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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSAC October 28, 2024 Agenda Packet       NOTICE OF MEETING REGULAR MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION      Chairman Natalie Varela  Vice Chairman Carey Reddick, Jr. Youth Commissioner Shreyaan Nath Commissioner Stephen Barnes   Commissioner Craig Rudolphy Commissioner Ron Ruppert Commissioner Rory Wilson      TIME:5:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING WHEN:MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 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 Commission. Verbal comments should be directed through the Presiding Officer and not to individual Commissioners.TO COMMENT ON AN AGENDA ITEM IN WRITING ONLY, please complete a Request to Comment card, indicating it is a written comment, and check the box on whether you are FOR or AGAINST and agenda item, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion, if possible.            1.CALL TO ORDER     2.ROLL CALL     3.CALL TO THE PUBLIC Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(H), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters NOT listed on the agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Commission, and (ii) is subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Commission will not discuss or take legal action on matters raised during Call to the Public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action. At the conclusion of the Call to the Public, individual commissioners may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff to review a matter, or (iii) ask that the matter be placed on a future Commission agenda.     4.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Establish Tree Protection Ordinance Workgroup     5.REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS     6.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of Community Services Advisory Commission September 23, 2024, Verbatim Meeting Minutes     7.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Appointment of Chair for the Community Services Advisory Commission     8.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Appointment of Vice Chair for the Community Services Advisory Commission     9.UPDATE: Four Peaks Park Restroom Grant     10.UPDATE: Arizona State Puzzle Donor Program Centennial Pavilion     11.UPDATE: Veteran's Project Workgroup     12.UPDATE: Mayor's Youth Council     13.REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Future Agenda Items and Speakers     Community Services Advisory Commission Meeting of October 28, 2024 2 of 3   14.REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities     15.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Community Services Advisory Commission Meeting 2025 Meeting Dates     16.UPDATE: Next Community Service Advisory Commission Meeting November 25, 2024     17.ADJOURNMENT     CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF NOTICE   Dated this 24th day of October 2024 _____________________________________________  Patti Lopuszanski, 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 to the Commission with this agenda are available for review in the Clerk's Office. On the day of the Commission Meeting, the Council Chamber doors open at 4:45 p.m. for public seating. .   Community Services Advisory Commission Meeting of October 28, 2024 3 of 3   ITEM 4. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Establish Tree Protection Ordinance Workgroup Staff Summary (Background) A Public Tree Care Ordinance Trees on public property are a public good, and caring for these trees is a vital element of the Tree City USA program. A public tree care ordinance forms the foundation of a city’s tree care program; it provides an opportunity to set good policy and back it with the force of law when necessary. A key section of a qualifying ordinance is one that assigns authority over public trees . For Fountain Hills, the ordinance shall place this authority with Town staff, such as a Town Arborist and gives them the responsibility for public tree care. Qualifying ordinances will also provide clear guidance for planting, maintaining, and/or removing trees from streets, parks, and other public spaces. Importantly, a public tree care ordinance protects public trees at all times, not just during the development process. In other words, the policies for tree planting, care, and removal of trees codified in the ordinance must be continuous, not triggered by an event like landscaping requirements or the land development process. Attachments Tree City Bulletin - How to Write a Tree Ordinance  Town of Fourntain Hills Tree Ordiance Draft  Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 04:24 PM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  No. Editor: Dr. James R. Fazio • $3.00 9 How to Write a Municipal Tree Ordinance T ree City USA is a powerful force for the promotion of tree care and urban forestry. It is a program that has caught the imagination of citizens, elected officials, and urban tree professionals. More than 3,400 communities now fly the flag of accomplishment, a composite area that is home to some 137 million Americans. At the heart of the Tree City USA program are four basic requirements: The community must have (1) a tree board or department, (2) an annual community forestry program backed by the expenditure of at least $2 per capita for trees and tree care, (3) an annual Arbor Day proclamation and observance, and (4) a tree care ordinance. In this issue of Tree City USA Bulletin, sections of a model ordinance are presented, explained, and illustrated with actual examples. Not every section will be appropriate to all communities, and there are others in use that are not included in this general coverage of the topic. The purpose of this issue is to encourage all citizens to support their town having an appropriate, current tree ordinance and to provide a starting point for thousands of communities to create or enhance an existing ordinance. Although an ordinance is only as good as the administrative program that backs it up — including support for education and, when necessary, enforcement — a municipal tree ordinance and involvement in the Tree City USA program are giant strides in the direction of healthier urban trees and a quality environment. Why a Tree Ordinance? Ordinances reflect the values of a community — the values its residents believe are worth protecting to maintain their quality of life and an environment that is both safe and pleasant. A community’s trees, often called the urban forest, are very much the kind of community asset that deserves to be protected and managed for the common good. A tree ordinance encourages beautification, air cooling and purification, noise abatement, property value enhancement, and the other attributes of trees within a city. It also enables citizens to prevent and control the spread of diseases, to preserve trees in the path of development, and to avoid unnecessary costs associated with sewer clogging, sidewalk replacement, and tree-related accidents. An ordinance may also give force and direction to professional tree care within the municipality’s workforce and helps control unscrupulous or careless operators. Ordinances vary in length and complexity, but the key to effectiveness is to write the ordinance simply, clearly, and tailored to the needs of your community. In the end, a tree ordinance is just another tool for proper tree care. Like any tool, it needs to be of high quality, matched properly to the job, and used with skill and care. THE SEARCH FOR AN IDEAL ORDINANCE For several decades, citizens who have wanted better tree protection in their communities have searched for model ordinances to guide the way. The ordinance sections and their descriptions found in this bulletin are based largely on just such a model ordinance developed by Philip J. Hoefer of the Colorado State Forest Service. They are condensed from Municipal Tree Ordinance Manual, a publication of the International Society of Arboriculture and currently out of print. An important point made by Hoefer is that in addition to an ordinance, there should be an appended standards and specifications document. This presents detailed guidelines for arboricultural practices such as planting and pruning, tree care, removal, landscaping, contracting, and similar activities that are important in any community forestry program. It is recommended that the standards and specifications section be a separate but companion part of a municipal ordinance. This is because including such a large amount of detail directly in the ordinance itself is cumbersome and difficult to change. For greater flexibility, it is better to keep the ordinance brief, but to authorize the designated forestry body (board, commission, or department) to publicize rules, regulations, standards, and specifications. These can be published separately and revised as necessary, but still be subject to final approval by the city council or other elected officials. Importantly, each community has different circumstances that need to be addressed in an ordinance and its accompanying standards and specifications. Use the model ordinance sections in this bulletin and the ordinances of other communities as starting points for developing your own ordinance or to revise one that is not working well, but add or delete sections to match the unique needs and circumstances of your community. Be sure to search your own city codes for any references to trees that may already exist. Finally, use the services of an attorney to review or help write all drafts to ensure that your final product is legally sound as well as beneficial to the future of your community’s trees. To locate sample ordinance provisions, search online for “sample tree ordinances,” or search for “ordinances” on the following sites: • www.isa-arbor.com/home.aspx • www.actrees.org Friends of Trees organized a tree planting along a multiple-use corridor in Portland, Oregon. These trees will provide a forested buffer between the local neighborhood and the interstate, decreasing road noise and adding significant beautification to the area. IN ADDITION TO AN ORDINANCE, THERE SHOULD BE AN APPENDED standards and specifications document. 2 • TREE CITY USA BULLETIN No. 9 • Arbor Day Foundation Suggested Sections for a Tree Ordinance I. PURPOSE PRINCIPLE: An opening statement that clearly sets forth the purpose of the ordinance will help avoid ambiguity in interpretation. This initial section is usually capitalized and in bold print. EXAMPLE: It is the purpose of this ordinance to promote and protect the public health, safety, and general welfare by providing for the regulation of the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs, and other plants within the city of ___________. II. AUTHORITY AND POWER PRINCIPLE: Someone within city government must have the clearly designated authority to administer the provisions of the ordinance. This section defines, designates, or creates a department, board, commission, or person responsible for the planting, care, and protection of the city’s trees. EXAMPLE: There is hereby created and established a City Tree Board for the City of ________, which shall consist of five members, citizens, and residents of this city, who shall be appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council. Members of the board shall serve without compensation. HOME RULE AUTHORITY: In order to avoid conflicts with state laws governing trees, a statement transferring regulations to the city may be necessary. State, county, and city laws will explain this process. If needed, the statement should be added as a section. Although no two tree ordinances will be exactly alike, there are some basic elements that will help ensure that the document is workable and effective. These elements are called sections, and they are presented here with examples and principles that illustrate why each one is necessary. A clearly stated purpose prevents misinterpretation. III. TERM OF OFFICE PRINCIPLE: Reasonable and clearly stated terms of office for volunteer boards or commissions will help infuse the program with new ideas on a periodic basis and will help avoid the problems created by obstructionists with life or long-term tenure. This section defines length of service, a method for filling vacancies, and the number of consecutive terms (if any) that can be served. Staggering terms can help ensure continuity and stability. EXAMPLE: The term of the five persons to be appointed by the mayor shall be three years, except that the term of two of the members appointed to the first board shall be for only one year and the term of two members of the first board shall be for two years. In the event that a vacancy shall occur during the term of any member, his or her successor shall be appointed for the unexpired portion of the term. A tree ordinance and tree board or commission usually go hand in hand. Limited and staggered terms of office lend vitality and continuity to a board. Member diversity ensures a blend of ideas and broader public support. A good mix might be one interested attorney, two green industry professionals, and two interested residents or business leaders. TREE CITY USA BULLETIN No. 9 • Arbor Day Foundation • 3 4 • TREE CITY USA BULLETIN No. 9 • Arbor Day Foundation An ordinance must specify which property it covers, such as rights-of-way, public parks, and cemeteries. A license requirement protects both trees and property owners. IV. APPLICABILITY PRINCIPLE: This section is needed to clarify which property is covered by the