1 of 3 1.CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Craft 2.ROLL CALL – Chairman Craft 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 are 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. 4.CONSIDERATION OF Approving the February 10, 2021, Meeting Minutes. 5.UPDATE ON Proposed Environmental Plan (Strategic Plan Goal 2 - Objective 2 - Task 1) 6.UPDATE ON Implementation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Strategic Plan Goal 2 - Objective 2 - Task 2) 7.UPDATE ON Vision Fountain Hills 8.DISCUSSION OF Workgroups' Draft Strategies 9.DISCUSSION OF Preliminary 2021 Strategic Plan Outline Format/Plan Authorship 10.REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS AND TOWN MANAGER 11.ADJOURNMENT Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Meeting of March 24, 2021 2 of 3 CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF NOTICE The undersigned hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing notice was duly posted in accordance with the statement filed by the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission with the Town Clerk. Dated this 18 day of March, 2021 _____________________________________________ Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5199 (voice) or 1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting or to obtain agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the Commission with this agenda are available for review in the Town Manager's Office. Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Meeting of March 24, 2021 3 of 3 ITEM 4. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 03/24/2021 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Staff Contact Information: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION OF Approving the February 10, 2021, Meeting Minutes. Staff Summary (Background) The intent of approving meeting minutes is to ensure an accurate account of the discussion and action that took place at the meeting for archival purposes. Approved minutes are placed on the Town's website and maintained as permanent records in compliance with state law. Staff recommends approving the February 10, 2021, meeting minutes. Attachments Meeting Minutes Form Review Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 03/16/2021 05:40 PM Final Approval Date: 03/16/2021 TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION FEBRUARY 10, 2021 1.CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Craft at 4:03 p.m. 2.ROLL CALL – Chairman Craft Present: Vice Chairman Peter Bordow (telephonically); Chairman John W. Craft, Jr. (telephonically); Commissioner Cynthia Magazine (telephonically); Commissioner John McHugh (telephonically); Commissioner Chad Bernick (telephonically); Commissioner Patrick Garman (telephonically); Commissioner Gerard Bisceglia (telephonically) Staff Present: Town Manager Grady Miller (telephonically); Executive Assistant Angela Padgett-Espiritu 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 are 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. No one from public spoke 4.CONSIDERATION OF Approving the November 18, 2020, meeting minutes. MOVED BY Vice Chairman Peter Bordow (telephonically), SECONDED BY Commissioner Gerard Bisceglia (telephonically) To APPROVE the November 18, 2020, Meeting Minutes. Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously 5.UPDATE ON Vision Fountain Hills. Chair Craft reported that Vision Fountain Hills is delayed on moving forward with focus groups. He said that he would like feedback as to whether or not SPAC should sponsor a series of one or two focus groups with community volunteers that have unique skills related to some of the specific topics that we would want to get additional feedback on. Commissioner Bisceglia said that he concurs with the idea of getting focus groups of people that have a vested interest. Commissioner Magazine asked would these volunteers come from the last VFH survey where people said that they would be willing to do it? Chair Craft responded that we would certainly still rely on Vison for contact names and we would identify individuals that we would want to personally invite and would capitalize on the Town’s facilities to hold virtually. Town Manager Miller asked would be in lieu of Vision Fountain Hills group setting. Chair Craft responded not sure of that yet but concerned about not having reached out to the community since the survey was done last summer. Moving this forward may take some time. Town Manager Miller commented that the key is to the design in regards to the questions and possibly having 10 to 15 people in a focus group. Chair Craft said he would take this feedback back to Jerry Butler to have something in play before March. Commissioner Magazine expressed concern for getting people that they know and the need for a better cross-section of the community. Commissioner Bisceglia said that for example, he and Chair Craft had a conversation about a focus group made of medical professionals in town to understand their needs instead of assuming. He said to ask very specific questions to them. We cannot wait for Vision and that we need to move forward. Commissioner McHugh said that he agrees and the same approach works very well. Town Manager Miller said that the questions could be developed that speak to the four-goal areas of the Strategic Plan. Chair Craft said that he would reach out to each commissioner individually to identify specific areas from the 600 responses to bring back for the next meeting. Vice-Chair Bordow commented that it is SPAC’s responsibility to create the priorities of the Strategic Plan. Town Manager Miller requested a presentation from the Chair to the Council to give them a report on the delays due to the pandemic and a report of the plan moving forward to have a Strategic Plan finalized by the end of the year. Chair Craft said that he would give a verbal report to the Council. 