HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDApacket__11-20-24_1046_662
NOTICE OF MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
Chairman Patrick Garman
Vice Chairman Geoff Yazzetta
Commissioner Randy Crader
Commissioner Bernie Hoenle
Commissioner Joseph Reyes
Commissioner Paul Smith
VACANT
TIME:4:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
WHEN:WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
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
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card, indicating it is a written comment, and check the box on whether you are FOR or AGAINST an
agenda item, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion, if possible.
Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Meeting of November 20, 2024 1 of 3
1.CALL TO ORDER – Chairman Garman
2.ROLL CALL – Chairman Garman
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.REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS AND TOWN MANAGER
5.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of September 25, 2024.
6.UPDATE: Fountain Hills 2022 Strategic Plan Implementation - Kevin Snipes, Community
Services Director.
7.UPDATE: Commission Workgroups
8.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Proposed 2025 Meeting Dates of the Strategic
Planning Advisory Commission.
9.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Future Agenda Topics.
10.COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN
11.ADJOURNMENT
Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Meeting of November 20, 2024 2 of 3
Dated this ______ day of ____________________, 2024.
_____________________________________________
Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Executive Assistant
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5100 (voice)
or 1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting or to obtain
agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the Commission with this agenda are
available for review in the Town Manager's Office.
Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Meeting of November 20, 2024 3 of 3
ITEM 4.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 11/20/2024 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Town Clerk
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): REPORTS BY
COMMISSIONERS AND TOWN MANAGER
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/29/2024 03:27 PM
Final Approval Date: 10/29/2024
ITEM 5.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 11/20/2024 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Town Clerk
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND
POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 25, 2024.
Staff Summary (Background)
The intent of approving meeting minutes is to ensure an accurate account of the discussion and
action that took place at the meeting for archival purposes. Approved minutes are placed on the
town's website and maintained as permanent records in compliance with state law.
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff recommends approving the minutes of the regular meeting on September 25, 2024.
SUGGESTED MOTION MOVE to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on September 25, 2024.
Attachments
SUMMARY MINUTES AND VERBATIM TRANSCRIPT
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/29/2024 03:27 PM
Final Approval Date: 10/29/2024
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
A Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
was convened at 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains in open and public session
at 4:01 p.m.
Members Present: Vice Chairman Geoff Yazzetta; Commissioner Randy Crader;
Commissioner Bernie Hoenle; Commissioner Joseph Reyes; Commissioner Paul
Smith
Members Absent: Chairman Patrick Garman
Staff Present: Town Manager Rachael Goodwin; Economic Development
Director Amanda Jacobs; Town Clerk Angela Padgett-Espiritu
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
September 25, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chairman Geoff Yazzetta called to order the meeting of the Strategic Planning
Advisory Commission at 4:01 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Vice Chairman Geoff Yazzetta; Commissioner Randy Crader;
Commissioner Bernie Hoenle; Commissioner Joseph Reyes; Commissioner Paul Smith
Members Absent: Chairman Patrick Garman
Staff Present: Town Manager Rachael Goodwin; Economic Development Director
Amanda Jacobs, Town Clerk Angela Padgett-Espiritu
3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
No one from the public was present.
4. REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS AND TOWN MANAGER
Commissioner Goodwin provided updates, mentioning that she was not present for the
previous meeting. She highlighted the recent election and upcoming elections. Goodwin
also noted the first session of the Leadership Academy's class of 2024, which raised
questions about SPAC and strategic planning. She explained the process and importance of
collective input from the Commission, council, staff, and the public. Goodwin also reported
on the progress of several Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) and upcoming budget
planning for the next fiscal year.
Commissioner Reyes added that presentations given at the Leadership Academy were
refreshing, noting updates on recent town activities. He inquired about a procedural issue
regarding a grant for a supercharger analysis, asking whether it could come back for a vote.
Goodwin responded that the decision would depend on the Mayor’s direction but explained
the procedural complications.
5. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the Minutes of the Regular
Meeting of August 28, 2024.
MOVED BY Commissioner Joseph Reyes to APPROVE the Minutes of August 28, 2024,
Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Meeting, SECONDED BY Commissioner Bernie
Hoenle.
Vote: 5– 0 passed – Unanimously
6. UPDATE: Fountain Hills 2022 Strategic Plan Implementation – Amanda Jacobs, Economic
Development Director.
