HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.1216.TCRM.MINUTES.VERBATIM.TRANSCRIPTTOWN �F FOUNTAiN HILLS
IVIINUTES �F THE REGLJLAR MEETING
nF THE F�IJNTAIN HILLS TOWN CDUNCIL
❑ECEMBER � 6, 2�25
A Regular Me�ting ❑f the Fauntain Hills Town Council was canvened at 1 E7D5 E.
A�enue of the F�untains in open and public sessian at 5:3� p.m.
Members Present: Mayor Gerry M. �riedel; Councilmember Gayle Earle;
Counci�member Brenda J. Kali�ianakis; Councilmember Rick Watts; Vice Mayor
Allen 5killicorn; Councilmember Hannah Larrabee; Cauncilmember Peggy
McMahon
Staff Present: Town Manager Rachael Goodwin; Town Clerk Bev��yn g�nder;
Tawn Aftorney Jennifer Wright
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❑ECEMBER 1fi, 2C25 CITY C�UNCIL MEETING MINLJTES
f�ost-Production File
Tawn af Fauntain Hills
Town Council Meeting Minutes
De�ember 16, 2025
Transcription Provided By:
eScribers, LLC
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Transcription is provided in order ta facilitate communi�ati4n a�cessihility and may nat
be a totally �er�atim recard af the praceedings.
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Page 1 of 55
Totivr� �F Fo�r�ra�r� ��i�s
pECEMBER 16, 2025 CIiY COUAfCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY�R FRIEDE�: I'd like to �all this meeting ta arder. If you would please rise, if you
choose, for the in�ocation that will he done f�y Pastor Keith Pa�ia �rom Christ Church in
Fountain Hills. I'm sorry. We'il start with the pledge first. I'm sorry.
ALL: {Pledge af Allegian�ej.
MAY�R FRIEQE�: And now we'!I ha�e Pastor Keith. Thank yau.
PASTDR PAVIA: 7hank you sa much. Thank you, Mayor and council, for having me here.
I`m honored to be able ta deli�er the invocation tociay. Qear God, k come tonight to ask
for godly direction and guidance as we discuss things that help in -- are the best interest
of this town. Help us to farget aur differences and let them work togeti�er for the
betterment of this tawn. Keep our focus on integrity and character, not personal
preference, and let this meetirsg go an with n� interrupti�ns. In lesus name we pray,
amen. Merry Christmas.
MAYQR FRiEDEL: Town clerk, can I have a roll �all, please?
MS. BEN�ER: Mayor Friedel.
MAY�R FRIEDfL: Present.
MS. 6EN�ER: Vice mayar Skillicarn.
MR. SILLICORN: Present.
M5. BEN�ER: Councilmember Earle.
MS. EAftLE: Present.
M5. BENDER: Councifinernber Kalivianakis.
M5. KALIVIANAKIS: Here.
M5. BENDER: Councifinember Watts.
MR. WATTS: Present.
M5. BEN�ER: Councilmember Larrab�e.
M5. LARRA6EE: Here.
M5. BEN{]ER: Councilm�mber McMahon.
M5. MCMAHON: Here.
M5. BENDER: Mayar, you ha�e a quorum.
Page Z af 55
raw�v v� r�ur���aFN Hi��s
DECEMiiER 15, 2025 CITY C�UN.'".IL MEETING MINLITES
MAYOR F�iIEDEL: Thank yau. We'll mo�e on naw ta town manag�r.
MS. GO�DWIN: Thank you, Mayor. I ha�e a number of updates frflm things that
happened this past weekend and a few updates ahaut what's coming up. Sfl bear with
me. All right.
7his past Saturday, the cammunity �enter hosted the season celef�ration, whieh was a
wonderful e�ening filled with �oliday cheer. The free event brought tagether mare than
900 community members of aIl ages far a festive celebratian. Guests enjoyed li�e music
hy the Fountain Hills Saxophane C�uartet, 24 beautifully decorated trees, and the halls
were decked with handmade �{uilts and wreaths. Families took photos with Santa,
participated in a Santa dan�e a�ong, enjoyed craft stations and cookie decorating, where
more than 32 dozen coakies were decorated. They alsa �isited their hat cocaa bar,
sponsored by Cal�ary Chapel Fauntain Hifls, where they served more than 500 cups af
hat cocoa, so there's n❑ shortage. Yes, the autdaor play zane featured baunce houses,
a ride ❑n train, and games capturing the spirit af the seas�n.
�n Sunday, the Chabad of Fountain Hills hasted a well-attended men�rah lighting
ceremony, bringing residents tagether for an evening ❑f tradition, reflectior,, and
community. The e�ent served as a meaningfu� appflrtunity t❑ celebrate the seasan,
share in the symbolism pf light, and strengther+ the sense of unity that defines aur tawn
during the h�lidays.
Shifting gears a little bit, ❑ur public warks crews continue ❑ur wash maintenance
activities with a primary f�cus on Ashbraak Wash, which is the Town's largest and
widest wash, and conveys the greatest volume of water runoff. Progress has been
slower than anti�ipated due to storms, heavy vegetation, and instances of unauthorized
dumping. Crews are currently working in the segment between Fountain Hills Boule�ard
and Bayfield, and we appreciate the community's patience as this important work
continues.
We also wanted to remind residents that Thursday, s❑ that's not tomorraw, b�t this
coming Thursday, the day after, is our third Thursday concert series. It continues at
Cente�nial Pavilian from G to 7:3Q. We ha�e a r,ice little erawd aut there. It's a little
Page 3 nf 55
TOWN DF FQlF�i7All� HfL�S
�ECEMBER ifi, 2025 CITY COUNCIL PJIEETING fVlINl1TES
chilly, but that's ❑kay. We encaurage yau ta bring folankets, �hairs, maybe a snack. This
month's performanGe will feature the Sugar Thieves. 5o please join us and enjoy an
e�ening af li�e music on Thursday.
We also kicked aff the Light Up the Town program, whi�h is our annuaf iight display. It
features 19 homes throughout the community. The program started this week and runs
through December 31st, affering a festive, family-friendly way t❑ experien�e h�liday
lights and enjay the seasan. An intera�tive map is availahle through Experience
Fountain Hills, so you can pull it up an your ph�ne. It pops inta yflur Goflgle, and you
can make yaur way through�ut the Tawn t� �isit all of the partiGipating homes. There's
also voting for your favarites, so enj�y that thr�ughout the seasar�. ! will say it's afways
a fun thing when you ha�e an e�ening open with no plans.
Looking ahead into the ���6., this is the -- we wanted to remind everyane that the
Mayor State Qf The Town address will take place at the eommunity center on January
2$th. We look forward to sharing highlights of the past year and priorities for the year
ahead. The public is in�ited to join us, and registration is now open thraugh the Town's
website. With that Mayor, those are my updates.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank yau. And now we'll start with aur other agenda items. S❑ we'll
start with the Mayor's Veteran of the Month recognition. 5a this month's �eteran is Joe
Arpaio, known as America's toughest sheriff. Was born on Flag �ay, June 14th, 1932, in
5pringfield, Massachusetts. Joe workeci for his father`s groc�ry store thraughaut his
childhood, and after graduating high schoal in 195�, Joe volunteered to s�rve in the US
Army when the Korean War began.
Joe was deployed to Nice, France, attached ta a medi�al ur�it, and in twa years he rose
to the rank of staff serg�ant. After being honarably discharged from the Army in 1953,
Jae stayed in the iJ.S. Army Reserves as a warrant offi�er for the Criminal Investigation
�i�ision and be�ame a police ❑fficer in Washingtan, b,C., and afterwards in Las Vegas,
Ne�ada, at the age of 25.
1oe married his wife, A�a, and was sworn in as a federal agent for the L1.5. Bureau ❑f
Narcotics, now known as the ❑EA, in Chicaga, IIlinais, befare being appointed special
Rage 4 of 55
7ai�VN :]F F�UNTAI�E HILiS
GEC'EMk3E� 1f, 2U25 CITY C�UNCIL MEETING MINUTES
agent in charge af covering Turkey and the Middle East. �uring his 26-year Career with
the bEA, Joe also ser�ed as regional director, co�ering Mexico, Central and 5outh
America. Joe ser�ed as the ❑eputy regional director for the Bastan, Massachusetts and
Baltimore, Maryland regions, and special agent in charge of the agency's offices in San
Antonio, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Phvenix, Arizona.
In 1992, �oe was elected Sheriff af Maricopa County, where he presided over the third-
largest sheriff's office in the United States with over 5,��g employees. Jae was elected
to serve for 24 years, the longest-serving sheriff in Maricapa County history.
1oe, wauld you please came up and a�cept this recagnition? Okay. Yflu gat a hot mic
here.
MR. ARPAI�: Yflu gat a cold guy here. You said I have a hot -- What did you say? Hat?
He said I ha�e a hot mic. I dan't know about that, hut anyway, thanks. And I want ta
cangratulate you, act�ally, for initiating this new program. And I want to thank you anc!
the Council for what they'�e done an this program. Very, very excited.
I ha�e been a-- I started at ten-years ald, k�ut I'�e been a American Legion for 60 years.
And in my career, after the army, became a federal guy and ha�e tra�eled with many
presidents.
I`m not getiing into politics, but I do say t�at because one thing I really was angry at,
and every speech I have given, I'm not going t❑ do it here -- around the country, I
always said, I dan't like the way they treated Vietnam dedicated military fighting for aur
cauntry. I made that a big mission around this country for years and years and years.
That's awful what they did to aur military wha were ❑n!y fighting far our cauntry. So I
ha�en't given up on that ane. That's heen ane of my tap priorities in my elected
functian and aChers.
5❑ 1 want ta thank yau. Thank you for caming up with t�is concept, whi�h V believe is
every month.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Correct.
MR. ARPAIO: 5� that's a great cancept. I don't think anyone -- ar�d I've been around
the world. I dan't think anybady has came up with a formalized cancept like this, for
Page 5 nf 55
T['aWfV f7� F�liiJ7E1!Pd Hi! L�
DECEI1113E�. 1E, 2Q25 Cli1' COUNCIL MEETIfVG MINUTES
every mflr�th, celebrate our military and pi�k aut a re�ipient that deserved that honar.
5❑ I'm �ery humhle, very humhle for 6eing selected by yau, the Council, and the
cammittee, and yaur staff. Never farget the people that work for you. 5o that's what I
ha�e to say. I have my daughter here. I'm not going t❑ plug her �usiness since I like
coffee anyway, but she -- wh�re's Sherry at? Where's my daughter? Sherry, come on
up for a minute.
Can I have a minute with my daughter?
5a I have t❑ apnlagize to my claughter and my son, Rac�o. He can`t make it. 5he's
laughing. She didn't really see her father. Yflu remember?
SHERRY: ❑h, yeah.
MR. ARPAID: Na, never saw me. I was always out working in the hills of Turkey,
everywhere. And rny wife, her mother, did a great job raising my kids. And as she's up
there now, she will be very �roud.
So we ne�er shauld forget our families, our families, our military families. What they
have to put up to, it isn't easy. And she went through this. She turned ❑ut akay. That's
because shc probably n��er saw me. But she turned out akay, my daughter.