6.UPDATE ON Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation Survey. Chairman Craft gave an overview of the Community Services Department - Parks and Recreation Survey. Approximately 400 responses received from the survey One intriguing item from the survey asked what would be the most ideal funding options for new projects related to the parks and infrastructure to the parks, and maintenance to the parks; the number one response was partnerships, followed by Council funding and then bonds. Continued Accountability for the maintenance and upgrades to the parks Affordability, Safety, and Security Town Manager Grady Miller will follow-up with Community Services Director Goodwin to see if the results from the survey are posted online. Commissioner McHugh commented that the Parks and Recreation presentation would be helpful. 7.DISCUSSION OF Workgroup Strategy Drafts and Next Steps. Chair Craft said that he requested from Executive Assistant Espiritu to forward to the commission the latest copies of the workgroup products. He said great thinking was put into all of these but clearly each one had its own unique format and structure. He said that ultimately, these products will all fall into a specific format and structure as we move forward with the new plan. He said in regards to the new plan as we move forward, we really are going to be doing two different things: The work done from the workgroups - defining as Signature Strategies, in that they are brand new and pending a vote by this group be given additional authority by the Town 1. Taking some of the activities that are still relevant from the 2017 plan to be added or carried over to the new plan 2. Commissioner Magazine requested to have a defined environmental plan for the Town, and that it be compiled and made public. So that people know, what it is and that Fountain Hills cares. She said she is interested in another program folding into this subject is Biophilic Certification. I know that it was in the 2017 plan to have an environmental plan and that it has not happened. Town Manager Miller thanked Commissioner Magazine for bringing this up. He said he wanted to let her know that last month he asked Development Services Director Wesley to take this up and research what different cities are doing. He said that Director Wesley gave him an environmental plan memo, as to what he thought should be in the scope and is moving forward with this. He said that Director Wesley would be happy to meet with each member separately in the workgroup. He said that he would send a copy of the environmental plan to Commissioners Magazine, McHugh, and Garman. Chair Craft said that he has some quick questions to address on what would put into each plan. He asked Commissioner Bernick and Vice-Chair Bordow to address the infrastructure and digital capacity on page 2 of strategic priority, as to where electricity would land. Commissioner Bernick said that this is more about future sustainability and partnering with SRP. He said partnering with SRP and Fort McDowell for solar energy expansion. Vice-Chair Bordow said that there is definitely a strategic element in providing alternate energy sources to the town and is a long-term visionary strategic priority. Town Manager Miller said the issue with this state’s sustainable energy sources is that the utility companies have been able to get laws written, where you cannot reverse your meter and would have to have a storage system. Commissioner Bernick said that they are looking at more home power distribution for peak use while more people are working from home. Town Manager Miller said that the issue for APS and SRP is that they are under a mandate to ensure that we have more reliable power as we grow. He said that we have an account executive with SRP that is very tech-savvy and that he would broker a meeting with the workgroup and the appropriate people with SRP, to make sure that we are not putting something in the plan that may not be completed. Chair Craft said that it sounds like discussions that need to take place before we include it as an actionable item. Chair Craft said to the next workgroup made up of Commissioners Magazine, McHugh, and Garman that you may want to choose a partnership with Biophilic Cities as an opportunity. Commissioner McHugh said that until we have a common understanding about the level of specificity in tasks, we have chosen to make our tasks less specific in the thought that our job is to tell the town council what we think needs to be done and not how to do it. That’s the reason why that was not specifically referenced. Commissioner Magazine said that their fourth task under the first strategy was reworded to say, work directly with local environmental organizations to guide and synchronize their efforts in strengthening our community connections with its natural surroundings i.e. Biophilic Certification. Chair Craft said that he has a couple of thoughts for the Economic workgroup with Commissioner Bisceglia, one of the four key strategies listed is to organize a community advisory group. I think that should be listed as a task instead of a strategy. Commissioner Bisceglia agreed. Chair Craft said that they will make those formatted changes. Commissioner Garman said that going forward; it would help to have a template as a commonality for the workgroups. Chair Craft said that he will get a template out to the group to use moving forward. He requested a follow-up activity to have each of the workgroups address those specific strategies, the input, timeline, general resource requirements, and effort needed to launch these strategies and ask you to begin to think in those terms. 