HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDApacket__06-22-21_1139_250
NOTICE OF MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Chairman Scott Grzybowski
Vice Chairman Tom Barberic
Commissioner Thomas Aiello
Commissioner Bill Craig
Commissioner Janice Holden
Commissioner Steven Nurney
Commissioner D.J. Willard
TIME:5:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
WHEN:TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 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
2.ROLL CALL
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 May 17, 2021 Meeting Minutes
5.UPDATE from working group on future trail priorities
6.UPDATE from working group on renaming working groups
7.DISCUSSION on new signs layout
8.DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION on The Guidelines for Management of the Preserve
9.DISCUSSION on Action Items
10.REVIEW AND DISCUSSION of Trail Counter Activity and Trail Counter Recorder
11.ADJOURNMENT
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of June 22, 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 McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission with the Town Clerk.
Dated this ______ day of ____________________, 2021.
_____________________________________________
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 June 22, 2021 3 of 3
ITEM 4.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 06/22/2021 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Rachael Goodwin, Community Services Director
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language):
CONSIDERATION OF Approving the May 17, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
May 17, 2021 Minutes
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 06/14/2021 10:53 AM
Final Approval Date: 06/14/2021
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MAY 17, 2021
1.CALL TO ORDER welcome new MMPC Commissioner Steven Nurney
Meeting called to order at 5:01pm followed by Steven Nurney being welcomed as the
newest commissioner to join MMPC.
2.ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioner Thomas Aiello; Commissioiner Bill Craig; Chairman Scott
Grzybowski; Commissioner Janice Holden; Commissioner DJ Willard;
Commissioner Steven Nurney
Absent: Vice Chairman Tom Barberic
Staff
Present:
Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin; Executive Assistant Patti
Lopuszanski
3.CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(H), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters NOT listed on the
agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Commission, and (ii) is subject to
reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Commission will not discuss or take legal action on
matters raised during Call to the Public unless the matters 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.
None
4.CONSIDERATION OF Approving the April 27, 2021 Meeting Minutes
MOVED BY Commissioner DJ Willard and SECONDED BY Commissioner Janice
Holden to approve the minutes of the April 27, 2021, meeting.
VOTE: 6-0, Passed
5.UPDATE on Adero Canyon Trail (ACT) head
Ms. Goodwin reported that everything is open and operable at Adero Canyon
Trail (ACT). The water pressure issue was resolved with the installation of a pump with
the help of EPCOR.
6.UPDATE from working group on future trail priorities
Bill Craig sent out a work group summary from the meeting he attended on May 12,
2021 with Chairman Grzybowski, Commissioner Willard, Ms. Goodwin and Mr. Snipes.
It was discussed that the Sonoran Conservancy would start the process suggesting the
priority of future trails. Sonoran Conservancy would bring recommendations to the
commission after they have voted on it, and then present their proposals to MMPC for
consideration to determine if they agree with the trail priorities. Once MMPC has voted
to follow through with that recommendation it will be given to Ms. Goodwin to bring to
Town Council for final approval.
Ms. Goodwin informed newly appointed Commissioner Nurney that MMPC is the
commission that is Council appointed and carries the burden of formality to make
recommendations to Council. Once the Sonoran Conservancy comes back with their
input and options on what they propose, MMPC will discuss and have consensus to go
to council.
Chairman Gryzbowski discussed the need to look at working on a Master Trails Plan that
would cover the next 10 years.
7.DISCUSSION on The Guidelines for Management of the Preserve
Commissioner Willard discussed input that was received for the Guidelines for
Management of the Preserve. Ms. Goodwin requested that Mr. Snipes get his eyes on
the plan to review before it is approved. It was put on hold until the June meeting to be
added as a Discussion and Consideration item. Chairman Gryzbowski added the need
for a Master Trails Plan and a timeline of the next projects to be considered.
8.DISCUSSION on Issues Bin
Chairman Gryzbowski will be creating and maintaining a Google Doc for all to share and
review on the MMPC Commission with items to be worked on. There are 13 items
currently with some assigned to a working group. Chairman Gryzbowski and Vice Chair
Barberic will take items #2 and #3. Chairman Gryzbowski researched ebike restrictions
and found the Town Code ambiguous in the wording. He expressed the need to review
and prepare a clearer statement from MMPC. Ebikes are restricted from trails by
the Town and noted on trail signs.
It was agreed that the functions of the work groups and members were as
follows: Working Groups: Commissioner Craig, Commissioner Aiello and Commissioner
Barberic (Trails) and Commissioner Holden, Commissioner Nurney, and Commissioner
Willard (Marketing and communications).