And so I lea�e you with this. Always remember your families, especially the military, law
enforcement. Families deser�e credit iaa. So I want to wish yau all a happy -- can I say
Merry Christmas? Merry Christmas, New year's.
And once again, all of you, thanks for your support. We may ha�e some differen�es, but
I la�e all you guys. I lo�e Fountain Hills. 1 thinlc I'�e been here 38 years. protecting you
guys. Anyway, thank you very mu�h.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: And n�w we`II mo�e on ta our 5tellar Students recagnition. And we're
going to have the Councilmem#�ers read those recognitions tonight, starting with the
�ice rnayor and then gaing t��wn Che line. Vice mayor.
MR. 51LLICORN: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Much better. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 5o I
actually have the privilege and honor of introducing e�eryane to Misha Manhas
�phonetic}, Come on up. Come ❑n up, Misha. 5o the comments she gets from her
teachers are "I am d�lighted to nominate Misha as a 5tellar 5tudent of our Little Falcons
Page 6 vf 55
TO'N1V �F FOUAi7AIPi HIlLS
QECEMBER Zf;, 20�5 CITY CaUNCIL MEETI�VG MINUTES
Prescho�l. 5he is a jay ta have in her class, polite, caring, always eager to help bath her
classmates and teachers. Misha is a wnnderful friend ta everyone and well-liked �y her
peers. Her academiG growth has heen remarkable, and we cauldn't �e more praud ❑f
her progress. She �omes ta schaol each day with a happy heart and greets her teachers,
" as we can, see here "with a bright smile. Misha is so deserving of this special
recagnition." Congratulations, Misha.
IJNIDENTIFIED 5PEAKER: Good evening. I ha�e the honar of recognizing Axel Wilsan
[phonetic}, If you're here, please come on up. Oh, what a cutie.
"Axel is a wonderful nominee for 5telfar Student. He brings a great sense of humor anc#
vivid imagination ta our classroom each day. Axel is eager to learn how things work and
laves sharing his discaveries with his peers. Nathing gets by him. He is incredibly
❑bservant and a thaughtful, deep think�r. Watching his growth has been truly exciting.
Axel is a loyal friend to all and always brings a positive attitude. Your teacher is s❑ proud
of y�u." She says �ongratulations.
L1NI�ENTIFIED SPEAKER: I'll start with Ms. Nora Zanella �phonetic) fram the elementary
school. Nora, hi.
"Nora is a bright light in our �lassroom.: And this is from Ms. Val Rei�hler. "She is
always ready" to prepare -- she is always ready "and prepared ta learn. She maintains a
positi�e attitude, e�en when she faces challenges. 5he is kind to ali her friends and
maintains positive relatio�ships. 5he is always willing to lend a hefping hand. She
always fallows the Falcon way and truly is a j�y to ha�e in class." So thank you Nora.
And next from the elementary school is Royce Montgomery. This is also fram -- oh,
teacher Holly pelano �phonetic). 5a Rayce, is Rayce here? Well, that's okay, I'll read
abaut him anyway.
"Royce is always happy and carries a pasitive attitude. He fallows ciirectians and works
hard. He always tries his best and ne�er gi�es up. He lo�es musi� and lo�es ta dance.
He keeps us entertained. He is a kind student and a great friend t❑ all af his
classmates." L�t's hear it for Royce.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: {Indiscernif�le} Middle school. I ne�er can get that ta work.
Page 7 of 55
T�VJ�k Ur FQl1NTAiN HIL�S
D£CENISER 16, ZOZS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
"Harlow is not only a high achie�ing I-21 ho�ars student, she is also a talented artist and
a gifted ath�ete. Harlow is �ery quiet and focuses her energy on submitting excellent,
neat, and well thought aut wark. Her artwark, handwriting ,and notes are always
thorough and beautifully designed. 5he runs ❑n ❑ur crass-country teams and competes
in races with her family." Harlaw I h�pe you beat the mayor last ❑n the Turkey Trot.
"Harl�w is alsa polite, kind, thoughtful, respectful with classmates and teachers. 5he's a
lovely young lady. " Let's hear it for Harlow.
And next up we ha�e Mason 6erber-Hik�bs {phonetic}. Mason is alsa fram Fountain Hills
Middle 5chool. "Mason is a quiet, clever, and thoughtful young man who is a s�h�far
and an athlete. He always fpllows the Falcon way. He is an inquisiti�e student, creati�e
thinker, and �ard worEcer. He has joined the I-21 program and is ex�elling. He is friendly
with e�eryone and always respectfuf and hardworking in class ta teachers and peers.
Masan is a new member ta the FHMS cross-cauntry team and has already shown
himself ta be campetitive and hard worlting at practice. We are praud of his hard work
and delighted he is one ❑f aur fabulous Falcons. Thank you Mason."
UNIbENTIFIEd SPEAK�R: Thank you, Jerry. I'm delighted tanight to introduce to you
Liliana Villafane �phoneticy, whase tea�her, Cassidy Robbins, says, "Earlier this week, I
saw an interaction with Liliana and a brand-new student where she made them feel so
wel�ome and gave them a sense of belonging. It showed me that she can be a great
leader and showed much compassion for her peers. It can be s❑ chalf�nging caming to a
new school, where yau feef like yau d�n't knaw anyk�ady. Thank you Liliana, for being
sa friendly and warm to yflur fellow student."
IJNIbENTIFIEa SPEAKER: And I have the {�leasure ❑f intraducing ta y�u, Logan, and I
think it's Reedy �phoneti�]. Are you here, Logan? Did I say it right? �}�, great. And yaur
teacher, Patty 5chultz, would like me to tell you that "Logan was a member ❑f the swim
team this past seasan. He's encauraging, hardworking, and builds up his teammates.
Logan helps when needed and does the right thing. �uring the swim season, he cares
ahout his schoal and re{�resenting the Falcon way. Way to go, Logan!"
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Naw, if you guys want ta stand right in front �f the Council here, we'll
Pa�e 8 uf 55
TnVJN AF FflUNTA!"d HiLtS
i]�C.EMBER 16, 2025 CIiY CUUNCtL MEETING M{NUTES
get a picture ❑f all of us tagether.
{Graup photo taken}
MAYDR FRI�DEL: Thank you to ali of aur students. Now we'll move on with the Mayor's
Business 5potlight. And tonight's business that we're spotfighting is Cheryl's ❑f Fountain
Hills. Today, we're recognizin� T�m and Cheryl ECatz and celebrating an incredi6le
milestone of 27 years in business here in Fauntain Hills.
Tom and Cheryl first apened their doors in the Bashas shopping center back in 1998. At
that time, Cheryl was designing homes, from floar ta ceiling, while working with working
far her brother. O�er the years, she �ompleted design work for nearly 500
candominium ar+d resart properties across Tucson, Casa Grande, and Fountain Hills, and
5cattsdale.
As they approached their first decade in business, Tom and Cheryl �pegan exploring a
new directian selling clathing. They started with just a smal! section of a store, k�ut
when the housing �risis hit in 2008, they knew they had to pivot quickly. That deeisian
ultimately lec{ them to the boutique we now know and lo�e today, which is on the
A�enue af the Fauntains.
In 2�16, Cheryi maved fram the Bashas Center ta their current locatian on the A�enue
❑f the Fauntains. T�day, Cheryl's vf Fauntain Hills is a Iocally owned boutique known for
its curated callection af women's clathing, jewelry, handfaags and unique acc�ssories.
And ! knaw that firsthand because my wife shaps there quite a t�it.
Beyand their 6usiness success, 7om and Cheryl have #�een tremendaus community
partners. Tom serves as an acti�e member of the A�enue Merchants Association,
�elping t❑ strengthen and suppart aur dawntown businesses. And with th� ongoing
need far additianal restrooms in the downtown Fountain Hi11s area, Tom and Cheryl
generously Qpened their daars to our Farmers Market vendflrs. A small act that has
made a k�ig difference far the farrrrers market.
Tom and Cheryl, thank you far your service. Yau provide ta aur town, for your
dedication t❑ our business �ommunity, and for being part of the heart �f downtown
Fountain Hills. We are grateful for your 27 years. Thar�k yflu.
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TaWN aF �UJNTAIN HlLLS
❑ECE1�18ER '7.5, 2U25 CkT1' Cal1NCIL MEETIiVG MINUTES
[Photo takenj
MR. KATZ: Thank you, Mayar. We have been really fortunate t❑ be in Fountain Hills.
We'r� s❑ lucky ta �e able ta live and work in the Town that we really lo�e 27 years, AND
we're going to hope far 27 m�re. That'll put us, yau kn�w -- I think we're just getting
started. So anyway, thank you again, e�eryhody. I really appre�iate the support that
the �ommunity has gi�en us to allaw us ta work and thrive in Fauntain Hills.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Awesome. Thank yau.
MS. KAT2: Your wife was in the ather day.
MAYaR FRI�DEL: 5he was. ❑o you want ta tell e�erybady that?
Thank y�u guys. And so now we'll mave on t❑ a proclamation that I have recognizing
our Sister City Relationships and honoring Italian eulture. 5o tonight, the Town of
Fauntain Hills proudly �elebrates the spirit of friendship that enriches our community,
aur sister citi�s, Ata�o in E! Salvadar. ❑ierdarf and Germany, and 2amos� in Poland.
Each share with us pieces af their hearts, their �eritage, their traditions, and their
beautiful lar�guages. These relationships remind us that, even acrass �ceans, people
can be linited through understanding, respect, and gaodwill.
We alsa hanar the Italian community, whflse ri�h culture and language continue to
inspire Fauntain Hills and deepen our shareti sense of cultural pride. These �onne�tivns
are more than symbolie. They help shape who we are as a town. They br�ng us new
perspectives, new friendships, and a deeper appreciatiar� far the warld araund us. They
remind us that our community is stronger, richer, and more �i�rant �aecause of the
cultures that touch our lives.
Dn behalf of myself and this Town coun�il, we express our heartfelt gratitude far these
international friendships, and far the jay, meaning, and cultural beauty that they bring
to Fountain Hills. And these connectians are really important. 5o with that, I know
there's people here from Sister Cities, and I think 5te�e is here from the Italian Club in
town. Sa if you'll both eome up, I ha�e these to present to you, and then I'll let you say
a �ouple of words if you'd like.
UIVi�ENTIFIE❑ SPEAKER: Guten abend, lie�ae ist und freund und Herr Burgermeister.
Page 1� of 55
T�?VVti �f FDL3I�TAlN �111.�5
lJECEiVi6CR 1�i, 2a25 CITY C4UFYCIL MEETING MINUTES
Good evening, friends, Mayor, and �auncil. What an honor it is to be re�agni2ed for our
efforts here in town. It is such a pleasure t❑ see folks enjoying different countries when
they go with us on aur trips. And most beneficial is that we are gi�ing students here in
Fountain Hilfs an opportunity to experience a culture autside of their camfort zane. And
these kids, when they came back from the trips, they have life-changing experiences.
