HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.1217.TCRM.MinutesTOWN OF F011NTAIN HILLS
MINUTES �F THE REGULAR L MEETING
�F THE F�IJNTAIN HILLS TOWN CDUNCIL
DECEMBER 17, 2a24
A Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Tawn Counc+l was con�ened at 157�5 E.
Avenue of the Fountains in vpen and public session at 5:30 p.m.
Members Present: Mayor Gerry M. Friedel; Vice Mayor Hannah Tath; Cauncilmember
Gayle Earle; Cauncilmember Brenda Kalivianakis; Caun�ilmember Rick Watts;
Cauncilmember Peggy McMahan; Caun�ilmember Alien Skillicorn
Staff Present: Town Manager Rachael Goodwin; Town A�orney Aaran ❑. Arnson;
Town Clerk Kanda�e Fren�h Contreras.
Audience: Ap�araximately twenty — five members Qf the public were present.
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T�WN OF F�UNTAIN HILLS
QECEMBER 17, 2U24 TOWN COIJNCIL MEETING MINUTES
�ost-Production File
Tawn af Fountain Hills
Town Council Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2024
Trans�riptian Provided By:
e5cribers, LLC
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Transcript+on is pro�ided in arder to facilitate communication accessibility and may not
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Page 1 of 36
TOWN QF FOUNTAIN HILLS
DECEMBER 17, Z�24 TQWN C�UNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAYDR FRIEQE�: Call thi5 meeting to arder. Please rise far the Pledge ❑f Allegiance.
ALL: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the llnited States of America and to the republic,
far whieh it stands, one natian, under GQd, indivisible, with liberty and }ustice for all.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Please remain standing. I`d like t❑ in�ite up Pastor Rad Warembaurg
from Desert Creek Fellowship to d� aur invocatian.
WAREMBDURG: Thank you, Mayor. Anc! you nailed it. Most people don't at all.
Congratulations.
Thank you, council, for ha�ing me, May�r, for having me.
Let's bow our heads. I invite yau ta join me in prayer.
Father, today, we exaft you, and we lift yau up. Father, today, we in�ake yaur name.
We ask you ta come and be part af these proceedings. We in�ite you to come and he
made wisdom ta this council. Father, I pray that you would enable them to lead our
town wefi, and you would give them wisdom anci insight and understanding to enable ta
discharge the things that they have been entrusted with. Father, we thank you for vur
goodness to us, and we ask you tQ be part ❑f these proceeding5 now, in Jesus' name.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
WAREMBDURG: Thank you.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: jhank you.
Town Clerk, wauld you please take a roli call?
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Yes, sir.
Councilrnember Gayle?
EARLE: Here.
FRENCH COfVTRERAS: Councilmember Kalivianakis?
KALIVIANAKIS: Here.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Cauncifinemher Watts?
WAT�S: Present.
FRfNCH CDNfRERAS: Councilmember McMahon?
MCMAH�N: Here.
Page 2 of 36
TOWN DF FDUNTAIN HILLS
❑ECEM6ER 17, 2024 T�WN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FRENCH CON1"RERAS: Councilmember Skil�icorn?
SKILLICORN: Here.
FRENCN C�NTRERAS: Vice Mayar Toth?
T�TH: Here.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: And Mayor Friedel?
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Present.
FRENCH CQNTRERAS: Thank yau, sir.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: And the town �lerk wiil please read the Statement af Participation.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: �ood e�ening. Anyane wishing to address the council regarding
items listed on the agenda or call ta the public shauld fill out the request farm -- the
camment card lacated in the back of the council �hamhers and hand it t❑ myself, the
town �ierk, priar to consideration of that agenda item.
When your name is called, please approach the podium, speak into the micraphone,
and state your name for public re�o�-d. Please limit your camment ta three minutes. It
is the policy of the mayar and eauncil ta not comment an items brought farth under call
to the public. Nawever, staff can be directed to report hack ta the cvuncil at a future
date or to schedule items rai5ed for a future council agenda.
It is also respectfully requested that applause be kept to a minimum to avoid disruption
of the meeting, ta maintain decorum, and ta prQvide for an equal and uninterrupted
presentation. Thank yau.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: And now we'll ha�e reports by the mayar and cauncilmembers and
town mar�ager.
Rachael, we'll start with you.
G�ODWIN: Thank you, Mayar. I dan't ha�e toa much of an update. I just wanted to
thank e�eryone far their participation in all of o�ar holiday programs and acti�ities that
we've had gaing on. This past Saturday was our season celebration ❑�er at the
Community Center. Once again, it was a big hit. I'd like to thank our dancing 5an#a for
being there. He's always a highlight of that e�ening. 5o I just want ta thank everybady.
While many of the �ommunity celebrati�ns are drawing to a close, we will continue t❑
Rage 3 of 36
1'QWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
QECEMBER 17� Z024 TDWN CDUNCIL MEETING MINLITES
feCD�1112E til� SeaSafl �jl tUl'fllfl� DUC fOUflt31f1 f30ti1 I'ed dllC� �1'eefl tilfpUg�l4Ut t�1E
Christmas seasan and then blue to recogni2e Hanukkah later this month.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank you.
Councilwoman Gayle.
[LAUGHTER]
EARLE: Well, I went to the League of Arizona Cities and Tawns training on Thursday and
Friday and then learned some interesting things.
1 al5❑ went ta 5aturday's seasan celebration, and I voted vn a Christmas Tree. And they
had crafts and the bouncy houses. It loaked iike a lot af fun for ail the kids.
And then, yesterday, I wa5 very hanored ta be abfe t❑ have a hard-hat tour of the
dis�avery -- sarry -- the ❑ark 5ky Discovery Center constructiQn site. Very excited for
that ta be finished. Thank you.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: C�uncilwoman Brenda.
KALIVIANAKIS: Thank yau, Mr. Mayor. Greetings, everyhvdy, and thank you for
attending your tawn �ouncil meeting. For the people who are I�ve streaming on Cox
Channel 11, hi out there, and fln YouTube. I want to thank the Fountain Hiils
Cammunity Band for a really memorable perfarman�e this weekend, Christmas
program. They're a gem for vur community.
The Desert Valley Winds is a band I played in. We played a patriotic music at the
Wreaths Acrass America �elebratian at the Valley of the Sun Cemetery in Chandler. It
was attended by Mayor Hartke. The e�ent was last Saturday, ❑e�ember 13th.
Nationwide, there wa5 mQre than tw❑ million vol�nteers and supporters wha gathered
to remember, to hanor, and to teach at more that 4.6Qa locatians in all 50 state5, at sea
and abroad. In Chandler, we laid out 3,zfla wreath5 to the fallen.
Their mission statement says, "Honor the fallen. Remember thase that serve. And
teach the next generatinn the �alues af freedom."
� did s�me ribbon �uttings with the mayor. The first one we did was Che Renee. The
owner is a Reiki master. Reiki is a Japanese technique f�r stress reduction and
relaxation that promotes healing. Maybe the tawn could provide that servi�e t❑ Qur
Page 4 of 35
TOWN �F FDUNTAIN HILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2�24 TOWN COLINCIL MEETING MINUTES
cauncilmembers and mayor. [LAUGHTER]
Alsa, we went t❑ a rihhon cutting for Dr.ladie's consulting services. Dr.lodie has made
it her mis5ian ta encourage integration of natural foads and remedies into pet
healthcare. Everybody loves their pets, and she doesn't recommend all the cammercial
food that's available. And please, I encaurage yau t❑ stop in and see Dr. Jodie.
We did ha�e a 5treets and 5afety Committee this week.
Thank you, Mr. Mayar, farjoining us. It was a privilege t❑ have your attendance there.
The Streets and 5afety Committee meets around once e�ery ather manth. At that time,
we discuss each and e�ery letter of con�ern, text, email, ar any reparts that we ha�e
frQm the citizens. We go through them one by flne with aur tQwn engineer, with ❑ur
town manager, and every single one is addressed. And sv I just want the people of rhis
community t❑ know that we have your back when it cames to streets and safety.
The 5trol! in the Glaw was an amazing thing. And ever since the Stroll in the Glow,
there's literally, every night, hundreds ❑f people wakking araund e�er since then and
�ars daing circles araund. It was really papular. And I just want to thank the Fauntain
Hills far such a beautiful Christmas decoration.
Again lastly, as with Gayle, the cauncil attended the hard-hat at International Qark 5ky
Diseo�ery Center. It was fas�inating. The dome is going to be pla�ed thi5 Monday
morning at 9:D�. It's going t❑ be by a crane, and the dome is going ta be put over the
wooden surface, 5❑ I would suggest e�erybody go out there. It's going ta be exciting.
And I alsa want yau to knaw that they are still callecting donations for the National Dark
5ky ❑iscovery. They're still short af what they need ta get that thing done. 5o if yau
have a fittle extra money, give a Christmas gift tv the aark-5ky Association, and let's get
that thing built.