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of May 17, 2021 2 of 4
9.UPDATE from Sonoran Conservancy
Commissioner Holden reported that many members of the Sonoran Conservancy are out
of town and leadership changes have occurred.
Maps will be located at the Community Center until the end of June when renovations
will begin. Town Hall and the Chamber of Commerce will also have maps available for
visitors. Commissioner Holden will be working on guidelines for the Sonoran
Conservancy.
Commissioner Craig estimates the trailblazers will be completing the Lower
Ridgeline Trail within 4-6 weeks from the start of the trailblazing season that is set to
start in November. A trail steward program was discussed where there would be a
volunteer for each of the trails to go through and do light maintenance twice a year.
10.REVIEW AND DISCUSSION of Trail Counter Activity and Trail Counter Recorder
Paul Garvey had created the spreadsheets and workbook to report the monthly trail
activity. Stan Ruden is currently providing the counts on a monthly basis for reporting to
MMPC. Ms. Goodwin shared that this data is used to justify financial and staffing
choices, establish trends where high use is, and where help is needed. This information
also helps to support claims for grants.
11.UPDATE on Community Services Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan
Ms. Goodwin presented the Master Plan draft to Town Council in April and received their
feedback on recommended changes. The Master Plan will be going before council for
final adoption on June 1 st. This ten year plan will be a guide for Community
Services and a living document that can change. This was the last piece needed for the
NRPA award application. Fountain Hills is one of 4 communities in the nation to be a
finalist in the 30,000 and under population. The final results will be announced in
September at the National Parks and Recreation Association conference.
12.ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 5:44pm.
MOVED BY Commissioner Thomas Aiello SECONDED BY Commissioner Janice
Holden to adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 6-0 Passed.
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of May 17, 2021 3 of 4
MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN ADVISORY
COMMISSION
____________________________
Chairman Scott Grzybowski
ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
______________________________
Patti Lopuszanski, 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 McDowell Mountain Advisory Commission in the Town Hall Council
Chambers on the ___day of ________, 2021. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a
quorum was present.
DATED this ____ day of _______, 2021.
_________________________________
Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of May 17, 2021 4 of 4
ITEM 5.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 06/22/2021 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Rachael Goodwin, Community Services Director
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE from
working group on future trail priorities
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
Proposed Sunridge Canyon Trail
Alternate Sunridge Canyon Trail
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 06/14/2021 12:03 PM
Final Approval Date: 06/14/2021
ITEM 6.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 06/22/2021 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Rachael Goodwin, Community Services Director
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE from
working group on renaming working groups
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
Renaming Working Groups
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 06/16/2021 05:14 PM
Final Approval Date: 06/16/2021
MMPC Working Group 2 - New Description
Background
In Q1 2020, the MMPC created two Working Groups whose tasks were tied to the Community
Services Dept 2020-2023 Strategic Plan. The plan identified MMPC as having a Lead
Responsibility in specific activities which were then incorporated into Working Groups 1 and 2.
Working Group 2 was described as follow:
Working Group 2 Outreach & Promotion
1. Promotion
2. Public Information and Messaging
3. Outreach
It would be timely to review and update with Community Services activities in the Strategic Plan
that identified MMPC involvement. However, the current direction of the MMPC, supported by
the Commissioners in this Working Group, led us to the following considerations:
Recommendations
1. Recharacterize Working Group 2 to “Outreach”
2. Revise the focus of Working Group 2 to:
a. Develop and better define the relationship with the SCFH.
b. Manage communication and collaboration as needed with:
i. SCFH
ii. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
iii. Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
iv. Town of FH – Community Services
v. Town of FH residents in conjunction with the Town
vi. Other relevant community organizations and projects
3. Create a new “MMPC Operational Management” Working Group to:
a. Define and manage MMPC processes.
b. Manage the ‘Issues Bin’.
c. Create ad hoc groups to address specific issues, as appropriate.
Discussion items
The MMPC should continue to improve and document MMPC processes.
The ad hoc group of Bill, Scott, and DJ regarding new trail prioritization is an example of an ad
hoc group. The addition of an SCFH member to this group would ensure the SCFH perspective
is adequately represented.
For issues effecting both MMPC and SCFH, utilize joint ad hoc groups, as appropriate.
The most urgent, i.e., time sensitive, action for the Outreach Working Group is to define the
process for the next new trail approval. This includes, in coordination with Community
Services, the steps necessary for resident education and solicitation of input and feedback.
Anticipated Near Term Actions
1. Define the process needed to lead to a FH Town Council decision regarding the next
proposed trail within the Preserve. This would include a detailed timeline and
responsibility list.
2. In conjunction with the SCFH, review their proposed Operational Guidelines and
develop and document an effective joint working relationship between the SCFH and
the MMPC.