8.UPDATE ON Progress of Strategic Plan 2017 Tasks. Chair Craft said that yesterday Executive Assistant Espiritu sent to the commission the latest copy of the current Strategic Plan scorecard that Town Manager Miller created for the town staff. He asked that you identify relevant tasks to roll over into the new plan and offer up to Angela your personal list that you think should be rolled over. Commissioner Magazine requested that Chair Craft put this into the template that he will be sending out to the commission. Town Manager Miller will send an update on the tasks in the current plan. Executive Assistant Espiritu will update and send it out. If there needs to be additional information, he will include a narrative in the email. 9.ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY Commissioner Cynthia Magazine (telephonically), SECONDED BY Commissioner John McHugh (telephonically) APPROVED to adjourn at 5:13 p.m. Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION ____________________________ John W. Craft, Jr., Chairman ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: ______________________________ Angela Espiritu, Executive Assistant 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 Strategic Planning Advisory Commission in the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 10th day of February 2021. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 24th day of March 2021. _________________________________ Angela Espiritu, Executive Assistant ITEM 5. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 03/24/2021 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Staff Contact Information: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE ON Proposed Environmental Plan (Strategic Plan Goal 2 - Objective 2 - Task 1) Staff Summary (Background) Director John Wesley will give an update on the proposed environmental plan. Goal #2: Ensure that Infrastructure in Fountain Hills is Well-Maintained and Safe Objective #2: Promote Environmentally Friendly Initiatives Task #1 Develop and adopt a comprehensive environmental plan for Fountain Hills Attachments Strategic Plan 2017 Form Review Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 03/16/2021 05:32 PM Final Approval Date: 03/16/2021 UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Town of Fountain Hills 2017 Strategic Plan May 18, 2017 TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Page 2 of 6 Goal # 1: Maximize Economic Development Opportunities in Fountain Hills Objective #1 – Create or Utilize Tools to Help Market Fountain Hills for Economic Development Opportunities Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Develop a community brand/vision/marketing plan for Fountain Hills James Smith June 2020 In progress  Develop a new business resource package James Smith June 2017 Completed  Increase funding for business accelerator programs James Smith July 2018 Completed  Explore higher education opportunities in Fountain Hills James Smith Ongoing In progress/working with EVIT & CC Objective #2 – Increase Population and Residential Densities to Sustain Existing and Future Commercial Businesses in Town Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Rezone commercial property to residential where feasible James Smith / John Wesley Ongoing As opportunities present themselves  Adopt a text amendment that allows residential uses on commercially John Wesley June 2017 Completed zoned properties  Rezone unplatted land for greater density and affordable family homes John Wesley Ongoing As opportunities present themselves Objective #3 – Market/Promote Tourism to Generate Hotel Stays and Higher Dollar Expenditures During Visits to Fountain Hills Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Create and expand destination events Rachael Goodwin / James Smith June 2019 Ongoing St. Patrick’s Day / Fourth at the Fountain Turkey Trot / Craft Classic / Disc Golf Tournament Yellow – High Priority Blue – Medium Priority White – Low Priority TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Page 3 of 6 Goal # 2: Ensure that Infrastructure in Fountain Hills is Well-Maintained and Safe Objective #1 – Invest in and Maintain the Community’s Infrastructure Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Develop and implement an investment plan to bring streets, Grady Miller/ June 2019 Pavement Analysis Report completed buildings, and parks up to established standards David Pock/Justin Weldy (Facilities Replacement Fund) 10 Yr. pavement plan to be presented Dec. 2019  Commission a study to identify gap between actual and subdivision Justin Weldy/John Wesley June 2019 Reviewed/Identified options to discuss ordinance specifications and determine cost of meeting ordinance specifications Objective #2 – Promote Environmentally Friendly Initiatives Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Develop and adopt a comprehensive environmental plan Justin Weldy June 2019 In progress for Fountain Hills  Research and report on economic and logistic feasibility of Justin Weldy June 2018 Review electric car charging stations Yellow – High Priority Blue – Medium