T�ank you, Mr. Mayor.
MAY�ft FRIEDEL: You're wel�ome.
Councilman Rick?
WATTS: I'm pleased to announce that after catching a cold last week, I'm an my sixth
day of recavery. So, I haven't done mu�h af anything other than I did attend the hard-
Page S of 35
TOWN OF FOLINTAIN HILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2024 TOWN C�UNCIL MEETING MfNUTES
hat taur of the ❑isc��ery Center, whi�h I found very fascinating. From a contractar's
standpaint, one af the cleanestjob sites I've seen. I think McCarthy's doing a great jab.
Sa maybe next time. Thank yau.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Councilwoman Hannah?
TDTH: Yes. So I, also, was able to do the hard-hat tour and being able to see that visian
come to life was truly incredible. We are expecting the dame pretty soon, which is very
exciting. And just seeing this 6uilding came tagether, I�eing able ta walk what will be a
hailway and what will be the theater, it's very ex�iting.
S❑ we alsa, af caurse, had 5troll in the Giow. I think the tawn lights loak extra beautifuf
this year. 5o if you ha�en't had a chance to enjay those, please do.
And I, �f caurse, for the swearing ins wanted the fo�us to be on our new
cauncilmembers, but I do have a little bit ❑f an announcement af something that
happened this month, as well. I gat engaged. And --
UNIOENTIFIEd SPEAKEft: 1 knew that.
TOTH: 5o very exciting, really wvnderful ❑ecember, and I hape e�eryane has a very,
�ery merry Christmas if I dan't see you.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Councilwoman?
MCMAH�N: Thank you.
Good e�ening, everyone, and happy holidays.
We all attended the cauncil budget retreat.
I also attended that beautiful 5trall in the Glow. It's always amazing every single year to
ha�e vur a�enue lit up like that. It just is such a haltmark of Fountain Hills and the
holiday season. It's amazing.
I also was fortunate enough to attend the hard-hat Internatianal Dark Sky tour with
Hannah and Brenda, and it was really -- it is really, really amazing. And like Ri�k said, it is
an exceptionally clean, arganiz�d canstru�tion site. It is so well planned. And it is
going -- when it's done, it is going ta he such an impactful and ama2ing asset for our
town. And I can't wait for that to happen.
50, I also met with the town prasecutor, had a �up of coffee with him, talked over a few
Page 6 0# 3fi
T�WN OF FOl1NTAIN HILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2U24 TOWN CDl1NtIL MEETING MINUTES
�illfl�5.
5o again, I wish everybody a happy holiday and a Happy New Year. Thank yau.
MAYDR FRIE�EL: Councilman 5killi�arn?
5K{LLICDRN: Thank yau, Mr. Mayar.
Yeah, sQ I was able to attend to 5troll in the Glow, and it has to be one of my favarite
events. And it was a good time. i did happen to run inta i�abbi Mendy. We talked
about the menorah lighting. So, we stifl have Christmas events gaing on, and we still
have the lighting of the menorah going on, a15o the A�enue af Fountains, so it's like a
great time of year. And I want [a wish e�eryane a Merry Christmas and Happy
Hanukkah.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Thank you.
And 4ike has been mentioned, I attended the Traffic and Pedestrian 5afety Committee,
also the 5trall in the Glow. And we must have had, what, 4,00� people down there? Et
was pretty �rawded dawn there. So it was a really 5pectacular night far the town, and
we really gvt ta 5how it aff.
We also had a swearing in af two new councilmemhers. 5❑ again, I'd like to welcome
Ri�k Watts and Peggy McMahon.
And we alsa held a budget warkshop.
And I attende� the middle s�hool, where they �elebrated their A rating. Sa that's really
signifi�ant far the middle school. I think that's the first time that they'�e gotten an A
rating. So that was �ery significant, sa we hope they keep up the hard work and keep it
m��ing forward.
I've had several meetings with the town manager, going a�er budget issues and ather
items that we're going to be cliscussing and ma�ing forward with.
I attended a Herties and Helpers shopping program, spansared by MCS� and the Posse.
5o I want to give kudo5 to thase guys as we11 as Target. And I also attended another
shopping event put on by the Fountain Hills EIkS Lodge als❑ down at Target. 5❑ we
helped the underser�ed kids Christmas shap, and it was really a very rewarding
experience. 5❑ if you e�er ha�e the opportunity to da that, do it because it's really
Page 7 of 35
TDWN OF FDUNTAIN HILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2024 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MlNUTES
rewarding.
And as was mentioned ear�ier, we had a cauple of rib6an cuttings, Che Renee and also
❑r. Jodie, who is a holistic �et here in town, naw dawn on the Avenue af the Fvuntain5.
She's got a really goad operation there.
I want to mention the Toys for Tots. They're all o�er this town. We've got a box in the
Community Center, the American Legion Post 58, and al5o the Elks Lodge is also
callecting toys far them, tao.
And I also attended the meteor shower stargazing program that happened Saturday
night up at the Four Peaks saccer field, sa that was quite an event. They had telescope5
vut there that yau could see 5aturn and the rings around Saturn. I mean, it was really a
phenomenal event. So if yflu ever have the apportunity to do that, I say d❑ it hecause it
was really educational and �ery rewarding.
And then we als�, as was mentioned, we had the Dark Sky Dis�overy Center tvur. My
wife and I taok that taur as well. And that crane that Cvuncilwoman Kaliviankis
mentioned, it's a 50�-tan crane that they're l�ringing in here, so Monday at 9 a'cEvck.
That's apen to the publi�. 5o if you want t❑ see an amazing thing, they're going ta pick
that dome up and set it down on the foundatian.
5❑ we're really laoking farward to that. That's an exciCing thing for this tvwn. The
amount of tourism and education that's going to g❑ with that is going ta be
unbeiievable.
So with that, that's all I ha�e. Anybady else ha�e anything else they want to add? Na?
Okay.
Then, we'il move on ta one of aur favorite things. That'S recagnizing aur Stetlar
5tudents for the manth of pecember. So what I'm gaing to do is I'm going to read ❑ff
the student and then -- is it our t�wn clerk ar is it lustin Weldy that's going to hand
them their �ertificate?
FRENCH CDNTRERAS: Justin.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: lustin. Qkay. And we alsa ha�e a spe�ial little treat for you. We ha�e
a peppermint stick to ga with it since it's Christmastime, so you can enjvy that later on
Page 8 vf 36
TDWN ❑F FQl1NTAIN HILLS
DECEMBfR 17, Z�Z47QWN COUNGL MEETING MINUTES
maybe. And then, what we'll d❑ at the end, is that we'll have everybody get in frant of
the council, and we'll alk get together and take a picture together with everybody for the
new5paper. Haw's that 5aund? Goad.
All right. 5o the first student we ha�e is Elliat Gormley fram the Little Falcon's
Preschool. Is Ekliot here? Oh, there he is -- there she is. 50 "Elliot is a delight ta have in
the classroom. She's eager ta learn and is kind, safe, responsible, and respe�tful to all
her friends and teachers. 5he has grawn so much this year and always asks, can we
dance t❑ my fa�arite song about animals, with a smile ❑n her face." Congratulatians,
�Iliot.
And also from the Little Fal�on's Preschval, we ha�e Axel Wilsan. "Axel comes into
school every day with a huge smile and a greeting af helio. He is ready ta learn and says
daify he lo�es preschool. Being kind, safe, and respon5ible and respe�tful is important
to Axel, and he points out when he sees hi5 friends acting pasitively in the classroam.
He is very aware and eager ta help his friends and teachers." Congratulations, Axel.
And then fram McDowell Mountain Elementary Schoal, Hape Rogers. "Hope Ragers is a
very good student who always participates in PE and stays on task while �eing a positive
role model. Hope displays leadership qualities, whi�h transitions into the �lassraom.
5he always helps ❑ut when asked and has a �ery positive attitude. Hape is a memher of
our 5tar Club at schaol. She and s�me of her classmates formed a club to keep ❑ur
school �lean. We are s� proud of her for taking pride in aur school and making a
difference." �angratulatians, Hope.
Also from McDowell Mvuntain Ekementary, Hudsan Tasco. "Hudson is a great student,
always willing to help out, is well-liked hy his peers, and has a very positive dispasitian.
He has started t❑ display leadership quaiities and is a po5iti�e r�le model. He is
respectful, respansible, safe, and kind, always showing the Falcon way."
Congratulativns, Hudsan.