Commissioners Janice Holden, DJ Willard, Steve Nurney June 3, 2021
ITEM 7.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 06/22/2021 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Rachael Goodwin, Community Services Director
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): DISCUSSION on
new signs layout
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 06/16/2021 05:18 PM
Final Approval Date: 06/16/2021
ITEM 8.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 06/22/2021 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Rachael Goodwin, Community Services Director
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): DISCUSSION
AND CONSIDERATION on The Guidelines for Management of the Preserve
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
Guidelines for Management of the Preserve
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 06/16/2021 05:20 PM
Final Approval Date: 06/16/2021
Version 05-17-2021 Page 1
VERSION HISTORY
Reason Date Person(s) Initial Draft 01-05-2021 Paul Garvey, Janice Holden, DJ Willard
Updates from MMPC Review 03-30-2021 Janice Holden, DJ Willard Updates from MMPC Review 05-17-2021 Janice Holden, DJ Willard
Version 05-17-2021 Page 2
GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE
FOUNTAIN HILLS MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVE
The intent of the document, as presented by the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (MMPC), is to describe the principles used to manage the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve (MMP). Its goal is to establish specific implementation guidelines used for decision making and governance of the Preserve. It also serves as a repository to document decisions and policies adopted by the MMPC.
Contents
Guidelines for Management of the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve 1
A. Intent and Guiding Principles: 3
B. Use, Management and Implementation: 3
1. Oversight 3
2. MMPC Operational Structure 3
3. Relationship with Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills 5
4. Preserve Size 5
5. Use Types 5
6. Financials 6
7. Trail Design, Maintenance and Density 6
8. Trailhead Development and Maintenance 7
9. Overuse Management 7
10. Limitation of Amenities 7
11. Education and Outreach 8
12. Safety 8
13. Research 9
14. Archeological Findings 9
15. Preserve Right of Way and Easement Provisions 10
16. List of Regulations 11
17. Revision History 11
Version 05-17-2021 Page 3
A. INTENT AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
The overall objective for these Guiding Principles is to preserve, conserve and protect the Sonoran Desert in its natural state. Decisions affecting the Preserve should meet the following
Guiding Principles criteria: 1. Maintain the natural beauty of the Preserve. 2. Minimize human impact within the Preserve, including:
a. Non-essential facilities within the Preserve b. Commercialization in the Preserve
c. Prioritization of conservation over development 3. Provide public access to and within the Preserve that encourages a positive and safe
experience.
B. USE, MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION:
1. OVERSIGHT
In cooperation with Community Services for the Town of Fountain Hills, the MMPC ensures the
application of the Preserve’s Guiding Principles. 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)
• Providing for the development of a trail system within the Preserve and connectivity to
abutting trail systems in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve (MSP) in Scottsdale and within
the McDowell Mountain Regional Park (MMRP) to the north.
2. MMPC OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE
STRUCTURE OF MMPC WORKING GROUPS
In 2020 the MMPC organized its seven commissioners into two working groups of three
Commissioners each aligned with the relevant Visions and Tasks as outlined in the Community
Services’ Strategic Plan.
WORKING GROUP 1 INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATIONS
- Trail Development and Maintenance - Protection
- Safety
Vision / Task
#1 / #3 Trail Development and Maintenance
Version 05-17-2021 Page 4
#2 / #1 Protection Preserve, protect and enhance natural resources
Planning: Work to balance nature and man-made environments
Environment: Design/program activities sensitive to environmental
sustainability
#3 / #3 Safety - Optimize safe utilization of outdoor space
WORKING GROUP 2 OUTREACH & PROMOTION
- Promotion - Public Information and Messaging
- Outreach
Vision / Task
#2 / #5 Promotion - Showcase Community Services as essential to town
Collaborate with government associations and civic groups (SCFH)
#5 / #2 Public Information & Messaging - Expand public access to information
#5 /#3 Outreach - Foster effective relationship with community orgs, schools
IDEA FLOW AND MMPC IDEA VETTING PROCESS
The following idea qualification process was adopted by the MMPC in 2019.
This process would be applied as additional consideration filters following compliance with the Guiding Principles and used by the working groups to assess new ideas and issues. Step 1 - VETTING: 1. Does it meet the Guiding Principles? 2. Does it complement or conflict with our mission to Preserve the Preserve?
3. Does it take the source into consideration - Town, Community, SCFH, within MMPC? (Town source should take priority) 4. What problem does it solve or what need does it satisfy? 5. What are the funding requirements? (both capital and expense as well as necessary or long-term funding sources) 6. What is the level of effort to pursue? (Is it achievable within the means of the MMPC?)