They`�e been ta Ataco, they'�e been t❑ 2amosc, and they've been to Germany. We just
had 12 students come from 2amasc, and we're going to be ser�ding a group in the spring
time t❑ Germany. It is a pleasure t❑ see the results af our efforts from these kids.
Thank you very much for this hanor. And we are celebrating Z5 years as our
organization in Fountain Hills.
UNIQENTIFIEa SP�AKER: 7hank you, Mayor. Thank you c�uncil. Thank you Christine
and everybody else here frflm 5ister Cities. Being Italian, the reason I wore a Santa
Clause hat is because 5anta Clause is buried in Bari, Italy. So that's, you knaw -- {Italiar�},
And we have great news. We've been talking with an Italian, passible S�ster City in
Bassano del Grappa. It's where my parents are from ar right around the area, and they
want to talk ta the mayor, and they want ta extend e�erything. 5o it's really a great
Christmas gift if all goes well. {italian}. Merry Christmas to everybody. 6anne tali.
Thank yau mayor.
UNIQENTIFIEQ SPEAKER: I would like to extend Merry Christmas �Polishj to all of yau
fram �amosc, Palanc{. Thank you kindly.
UNIQENTIFlEQ SPEAICER: And real quick, I just want to gi�e gr�etings from aur
ambassadar, Enrique Mefenciez, who started Ataco. He couldn't be h�r� tonight.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Thank ygu.
�kay. 5a we'll mo�e on to our -- we dan`t have any presentati�ns tanight. We'11 mave
on ta aur consent agenda, kf I can get a motion.
UNIDENTIFIEQ SPEAKER: Motiar� ta appro�e consent agenda.
UNIQENTIFiEQ 5PEAKER: Secand.
MAYOR FRIEREI.: We ha�e a motion and a se�ond town clerk. Can we take a rall cal1,
please?
Page 11 of 55
TC��rVN [7F F�l1hTAlI� HILL5
❑Eti:EMBER 16, �43_5 Cf7Y C�UNCIL MEETIfVG MIfVUTES
MS. BfNDER: Councilmember Earle.
MS. EARL�: Aye.
MS. BENQER: Councilmember Larrabee.
M5. LARRABEE: Aye.
MS. B�N�ER: Coun�ilmember McMahon.
MS. MCMAHON: Aye.
M5. BEIVDER: Councilmemher lCali�ianakis.
KALIVIANAKlS: Aye.
MS. BEIVDER: Councilmember Watts.
MR. WATTS: Aye.
M5. BENDER: Vice mayor 5ltillicorn.
MR. SfCILLICORN: Yes.
M5. BENDER: And Mayor Friedel.
MAYaR FRIEDEL: Aye.
M5. BENDER: Mayor, 7-�.
MAYDR FRIEdEL: Thank y�u. And we'll move ❑n to our regular agenda. So tonight
there is a subcommittee's recommendatian far the Town's Community Ser�ice Advisory
Cammissian t❑ appoint one yauth cflmmissioner t❑ ser�e a partial term fram ❑ecemk�er
17th, 2DZ5 through lune 22r�d, 2�26. Sa I, mayor.lerry Friedel, ma�ed ta apprave Adam
❑berg �phoneticJ as the Community 5er�ices Advisory Youth Cammissioner ta serve this
partial term, and I request a secand an that motion.
UNlp�NTIFIEb SPEAKER: Second.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: Okay. We have a motion and a second. Can we get a roll call, please?
MS. BENDER: Councilmem6er Earle.
MS. EARLE: Aye.
MS. 6ENQER: Councilmember MeMahan.
M5. MCMAHQIV: Aye.
M5. BEN�ER: Councilmember Larrabee.
M5. LARRABEE: Aye,
Page 12 af 55
TOV�IN OF FOt7NTl131+! HlLLS
�ECEiViBE€t 1fi, 2p25 CITY CDUIVCIL MEEiING MINUTES
MS. BEN�ER: Cauncilmember Kali�ianakis.
KALIVIANAKlS: Aye,
M5. BENDER: Caun�ilmember Watts.
M R. WATTS: Aye.
MS. BENDER: Vice Mayor 5killicorn.
MR. SILLIC�RN: Yes.
M5. BENDER: And Mayar F�'iedel.
MAYDR �RIE�EL: Aye.
MS. BEfVDER: Mayor, 7-�.
MAY�R FRIEQEL: Thank yau. And we'li mo�e ❑n to item B❑n the agenda, which is --
I'm apening a publi� h�aring. 5o this is dealing with the with ardinance related to
rezoning the area bounded by La Montana. Rachel �oodwin, 7own manager.
M5. GDOdWIN: Yes, thank you mayor. 7he item is going ta 6e presented tonight by
Directar Wesley. It's the adoption ❑f the �owntawn Overlay f7istri�t. This has been
something that we'�e talked abaut quite a bit. I belie�e it alsa went through ❑ur
planning and zoning. Sa John, with that, can you give us an update of where we are?
MR. WESLEY: Yes, Mayor and cauncil, gaod evening. I'll go through this fairly quickly
because we ha�e had several discussions abaut the ordinance itself. 5o back Septemher
2nd, the Town council apprav�d a new �hapter 217 to the zoning ordinance, which is
the ❑awntawn ��erlay ❑istrict. It's been developed and intended ta replace twa
existing o�erlay districts within the downtown area.
As part af this rezoning process, we fallaw the same standards and requireme�ts of any
other rezoning, with notice being mailed t❑ alk property owners, posting the area,
publishing in the n�wspaper. ❑ver the last few weeks, while that's been out, I'�e
recei�ed a few phone calls and emails, particularly fram people north of Palisades,
concern�d a little bit about what might happen in the Innovatian ❑istri�t, which is the
area north of Palisades, up to 5aguara. And then a couple of owners within the area
had some questions, but really it's been reiati�ely quiet on that frant.
5o existing we ha�e C2 zoning mostly in th� downtown area with one little spot af three
Fage 13 �f 55
TUWN �F FGUIVi'AIN HIiLS
aF.CEMBER 16, Z025 CI'IY COUNCIL MEETING MINU7E5
C3PD, and then the area baunded by the yellQw. We have the two existing ❑�erlay
districts, entertainment and planned shapping plaza averlays. The praposal is again to
repla�e the twa existing a�erlays and extend the overlay area to include the portion
narth of Palisad�s with a new dawntawn overlay.
5a your action tonight is whether or not ta remove the tw❑ o�erlay districts anci apply
the new one. It's nat really a discussian af the ordinance itself. Yau've alreaciy
appr�ved the new ardinan�e, but fvr the public wha may not he aware �f the provisions
of that, I'�e got a few hrief slides here that c��er the pro�isions of the ardinance.
5❑ again, the ❑awntawn Overlay bistrict is divided inta three sub-areas, the Innovation
District north ❑f Palisades, the Business District through the middl�, and then the
Avenue ❑istrict along the Avenue and a p�rtian ❑f Verde �iver.
In the A�enue ❑istrict, it limits the uses to primarily the active retail, camrnercial
entertainment, restaurant type uses along the A�enue within 5� feet �f the street. It
continues to permit the ❑utdoor entertainment acti�ities but allows those to be
appro�ed by staff and not ha�e to come to the Town council. Allaws residential ak�o�e
the ground floor at 35 units per acre, and n❑ resiciential an the ground fiaor.
In the 6usiness District, again allows the same uses, but expands it to also include the
office uses. 5o we're laoking for more employment type acti�ities as well as the retail in
this area. It still all�ws for the outd�vr entertainment, but in a slightly different venue
in terms of requirements. Dutcioors, but not within the right-of-way necessarily. I see
I've got a typ❑ here. Increases residential density 35, nat 350. Farget that extra iero in
there, per acre by right on upper floors. But ❑n the first floor with an SIJP, so 35 not
350.
And the Innpvation bistritt north of Palisades again allaws the �arious �ommercial uses,
but it's being expande� t❑ allow some emplayment uses there that wauidn't �e allowed
taday, t� fa�ilitate some of the biosGience and ❑ther type uses happening in that ar�a.
Planning and zonir�g �ommission ar�d staff recommend appraval of this rezoning. Any
questi�ns that y�u have of ine at this time?
MAY�R F�IEaEL: C�uncilwoman Earle.
Page i4 of 55
T�UJN �F Fl?UN"fAiN Hltl_5
D�CEM6ER 16, 20�5 C�TY C�l1NCll MEETING MINUFES
MS. EARLE: Thank you, Mayor. I ha�e a question. I didn't see in the packet that the --
well I saw in the pa�ket ane of the goals is for the new town strategy plan is ta bring
increased residential density. 6ut in the packet it didn't have the 35. 5a that was gaing
ta be r-ny question. But naw I see it's 35 units. I waufd like ta -- I couid appro�e this, but
I would like that reduced to 15 ur�its if we can da amendment for that.
MR. WESLEY: Mayor, if I may. 5o the a�tion tonight is whether ta rezone or not rezone.
You dan't have agendized -- it's not on your agenda to actualiy change anything within
the chapter 27 zaning ardinance. T❑ do that, we'd would have to go back through P and
Z for any of those types of changes.
M5. EARLE: Dkay. Well then I'll he a no tonight. Thank you.
MR. WATTS: So Jahn, was it unanimous from planning and zoning that to go to the 35
units? Was there any discussion?
MR. WESLEY: Mayor, Councilmember Watts, na, it was nat. It was unanimaus for it to
ga to 5� breaker. Cauncil redu�ed it from 5� to 35.
MR. WATTS: Thank you.
MR. W�S�EY: Excuse me. I'm sorry. It was not unanimous. It was six ta ane. But the
issue there wasn't the 5a units per acre for the one that didn't vote far it. Okay.
IJNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Thank you. John, piease clarify. What we're Iooking at tonight
is t❑ determine whether or nat t� remo�e existing overlays and replace them. �hat's all
we're really laaking at. We're not Iooking at the units or anythir�g else, �orrect?
MR, WESLEY: Mayor and cauncilmember, that is carrect.
llNIbENTIFIED SPEAKER: So that's all we're voti�g an. We're not changing the
❑rdinance or anything else that has to do with the spe�ifics ❑f what can be built
downtown ar otherwise, right?
MR. WESLEY: That is carrect. That wauld take a separate action.
U�VIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: �kay. I just need a clarification an it. Thank you.
MAYDR FRIEbE�: ❑o we ha�e any comment �ards?
MS. BENDER: Mayor, we have three cards. First speaker is Larry Myers �phonetic},
followed f�y Crystal Ca�anaugh and then Shelby Ble�her.
Page 15 of 55
1'UW�lI a� FDUN7Ailv lill.i5
fJECEAABER 1b, 2025 CITI' COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MR. MYERS: Larry Myers, resident 44 years. 5o my 7�l- year-ald brain didn't rememk�er
that the planning and zoning wanted S0, or I wauld ha�e jumped up and strangled some
af them. And then I alsa didn't remember that you guys lowered the 5� to 35, sa I
woufd {�ave probably been pr�tty pissed ❑ff ahout that tao. John's original
recommendatian was 15.
