HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDApacket__05-26-21_0314_188
NOTICE OF MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
Chairman John Craft, Jr.
Commissioner Chad Bernick
Commissioner Gerard Bisceglia
Commissioner Mary Edman
Commissioner Patrick Garman
Commissioner Cynthia Magazine
Commissioner John McHugh
TIME:4:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
WHEN:WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 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
discussion, if possible.
1.CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Craft
Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Meeting of May 26, 2021 1 of 3
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.UPDATE ON New Commissioners
5.CONSIDERATION OF Approving the April 28, 2021, Meeting Minutes
6.DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF Appointing a Chairperson
7.DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF Appointing a Vice-Chairperson
8.UPDATE ON Vision Fountain Hills
9.UPDATE ON the 2017 Strategic Plan Performance
10.UPDATE ON Workgroups Final Strategy Documents
11.DISCUSSION OF SPAC 2021 Work Schedule / Timelines
12.DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF An Additional Commission Meeting on August 25,
2021
13.REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS AND TOWN MANAGER
14.ADJOURNMENT
Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Meeting of May 26, 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 25 day of May, 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 May 26, 2021 3 of 3
ITEM 4.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/26/2021 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 New
Commissioners
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 04/22/2021 02:23 PM
Final Approval Date: 04/22/2021
ITEM 5.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/26/2021 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 April 28, 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 April 28, 2021, meeting minutes.
Attachments
April 28, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 04/22/2021 02:17 PM
Final Approval Date: 04/22/2021
D R A F T
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
APRIL 28, 2021
1.CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Craft
at 4:00 p.m.
2.ROLL CALL – Chairman Craft
Present: John W. Craft, Jr., Chairman; Cynthia Magazine, Commissioner; John
McHugh, Commissioner; Chad Bernick, Commissioner; Patrick Garman,
Commissioner; Gerard Bisceglia, Commissioner
Absent: Peter Bordow, Vice Chairman
Staff
Present:
Town Manager Grady Miller; 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 the public spoke.
4.CONSIDERATION OF Approving the March 24, 2021, Meeting Minutes.
MOVED BY Commissioner John McHugh, SECONDED BY Commissioner Cynthia
Magazine to APPROVE the March 24, 2021, meeting minutes.
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
5.UPDATE ON Vision Fountain Hills
Chair Craft said that the Vision Fountain Hills group has finally come up with a list of
questions for the second survey that follow-up to the survey that was done last summer.
Their target date to send the second survey is May 3, 2021. He invited everyone that has
not taken the second survey to do so by going on the website for Vision Fountain Hills.
He mentioned that they're drilling down in a number of areas, some of which he thinks will
be useful if they get good feedback:
If there is to be commercial retail growth in Fountain Hills, what area should we1.
encourage to grow first?
Restaurants, health, Wellness, big box stores, entertainment
The COVID pandemic has impacted shopping habits. Which one of the following
shopping habits most closely reflects you today?
I do more online shopping, I do more local in-store shopping, I do less
shopping overall and my shopping habits have not changed.
2.
Which of these aspects of the Fountain Hills community has contributed most to
improving your quality of life?
Parks and recreation, public safety, special events, sense of community.
3.
Which is the most important action Town of Fountain Hills can do with respect to
investing in internet access and broadband infrastructure?
Offer or promote competition in the residential and commercial broadband
markets provide high-speed residential Internet service for low-income
residents without Internet service, increase investment in broadband corridors
to reach high growth business districts, upgrade and expand public broadband
to create high-speed town-wide access, and invest in innovative ways to
provide high-speed Internet to homes, businesses and the public.
4.
Which one of the following goals is most important to you?
Develop a comprehensive environmental plan that's inclusive of preserving our
open spaces, Develop ongoing maintenance upgrade plans for existing parks,
trails, and recreation areas and work with environmental organizations in
support of our local and surrounding natural settings, and wildlife.
5.
If you had $1000 to spend on activities or facilities for youth in our community.6.
