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Home My WebLink AboutAGENDApacket__10-24-23_0638_545 NOTICE OF MEETING REGULAR MEETING MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION Chairman Scott Grzybowski Vice Chairman Steve Nurney Commissioner Bill Craig Commissioner Janice Holden Commissioner Sherry Irwin Commissioner Brian Jennings Commissioner D.J. Willard TIME:5:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING WHEN:TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023 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 2.ROLL CALL 3.REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS 4.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. 5.CONSIDERATION & POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission September 26, 2023 Verbatim Minutes 6.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Naming of Two Recently Approved Trails 7.UPDATE: MMPC Scope of Charter Workgroup 8.UPDATE AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Fountain Hills Trail System Designation as National Recreational Trails by the Secretary of the Interior 9.UPDATE: Stayloc Installation at Entryway 10.UPDATE: Sonoran Conservancy Fountain Hills Liaison 11.UPDATE: Installation of New Trail Counters 12.UPDATE: Trail Counter Activity 13.UPDATE: Future Agenda Items 14.UPDATE: Next MMPC Meeting November 28, 2023 15.ADJOURNMENT McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of October 24, 2023 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 McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission with the Town Clerk. Dated this 19th day of October 2023 ___________________________________________ Patti Lopuszanski, 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 Community Services' Office. McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of October 24, 2023 3 of 3 ITEM 3. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS Staff Summary (Background) Reports by Commissioners will allow commissioners to share information about town events attended and information related to CSAC. This time is purely for reporting, no discussion or comments from the public are taken, and cannot be used to address any item on the agenda. Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/12/2023 03:57 PM Final Approval Date: 10/12/2023 ITEM 5. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION & POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission September 26, 2023 Verbatim 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. Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/12/2023 04:04 PM Final Approval Date: 10/12/2023 ITEM 6. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Naming of Two Recently Approved Trails Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/16/2023 05:31 PM Final Approval Date: 10/16/2023 ITEM 7. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE: MMPC Scope of Charter Workgroup Staff Summary (Background) Workgroup update from Chair Grzybowski, Commissioner Holden and Commissioner Nurney Attachments MMPC Sunset Recommendations Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/12/2023 04:08 PM Final Approval Date: 10/12/2023 McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (MMPC)Sunset Recommendation Background In cooperation with Community Services for the Town of Fountain Hills,the MMPC ensures the application of the Preserve’s Guiding Principles which are:To preserve, conserve and protect the McDowell Mountain Preserve in its natural state. Appointed by the Fountain Hills Town Council,the MMPC is charged with: ●Maintaining the existing,undisturbed desert landscape of the Preserve ●Providing regulations that will protect wildlife habitats and limit human encroachment to specific areas within the Preserve ●Recommending use regulations for the Adero Canyon Trailhead (ACT)that grant public access into the Preserve ●Providing use regulations for the Golden Eagle Trailhead (GET),including access control into the Preserve through the McDowell Mountain Regional Park (MMRP) The main goal of the MMPC on its inception was to oversee the development of the Adero Canyon Trailhead (ACT). Accomplishments We are honored to have served on the Commission.We have accomplished the main goal of the MMPC as mentioned above.We would like to highlight some of the other key accomplishments. ●ACT Trailhead Completed ●Guidelines for the Management of the Preserve implemented ●10 year Master Trails Plan completed which included: ○Approval by the Town Council for six additional trails.Three of these trails have already been built * ○Ridgeline *(Completed 2020) ○Lower Ridgeline *(Completed (2022) ○North Leg *(Completed 2023) ○Overlook connection to Easy Access Trail ○Middle Trail above Sonoran /Promenade ○High Trail above Sonoran /Promenade Once the final trail is