And the reason I like all of this and I support it. It's Amanda's -- 5he's got ta have it in
❑rder ta have some economic develapmen't. But I think zaning in this high c�ensity of
residentia� will actually zane out Amanda's ability ta bring in economic development,
be�ause apartments are the biggest money maker for a f�uilder. 5o if I'm a de�elaper, I
came in, I affer a lot of hig}� dollars to all thase parcel owners in that one area. I
cansolidate those parcels, and we ha�e nothing more than a bunch ❑f park places,
which we ha�e a prablem with now anyway, and we've zoned aut any patential extra
land that maybe Amanda brings in a company and they say, welf, I'd like ta ha�e across
Pafisades tao.
S❑ I`m trying ta sa�e the land for business, not houses, apartments. and 50 is really
❑btuse. 35 is almost Park Pla�e, and right now by right it's 8. And everybody lo�es the
place next to the Thai restaurant and thinks it fits in. Sa I would hope you guys would
appr�ve the ❑verlay district but reduce the residential density t� somewhere back
t�wards the eight. That wauld keep the character af the Town.
We have the ❑ne side of the A�enue. Hapefully Park Place finishes out same time in my
lifetime. And then the rest af the downtown would be more li�e the character of t#�e
other side of the Avenue and keep the landowners fram consolidating into giant parcels
where we Gould put things more, things like Park Place, and less things like Amanda's
scientific and te��nology quest. Sa thanks for the time. Appre�iate it. And thank you.
MS. CAVANAIJGH: Crystal Cavanaugh, resident af Fountain Hills. Hopefully I'm on th�
target an what's being addressed, but I'm g�ing t❑ tell you my points anyway right now,
because it will probably work intfl it somehow. Because rezoning that area r�orCh of
Palisades and along Saguara could make sense. You know, if it allows the Town t❑ seek
aut a corparate entity that can then hring well-paying jobs.
Page 16 of 55
�UiltfN bF rOUNiA�{l Fil��_5
GECEM3Eii 1E, 2Q%5 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MIfVUTES
l�hat being said, I didn't really understand haw this was all in one hucket, but I was
laoking at could the par�els be loolced at with more speGificity, while keeping in mind
what woufd be suitable in Fountain Hills? And the parcels have different owners, so if it
was all rezoned at once, the most likeEy scenaria is the one that was just talEced a�aut,
with an apartment de�elaper swooping in ta buy them all. And instead ❑f our usual 8
units per acre, to talk, abaut 35 units per acre seems ridicuiaus.
There are already over 3�0 apartments appro�ed in the target lat, which was 100 units
k�eyond what our zaning had called for. There's still o�er 25� Park Place apartments
approved t❑ 6e built. Th�re are apartments at the corner of Shea and Saguar❑ being
built now. 5� ta 7� mountainside apartments can be built, plus ott�ers in the north end
of town.
5� changir�g the remainder of the Plat 2�8 t� bring in high-density apartments doesn't
seem to fit the �ision for me. And let's take Parkview, far exampie. Think about a nice
roaftop restaurant and bar at the corner with a �iew of the fauntain, especially if it had
a unique draw like a Buffalo Bills up in 5haw Low with its western theme. A nice
steakhouse with eraft cocktails and a rooftap would be a nice addition. Ca�e Creek has
unique businesses that draw tourists and iocals alike. We ha�e a aark Sky ❑isca�ery
Center coming and that will bring more �isitors here. Could we not seek out a business
that complements that, maybe e�en with telescapes on a raoftap? 6e �reati�e to �reate
Fountain Hills as a destination stop.
More apartments are the easy way aut. And ihat's what makes me ner�aus abaut this.
And it brings in part-time people who have less investments with us. And ! don't even
know who thought jumping fram 8 units per acre up to 35 sounded iike a good idea, but
allowing limited builds similar to the one just recently appraved could wark aut, hut
certainly nat on all the remaining parcels.
5❑ maybe Park�iew is the real entertainment district with some imagination. ❑n-street
paricing is availai�le ❑n k�ath sides. Forget narrowing that street. If people need to park
further away, maybe an �ntrepreneur will start a new business shuttling people in a six-
person golf cart. I'm requesting that you take your time on this one and rQally look at
Page 17 of 55
TUNJN OF FOl1NTAl� HIlLS
❑�CEMBER 1b, 2�25 CiTY COUNCIL MEETIHG MINUTES
the end goals for what foest suits Fountain Hills d�wntown. 5hea is very busy. Make
selectians and decisions to di�ert some of that t❑ Fountain Hills with a solid business
o�erlay for econgmic de�elopment. Thanks.
MR. BLECHER: Good e�ening, Mayor and Town council. 5helby 6lecher, resident af
Fountain Hilis. As yflu knaw, I came from Los Ang�les, which is a town which is �ery
de�se and cantinues to be�ome even m�re dense. Growing up there, there was always
a�ammunity plan that was looked at, and it was aiways re�ised for mare density and
revised far more density and revised for m�re density. You can't ma�e araund the
Melrose and Fairfax area anymore. It takes a half an hour to g❑ two blocks, s❑ be
�areful what you ask fvr here.
I understand this is like an up-and-down vote. Yau're either going to appro�e the
❑verlay and allow 35 units per acre or you're not. I say 35 units per acre is way toa
many. It's just going down the road that other towns are going t�, where you're going
ta choke yoursef�es to death, and no one's going to be happy, and no one's gfli�g tfl
benefit fram it. We're going to lose our small town feel, and it's not going to feei any
m�re like a Hallmark town. It's going to feel mare and more like downtown Phoenix.
Please, just please �ate na an this. Thank you.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Vice mayar
MR. STILLIC�RN: Thank yau, Mr. Mayor. And I just want to ask you a question. Are you
going ta clase the hearing before acc�pting a motian, or you're just looking for
comments right naw, flr what's the plan there?
MAYDR FRIEdEL: Typi�ally ! close the hearing and then we ask far a motion.
MR. STILLICORN: Dkay. Ancf I'd just like to make a camment. Sa I am concer�ed abaut
the density. And it is interesting hearing same comments from the put�li�, especially
about Las Angeles. and a little story. Gi�e me a little bit af I�eway. It's not lang aga I
was camping in 6ig Bear, and I was hiking on the sauthwest side af the mauntain, and I
could look dawn and see Los Angeles. Yet yflu couldn't see Los Angeles because it was
�o�ered in smog.
And I had a thflught that 6D years a�a, 5a years ago, had the aeadership in Las Angeles
Page 18 of 55
TQ1ArN pF Fnl�f�TAi�ti HILLS
DEC�fJiBER 15, ZU2S CITY C�UNCIL MEETING MINlJTES
envisioned what was going ta happen, and had apprapriate zoning and appropriate
density, Los AngeEes wouldn't t�e like that. It would be a great pEace ta li�e. But you
wouldn't have the poilution. You wnuldn't have the traffic. You wouldn't have the
crime. You wouldn't ha�e the hamelessness, if you }ust had the appr�priate density.
And that leads us to where we are here. We are at the perfect town in Arizona. Why
would we want to screw it up? 5a ti�at's all.
MAY�R FRIEDE�: Councilman Watts.
MR. WATTS: John, just so I'm clear, being an up-and-down vote, we could, if the vote
failed, bring this back. �r does it ha�e t❑ ga ta planning and zaning if the
reeommendation is for sameihing like 15 units per a�re as a density in lieu of 35?
MR. WESLEY: 5o Mayor, Councilmember Watts, you have a eoupfe of different chai�es
this evening. One would be t❑ cantinue on with the up-or-dawn �ote on applying the
zoning. If you vote tonight t❑ not apply it, it's stilf chapter 27 of the zoning ordinance.
5❑ at some point in the future, yau cauld f�ring it back, and the existing ❑rdinances
would just stay in plaGe until we're ready t❑ bring it ba�k.
You cauld cantinue it this e�ening and not take a�tion tonight with s�me direction to
staff to ga ba�k to P and 2, t❑ c�nsicler amendments t❑ chapter 27 and wark those
through and then come k�a�k and pick this up. Either way, it's probably the same
whether you �ate it down or continued it. ff you want ta make changes, though, to
chapter 27 ta change that density, it is a separate action that would need t❑ go back to P
and Z first before eoming to you.
MR. WAiTS: But even if it went ba�k ta P and Z, we would have the last say as far as the
de�sity. If we came back with 35, then we would have the ability to say, amend it ta 16.
MR. WESLEY: Correct, whate�er.
M R. WATTS: Correct?
MR. WESLEY: Yes.
MR. WAT�S: �kay. Then, Mayar, once yau close --
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Cauncilwoman.
M5. MCMAH�N: �Fhank you �ery mueh. Sorry t❑ belabor the point, but this is for the
Page 19 nf 55
T:]WN pF FfJIJ"JTAIN HILs.S
L'�CEMBER lfi, 2C�25 CI7Y C�IJNCII MEETING MINLITES
❑verlay District. If we want to go back and loak at the density at 5� per acre, 35, that's a
whole different discussian and agenda itern.
MAY�R FRIEbEL: Carrect.
M5. MCMAHON: Sa e�en if this is passed, we still ha�e the opportunity to go ba�k and
look at density issues and re�isit that separately.
MR. WESLEY: Mayar, Councilmember, that's correct. That is another option. You could
go ahead and appro�e it, anci we could still amend the D�erlay District and bring that
o�erlay back and it would apply, whate�er you amend it to.
MS. MCMAH�N: ❑kay. Thank you very much. And I'm going to --
MR. WATTS: I got ane more comment.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Cauncilman Watts.
MR. WATTS: I think my concern with �ating it is that if we vote to appro�e it, then we --
e�en though we can come ba�k and re�i�w it and change the density at some point in
the future, we leave that windaw of opportunity apen for peaple, develflpers,
whome�er t❑ swoop in and huy up that area under its current zoning, at which time it
would be grandfathered in. Sa I would like ta close that window f�efore we allow that
ta ❑ccur. That's my �an�ern.
MAYOR FRIEdEL: Brenda.
M5. KALIVIANAKIS: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think Peggy's points are really weli-taken. I
think we mig#�t be mixing apples and ❑ranges here tonight as to what we're trying to
aGcamplish. I think the density thing is a whoie different deal. You know, this this has
gone to planning and zoning. They approved 50. It came back to this counei� at 35. It's
had citizen participatian plans. It's had a whole history of expasure to the public.
And we're here tonight. It seems like a pretty perfunctary vote just ta �ote an a simple
change ta the ❑�erlay district, which is recommended by our Amanda, our de�elopment
coardinator.
And so I'm gaing to be for this. If these issues and density -- there's samething the
Council wants ta bring up at a future date, they can da that. But voting against this is
not going to do what they're trying t❑ accomplish.
Page ZU of 55
Taw�v �� FaurerA�r: �Ft�s
DECEMBER 16, 2Q25 CIFY CaUNCII MEETING MINUTES
MAYOR FRIEDEL: ❑Ecay. Any other discussion? I'm going to cfose the public hearing.
�ouncilman 5killicarn, �ice mayar.
MR. STILLICORN: I'd like to make a motion ta cantinue this until after the retreat.
M R. WATTS: Second.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: We have a mativn and a second ta continue. �an we get a roll call,
please?