And from the F�unta�n Hills Middle Schaol, Abigail Hermie is not here, but we'll read
a�aut her anyway. So Abigail was recvmmended by her teacher, wha has, "5he's heen a
student af mine in the seventh grade. Thraughout her time in class, she has �onsistently
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TDWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
UEGEMBER 17, 2024 T�WN COUNCiL MEETING MINUTES
demonstrated a high le�el �f dedi�ation, intelligence, and enthusiasm. Ab6y {ph.} is a
persan af great character and integrity. She is respected among her peers and teachers
aiike be�ause she always demon5trates �eing respectful, responsible, safe, and kind."
Cangratulations to Abigaif.
And from the middle s�hoal, Javan Kill. "lavan is a dedicatec! student. He warks well
with athers and always does hi5 personai best." His approach to his work -- "He
appraa�hes his wark with remarkable diligen�e and a genuine passian for learning. He
consistently demonstrates the Falcon way by being respectful, responsihle, safe, and
kind. He is palite and a teacher's dream to ha�e in class." Congratulatians, Javan.
And from the high s�hool, Colleen Streufert. "Calleen is diligent, well-prepared student
who can manage technicaily difficult subjects. She is a hright and cvn5istent achiever
academically. 5he is an excellent student and a leader in the class." Congratulations,
Colleen.
And alsa from the high schooi,laseph Smith. Doesn't loak like he's here, but we'll read
about him, as well. "JQe is a student wh❑ shows strong discipline through his hane5ty,
hard work, attention to detail, and �ansistency. Though he is quiet, he is kind and
respectful and is well-liked by his peers. Friends ❑f his wha ha�e a harder time focusing
like to sit with him because he is ne�er distracting and always preparec! and he{pful."
Congratulativns ta Joseph.
All right. Naw, if we �an all stand up and get a picture together right in front here, all
the councilmembers, too. Come on. Yeah. Come an o�er here.
UNIDENTIFIEQ SPEAKER: Smile.
MAY�R FR�E�EL: Bob needs a new �amera.
11NIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Yeah, he does.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Thank yvu.
Okay. Now, we'll mo�e on ta presen#ations. We have a quarterly update. Ra�hael, do
you want t❑ introduce us?
GDOOWIN: Yes. Amang other duties, hesides handing out aur certificates ta au� Stellar
Students, Dire�tor Weldy will be updating us on the progress from Puhli� Warks.
Page 10 of 35
T�WN OF FDUNTAIN HILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2024 TOWN COUNCIL MEETINti MINUTES
WEL�Y: Mr. Mayor, Madam Mayor, Councilmembers, thank you far the oppartunity.
Public Works has not presented an update to the mayar and council since August, so
we're ex�ited t❑ get this done. In the interest of time, we did reduce this dawn from 7a
❑r 80 slides tv just a few. In d�ing so, I inadvertently left out a couple of slides. Sa I'm
gaing t❑ do a quick shautout to ❑ur Facilities ❑epartment, who day in and day aut works
tirelessly tQ keep nat aniy this building, but the Community Center, Library�Museum,
❑perating and comfortable far all users.
This PowerP�int is going to cover our paving projects, a little bit to do with street
switches, our roadway sign replacement. It alsa incfudes some wayfinding signs,
pathole repair, pedestrian safety, of which twa cauncilmemhers and the mayor spoke af
tonight, after-haurs call far service, our wash maintenance program, and aur
environmental programs.
Previously appro�ed by the council is phase 1 of the paving. The estimated cost for that
is $�.5 milli�n. And in the next �aming days -- ideally, befare Christmas, but nat likely --
the first phase, which is on thi5 exhibit here, will he campleted. There will be some
minor cleanup and a few little issues that we'll need ta go back to, but t�is is a pretty
good milestone for those falks that live in this area.
Phase 2, which is scheduled ta start in the spring, is going ta be in a few different
lacations in t�wn. The estimated �ast far that is $3.7 million. �hese are the first two
exhibits far that, whi�h is abaut -- each af them are identical in their lane miles that
we're paving.
These are two additianal 4ocatians, and again, these are ail previously approved
lacatians by the mayor and caun�il. We're at a little bit more than $5 milli�n this year
for paving. We will icnow prior to t#�e summer break what the actual �ast was, and we'll
be back ta present those sa�ings and fund balan�e to the may�r and �auncil.
The next one is aur raadway sign replacement. The Town of fvuntain Hills and the
5treet ❑epartment is respansible forjust under 8,a�0 signs. Sin�e August of this year,
when we did our last pre5entation, the Street Department has replaced approximately
2a0 regulatory warning street name signs, the types af signs that are necessary tv
Page 11 of 3fi
TQWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
QECfMBER 17, 2D24 iQWN COUNCIL MEETING MINLITES
pravide guidance and infarmatian not ❑nly to the residents but visitors alike.
puring that time frame, we do not count potholes. We only measure in tans. And thase
three gentlemer� dawn there, alflng with support of the superintendent, placed eight
tans over rQugh asphalt and�or pothales that we identified or were notified that were
present by the residents.
We're getting inta a littie bit af the pedestrian safety now. These are #our of the fiive
locations that are part of a �apital project. We'if be t�ack later an with a mare detailed
update related t❑ capital pr�jects. We're primarily fa�u5ing here ❑n pede5trian safety.
In this particcalar �ase, the mayar and caun�il appraved a praject that allowed us to build
marked crasswalks, primarily focusing ❑n the downtawn. 5o we have one ❑n Palisades
at Verde River. We ha�e ❑ne on Saguara at Parkview, one at Saguaro and Paul Nordin,
one at 5aguaro and Gunsight, ar�d last{y, the other Qne, to get the folks in and around
Kingstree acrass the street safely, i5 at Saguaro and Kingstree.
Please note that the primary infrastructure ne�essary for these crossings is campleted.
Those would be the curb opening ramps and the refuge in the middle of the street
where the pedestrians would stand. We will n�t be doing the pavement markings or the
enhanced pavement markings at each of these lacations until we da the preser�ative
seal, crack fill, and minor repairs ❑n 5aguaro.
Again, councii was presented with that in an earlier presentation. 5a in the spring, when
we complete the sidewalk that we're going to be talking about next and thase
preservative seals, these crasswalks will be painted.
During this time, we cvntinue to take ❑ur state-of-the-art grin�er out. And when we're
natified �f an une�en walking surfa�e or we happen ta see ❑ne or the 5taff reparts it ta
�ss, the first a�tion is t❑ identify it and paint it a bright color so all users of the walking
paths �an see it. We get out there as soan as possible, grind it down smaother, and
then we place it an a list far replacement. We d❑ not have the accom�anying list right
now. That will be happening January when they come out and replace all of the uneven
wal�Cing surface panels.
Earlier in this presentation, we dis�ussed the sidewalks and crossings. This is the federa!
Page 12 of 36
TOWN aF FDUNTAIN HILLS
�ECEMBER 17, ZD24 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
grant, of which tatals $4 million. They are maving alang relati�ely well now. The
partion narth of La Mantana ❑n 5aguary i5 substantially camplete, with a little hit af
cleanup, some additional 5ignage needs to be done. After the landscaping is done and
the preser�ative seal by the town, we'll ga in and restripe that area as well.
They are now working on Palisades, and they're making relatively good time in that area
and should be done in the beginning of next calendar year with that section. In the
interim, they're going to begin in lanuary, mid ar late lanuary, on the section of Saguaro
between Calany and Gunsight. That`II he the final 5ection af this sidewalk, and we
anti�ipate late spring tha# this project will be wrapped up, and there'll just be a punch
list and some �leanup.
Oftentimes, l discuss with the town manager activities that happened ❑vernight and on
weekends. And I wanted to take this appartunity ta share with the mayar and couneil.
an average, the Street Department responds ta about 15 �alls per mor�th. This is after
haurs and at night and on weekends. kn this particular case, a �ehicle stru�k a traffic
signal an Shea and 5aguarv. As you can see, the traffic signal is laying down there and
stiil functioning. We would like ta thank them for their dedicatian and their willingness
to come out regardless of the conditions, whether it's warm or co1d, raining, snow.
There's been a cansiderable amount af dis�ussion related to wash maintenance. The
couneil appra�ed a contract earlier this calendar and fiscak year. ihe contractar started
in the end of October. 5ince that time, they've managed ta ciean abaut 20 acres, plus ar
minus. This is just vne example. This is Pawderhorn wash, which is in the southern
section of the town, south of Shea.
We wanted to give you an update an the kong time-caming G�Iden Eagle proje�t. ThiS,
an the left-hand side, is a laefare phota, befare canstruction started. On the right-hand
side is after. At thi5 particular area is where twa washes come tagether, and we've had
a considerable amount af erosion and flaod control issues in that area. 1f you have an
apporCunity. I encourage yau to ga t❑ Goiden Eagle Park. You can view the acti�ities
fram any ❑ne af the three parlcing 1ots. All af the construction area is clased far abviaus
safety reasQns.