Amanda Jacobs, the Economic Development Director for Fountain Hills, provided an
update on the town's strategic plan implementation.
1. Brand Image Development:
• A new town logo was approved and is being gradually implemented.
• The logo received a national Silver Circle Award at the 3CMA Conference.
• Brand guidelines are being developed for internal and external use.
2. Business Attraction and Retention:
• Updated the community economic development strategy after 10 years.
• Identified need for more flexible zoning to attract targeted industries like
healthcare and bioscience.
• Updated the downtown strategy after 15 years.
• Established a formal business retention and expansion program in partnership
with the Chamber of Commerce.
3. Coordination with Other Entities:
• Regular meetings with the Chamber of Commerce, Fort McDowell Yavapai
Nation, and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Received grant money from both tribes for tourism and events.
4. Business Advisory Group:
• Utilizing existing groups like the Avenue Merchant Association and Chamber
industry stakeholder meetings instead of creating a new advisory group.
5. Public Health and Well-being:
• Supporting expansion of preventative health and wellness services.
• Mentioned plans for expansion of Fountain Hills Medical Center and urgent care.
• Town became a dementia-friendly community.
6. Education and Youth Programs:
• Highlighted improvements in local education, including stronger ties with ASU.
• Mentioned the Youth Safety Coalition gaining national attention.
7. Future Plans:
• Developing more robust economic development marketing materials.
• Continuing to improve communication with various stakeholders.
• Suggestion to include the Dark Sky Discovery Center in marketing materials for
attracting new businesses.
7. UPDATE: Commission Workgroups
There were no significant updates from the Commission Workgroups.
8. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Future Agenda Topics.
There were no future agenda topics mentioned.
9. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Vice Chair Yazzetta provided an update on discussions with Chair Garman regarding the
strategic planning process. They have established the strategic pillars and will next focus
on developing strategies and tasks. Next year, one or two open house events will likely
be held to gather resident feedback and refine strategies, which could range from two
to five. Following that, they will determine specific tasks to guide staff and Town Council
decision-making. Additionally, future meetings may dedicate time to discussing each
pillar and potential strategies.
10. NEXT MEETING DATE: Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chairman Geoff Yazzetta adjourned the meeting of the Strategic Planning Advisory
Commission at 4:30 PM
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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Post-Production File
Town of Fountain Hills
Strategic Planning Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes
September 25, 2024
Transcription Provided By:
eScribers, LLC
* * * * *
Transcription is provided in order to facilitate communication accessibility and may not
be a totally verbatim record of the proceedings.
* * * * *
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VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Ok. Good afternoon. We will call to order of the Strategic
Planning Advisory Commission.
Angela, may I have a roll call, please?
TOWN CLERK: Yes.
Vice Chair Yazzetta?
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Here.
TOWN CLERK: Commissioner Crader?
CRADER: Here.
TOWN CLERK: Commissioner Hoenle?
HOENLE: Here.
TOWN CLERK: Commissioner Reyes?
REYES: Here.
TOWN CLERK: Commissioner Smith?
SMITH: Here.
TOWN CLERK: And Chairman Garman, for the record, is absent.
We have a quorum.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: All right. Thank you.
Call to the public. Any cards?
TOWN CLERK: No. There is not.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Well, anyone in the audience? I don't see anyone. Amanda's
giving our presentation. So we'll hear from her a little bit. Moving on to item number 4,
reports by commissioners and town manager.
I'll start over to my right with Rachel.
GOODWIN: We were just talking. All right. Let's turn this on. I was not present for the
last meeting. So I haven't had a chance to catch up with this group in a while. There's
been a lot going on. Obviously, we've had an election. We've have a -- further elections
coming up. We've had a lot of -- we also hosted the first session of the Leadership
Academy, the 2025 class.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Class of 2024.
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SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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GOODWIN: 2024 class? Okay. That's right. Yes.
We hosted them last week. And there was a lot -- there's quite a few questions actually
about SPAC. About how a strategic plan comes together. Why do we have one? How is
it used? And really helping them understand that it is sort of a collective document,
right? It has input from this Commission. It has input from our council. It has input
from staff. It has input from the public. So it was -- I think they're starting to
understand again all of the different ways that decisions get driven and vision gets
driven for our community. So it's always good to have new leaders and new
information out there, right? We have several grads up here from our Leadership
Committee -- or our Leadership Academy.