MS. BEN�ER: Councilmember Watts.
M R. WATTS: Aye.
MS. BENdER: Councilmember Kali�ianakis.
M5. KALIVIANAKIS: Nay.
M5. BEN�ER: Councilmember Larrabee.
M5. LARRABEE: Aye.
M5. BEN�ER: Councilmember McMa�an.
M5. MCMAH�N: Nay.
M5. BENDER: Councilm�mber Earle.
MS. EARLE: Aye.
M5. B�NaER: Vice Mayar 5killicorn.
MR.STILLlCORN: Yes.
M5. BENDER: And Mayar Friedel.
MAYDR FRIEf]EL: Aye.
MS. BENbER; May�r, 5-2.
MAYOR FRIEbEL: Thank you.
And our next item C is another puhiic hearin�. So I'm going to ❑pen the public hearing.
Town manager Rachel.
MS. GDODWlN: All right. �ur next public hearing, John, I think you're up aga€n. This
one is related ta an SLJP far a property on 5aguaro Boule�ard. Specifically reducing the
number of required parking spaces. 1ahn, I'll let you take it from there.
MR. WES�EY: Thank you. Mayor, Council. We're deaiing wiCh the southwest corner af
Palisades and 5agu�ra. The building there it's in the current downtown shapping plaza
Page 21 af 55
TOWN QF FOUNTAIN HILLS
QECEMBER 1Fi, 2aZ5 CITY CflUNGI. MEETING MINUTES
❑�erlay. There's a lat af �ver 10,8�� square feet. �ats of this size, by ordinance, are
required to provide all their awn parkirrg. However, they can apply far a special use
permit to allow up ta a 5Q per�er�t redu�tion, gi�en the large parking field adjacent ta it
with part af the plateau 8.
So the property owner has requested a special use permit to remove up to nine parking
spa�es along the south side af the building. It's currently a three-tenant buifding. 41
parking spa�es are required for this building, and there are 41 parking spaces a�ailable.
It has twa existing dri�e-up windows, one on the east side and ❑ne on the west side.
The desire is t❑ remo�e the parking space along the south side af the building t❑
facilitate reuse of the dri�e up window along th� �ast side ❑f the building and have a
longer drive-up lane to pro�ide access ta the order board and then ta the windaw as
shown in this particular ilfustration.
If we cansider an SUP, there are certain considerations that the ardinan�e says need t❑
be reviewed, and ❑ne is wauld appra�al he detrimental to the public health, safety,
peace, or general comfort of the neighborhood? 5o again, there are 41 spa�es required
and 41 pro�ided. The existing uses taday aren't really utilizing all thase parking spa�es.
When you go by there, you rarefy see all the spaces full. The �airy Queen praje�t, which
is the one praposing to go in, projects a need for 16 parking spaces so that remaving 9
at this point does nat seem to be particularly detrimental to the area.
Also, loaking further araund the area, when we look at the eastern portion ❑f the
plateau 8 parking lot, and yau can see the number of spaces that are currently open
there. When we laok at all the land a�ailable, and if thase were �ach built out to a
typical size, there wauld be a need for 142 parking spaces. And w� count 216 currently.
S❑ the area does appear to t�e o�er-parked for a full build ❑ut conditian.
�he next consideration, would the appra�al be detrimental to existing �ommercial
impro�ements within the area? So the development is shawing seven vehieles being
parked up for the dri�e-up window without bfocking any of the dri�e aisles. If you get
beyand that, it could start to impact the drive-thru lanes, the interior circulation there.
The applicant has agreed to manitar the situatiar� and put gut cones, as may be
Page 22 of 55
TC7WN Q�f F�UNTAiN HiLIS
❑ECEIVIBER 16, 2D25 CITY C�UfdCIL MEETING MIAiUTES
necessary, if there gets t� be a signifi�ant traffiG fiaw.
And there's also s�me concern with the lass of parking spa�es. Emplayees ❑f the center
may decide to park in the most convenient spaces, which would be the ones
immediately south af that dri�e aisle. There's a t�usiness looicing at using that building,
and expanding, and had some concern that if empfoyees are parking there, then her
�ustomers wauldn't be abie t❑ park. And so we laoked at that consideration.
And so this illustrates that conditian, if you have the two drive lanes in and aut, if you
get anather car stacked behind the drive-up lane, it would start ta interfere with
incaming traffic. And these are the parking spaces that there was s�me cancern �f
employees from this building parking in that locatiar�,
I did make one a nate as we re�iewed this. �he illustratian is aff a little bit. This is
shawir�g a 22- foot-wide dri�e aisle. But when we measured it, it's actually wider than
that. It's actually 30 feet. So there's more room in there for that circulation than what it
appears in the iilustratians that were providecl.
And then just o�erall in the area, there's access aff af Palisades Boulevard. There's one
aff the screen her� that would came in off of Parkview that provide multiple routes for
vehicles ta get into and queue into that drive-up lane just besides just the one off of
5aguaro. 5o w� f�el that with thase, those will mitigate any of the challenges there.
And then finally, would approval be detrimental, injuriaus to th� general welfare of the
Town? And the staff did not identify any general issues.
Ther� was one site planning issue that has been addressed, but ga ahead and t�ring it
up, in case you've heard abaut this ❑r the cancern. 7hat is, there is an existing grease
interceptor located in a traffic island that's now going ta becom� part of the driv�-thru
lane. And the sanitary district requested it be moved, and the applicant has agreed ta
mflve it t❑ a Incation to the east that was acceptable ta the sanitary district.
5a with that, the Planning and Zaning Commissi�n has recammended approval ❑f
elimination af the nine spaces with two canditions. One is requiring that employees af
the businesses ❑n this prflperty be required ta park in the parking lot to the sauthwest
and not immediately to the south, anc� again that they move forward with the grease
Page 23 of 55
3[]VJ�II DF FdU111TAiN'.-lii.LS
C7wCEMBER 16, 2025 �i fY CaUNCII MEETING MINUTES
interceptor being mo�ed as shown in the site {�lan. With that, are there any questions
for me?
MAY�R FRIEQEL: Caun�ilman Watts?
MR. WA7TS: Jahn, the parking spaces that are �n the south sid� ❑� the aisle, i'll �all it
❑airy Queen. I'm gEad to see, number one, that it's not a dual lane. I think ❑riginally it
was proposed as a dual lane for dri�e-thru, but thase parking spaces, it �aoks like there's
three cars. How are they going? How is the owner�developer gaing ta block off or
prate�t those four spaces from 4�eing utili2ed?
MR. WESLEY: Councilmember are you talking about these spaces immediately to the
west?
MR. WATTS: No, I'm talking about the ones ta the right where those three cars are.
8ecause if yau look at the ather drawing with the parking spaces, are those parking
spaces included as well, ar are they blocked off? Anc! I know I'm pointing ta the screen.
You can't see it, but it's thase first three before the t�rn Eane.
MR. WESLEY: 5o Mayar and Councilmember, here's the existing condition. And these
parking spa�es wil! be �'emoved and he�ame the drive-thru lane and these remain. And
there's that curb that will be put in for the transition.
MR. WATTS: How are you protecting thase spaces? Are theyjust not going ta be
marked as parking spa�es or?
M�. WESLEY: To these three immediately to the west?
MR. WATTS: No. Back to where now the drive-thru is.
MR. WESLEY: So yes, there just won't he spaces anymore.
MR. WATTS: You're just going to take the marEcingS away. And sfl there's no indication?.
MR. WESLEY: Yeah, they'll be repa�ing that, putting in the curb and assign it as the
dri�e-thru lane.
MR. WATTS: Okay. So the only problem then is if we had 12 �ars in the drive-thru lane,
you �ould have blackage to the other spaces further t❑ the west.
MR. WESLEY: Right.
MR. WATTS: Shauld be a warning sign to people nat t❑ park there.
Pa�e 24 of 55
TiJWN C1F F47i.FiV7Alil Nfl.�.5
RFCEMBEfi lfi, 2�25 CITV CQIfNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MR. WESLEY: Park at your own risk.
MR. WATTS: Thank you.
MAYDR FRIE�EL: Vice Mayor.
MR. STILLIC�RN: Thank you, Mr. Mayor and �irector Wesley, as an interesting point.
And hopefully this is successful, and they'EI need mare than seven cars in that lane on
occasion. And I don't know if there's fiexit�ility to actually eliminate those extra three.
6ut t�at's not in front ❑f us tonight. But if we`re talking about a successful redeveloping
❑f this building, I think we might be open ta something like that. At least I am.
MAY�R FRIE�EL: Cauncilwoman McMahon.
M5. MCMAHQN: pidn't this building used to be a dairy queen? 5❑ it's been there
before, correct? It functianed fine, the whole nine yards.
MR. WE5LEY: Yes, May�r and Cauncilmember, I belie�e that's correct. It's before my
time. I ha�en't seen it. They may have had a mare iimited line af products that were
sel�ing at that time, but yes, it has been a aairy Queen in the past.
M5. MCMAH�N: Okay. Thank you �ery mu�h.
MAYOR FRIEDEL• Councilman Watts.
MR. WATTS: Just as a side nate, they've got great chili dags, and I ne�er had problem
getting thraugh the dri�e thru.
M5. MCMAHON: Want to make a motion?
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Let me let me ask if -- are there any other comment cards, Tawn
Clerk?
M5. BENDER: No, Mayor.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: No. �kay. Thank yau. Then I'm going ta close the public hearing, and
then I'!I laok for a mation.
UNIQENTIFIED 5PEAKER: I move t❑ approve.
MR. WATT5: 5econd.
UNIQENTIFiED SPEAKER: It works, it works.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: So we ha�e a motion and a secand. Car� we g�t a roll �all �ote,
please?
Page z5 of 55
FQWN flF FOUNTAIN HILL5
�F:CEM6ER 16, 2025 �lTY C�UNCIL MEETING MINl1TE5
M5. 6EN�ER: Cauncilmember McMahon.
MS. MCMAHON: Aye.
MS. BENpER: Councilmember Larrab�e.
M5. LARRABEE: AYE,
M5. BEN�ER: Cauncilmember Earle.
MS. EARLE: Aye.
M5. BENDER: Councilmemi�er Kavilianakis.
MS. KAVILIANAKIS: Aye.
M5. 6ENDER: Councilmember Watts.
MR. WATTS: Aye.
M5. BEND�R: Vice Mayar 5killicarn.
MR.5ILLIC�RN: Yes.
M5. BENDER: And mayor Friedle.
MAYDR FRIEaEL: Aye.
M5. BENDER: Mayor, 7-Q.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank you. Next up we have dis�ussion and p�ssible directian relating
t❑ creating a Placemaking 5trategy for murals �n exterior walls. Town Manager Rachel.
MS. G�O�W1N: Yes, that's �orrect. So just as a noie, it is a discussion item. I belie�e
Amanda is going ta walk thraugh the internai �on�ersations we'�e been ha�ir�g and
some af the external requests that we'�e had about murals within aur husiness area. Sa
Amanda, would you take it from there?