6.DISCUSSION OF Work Group Critiques
Strategic Priority #1 Infrastructure Workgroup – Commissioner Bernick and Commissioner
Garman
Chair Craft complimented Commissioner Bernick and Commission Garman on the
suggestion of renaming the Strategic Priority to “Maintain current infrastructure while
preparing the town for emerging infrastructure trends that increase public safety and
quality of life.” (see attached document)
Commissioner Bernick said that after the last meeting, he took the suggestion and rewrote
it from a more tactical level to a more strategic level. He said, he then presented it to
Commissioner Garman, who spent a few days adding his additions.
Commissioner Bernick reviewed the following items from the Infrastructure Workgroup
document. (see attached)
The first signature strategy is still supporting that local broadband initiative with several
different support tasks. Enforcing codes for standards for 4 G and 5 G. Cell towers with
the backhaul lines that can support that type of infrastructure.
The second signature strategy is trying to partner with other agencies and outside entities
to evaluate the health of Fountain Hills Parks and its asset maintenance/management
plan. Put together scoring for the benchmarking for the different assets and what we're
going to invest in and what needs investment and then promote awareness.
The third signature strategy is to increase the ease and safety of multi-use aspects to
Fountain Hills’ roads and coming up with master bicycle plans and pedestrian plans.
The fourth signature strategy is developing an investment plan that's scheduled for
Fountain Hills’ streets, medians, and buildings.
The fifth signature strategy is partnering with our utility providers looking for any beta
programs or experimentation that they're doing, and seeing if we can get on board with
that sooner to either reduce carbon emissions and have more environmentally friendly
impacts or improve utility services for the town of Fountain Hills and just be
forward-leaning in what we do with both our energy and water.
Town Manager Miller commented that the Finance Director is doing another update to the
Facilities Reserve plan which covers all town assets other than streets.
Chair Craft commented that he liked the scoring system.
Strategic Priority #2 Economic Development Workgroup - Chair Craft and Commissioner
Bisceglia
Chair Craft spoke on behalf of Economic Development. He acknowledged the
contributions from Commissioners Magazine, McHugh, and Garman. (see attached
document)
Chair Craft said that the group recommended adding a rationale to the strategy, which he
will add. He said it was recommended to eliminate the second paragraph “Fountain Hills
is a small community” in the preamble and had recommendations in regards to branding.
He said that he and Commissioner Bisceglia incorporated the recent voter-approved 2020
General plan that identifies three essential elements. He said that Fountain Hills is a small
community whose long-term sustainability relies heavily on having an active and effective
economic development plan. He mentioned that the local chamber and town actively but
separately work to support new and existing business growth and that the following
strategies and their supporting tasks attempt to address the prospective opportunity of
establishing a more unified business development effort locally and that the strategic
priority now includes the need for collaboration locally. He said that they modified the
complexity levels and added a couple of years per the workgroup recommendation. He
said that he changed the signature strategy to focus on the town’s resources for recruiting
new businesses and industry segments compatible with local economic and demographic
realities with a supporting task is to develop industry-specific action plans for recruiting
Health and Wellness business and professional services, education, and Sciences. And
added a second supporting task to develop and actively promote an effective branding
image that emphasizes Fountain Hills, livability, Wellness, and Safety through prospective
businesses and organizations. He commented that what the workgroup recommended
was very appropriate.
Strategic Priority #3 Health, Well-being, and Safety Workgroup - Commissioner Magazine
and Commissioner McHugh
Commissioner McHugh said that SPAC (Strategic Planning Advisory Commission) is a
management consulting organization, we have been hired by the Town Council, who have
been elected to manage this town. The Town Council's job is to make meaningful
progress on achieving the town's mission and our job is to provide them with a plan on
what we think they should focus on for the next five years. He said we do that by
identifying strategic priorities, crafting signature strategies, and defining critical supportive
tasks needed to implement those strategies.
He said that he, Commissioner Magazine, and Commissioner Garman appreciate the
feedback they received.
Commissioner McHugh said it was suggested that they remove the words “local” and
“their” from Supportive Task D and that he was wondering why we would want to remove
the word “local” and the word “their” since this plan is very locally focused. He said that
local organizations will work with national organizations as they see fit, but he thinks our
relationship needs to be with the organizations that are in our town.
Chair Craft responded that what he read was that we were to work only with local
environmental organizations.
Commissioner McHugh said that he was puzzled as to why the word “safety” literacy was
suggested to omit from Signature Strategy 2, Task B.