ordinance. This usually includes trees on rights-of-way, public parks, cemeteries, and other public grounds. Private property is also sometimes included. EXAMPLE: This ordinance provides full power and authority over all trees, plants, and shrubs located within street rights-of-way, parks, and public places of the city and over trees, plants, and shrubs located on private property that constitute a hazard or threat as described herein. V. DEFINITIONS PRINCIPLE: To prevent misunderstanding, words that may be unfamiliar to lay citizens should be defined. If a standards and specifications appendix accompanies the ordinance, many arboricultural terms can be placed there instead of in this section. EXAMPLES OF WORDS OR TERMS TO DEFINE: arborist, contractor, city forester or city arborist, tree, public tree, private tree, tree lawn, parkway, right-of-way, easement, etc. VI. LICENSING PRINCIPLE: One way to protect trees and citizens from irresponsible companies or individuals who pose as arborists is to require practitioners to have a license. Conditions for obtaining the license may even require that the person be a certified arborist. (See Bulletin No. 6.) This section provides licensing authority and includes details such as fees, frequency of renewal, testing procedures, types of licenses, suspensions and appeals, surety bonds, showing identification on equipment, etc. EXAMPLE: It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of planting, cutting, trimming, pruning, removing, spraying, or otherwise treating trees, shrubs, or vines within the City without first producing evidence of certification/license before the City. (An explanation of requirements and fees is then presented.) VII. INSURANCE PRINCIPLE: Arborists work under dangerous circumstances and around high–value property. Since it is often difficult for homeowners to ascertain whether property and tree workers are adequately covered, or to insist on such coverage, a provision in the tree ordinance can easily correct the situation. EXAMPLE: Before any license shall be issued, each applicant shall first file evidence of possession of worker compensation and liability insurance in the minimum amounts of $1,000,000 for bodily injury or death and $100,000 property damage indemnifying the City or any person injured or damaged resulting from the pursuit of such endeavor as herein described. TREE CITY USA BULLETIN No. 9 • Arbor Day Foundation • 5 VIII. LANDSCAPING PRINCIPLE: This section can ensure that trees will be a part of new developments. But planted vegetation can be an asset or a liability — depending on what is planted and how it is done. This part of the ordinance can define a process for having new landscape plans reviewed and approved by the city forester or tree board, with the issuance of building permits only after such a review. EXAMPLE: In new subdivisions or when the development of commercial property occurs, the city forester shall review landscaping plans and may require street trees to be planted in any of the streets, parking lots, parks, and other public places abutting lands henceforth developed and/ or subdivided. IX. TREE PLANTING, MAINTENANCE, AND REMOVAL PRINCIPLE: Good tree care and management is possible only if people have specific information about practices that result in safe, healthy trees that contribute to a quality environment rather than to creating problems. The purpose of this section is to provide that information in the form of requirements. In many ways, it is the heart of a good ordinance. Actually, the material in this section is best included in a separate standards and specifications chapter, but placing it directly in the ordinance is an option. Either way, all specifications should be reviewed at least every five years and should include such specifics as desirable and undesirable tree species, spacing, pruning techniques, high-risk trees, sight obstruction, and vandalism. A good way to clearly specify pruning and other tree work standards is to use the terms and definitions as contained in ANSI A300 standards. For nursery stock, use ANSI Z60.1, available online at the site of AmericanHort. EXAMPLES: TREE SPECIES — The Town Tree Board develops and maintains a list of desirable trees for planting along streets in three size classes: small, medium, and large. SPACING — The spacing of street trees will be in accordance with the three species size classes listed in this ordinance. No trees may be planted closer together than the following, except in special plantings designed or approved by a landscape architect: small trees, 30 feet; medium trees, 40 feet; and large trees, 50 feet. UTILITIES — No street trees other than those species listed herein as small trees may be planted under or within 10 lateral feet of any overhead utility wire, or over or within 5 lateral feet of any underground water line, sewer line, transmission line, or other utility. DISTANCE FROM CURB AND SIDEWALK — The distance trees may be planted from curbs or curblines and sidewalks will be in accordance with the three species size classes listed in Section ___ of this ordinance, and no trees may be planted closer to any curb or sidewalk than the following: small trees, 2 feet; medium trees, 3 feet; and large trees, 4 feet. TOPPING — It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm, or city department to top any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property. Topping is defined by the International Society of Arboriculture as an inappropriate technique to reduce tree size that cuts through a stem more than two years old at an indiscriminate location. (Such a point is usually between branches, leaving a stub.) Important details of planting and tree care can be best placed in a separate standards document, but can also be listed in the ordinance or in an appendix. Specification examples include suitable species, spacing, distance from curb and sidewalk, and acceptable pruning practices. X. ADJACENT LANDOWNER RESPONSIBILITY PRINCIPLE: Quite naturally, homeowners often want to plant trees or do work on trees that abut their property but are on a public right-of-way. This section describes a process by which the homeowner can do the work, but only in accordance with the sound principles of urban forestry management and arboriculture. EXAMPLE: No person shall plant, remove, cut above the ground, or disturb any tree on any street, park, or other public place without first filing an application and procuring a permit from the city forester. The person receiving the permit shall abide by the standards set forth in this ordinance. XI. TREE PROTECTION PRINCIPLE: Protecting existing trees is a major challenge. Therefore, more and more progressive communities are using this section not only to prevent insect and disease epidemics, but also to protect trees on both public and private property from damage during construction. Increasingly, another use of this section is to identify and protect trees of historic value or unusual qualities (called heritage trees). Requiring permits for all tree removal is one way to achieve these goals. Penalties may be established requiring violators to pay a fine in the amount of the tree’s appraised value. Ideally, such funds will be designated solely for planting more trees. EXAMPLE 1: Upon the discovery of any destructive or communicable disease or other pestilence that endangers the growth or health of trees or threatens to spread disease or insect infestations, the city forester may at once cause written notice to be served upon the owner of the property upon which such diseased or infested tree is situated, and the notice shall require such property owner to eradicate, remove, or otherwise control such condition within reasonable time to be specified in such notice. EXAMPLE 2: The following guidelines and standards shall apply to trees proposed in a developer’s tree protection plan to be retained. (Rules are then specified such as not grading or locating utilities within the tree’s drip line, placing protective barriers around trees, preventing siltation, etc. Or, developers may be required to preserve a percent of forested tracts, plant trees in open space, or pay into a county tree-planting fund so that there is no net loss of tree cover.) EXAMPLE 3: The city forester shall have as one of his/her duties the location, selection, and identification of any trees that qualify as heritage trees. A tree may qualify as a heritage tree if it meets one or more of the following criteria: (Criteria may include species rarity, old age, association with a historical event or person, abnormality, scenic enhancement, etc.) XII. PRIVATE TREES PRINCIPLE: Since trees on private property often affect the safety and welfare of other trees and people other than the owner, a provision is needed to allow community action in such cases. This section provides authority to inspect private trees, designate them as public nuisances, and demand their removal or mitigation, such as pruning, when necessary. EXAMPLE: The city forester or his/her official designee has the authority to enter onto private property whereon there is located a tree, shrub, plant, or plant part that is suspected to be a public nuisance and to order its removal if necessary. (Note: An appropriate legal definition of a public nuisance is needed here, such as any tree with an infectious disease or insect problem that poses a significant threat to the community’s tree population; dead or dying trees; a tree or limb(s) that obstruct street lights, traffic signs, the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles; a tree that poses a threat to safety, etc. Also needed is a description of the legal process for notifying property owners and causing abatement of the nuisance, including removal and billing for costs by the city if action is not taken by the owner.) An ordinance may provide authority to investigate privately owned trees that may pose a threat to the public and require removal or mitigation, such as pruning. 6 • TREE CITY USA BULLETIN No. 9 • Arbor Day Foundation XIII. PERMITS PRINCIPLE: Permits provide a way to make certain that anyone who plants, works on, or removes public trees (and sometimes private trees) is knowledgeable and capable of doing the job right. Permits are also a means to ensure compliance with standards and specifications, allow for follow-up inspections, and generally serve as a tool for enabling a community to control the future of its urban forest. EXAMPLE: No person except the city arborist, his/her agent, or a contractor hired by the city arborist may perform any of the following acts without first obtaining from the city arborist a permit for which no fee shall be charged: (treatments and actions are listed, each one specifying whether it applies to trees on public land or to any tree, public or private). XIV. ENFORCEMENT PRINCIPLE: For an ordinance to be more than a piece of paper, authority must be given to the city forester or other official to enforce the provisions. This includes the right to issue notices of violation, notices to perform work, and the ability to stop work. EXAMPLE: The city forester shall have the authority to publicize and enforce rules, regulations, and specifications concerning the trimming, spraying, removal, planting, pruning, and protection of trees, shrubs, vines, hedges, and other plants upon the right-of-way of any street, alley, sidewalk, or other public place in the city. (Details about the process of rule-making, review, and approval by the governing body and enforcement need to be included.) XV. PENALTIES, CLAIMS, AND APPEALS PRINCIPLE: Enforceable, meaningful ordinances must contain provisions for penalties and violations. Most cities have standard statements that will work in a tree ordinance, or one may be written specifically related to trees. There needs to be a process for the city to do needed work if a landowner fails to comply with an order, and there should also be an appeal process. EXAMPLES: VIOLATIONS — Any person who violates any provision of this ordinance or who fails to comply with any notice issued pursuant to provision of the ordinance, upon being found guilty of violation, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 for each separate offense. Each day during which any violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall occur or continue shall be a separate offense. If, as the result of the violation of any provision of this ordinance, the injury, mutilation, or death of a tree, shrub, or other plant located on city-owned property is caused, the cost of repair or replacement, or the appraised dollar value of such tree, shrub, or other plant, shall be borne by the party in violation. The value of trees and shrubs shall be determined in accordance with the latest revision of A Guide to the Professional Evaluation of Landscape Trees, Specimen Shrubs, and Evergreens, as published by the International Society of Arboriculture. Each community’s ordinance must be written to serve that community’s unique needs and circumstances. ASSESSMENT OF CLAIM — In the event that a nuisance is not abated by the date specified in the notice, the city arborist is authorized to cause the abatement of said nuisance. The reasonable cost of such abatement shall be filed as a lien against the property on which the nuisance was located. In addition, the owner of the property upon which the nuisance was located shall be subject to prosecution. APPEALS — (Include your municipality’s standard appeals process.) XVI. OTHER Because circumstances vary so widely between municipalities, there may be other sections necessary to fashion an ordinance to the needs of your community. These range from sections that local government may require in all its ordinances (such as a severability clause that states that if any section of the ordinance is found to be invalid or unconstitutional, it does not affect the validity of remaining sections) to how the urban forestry program is to be financed. The ordinance must fit your town’s needs. TREE CITY USA BULLETIN No. 9 • Arbor Day Foundation • 7 Don’t Overlook Evaluating and Revising Published for the Friends of Tree City USA by 50003315 Tree City USA Bulletin © 2017 Arbor Day Foundation. Published by the Arbor Day Foundation; James R. Fazio, editor; Gerreld L. Pulsipher, illustrator; Karina Helm, graphic designer. Technical review committee: Gene W. Grey, William P. Kruidenier, and James J. Nighswonger. Tree City USA Bulletin ORDER FORM Annual Friends of Tree City USA Membership ..........................................................