Priority White – Low Priority TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Page 4 of 6 Goal # 3: Attract Families and Working Professionals to Fountain Hills Objective #1 – Utilize Landuse Planning to Attract Families to Fountain Hills Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Work with State Land Trust to increase residential density Council/Staff December 2018 Ongoing efforts Objective #2 – Market and Promote Fountain Hills as a Unique Place for Families and Working Professionals Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Collaborate with businesses in promoting town’s marketing plan James Smith July 2019 Ongoing  Expand use of Social Media and on-line messaging James Smith Ongoing Facilitating nine social media pages; Recreation Instagram account-August 2018  Include family branding in marketing plan James Smith June 2019 In progress  Organize a young professionals group or organization James Smith June 2018 Completed/Formed FH Young Community  Organize specialty youth camps (robotics, coding, arts, etc.) Rachael Goodwin/ Summer 2018 Created first summer youth camp/ongoing Linda Ayers Spring camp/Community Center take-over  Support youth club sports Rachael Goodwin/ Ongoing Use of Town facilities at no cost Linda Ayers Expand programs Yellow – High Priority Blue – Medium Priority White – Low Priority TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Page 5 of 6 Goal # 4: Ensure that Fountain Hills Finances are Stable and Sustainable Objective #1 – Identify Sustainable Sources of Revenue to Sustain Funding of Town Core Services Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Adequately fund all identified reserve funds Town Council/Town Manager/ December 2027 David Pock  Identify revenue options Town Staff/Town Manager/Town Council September 2017 Completed/October 2017 / Ongoing  Increase revenues to meet community needs including Town Manager/Town Council November 2018 Town Election-Property Tax/May 2018 addressing projected operating shortfall Yellow – High Priority Blue – Medium Priority White – Low Priority TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Page 6 of 6 Goal # 5: Focus on Strengthening the Community and Improving Town’s Quality of Life Objective #1 – Partner with the Fountain Hills Unified School District to Promote FH Education System Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Include local school strengths in marketing plan James Smith June 2019 Ongoing  Work with FHUSD to maximize its property values Town Staff/Council/FHUSD December 2017 Addressed at 2/21/17 Joint Meeting  Explore selling/leasing unused properties Town Staff/Council/FHUSD December 2017 Addressed at 2/21/17 Joint Meeting Objective #2 – Utilize Intergovernmental Relations to Achieve Fountain Hills Priorities Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Increase community efforts to lobby for municipal issues Town Manager/Town Council January 2018 Joined RPTA East Valley Partnership National League of Cities-July 2018 Continue to work with League of Cities & Towns to oppose Bills that are harmful to cities & towns Objective #3 – Leverage the Talents of Residents to the Advantage of Fountain Hills Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Utilize effective volunteer skills and talents Kim Wickland Ongoing Ongoing/over 900 volunteers • Make A Difference Day • Home Delivered Meals • Give A Lift Program • Activities & Volunteer Expo • Mayor’s Youth Council • Save Our Sculptures Program Community Center Christmas Decorating & Celebration • Commissioners Yellow – High Priority Blue – Medium Priority White – Low Priority ITEM 6. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 03/24/2021 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Staff Contact Information: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE ON Implementation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Strategic Plan Goal 2 - Objective 2 - Task 2) Staff Summary (Background) Town Manager Grady Miller will give an update on implementing electric vehicle charging stations. Goal #2: Ensure that Infrastructure in Fountain Hills is Well-Maintained and Safe Objective #2 Promote Environmentally Friendly Initiatives Task #2 Research and report on economic and logistic feasibility of electric car charging stations Attachments Strategic Plan 2017 Form Review Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 03/16/2021 05:34 PM Final Approval Date: 03/16/2021 UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Town of Fountain Hills 2017 Strategic Plan May 18, 2017 TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Page 2 of 6 Goal # 1: Maximize Economic Development Opportunities in Fountain Hills Objective #1 – Create or Utilize Tools to Help Market Fountain Hills for Economic Development Opportunities Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Develop a community brand/vision/marketing plan for Fountain Hills James Smith June 2020 In progress  Develop a new business resource package James Smith June 2017 Completed  Increase funding for business accelerator programs James Smith July 2018 Completed  Explore higher education opportunities in Fountain Hills James Smith Ongoing In progress/working with EVIT & CC Objective #2 – Increase Population and Residential Densities to Sustain Existing and Future Commercial Businesses in Town Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Rezone commercial property to residential where feasible James Smith / John Wesley Ongoing As opportunities present themselves  Adopt a text amendment that allows residential