Chair Craft responded that the intent was not to leave it out but to address health,
well-being, and safety separately in each task. In Task C, We offered to create
awareness to the town as a safe community focused on public health and well-being by
developing a contingency plan which would be a community coordinated, critical-based
support service in the event of unexpected occurrences.
Commissioner McHugh commented that they absolutely loved the rewrite of Task D, “work
directly with FHSD and its support groups in promoting the health, well-being, and safety
of their students.”
Chair Craft requested that each of the workgroups take the inputs that were received
today, whether in writing or through the conversations, and decide what modifications, if
any, they want to make to their work product, and then get them to Angela.
7.DISCUSSION OF Strategic Plan 2021 Next Steps
Chair Craft said that Commissioner Bisceglia and Town Manager Miller have completed a
fairly comprehensive status report of the current 2017 Strategic Plan in terms of where
each of the specific goals and tasks is to date. This would be part of this plan going
forward in terms of what has been accomplished from the previous plan as it segues into
the new plan and requested it is available at the next meeting.
Town Manager Miller suggested a meeting with the Town’s Department Directors to
receive their feedback and suggestions on the new plan.
Commissioner Bernick volunteered to write up a three or six-page mini-plan version and
present it to the group at the next meeting to see if it meets everyone's expectations prior
to presenting to town staff.
Commissioner Garman offered to work on an executive summary.
8.REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS AND TOWN MANAGER
No reports from Commissioners and Town Manager.
9.ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Commissioner Gerard Bisceglia, SECONDED BY Commissioner John
McHugh to adjourn at 5:25 p.m.
Vote: 6 - 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 28 day of April, 2021. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a
quorum was present.
DATED this 26 day of May, 2021.
_________________________________
Angela Espiritu, Executive Assistant
ITEM 6.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/26/2021 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 AND
CONSIDERATION OF Appointing a Chairperson
Staff Summary (Background)
Section 2A-1-2 Officers
Members of each board and commission shall elect a chair and vice chair from among its own members.
Each chair and vice chair shall serve for one year and until such time as a successor is elected. The chair
shall preside at all meetings and exercise all the usual rights, duties and prerogatives of the head of any
similar organization. The vice chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the chair’s absence or
disability. Vacancies created by any cause shall be filled for the unexpired term by a new election.
(19-15, Added, 09/03/2019)
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 20-27, passed December 1, 2020.
Disclaimer: The town clerk’s office has the official version of the Fountain Hills Town Code. Users should
contact the town clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.
Attachments
Article 2A-6 of this Chapter 2A of the Fountain Hills Town Code_ (002)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 04/22/2021 02:21 PM
Final Approval Date: 04/22/2021
2A-6-1
2A-6-2
2A-6-3
2A-6-4
Article 2A-6
Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Sections:
Creation
Membership
Quorum
Duties
Section 2A-6-1 Creation
The Sister Cities Advisory Commission is hereby established. (19-15, Added, 09/03/2019)
Section 2A-6-2 Membership
The Sister Cities Advisory Commission shall be composed of a total of seven members appointed by the Mayor,
subject to the approval of the Council, with three of these members being officers or board members from the
Fountain Hills Sister Cities Corporation. These appointments shall be for a period of three years each, with the
terms of members staggered such that the terms of no more than three members shall expire in any one year.
(19-15, Added, 09/03/2019)
Section 2A-6-3 Quorum
Four members shall constitute a quorum of the Sister Cities Advisory Commission. (19-15, Added, 09/03/2019)
Section 2A-6-4 Duties
The Commission shall have the following duties:
A. Recommend the selection of cities to the Town Council for the development of municipal partnerships.
B. Assist the Fountain Hills Sister Cities Corporation in hosting receptions and events for visiting delegations and
officials from current or prospective sister cities.
C. Recommend to the Town Council events, opportunities, programs and projects to develop a community
partnership with designated sister cities and to provide a forum for citizens to experience such community
partnerships.
Art. 2A-6 Sister Cities Advisory Commission | Fountain Hills Town Code Page 1 of 2
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 20-27, passed December 1, 2020.
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 20-27, passed December 1, 2020.
Disclaimer: The town clerk’s office has the official version of the Fountain Hills Town Code. Users should contact
the town clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.