Other updates, we are moving forward with a number of CIPs. We just had our CIP
quarterly update actually earlier today. We'll be presenting to council and the progress
of a number of different CIP projects coming up. And then if you can believe it, this --
we'll be getting ready to kick off budget process for next fiscal year in early December.
We're actually waiting on the outcome of the council elections and the new body to be
seated before we do that. But it's going to be coming in sort of fast and furious. And
remembering that, of course, our strategic plan drives a lot of what we were trying to
accomplish. Whether that's through CIPs or policy changes, and stuff like that.
Is there any questions or anything else out there going on that you might have -- that
you want to know about?
Like -- Joe, I see you over there.
REYES: Oh. I'll just mention that at the presentation with the opener, some of the same
folks that came recently to give us presentations here made presentations there. And
it's interesting. It's only been a couple, three weeks. And I noticed that there were
already little updates. So everyone really is doing their part to continue to keep things
up to date and share the information. And I found that very refreshing. Thank you.
GOODWIN: Okay.
REYES: So this is for the Town Manager also. This is a procedural question. Since the
grant for the analysis of a supercharger didn't pass.
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GOODWIN: Indeed.
REYES: Is there an opportunity for it to come back up for a vote again? Or is it gone?
Because I understand that Gilbert has received a grant.
GOODWIN: Yes. It's a little bit of a -- it's a little bit of a procedural sticky spot. And the
answer is, it can come back up. It really should be directed by the Mayor. So the
Mayor, myself, or the Town Attorney sets the agenda. So if she wants it heard again,
she could. I think that there is a little bit of -- yeah. There's a little timing there, right?
There's a little bit of sort of reading the tea leaves there as to if she wants to or not. It's
a little bit of a -- it was a little bit of a contentious item. So I don't know that she wants
to go back there again.
The idea here, if you didn't already know, that we received grant money with no match,
so no Town funding, to do a study to identify if and where a supercharger could be
installed potentially in Town. It was through Maricopa Association of Governments.
They encourage us to go for it. They're working with all of the communities throughout
Maricopa County to do this. We are not the only ones that have declined, I believe. But
there was a difference of opinion. So yes, it can come back. But it really needs to be
through her. Staff will not bring it back. So I will not put it on. And I don't believe
Aaron will either. It needs to be championed by the Mayor.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Nothing at this time. Thank you.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Angela, anything to report?
TOWN CLERK: No. Not at this time.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Very well.
GOODWIN: Hey, Angela [CROSS-TALK].
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Yeah. I was I was going to ask about that.
TOWN CLERK: Wow. Well, as you know, I've been appointed Town Clerk. I'm very
excited. But in the meantime, I'm still doing both jobs. So you still have me at least for,
of course, this meeting and most likely even the next meeting. So -- but we do have a
posting out. I think that the job posting from my former position ends I think in a week
or so. So if you know anyone that you think would be a good fit, like, with the Town,
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please encourage them to apply.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Sounds good.
TOWN CLERK: That's it.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Congratulations.
TOWN CLERK: Thank you.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Okay. Moving on to agenda item number 5, consideration of
possible action, approval of the minutes of the regular meeting from August 28th. Do I
have a motion to approve?
REYES: I'll make a motion to approve.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Joe moves. Second?
HOENLE: Second.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Bernie seconds. Okay. All in favor of approving the meeting
minutes from August 28th say aye.
ALL: Aye.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Okay. Motion passes.
Item number 6, Amanda Jacobs, our Town's Economic Development Director, to give us
an update on the strategic plan implementation.
JACOBS: Good afternoon, everybody. I think it's in over a year since I provided an
update. And so I was telling Vice Chair Yazzetta, I'm like, I'm seeing new names, new
faces. So again, I'm Amanda Jacobs, the Economic Development Director. I've been
with the Town for two-and-a-half years. I am also a resident and have over 20 years of
local government experience. So I worked with the town of Oro Valley for almost 19
before heading this way. Needed a change. When you're with somebody for almost 20
years, you need to change.
So as Vice Chair Yazzetta mentioned, I'll be giving an update on the Town's strategic
plan, not the community economic development strategy. And then just the topics that
are assigned and under the department. So one was to develop and promote an
effective brand image.