MS. JAC�BS: All right, Thank yau, Manager Goodwin, Mayor, Coun�il. 5a yes, agair�
tonight is to talk abaut a Placemaking Strategy ❑n the exteriar buildings of private
businesses. I am going t❑ he going through lots of pretty folders and then just reafly
seeking a consensus to mo�e forward ta bring this back.
S❑ our elected officials, who are very analytica! and like data, we're nat at that point yet.
We're wanting t❑ see if Council e�en supports the idea before we spend a lot vf time.
6ut just as a reminder, in '23 the Council unanimously appro�ed a three-year
�ommunity economic de�elopment strategy, whi�h calls far a Placemaking Speaking
Page 2fi of 55
YOV1�!v L7F Ffl'JN7�tN Fi��LS
UEC�AIB�R 46, 2UZ5 LITY COLINCIL MEETING MINUTES
strategy. And then in 2�24, you also unanimously appr�ved our downtown strategy.
And s❑ here are a cauple of murals. 5a specificaliy these are �n utility boxes within the
downtown. In 2023, the Councif also appro�ed and authorized as an ongaing expense,
$25,00� t❑ execute these murals. So again, these are just throughaut downtown. We
just installed nine more.
And s�me of you I know, Councilmember Kalivianakis shared and forwarded some
residents wh❑ are like, how can I get my hoxes painted? What about the ones you
kn�w a�ross from La Montana? S❑ as we start t❑ r�o this, the phone starts to ring in. S�
the last cauple af weeks we've been inundated.
We'I! see there's murals inside. This is Mindful Sarbell. This is 5nawbird Ice Cream. So
we'�e �reated a pr�blem. But I think it's a gond prablem is there's ather folks that are
wanting to d❑ this, 5o they're inspired, so we can d❑ stuff and then inspire somebody. I
lo�e that.
Sa what we've received is requests from f�usinesses to either donate their wall, which is
a k�lank space, completely white building, for the Town ta install a mural, ft's alsa been
haw about we split the cost of doing that? We'll give you the wafl. We'll also split the
cost to implement.
And th�n aver the last past year and the last couple of manths, we've had six ta seven
businesses do a mix of t�is, hut se�eral wanting t❑ rock and roll right now t❑ actualfy
instail mura{s, which would t�e completely funded k�y the property owner or the
business. S❑ hence that's the prablem is we're g�tting these requests, but we don't
quite ha�e a policy ar program.
And sa what staff is requesting is your support to mo�e forward, ta come ba�k in abflut
three to faur months. 7hat is shawing said poli�y. 5o creating some guideiines that
could come thrpugh T�wn staff for review and ap�ro�al, and t❑ alsa cansider a farmal
annual call-ta-artist pro�ess.
5a I'm going to hriefly kind af describe w�at we d❑ with the utility baxes. 5o we partner
with a third-party which used to be called the 5fluthern Arizona Arts and Culture
Alliance, which is now called Art State Arizona. And so they work with lots of
Page 27 of 55
TtIWN QF FDUNTAI�V HILiS
17ECEMBER 1fi, 'tU25 CITY CflUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
munici�alities. They, on our behalf, do a national �all-to-artist. 5o the current one we
just campleted, we had ❑�er 18 artists submit. Ther� is then a committee that reviews
it. And there's a criteria. And so, far instance, again with these �oxes we say what is
appropriate is our fauntain, tapping int❑ the dark skies, nature, trees. Sa we're then
reviewing to see has some�ody actually followed the rules. Or have they gone aut of
scope and are going t❑ do something inappropriate? 5a there's then the ranking.
So we would prapose something like that where, again, there's some contral to ensure
there's nathing palitical in nature, there's no ac{�ertising af a husiness.
So far instance, there's one business that's a tenant. We wouldn't want them on their
exteriar -- they don't ❑wn the property, to put a mural that's actually advertising their
business because if, for some reasan they go under, which we hope daes nat happen
with aur business-retention program, that we're not stuck looking at, oh, well, that
f�usiness failed.
5o again, looking to d❑ that. As we ga thraugh this, we would also want ta make sure
that we are not having any negative impacts to our Tflwn code, whi�h alsa within the
cade includes our roning code. 5o with that I will ❑pen it up to Cvuncil. Again, I know
ther�'s not lots of detail. We're just seeking. Would you like us t❑ spend time on this?
5o we're nat telling �oun�ilmembers we don't have a process or telling them no, ❑r we'll
get back to you, we've k�een waiting to get ta cauncil. So with that, Mr. Mayor, happy ta
hear some feedback.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Coun�ilmember Kali�iankis.
M5. KALIVIANAKIS: .Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yeah, man, I can't thank you enough to
bring this up tonight as a placeholder for future discussion. As you know, I'�e been
approached by a number af businesses ar�d r�sidential, and it's hard to tell them we
don't really ha�e a policy on that. Let me see what i can da for you.
And so this is, I think, an example of government being nimble. It's responding to a plan
that was done by the manager and a few departments. People lo�e the murals and the
electri�al. And s� it's kind af catching on. 8ut it's so gaod for a public policy standpoint
t❑ ha�e peaple -- had codifiecf, you knaw, this is what you can do. This is what you can't
Fage 28 af 55
Tr,U„iV �� FC3U"lTR�N Fi1LLs
RECEME3ER 16, 2n22, CITV CDUNCIL MEETING MINl1TE5
do. You can't promate y�ur Qwn business. Yau ean do somet�ing ta beautify the City.
No poiitics, just the rules af the road.
And so you know, I'm really -- I'm strongly for this. It's something that a lot of people
even want in their own neighborhoods. Ar�d I do think they wauld be willing to pay far
them. You knaw, we've got the artists, we'�e got the talent, ar�d the peflple want to see
their neighbarhoads beautified. And so I just want t❑ say thanks for 6ringing this up.
Definite big, i�ig fan.
MS. JA�0B5: Thank you.
MAY�R FRIEaE�: Coun�ilman Watts.
MR. WATTS: Yeah. Amanda, Thanks. I'm a fan. There's a lot af fun to walk around and
take pictures af -- anci ma�ros and you knaw, of landscape and that kind of stuff. 5❑ it's
pr�tty neat. I am interested in what the guidelines will look like. 5o if yau're as€ced
tonight is it ta say I'm going to came back with the guidelines, t�ings like the NP� has a
com�r-ient that says desert muted colors, far instance. 5o w� don't ha�e glari�g high
gloss. We've gat sornething that hlends in with the desert. And possibly a consideration
is other utilities. Yau know, if we can get inv�lved with somebfldy like Cax Cable and we
can do that, fire hydrants, I mean, thase Gan be very, very creative. 5a other things.
And so I'm a supporter. Thank ya�.
M5. JACflBS: Thank yau. And then, Mr. Mayor, if I cauld just. CounGilmemher Watts
brings up a �ery good point in some of the inquiries I'm getting from businesses. And
❑ur residents are ioaking at other 6oxes, is telling them it's just 5RP right naw. S❑
sometimes wnen yau see, ah, there's all these murals and then there's an empty -- so
thank you for bringing that up, Councilmember Watts.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Councilwoman.
MS. MCMAHON: Thank you. Thank you for t�ringing this farward. I ha�e �oncerns
abaut it, thaugh. You're asking about exterior buildings and adding mare murafs, et
cetera. I ha�e a concern that there might {�e o�er-proliferati�n of this k�ecause, right
naw, looking at the 5RP utility baxes, they're very unique, and they're �ery well
accepted, and I waulcin't want that to get difuted in a lot of ways.
Page 29 of 55
7fJ1hJFa fJF Fl]LN �Ai�! Nfl.�S
UfC��i�]B�ii 1F, Z�iS C�iY CQU'VCII. h9EETIiVG MINl1TE5
But also I'm just concerned about, yo� know, what are th� guidelines going to be, you
knaw, is it censQrship? What if somebody wants t❑ put samething up and then we, you
knaw, deem it politi�al ❑r something? Is that an infrin�ement on the right for freedam
af expression? I mean, I think that this is prok�ably going to detail right nnw, �ut it's just
thase are things that I thought about.
And then I think that the Town, if they want to put a policy like this forward, I think that
yau're going t� need some serious consideration at�aut a few things, you know, like that
in the artistic warld. And again, I am concernec{ that, given the density of our
downtown and ❑ther areas in town that, you know, are you gaing to cap it at a certain
number? I mean, there are sa many questians that ! ha�e a�out this, but so I am
anxious t� see what that policy might be. I think that it's going to -- might be a little bit
difficult to draft, but then we'I! see. Thank you.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: I'm 11Q per�ent behind it. Bring us back somc guidelines. I think
that's what you're loaking is for same direction. I think you'�e gat a lot ❑f people that
are interested in this. 5o bring us back same guidelines, and let's mave with it.
MS. JACOBS: Mayor, do we have anyone else? 5o again, I'�e heard fram grenda, Rick
and you as a yes. And just looking for --
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Councilwoman Larabee is next up.
MS. JA��BS: Thank you.
MS. LARRABEE: 5ure. I'm afs❑ a yes, As far as bringing it back. I will actually somewhat
ech❑ what my fellow councilmemf�er mentioned. I do want ta be looking at these rules
and understanding that, ane, I think you braught up a very good point af I don't
necessarily want to water down the existing art t�at we have by going ❑verboard on the
❑ther end. S❑ that's going t❑ be where my mindset is when we do redis�uss this. But
for the record, I am for it. I think, in general, when we dan`t ha�e a palicy on samething
that there is public interest, let's get a palicy down.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Caun�ilwaman Earle.
M5. EARLE: I'm in suppart ❑f the policy as well. And I just want to make sure that
comes back to us to review. Great. Thanks.
Page 30 nf 5S
?'OW�V �F FOLfNiAlh t-ilLLS
�ECEMB�R 1fi, �015 ti'TY COUfVCIL MEETIIVG MfNUTES
MAYOR FRIE�EL: I think y�u ha�e your direction.
M5. JACDBS: Yep. And I just received a thumbs up. And then to just again reassure,
whenever we bring back a draft code, guidelines, ar palicy, it goes through the Tawn
attorney's affice first before we daylight it in publi� and you see. 5o I appreciate the
concerns from Councifinember McMahon and Larrabee. We`II �ring those back.
MAYDR FRIEaEL; 7hank yau. And item E is consideration passible action authorizing
the budget transfer frflm the generaE fund cantingency to the bowr�town strategy Fund.
Rachel.
MS. G�d�WlN: birector Jacabs, don't ga anywhere. You're up again. 7his is --
M5. JAC�BS: You're stuck with me.
MS. GD�aWIN: Yes, this is a unique ane. And ifi I recall, Co�nciEmemher Larrabee was
ex�ited abaut this when it was first sort ❑f introduced as America's 250th birthday. You
probably started to see it advertised in a iot af different p�aces. I see it in s❑ many
unusual pfaces. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I see it somewhere unexpected.
But in preparatian, the Tawn is getting ready ta engage in the same type of hanar to
sort of partrrer with the rest of the nation as we celebrate this. And in order to do so,
we've been doing some internal discussions about what that looks like, how we can da
that, how we can make this a cammunity wide within the next cal�ndar year, 202fi. Sa
with that Rirectar Jaco6s is going to gi�e you s�me details and talk abaut next steps.