Note: This site does not support Internet Explorer. To view this site, Code Publishing Company recommends using
one of the following browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Town Website: www.fh.az.gov
Code Publishing Company
D. Recommend to the Town Council guidelines for reciprocal cultural, educational, municipal, business,
professional and technical exchanges and projects with designated sister cities.
E. Recommend to the Town Council agreements with other governmental and nongovernmental organizations
to collaborate on promoting cultural understanding and stimulating economic development.
F. Such other powers and duties not inconsistent with these as may be directed by the Town Council. (19-15,
Added, 09/03/2019)
Art. 2A-6 Sister Cities Advisory Commission | Fountain Hills Town Code Page 2 of 2
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 20-27, passed December 1, 2020.
ITEM 7.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/26/2021 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 AND
CONSIDERATION OF Appointing a Vice-Chairperson
Staff Summary (Background)
Section 2A-1-2 Officers
Members of each board and commission shall elect a chair and vice chair from among its own members.
Each chair and vice chair shall serve for one year and until such time as a successor is elected. The chair
shall preside at all meetings and exercise all the usual rights, duties and prerogatives of the head of any
similar organization. The vice chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the chair’s absence or
disability. Vacancies created by any cause shall be filled for the unexpired term by a new election.
(19-15, Added, 09/03/2019)
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 20-27, passed December 1, 2020.
Disclaimer: The town clerk’s office has the official version of the Fountain Hills Town Code. Users should
contact the town clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.
Attachments
Article 2A-6 of this Chapter 2A of the Fountain Hills Town Code_ (002)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 04/22/2021 02:22 PM
Final Approval Date: 04/22/2021
2A-6-1
2A-6-2
2A-6-3
2A-6-4
Article 2A-6
Sister Cities Advisory Commission
Sections:
Creation
Membership
Quorum
Duties
Section 2A-6-1 Creation
The Sister Cities Advisory Commission is hereby established. (19-15, Added, 09/03/2019)
Section 2A-6-2 Membership
The Sister Cities Advisory Commission shall be composed of a total of seven members appointed by the Mayor,
subject to the approval of the Council, with three of these members being officers or board members from the
Fountain Hills Sister Cities Corporation. These appointments shall be for a period of three years each, with the
terms of members staggered such that the terms of no more than three members shall expire in any one year.
(19-15, Added, 09/03/2019)
Section 2A-6-3 Quorum
Four members shall constitute a quorum of the Sister Cities Advisory Commission. (19-15, Added, 09/03/2019)
Section 2A-6-4 Duties
The Commission shall have the following duties:
A. Recommend the selection of cities to the Town Council for the development of municipal partnerships.
B. Assist the Fountain Hills Sister Cities Corporation in hosting receptions and events for visiting delegations and
officials from current or prospective sister cities.
C. Recommend to the Town Council events, opportunities, programs and projects to develop a community
partnership with designated sister cities and to provide a forum for citizens to experience such community
partnerships.
Art. 2A-6 Sister Cities Advisory Commission | Fountain Hills Town Code Page 1 of 2
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 20-27, passed December 1, 2020.
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 20-27, passed December 1, 2020.
Disclaimer: The town clerk’s office has the official version of the Fountain Hills Town Code. Users should contact
the town clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.
Note: This site does not support Internet Explorer. To view this site, Code Publishing Company recommends using
one of the following browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
Town Website: www.fh.az.gov
Code Publishing Company
D. Recommend to the Town Council guidelines for reciprocal cultural, educational, municipal, business,
professional and technical exchanges and projects with designated sister cities.
E. Recommend to the Town Council agreements with other governmental and nongovernmental organizations
to collaborate on promoting cultural understanding and stimulating economic development.
F. Such other powers and duties not inconsistent with these as may be directed by the Town Council. (19-15,
Added, 09/03/2019)
Art. 2A-6 Sister Cities Advisory Commission | Fountain Hills Town Code Page 2 of 2
The Fountain Hills Town Code is current through Ordinance 20-27, passed December 1, 2020.