Last year the Town Council did approve a new logo. So this was part of the Town's
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strategic plan. And actually right before I started in 2022, the Council gave direction at a
Council retreat to the Town Manager -- then former Town Manager, Grady Miller, to
move forward with this process. So if you see that logo on the corner, that is the new
logo that we're doing a soft, what we call, implementation on. We have updated our
website PowerPoint slides. If you start to see some advertising, it has this logo as we
replace, internally, business cards, we're switching to the logo. So very soft. Wasn't
we're going to spend like a half $1,000,000 and change everything. And then, of course,
where appropriate, we'll still use the Town seal.
Hot off the press, I'm not sure if it's made it to the Times news, but earlier this month
we were up for an award at the 3CMA Conference. And so that is with -- it can be
economic development directors, communications administrators, PIOs. That is their
National conference. There was over 1,000 entries submitted. And the Town actually
did receive a national award, the Silver Circle Award, it's called, for this new logo. So
very excited about that. And then to get Fountain Hills on a National stage. Very
exciting.
And then we're -- thank you.
And then we are in the process of working on brand guidelines. So not just internally,
also externally. So I like to tell all of you -- tomorrow I'm speaking to a real estate
group -- all of you are ambassadors for the Town. And not to scold you, but sometimes
we have to be careful with our words. And so making sure that we're saying the right
messaging. And so some examples I've given is, I went on a Friday, we're told we're
closed on Friday, but most of us still work. But I went to a place in Scottsdale, we'll just
say, maybe it's a restaurant. And the owner was there. And I'm like, hey, you need to
consider placing your restaurant here in Fountain Hills. And he goes, oh, you know
what, he goes, I live right outside Fountain Hills. I was considering Fountain Hills. He's
like, but I talked to a couple of residents and businesses, and they said, eh, you guys
close up shop in the summer. So that was his interaction with some folks in Fountain
Hills. And so guess what, he is located in Scottsdale. And he's like, I have my customer
and clientele. And he's like, so you know, not really considering it, even though I live so
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close by.
And then with the real estate group, there was a real estate agent that did some
YouTube videos and calls our Town a sleepy town. How dare that person. So just again
to be mindful of sometimes we don't know who we're talking to. Is it someone that is
considering opening a business, are they considering becoming a resident, and what
message are we putting out there? So we are working on our tagline and just various
themes. And also working with some of the real estate agents because sometimes,
guess what, those folks are the first person that will meet anybody. It's not me or
Director Wesley if you've heard from him recently.
And so I was talking to some of the real estate agents and they don't mention at all
education, for example. And so if we're looking at attracting different industry, and
bioscience, and healthcare, education for major employer to come here and to consider,
education is huge. And so having the conversations, like, with real estate agents. Like,
tell me why you're not including that. And they're like, well, my kids graduated. And I'm
like, are you buying a house, you need to think of your client. So again, that is in
progress. And hopefully, we'll be rolling that out at the end of the year or the early part
of 2025.
The second thing is to develop strategies to attract and routine businesses. So again,
when I started two-and-a-half years ago, our economic development strategy hadn't
been updated in ten years. And so we were able to have, early last year, an economic
summit with residents, businesses, and visitors. And then just meeting with folks for a
good six months, year, we were able to put together a community economic
development strategy that went before council last September and was unanimously
approved. And so with that, looked at business attraction, for example, and business
retention.
So when it came to business attraction, the targeted industries -- let's just say it said
professional services, financial services, other. And I'm like, what does that mean? And
Fountain Hills could be so much more. And so we've modified that. And then I've been
very upfront with the Town Manager as well as the Council. Some of our zoning is a
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little too restrictive. And so what I mean by that, so within our business district, which is
part of our downtown -- and if you think of Saguaro and where Palisades is, and some of
the healthcare, there's lots of opportunity there. Revitalization, redevelopment that
again, if we were a little bit flexible to add some industrial -- we're not talking big old
trucks or machinery. But if we really are looking at healthcare and bioscience, when
John and I are talking to prospective folks -- and let's just say it is a bioscience
company -- if they're telling us 50 percent or more is a clean lab, clean industry, it
focuses more on industrial. And we're not zoned for that.
So again, if we're wanting to attract some of these industries, the zoning needs to be --
in aligned with that.
And so speaking of that and then tying into that a particular area, our downtown
strategy hadn't been updated in 15 years. And so I did lots of focus groups. And we
were able to get that updated and unanimously approved earlier this month. So super
excited about that. And right out the gate, we did let Council know, we are going to
start working on some of that policy-level decision and zoning to begin drafting that.