❑kay.
M5. JAC�B5: Thank you, manager Goodwin. 5he stole a little bit af my thunder, but
that's akay. That's okay because I have tv talEc hudget and numbers, which is sometimes
a little baring. 5o yes, next year we want ta celebrate America's turning 25�.
The unfortunate is it's nat currently in the budget. And sa that is why we're coming
before this mayor ar�d �ounci4 ta request $1��,�QQ. 6ut laear with me to the public and
t❑ ❑ur elected body.
5fl for this current fiscai year, we are looking to take mQney fram ❑ur general fund
�ontingency, which is a�er $1 million, ta transfer 15,�QD ta the bowntawn Fund, which
also has a healthy balance of almast 7Q�,D�4. But again, far yau, ❑ur electeci bady and
Page 31 vf 55
TQWN QF Fi7L1PJTAl{li lilLi.S
DECEMBER 15, 2i125 CITY CflUNCIL MEETING MINfJTES
for the public here and viewing at home, you anly gave myself the aut�ority, our CFO
and the Town manager within the 17awntawn 5trategy Fund to spend abaut $13�- or
$60,��a. S❑ I can't go. I don't have the authority, flr manager, or CFO. This body d�es --
has the authority to teli us we can transfer in, so we can tap into that downtawn fund
that again has elose to $7�0,000.
Sa $15,00� for that is ta take down the current k�anners alang the A�enue and then to
celebrate America 250 and ha�e those up for approximately six mant}�s. The remaining
af that 6a,000 af that we're requesting far this fiscal year would then go towards the
general fund, specifically our Community 5er�ices Department, recreatian, to get t-shirts
that we can start pre-selling in honar of 4th of July America 250, have our branding, a
logo af America 25� and also purchase ather promational material that we ean
distribute thraughout the year at our e�ent. 5❑ again, from January to July.
And then we're also loaking at -- we don'C know all the details y�t, but we would love to
have a family movie night with the 1775 theme. And we're laoking at some ❑f our
parks. Sa again, to just foring the family, just honor the traditians being America, yau
know, heing Ameri�an, f�eing praud. Ha�e a picnic, all the things.
Sa naw the remaining 40,000 we're asking you for fis�al year'Z7, ! even had to get past
the CFQ. 5o because in a cauple af months, we will be before you at a cauncil retreat.
5o the reason why we're asicing for that now is we can't wait for you guys to hopefully
approve aur final budget for fiseal year'27 in June. And then we try t❑ pull ❑ff a
national promoter, hand, and same of these other things.
And spe�ifically that �l0,QQ0 is we're trying ta get a national band or singer. We need t❑
start procuring same of that naw, getting contracts in piace. And so we car�'t do that if
we dan't knaw we're authorized or ha�e the funding to da that.
5o what wauld then happen is the accounting and behind the scenes, aur CF❑ and
finance team will just carry that over t❑ fiscal year'27. Hapefully I didn't botch that up.
Hopefully I didn't confuse yau. 5o again, we're looking for that budget transfer and
authority to celebrate America 25�. Mr. Mayor and Council.
MAl'OR FRIEDEL: Vice mayor.
Page 32 oi 55
�c�u+�v oF ��ur�ralry �i��s
DECEMBER 16, 2ilZS Cl7Y CflUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MR. STILLICORN: Thank you, Mr. Mayar. This saunds very exciting. 5ounds very
patriotic. And what's also realiy neat is that we're ahead af the game here. I foresee
this being a great appartunity far tourism. I see this as a great opportunity for us to
market our town. So I'm very excited abaut this. I'm going t❑ make a motion to
appro�e this as drafted.
MS. EARLE: I'll second. But I also want ta say stuff.
MAYDR FRIEdEL: Cauncilwamar� Earle.
MS. EARLE: Maybe I didn't hear yau say it. is the national band for the 4th of July,?
M5. JAC�65: Correct, sarry. No, I didn't.
MS. EARL�: Thank yflu.
MS. J�ICOBS: Yau're welcome. Yes. Yau're welcome.
M5. EARLE: Got it. Okay.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Brenda.
MS. KALfVIANAKlS: Thank yau, Mr. Mayor. Yeah, I'm fully supparting this, and I'm going
ta go right from supporting it inta the weeds, which is you mentioned the banners,
taking them down, replacing the banners. If there's one complaint I've heard from
many residents of our town is those banners are too small. You can't read them. Waulc�
there be any �han�e that we can use this opportunity? We take the �anners down and
maybe get �arger banners and bigger pales, something that would be more appropriate
because there's s❑ little right now that it's just, yau know, enjay �ountain Hills in
Fountain Hills, but you reaily can't see them. Th�y're not very �isi�le.
So I'm just taking this -- that's why I said it's in the weeds, because I'm far this and I'm
not going t� kill it if y�u say no. But I think this would be a great opportunity to thraw a
little �ait of money in better banners, which we cauld use in the future to celebrate high
school students, veterans, ar any other thing like in a six-month rotating basis but have
them just mare �isible and something that wfluld be mare impa�tful for tourists and
peaple that dra�e through the Tawn.
M5. �ACOBS: Mr. Mayor, Coun�ilmember Kali�ianakis, what I wauld say is hakd that
thought and maybe bring that fflrth during the February council retreat, because it's
Page 33 af 55
T�?WN pF FOU�IT�lN HILLS
Uf_CEMBER 16, t015 CETY C�UNCIL MEETING MINUTES
going ta delay the process. 5a again, I wauld need to get with the facilities department.
What's the impact of, of poles like, how c}uickly could we da this? We could delay it. By
you guys saying yes, now, we're hoping in the next couple ❑f weeks to g❑ to print and
put these �ad boys up in in January. This c�uid delay Et hy a cauple of manths. Sa I
appreGiate where you're going and kind of going in the weeds k�ut mayhe hring that up
for the February council retreat to think ahout it for cansideration for fiscal year'27.
MS. KALIVIANAKIS: Fair enough. Thank you.
M5. JACdBS: Yau're welcome.
MAYDR FRIEL7EL: Councilwoman Larrabee.
MS. LARRABEE: Just for the record, 1 wauld agree ❑n that. 1'm certainfy not oppased to
discussing larger t�anners, but I want the m�ney ti�at we're appro�ir�g for the 250th t❑
go to the 250th. And really, all I wanted to say was I knew this idea wauld be in good
hands with Amanda
I`m just s❑ excited t❑ see this. 5o thank you so much. I think that Fvuntain Hills is
leading the charge in a lot af ways on �elebrating the z5�th anni�ersary of aur cfluntry.
And I'm really excited and really praud to see this unfolding. 5a thank you for yvu and
everything that yau and yflur team are doing.
M5. JACDBS: Thank you. And Mr. Mayor, councilmember Larrabee, I do you want ta
gi�e a huge shout out to our recreation team that is part ❑f this, as well as our public
information afficer. So we'�e been meeting for several manths, and then of course, our
manager of like, yes, like we need to get this done and her helping with the creativiCy.
But I'm like, I'm the one that has t❑ ask for the money. We need t❑ stay at 1�Q,000. So
there's f�een excitement. So thank you.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Councilman Watts.
MR. WATTS: Yeah, I'm definitely a supporter af the celebration and the thaught behind
it. Although I do think it's impartant that we're nat pro�iding the cammunity with swag
bags and free t-shirts, and there is some recouping of s�me of these costs as we go
forward. I'd also ask to gi�e you my proxy next time I ga to the bank ta get a loan, s❑
yau can sel! them on me too. Thank you.
Page 34 of 5S
TD'JVN C1F Fi7t�NTAi1�� Ni! t5
�EC:EMBER ].;s, 2Q25 CIT1 CDUNCIL MEETI3VG MINUTES
M5. JAC065: 5o again, Mr. Mayor, Councilmember Watts again brings up a goad p�int.
5a with the T-shirts, we do pian on seiling them. So we wiil be reGouping. And then, as
always, as we icind of get through this program, we will report back of did we use the
fulf 7.a�,���. ❑f c�urse yau're gaing to see things. But we can als❑ report back on the T-
shirt safes.
MAYDR FRIE�EL: I'il make a final camment. I think it's far�tastic. And we really need ta
have a big celei�ratian for the 25Dth, so I'm 1DQ per�ent �ehind this. 5o did we get a
m�tion yet an this? Na.
UNI�ENTIFIED SPEAI{ER: Oh you did.
UNIl7ENTIFEE❑ SPEAKER: Yeah, we had Allen and then I se�onded it.
MAYDR FRI�QEL: �h, we have a mation ar�d a se�ond. Can we please tafce a rall call?
MS. BENDER: Councilmember McMahon.
M5. MCMAHON: Aye.
M5. BEN�ER: Coun�ilmember Larrabee.
M5. �ARRAB��: Aye.
MS. BENbER: Councilmember Earle.
M5. EARI.E: Aye.
MS. BENb�R: Councilmerrrber Kali�ianakis.
M5. i{ALIVIANAKIS: Aye.,
M5. BENbER: Cauncilmember Watts.
MR. WATTS: Aye.
M5. BENDER: Vice may�r 5killicorn.
MR.SKILLICORN: Yes.
M5. BEN�ER: And Mayor �riedel,
MAYOR FR1��EL: Aye.
MS. BENDER: Mayor. 7-0.
MAYOR FRIE�EL- Thank you.
MS. JACOBS: We appreciate your �upport.
MAYDR FRIE�EL: ❑kay. Moving �n to item F regarding pra�eeding wit� pa�ement
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T�7L'UIV i7F FOUiVTA�1� FI1�:.5
AECEMSfR 16, 2025 Ci'fY CDl1NCll M�ETING MINUTES
management options for Richwood Avenue and appro�ing necessary bt�dget transfers.
Rachel.
M5. G�ODWIN: Carrect. Thank you, Mayor. We have Jeff Pierce, our street
superintendent, returning again. He's going to be talking about the request. There was
a re�ent request about Richwaod. When we did the initial street presentation, there
was some concerns and questions a6out patentially doing additianal streets if the
money was available. So this was one suggested apti�n. Mr, Pierce is going to walk
thraugh that, but we're certainly open to other dis�ussions and ideas. 5o with that.
MR. PIERCE: Thank you �ery much, Mayar, Vice Mayor, Council. I stand here �efore you
tanight in regards to direction to staff to find an alternative payment method for
Richwaod Avenue. It's located in the narth part of town, which falls betw�en Golden
Eagle 6oule�ard and Boulder Dri�e. It's approximately 4104-feet lang, almost 42��-feet
long.
C3uring this time, staff has met with multiple �endors for onsite field evaluati�ns
dis�ussing multiple treatments. During that time, our own chip seal and eape seal
prajects came up that the T�wn conducted a few years ag❑ and were discussed. You
may be familiar with EI l.ag❑ B�ulevard between Palisades and fauntain Hills Boulevard
and aiso Chama. goth Qf those recei�ed these praducts, and so far are daing very well
with the results.