ITEM 8.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/26/2021 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: 05/20/2021 01:58 PM
Final Approval Date: 05/20/2021
ITEM 9.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/26/2021 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 the 2017
Strategic Plan Performance
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
Status of 2017 Strategic Plan
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 05/03/2021 05:46 PM
Final Approval Date: 05/03/2021
ITEM 10.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/26/2021 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
Workgroups Final Strategy Documents
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
Signature Strategy Economic Development
Combined WG Reports ED, HWS, I, May21 Draft 1.0
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 05/03/2021 05:44 PM
Final Approval Date: 05/03/2021
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,
active community whose long-term sustainability includes having an active and effective economic
development plan. Presently, the local chamber of commerce and the Town actively, but separately,
work to support new and existing business growth. We believe that additional synergy can be achieved
if both programs collaborate to strengthen our economic stability.
The following strategies and their supporting tasks attempt to address the prospective opportunity of
establishing a more unified and focused business development effort locally. 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. Rationale: The Alliance will collaborate to expand business and tourism opportunities locally.
Each party brings unique skills, contacts, and compatible goals to not only recruit business relocation to
this area but also support their transition and long-term success.
Supporting Task A – 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 – >1 year Complexity – 3 Collaboration Potential - Critical
Supporting Task B - Utilize local volunteer skills. Establish a Business Advisory Council represented by 6
qualified residents representing key stakeholders and/or relevant business leadership backgrounds. The
council would provide business advisory services to the Alliance, networking activities, and support
special promotional/recruitment activities.
Organizational timeline - >1 year Complexity - 2 Collaboration Potential - Critical
Economic Development, cont.
Signature Strategy # 2
Focus the Town’s resources for recruiting new businesses in industry segments compatible with local
economic, space and demographic realities. Rationale: The focus on “soft industry” development
addresses the Town’s unique assets and the rising interest in ‘work-at-home’ enterprises. In addition,
with limited open space available for building and warehousing these targeted business types could be
easily assimilated into our existing infrastructure.
Supporting Task A - Develop industry-specific action plans for recruiting the following businesses:
1. Health and wellness
2. Business and professional services
3. Education and sciences (including high tech design)
Organizational timeline – 2+ years Complexity - 3 Collaboration potential - Yes
Supporting Task B – Develop and actively promote an effective brand (image) that emphasizes Fountain
Hill’s livability, wellness and safety to prospective businesses and services.
Organizational timeline – 1+ year Complexity – 2 Collaboration potential -Yes
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 both signature strategies have a greater likelihood of
success by working with stakeholders (both local and regional).
________________________________________
1
Fountains Hills Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Strategic Plan 2021
2
Fountains Hills Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Economic Development Work Group
John Craft, Gerard Bisceglia, and Patrick Garman
May 2021
Strategic Priority (SP):
Focus on collaborative economic development.
Preamble:
An essential element of a thriving community is its economy. Fountain Hills is a small,
active community whose long-term sustainability requires an effective targeted
economic development plan. Economic development has become a hotly debated topic
and a much sought-after goal in towns across America. Industrial recruitment and
reliance on outside funding are giving way to locally based finance and entrepreneurial
activity. Fountain Hills needs to take advantage of its unique local resources and
leadership to develop its own successful economy in a way that continues to appeal to
its residents and business community. Presently, the local chamber of commerce and
the Town actively, but separately, work to support new and existing business growth.
The following strategies and their supporting tasks attempt to address the opportunity of
establishing a more unified and focused business development effort locally. Our
workgroup interviewed Town leadership, Chamber of Commerce, FH Sanitary District
and FHCCA. We noted a recurring theme that ‘strength-in-numbers’ was important
when pursuing opportunities. Hence, our Strategic Priority focuses on the need for local
collaboration.
Signature Strategy (S) #1 – Description: Lead the formation of collaborative
economic development groups that will act in a concerted effort around a common
economic goal. Rationale: The Commission believes that synergy can be achieved if
like-minded groups collaborate to strengthen our economic progress. The groups can
draw members from municipal governments, regional economic development
organizations, nonprofit organizations seeking to help communities, and other
stakeholders.
Supporting Task (T) A - Form an Economic Development Coalition between the
Fountain Hills Town Government, Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce, and Ft.
McDowell Yavapai Nation. The Coalition will collaborate to expand business and
tourism opportunities locally. Each party brings unique skills, contacts, and compatible
goals to not only recruit business relocation to this area but also support their transition
and long-term success.