uses on commercially John Wesley June 2017 Completed zoned properties  Rezone unplatted land for greater density and affordable family homes John Wesley Ongoing As opportunities present themselves Objective #3 – Market/Promote Tourism to Generate Hotel Stays and Higher Dollar Expenditures During Visits to Fountain Hills Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Create and expand destination events Rachael Goodwin / James Smith June 2019 Ongoing St. Patrick’s Day / Fourth at the Fountain Turkey Trot / Craft Classic / Disc Golf Tournament Yellow – High Priority Blue – Medium Priority White – Low Priority TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Page 3 of 6 Goal # 2: Ensure that Infrastructure in Fountain Hills is Well-Maintained and Safe Objective #1 – Invest in and Maintain the Community’s Infrastructure Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Develop and implement an investment plan to bring streets, Grady Miller/ June 2019 Pavement Analysis Report completed buildings, and parks up to established standards David Pock/Justin Weldy (Facilities Replacement Fund) 10 Yr. pavement plan to be presented Dec. 2019  Commission a study to identify gap between actual and subdivision Justin Weldy/John Wesley June 2019 Reviewed/Identified options to discuss ordinance specifications and determine cost of meeting ordinance specifications Objective #2 – Promote Environmentally Friendly Initiatives Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Develop and adopt a comprehensive environmental plan Justin Weldy June 2019 In progress for Fountain Hills  Research and report on economic and logistic feasibility of Justin Weldy June 2018 Review electric car charging stations Yellow – High Priority Blue – Medium Priority White – Low Priority TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Page 4 of 6 Goal # 3: Attract Families and Working Professionals to Fountain Hills Objective #1 – Utilize Landuse Planning to Attract Families to Fountain Hills Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Work with State Land Trust to increase residential density Council/Staff December 2018 Ongoing efforts Objective #2 – Market and Promote Fountain Hills as a Unique Place for Families and Working Professionals Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Collaborate with businesses in promoting town’s marketing plan James Smith July 2019 Ongoing  Expand use of Social Media and on-line messaging James Smith Ongoing Facilitating nine social media pages; Recreation Instagram account-August 2018  Include family branding in marketing plan James Smith June 2019 In progress  Organize a young professionals group or organization James Smith June 2018 Completed/Formed FH Young Community  Organize specialty youth camps (robotics, coding, arts, etc.) Rachael Goodwin/ Summer 2018 Created first summer youth camp/ongoing Linda Ayers Spring camp/Community Center take-over  Support youth club sports Rachael Goodwin/ Ongoing Use of Town facilities at no cost Linda Ayers Expand programs Yellow – High Priority Blue – Medium Priority White – Low Priority TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Page 5 of 6 Goal # 4: Ensure that Fountain Hills Finances are Stable and Sustainable Objective #1 – Identify Sustainable Sources of Revenue to Sustain Funding of Town Core Services Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Adequately fund all identified reserve funds Town Council/Town Manager/ December 2027 David Pock  Identify revenue options Town Staff/Town Manager/Town Council September 2017 Completed/October 2017 / Ongoing  Increase revenues to meet community needs including Town Manager/Town Council November 2018 Town Election-Property Tax/May 2018 addressing projected operating shortfall Yellow – High Priority Blue – Medium Priority White – Low Priority TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 2017 STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATED: December 18, 2019 Page 6 of 6 Goal # 5: Focus on Strengthening the Community and Improving Town’s Quality of Life Objective #1 – Partner with the Fountain Hills Unified School District to Promote FH Education System Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Include local school strengths in marketing plan James Smith June 2019 Ongoing  Work with FHUSD to maximize its property values Town Staff/Council/FHUSD December 2017 Addressed at 2/21/17 Joint Meeting  Explore selling/leasing unused properties Town Staff/Council/FHUSD December 2017 Addressed at 2/21/17 Joint Meeting Objective #2 – Utilize Intergovernmental Relations to Achieve Fountain Hills Priorities Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Increase community efforts to lobby for municipal issues Town Manager/Town Council January 2018 Joined RPTA East Valley Partnership National League of Cities-July 2018 Continue to work with League of Cities & Towns to oppose Bills that are harmful to cities & towns Objective #3 – Leverage the Talents of Residents to the Advantage of Fountain Hills Tasks Lead Responsibility Projected Completion Date Completion Date  Utilize effective volunteer skills and talents Kim Wickland Ongoing Ongoing/over 900 volunteers • Make A Difference Day • Home Delivered Meals • Give A Lift Program • Activities & Volunteer Expo • Mayor’s Youth Council • Save Our Sculptures Program Community Center Christmas Decorating & Celebration • Commissioners Yellow – High Priority Blue – Medium Priority White – Low Priority ITEM 7. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 03/24/2021 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Staff Contact Information: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE ON Vision Fountain Hills Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 03/18/2021 10:24 AM Final Approval Date: 03/18/2021 ITEM 8. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 03/24/2021 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Staff Contact Information: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): DISCUSSION OF Workgroups' Draft Strategies Staff Summary (Background) Attachments Workgroup Infrastructure SP 3 Workgroup Update ECO DEV Workgroup Form Review Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 03/18/2021 10:27 AM Final Approval Date: 03/18/2021 December 1, 2020 Fountain Hills - 2021 Strategic Planning Workgroup Signature Strategies (Infrastructure) Strategic Priority: The everyday world is becoming more connected through electronic means. Homes are the new school rooms, school rooms may be a shelter or pandemic hospital bed, phones track who we’ve come into contact with, commuters stay home, and AC units run longer all putting greater strains on limited or slow scaling resources. Our digital world isn’t fading anytime soon. New productivity, communication, and intelligent services enable us to do more in ways that were simply unimaginable a generation ago. Fountain Hills’ has as its mission to provide superior public services that provide for the safety and well-being of the community, participation in this new era of our connected world requires reliable high-speed Internet services as well as sustainable utilities for the town. Preamble: Fountain Hills is a small market to big providers. Monetary incentive (value proposition) needs to be identified and crafted to make an investment attractive to these suppliers. The master planned community was initially expected to grow to a population of around 70,000. As of 2010, the town had 22,489 residents and is expected to grow to a population of 30,000 to 35,000. An additional challenge to infrastructure development is the relative density of the population. Fountain Hills has one of the lowest density ratios in the valley, being just shy of two people per acre. This means each liner foot of electrical wire, plumbing, and data cable services fewer residents than in other parts of the valley. In short, it costs more in Fountain Hills to provide service to 22,000 people than other parts of the valley. The relative density ratio not only makes the initial service connection more costly per user but the maintenance costs are also relatively higher. The result is that the densest areas of a community get early connections to services while also seeing more investment in maintenance and upgrades than low density / last mile residents. This pattern can be demonstrated over the past century looking at adoption rates of wired vs. wireless services to the consumer. For example, after 25 years, electricity and cable TV didn’t climb above 70 percent. In contrast, within 25 years the country achieved near universal adoption of radio and color television, both which involved wireless technology. More recently, the pace of adoption for cellphones neared 100 percent in about 14 years and was accomplished in just 8 for smart phones. Broadband adoption not only lags both of these technologies, but it slower than the adoption of radio. This history of wired technology adoption does not bode well for laying fiber optic cable to the distant reaches of our community. Government grants are available to help with community broadband initiatives but they are largely based on FCC reporting of broadband connectivity for counties across the USA. Currently, the FCC records that 97% of residents have access to broadband in Maricopa county. It does not factor in reliability or user experience. December 1, 2020 Phoenix metro also leads the nation in population growth for the 4th consecutive year. From April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019 the valley grew by 207 people per day. This growth along with increasingly hot summers, electrical utility retirement, and additional people telecommuting puts ever increasing pressure on our electrical grid, specifically retail consumer delivery. The Salt River Project is not regulated by corporation commission and has the unique ability to provide service without negotiable service-level contracts. As a small market segment, Fountain Hills has traditionally not been a high priority for SRP customer service. Fountain Hills, as well as greater Phoenix metro, can expect to have more notices to turn up thermostats or experience rolling brown outs if nothing is done. Electricity: Occasional / predictable (climate driven) power disruptions or rationing declarations detract from the quality of life, health, and safety of the town. on July 11 2020, peak retail demand reached 7,395 megawatts (MW) followed the next day by a new peak of 7,615MW topping the previous 2018 peak of 7,305MW. One megawatt is enough energy to power about 225 average homes. SRP announced on Jan. 15 that a Request for Proposal (RFP) for up to 400MW of new solar energy has been issued. The RFP seeks proposals for up to 200 MW of solar to be sited on the Navajo Nation. The remaining 200 MW is not location- specific and must deliver to SRP’s transmission system. They seek to invest in 1,000MW of new utility-scale solar energy by 2025. "We were able to meet the increased customer demand thanks to a robust electrical grid maintained year-round to provide reliable service and our dedicated employees who continue