Page 13 vf 36
T�WN DF FOUNTAIN HILLS
❑ECEMBER 17, 2Q24 TOWN COUI�CI� MEETING MINUTES
5ince ❑ur last update -- at that update, we �iscussed the electric recycling that we had
done. This time, it was the household hazardous waste colle�tion event. It was held on
5aturday, Nfl�ember 2nd. dnce again, we partnered with the Fauntain Hills 5chaol
❑istrict and held the e�ent at the high school. We appreciate Dr. Jagodzinski and his
staff in allowing us to utilize ti�at. We will continue ta do so moving forward, unless
there are su�stantial changes. Yvu can 5ee there the amount of material callected. It's
a cansiderahle amount. It's cansiderabEy less in regards to the gasoline than last year.
Last year. they �allected apprflximate4y 850 gallons of comhustible fuels.
I'm mo�ing alang rather quickly. Qoes anyane ha�e any questions or camments so far?
Fantastic.
Lastly� this is a pragram that we really don't discuss in the publi�. 6ut many years ago, it
was discovered that the town not anly generates a considerable amount of ferraus
metals 6ut alsa nanferrous metals in regards ta aur signs, �ur posts, our guardrails. We
also are the re�ipients of a �ansiderahle amount ❑f material that's left in the alleys and
roadways in regards to appliances. We placed thase appliances in the dumpster that
you see there at the Street Department. When the dumpster's full, we call a recycling
company that we have an agreement with, and they come and calle�t that material and
take it off. An� it's then recycled and reused. While the funding collected is minimal --
average about $SflQ, sametimes it's more, and sometimes it's less -- that maney is
deposited directly inta the 5treet fund for use with our sign repla�ement pragram.
Like 1 5aid, shortened it up can5ideral�ly in the interest of time. Mr. Mayar, I'd 6e happy
to answer any questions.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Any questions? Rick? f'm sarry. Cauncilman Rick?
WATTS: It's vkay.
Thank yau,lustin, �or the presentatian. But 1 do ha�e a questian. And while it wasn't a
puhlished event, some ❑f the pothole filling -- I had the honor of following thQse guys.
And it's interesting to see haw they do it, and I didn't see a tamper, a mecF+anical
tamper, come ❑ut. And what I ha�e seen in the same areas is the path�les erade rather
qui�kly when they're nat property set. Sa what I saw was that the asphalt was taken out
Page 14 of 36
TQWN QF FQUNTAIfd MILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2�24 TQWN COUNCIL MEETING MINt1TE5
❑f a �antainer in a shovel, put it into the hale, and an the backside of the sho�el, was
tamped down that way. Is there a pracess that yau recammend so that the pothole
repair is more permanent rather than maybe not as well -- as lang permanent as it
wauld be if it was tamped?
1NELpY: Mr. Mayar, Councilmem6er Watts, I will discuss with Street ❑epartment �rew
the use -- we da have tampers. Why they were not using them on that day is uncertain
to me, but we will certainly clear that up. Sa we have a typical hand tamp, and we have
other de�ices that allow us ta campact those areas. We'll address that deficiency.
WAiTS: Yeah, ! think a mechani�al tamper would g❑ a long way to keeping the potholes
intact for a longer period of time.
And secondly, when yau grind down -- I know grinding is an acceptabke means, but have
we campared the cost af grinding down sidewalks versus lifting the adjaining piece so
that we dan't have t❑ repla�e it? Grinding necessitates eventually replacing. Foam
injectian does not neces5arily require that. And I just w�nder if there was ever a cost
analysis done t❑ see if it was warranted or nat.
WELQY: Councilmember Watts, we've not done a cast analysis on that particular
methad far raising the adjacent panel. We ha�e deployed several different other means
to try and raise it. More often than not, it ends up doing more damage ta the adjacent
panel, and they end up breaking. The majarity af the lifting is a result of ne�rby
vegetation and�ar trees that are grvwing and laoking far water and raising it.
❑ccasi�nally, but considerably less often, we have expansive heats that cause some af
the lifting, but most of it is related ta vegetation. We wvrk t❑ eliminate that of
vegetativn and at a minimum remo�e the raats that are causing that. We've not looked
into the methad that you've suggested. We certainly �an and da a cost comparison.
WATTS: 1u5t curious. Sa I appreciate it. And again --
WELDY: Understood.
WATTS: -- liked the presentation. ihank you.
WELDY: Thank you.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Anyane else?
Page 15 vf 36
T�WN �F FQLINTAIN H1LL5
❑ECEMBER 17, Z024 iOWN COiJNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Thank yau, Justin.
WELDY: You're wekcame.
MAYQR FRIEdEL: Now we'll mo�e vn to the call to the public.
Tawn Clerk, do you have any requests?
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Yes, Mayor. First up would be Lori Trvller.
TROLLER: Gaod evening, Mayor, Coun�il. Lori Troller, resident. I'm going to go back a
little 6it ta September 4th, 2a24. when Mr. Wesley {�roposed twv wireless ordinances.
�ne was the inadequate telecommuni�ations ordinance, and the ather was an
unexamined utility ordinance, whi�h was 24-16, and that was agenda item 9�DJ, as in
delta. Keep in mind, here, I'm going to use the wflrd "SRP," and remember what cames
ta your mind when "5RP" is said because this is very important.
5o that evening, Mr. Wesley stated that he sighted sightky [sic] 5RP antennas around
tawn, and he thought to draft and present a wireless utility ardinance that requires SRP
t❑ put fake �actus o�er the structures. And he mentioned that 5RP was reaily
cooperati�e. Sa Mr. Wesley presented photas ❑f the specific poles, and t�ey're roughly
a6out four inches wide with a fittle dag-ear antenna on top. They're barely noticeable.
5o now, the tawn requires fake cactuses that are raughly 14 inches wide and taller than
the pale aver this �-in�h pole. And at the time, Mr. Wesley led everyone to believe
there were anly five or six of these ca�tuses that were going to be installed.
So jump to today, I'm seeing these fake ca�tus pap up around tawn and not the five vr
six yvu were led ta believe. These are quickly becaming statues in aur landscape.
S❑ did Mr. Wesley craft an ordinance that basically gives 5RP a blank check to put
unlimited equipment abQ�e grQund -- this is a utility now -- aba�e graund in our town? I
�ave not had the time yet ta study Drdinance 24-16, but it would he the first if we
limited in an ordinance the number of tawers that can be installed. So this has gat ta
stap.
The on4y ser�ice we cannat deny t❑ build wireless towers -- Erin {ph.y can tell us -- is
ce11u4ar cammunication, and that's enough fake cactus and palm trees as it is. A1lowing
every other service to �ome in and install wireless equipment an our residents' property
Page 16 of 36
TOWN �F FOLJIVTAIN HILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2024 T�WN COUNCIL MEETING MiNUTES
i5 irresponsible. Residents don't ha�e a choice to have this equipment on their land and
ta have it devalue their hame. It's not right. Sa before you know it, Fountain Hills is
going t❑ ha�e mare fake cactus than real cactus, and we're going ta loak like same fake
techna display from some Edward ScisSarhands movie, not t❑ mention, again, aur
utilities are supposed ta be ur�derground.
So why are we told these -- we were alsa told these were switching 5tatians. Wha
�erified this? Because taday, ❑n the phone, SRP denied this was their equipment. 50
what's going an in the town? 1Nhy are we being told this is SRP, and 5RP is denying it's
their equipment? 5o please open this up for discussion. Thanks.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Next, I have Larry Meyers.
MEYERS: Mayor, Council, I'm g�ing ta follow up on that. �n T�PS, there's a map. Yau
can look -- you can find it yourself. These are called SRP smart grid rauters by this t�wn.
Hvwe�er, as Ms. Troller stated, SRP does -- "A, does not use faux 5aguaros as smart
meter collection devices nar as smart grid routers." That's a quote from SRP.
5a1t Ri�er Rroject is a public utility. Goir�g back to the ❑rigins of the tvwn, the utilities
are ta be underground. Our general plan states that all utilities are ta be underground.
And since 5RP is a utility, I would suspect that all ❑f their capital impravements shauld
be undergrflund.
So what are these? And I'm requesting to see the appli�ation because I want t❑ see
whose name is on -- if there's ane application and all of these are faliing in underneath
of it, I want to see the name. Wh❑ a�plied far these pasitions? Because Jahn stQod
here a couple weeks ago and said there was fi�e. I got a list of se�en an� then 1 drave by
faur mare.
Naw, they're gaing up pretty quick, so I went ta a particular website, and I can tell you, if
I call taday, the company that's actually doing this -- 90 days, I wiil get what I desire.
Ninety days, tfi�at's the build aut. S❑ how many cactuses -- I dan't really care about the
cactus, myself. I'd rather see what they're putting underneath the cactus, personally,
rather than hiding what they're putting under the cactus because it's not 5alt River
Project.