Step 2 – APPROVAL (presented by Working Group at a monthly MMPC meeting) 1. Outline the problem or need. 2. Provide several possible scenarios with pros and cons for each.
3. If appropriate, provide a recommendation for approval/disapproval. Step 3 – PRIORITIZATION (once approved) 1. Are there time constraints in implementing the idea? (budget deadlines, seasonal
considerations, resource availability, etc.) 2. Will funding complexities affect completion?
Version 05-17-2021 Page 5
3. RELATIONSHIP WITH SONORAN CONSERVANCY OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
The Preserve benefits considerably from the Town’s relationship with the SCFH (scfh.org).
The SCFH Trailblazers are the operational arm that build and maintain the Preserve’s trails. The
Town funds tools for the Trailblazers for use on the Preserve trails.
SCFH Trailhead Hosts provide information to Preserve users to promote
a safe and enjoyable hiking and biking experience.
SCFH hosts a booth at the Great Fair that profiles the Preserve.
SCFH supports map distribution as needed.
SCFH maintains the trail counters distributed throughout the Preserve. The counter stats are
gathered monthly, compiled in a spreadsheet and distributed to the Town for trend analysis.
SCFH replaces the batteries of these counters each spring and fall.
A SCFH liaison will be designated and provide an updateat each MMPC meeting.
4. PRESERVE SIZE
The Preserve consists of 824 acres bordering Scottsdale’s MSP, the MMRP and residential
neighborhoods of eastern Fountain Hills. These 824 acres are per County records zoned as OSP
and PAD. Click here for a HISTORY OF THE PRESERVE and click here for a PRESERVE MAP
WITH BOUNDARIES.
Parcel Sq ft Acre
1 115,826 2.66
2 129,199 2.97
3 665,423 15.28
4 6,711,141 154.07
5 8,711,998 200.00
6 1,601,997 36.78
7 3,015,422 69.22
8 2,320,833 53.28
9 6,524,460 149.78
10 2,503,437 57.47
Sub total 32,299,736 741.50
Toll Brother's
donation 3,577,198 82.12
Total 35,876,934 823.62
5. USE TYPES
Version 05-17-2021 Page 6
Recreational - the Preserve is reserved exclusively for hikers and mountain bikers. Bike riding is
allowed on the Preserve trails, except for the Overlook, Ridgeline and Lower Ridgeline Trails.
eBikes are not permitted anywhere in the Preserve due to the safety risks of machine-powered
transport on the trails. Horses are also not allowed in the Preserve.
Commercial - all formally organized events (races, music & art festivals, weddings, etc.) are
required to apply for and comply with the Town’s events application process. Under no
conditions will a commercial event (either for profit or non-profit) be conducted at a trailhead
without prior written permission from the Town.
6. FINANCIALS
a) OPERATIONAL BUDGET
The Preserve is supported by a budget managed by Community Services. This is largely a
placeholder budget within Community Services and is not actively managed by the MMPC.
Budgetary items include provisions for trailhead utilities, tools, trail signs, maps, etc.
Large capital expenditures such as new construction projects are funded outside of this annual
MMPC operating budget.
b) FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES AND DONATION BOXES
There are no formal fundraising activities in place to supplement the Preserve’s budget. Should
such funding be warranted, the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills (SCFH) would be a likely
source to provide or raise money. Any projects requiring external funding must be approved by
the MMPC prior to their pursuit.
Fund-raising events are allowed in the Preserve (see Commercial Use requirements), yet the
Town does not permit donation boxes at the trailheads or within the interior of the Preserve.
7. TRAIL DESIGN, MAINTENANCE AND DENSITY
Expansion of the existing network of trails should comply with the Guiding Principles of the
Preserve. Consideration should be given to providing a diversity of experiences on Preserve
trails. Trail density and usage (hikers only, hikers and bikers, and sufficient parking facilities)
should be considered in the planning of additional trails. Trail design should uphold minimalist
construction techniques and be sensitive to impact on neighboring communities. Click here for a
map of the current network of trails.
Trail maintenance should be performed on an on-going and as-needed basis. Normal wear and
tear by increased use warrants constant attention to the condition of the trails, while “surge”
maintenance is required from unusual weather events (flooding, snow, rock slides, etc.).
Maintenance would also include continuous improvement techniques to increase the safety
aspects of the trails and/or improve the visitor experience. All such improvements require
approval of the MMPC.
Signage should be of a minimalist nature to the extent it offers the visitor safe and informative
decisions while following the Town of FH sign regulations. The design should be consistent with
existing signage - with the Ridgeline Trail offering a model for sign density and placement. The
Version 05-17-2021 Page 7
MMPC approves all signage requirements, while the Town manages sign design and ordering.