Timeline: <3yrs Complexity: 3 Collaboration potential: Yes
3
Supporting Task (T) B – Form an Economic Development Task Force. Ongoing
collaboration between the public and private sectors is an important component of
economic development. To encourage collaboration, form an economic development
task force with representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss how the
town could better facilitate economic development. Representatives from the business
community could include business owners, property owners, and developers, or leaders
from the Chamber of Commerce or other business groups.
Timeline: <1yrs Complexity: 2 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) C – Create an educational task force comprised of
representatives from the education system, business community, and local government.
A high-quality education system supports the local economy by helping to ensure the
community has workers with needed skills. Fountain Hills should work more closely with
the local schools to improve education by supporting school programs and building
connections between government and the education sector.
Timeline: <2yrs Complexity: 4 Collaboration potential: Yes
Signature Strategy (S) # 2 – Description: Retain existing businesses and attract new
ones. Rationale: Existing businesses are the foundation of any economic growth
strategy. By building on what already exists, cities can support current businesses and
create a strong foundation. Attracting new businesses is often most effective when the
effort is tailored to the industries compatible with local economic, space, environmental,
and demographic characteristics.
Supporting Task (T) A - Develop industry-specific action plans for retaining
existing businesses and recruiting new ones for the following sectors: 1) Health and
wellness, 2) Professional services, and 3) S.T.E.M.
Timeline: <2yrs Complexity: 5 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) B – Develop and promote an effective brand image that
emphasizes Fountain Hills’ livability, healthfulness, and safety to prospective
businesses.
Timeline: <3yrs Complexity: 2 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) C – Develop and maintain an economic development
website and business metrics database. Create and maintain an economic development
website that functions as a one stop shop to help new and existing business owners
with business startup, or expansion. This website would include a step-by-step guide to
starting, or expanding a business in the city, links to important contacts and forms, and
links to resources outside the community, such as loan programs from the Small
Business Administration or community development financial institutions or technical
assistance from a regional small business development center. A business metrics
4
database would track the overall business health of the community and monitor the
effectiveness of economic development initiatives.
Timeline: <2yrs Complexity: 3 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) D – Streamline the permitting process. Review existing
permit and approval processes, and give businesses investing in downtown and other
infill locations an expedited permit process to shorten the timeline and reduce
development costs.
Timeline: <2yrs Complexity: 5 Collaboration potential: N/A
Signature Strategy (S) #3 – Description: Increase local economic development
literacy. Rationale: Cultivating civic economic development awareness in current and
future local entrepreneurs will increase awareness of the unique opportunities for
economic advancement available in Fountain Hills.
Supporting Task (T) A – Create a landlord and Bed and Breakfast (B&B) owner
education program. A landlord education program will help property owners learn best
practices in property management. The program will educate landlords and B&B owners
on complying with codes, applicant screening, fair housing rules, lease agreements, the
eviction process, running a B&B, and other relevant information. Program benefits will
include better property maintenance, safer homes, a more stable tenant base, and
lower city costs for code enforcement.
Timeline: <4yrs Complexity: 5 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) B – Town student Internships. Offer local government
internships for high school or college students. Students have volunteer requirements
and want professional experience. Students can often help city staff at little or no cost.
Timeline: <2yrs Complexity: 5 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) C – Institute a town government local hiring policy. Local-
hiring policies typically require that certain government employees or some percentage
of workers on city-funded projects live in the jurisdiction. These policies increase
employment opportunities for the local workforce, ensure that government spending is
invested back into the community, and reduce commute times for government workers.
Timeline: <2yrs Complexity: 5 Collaboration potential: Yes
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Fountain Hills Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Health, Wellness, and Safety Work Group
Cynthia Magazine, John McHugh, and Patrick Garman
May 2021
Strategic Priority (SP):
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 (S) #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.
Supporting Task (T) A - Incorporate public health, well-being, and safety in all
Fountain Hills Government policies.
Timeline: <1yrs to review current policies, then ongoing for any policy changes or
new policies. Complexity: 2 Collaboration potential: N/A
Supporting Task (T) B - Promote, expand, and connect open space and
recreational facilities to create safe opportunities for physical activities.