Page 17 of 36
iOWN OF FOLINTAIN HILLS
DECEMBfR 7.7, 2024 TOWN CDUNCIL MEfTfNG MINl1TE5
So I'd be realiy concerned if I were you t�ecause yau ali �oted for that go�fy 24-1b that
absolutely apens the daar. And all ❑f these an this map ne�er came k�efore the public,
never went to Planning and �oning, ne�er went anywhere. 6asically, it's admini5trati�e
appraval hy our 5taff. i abject. I want it ended, and I think it would ha�e ended had P&Z
been left ta da their work. I thank you for that, and please ma�e quickly an this because
they're moving qui�kky.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Next, I ha�e Barry Wolhorsky.
W�LBORSKY: I'm Barry Wolborsky, and I'li be quick. f would like to see a procedure
change far the council. As it stands right now, new agenda items can be introduced at
any time befare the �ouncil meeting. That gi�es the puhlic no �hance to laak at the
agenda items, na chance to respond ta it, no chan�e to �amment ❑n it. 1 waufd like ta
see that be 48 hours business time, unless it's an emergency. If it's an emergency, of
�ourse, you do it when yau ha�e ta. But I think the pro�edure should he changed sa
that the residents af the town have a chance tv see those agenda items, comment ❑n
those agenda items, before they appear befare the c�uncil to be voted an. That's all I
got.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: Rachael, would you like to comment on that? I don't think that that's
entirely ac�urate.
GODDWIN: It is accurate in that we have 24 hours hefore a meeting to publish the
agenda.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Right.
GODQWIN: And if I understand the �omment correctly, there's concern that waiting 24
hours in ad�ance doesn't give the public enough time to, sort af, read and digest and
research, which I can certainly under5tand. Generalky, our agendas are out at least
several days before meetings if nat -- yau know, if not a week if we can do that. Now,
granted, sometimes there is an amended agenda, i.e., we see an error or something
needs to change order, but generally, we're not adding new items without the direction
of coun�il to do so.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: And we add items, Barry -- at the end of the council meeting, we gi�e
Page 1$ of 36
T�WN DF FOUNTAIN HILLS
❑ECEMBER 17, 2024 T�WN C�UNCIL MEETING MINUTES
directian far fiuture agenda items, too, sa the publi� knows a meeting before, generally,
that we have items that are going to be listed.
GDOQWIN: Yes. Naw, ta Barry'S point, if we would like ta change our procedures, you
know, we can certainly amend that. It dves say with 24 haurs' natice. We �an certainly
increase that to 48 hours unfess emergency -- you knaw, unless under emergency
circumstan�es, something of that nature.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: Is that samething we need ta ha�e an agenda item for?
G��DWIN: f believe we're going to be reviewing our rules of �racedure caming up int❑
the new year, 5❑ we will add that as one of the consideratians.
MAYDR FRiEDEL: Okay. Okay. All right. Thank you.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Greg Jahnsvn .
1�HNSDN: Hello, e�erybody. Twa things. I'll make the first one simple. It's come to my
at[entian that all you people behind the desk there ha�e nat had a pay raise in a
cansiderable length of time. I hear it's 30d for councilmembers and 6�0 for the mayor. 1
think it's o�erdue. Suggestion would be 5D0 and 1,�a�. But if you can't do that, you
shauld at least tie it in to the same cast-of-li�ing things that the other town employees
go through. I think it's Qnly fair. Things d❑ change aver time, and it's been quite a long
time. I don't know haw lang, but I heard it's a lang time.
5econd issue is over the Christmas tree and a wreath. I think that went way tao far. The
wreath -- Trump won, get ❑�er it. The tree that was decarated with Trump, maybe you
didn't like it, but it wasn't distasteful. It wasn't meant ta rul� your nase in it. I didn't put
the tree up. But the wreath with the decapitated head of Donald -- of President Trump
was vulgar, inappropriate, gat to think af a few other wards that I can use in puhlic, but
it shouldn't happen. And then, when I heard the cornments a�out it, that we're going ta
put up sex tays and kiterature and all flther kinds af garbage, this is Christmas. I am nat
a deeply religious person. It's a se�ular haliday to me, t�ut it still is Christmas. If �arious
groups, lifestyles, whate�er yau want t❑ �all it, wish t❑ put up a tree and decarate it in a
Christmas theme and have a contest, that's fine. Go ahead. ❑o it. But what happened
here is a stain on the town. I think it's a stain on the Demacratic Club.
Page 19 of 35
T�WN �F FOUNTAIN HlLlS
dECEMBER 17, 2D24 TOWN COUNCiL MEETfNG MINiJTES
And bringing up the Democrati� Cluh -- and if I'm wrong, please carrect me -- but I
helieve Cauncilman M�Mahon, yau are the communi�atians director, afficer, whatever
you want to �all it. That's what it said on the wehsite. That's no longer correct? ❑kay.
Well, the website needs ta be updated.
MCMAHON: I am na longer an the pem Club board. And due to my busy schedule and
conflict, I gave my resignation a couple months ago. As communications chair, it is nQt a
PR chair. It's intercammunications chair with member5, so there is na, like, a media
persan or anything like that per se.
J�HNS�N: ❑kay.
MCMAHDN: It's a designated -- akay?
J�HNS�N: It's confusing. It shauld he updated.
MCMAHON: I knaw it is. And they are --
10MN50N: Okay.
MCMAHON: I have said --
JOHNSDN: 5omebody from that club should issue same type of apol�gy --
MCMAHQN: And --
JOHNSON: -- far what happened.
MCMAHON: -- I'�e spoken --
JOHNS�N: It was just inappropriate.
MCMAH04V: Thank you. And I have spoken with them about clarifying �ommunications
chair so it's better --
10HNS�N: Maybe you guys shauld --
MCMAH�N: -- understoad.
JOHNSON: -- I think the word i5 codify, put inta rules, is what's going to be done far
future Christmas decaratians because this does nat need ta happen. It was disgusting.
Thank you.
FRENCH CONTftERAS: Beth Culp.
CULP: I didn't expect to speak tonight, but this is, like, the third time I've heard this
comment abaut the decapitated head af President Trump. It was nat a de�apitated
Page ZO of 36
TQWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
QECEMBER 17, 2024 ��WN C�UNCIL MEETING MINUTES
head. It was a Halloween mask. And I'm not going t❑ say -- I'm not going to defend it.
Yau know, it was a statement that was made ak�out free speech and the limits of free
spee�h. And there are some things t#�at peaple are going t❑ say that will be offensive to
other people or that they will put up and it will -- but it was not a decapitated head. It
was a mask. If you g❑ on Ama2on and you faok, there are decapitated heads ❑ut there.
Yhey have jagged cuts. They ha�e bload. That was nat what this was. it was a
Halloween mask.
And like I say, it was a decision that was made, but Peggy McMahon had nothing ta da
with it. And the fa�t that our state senatar has gone ❑n the media and �laimed that she
was somehow responsible far this is irresponsible far him. 5he has been nothing but
neutral. 5he hasn't been ❑n the ❑em Club board for years. She has been a solid,
nanpartisan contributor ta thi5 tawn. And the fact that yau're taking shots at her and
falsely ac�using her af having made the de�ision to put that mask an that wreath is
uncon5ciana6le, and it needs to stop.
A!I af this nonsense, the nansense �f the partisan politics in this town, has got t❑ stop.
This board should be nonpartisan. There are no hig, o�erriding sacial issues that you
need to address. You need to loak at 4ur streets. Yau need to look at ❑ur cammunity.
You need to iovk at aur Public Warks prajects. Sut more importantly, yau need t❑ look
for unity, and that's what our mayor has promised us. And � would hope all of yau, all af
you, would do that and stop taking shots at one anather in the newspaper or on sacial
media.
The public is tired of it. Please, please stop.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Gene 51e�hta.
SLECHTA: My name's �ene Slechta, 29-year resident ❑f Fountain Hi115. First of all, I wish
yau all peace, }oy, ar�d good health this holiday seasan, throughaut the New Year and
beyond.
Let's start with the big lie. No, not the lie abaut Trumps electian. I'm tafking about the
lie that demacrats hung a se�ered head af danald Trump on a wreath in the cammunity
�enter. Anybody with two eyes can see that there was n❑ se�ered head and that, in
Page 2i af 36
T�WN OF F�UNTAIN HILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2U24 TOWN CaUNCIL MEE7fNG MINUTES
fact, it was a mask, kind af like yau might wear f�r Hallaween ar in a Republican float on
a Thanksgiving Day parade. Enough has been said about this incident. Enough.
The Trump wreath was nat appropriate far the haliday decorations, and certainly, the
Trump tree was not. If the Trump wreath was nat appropriate for the three hours that
it was pasted, then �ertainly, the Trump tree is not apprapriate for the entire holiday
sea5on.