built,we consider the Preserve to be “built out”which is consistent with the Master Trails Plan. At present,we have accomplished all the goals established for the MMPC. Moving forward The Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills (SCFH). The SCFH is a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization established to protect and promote the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve,Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden and Lake Overlook Trail for the benefit of the community.It is a volunteer led organization and has no paid staff.SCFH's work is supported by contributions received from the public. The primary objectives of the Conservancy are to: ●Support the Town's operational and maintenance priorities ●Provide recreational opportunities to enjoy these natural assets ●Provide educational opportunities to promote the value of these natural assets ●Advocate and take appropriate action to minimize any impact to the Town's natural resources While the primary goals of the MMPC have been met,we could continue to function in an advisory capacity to the Town.However,we feel the needs could be better served through the Conservancy (SCFH). In our consideration to sunset the MMPC,we are recommending the SCFH continue to protect and promote the Preserve in addition to the Town’s other open spaces. SCFH is better positioned to work effectively with the Town’s Community Service staff without the MMPC.We encourage MMPC commissioners to consider joining the Conservancy’s board. ITEM 8. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Fountain Hills Trail System Designation as National Recreational Trails by the Secretary of the Interior Staff Summary (Background) The Trail System Designation Workgroup will be providing an update. Commissioner Craig, Commissioner Nurney and Commissioner Willard Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/12/2023 04:10 PM Final Approval Date: 10/12/2023 ITEM 9. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE: Stayloc Installation at Entryway Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/12/2023 04:28 PM Final Approval Date: 10/12/2023 ITEM 10. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE: Sonoran Conservancy Fountain Hills Liaison Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/12/2023 04:26 PM Final Approval Date: 10/12/2023 ITEM 11. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE: Installation of New Trail Counters Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/12/2023 04:17 PM Final Approval Date: 10/12/2023 ITEM 12. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE: Trail Counter Activity Staff Summary (Background) Attachments September 2023 Trail Counter Report Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/12/2023 04:24 PM Final Approval Date: 10/12/2023 0000001 Counter read out 2022 A-K/WL Overlook/Ridgeline January 1,924 7,664 3,545 3,842 13,118 February 1,691 7,251 3,963 4,569 14,349 March 2,076 8,505 4,191 5,690 16,175 April 1,245 5,160 2,715 3,568 9,388 May 758 3,231 1,698 2,101 5,871 June 518 1,890 823 1,022 2,839 July 438 1623 650 807 2,243 August 400 1,880 1,031 858 2,591 September 483 1,736 1,235 1,189 3,454 October 946 2,213 2,102 2,429 7,008 November 1,250 6,364 3,072 3,211 10,240 December 1,189 5,330 5,233 2,184 9,355 YTD 12,918 52,847 30,258 31,470 96,631 Counter read out 2023 A-K/WL Overlook/Ridgeline January 1,606 7,320 4,123 2,814 12,997 February 1,487 7,121 4,367 4,045 13,140 March 2,499 9,377 4,770 9,325 17,440 April 1,574 6,175 3,033 4,277 10,836 May 660 3,308 2,454 1,741 5,045 June 556 2,420 1,248 1,156 3,108 July 302 1,388 602 562 1,462 August 284 1,362 748 606 1,734 September 474 1,830 1,162 1,210 3,132 October November December 9,442 40,301 22,507 25,736 68,894 Botanical Garden Lake Overlook ACT / Promenade Botanical Garden Lake Overlook ACT / Promenade 0000002 Total 13,498 43,591 11,956 43,779 12,328 48,965 7,518 29,594 5,795 19,454 3,009 10,101 2,500 8,261 3,075 9,835 3,783 11,880 5,974 20,672 7,819 31,956 6,078 29,369 83,333 Total 9,621 38,481 Larry 12,735 42,895 Larry 14,439 81,376 Larry 11,911 37,806 Larry 5,102 18,310 Steve 3,075 11,563 Steve 1,976 6,292 Steve 2,388 7,122 Steve 3,258 11,066 Steve Steve Larry Larry 64,505 Totals ACT/ Parking ACT/ Parking ITEM 13. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE: Future Agenda Items Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/12/2023 04:25 PM Final Approval Date: 10/12/2023 ITEM 14. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 10/24/2023 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Interim Community Services Director Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE: Next MMPC Meeting November 28, 2023 Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/16/2023 05:36 PM Final Approval Date: 10/16/2023