And then having a very collaborative approach with our existing businesses and
residents, so that when we do put forth a proposed zoning changes to the Planning and
Zoning Commission and Council, that they hopefully could feel confident in giving us
approval.
And then we formed, about two years ago, a formal business retention and expansion
program. And we partnered with the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce on that. So
had one maybe 10, 12 years ago. And it looked like, again, when I started, it had
stopped. And so sometimes we can get really excited about business attraction. Like
that's the sexy. But we try to tell folks is people made an investment in the Town. And
so we need to be communicating with them, understanding what is going well, what are
areas for improvement. And so Betsy LaVoie, who's the president and CEO, she and I
attend those site visits. And then something is unique -- and again, in my career was
very successful, is we actually invite a council member. And so they attend four and
then we rotate a new one in.
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And why it's not typically a best practice is because we're a council-manager form of
government. So sometimes you don't want to invite our elected officials into operation.
But nine out of ten times, when we're talking to business owners, they're having a
policy-level issue. And so I want the council member to not just hear from me or from
Betsy, they're hearing from the horse's mouth. And emotions can be evoked, for
example. So early on, some issues we heard was the sign code. And really a lot of it
was, you guys keep changing the thing, what do you want us to do. Like we want to do
right by the Town, just tell us what we need to do, and we'll follow the rules.
Second was communication related to events and just making sure specifically with our
restaurants -- we all know not just here in Fountain Hills, statewide, nationally -- it's
hard to retain, especially in the service field, staff. And so when we're having these big
events in Fountain Hills, we want to know about it, so we can staff up, and ensure the
visitors who are coming here are having an excellent experience in the restaurant, in
Fountain Hills, so that they return.
Next up is coordinating meetings with the Chamber of Commerce, Fort McDowell,
Yavapai Nation, and then the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian community. I'll say with
both of our Indian communities, some of them are available just for annual meetings or
as things come up. With Salt River Pima, there's been a bit more contact, even though
they're a little farther away. So they have their government. But when it comes to the
experience side -- so that's our tourism -- they have something too that's different. So
it's Discover Salt River. And so we'll meet with them if they're attending. So last year
they went on a Canadian mission trip. They're like, hey, we're going to this, we're
paying, what type of collateral material can we share on behalf of Fountain Hills? So just
keeping and maintaining those relationships.
And then this year, from both the tribes, were actually receiving grant money for
tourism. So with Fort McDowell, we're receiving just less than $17,000 for marketing.
And then from Salt River Pima, we're receiving 50,000 towards our music fest. So very
grateful for that.
And then I meet with the Chamber monthly. We also see each other during the
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business retention site visits. And then sometimes Betsy and I joke we see each other
every day of the week, depending on what's happening. So ribbon cuttings or just local
meetings. And so really one thing when I started, I was asked to strengthen that
relationship. I was told that that was an area for improvement. Met with Betsy that
first week, and I said I hope you like my face because you're going to see it a lot because
there should be a strong relationship between the Town and Chamber.
Then on the strategic plan, there's also form of business professional advisory group. So
when I received this, I had spoken to -- now we're taking it way back -- to Former Chair
John Craft. I'm like, tell me what were you thinking. So he's like, well, he's like, some of
that, he's like, we're going to leave it up to you, as the director. Which I really
appreciated because sometimes we don't want another meeting or to duplicate efforts.
And so how we're tackling this is, for almost a year -- it's actually been a year-and-a-half
because Betsy and I were working behind the scenes. But along the avenue here, the
Avenue Merchant Association Group formed. And so that is businesses along the
Avenue. They meet monthly.
The Chamber also has industry stakeholder meetings. So with retail, restaurant, the
healthcare industry. So some of that's already happening. So it's why not take
advantage of that versus, for example, no offense, having another Commission meeting
because now, right, you're being specific when it comes to, again, healthcare, or
restaurants, or what's happening in the downtown. So it does create more meetings.
But again, if the people are already there, let's tackle it that way.
And then also through, again, a year ago, when we had an economic development
summit, it was talking to current business owners to say, hey, if I need to tap you on the
shoulder when we have a potential business prospect, or a resident, or a national event
organizer -- I'm talking to us -- are there certain people I can tap on the shoulder to give
a testimonial or -- I just kind of back off as the government employee, where again,
they can tour them and then just hear a day in a life or why so and so picked Fountain
Hills. And so that has been helpful.