Timeline: <3yrs Complexity: 3 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) C - Create and publicize an Environmental Plan for
Fountain Hills.
Timeline: <1yrs Complexity: 4 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) D - Work directly with local environmental organizations to
guide and synchronize their efforts in strengthening our community’s connection with its
natural surroundings.
Timeline: <3yrs Complexity: 3 Collaboration potential: Yes
6
Signature Strategy (S) #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 specific, high priority tasks that fit within the Town’s current
constraints regarding both human and financial resources.
Supporting Task (T) A - Support the expansion of preventive health and
wellness access within the Fountain Hills community.
Timeline: <1yrs to assess, then ongoing as opportunities are addressed.
Complexity: 2 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) B - Improve the health, well-being, and safety literacy of
Fountain Hills residents.
Timeline: 3yrs, then ongoing updates. Complexity: 3
Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) C - Create awareness of Fountain Hills as a community
focused on public health, well-being, and safety.
Timeline: <3yrs Complexity: 3 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) D - Develop a Fountain Hills plan for incorporating critical,
community-based support services to manage unexpected occurrences.
Timeline: <1yrs Complexity: 2 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) E - Support Fountain Hills Schools in promoting the health,
well-being, and safety of their students.
Timeline: <1yrs to assess, then ongoing as opportunities are addressed.
Complexity: 2 Collaboration potential: Yes
7
Fountains Hills Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Infrastructure Work Group
Chad Bernick and Patrick Garman
May 2021
Strategic Priority (SP):
Maintain current infrastructure while preparing the town for emerging
infrastructure trends that increase public safety and quality of life.
Preamble:
Fountain Hills infrastructure plays a vital role in the quality of life for our citizens and we
must maintain and prepare it for the future. Fountain Hills infrastructure must be capable
of supporting our town’s economy, while holding public safety and quality of life as
priorities. There are generally many categories of infrastructure to consider, but focusing
solely on Fountain Hills, we identified four that are of particular interest to our town’s
residents and elected leadership. This iteration of the Fountain Hills strategic plan will
deal with Broadband, Public Parks, Roads, and Energy infrastructure areas.
Signature Strategy (S) #1 – Description: Support local Broadband strategic buildouts
and deployment efforts while ensuring the preservation of conduit and right of way for
future technologies. Rationale: Broadband, a generic term for high-speed internet
access, enables students of all ages to learn online and businesses to reach customers
and co-workers; facilitates electronic and verbal communications; provides access to
healthcare and job openings; and can be the deciding factor of where a company
chooses to expand.
Supporting Task (T) A – Make co-location of broadband a requirement with
existing infrastructure planning as a condition of permit use or where public funding is
provided. This includes above-ground infrastructure and the codification of “dig once”
policies where service providers install broadband conduit as other infrastructure is
installed.
Timeline: <2yrs Complexity: 3 Collaboration potential: N/A
Supporting Task (T) B - Enact and enforce codes and standards to ensure that
utility poles and other structures that support 4G/5G and future telecommunications
equipment are structurally sound, reliable, and resilient.
Timeline: <3yrs Complexity: 4 Collaboration potential: N/A
8
Signature Strategy (S) #2 – Description: Partner with other government agencies and
outside entities e.g. private companies, nonprofit organizations, and volunteer groups,
to evaluate and report on the health of the Fountain Hills parks and its asset
maintenance/management system. Rationale: Parks support economic prosperity and
build thriving, healthy, resilient communities. Besides providing recreational
opportunities and green space for all ages, parks provide a suite of ancillary benefits
such as higher property values, protection, and improvements to drinking water
sources, fewer urban heat islands, and stormwater management.
Supporting Task (T) A – Complete a park metric scoring analysis using a
nationally recognized system to benchmark the Fountain Hills city park system.
Timeline: <2yrs Complexity: 3 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) B - Promote awareness of Community Services
Department parks and recreation facilities and offerings by using customer-friendly,
interactive media.
Timeline: <1yrs Complexity: 3 Collaboration potential: Yes.
Signature Strategy (S) #3 – Description: Increase the ease and safety of multi-use
aspects of Fountain Hills roads. Rationale: A forward looking road strategy is essential
to everyday living in Fountain Hills, providing access to jobs, schools, shopping,
healthcare, wellness, and other services while enabling sustainable mobility options
such as pedestrian and biking access.