Sign installation and maintenance is performed by the SCFH.
The four entrances to the Preserve: the ACT, the GET, the Sonoran Trail from the MMRP, and
the Andrews-Kinsey trail from the MSP, will have signs showing the Preserve map and Preserve
rules.The beginning of each trail will have a sign indicating trail name, length, and difficulty
rating. Secondary trails leading off main trails will have a sign indicating “To” the trail. Where
appropriate additional signage will indicate scenic overlook sites, directional signs, and “bikers
yield to hikers” signs.
Trail naming has occasionally honored past volunteers who helped shape the Preserve in its
early days. The current practice is that new trail names should be representative of the individual
characteristics of the trail itself and its surroundings. The MMPC recommends the trail name to
the Town Council for approval.
The Difficulty Rating of Preserve trails ranges from “Easiest” to “Extremely Difficult”. The Difficulty Rating is a symbol, accompanied by a picture, which diagrams an average ‘Grade' of steepness providing users comparable visual images. Elevation Change was a metric previously applied to trails. In 2020 the MMPC chose to drop the use of Elevation Change on the trail signs and Preserve maps. Elevation Change lacks a universal definition and carries multiple interpretations that could mislead users.
Trail counters are distributed at key locations along several trails and at the ACT. The intent of
the trail counters is to capture generalized trends of hiker traffic across sections of the Preserve.
Counter deployment is not intended to be trail specific.
8. TRAILHEAD DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Trailhead planning and development is largely determined by Community Services. It remains
the current intent, however, that the Trailheads at ACT and GET remain the main trailheads to the
Preserve. Additional “Public Access Points” may be developed but not to the extent of the ACT
or GET.
Trailhead maintenance is essentially the responsibility of the Town, while the Conservancy (via
the direction of the MMPC) maintains the Preserve’s interior. The MMPC directs all interior
development and maintenance activities within the Preserve.
9. OVERUSE MANAGEMENT
Visitor impact to the Preserve is of primary concern and care should be taken to ensure Preserve
access and use remains within the bounds of the trailheads and trails as designated for the
Preserve. Strict abidance of the Preserve rules, especially those pertaining to conservation
practices, trail use, pets and trailhead use, will help lessen human impact to the Preserve.
10. LIMITATION OF AMENITIES
The Guiding Principles provide for a minimalist approach to amenities in the Preserve. Although
park benches were installed in the past, benches are now limited to their existing locations
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around the ACT. Park benches are discouraged within the Preserve as they are inconsistent with
the Guiding Principles.
Lighting, water and restroom facilities are restricted to trailheads only.
Any other amenities within the Preserve (flag poles, signage, monuments, etc.) must comply with
the Guiding Principles and be approved by the MMPC.
11. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The Preserve should be promoted and visitation encouraged via the Promotion and Outreach
working group of the MMPC and in cooperation with Community Services and the Town. Any
promotional pursuits and resulting activities must comply with the Guiding Principles, Town
regulations and intended use of the Preserve.
PRESERVE MAPS
The MMPC is responsible for recommending edits to the Preserve maps while the Town
maintains the masters. Community Services is responsible for updating and ordering these maps
and supplying them to the public.
INFORMATION PLAQUES AND QR CODES
Outside the trailheads, information plaques are currently limited to an illustrated bird chart on the
Wayne Tall Trail and a valley overview at the end of the Overlook Trail.
Additional plaque and information signage within the interior of the Preserve require MMPC
approval. However, note that these resources do not necessarily align with the Guiding
Principles of the Preserve.
QR codes were discontinued in 2019 due to their low adoption rate.
PRESERVE WEB RESOURCES
Two (2) websites are maintained by Community Services identifying the MMPC and the main
features of the Preserve. The MMPC offers update recommendations for both of these sites.
Additional Preserve and hiking resources can also be found on the Conservancy’s website at
SCFH.org.
12. SAFETY
Cell service is available from most trails within the Preserve.
Emergency Markers (EM) are distributed along the trails to aid in emergency response location
identification. Each EM is labeled with sequential numbering leading away from the trailhead.
Providing this information to dispatchers can aid in emergency response. Commencing with the
construction of the Ridgeline Trail in the fall of 2020, EMs were deployed with less density (1/4 to
1/2 mile apart) than prior trails and placed around intersections and/or a distinguishing feature of
the trail.
Version 05-17-2021 Page 9
Landing Zones (LZ) exist within the Preserve to assist in helicopter rescue efforts. Each LZ
carries a unique identifier as noted on each LZ sign. In the fall of 2020, with the input of the
Fountain Hills Fire Department, the MMPC decided to limit the number of landing zones to those
pre-existing. No new landing zones would be constructed within the Preserve, while those pre-
existing will be maintained for operational use.