$15.00 $ ____________ Tree City USA Bulletin 3-Ring Binder ...........................$7.95 $ ____________ TOTAL PAYMENT: ....................................................... $ ____________ Name Organization Address City State Zip Phone 1925 101 FOR MORE INFORMATION … For more information and references, please visit arborday.org/bulletins. Explore the Foundation’s website for other helpful pages on trees, sale items, the Tree City USA program, public education, the management of community forests, and much more. Order Tree City USA Bulletins online at arborday.org or send this form and mail with your payment to: Arbor Day Foundation • 211 N. 12th Street • Lincoln, NE 68508 888-448-7337 • (Make checks payable to Arbor Day Foundation) PHOTO COURTESY OF: Friends of Trees (page 2). Tree ordinances are important for large cities, small towns, and developing suburban areas. The basic steps toward protecting and managing the trees in any community are (1) determining what you have (an inventory), (2) deciding what you want, i.e., what is right for your community (safety, a certain percent crown cover, diversity, etc.), and (3) establishing goals and an implementation strategy (a plan). Tree ordinances are part of the latter. They are one of the ways of attaining the desires of residents to have the kind of community forest they deserve for a quality lifestyle. No tree ordinance is static. As communities grow and change, it is essential to review your ordinance and make certain it keeps pace with the changing needs and challenges. Review what works and what doesn’t work. For example, if homeowners in new suburbs are encouraged to plant street trees but this is being ignored by non-resident owners of duplexes or apartments, what might be changed in the ordinance to solve the problem? Monitoring is often the overlooked step in urban forestry. It is made easier when a tree board or department sets management goals annually and reviews the city’s vision statement regularly. It also helps to stay current on what is being done in other cities with similar growth patterns and challenges. The bottom line is that ordinances are not one- time documents. They are a tool, and they need to be updated or replaced like any other tool in order to serve best. 1. How to Prune Young Trees 1. ____________ 2. When a Storm Strikes 2. ____________ 3. Resolving Tree/Sidewalk Conflicts 3. ____________ 4. The Right Tree for the Right Place 4. ____________ 5. Living With Urban Soils 5. ____________ 6. How to Hire an Arborist 6. ____________ 7. How to Save Trees During Construction 7. ____________ 8. Don’t Top Trees! 8. ____________ 9. Writing a Municipal Tree Ordinance 9. ____________ ---- Tree City USA Annual Report ____________ TOTALS: $ 1 Issue $3.00 ea. $ For a complete list of Tree City USA Bulletins, visit arborday.org. THE TREE CITY USA PROGRAM IS SPONSORED BY THE Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters. To achieve the national recognition of being named as a Tree City USA, a town or city must meet four standards: Standard 1: A tree board or department Standard 2: A tree care ordinance Standard 3: A community forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita Standard 4: An Arbor Day observance and proclamation Each recognized community receives a Tree City USA flag, plaque, and community entrance signs. Towns and cities of every size can qualify. Tree City USA application forms are available from your state forester, the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org/treecity, or your state forestry agency. Town of Fountain Hills Tree Ordinance Draft 1 | P a g e Tree ordinance purpose This Ordinance authorizes the Town of Fountain Hills to provide guidelines for the care, maintenance, and management of the tree resources in the public rights-of-way, and park and recreation area in the Town. Definitions. For the purpose of this Chapter, the following words, terms and phrases shall have the following meanings/definitions ascribed to them, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Town: The Town of Fountain Hills, Maricopa County, Arizona and/or the Town Manager and the Community Services Department. Town Arborist: An (existing) employee of the Town designated by the Director of the Community Services Department. The Town Arborist shall be a Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture. Park Trees: Shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation, whose individual or combined trunks measure greater than 14" in circumferences at 4'6" above the natural grade, in public park and recreation areas and all areas owned by the Town, or to which the public has free access as a park and recreation area. Street Trees: Shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation, whose individual or combined trunks measure greater than 14" in circumferences at 4'6" above the natural grade, on land lying between property lines on either side of all streets, avenues or rights -of-way within the Town and where the landscaping is maintained by the Town. Street Tree Species: Acceptable street tree species for the Town. Acceptable Street Tree Species. Acceptable Street Tree Species for the Town shall be considered low water use. Species other than those considered low water use may be planted as Street Trees with written permission of the Town Arborist or designee. Town of Fountain Hills Tree Ordinance Draft 2 | P a g e Public tree care. (a) The Town shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares and public grounds, as may be necessary to insure public safety or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds. (b) The Town Arborist or designee may remove or cause or order to be removed, any tree or part thereof which is in an unsafe condition or which by reason of its nature is injurious to sewers, electrical power lines, gas lines, water lines or other public improvements, or is affected with any injurious fungus, insect or other pest. This Section does not prohibit the planting of Street Trees by adjacent property owners. Responsibility for maintenance. Unless there is a specific agreement between the property owner and the Town relieving the property owner of responsibility, the property owner who obtains prior written permission shall be responsible for the irrigation and maintenance of the trees planted in public rights-of-way abutting the owner's property. Maintenance of Town authorized trees in medians and park and recreation areas shall be the responsibility of the Public Works and Community Services Departments, respectively. Planting, removing or cutting trees on public property. No person shall plant, remove, cut above the ground or disturb any tree within any Town maintained right of way, park and recreation area or other public place without first obtaining permission from the Town Arborist or designee. The person obtaining permission shall abide by the standards set forth in this Chapter. Any person maintaining any overhead wires or conduit along or across any street or alley of the Town desiring to have any trees that may interfere with any such utility cut, trimmed or pruned must be granted written permission to cut, prune or trim such trees. Town of Fountain Hills Tree Ordinance Draft 3 | P a g e Tree topping. It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm, or Town department to top any Street Tree, Park Tree or other tree on public property. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical may be exempt from this Ordinance at the determination of the Town Arborist or designee. Removal of stumps. All stumps of Street and Park Trees shall be removed below the surface of the ground so that the top of the stump shall not project above the surface of the ground. Interference with the Town Arborist or designee. It shall be unlawful for any person to prevent, delay or interfere with the Town, the Town Arborist, or any of designated agents or contractors, while engaging in and about the planting, cultivating, mulching, pruning, spraying or removing of any Street Trees or Park Trees as authorized in this Ordinance. Civil sanction. Any person violating any provision of the Tree Ordinance shall be guilty of a civil infraction, and shall be subject to a civil sanction not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) in accordance with this code. Each day any violation of the Tree Ordinance or failure to perform any act or duty required by the Tree Ordinance exists shall constitute a separate violation or offense. ITEM 5. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  REPORTS BY COMMISSIONERS Staff Summary (Background) Reports by Commissioners will allow commissioners to share information about town events attended and information related to the History and Culture Advisory Commission. This time is purely for reporting, no discussion or comments from the public are taken, and cannot be used to address any item on the agenda. Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 10:04 AM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  ITEM 6. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of Community Services Advisory Commission September 23, 2024, Verbatim Meeting Minutes Staff Summary (Background) The intent of approving meeting minutes is to ensure an accurate account of the discussion and action that took place at the meeting for archival purposes. Approved minutes are placed on the town's website and maintained as permanent records in compliance with state law. Attachments CSAC September 23, 2024 Verbatim Meeting Minutes  Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 10:13 AM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 1 - TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 A Regular Meeting of the Community Services Advisory Commission was convened at 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains in an open and public session at 5:00 p.m. Members Present: Chair Natalie Varela; Vice Chair Reddick; Commissioner Craig Rudolphy; Commissioner Ron Ruppert; Commissioner Rory Wilson Absent: Commissioner Stephen Barnes Staff Present: Parks Superintendent Brandon Putman; Executive Assistant Patti Lopuszanski Audience: Blue Zone Presentation Participants: Julie Ewald, Alan Lordi, Pamela Lordi, Debbie Romano COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 2 - VARELA: All right, we're going to Call the Meeting to Order at 5:00 pm. Can you do a Roll Call, please? LOPUSZANSKI: Yes. Chair Varela? VARELA: Here. LOPUSZANSKI: Vice Chair Reddick? REDDICK: Here. LOPUSZANSKI: Commissioner Barnes is absent. Commissioner Ruppert? RUPPERT: Here. LOPUSZANSKI: Commissioner Rudolphy? RUDOLPHY: Present. LOPUSZANSKI: Commissioner Wilson? WILSON: Here. LOPUSZANSKI: Youth. Commissioner Nath? NATH: Here. VARELA: All right, do we have a Call to the Public? LOPUSZANSKI: No Call to Public. VARELA: Okay can we do the Presentation first? LOPUSZANSKI: Yes, we could do that, and then we'll go into Reports by Commissioners. VARELA: Okay, perfect. All right, so we have Julie Ewald here to present Blue Zones. EWALD: Good evening. We have our whole steering committee here with us today. First, thank you. Chair, Vice Chair, Commissioners, and new Youth Commissioner. I will meet you Fourth of July so good to see you again. I want to thank Rory Wilson for bringing us here in front of you today to talk about the Blue Zones. Commissioner Craig, Commissioner Ron, nice to meet you. So today we're going to present on the Blue Zone Project for our community and we call it Imagine because we cannot use the actual Blue Zone project because it's under brand standards, which you'll hear a little bit about when we move forward. So today I'm going to do a brief introduction on myself. The others may or may not give their introduction due to lack of time, but we're going to define exactly what is a Blue Zone Community, and what are the impacts and benefits of a Blue Zone community here in Fountain Hills. And then what's next as I move along and describe what we've been doing the past nine months for this project within our community already, and then answer some Q and A or discussion. COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 3 - I'm Julie Ewald. I am a Master of Healthcare Administration. I worked at the Mayo Clinic for over 11 years. I am an avid and passionate volunteer, and I currently volunteer for the Four Peaks Rotary Club here in town and am the immediate past president. My passion is for mental health. I'm also a Mental Health First Aid Instructor certified by the Mental Health Foundation. When I came in as President, I wanted to find any gaps that we had in Four Peaks Rotary, as we're 27 years old within this community, what I found is that we were missing a health and wellness