The Demacratie Ciub immediately removed the mask after realizing it might create a
stir. We have not had re�iprocal action taken by the Republican Cluh.
Let me share some hypacrisy an the dais. Mr. 5killicorn has been pasting on his
x�Twitter account dazens of times over the past several days on this very subject as if it
was the sin ta end all sins.
Let me share with yvu your season's greetings as you posted, Mr. 5killicorn: "May the
birth ❑f Jesus �estow a bles5ing af gra�e and peace upan your household to the
�elittlement of every ❑ther faise religian." Waw. 5o much for the Jews and the Hindus,
the Muslims. Stop being the chaos �ouncilmember. Stap promating your bias. That
goes far other5. We all know who you are.
Let me restate what I said at the apening. I'm wishing yau all pea�e, jay, and good
health ta all this holiday seasan, throughout the new year, and 6eyond. Now, I must
admit that I plagiarized that greeting. It was a quate from a special person in aur tawn,
our former mayor, Qickey. Naw, that is what i would like to hear fram a real Christian.
Thank yau.
FRENCH CQNTRERAS: Crystal Cavanaugh.
CAVANAUGH: Crystal Cavanaugh, Fountain Hills resident. I actually didn't plan ta speak,
but since they're bringing up this whole Christmas tree�wreath dehacle, let me just
clarify the distinctian. Even if you don't want to call it a se�ered head, it was so much
mare than a mask. It was attached ta a wreath. It had �ery warm, warm Christmasy,
you know, writings on it, same of which were, I just need you to find 11,75D votes,
ra�keteering, con5piracy, stealing the 202fl electian, grab them by the -- you know that
phrase -- 37 fel�nies, sexuai assault, defamation, fraud, ❑bstructian of justice, rtationa�
Page 2Z of 35
TOWN QF FQUNTAIN HILLS
DECEMBER 17, x�24 TQWM COUNGL MEETING MINUTES
security concerns. This is what they handwrote on this mask and put it an a wafl
alongside the Community Center wreaths that other people taok seriously and made
respectful, nice wreath5.
The Fountain Hills Republican Club Christmas tree is just that. it's inclusive, if yvu really
want t❑ look at ❑ur current -- aur 45th president and Qur saon-to-be 47th president was
�ated in with the Electoral College vote and the popular �ate and all different parties,
politicaf parties, voted him in. That's pretty inclusive.
Sa when they want to campare the two� ❑ne is an a�tual Christmas tree representing an
actual club. The Fountain Hills �emo�rati� Club could ha�e just as easily gotten a
Christmas tree ar yau could have actually had a wreath that was mu�h more respectful
for this.
5o if you ha�e a state senator wha wants to bring this up as a discussi�n point, yau
brought that ❑n yourself. Thank you.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: That is all, Mayar.
G��oWIN: ❑kay. We'll move an to our Consent Agenda. If anybody doesn't have any
issues wi#h that, can I get a mvtian?
SKILLICQRN: MatiQn to approve consent agenda.
GDODWIN: Se�and?
MCMAH�N: I 5econd.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Seconded.
GODoWIN: Roll call, please.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Councilmember Gayle?
EARLE: Here.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Councilmember Kaliviankis?
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Councilmem�er Watts?
WATTS: Aye.
Ff2ENCH CONTRERAS: Coun�ilmember McMahan?
MCMAHDN: Aye.
Page 23 of 35
TOWN ❑F FOl1NiAIN HILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2024 TQWN COUNCI! MEETING MINUTES
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Councilmemt�er Skillicorn?
SKILLIC�RN: Yes.
FRENCH CDf�TRERAS: Vice Mayor Toth?
70TH: Aye.
FREI�CH CONTRERAS: Mayor friedel?
MAYDR fRIE�EL: Aye.
Okay. We'll move an ta vur regular agenda items. 9�A] is consideratian and possible
action ta an appointment f�r a Planning and Zoning Cammission. 5o can I get a motion
to appro�e Matthew Carrigan to fill a va�ancy that's --
SKILLICORN: So moved.
TOTH: 5ecand.
G��OWIN: Rall c�11� plea5e?
MCMAHON: ! have a comment, please.
GDODWIN: Cvuncilwoman?
MCMAH�N: I ser�ed an the reviewing suhcommittee for that as the chair. And as the
chair, I spoke with Mayar Friedek and re�ommended two extremely qualified
�andidates, ane e�en has P&2 Commission experience from another town. 1 mean, �oth
of these guys are very dedi�ated public ser�ants and invalved, and they ha�e impeccable
credentials, which qualify them for serving. And in �ontrast, the remaining candidates
did nat have the same le�el ❑f relevant experien�e ar commitment to the public ser�ice
that l recammended. And unfartunately, I'm �ery disapp�inted that you didn't select
❑ne af the mare qualified candidates.
G�ODWIN: Roll call, p�ease?
FRENCH CpNTRERAS: Cauncilmember Gay1e?
EARLE: Can you refer to me as Earle --
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: I apolagize.
EARLE: -- as my last name?
FRENCH CDNTRERAS: Yau're right.
EARLE: Thank you. I just want to be --
Page 24 of 36
TOWN �F F�LINTAIN WILLS
❑ECEM6ER 17, 2UZ4 T�WN COUNCfI MEETING MINLITES
FRENCH CONTRERAS: My mistake.
EARLE: -- the same as e�eryane else.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Yes.
EARLE: Yeah, I'm here. �r na, I apprv�e. 5arry. [LAIJGHTER] Yes.
FRENCH CDNTRERAS: Councilmemk�er Kali�iankis?
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Caun�ilmember Watts?
WATTS: Aye.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Councilmember McMahan?
MCMAHON: Nay.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Councilmember 5killicarn?
SfCILLICORN: Yes.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Vice Mayor Toth?
TDTH: Aye.
FRENCH CDNTRERAS: Mayor Friedel?
MAY�R FRIEaEL: Aye.
Item 9[6} is consideratian af passible action far appointments to the History and
Cultural Ad�isory Commission. 5❑ I have three candidates here. I'd like to ha�e a
moti�n t❑ approve Bannie Kline, Tani Lepare, and Peter Gallagher to our history and
culture admission. Can f get a motion, �alease?
TDTH: 50 --
EAftLE: I motian to appro�e.
7DTH: I second.
[LAl1GHfER]
MAYQR FRIEC]EL: Ro11 �a11, please?
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Councilmember Ear1e?
EARLE: Aye.
FRENCH CQN7RERA5: Councilmember Kaliviankis?
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
Page Z5 �f 36
TOWN �F F�UNTAIN HILLS
OECEMBER 17, 2Q24 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MiNUTfS
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Councilmember Watts?
WATTS: Aye.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Councilmember McMahan?
MCMAHQN: Ta clarify, Gerry, 1 thought there was faur seats �pen, three really
qualified, 5o you're only appointing two of them?
MAYDR FftIEDEL: I read all three names.
MCMAH�N: ❑kay. TF�ank you. I misunderstood. Aye.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Councilmemher Skillicorn?
SKILLICDRN: Yes.
FRENCH CDNTRERAS: Vice Mayor Toth?
T�TH: Aye.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Mayor Friedel?
MAYOR FRI�DEL: Aye.
Okay. 9�C}, cansideratian and possible actian far a waiver of standards set forth far cut
and fiils.
Rachael?
GO��WIN: Yes, I think lohn's going tv walk us through that. I think his presentation
was hrought up inad�ertently, so he'll start fram the beginning.
WESLEY: Mayor -- ex�use me -- Mayor ar�d Council, we had a request for a fill wai�er at
153ZS East Westridge Drive. Just a little background on this. Section 5.�3 of the
5ubdivision Drdinance establishes the limits for the amount of cut and fill that are
allowed an indi�idual properties during the �onstruction pro�ess. It allows a maximum
of ten faot, be it a cut ar fill. This ordinan�e has been in place since 1995, �ut it does
prQvide the apportunity for a request af wai�ers through the Tvwn Council to either do
mare or less cut or fili.
❑�er the last fi�e years, sa while I've been here, we have had several come in. We'�e
had three that have been approved. ❑ne that revised the plan5 and wasn't ultimately
needed, and one just did not praceed. So we don't get a lot af these, but we do get
enaugh that you d❑ see me bringing these forward e�ery once in a while.
Page 26 af 3fi
T�WN QF FQl7NTAIN NILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2024 TpWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
So this parti�ular request, as mentioned, is on Westridge Drive, Lat 26. ft's a vacant lot,
one of the few �acant lots left in thi5 subdivision there on the south side. �his shows
the propased home on the lot and hat�hed in here are the areas where it exceeds the
fill. A little claser view of that, s❑ a portion under the house, under the garage, then
under the exteriar patio area. �his area here, they have a lower level, and so they're not
aetually filling in that particular lacatian.