to rise to the challenge despite the circumstances we face due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Barbara Sprungl, SRP's Manager of Power Supply and Trading. Stable Broadband Connectivity: With residents teaching and working from home a reliable connection to internet resources is a necessity. High speed availability is also essential to future economic development. There are three categories to explore, wired broadband, WIFI and modern satellite technologies. While the town has on average faster download rates than the state average, many neighborhoods are under serviced and experience regularly service quality issues. “DSL infrastructure and Fiber make up the most widely available wired broadband networks in Fountain Hills, featuring 98.86 and 38.90 percent network reach within city limits. Even considering coaxial cable or DSL networks are frequently cheaper, fiber networks are more well-suited to send digital data, and deliver overall faster speeds. Owing to the widespread availability of Fiber across Fountain Hills neighborhoods, the city's average download rate (151.39 Mbps) is 32.48 percent faster than the state average (currently 102.22 Mbps). However, the network speed at a subscriber address may change along with the quality of the "last mile" connection.” – Broadbandnow.com/Arizona/Fountain-Hills December 1, 2020 Signature Strategies Electrical Strategy: The town will explore beta programs with SRP for power generation and storage. Is it possible to test natural gas generators, battery storage banks, or local solar plant supplemental power delivery? The town should also explore trust land development or partnership with McDowell Indian reservation to win some of SRPs 1000MW utility-scale solar energy expansion. Broadband Strategy: The town should seek partnerships with wireless infrastructure and ISP vendors as well as bonding for development of a municipal Wi-Fi mesh service. The relatively dry climate an abundance of high points for microwave backhaul should make for a stable and affordable rollout. Look to municipal wireless success stories like Ponca City, Oklahoma which is largely regarded as the most successful municipal Wi-Fi provider in the U.S. with 25 square miles of connectivity for 17,000 users. Other notable cities with successful Wi-Fi roll outs are Santa Monica, CA and Sandy, Oregon. (see: https://muninetworks.org/content/wireless) The town should also seek where possible grant programs to assist in wired connections to last mile neighborhoods in the community. Starlink satellite service could also prove to be the solution the town needs. In 2021 SpaceX’s Starlink service should come on line around $99/mo for services 50-150Mb/s with 20-40ms latencies. This is in line with speeds provided by the average cable provider or latest cell phone data networks. Tasks Electrical: Task Time Frame Complexity 1-5 Collaboration Potential Meet with Fountain Hills’ SRP representatives to learn their plans for the county and town < 1 year 1 Not Applicable Pursue partnership with Yavapai Nation to develop a power district for methane, solar, geothermal energy generation > 3 4 Yes Seek partnership in SRPs 1000MW solar build out, leasing trust land or other opportunities > 3 5 Yes Pursue beta opportunities for town gas generators or battery banks >3 3 Yes Look for or create incentives for battery banks at home to store of peak power for high demand periods 2-3 3 Yes Research cool pavement and cool pavement programs to reduce heat island effects of the town 2-3 3 Yes Explore community partnerships with Tesla and similar companies for Power Wall and solar discounts 2-3 2 Yes Promote off-grid solar pool pumps for new development and pool refurbishing <1 2 Yes December 1, 2020 Broadband: Task Time Frame Complexity 1-5 Collaboration Potential Search for and create co-branding or partnership opportunities with Google Fi, Microsoft Airband, Starlink, Cisco, Cox, Century Link, etc to provide more competition and attract residents 2-3 3 Yes Explore partnership and bonding opportunities to build a municipal Wi-Fi network >3 4 Yes Contact cities with successful Wi-Fi implementations for guidance >1 2 Maybe Empower community or task force to build a “better than nothing” grass roots Wi-Fi network 2-3 3 Yes Cynthia Magazine, John McHugh and Patrick Garman SP #3 MARCH 2021 UPDATE Page 1 of 2 Workgroup Signature Strategies for Strategic Priority #3 Strategic Priority #3 - Improve the public health, well-being and safety of our community. Preamble - We focused on identifying Signature Strategies and Supportive Tasks we thought were most likely to help Fountain Hills leaders realize the goal of improving the public health, well-being and safety of our community. In doing so, we took into consideration: the Town’s economic realities; community input from a variety of sources; the timeline covered by the new strategic plan; relevant trends and future projections; and the need for tasks that are manageable, attainable and measurable. Signature Strategy #1 - Description: Enhance the natural and built environment of Fountain Hills to improve the public health, well-being and safety of the community. Rationale: While this strategy is broad in scope, it can be easily supported by a number of specific, high priority tasks that fit within the Town’s current constraints regarding both human and financial resources. Supportive Task A - Incorporate public health, well-being and safety in all Fountain Hills Government policies. Completion Date - < 1 year to review current policies, then ongoing