A Preserve Trails Rescue Plan is maintained by the Town via updates from the MMPC. This
Plan is utilized by the Fountain Hills Fire Department to aid in emergency response within the
Preserve.
An AED is to be installed and maintained at the ACT. No AEDs are available at the GET.
First Aid Kits are not available at the trailheads. The Town expressed liability concerns with
maintaining such kits. However, the SCFH Trailhead Hosts (when present) are equipped with
first aid kits.
ADA accessibility is only available at the Preserve Trailheads.
Security cameras in other Town parks have demonstrated minimal value in deterring theft and
criminal activity It was decided in 2019 to not equip the trailheads with security cameras due to
their insufficient cost/benefit.
Doggy bags are supplied at the ACT and GET for use by dog owners to clean up after their
dogs. They are not available within the interior of the Preserve. It was decided not to install a
doggy bag dispenser at the entrance to the MMRP on the Dixie Mine Trail as that land is privately
owned and not maintained by the Town.
13. RESEARCH
The Preserve may host occasional research programs (flora, fauna, archeological, etc.) to
improve our knowledge and preservation of the Sonoran Desert. Any such projects require the
approval of a research plan to be submitted and approved by the MMPC. One such project is the
Non-Native Invasive Plant program (NNIP).
The NNIP program assesses the presence of non-native invasive plants within the Preserve and
is a component of a larger assessment program within the Phoenix Valley. This program is
spearheaded by the SCFH and includes assessment, recommendation and remediation phases.
14. ARCHEOLOGICAL FINDINGS
Any discovery of items suspected to have archeological value should be brought to the immediate
attention of the MMPC. Upon such discovery, any and all activities that may disturb or harm
these items should be paused while a formal assessment is undertaken by the MMPC. Findings
formally authenticated to be of archeological significance will be detailed in this document and the
MMPC will enact the necessary steps to ensure the preservation of the findings.
Version 05-17-2021 Page 10
15. PRESERVE RIGHT OF WAY AND EASEMENT PROVISIONS
The following lists all known rights of ways and easements per County records.
Note that it is not the intent of the MMPC to promote development of the Emergency Access
Road along the Promenade Trail, nor is it the Fountain Hills Fire Department’s intent to utilize
such road for emergency response. More so, for the sake of public and first responder safety, it is
advisable that pursuit of such a road first be reviewed with qualified, experience first responders
and emergency management professionals who can council the Town of the inherent risks and
mitigation requirements of such a pursuit.
Name Number Date Relevance
Main Preserve Deed Deed No.
011201371
2001 Identifies inventory
of easement docs
Toll Brothers Development
Agreement
Resolution No. 2018-11 Sect
5.3
2018 Provides provisions for
emergency access road
Grant of Reservoir and
Access Easement - Eagles Nest
2001-1201365 2001 North water tank
easement.
Eagles Nest – South
Side Reservoir
2001-1201366 2001 South Side
Reservoir – no impact
Promenade Trail
Easement
2001-1201367 2001 Promenade
Easement
SRP Easement Docket 11016 Page 155 1975 Outlines broad easement rights
within T3N R6E; establishes the
right for power line towers across the
Preserve
Mtn Bell Right of Way Agreement Docket 10045 Page 237 1973 Same easement as SRP
Final Settlement
Agreement – Eagles Nest Plat
Resolution No.
2014-08
2014 Page 64
references doc 1998-0727173
Grant of Easement -
Eagles Nest
1998-0727173 1998 Easement
connecting Eagles Nest to Eagle
Ridge Drive
FH General Plan 2010 Page 20 2010 References easement from GE
Trailhead to MMRP
Version 05-17-2021 Page 11
16. LIST OF REGULATIONS
The Town maintains a list of regulations for the trailheads and the Preserve interior so as to
ensure the integrity of the Preserve as well as ensuring public safety. These regulations can be
found on the Town Code web site.
17. REVISION HISTORY
The Chair of the MMPC is the “owner” of this Guidelines document.
This responsibility includes periodic revision of the document (with the approval of the MMPC) to
incorporate changes and additions to the Guidelines as voted on by the MMPC.
The document revision frequency is to be annually at a minimum. Document revisions and
version control will be included in this Revision History section.
01-05-2021 Initial draft document release.