Cross-sections show the amaunt of the fill. And here, it's a little over the ten feet out
here by the poal. That's getting up around 15 feet. And some elevatians show the slape
❑f the praperty and the retaining walls that are necessary t❑ build the hause up sa they
can get most of it ❑n a single level, as they prefer to da.
And some photos vf the site, and this is on the street, looking to the south, across the
lat. It slopes dawn significantly sa you really �an't see it toa well, but you ean see a little
bit more anta the lot. And the hvuses on the other side af the wash are really quite far
away, and so their �iew inta this will not he very significant. And this is on the lot,
laoking back up to the house5 on either side. And you can 5ee how they're 5ituated ❑n
the lot, and this will get in between tha5e.
5❑ again, the ❑wner desires a home with primary living on just one flaor. Meeting the
ordinan�e sa they didn't have the fiil wauld requ+re mare step downs in the home to
move it down the hill rather than filling it in ta bring it up t❑ a level. The properties that
wauld ha�e �iews af this are primarily acrass the wash, over 7D� feet away. And the fills
that will oc�ur will be under the hause and under the pativ area; it's nat that they'll b�
fi�fing samething that will then be visible, really, ta the pubkic or to the surrounding
property owners.
So with that, staff has not identified any significant impa�ts for this request, and it
supports approval af the waiver. Any question5 you ha�e for staff?
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Councilman?
SKILLICORN: 5o as I recall, this lot is pretty steep, sa I'll make a matiQn t❑ appro�e this
fill waiver for 15325 East Westridge Qrive.
MCMAH�N: I'll se�ond.
Page 27 of 36
T�WN QF F�UNTAIN HILLS
QECEMBER 17, 2Q24 TQWN COIJNCEL MEETING MENLITES
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Roll call, please?
KALIVIANAKIS: Gerry, ane --
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Mayar, there is --
MAY�R FRIEDEL: I`m sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't see.
KALIVIANAlCIS: -- Qne question --
MAYQR FRIE�EL: Yeah, go ahead.
KALIVIANAKIS: -- for John. Okay.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: I'm sorry.
KALIVIANAKIS: Thank you. 1ohn, I'm just looking over the packet. I noticed there wasn't
any letters from neighbors. Have you gotten any input, positi�e or negati�e, from any of
the surraunding neighbarhaod?
WESLEY: Mayor, Cauncilmember, this process does nat require any natice --
KALIVIANAKIS: �kay.
WESLEY: -- af the surraunding praperty awner5, sa no, we haven't. I believe there is an
HQA here that would be reviewing some of these plans as it gves through their process,
sa hopefully, if they have cancern5, we would hear about them prabably a little bit later.
KALIVIANAKIS: �kay. Thank yau.
MAYOR FRfEDEL: Anyane else? I'm sarry. Councilman?
WATTS: Jvhrs, did you say it was a 15 faot --1D 6y right and 15 because --
WESLEY: So yeah --
WATTS: -- what the request is?
WESLEY: Mayor, Councilmember Watts, yes, you �an ha�e up ta ten feet by right.
WATTS: By right.
WE5LEY: And then, I think more than ten feet requires the waiver. There are a few
exceptions in there. We can approve up to five percent directly under the house. This
exceeded that fi�e-percent rule.
WATTS: Uh-huh.
WESLEY: But yes, in this case --
WATTS: It loaks like it's --
Page 28 of 36
rowN ❑F FvuNrA�n� �i��s
❑ECEMBER 17, 2U24 TDWN C�UNCIL MEETING MINLITES
WESL�Y: -- the maximum --
WATTS: It looks like it's actualfy 18 feet with the --
WESLEY: Yeah. { can't read my small print an there right now, either. I think it says --
WATTS: There's three six-faat lifts.
WESLEY: Right.
WATTS: I assume the separation between the lifts are g�ing to he six feet as well hy
code.
WESLEY: Right. Right.
WATTS: 6ut it laoks like 18, just as a clari#i�atiQn.
WESLEY: Right. I think there were same spots. �fhe section pra�ided here shaws just
about 15, but 1 think there was an area that was up ta 18.
WATTS: That crass-5ectiQn, when I laak at it on the exploded view, there's six, six, and
5ix, which to me is 18.
WESLEY: Right. But the hill also mo�es up, so we're rneasuring it here.
WATTS: 6ut that effecti�e wall is going to be 18 feet if I put it all back to k�ack ta back?
WESLEY: Correct.
WATTS: Nat 15?
WESLEY: Carre�t.
W ATTS: 0 ka y.
MAYOR FftIEDEL: Ro we ha�e a mvtion and a second. Roil call?
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Mayor --
MAYDR FRIEdEI: And --
FRENCH CDNTRERAS: -- you ha�e one public camment.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Qkay. I'm sorry. I didn't ask for that.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Rick S�hreiber.
SCHREIBER: Goad evening, Mayar, and Vice Mayor, and Council People. Ricic Schreiber,
S�hreiber Architects fram 5cottsdake, Arizana, yaur neighbar. And I'm here taday just
to -- I think lahn has done a very goad jab in the presentation. I did gi�e him exhibits,
and he has put in a good presentation for taday.
Page 29 of 3fi
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
❑ECEMBER 17, 2024 T�WN C�l1NCll MEETING MlNUTES
This is the last iot on Westridge. And I, in my practice, I always like ta take the last lot --
it's the worst Iot -- and make the best house on the street. And I t�ink we have done
that with the ele�ations.
When yau look at it fram the street, I agree that the walls in the back do -- they, ❑f
course, keep the house on level. And our vwner of the property requests -- and the
letter is in that packet. He has same health issues and doesn't want ta be going up and
dawn. We did do the one lawer level that's a game raam and a guest bedroam, but I
believe we -- from the street, and the house is dawn fram the street, like a lot of them
there, does present a great ele�atian ar�d I believe, also, a good thing to happen far the
tvwn in aur house. 5o thank yau very much. I hape yau can ha�e a ni�e Christmas and
holidays.
MAY�R F�IEDEL: Naw I think we're ready far a ��te.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Councilmember Earle?
EARLE: Yes.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Cauncilmember Kaliviankis?
1CALIVIANAKiS: Aye.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Councilmember Watts?
WATfS: Aye.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Cauncilmember McMahon?
MCMAHON: Aye.
FREiVCH CONTRERAS: Cauncilmember 5killicorn?
SKILLIC�RN: Yes.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Vice Mayor Tath?
TOTH: Aye.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Mayor Friedei?
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Aye.
The motion passes. Thank yvu.
And the last item ❑n aur list here is propased 2025 Tawn Cauncii meeting dates and
summer break.
Page 30 of 3fi
T�WN �F F�UN�AIN HILLS
❑ECEMBER 17, 2024 TDWN CDUNCIL MEETING MINLJTE5
Rachael, do yau want t❑ run with that?
G�DDWiN: 5ure. I can walk us thrflugh that. Each year, we a�opt a caiendar af
meeting dates. Generally, they are the first and third Tuesday of the month, just like we
ha�e always been daing. There were a few adjustments for this coming calendar year,
20Z5. Previously, when a coun�il meeting fell on a holiday week, i.e. a Monday holiday,
the meeting was mo�ed ta Wednesday to kind of give a little bit ❑f time to get back in
the groo�e after a hQliday weekend. In discussions with the mayor, the mayor would
like ta keep thase meetings ❑n Tuesdays following the haliday weekends, so this new
calendar reflects that. It may happen cauple of times a year, starting in January,
February, and then again in September. 5� there's only a few.
Alsa, this reflects the traditional summer break, whi�h is usually the m�nth af July and
most af August. There was a conflict. We da generally have a meeting in late August.
Usually the second meeting in August. However, there is a �onflict with the current
schedule for the Ari2ona League Conferen�e that is als❑ held that week. Sa in discussion
wit� the mayor, the mayor chose ta forega that meeting unless we have particular
6usiness that needs to be addressed, in whi�h case we will cal! a special meeting.
�therwise, the calendar is in front of you. We're open for discussion or any other
direction.
MCMAHDN: I have a question.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Cauncilwoman?
MCMAH�N: Mayor, ❑n the holiday weekends in the past, we have maved it, the
meeting, ta Wednesday. And I'd like to, if you don't mind, keep that an open optian
becau5e sometimes the staff, and depending upon what's on the agenda, it takes a lot
more t❑ put it together and get it, you know, to bed so to speak, and mayhe one or two
people are on �acation or whate�er. 5a if you don't mind if -- I'd like ta keep that as an
available option shauld that happen and the staff need mare time, �kay?
MAYDR FRIEQEL: We can certainly -- we can certainly keep that as an option. We did
d�scuss with staff. I had the tvwn manager c�ver this with the staff, too, so they didn't
ha�e a prablem with it, so. But if we do ha�e a packed agenda, we �an certainly keep
Page 31 of 35
TQWN aF FOUNTAIN HILLS
❑ECEMBER 17, 2024 TOWN CDUNClL MEETING MfNUTE5
tildt d5 all O�}tlOfl.