And I think this might be the last slide. But again, to continue to improve public health
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and well-being. Being is spelled incorrectly. Well-being. So to support the expansion of
preventative health and wellness. And so what is exciting is, of course, we have our
Fountain Hills Medical Center and urgent care. There are plans one day -- we talked a
little bit last year -- it's been a little bit quiet. But there is room in the future for them to
expand. And so just making sure we're having those conversations, making sure that
they have a good experience, and making sure they move forward with wanting to
expand. We, of course, of the HonorHealth Primary Care and Urgent Care. And then
the Town did become a dementia-friendly community. So those are some of the things
happening there.
And that's what I have. Any questions on those items?
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Thank you, Amanda.
JACOBS: You're welcome.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Questions anyone?
REYES: Just a quick one. On the last slide, right at the heading, it says well-being. Well-
being and safety of our Town. Does the safety component equate to public safety; fire
and police?
JACOBS: That is a good question. So it could. How we've tackled it, Commissioner
Reyes, is what you're seeing of some of, again, that preventative health and wellness.
And providing some of those services because, before this, folks were having to travel to
Scottsdale or Mesa. So that was sort of the overarching. But then that sub-bullet is
specifically tasked to me. So I think there might be other bullets underneath here. So
I'll defer real fast to Manager Goodwin.
GOODWIN: Yes. I was going to say, there are several other subtasks under the heading.
So Amanda specifically is talking about supporting the expansion of preventative health
and wellness. And these are the ways she's done that. But safety, yes, is a broad term,
right? Like we have public safety. We have health and safety in terms of improving our
sidewalks, improving our bike lanes, and improving the ability to cross streets safely
with crosswalks. So it's a holistic approach to the idea of what public health, well-being,
and safety can mean. So this is just one bullet in a whole series of them.
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JACOBS: I know. I'm like are there five or six and --
GOODWIN: Oh. Yeah. There's a bunch.
JACOBS: It even talks too about --
GOODWIN: There's several.
JACOBS: -- emergency risk management. I'm not your girl.
REYES: Thank you.
JACOBS: You're welcome.
HOENLE: Yeah. Just two things. When you touched on education. And of course, the
school has been graded up there as far as an A goes. The school's been working with
Emitrr for quite a while. So that's a bonus, as far as the association with ASU, that's
gotten stronger. And if you notice in the marquee in front of the high school, it's
Fountain Hills University now. So it might be worth a paragraph or something because
they have tightened up the relationship and more courses are being offered by ASU that
the students can actually take here on campus.
And then the other thing is the Youth Safety Coalition, used to be anti-drug, but it's
gotten national attention. In fact, Shauna Pfaff (ph.) is gonna be giving a presentation.
That's going to be -- hit the Internet and hit the waves as far as getting out to
everybody, even outside of the local Arizona area. So that is really starting to get some
notoriety. It's the first association, a group like that, that's been set up on a school
campus. So there's a lot of positives coming out of that. So those are two things.
JACOBS: I appreciate that. And then as we're putting together a more robust economic
development marketing brochure, we'll make sure to add that in on a quarterly basis or
to bimonthly. Our former PIO will soon be having one. He and I have been meeting
with Dr. Jay (ph.) just to make sure, again, like keeping those lines of communication,
updates with both parties. And then again, some of this brand messaging. He knows his
brand. And so it's feed us the information before he posts it on the website or, again,
build these brochures. I appreciate it, Bernie.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Any other questions for Amanda?
Before you head out, Amanda, thank you for the informative presentation as always.
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And congratulations on passing the downtown strategic plan. It's nice to see that. And I
hope it gets implemented in its phases. But I know you spent a lot of time working on
that. I did want to ask, is it possible to include the Discovery Center in some of this
marketing material for attracting new businesses? Because it's no longer just a dirt lot
now. We have the makings of a foundation. We're pouring 170 cubic yards of concrete
tomorrow morning. And it's moving right along. So I just wanted to offer that up.