ITEM 9.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 06/22/2021 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Rachael Goodwin, Community Services Director
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): DISCUSSION on
Action Items
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
MMPC Action Items
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 06/16/2021 05:22 PM
Final Approval Date: 06/16/2021
MMPC Outstanding Action Items as of 06.16.2021
0
No.Item Due Status Owner
1 Publish May meeting minutes next MMPC meeting Patti
2 New signs layout and discussion next MMPC meeting Working group meeting BC
3 Complete Lower Ridgeline Trail as resources allow Phase 1 Completed, commenced Phase 2 BC
4 Add AED to ACT restrooms upon restroom opening chair
5 Determine administration and archiving practices for Governing Doc next MMPC meeting Need to determine how to maintain the doc.chair
6 Does it make sense to take the guiding principal to counsel
7 What is the criteria for closing our trail heads?next MMPC meeting chair
8 NNP action in the spring, how bad is bad, then what do we do next MMPC meeting chair
9 Rename working group discussion In work Janice
10 Establish criteria for new trail development Fall MMPC meeting WG1 Infrstructure & Ops BC
ITEM 10.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 06/22/2021 Meeting Type: McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Community Services
Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: Rachael Goodwin, Community Services Director
Request to McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (Agenda Language): REVIEW AND
DISCUSSION of Trail Counter Activity and Trail Counter Recorder
Staff Summary (Background)
Attachments
Trail Counter Activity
Form Review
Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 06/16/2021 05:24 PM
Final Approval Date: 06/16/2021
Estimated
Not in service
ACT restricted access start/stop
Fountain Hills Trail Counter
Activity
Botanical
Garden Trail
Lake Overlook
Trail
Sonoran Trail
- North End
Andrews-Kinsey & Western Loop
Trails
Overlook & Ridgeline
Trails
ACT Promenade
Gate
ACT Parking
Lot Entrance YTD Ttls
2017
Jan 6121 400 250 6771
Feb 8699 500 338 9537Mar81507003889238
Apr 5402 600 399 6401
May 3118 300 300 3718Jun25633003003163
Jul 2377 300 300 2977
Aug 1750 300 300 2350Sep21003003002700
Oct 4000 325 300 4625Nov59003753006575
Dec 7097 425 300 7822
2017 Total 0 57277 4825 3775 0 0 0 65877
2018
Jan 6984 483 240 7707
Feb 6448 737 1059 8244Mar249199481581146115481
Apr 1262 5153 2409 500 9324
May 925 3356 898 300 5479Jun563181610423003721
Jul 439 1646 500 300 2885Aug37016225003002792
Sep 650 1935 500 300 3385
Oct 1030 3715 500 450 5695Nov163054636556288376
Dec 2251 5001 487 2101 7363 17203
2018 Total 11611 53087 10292 7939 7363 90292
2019
Jan 2291 6969 677 2550 10237 22724
Feb 2467 5505 731 2250 9010 19963Mar32958080115041501656433239
Apr 1452 5488 1581 1879 6645 17045May945393875412126667515
Jun 449 2471 254 115 183 3472
Jul 402 1736 152 200 200 2690Aug38615332002002002519
Sep 690 2588 350 300 300 4228
Oct 1087 3759 500 500 500 6346Nov172054966527007009268
Dec 1818 3913 707 1083 1040 8561
2019 Total 17002 51476 7708 15139 46245 137570
2020
Jan 1904 7657 915 1676 1548 13700Feb3784723010641284140814770
Mar 4163 9112 1549 789 1342 2479 19434
Apr 1997 7423 1356 597 347 2163 13883May13355817382346579508887
Jun 933 2189 316 263 109 850 4660
Jul 633 2540 286 494 17 1100 5070Aug4322410278365208654370
Sep 853 3031 511 188 74 400 5057
Oct 1231 4644 492 580 433 1500 8880Nov1767662874715001500801320155
Dec 2070 6362 775 3000 3599 11747 9510 37063
2020 Total 21102 65043 8671 11082 7498 33023 9510 155929
2021