and well-being, and being that's my vocation and my passion. I created that committee within our club, led by co-chaired Art Tolis. Many of you may know or have heard of him in this town. He's also the owner now of Snap Fitness. But my colleagues here, my steering committee, I also then recruited the best of the best that I thought of within this town, Debbie Romano, Healthy Heartbeats, Pamela, and Alan Lordi with the Community Garden, because they are the experts in their field. I am not. Margaret Brown, pictured here, is who I've been working with for the past nine months and she's part of the Blue Zones worldwide, which you'll find out, and she is the VP of Development here. So, my primary project goal, because we come in with projects if you're not familiar with Rotary. It's all about projects. It's all about service above self and what we can do in different areas. We have five service areas as well as seven focus areas. The project goal was for the community. My project goal was for youth, good to see a Youth Commissioner, but it's to transform the Town of Fountain Hills to be recognized as a vibrant community and environment adapting this Blue Zone philosophy, including a Blue Zone community certification. That was a goal. It's a big goal, one step at a time, but as you become a Blue Zone Community, you could either become certified or just participate. You'll hear a little bit more about that too. So, community. We all know about community, and what the definition of a community is, but I'm going to take you briefly to the Blue Zone Community. What is the Blue Zone Community? It's a community that aims to improve the well-being and the lifestyle of its members and help them live longer, healthier lives with fewer chronic diseases. Who doesn't want that? So, when I saw that, I made our club do a 30-day challenge to see where they were at with their mind. This was a 4-week 30-day challenge. It's been going around town rapidly. The first part, part one, is four weeks of a better, happier, and less COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 4 - stressful life. Does anybody want that? Yay. Very cool. So, I thought, “what is better? It's only for four weeks. Let's do it in the middle of November, Thanksgiving , and the holidays, right? How much more stress could there be, except during the holidays? So, some of the members did it, but it was always in the back of their minds. Also looking at the board, I had them look at the Strategic Plan of the town, Plan 2022, which Mayor Dickey, we all are familiar with that Strategic Plan. Four priorities were out of that strategic plan, and I just want to look at number three and four here briefly but continue to improve the public health and well-being and number four preparing the town for emerging trends that will increase public safety and the best quality of life. Love it. Blue Zones. Blue Zones. That's all. I kept thinking about the General Plan. Of course, we have the general plan as we grow as a town in Fountain Hills, sustain that quality of life, have a desirable place to live, work, enjoy, and visit, social environments that make this town unique and support opportunities to strengthen the town's reputation as a premier desert location. Again, Blue Zones. I love the commitment. I'm not going to go into this because of time, but we all know the vision of that general plan, and then we look at the overarching principle. Let's look at that and this was all discussed at our Four Peaks Rotary Board. What can we do for this community to help them thrive as a community? And if we look at those little bubbles, I don't know what the correct name is right now, but you see an environment that is another key aspect of a Blue Zone community environment that we come to you, wonderful commissioners, your job and what you do for this town. Thank you. But you are here to advise the town of what we can do to support their general plan, and strategic plan, as well as all the community members, but it is to enhance the quality of life again, Blue Zone community. With that, when we move forward, I want you to keep in mind three key words here that we'll be talking about lifestyle, environment, and number nine. There you go. ROMANO: Thank you, Julie, and you are an expert. Hello everyone. And thank you. Thank you for letting us talk today about Blue Zones, my passion, which you'll see through me as I speak to you today as a health coach here in town who specializes in plant-based nutrition. My certification has taken me from a personal spot to a community advocate. So, when I came here today and I thought, how am I going to introduce myself? I must know who I'm speaking to, and I am thrilled to meet each one of you, your Community Services Advisory Commission, and your quest to provide exceptional COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 5 - customer service to enhance the quality of life. It's a Blue Zone. I've been doing Blue Zone and speaking about Blue Zones for years. I had my first ribbon cut here five years ago as a business, and I brought up the Blue Zone crickets. Nobody knew what the Blue Zone was. I'm celebrating five years, and I will bring it up again, and I want to hear cheers and say, everyone in this community, tell us more. So, this is our purpose here today, to give you a little overview of what the Blue Zones are. As your mission to be an advocate of our community the Blue Zone is to be an advocate for the community as well. Our mission is as Blue Zone to empower everyone everywhere to live longer and better lives. Does anyone know what Blue Zones are? Have you heard of Blue Zones before here? That's great. So, I have a lot of teaching to do, and that's wonderful. There were five original blue zones in the world. Those blue zones were in Greece, Italy, Costa Rica, the United States and Okinawa, Japan. With that. Dan Buettner was the original discoverer of the Blue Zones. He went around the world, and he saw in these five areas, people were living to be over 100 years old. And he thought, what's going on? Why is this happening? The blue zone is nothing special. He just took a map, and he put a blue pen, on all those five countries that had blue zones, where there were centenarians living over 100 years old, and that he was just amazed. So, a documentary was about the seed planted. So, the blue zones. He went out to find out why this was happening. Is it the food they eat? Did they all eat the same? Did they all move the same? And He came to find out a lot of similarities and came through the nine principles that Julie just talked about, which creates an environment to create healthy choices made easy. And how I see Fountain Hills, living in Fountain Hills, these choices are easy, already in place. In this town, I see growth in health, but I already see such a healthy, vibrant town. Imagine Fountain Hills as a Blue Zone city. They've already started in Phoenix and Scottsdale. That's where Julie and I went to a focus group, and I'll cut down quickly, because I said I wouldn't start talking about that, but it was crucial because we both looked at each other and said, Fountain Hills, we must bring this to Fountain Hills. So, to create, why create an environment in our town that we love so well, which the future of our youth needs to take and creates that health, mental health, food, schools, community, our churches, our faith, education, it's all about the nine principles. So, I'm going to give you a little bit about the nine principles. You're going to have handouts that will have that list, and it's called The Power of Nine, those five original blue zones that have the documentary, COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 6 - They all had similar properties for health, and that's the nine principles. So, I want, as I read these off, think to yourself, how you see Fountain Hills having these nine principles. 1. The first one moves naturally. What a better place than Fountain Hills, parks and recreation. 2. Purpose? Why do I wake up? What's my purpose? 3. Downshift. Let's get some stress busting activities in this town, 4. 80% rule, eat until you're 80% full period. 5. The plants land. That's my passion. That's my certification. I know health, I know what food from the earth can help our children, adults, our seniors, eat more whole foods. 6. Wine at five, or I like to say, friends at five, get together, talk about the day be community, and always say, I'm here for you, and that's what we need to there should be no isolation in Fountain Hills. 7. Let's belong. Number seven, the importance of having services in your community where there is a sense of belonging. 8. Loved ones first, let's keep our family and our friends in the forefront. 9. And ninth, the right tribe. And this is perfect for where we stand here today, it's the community. Build a social circle around yourself that supports healthy eating, healthy activities and emotional well-being. I'm going to quiet now for a second and let Pamela talk more about the community garden, which we all love so well. PAMELA LORDI: One of the things that I want to emphasize is Fountain Hills is already way down the road with being a Blue Zone, and your commission is already providing your work provides community connection, belonging, natural movement, all these things that are valuable to the Blue Zone. And so, it's exciting to be to sort of be defined this way there. Alan's going to talk about some of the communities across the country and the tangible benefits that the communities have had once they've become Blue Zones. But we've got so much already going on here, the community garden. We're making gardens at schools. Were just all this outreach, and so it's just pulling it together and getting people involved and, and here we are. So, thank you for already being a Blue Zone. All your work is already Blue Zone. COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 7 - EWALD: Perfect, thanks. Pamela. So, the Blue Zones have developed this life radius, saying that 90% of your life is spent within 20 miles. I totally agree. I don't know if you all agree, but it's based on these pillars, and we have the first three pillars, which are all based on the city government and what we do to make a difference, which is policy. Rory, you love policy. So again, building that environment to have good policies in place. The next six pillars are the places. The restaurants, the schools, the grocery stores. You can see they're all listed. Again, these are all in your packets over. For the sake of time, I won't go over all of this. The last three pillars are getting people involved and how rich our community is with volunteers. Volunteerism here is just off the charts. So again, it's the people, the places. Who do we have? Again, you as the Community Center and the town here does a fabulous job with the community projects already in place, and then you keep implementing as we go, as well as some of our nonprofits here, they do a fantastic job. And our Chamber of Commerce also brings into community the business community, so I think that is just fabulous of what we're already doing here in the town. You want to talk about the transformations? Sure, okay, and then just scroll down. ALAN LORDI: Okay, good evening. I'm the stats guy. So to date, the Blue Zones, h ave worked with approximately 70 communities across the United States, and tangible benefits from these communities include things like double-digit declines in obesity, BMI, smoking rates, millions of dollars of savings in health care, health care costs, significant increases in tourism, improved economic vitality, the creation of a healthy and independent elderly population that can better take care of themselves and their community as time goes on. Importantly, millions of dollars in grant money for community projects and infrastructure so things that are supporting all the wonderful things that you guys are already doing. So, they have the Blue Zones team come in. They have grant writers and help us secure funds. So, this is money from the outside that we can utilize as we see fit and improve our quality of life, as measured by higher Gallup Well-being Index scores. So, think of a happier, healthier Fountain Hills community. So, I will kick it back to Ms. Julie here to take us home. EWALD: So, we look at the transformations when we say in the United States. So, the first five, there was only one of the first five here in the United States, which was in California, LoMelinda. It was strictly found more so on the faith based of the Seven Day Adventist. But since 2013 they have, really, over the last 13 years, have been doing a big transformation in the United States, as Dan Buettner wanted that to happen. Why in the COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 8 - United States are we failing health-wise? Why are our numbers so bad compared to other countries? Well, we all know why, right. What we feed ourselves, what we do, and all of that, but improving health and well-being on this table chart here is the gold worksite. And I believe you have this in your packet, so I won't go over it, but pay attention to the in-development. So, if you look at the state of Arizona, Phoenix already has one community that has transformed, and they're in little pods, the work sites and campus transformations, again, go to Mayo Clinic, as well as other big communities around here. And then the orange is Scottsdale. Scottsdale is currently in the process of becoming a Blue Zone certified. We had the opportunity to go to some of the restaurants down there that have been recently certified. But if you look at Iowa there, do