JACOBS: Yes. No. Absolutely. When it comes to the marketing brochures -- and then
just because Jeff brought it up, what we're trying to do too, with economic
development, community relations, the Community Services Department is also elevate
some of our programming. And then yesterday I was double booked. And so Caitlin,
our new economic development specialist, attended the Greater Phoenix Economic
Council, so that's GPEC. That's our regional economic development organization. And
so they were highlighting. So again, think of the entire region. Maricopa, people from
all over, not just government, private officials. But they're talking about major
developments. And this has continued with GPEC, with Visit Phoenix, saying the major
development. So again, using Fountain Hills and the Dark Sky Discovery Center. So
absolutely.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Right on. Thank you very much.
JACOBS: You're welcome.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Thank you. Appreciate it.
JACOBS: Thank you.
VICE CHAIR YAZZETTA: Okay. Moving on to our next agenda item. There is not much of
an update from Commission work groups, being that we completed the -- coming up
with the different pillars for the next iteration of the strategic plan. So not much of an
update there. Item number 8, discussion and possible action for future agenda topics.
Are there any specific items that anyone would like to offer up for a future agenda? And
I'm just going to be collecting them and pass them on to Patrick. I'm hearing none.
Okay. Comments from the Chairman, item 9.
So I caught up with Patrick last week in advance of this meeting. So we have the
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strategic pillars. And then we will be moving on to the strategies and then tasks. So
next year we will probably be holding one if not two open house events to garner some
feedback from residents, and figure out how we want to take those pillars, and then
start to drill down on what strategies we want to implement. It could be anywhere from
two to five. I believe the current plan has a range of them.
And then following that, we'll work on figuring out what are the specific tasks that we
want to focus in on. And that is going direct staff and Town Council in the decision-
making process of moving forward. So I just want to plant that seed, that we'll be
moving into that phase.
Another thing that Patrick had brought up was spending part of each meeting moving
forward, focusing in on a specific pillar, and really working on what the strategies could
be for that. So again, just sharing some information here on what we might be working
on in upcoming meetings. But I don't have anything else on that topic.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, October 23rd. And before we head out, is there any
other comments from anyone before we adjourn? I'm hearing none. Okay. We will
adjourn this meeting. Thank you, everyone.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
__________________________
Patrick Garman, Chairman
ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
___________________________________
Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Town Clerk
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the
minutes of the Regular Meeting held by the Strategic Planning Advisory
Commission of Fountain Hills in the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 25th
day of September 2024. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that
a quorum was present.
DATED this 20th Day of November 2024.
___________________________________
Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Town Clerk
ITEM 6.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 11/20/2024 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Town Clerk
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE: Fountain Hills
2022 Strategic Plan Implementation - Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director.
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/29/2024 03:27 PM
Final Approval Date: 10/29/2024
ITEM 7.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 11/20/2024 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Town Clerk
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): UPDATE: Commission
Workgroups
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/29/2024 03:27 PM
Final Approval Date: 10/29/2024
ITEM 8.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 11/20/2024 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Town Clerk
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND
POSSIBLE ACTION: Proposed 2025 Meeting Dates of the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission.
Staff Summary (Background)
STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
Fourth Wednesday of each month
PROPOSED 2025 Meeting Dates
January 15 (third Wednesday due to potential council meeting on Jan. 22)
February 26
March 26
April 23
May 28
June 25
July 23 (propose no meeting)
August 27
September 24
October 22
November 19 (third Wednesday due to Thanksgiving week)
December 17 (propose no meeting)
Attachments
Proposed 2025 Meeting Dates
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/29/2024 03:29 PM
Final Approval Date: 10/29/2024
Final Approval Date: 10/29/2024
STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION
Fourth Wednesday of each month
PROPOSED 2025 Meeting Dates
January 15 (third Wednesday due to potential council meeting on Jan. 22)
February 26
March 26
April 23
May 28
June 25
July 23 (propose no meeting)
August 27
September 24
October 22
November 19 (third Wednesday due to Thanksgiving week)
December 17 (propose no meeting)
ITEM 9.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 11/20/2024 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Town Clerk
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE
ACTION: Future Agenda Topics.
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/29/2024 03:27 PM
Final Approval Date: 10/29/2024
ITEM 10.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 11/20/2024 Meeting Type: Strategic Planning Advisory Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: Angela Padgett-Espiritu, Town Clerk
Staff Contact Information:
Request to Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (Agenda Language): COMMENTS FROM THE
CHAIRMAN
Staff Summary (Background)
Form Review
Form Started By: Angela Padgett-Espiritu Started On: 10/29/2024 03:28 PM
Final Approval Date: 10/29/2024