Supporting Task (T) A - Work with the Fountain Hills Town Council
Subcommittee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety to identify the roads where lack of a
safe and interconnected sidewalk system increases risk to pedestrians and produce a
plan and schedule to remedy.
Timeline: <2yrs Complexity: 3 Collaboration potential: Yes
Supporting Task (T) B - Promote awareness of pedestrian and bicycle rights,
vehicular responsibilities and other “rules of the road” that will help reduce potential
conflicts and accidents in Fountain Hills.
Timeline: <1yrs Complexity: 1 Collaboration potential: N/A
Supporting Task (T) C: Develop a comprehensive bicycle master plan, in
combination with dedicated citizen and organization support. A successful plan will
focus on developing a seamless cycling network that emphasizes short trip distances,
multi-modal trips, and is complemented by encouragement, education, and enforcement
programs to increase usage.
Timeline: <2yrs Complexity: 3 Collaboration potential: Yes
9
Signature Strategy (S) #4 – Description: Develop an investment plan and schedule to
maintain/bring FH’s streets, medians, buildings, and parks to established standards.
Rationale: Infrastructure planning, funding, and execution information should be
available, clearly articulated, and transparently handled by Fountain Hills public
agencies.
Supporting Task (T) A: Develop a detailed Infrastructure Condition Report with
a scoring mechanism for evaluating and reporting the functionality, appearance, and
upkeep of the Town’s fixed assets. The report will be updated annually, reviewed by
the town council, and available to town citizens.
Timeline: <3yrs Complexity: 5 Collaboration potential: N/A
Signature Strategy (S) #5 – Description: Pursue emerging pilot/beta program
opportunities with Salt River Project (SRP) power. Rationale: In a digital, connected
world, Fountain Hills increasingly relies on readily available and uninterrupted electricity.
SRP is taking proactive steps to strengthen the electric grid through resilience
measures. Fountain Hills needs to be on the forefront of working with SRP in the
coming years to ensure additional transmission and distribution infrastructure, smart
planning, and improved reliability to accommodate the changing energy landscape, as
delivery becomes more distributed and renewables grow.
Supporting Task (T) A: Pursue partnership opportunity with Yavapai Nation and
SRP in the development of a power district in or around Fountain Hills.
Timeline: <5yrs Complexity: 5 Collaboration potential: Yes
ITEM 11.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/26/2021 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 SPAC
2021 Work Schedule / Timelines
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
SPAC Work Schedule
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 05/03/2021 05:36 PM
Final Approval Date: 05/03/2021
SPAC Work Schedule for 2021 FH Strategic Plan
Task(s) Details/Ownership Target Dates
Finalize WG drafts S.P.s #1-4 for content (WGs for #1,3,4 ) - #2 (Miller) Due on 5/12 Approve 5/26
2017 SP Performance Review Completion Analysis (Gerard to present) Preview 5/26
Format WG drafts Standard formatting (PG) Preview 6/23
VFH Survey #2 SPAC review and relevancy to 2021 SP Review 6/23
VFH Focus Groups SPAC to support and observe TBD
2021 SP Communications Plan 1st draft and final (John McH) Preview 8/25 Final 9/22
2021 SP Performance Monitoring SPAC role defined (John McH) Preview 8/25 Final 9/22
Preview Session w/ Town staff Brief intro to new plan priorities (Chad – Powerpoint) TBD – After Sept. 6
2021 SP Supporting Documents Refresh SWOT, VFH survey, 2017 SP Completion Analysis,
Emerging Infrastructure Trends (Cynthia/Chad) 10/1 Preview
2021 Plan intros Process Overview (JC) - Exec Summ (PG and JC) 10/27 Preview
2021 SP Initial Preview SPAC team discussion 11/17
WG = Workgroups SP= Strategic Plan
ITEM 12.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/26/2021 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 AND
CONSIDERATION OF An Additional Commission Meeting on August 25, 2021
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 05/20/2021 01:51 PM
Final Approval Date: 05/20/2021
ITEM 13.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/26/2021 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: 04/28/2021 04:55 PM
Final Approval Date: 04/28/2021