MCMAHON: ❑kay. Thank you.
MAYDR Ff�IEDEL: Anyone else? �h, I'm sarry. Cauncilman?
WATTS: I just want to make sure from Rachael that the thumbs�rews weren't taa tight
t❑ mv�e it. [LAUGHTER] ! mean, is it camfortable enough that yau can accommodate
withaut undue pressures and sa on?
G�DDWIN: Generally 5peaking, yeah. it's kind of -- there is a consideration that the
agenda is ❑ut and availahle before the haliday weekend. 5a it's really caming in and just
heing ready ta hit the ground running far a council day. That being said, the
consideration was really more far the public, hack to a public �omment that was made
earlier. nur cammunity is used t❑ meetings on Tuesdays. 5taff are kind af conditioned
for meeting5 on Tuesdays. Sa maintaining Tuesdays was nat tao much of a hardship.
It was sort of -- as we discusse� it, it was sort of six one way, half a dvzen the other. No
one felt super strongly. 5o with the mayor'S dis�ussion, he felt like Tuesdays served the
public t�etter, so we went that way.
WATTS: Okay. Thank yau.
EARLE: Gerry?
MAY�R FRIE�EL: Cvuncilwaman?
EARLE: Yeah. Doesn't it also, then, coincide with -- excuse me -- the schaol baard
meetings if we went to Wednesday? Wou1d it �anflict with that?
GDODWIN: It can. I'm not sure if they alway5 will, laut yes, there is that patential on
o�casFon.
MAYQR FRIEDfL: I'm sorry. Councilwaman Toth?
TOTH: I think Allen --
MAY�R FRIEDEL: ❑h.
TOTH: -- was bef�re me.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Mr. 5killicorn?
SKILLIC�RN: Thank you, Mr. Mayar. You know, my anly con�ern is I see that both the
retreat and ❑ne af the work5hops are during -- usually, typica4ly, during the day. Sa I
Page 3� af 3fi
TDWN OF FDUNTAIN HILLS
UECEMBER 17, 2024 TOWiV COLINCIL MEETING MINUTES
ha�e same eancerns far public that work, you know, regular 9:�D ta S:OD j�bs and also
cfluncilmembers that might da that. And you know, that is a �on�ern of mine. I'd like
to, I mean, stress that we da stuff in the e�enings, not during the day, which are tough
far, you know, many residents and council peopEe.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Caun�ilwaman?
T�TH: Well, if it's all right, I wvuld like to echa that for possibly a future consideration.
The work sessians, far me, I ha�e ta take a day aff, you know? And $4pa a month
doesn't always make up for that. 8ut it's worth it. !t's for the town. I'll do it any time I
need to. Just you knaw, samething to keep in mind.
But far this spe�ifi� item, I'd like t❑ make a motion to approve the proposed changes t❑
the Town Council schedule for 2D25.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Is there a second?
MCMAH�N: I'll second it.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Roll cail� please?
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Councilmember Earle?
EARLE: Yes.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Councilmember Kaliviankis?
KALIViANAKIS: Aye.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: �oun�ilmember Watts?
WATfS: Aye.
FRENCH C�NTRERAS: Coun�ilmember McMahon?
MCMAH�N: Aye.
FRENCH CON�RERAS: Councilmember Skillicarn?
SKILLIC�ftN: Yes.
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Vice Mayor Tvth?
TQTH: Aye.
FRENCH CDNTRERAS: Mayor Friedel?
MAYOR FRkEDEL: Aye.
❑kay. Future agenda items, is there anything that anybody wants t❑ bring up? No?
Page 33 af 36
T�WN �F FOUNTAIIV HILLS
DECEMBER 17, 2024 TOWN CDUNCfL MEETING MIN[1TE5
Councilman?
WATTS: I can put it vut here where you can see it. [LAUGHTER]
MAYDR FRIE�EL: Yeah, yeah.
WA�TS: That help? Just �hecking. lust che�king.
I do want t❑ resurre�t 5G. 5G has heen put an the backburner for whatever reason, and
I think that there are to❑ many �onflicts in the existing ardinance the way it's structured.
And particularly now with the highlight ❑f a new "SRP", whate�er that is. So I would like
to identify all of the current ordinances, 16, 17, whate�er resolutians, and ask staff t❑ do
a consolidated re�iew of how we can get a�l of this under Qne umhreila, in ❑ne
ordinance, that ya� can gQ t❑ and you �an say, ❑kay, I've got this type of a system. f'�e
got this type of tower that I'm going t❑ put in. I'�e gat this type �f braadband ar
frequen�y that I have ta aperate in. 5a I can go very easily and laok at what my
requirements ar� gaing to be and whether ar not I can dv it by right, whether I have to
have a special use permit, a variance, samething along those lines.
KALkVIANAKkS: I ha�e a paint of arder. I think to put future gen items on is a issue that
would -- is decided tonight, but I don't think we can make the case either way. I think
that's going beyond the scope.
WATTS: I'm nQt making the case. I'm saying that I want the infarmation, as
camprehensively as passible, so that we can can5olidate it, condense it, sa we can make
something, ultimately, out of the infarmation we'�e gat.
KALiVIANAKlS: I think these are the arguments that you should he making if the baard
wants t❑ --
FRENCH CONTRERAS: Point af order. Please speak through the chair.
KALIVIANAKIS: -- wants to put it thraugh as an agenda item, then these are a11 �alid
subjects we can talk a6�ut. But I think, tanight, we just vote, do we want to hring 5G
back up or not?
WATTS: I want t❑ bring --
KALIVIANAKIS: Mr. Mayar?
WATfS: -- 5G back up in its tatal.
Page 34 0# 35
TOWN DF FDl1NTAIN HILLS
{JECfMBER 17, 2n24 TaWN C�UNCIL MEETING MINUTES
TOTH: And if he needs a second and a third, I will secand that.
WATTS: Thank you.
SKILtICQRN: Third.
EARLE: I am a-- faurth. I'm a fourth. [LAU�HTER]
GD�OWIN: lust to follow up on that -- noted. We'I� get that on the agenda. I will say,
offline, I belie�e some of the camments that were braught up tanight a�tually don't fall
under, specifically, this ordinance. I don't want t❑ speak out af turn, but utilities and
same af the things that were brought actually �all under Justin and the Public Warks side
of the house. I k�elieve he made �ontact with some of the speakers. We'll be putting
tagether an email for the education and update of the council tomorrow to kind of gi�e
you next steps. But I belie�e they'�e already discussed it and will he meeting after the
first ❑f the year far further discussion.
WAiTS: And Mr. Mayar, Rachael, it's exactly my paint. We don't know. 5o what we
don't know, we can't ga�ern property.
GD�DWIN: 5ure. True.
WATTS: 5o that's really my paint.
EARLE: Can I --
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Paint taken.
EARLE: I just want to clarify, you are talking about the people who were talking about
the SRP that's nat SRP.
GDODWIN: Carrect.
EARLE: All right.
GD�QWIN: Same of aur speakers that were --
EARLE: ❑kay.
G�OtiWIN: -- dis�ussing this evening, I belie�e Justin met with them aut in the --
EAftLE: ❑kay.
GDD�WIN: -- labby ta give them a little further informatian and perhaps --
EARLE: ❑k�y.
GQ�oWIN: -- update them on some ❑ther things.
Page 35 vf 36
TQWN ❑F FOLINTAIN HILLS
QECEMBFR 17, 2024 TOWN COUNClL MEETING MINUTES
EAf�LE: Dkay. Thank you.
MAYQR FRIE�EL: Anything else? No. Can I get a mation fflr adjournment?
TDTH: S❑ moved.
51CILLIC�RN: 5econd.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: We're adjourned. Thank you.
Page 3fi af 36
i
Having no further business, Mayar Gerry M. Friedel adjaurned the Regufar
Meeting ❑f the Fountain Hills Tawn Council held ❑n December 17, 2Q24, at 6:47
p. m.
T�WN OF FOIJNTAtN HlLLS
� ����
Gerry . Friedel, Mayor
ATTEST AND PREPA ��BY:
� r- ,f�
andace French Contreras, Town Clerk
CERTIFICATI�N
I hereby �ertify that the foregoing mir�utes are a true and carrect copy of the
minutes vf the Regu�ar Meeting held by the Town Council of F�untain Hills in the
Town Hall Council Chamk�ers vn the 17=`' day af De�em�er 2fl24. l further certify
that the meating was duly called and that a quorum was present.
DATE❑ 4�' day of February
�
�lA�
andace French
� ��
�'�
ntreras, Tawn Clerk
,,,� ,� r,y y L
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