Jan 2430 7035 923 3831 4001 14103 9854 42177Feb2341230798340804703142681316441846
Mar 4006 9677 970 4402 4819 15317 13652 52843
Apr 5062 5757 697 2879 3315 9401 7720 34831May37265232856167622495586584125166
Jun
JulAug
Sep
OctNov
Dec
2021 Total 17565 30008 4429 16868 19087 58675 50231 196863
67
7
1
95
3
7
92
3
8
64
0
1
37
1
8
31
6
3
29
7
7
23
5
0
27
0
0
46
2
5
65
7
5
78
2
2
77
0
7
82
4
4
15
4
8
1
93
2
4
54
7
9
37
2
1
28
8
5
27
9
2
33
8
5
56
9
5
83
7
6
17
2
0
3
22
7
2
4
19
9
6
3
33
2
3
9
17
0
4
5
75
1
5
34
7
2
26
9
0
25
1
9
42
2
8
63
4
6
92
6
8
85
6
1
13
7
0
0
14
7
7
0
19
4
3
4
13
8
8
3
88
8
7
46
6
0
50
7
0
43
7
0
50
5
7
88
8
0
20
1
5
5
37
0
6
3
42
1
7
7
41
8
4
6
52
8
4
3
34
8
3
1
25
1
6
6
0 0 0 0 0 0 00
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Total Monthly Tallies
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
11
6
1
1
53
0
8
7
10
2
9
2
79
3
9
73
6
3
17
0
0
2
51
4
7
6
77
0
8
15
1
3
9
46
2
4
5
21
1
0
2
65
0
4
3
86
7
1
11
0
8
2
74
9
8
33
0
2
3
95
1
0
17
5
6
5
30
0
0
8
44
2
9
16
8
6
8
19
0
8
7
58
6
7
5
50
2
3
1
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
Botanical Garden
Trail
Lake Overlook Trail Sonoran Trail -
North End
Andrews-Kinsey &
Western Loop Trails
Overlook &
Ridgeline Trails
ACT Promenade
Gate
ACT Parking Lot
Entrance
Annual Tallies
2018
2019
2020
2021
24
9
1
12
6
2
92
5
56
3
43
9 37
0
65
0
10
3
0
16
3
0
22
5
1
22
9
1
24
6
7
32
9
5
14
5
2
94
5
44
9 40
2
38
6
69
0
10
8
7
17
2
0
18
1
8
19
0
4
37
8
4
41
6
3
19
9
7
13
3
5
93
3
63
3
43
2
85
3
12
3
1
17
6
7
20
7
0
24
3
0
23
4
1
40
0
6
50
6
2
37
2
6
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Botanical Garden Trail
2018
2019
2020
2021
61
2
1
86
9
9
81
5
0
54
0
2
31
1
8
25
6
3
23
7
7
17
5
0
21
0
0
40
0
0
59
0
0
70
9
7
69
8
4
64
4
8
99
4
8
51
5
3
33
5
6
18
1
6
16
4
6
16
2
2
19
3
5
37
1
5
54
6
3
50
0
1
69
6
9
55
0
5
80
8
0
54
8
8
39
3
8
24
7
1
17
3
6
15
3
3
25
8
8
37
5
9
54
9
6
39
1
3
76
5
7
72
3
0
91
1
2
74
2
3
58
1
7
21
8
9
25
4
0
24
1
0
30
3
1
46
4
4
66
2
8
63
6
2
70
3
5
23
0
7
96
7
7
57
5
7
52
3
2
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Lake Overlook Trail
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
40
0
50
0
70
0
60
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
32
5
37
5
42
5
48
3
73
7
15
8
1
24
0
9
89
8
10
4
2
50
0
50
0
50
0
50
0
65
5
48
7
67
7
73
1
11
5
0
15
8
1
75
4
25
4
15
2
20
0
35
0
50
0
65
2
70
7
91
5
10
6
4
15
4
9
13
5
6
38
2
31
6 28
6
27
8
51
1
49
2
74
7
77
5
92
3
98
3
97
0
69
7
85
6
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sonoran Trail -North End
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
25
0
33
8
38
8
39
9
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
024
0
10
5
9
14
6
1
50
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
30
0
45
0
62
8
21
0
1
25
5
0
22
5
0
41
5
0
18
7
9
12
1
2
11
5
20
0
20
0
30
0
50
0
70
0
10
8
3
16
7
6
12
8
4
78
9
59
7
34
6
26
3
49
4
36
5
18
8
58
0
15
0
0
30
0
0
38
3
1
40
8
0
44
0
2
28
7
9
16
7
6
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Andrews-Kinsey & Western Loop Trails
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
13
4
2
34
7
57
10
9
17 20
74
43
3
15
0
0
35
9
9
40
0
1
47
0
3
48
1
9
33
1
5
22
4
9
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Overlook & Ridgeline Trails
2020
2021
73
6
3
10
2
3
7
90
1
0
16
5
6
4
66
4
5
66
6
18
3
20
0
20
0
30
0
50
0
70
0
10
4
0
15
4
8
14
0
8
24
7
9
21
6
3
95
0
85
0
11
0
0
86
5
40
0
15
0
0
80
1
3
11
7
4
7
14
1
0
3
14
2
6
8
15
3
1
7
94
0
1
55
8
6
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
18000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
ACT Promenade Gate
2018
2019
2020
2021
95
1
0
98
5
4
13
1
6
4
13
6
5
2
77
2
0
58
4
1
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
ACT Parking Lot Entrance
2020
2021