for any policy changes or new policies. Complexity - 2. Collaboration potential - Not Applicable. Supportive Task B - Promote, expand and connect open space and recreational facilities to create safe opportunities for physical activities. Completion Date - > 3 years. Complexity - 3. Collaboration potential - Yes. Supportive Task C - Create and publicize an Environmental Plan for Fountain Hills. Completion Date - TBD per John Wesley. Complexity - TBD per John Wesley. Collaboration potential - Yes. Supportive Task D - Work directly with local environmental organizations to guide and synchronize their efforts in strengthening our community’s connection with its natural surroundings. Completion Date - > 3 years. Complexity - 3. Collaboration potential - Yes. Cynthia Magazine, John McHugh and Patrick Garman SP #3 MARCH 2021 UPDATE Page 2 of 2 Signature Strategy #2 - Description: Make Fountain Hills a community focused on public health, well-being and safety. Rationale: While this strategy is broad in scope, it can be easily supported by a number of specific, high priority tasks that fit within the Town’s current constraints regarding both human and financial resources. Supportive Task A - Support the expansion of preventive health and wellness access within the Fountain Hills community. Completion Date - < 1 year to assess, then ongoing as opportunities are addressed. Complexity - 2. Collaboration potential - Yes. Supportive Task B - Improve the health, well-being and safety literacy of Fountain Hills residents. Completion Date - 2-3 years, then ongoing updates. Complexity - 3. Collaboration potential - Yes. Supportive Task C - Create awareness of Fountain Hills as a community focused on public health, well-being and safety. Completion Date - > 3 years. Complexity - 3. Collaboration potential - Yes. Supportive Task D - Support Fountain Hills Schools in promoting the health, well- being and safety of their students. Completion Date - < 1 year to assess, then ongoing as opportunities are addressed. Complexity - 2. Collaboration potential - Yes. Fountain Hills Economic Development 2021 Strategic Priority Proactively seek to maximize targeted and collaborative economic development Preamble Recent voter-approved 2020 General Plan for FH identifies three (3) essential elements that, when in balance, support a thriving community – Neighborhoods, Environment and Economy. FH is a small community whose long-term sustainability relies heavily on having an active and effective economic development plan. That said, this new strategic plan must now also consider the influence two external forces have on the local and regional economy: 1. The dynamic influence electronics and wireless technology has on business, education and lifestyles; 2. Near and long-term effects of the COVID pandemic. The following strategies and their supporting tasks attempt to address these issues. The workgroup interviewed Town leadership, Chamber of Commerce, FH Sanitary District and FHCCA and noted a recurring theme that ‘strength-in-numbers’ was important when pursuing opportunities. Hence, the Strategic Priority now includes the need for collaboration locally. Signature Strategy 1 Form an Economic Development Alliance with the FH Chamber of Commerce and Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation. The Alliance will collaborate to expand business and tourism opportunities locally. Supporting Task – Jointly develop and maintain a business metrics database to monitor the overall business health of the community and effectiveness of action initiatives by the Alliance. This would be an ongoing task. Organizational timeline - < 1year Complexity – 1 Signature Strategy 2 Utilize local volunteer skills. Establish a Business Advisory Council represented by 6 qualified residents representing key stakeholders and/or relevant business leadership backgrounds. Supporting Tasks – The council would provide advisory services to the Alliance, networking activities, and support special promotional/recruitment activities. Organizational timeline - < 1 year Complexity - 2 Economic Development, cont. Signature Strategy 3 Formal action plans should be developed that focus on professional business and training sectors including health, wellness, technical, scientific, and financial services. Organizational timeline – 1 year Complexity - 3 Collaboration The above referenced strategies and related tasks must be realistic considering the Town’s limited resources and size. It is with that in mind that all three of the signature strategies have a greater likelihood of success by working with stakeholders (both local and regional). The three strategies were identified, in part, because of their potential for partnering. ________________________________________ ITEM 9. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 03/24/2021 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Staff Contact Information: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): DISCUSSION OF Preliminary 2021 Strategic Plan Outline Format/Plan Authorship Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 03/18/2021 10:32 AM Final Approval Date: 03/18/2021 ITEM 10. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 03/24/2021 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Staff Contact Information: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant to Manager, Mayor/Council Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS AND TOWN MANAGER Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 03/18/2021 10:44 AM Final Approval Date: 03/18/2021