you see that? It's pretty much covered, right? That was the governor. The governor came in and told the state and all the municipalities, “I want this state to become healthier, happier, and less stressed”. Hence, that is why those communities have been transformed. And there's a lot of data and research if you go in and Google or whatever you want. So, we came back here. Those are the case studies. Numerous case studies impact the benefits of the community. You know, increased appeal, community vibrancy, marketing advantage, enhanced property values, national recognition once you become that you're Blue Zone certified, or even inspired to become a Blue Zone. That is what the realtors we spoke to the realtors’ group, and this, they thought was a fantastic opportunity to showcase like the dark sky that we have here, that if we say we're a Blue Zone community, they will know that our community is engaged for the weather. Being for their kids for life. So, it's a win, win. Third-party recognitions that already came out, and these are just a few, but we have the US Surgeon General, who've already given recognition. The governor's task force on the Alzheimer's prevention and preparedness. The US Conference of Mayors have supported this, the AHA, the American Hospital Association has supported this, Blue Zones as well as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Is everybody familiar with the Robert Wood Foundation? That's the Johnson and Johnson. So, Johnson and Johnson have supported this as well, when we're talking about it, and I'm not going to get into this, but to find to start. It comes in three phases. You have all that information, Phase one, two and three. Phase one of these into becoming a certified community. They do a readiness assessment, feasibility study, they come in for us, it's a cost for Phase one $75,000 when we look at that cost, this is, community-driven, not a town, but the community driven to pay for these fees. Again, they usually pick on the hospital's insurance companies to flip that bill, COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 9 - for instance, for Scottsdale. Now you Scottsdale, they have goodwill that's supporting it. They also have Cigna Insurance and then Honor Health, which we all know, we have an honor health here, we have a Goodwill here. We have been in talks with them, as well as what we're going to do to move forward, to incorporate timeline to do this feasibility study is four months that four months our club, Four Peaks, Rotary Club has received a statement of work and a master agreement. We just received that last month. We've decided to put it on hold until January 2025 due to the other endeavors that we have going on. Can I give a plug for Oktoberfest? I hope you're all going to be there this weekend. But no, we have some future other things that are coming down the pik e Make a Difference Day, and a lot of other things. So, 2025 is where we're going to look at that Master Agreement and sign it. Maybe not, but maybe sign it to move forward to get that four-month feasibility study. Where are we at in Fountain Hills. I have talked to Amanda Jacobs about this. I had a one on one with her, as well as Strategic Planning. I have spoken, we have spoken in front of strategic planning as well. They are all in support, or they were in support today. I don't know. I didn't confirm that, but looking at the resources again due to time, these are the different resources that are out there now for you to see what has, what is the blue zones, and if we want to bring this, and if you are in support of bringing this to our community, to have that so called label, but there's podcasts, PubMed research, and it's ongoing TED talks, YouTube, social media, all the different books, the challenges that blue zone of happiness, Again, the blue zone of happiness. The World Health Organization has tapped into the blue zones to help support their study 2023 and 2424 just came out, showing and proven the lifestyle that when you implement these nine principles, people become happier, they become healthier, they become an environment and a lifestyle that is a win-win for everybody. So where are we at? Also, we, as this committee here, as well as our Four Peaks Rotary, have been doing different things around the town to bring awareness of a blue zone. And even if we don't move forward, at least we're bringing awareness to be healthier. But if you go to our four peaks rotary website, you can kind of keep tabs on where we are at. If I can circle right there, there's a Blue Zone Project Tab. Just scroll down to see what's happening now you'll see all the different events that we are participating in. We do a first Saturday Walk. We try to do First Friday, but it's not going to work, but first Saturday, either a hike around the fountain or whatever else is going on, correct? And we also then have a Blue Zone Facebook page. So, if anybody's on social media, I invite you to try to get COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 10 - invited. I will invite you all if you're on Facebook, and anybody not on Facebook. Rory, are you participating? Okay, but anyway, so anyway, what is happening there? We have probably 70 members now and growing, and they are posting tidbits about Blue Zone, about healthier. And what we're creating here is that environment, a healthy, saf e environment, like-minded people to come together to be happier, especially in today's times, right? And then there are currently those who are also our partners that have been partnering with us, as you can see, good living greens, the community garden, Debbie Snap Fitness HEALTHY Fountain Hills, which is Debbie Clayson. I think we should all know Debbie Clayson by now, if not. But and then, plus more so also the chamber, Betsy Lavoy, she's on board. She just wants to know how we can support her. The Leadership Academy has done a project last year trying to, I guess, get ignited. And then I just found out through Toastmasters, which is a great tribe, to help support them this year. That's also on the docket, I believe, is a project fo r Leadership Academy, so we'll be talking with them as well. But that is about it. Does anyone have any questions or comments? REDDICK: Thank you, Julie, for the great presentation and your team as well. I think I just had one quick question regarding the nine different principles that are within the Blue Zone. Would you mind elaborating on the 80% rule? I was just very intrigued by that, and it was kind of glazed over, but I'm really wanting to kind of dissect that a little more. ROMANO: I would love to answer that question when we do sit down and have a meal, I think in our stressed lives over time that when we eat, we eat very fast in this inner programming. And when you see the other blue zone areas, they sit where the food is not number one, which is why they're sitting together. They sit together as family or friends. So, when you eat slowly and it takes time to digest, you're going to feel just that little bit of fullness and know that feeling. And then we stop, instead of continuing eating and talking and just mindlessly eating. So, I think that's part of the blue zone to understand when you're eating, and that is a fulfillment of feeling full just to stop and move on and ask your neighbor what's going on and how life has been today. REDDICK: My other part of that, how does a business incorporate that? ROMANO: The 80% rule as a business? REDDICK: I'm visualizing your statement. If a family's out and they are collaborating and just engaging with each other, how does a business incorporate the 80% rule to engage with their customers? I'm just trying to understand that from my point. COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 11 - ROMANO: So as far as a restaurant, I see the health of a business as a restaurant, or any business, okay. REDDICK: Because if the 80% applies to taking the time to disconnect. ROMANO: It’s more of the actual physical feeling full of from the food, okay? And as human beings eat, we just rush through meals and we eat too much, okay? And I think that's what is in excess. Does that make sense? We tend to eat too fast and too much. So, the Blue Zone, that philosophy of 80% rule, just taking our time when we're eating a meal. REDDICK: Got it. Okay, okay, thank you. VARELA: And maybe you can correct me if I'm wrong, but so that maybe there's just different areas where some of these will come into place. So, like that specifically is individual eating. REDDICK: Thanks, because I was envisioning all the zones applying to all community, business engagement-related activity. EWALD: The 80% rule and all the nine principles are basically what they found as commonalities across all the original five Blue Zones that that research now has been implemented in those principles, they found that that's what they do, right? They eat, they don't eat a whole full plate of pasta, even though they eat pasta. That's not the whole full plate of pasta. But this Blue Zone Challenge, again, is a great book. I wish I had brought one for each and every one of you, but I did not. But if I recommend it's $11 book, you can get it on Kindle for a lot cheaper. But during this time, when you do this challenge, you take a vitality test. You'll find out how old you really are with the questions. There are questions as you go and you take, okay, I agree out at this. Then you also have a happiness test. How happy are you really? You may say you're happy, but you find, when you do get the results out of this, that there is room for improvement. And then you do this for the four weeks, and through this four week, it's one of the best books I've ever seen. Do a four-week challenge. Remember, this is not a diet. I said the three words, lifestyle, environment. What kind of lifestyle do you have? What kind of environment are you supporting at your own home, or even when you go out to dinner? Are you choosing McDonald’s, or are you choosing something a little bit healthier, making what is its healthier choice, the ease? Choice, right? We don't have that here in this town economically, if we can have some of these restaurants, we got Oka sushi, we got good living greens, Mountain View Kitchen here in town is now incorporating some blue zone COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 12 - choices. You can find those blue joint choices, and you are fabulous at that. But again, go through this four week. What do you got to lose four weeks? Don't do it perfectly, but just thumb through it and you can see how interesting it really is. I did take this challenge. I just finished up the second time doing this challenge, just like the Wizard of Oz, every time you see it saying something, you find out something different. I did it for the first time. I lost 18 pounds by not even knowing I was doing anything other than following what they said in this book. You do have some of that information in those packets that I provided as well, but for any questions, feel free to call me afterwards. VARELA: Thank you, Julie and everyone. I just happened to see a bunch of recipes last week on my computer for specific Blue Zone recipes that seem to incorporate a lot of beans and legumes and everything, and so I was fascinated, it's the way I eat. EWALD: You’re way ahead of the game. I can do that. VARELA: So, is there something specific that our commission can do for you, or are you looking for us, to spread the word? EWALD: Yes, spread the word. Or if you're in support of that, if you take a little discussion afterwards and say you would support this for the community because it does fit in with the strategic plan, general plan, and bring in. And if you look, you will see that the community already does fantastic, and maybe a little phrase or a statement that's something that we can support, and I can bring that back to the blue zone team if we end on my four peaks rotary board as well to say, hey, they're on board. We must do this for our community. That's what our mission is for Rotary and that’s just a must. It's not something we should put underneath here, right? And as Dan Buettner says, the secret to longevity is the way he sees it has less to do with a diet or even exercise, and more to do with the environment in which a person lives socially and physically. And thank you for being so welcoming. And thank you, ma'am, but thank you for having us . VARELA: Any other questions? PUTMAN: I do have one quick question. First, great presentation, and thank you so much for the acknowledgments of the Community Center and all the programming and socialization that occurs there, as well as our beautiful parks. You mentioned the certification. Do we know what needs to happen in this town to become certified? EWALD: Yes, there are a lot of criteria for each individual entity. So, for a restaurant, they have criteria that they need to follow and implement at the time of certification, th ey COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 13 - need to reach, I think, 65%, and then it's sustainability as well. So, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, I know. PUTMAN: How does the Town of Fountain Hills become certified? Because that sounds like that's what the goal is. Correct? EWALD: Yes. So, once we, or whoever, these entities, the Blue Zone, will be working very closely, hand in hand with the Blue Zone committee. They will go and score us on where we are in each of these criteria, and say, yes, we can move forward with a certification at this time, once we do have a certification, again, this is about sustainability. We must sustain that. How do we sustain that? And that's what more community coming on board, and the policies, public policy, of what we put in place. One of the policies that I'm not too keen on, of course, is the tobacco policy. So, they'll look at that. What kind of tobacco do we have that we're selling next to so and so a school? But that's what they'll look at. What policies must we put in place to consider a Blue Zone community, they will give us all that information, and then it's up to us, the town or restaurant or grocery store to implement. PUTMAN: And that's what we need, the 75,000 for? EWALD: Yes, to do that feasibility study. PUTMAN: Yes, okay, all right, thank you. EWALD: Yeah, and that's that 75,000 is based on population, so depending on the size of your town's population is how they come up with that number. I am trying to negotiate that number because I do think that we are already a Blue Zone community, but it's probably not going to happen. Another thing Dr J the school, Debbie and I have talked to them. He is 100% on board. Debbie has talked to Principal Pinto, and we'll be talking to the two other principals and trying to start implementing at least some of these ideas and thoughts. And what else are we doing? A garden. We're going to be doing the garden thing with our interactors, our community interactors, our youth. We are going to be providing a garden at the Boys and Girls Club, resurrecting. That garden, as well as at the high school, if you've seen the garden over there, which has been stagnant since 2019 to teach these kids how to grow and eat off the land and things like that. So that's all part of the criteria for the school which I did give Dr J a booklet, so he's going to read it. VARELA: Julie, do you have any fundraising events starting already? EWALD: We have no fundraising events started at this time because the Four Peaks Rotary Club wants to hold off for that, but that's not going to stop us from supporting it, COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 14 - and that's on the website of all the things that we're doing. So, honor health, we have been talking with Honor Health, I have held them off as well for the time being, until we signed that Master Agreement. I really don't want to be collecting any money until we do have a statement of work and that signed, which is now in the hands of our board as well as our club attorney. WILSON: Julie, thank you for you and your team for coming out here and presenting. I appreciate the overview. A couple of comments. I know you have the logos of like, your supporting partners on your website. I would suggest maybe, like compiling a list so you know, if you go and continue to present to different entities, you know, they have a solid list of what people, if there's, like, officials and, you know, etc. It also seems like the feasibility study is like the big thing that everyone's waiting on. I do have, like, a lot of, like, logistical questions. So, I think maybe, if there's like, if you guys do get to that point, there's like, the possibility of bringing you guys back, and that's when we could consider a vote and discussion or something and have that more in-depth. You know, where's the data? You know, all the different goals and initiatives and whatnot, and how to do that, like crit credentials and the assistance sustainability part of it, exactly, yeah, I do appreciate you guys coming out here and presenting . EWALD: Definitely, 100% do that, and I do want you to keep in mind that this is a community, community. Each person needs to participate. Doesn't need to participate. But you know, 24,927 I'll be okay with 24,926, no, but no, no, it's not the majority. It's a majority, not the full amount. But absolutely, we would come back to that feasibility study and the readiness itself, again, will be supported if we find the bigger sponsors and partners, which would be Honor Health, which they know that we're in the process of doing that. Mayo Clinic is also would be on board, as I did work with them. I briefly talked with them as well. We're planning a Blue Zone community for our club. All the community will be invited if I can get them on board for one of our club meetings that will be in December. So maybe you can come out there and you'll hear a little bit more about what exactly it is, because I am not a Blue Zone expert by any means. Again, it was a project, a fun little project, but it's moving and moving, and if we all keep it moving with the thought of the environment, a lifestyle, happier, healthier, less stressed. Who doesn't want that? REDDICK: I have one last question, sorry, this is a nonprofit organization, correct ? That is correct. So, the funds, do we know how they're redistributed back into the local communities, or just from a standpoint nationally? COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 15 - EWALD: Sure. So, for the Feasibility Study, if we just talk about that $75,000 that is for their work, their work when they come out, they have a team of five, seven people that will meet with all the stakeholders within this community. When I'm talking that it's the mayor, it's Amanda Jacobs, it's Rachael Goodwin, it's all of you having these one-on-one meetings, looking at policies, looking at the Chamber, and what kind of businesses that we have here. They put a whole 50–60-page, beautiful study. I've seen a few of them, and at that time, they will outline what kind of infrastructure we may need additionally. But again, we're already doing such a great job. Amanda Jacobs with her, if we get through but yeah, so they'll say, we need more bike space. You need more parks. We do a great job with parks, and thank you parks. But we’re already doing more programs. We're already there. So, what are they going to find that we don't have? We have hiking trails; we have golf we have all these things to move naturally. We have cooking classes. We, I mean, you name it, we got it. I am. I don't know what we don't have. We have a theatre. We have the arts. We have ballet in the park, you know? So, when they come out there, I have been talking to a couple of the Blue Zones, and telling them what we have, they go, Yeah, it sounds like you guys are already there. So, their work is pretty much easy peasy. So, it's just a matter of, yes, this is what you need to continue to do. This is what you need to do for certification. These are the costs, and then they work with us with the grant. So, there is grant money around the world that will help support this project. It's not coming from us, per se. It is the people who have the money that must dump it back into a community to help support a healthy lifestyle and the wellbeing of mental health. VARELA: Thank you. EWALD: Thank you. Thank you. Patti, she's a rock star. VARELA: Do you want me to move to introductions now Patt i? LOPUSZANSKI: Yes. VARELA: All right, so we have a new Youth Commissioner. If you'd like to tell us a little bit about yourself, please. NATH: Hello everyone. I'm Shreyaan Nath. I'm a senior at Basis Scottsdale. You may have heard BASIS Scottsdale before with Kevin, but I'm also a senior there. I do a lot of things here and there, around the park. I'm obviously on the Mayor's Youth Council. I've also interned for the town over the summer, so I got to see a few things here and there. Run the Fourth of July town 10 for a bit. I also do a lot of research in my free time, like when they were talking about how Blue Zones lead to all these different kinds of health issues being reduced. I did a bit of research last year for my seminar class on how COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 16 - American obesity is growing and how we can work on reducing that. And currently, I'm working on a research project, which is, how do small, elderly towns focus on improving Youth Activism Across Arizona? So, I'm working with, I'm planning on working with a bunch of town governments across the state of Arizona and trying to reach maybe a more like have my own study of understanding how towns can improve the youth's access to events within town and just make life in the towns better. Any questions? VARELA: Wow, that's amazing. Thank you. Any comments or questions? Yeah, welcome. Okay, let me see Reports by Commissioners. So, if you've gone anywhere, seen anything around town that you want to report on, I'm going to start with the sidewalks. So, I now officially have sidewalks in front of my condo that I've been asking for, probably you guys have heard me every meeting, so I'm happy. I mean, it's a lot of work, and I can, I mean, I could see that probably the people that live across the street in those houses that must park across the street are not really thrilled. I'm sorry, across Saguaro from lake, there's single-family homes and duplexes there, and so they're always like, running across the street. But I think once it's all done, they'll be happy . Anyone else? WILSON: I'll also comment on the sidewalks. I don't normally go over there, but whenever I do, I see them working. So good job for them. Brandon, I know you briefly mentioned this earlier. Is the Leadership Academy got started last week. For those of you don't who don't know, that's kind of like another avenue to get, kind of like a dive deeper into the town and nonprofits and stuff. So, we're very excited about that and Community Services and Parks and Rec they do have a day. I don't remember which session it is, but that one's always fun as well, but that's it for me. VARELA: Can I get a Motion to Approve the Community Services Advisory Commission Minutes of June 25? WILSON: Move to approve. RUDOLPHY: I'll second VARELA: All in favor? ALL: Aye VARELA: Okay, Update on the Grant Work Group, I don't necessarily… REDDICK: Yeah, you know, I don't know if we should connect the Grant Workshop Group with the Veterans Project, are we not capable of moving those minutes and joining them together? COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 17 - VARELA: I don't know, I think that they would be separate. There might be some overlapping where we could use some of the grant find, if we find some grants that would go directly towards the veterans, but I do think that they would be separate, because we wouldn't if suppose we had a park grant that didn't pertain to veterans. Am I right? LOPUSZANSKI: I agree. I think you're going in the right direction with that. WILSON: I do wonder quickly about the grant work group, since those are kind of like, you know, they have different timelines, maybe we can move it to like a quarterly type of work group, so we're not doing it every month because, I mean, every month we don't have a new grant proposal opportunity. PUTMAN: Can I ask what the grant workshop has been working on ? WILSON: Right now? Nothing, just because we did have some possible opportunities, but they didn't. I mean, one was the veterans thing, and that turned into its own work group, and the other was already being addressed by the sidewalks grant. VARELA: And we’re searching and find phase right now, where I think what we have the websites that we must look at and see if there's anything that pertains to Fountain Hills. REDDICK: The last meeting that we had, Natalie and I, ended with coming back as a group, hoping that we can then subdivide the group one group member researching, one group member then reviewing and then the other group member is then transferring that information to our grant writer. So, we haven't even solidified or ironed out those details yet. So that was the last meeting that we had after your trip. VARELA: I do think that kind of did overlap with the veterans. So, we can’t. We had two meetings in one, basically. So, I guess right now, what everyone over the next I agree, moving it to quarterly, unless you find something, obviously, that we should talk about next month, but otherwise, quarterly, you know, we’ll give us more time to do some research. LOPUSZANSKI: I think there would be a plan in that way if staff found something that would be an extended period to put things together, because that is the problem that you have found with some of these grants. The window is very short, and then when you have your gap in the summer and in time off, it's been difficult to try to get everyone together in your work group. So, let's maybe reevaluate what that would look like and then see how we can partner back up again. But I think quarterly is a good idea to put that on the agenda. VARELA: Great. Thank you. Okay, Update on Four Peaks Park Restroom Grant. COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 18 - PUTMAN: We have been preparing the site for the restroom build, it is sub graded with some elevations out there, so we had a surveyor come out and basically set our points for the future restroom. The restroom is considered a prefabricated restroom, so it is in production as we speak, with its tentative completion date being October 29 and our installation date tentatively set for November 9 will be the day we will be setting up in the meantime, we are investigating utilities so that we can make electrical, water and sewer connections. So that is ongoing right now as well. WILSON: Could you remind us of where in the park this is going to be. PUTMAN: Certainly, so it's going to be the south half of the park and is going to be between the restroom and the East ball field. There is an area in which we've located a sewer line. We know we have electricity because of the field lights, and then we also know that we have water in that area as well. So, it was strategically selected because of its accessibility to utilities as well as its proximity to the playground and the ball fields. VARELA: And then what happens to the other bathroom? PUTMAN: The other bathroom is. This is in addition to that because often those using the pickleball courts and the ball fields don't realize that on the other side of the bridge across the wash is where the restroom is. So that will bring about much needed convenience for those participating in games and activiti es. VARELA: I Great. Thank you. All right, so Update on the Arizona State Puzzle Donor Program. LOPUSZANSKI: I mean, you can, I can speak to that one we just sent in about two weeks ago, another round of five puzzle pieces while construction was going on with the renovation, with these shade structure, everything was fenced off, so it’s kind of limited access for people to view. We're hoping October is now fast and all these events are going to be going on. There'll be a lot of visibility for people to see. So, once we get the next round of five pieces, those will be installed by parks. And it’s really very rewarding for people that have been wanting to honor, whether they love or just show their support for the town, wanting to have an inscription and thank you Mr. Rudolphy as one of the very first ones. So, we're very excited about the project and seeing it starting to expand even more. PUTMAN: And I'll comment on the Centennial Pavilion itself. The project is considered 95% complete. We have a few remaining punchless items that will be addressed this week ahead of the Oktoberfest, and we had a very successful soft opening to the civilian pavilion as we Centennial Pavilion, as we had a moon-watching event last Saturday, so COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 19 - that helped spearhead getting the area open. A few minor details to iron out with the contractor this week, and we will be ready to go for Oktoberfest. VARELA: Great. Will the puzzle pieces be available for sale at the town tent during the Art Fair. LOPUSZANSKI: Well, probably can. We can have flyers. We have a lot of frames up right now, like an A frame up right by it. It is an online order system through our website. So very easy access, but we could. It's a great idea to have flyers or something else, because we do have a QR code on the flyer as well. So also, just to piggyback off Brandon, is that we are going to have a ribbon cutting at the end of October. So once that date has been selected and solidified, that information will go up to all of you as well. VARELA: Thank you. All right, okay. Update to the Veterans Project Work Group. REDDICK: As you all know, I attended a three-day workshop in New York, Syracuse. For all of you that don't know, I'm a part of a nonprofit organization. It's called Bunkers Lab. They're connected through Syracuse University. They have state ambassadors. They have two representatives from each state. So, each state, they were able to fly out, and we met in Syracuse. During that time each state ambassador has their own initiative, and of course, my initiative was the focus of the Town of Fountain Hills. How we can empower our vets. The focal point for myself, not only as an individual but as Vice Chair, was to focus on community engagement, financial literacy, the education from our vets, on literacy, saving retirement, and understanding how that works, mixed in, of course, with the support for small businesses. It was a really great event. From there, we were able not only to connect small vet business owners to funding, but to support as well. The overall main goal, or I should say, the takeaway, we were able to connect with a local real estate agent here who's a vet, part of the VA Group, and we're going to be starting a group that will help families that are in need, specifically for funding. So, the shift is going away from small businesses to families who need support. We're really in a time where people are struggling, so we're really trying to redirect the focus to small businesses, to actual families. So, I am super blessed and very thankful, and it was a great event. So that's the recap of the three-day event. PUTMAN: Quick question, Carey, I love that that's great concept, so the Community Center does vets to vets, on Tuesdays and Yeah, Tuesdays fourth, second and fourth week of the month on Tuesdays. How did you see that program integrating with what your plans are? COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 20 - REDDICK: So that's a great question. I've wanted to attend that event. Unfortunately, my time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays is spent doing engagement on financial literacy out in local urban communities. So, to your point, I think it is imperative we must partner with our other ambassador who can come and represent me on those dates, or I can try to plan further dates out. But we have a lot of support within the organization from Syracuse University so we could partner with our organization here. In Syracuse, they have a lot of funding that they want to distribute to local communities as well. So, to answer your question, we have strong partnership options. PUTMAN: Great. Thank you so much. REDDICK: Absolutely. VARELA: All right, moving on to Update Future Agenda Items and Presentations, anything that you guys want? Ron? RUPPERT: I'm going to get on a little bit of a soapbox here and just throw a few out things out there, see if they stick to the wall. But you know, we're at the beginning of another session, and we have, you know, nine months or so to accomplish a few of these things. I’m going to group the agenda items and future speakers together, if that works. But I think that you know, a couple of ideas for future speakers would be, town staff now that it's changed a bit. And let's, you know, trot Rachael back in here and have her give us an update of how she's doing and how she feels the way things are going, compared to when she sat in the chair over there. I think that would be a good one. I think that Amanda Jacobs and talking about town economics, she seems like that. She would add a lot to our commission, as far as speaking even Justin Weldy on the streets, you know, just to, you know, have these guys give a little presentation or an update to all of us, so we can kind of combine that stuff. I want to challenge, you know, Kevin, who's in Ohio, and Brandon, you know, to use this commission for research and help. I mean, if you have things coming up in CIP or things that you need help on, please reach out. That used to be one of the main objectives of this commission in prior years, and it seems to have gone to the side a little bit. So, I'm opening that back up to as an open invitation to, you know, whatever help you need. Please, reach out in that respect too. We used to have a couple of commission members sit in once a month or every other month, to some of your staff meetings. You know, it's a fly on the wall, or just to something to sit there. And I think that that would be helpful in, you know, getting the staff and our commission back in, more, synergy there. So, I'm just going to throw out those ideas. I hope they come out in the minutes because I kind of forget what I just said, but that's all . COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 21 - WILSON: I want to support all I was going to say Amanda Jacobs, so I'm glad you said that. But I also for, I mean, we've done a few of the park, like tours, and I think Kevin mentioned it was either the last meeting or a different meeting of visiting the little bit of land by, I think it's Bainbridge and Golden Eagle, that's going to be like that passive park with the star gazing. Yes, that. So, I was wondering if we could get that in the books, maybe with when it's a bit cooler out. PUTMAN: Yeah, I think that we can certainly do that. I mean, right now it's a vacant lot with piles of dumping on it. But we have not yet started on that Pleasantville Park yet. We have concepts right now, but we can go and look at what is about to kick off as Panorama Park. So, we do have final designs for that, and we're getting the schedule from the contractor to get started. All their paperwork has come through and been cleared up and they're approved. So, we are just waiting on that contractor’s schedule to begin Panorama Park. WILSON: Yeah, I think that would be perfect. Thank you. Brandon. PUTMAN: Of course. So, on that note, I do want to share with the group that we did complete a tree inventory, which is an update to the volunteer one led in I think it was 2008 or 2007. This one was actually done by a contractor and certified arborist, they went around every park and town facility and assessed the trees, their condition, their value, gave us basic statistics on how large they are, and what that revealed was that we actually have 63 high-risk trees throughout our parks and our facilities, 25 stumps and 68 vacant spots where a tree used to be that we could plant. So, I work closely with the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. They recently announced their Community Challenge Grant. Now, as we talked about, there are close deadlines for it, so it's going to be due Sunday, October 20, but it is just a 10% cost share. Grant ranges typically from $20,000 to $50,000 so we will be using the data that we've captured from this tree inventory to submit to the state as their strategy is trees as strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation, and so we'll be touching on our need to replant these lost trees to bring back necessary shade to our parks and our community. On that note, continuing further, it has been a goal of the department, and it is a goal of Rachael to become what's called a Tree City USA. It's a classification that states that basically this community cares about its trees for the shade and all the other environmental and social benefits that trees provide. And so part of that we have been able to address, there's four pillars we've been able to address three of them, so future meetings will be discussing the potential for a tree protection ordinance to be adopted into town code that will be that fourth pillar, some sort COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 22 - of tree ordinance, and thus gaining that certification, which will open us up to even more ability to apply for grants through the state and federal government. Thank you. RUPPERT: Brandon, you mentioned that there's 63 trees that are in danger. PUTMAN: The arborist called them high risk. These could be dead trees. RUPPERT: Do you know the total number of trees? PUTMAN: Total number of trees in our parks and around the Community Center and our fire stations, we did not do rights of way and media, but in our parks, we had 1,244. RUPPERT: Wow, and that doesn't even include town medians or any of that ? PUTMAN: That does not include the medians or private property. That's our parks, the two fire stations, and then the Town Hall, and Community Center properties. VARELA: All right, thank you for that update. LOPUSZANSKI: Oh, I do have some items that I thought we need to get verbatim, because we do need to get them on for next month's agenda. If you're okay with that, is the appointment of a chair and vice chair. It’s at that time of year that we have to we look at that. So, I'll have to put that on next month's agenda. So, you'll be aware also the meeting dates for calendar year 25 so we'll be looking at those again, looking at the fourth Monday of the month. So, if you can just look at your schedules and make sure that you’re still going to work with meetings for monthly that'll be great. And I think that is it. Thank you. VARELA: Okay, let's see Review and Discussion of Future Speakers. Do we have anybody else that we want to add besides what Ron said? Okay, great. Thanks, Ron. Next Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities. PUTMAN: Yes, we have an action-packed fall and winter for you. As you may know, last Thursday there was the Ballet Under the Stars. It was a huge hit. Great crowd. Because it was a free and open event, we are still waiting on the final numbers for that. We use cell phone pings to figure that out, like we did for the Fourth of July. So that's pending. We also have Spooky Blast coming up at Four Peaks. Park our Touch a Truck with some amazing corporate partners that are going to be bringing out some cool trucks. Our infamous turkey trot shirts have come in, so we're excited for that one. And then, as you may have noticed, we are already putting up the Christmas lights on the avenue. That was very intentional to do that ahead of our overseeding. So, they're already up, but they will not be lit until our Stroll in the Glow event on Saturday, December 7. And then obviously I can't get past, or I must mention the opportunities are Make a Difference. Day, Saturday, October 19, 8am to 12 pm. What's going to be new to about this event, COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 23 - which is going to kind of circle me back to what I was talking about in terms of Tree City, USA, every year the town's done a tree planting project on different town property, a little beautification project. So, we will be now combining that into an Arbor Day celebration. So, by calling it Arbor Day and planting trees, we now can check one of those Tree City USA boxes. This year, we're going to be planting trees at Desert Vista Park. There's 15 of these stumps and vacant sites that were identified in the tree inventory, and so we'll be out there that morning, getting to those tree s in the ground. Thank you. VARELA: Awesome. Thank you. PUTMAN: Oh yes, thank you. Thank you. Patti. So, we also have the fountain off this week that is to conduct the evaporation test for the lake liner that will resume normal operations on Saturday, and then, obviously, overseeding is upon us. We have scalped the avenue and will be applying seed and starting the irrigation this week on the avenue as well as the Community Center. We will be continuing to do our scalping procedures through Fountain Park, and then we also have some coordination to do with the well site project, so we're doing it a little bit differently where we're actually starting in the amphitheater, working our way clockwise around the lake so that we can end over by the new well site as they will be pulling their construction fence back next week and opening that area up. They'll be putting down new sod for us, that will be then seeding into that new sod so coordinated effort amongst our contractors, our park staff, and then this year, a special circumstance with the well site number one being completed by the Sanitary District. VARELA: Great. Thank you. PUTMAN: Thank you. VARELA: We have our Next meeting, on October 28, 2024. Can I get a Motion to Adjourn? WILSON: I Move to Adjourn. REDDICK: I am second. VARELA: All in favor? ALL: Aye VARELA: Thank you. COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 2024, VERBATIM MEETING MINUTES Transcribed by https://otter.ai - 24 - Having no further business, Chair Natalie Varela adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Community Services Advisory Commission held on September 23, 2024, at 6:10 PM COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION _________________________________________________________ Natalie Varela, Chair ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: ____________________________________________ Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting held by the Community Services Advisory Commission in the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 23rd day of September 2024. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED 28th Day of October 2024 _______________________________________________ Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant . ITEM 7. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Appointment of Chair for the Community Services Advisory Commission Staff Summary (Background) Overview: The Community Services Advisory Commission acts in an advisory capacity in support of the Town of Fountain Hills Community Services Department's quest to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life by providing and maintaining safe, available, and accessible parks and facilities, recreation programs, events, and services that will meet the intellectual, social, cultural, and leisure needs of town residents of all ages. Per Town Code:  Members of each board and commission shall elect a chair and vice chair from among its own members. Each chair and vice chair shall serve for one year and until such time as a successor is elected. The chair shall preside at all meetings and exercise all the usual rights, duties and prerogatives of the head of any similar organization. The vice chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the chair’s absence or disability. Vacancies created by any cause shall be filled for the unexpired term by a new election. (19-15, Added, 09/03/2019) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 03:11 PM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  ITEM 8. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Appointment of Vice Chair for the Community Services Advisory Commission Staff Summary (Background) Overview: The Community Services Advisory Commission acts in an advisory capacity in support of the Town of Fountain Hills Community Services Department's quest to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life by providing and maintaining safe, available, and accessible parks and facilities, recreation programs, events, and services that will meet the intellectual, social, cultural, and leisure needs of town residents of all ages. Per Town Code: Members of each board and commission shall elect a chair and vice chair from among its own members. Each chair and vice chair shall serve for one year and until such time as a successor is elected. The chair shall preside at all meetings and exercise all the usual rights, duties and prerogatives of the head of any similar organization. The vice chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the chair’s absence or disability. Vacancies created by any cause shall be filled for the unexpired term by a new election. (19-15, Added, 09/03/2019) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 03:12 PM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  ITEM 9. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  UPDATE: Four Peaks Park Restroom Grant Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 10:21 AM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  ITEM 10. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  UPDATE: Arizona State Puzzle Donor Program Centennial Pavilion Staff Summary (Background) The Centennial Pavilion area between the Community Center and the library is being revitalized to become an outdoor event area and programmable space. To help increase year-around usage, a large 80-foot wide, shaded structure has been installed for outdoor events. The donor puzzle is designed to be a fantastic new piece of art in the shape of the State of Arizona.   Stainless Steel Puzzle Piece: $1,000 Puzzle Piece Size:  6.5" x 8" Maximum 30 characters Attachments AZ State Puzzle Flyer  Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 10:22 AM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  FOUNTAIN HILLS CENTENNIAL PAVILION The Community Services Department is offering a unique and thoughtful way to honor a loved one, advertise a business or highlight a club while making a meaningful contribution to the Centennial Pavilion Shade Structure Stainless Steel Puzzle Piece: $1,000 99 stainless steel puzzle pieces 6.5" x 8" size maximum 30 characters The completed work of art will build the State of Arizona Please complete the online form with a credit card* at FountainHillsAZ.gov/AZPuzzle or by scanning the QR Code. Town of Fountain Hills Centennial Pavilion Donor Puzzle For more information: Please call 480-816-5148 or email plopuszanski@fountainhillsaz.gov *$4.00 convenience fee will be added to all credit cards 8 F E E T T A L L The Centennial Pavilion area between the Community Center and the library is being renovated to become a more useable and programmable space. To help increase year around usage, a large 80-foot wide, shade structure is being installed to help create a welcoming area for outdoor events. The donor puzzle is designed to be a fantastic new art piece and help pay for the improvements. ITEM 11. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  UPDATE: Veteran's Project Workgroup Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 10:38 AM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  ITEM 12. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  UPDATE: Mayor's Youth Council Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/24/2024 11:34 AM Final Approval Date: 10/24/2024  ITEM 13. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Future Agenda Items and Speakers Staff Summary (Background) Future Agenda Items:  Panarama Park Tour  The following speakers were recommended by Commissioner Ruppert: Rachael Goodwin, Town Manager  - Update on how things are going  Amanda Jacobs, Economic Development Director - Presentation on Town Economics Justin Weldy, Public Works Director - Presentation on Streets Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 10:40 AM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  ITEM 14. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities  Staff Summary (Background) Attachments Upcoming Fall events  Fall 2024 Volunteer Opportunities  Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 10:42 AM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  F O U N T A I N H I L L S C O M M U N I T Y S E R V I C E SUPCOMING EVENTS 2024FALL / W I N T E R BALLET UNDER THE STARSFOUNTAIN PARK - AMPHITHEATERTHURSDAY 7:00PM - 8:00PM SEP 19 SATURDAYOCT 26 5:00PM - 8:00PM SPOOKY BLASTFOUR PEAKS PARK Get ready for a frightfully fun evening filled with candy, inflatables, a DJ, costume contest, and games galore! We'll have treats for your sweet tooth, bounce houses for all ages, and a costume contest with awesome prizes. It's a spooktacular event for the whole family! SATURDAYNOV 16 10:00AM - 12:00PM THURSDAYNOV 287:15AM - 9:00AM SATURDAYNOV 30 9:00AM - 11:00AM SATURDAYDEC 7 5:00PM - 8:00PM Experience the magic of ballet under the Arizona sky! Ballet Under the Stars is a free, outdoor performance where you can enjoy professional dancers in a beautiful setting. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and immerse yourself in the world of dance under the twinkling stars. SATURDAYDEC 14 5:00PM - 7:00PM TOUCH A TRUCKDESERT VISTA PARK Gear up for some real-life fun at Touch-A-Truck! This exciting event lets kids explore giant vehicles, climb aboard, and even pretend to drive! Meet the community heroes who use these trucks daily, and enjoy inflatables, yard games, and delicious food trucks too! TURKEY TROTAVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS Join us for the 34th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run & Fitness Walk. This valley-wide favorite runs around the world-famous fountain at Fountain Park on Thanksgiving morning. Stay after the run for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Register online at fhturkeytrot.com BREAKFAST WITH SANTAFOUNTAIN HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER Fountain Hills offers two festive Santa events! Enjoy a pancake breakfast, crafts, and Santa for $12 (register at FountainHillsAZ.gov/REC) or our Sensitive Santa - a calmer visit with light snacks and crafts for families with special needs from 11:30AM - 12:30PM STROLL IN THE GLOWAVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS Dive into the holiday spirit at Fountain Hills' annual Stroll in the Glow! Witness a magical transformation as the heart of town twinkles to life with thousands of dazzling lights. The Avenue of the Fountains will be a wonderland you won't want to miss! Visit FHChamber.com for more information. SEASONS CELEBRATIONFOUNTAIN HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER Don't miss a festive evening for the whole family! Explore 25 dazzling holiday tree displays at the Community Center, capture a memory with Santa, enjoy live music, unleash your creativity at craft stations, and unwind in our outdoor play zone with a warm cup of hot cocoa. O P P O R T U N I T I E S FALL 2024 MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY 2024 Saturday, October 19th 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Register Today www.fountainhillsaz.gov/madd Individual and Group Projects Interior and Exterior Projects Youth and Adult Projects Residential and Town Projects Spooky Blast Saturday, October 26th Four Peaks Park Inflatable Helpers (8 Vols) 4:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (8 Vols) 6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Town Tent (Games & Candy) (2 Vols) 4:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (2 Vols) 6:30 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Give A Lift Volunteer Drivers Needed Give A Lift provides essential medical Transporation to FH residents that are physically disabled and/or 65yrs and older. Flexible - Rewarding - Essential Development Services Administrative Volunteer Opportunity Care Card Crafts & Coffee 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Community Center Lounge For more information on Volunteer Programs please contact Kim Wickland 480-816-5108 kwickland@fountainhillsaz.gov Touch -A- Truck Saturday, November 16th Desert Vista Park Inflatable Helpers (3 Vols) 9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Town Tent (2 Vols) 9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Interested Volunteers must be proficient with Microsoft Office and comfortable scanning and archiving documents. Flexible Shift 1-2 Days a Week 2/3 Hours a Day Location: Town Hall Wednesday, October 9th Halloween Paper Pumpkins Wednesday, November 6th Thanksgiving Pinecone Turkeys Cards, Crafts Supplies and Refreshments Provided Turkey Trot Packet Pick-Up November 25th -27th Race Day November 28th Season’s Celebration December 14th ITEM 15. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Community Services Advisory Commission Meeting 2025 Meeting Dates Staff Summary (Background) Attachments CSAC 2025 Meeting Dates  Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 05:42 PM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024  Community Services Advisory Commission (CSAC) 2025 Meeting Dates 4th Monday at 5:00 p.m. January 27 February 24 March 24 April 28 May 22 (Thursday prior to Memorial Day) June 23 July – No Meeting Scheduled August - No Meeting Scheduled September 22 October 27 November 24 December - No Meeting Scheduled ITEM 16. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 10/28/2024 Meeting Type: Community Services Advisory Commission Agenda Type:                   Submitting Department: Community Services Prepared by: Patti Lopuszanski, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Kevin Snipes, Community Services Director Request to Community Services Advisory Commission (Agenda Language):  UPDATE: Next Community Service Advisory Commission Meeting November 25, 2024 Staff Summary (Background) Form Review Form Started By: Patti Lopuszanski Started On: 10/23/2024 10:43 AM Final Approval Date: 10/23/2024