This praje�t consists of many steps. !'ll g❑ dawn the list af kind of what it takes in order
ta d❑ this pr�jeGt. For this first we start aff with a concrete replacement. 5taff
e�aluates the roadway. They mark curbs and other farms ❑f cancrete that need to be
replaced first. 5o that way we ha�e proper �urb lines for the work.
We then go down and we remave any types of asphalt that io�ks like it's distressed or
has compaction issues and backfill it with the praper asphalt that is neecied for that.
We then perfarm a micra mill, whieh is basically a half ta three-quarter-inch mill,
bringing it down, eliminating any ❑f the high spats in that roadway, which then takes a
type two ar three mi�ro seal. Basically, it's a sealer that goes over that.
We come ba�k with a�rack seal t❑ fill any af thase cracks that may be showing thraugh
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�i?l"JN C�F �t]L�1lTAI�1 �iILlS
iJFC�MBF�r 16, 2�25 CITY COUNCft MEETING MINlJTES
there. And finally we put down a chip seal and a cape. $asically, we put down chip,
asphalt chips and glue it ciown with a cape.
This product it has a service life af just under a decade. bepends an a number of things,
whether -- so you're laoicing at about seven to ten years to get out of this product. The
cost of this right now is raughly estimated at $740,OaQ ta do this on this raad. If na
action is taken, unfortunately, with the way Richwoad is currently in the state, more
distress will cantinue ta grow. And unfortunately, the cost will be higher with future
rehabilitations needed t� reconstruct this roadway. With that said, is there any
questians?
MAY�R FRIE�EL: Cauncilwoman Earle.
M5. EARLE: 7hank you, Mayor. Yeah, I ha�e a few questions. I'�e driven on this road,
and it does laak pretty bad. Sa my questia� is, is this a pre-incarporation road?
MR. PIERCE: ! belie�e it is. Yes.
M5. EARLE: �kay. And my other question is I know you call ther`n feeder roads ❑r the
roads gaing into that have been done. Weren't they full recanstruction?
MR. PIERCE: Yes ma'am.
MS. EARLE: They were. ❑kay. So I cion't see the cast of full reconstructian. bv yau
knaw what that wauld be if we did full reconstruction?
MR. PIERCE: Yes, ma'am. A quote s�cured late last week in regards ta a full
recanstruction for this raad. A fufl recanstruction for this road is estimated at $935,�0�.
That is just the recanstructian af the road. With the cast of the cancrete that would still
need to be replaced with it, yau're looking at just about $1.1 million.
M5. EARLE: And with this we're loolcing at 750,D��.
MR. PIERCE: Correct. With the temporary, the lesser of the two.
M5. EARLE: It's n�t a huge differen�e. Would we be able to do this if we did a fu11
recanstruction?
MR. PIERCE: That depends on the funding.
M5. G�OQWIN: I think that's part of the conversation. And Paul, I hate to do this to
you, but I am going to ask if the budget transfers as related ta this, if t�is is part of our
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T01NN DF F�U�V1'k�N IiILLS
DECEMk1ER I6, ZOZ5 �ITY COUNCIL MEETING MINLJTES
streets funding, or if this is caming from -- be�ause there's been assaciatians with
sa�ings of other projects coming in under, hawe�er, those are spe�ific to our capitai
improvements. The �uestian is it funding that this is specifically out of our streets fund,
is that right?
MR. 50LDiNGER: Yes. Short answer. Rachel, Mayar, Cauncil, is we can do it. Palomin❑
�ame in well under hudget and that was going to be reimbursed from the streets fund
anyways. Sa it's reallyjust maving the hudget ❑r the permission t❑ d� the w�rk directly
aut ❑f the street's fund. 5o e�en with the additional araund 1.1, 1.2 million, w� could
definitely do it within the canstraints ❑f the budget.
MS. EAR�.E: That wauld be my recammendation since this road gets more traffic than
even the side raads did. Thank yau.
MAYQR FRIE�EL: I don't know who's next here. Vice Mayor.
MR. 571L�lCORiV: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Anc! I'm not sure which way to ga as of yet,
but I would paint aut that there is a 6ig �{ifferen�e 6etween chip seal and total
recanstruction, and it's ❑ver 50 percent increase. And if you think of it that way, I mean,
that is another partion that can go towards another street. 5o it isn`t like it's $900,OOfl
�ersus $1 million. I mean tt�ree-quarters of a million �ersus 1.1. I mean, that's aver 5�
percent increase.
MAYDR FRIEpEL: Cauncilman Watts.
MR. WATTS: If you took the 4,10� square feet that you'�e gat as asphalt, and you
back�d into a numher for Palomino and how it actually came out, as appased ta the
estimates that yau've got taday, how wauld that compare?
MR. PIERC�: I currently do not have that in front ❑f ine, sir.
MR. WA7TS� I think it's worth lo�king at hecause !'m als❑ a believer. We'�e been
shortsighted before about haw we do some of our repairs. And I'm nat saying this is
shortsighted, but the lange�ity af a street that is completely redane is prabably �loser to
2� years, at least twice what this is. So half again, as much ta get twice the longe�ity.
N�t being s�ortsighted. And I think with what we �ound on Palamin❑ that our estimates
were high. And if we cauld back int❑ that number without going to a lot af work, it
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1'DW�i t!� fi�Dilh{7AiN HILLS
dF�E�6ER 16, 2025 CITY CQIJNCIL MEETING MINL}TE5
would he worthwhile looking at ta figure out whether or nat it makes same sense.
And I think the life expectation, and if I'm using 2Q years as a reasonable r�umber with
reasQnabie maintenan�e, and if it's not right, then I'd Eike to know that as well. The 7 to
10 years has got a fairly wide range. Sa I'm going to be just as lif�eral saying 20 years. 50
warth chasing down a little bit. Thank you.
MAY�R FRIE�EL: Before I call on Councilwaman Kalivianakis, I just wanted ta throw thi5
❑ut with the sa�ings that we have under budget. I was going t❑ make a suggestion later
in this meeting that we consider doing cape and chip. Find out if we �an mo�e it to a CIP
and da Thistle as well. So we could get two major roads done with the savings under
budget from these bids that came in lower than expected. 5❑ I'd like to get more raads
dane. And then be able t❑ preser�e them as long as we can. But anyway,
Caunciiwaman Kalivianakis, g❑ ahead.
MS. KALIVIAIVAKIS: Thank yau, Mr. Mayar. Well, I've really spent a lat of time with this
ane, and I guess I reje�t the notion that we should e�en be doing anything to tF�is
Richwoaci Road. This reminds me ❑f the worst of Washington, ❑.C., that we tflolc money
from CIP and we put it into roads for Palomino, which we were gaing to repay fram
streets later. And now Palomino came in under budget and so suddenly now we think
we ha�e all this faund money like we won the lottery.
And what are we gaing ta do with this extra maney? Why don't we just put it back in
C!P? Tt�at's what we sh�uld he doing. I don't even know why we're talking about this
road. It's not goad public policy. And it stands in contradiction to the raad repair pians
that we'�e been talking at�out in this council �or years that I've been on this council.
This Ric�mond wouldn't �ave been supparted k�y the form�r streets committee. It's nat
supported by the RA5 repart that determin�d the priority list of roads to be repaired,
and also the 8055 pa�ement selection software. It daesn't show u�.
I think we should be supporting a data-driven approach t❑ fixing the roads. If we don't
use a data-driven approa�h, hut we just throw ideas out there that aren't on the existing
list af peaple that are trying to get their neighborhoods fixed, because there is a list of 1
through 1�n. And so we're kind of t�umping e�erybady ciown because we want ta select
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GE�EMB�R lfi, 2025 CIT'�' C�IJAlCIL MEETING MINU7E5
this raad o�er all the rest ❑f the road. 5o the next ❑ne an the list is going ta be fvumped
to maybe another year or two. And I don't think that's a good idea.
If we support a data- driven approach, then we wiil be cleared ❑f accusations of possif�ie
cronyism or misuse of public funds. Because if we start fixing certain roads and people
are gaing to say, why are those furrows being fixed, are these where paiiticians live? Or
is this where somebady was guiding us to do, t� jump the line? And so it raises
speculation of, you know, why that road and nat the one next on the list.
You know, we did have same money savings because we did put off Fountain Hills
Boule�ard until we get a more exhaustive plan. We did sa�e some money an Palamino.
But you know, why are we rabbing CIP? Anri it always g�es int❑ the buckets. The
buckets that they a{ways do at the retreats.
There's a bucket for CIP, a bucket f�r streets, a bucket far develapment, economic
de�elopment. And sfl when y�u start grabbing money from one hucket and putt+ng it
into a next bucket, then all ❑f a sudden roads are going to be great, but CIP is going to
suffer. And CIP is con�erns. You know, we'�e gat majar repairs far this building, for the
raad, for the raof, for the eammunity center. And we've got the Lake Line. We've got a
lot af money that we need to spend.
5o by just saying, well, let's just pick a road out af the air, I don`t think it's a good idea. I
would ask maybe ❑irector Weldy. Would Richmond? Is this currently on our B05S
report as the next road that we should be repairing?
MR. WELdY: Mr. Mayor, Councilmembers. Richwood was not on this year's selection.
The roads'that were selected by the saftware, the data, which is driven by budget, were
presented ta the Mayor and Coun�il earlier this calendar year.
M5. KALIVIANAKIS: 5a woulcin't it be more prudent p�licy ta pi�k the ones that were
previously selected by a pragram that we spent millions o$ dollars an that RAS report.
There was a truck that drave every street ta determine what are the worst anes. For us
councilmembers to say, well, I dro�� in Richwood and I don't think it's a goad road.
Well, maybe you didn't dri�e on 15 other streets that were warse 4�ecause there are
many streets that are warse than that ane.
Fage 4U of 55
7rJWN UF fflilt�TAiN HlLl.S
Uk�EIViBER i5, 2025 CI'fY Ca[1NCIL MEETING MINUTES
And they've been pre�iously priaritized. They are an a list, and I don`t lcnow why we're
jumping the fist on this praject. If somebody wauld �are ta explain what makes this one
more important than the next ane an the 6�55 list, I would lo�e to hear that
explanatian.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: S❑ iet me let me share something with yau, First of all --
M5. KALIVIANAKIS: I belie�e I stikl ha�e the ffaor, Jerry.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: ❑kay.
MS. KALIVIANAKiS� And I will be finishing soon, but I don't want to he real-time fa�t
�he�ked. ! will yield the floor back to you when I'm finished. Instead of borrowing the
funds from CIP and then replaeing them later, wouldn't it be logical ta just return the
funds k�ack to CIP now and go hack to the B055 list? The list that was made to make our
jab easier as what the next roaci to fix.
Again, this is go�ernment that just hecause we save maney, we feel like we have to
spend money. And I darr't liice that cancept. Just because we sa�e money an one
proje�t, we sh�uld put the money where we faund it, and we should go back t❑ the
�riginal plan.
And the �ther thing, and this is more impartantly taa -- and again, Dire�tor Weldy or
Paul, if you want t❑ address this, I would really appreciate it. But ten years ago this
town had some budgetary and funding problems and threw a fflt pf hard work through
Director P�ch and our staff. We got in an enviable pasition now that we d❑ ha�e same
extra money in reserve, and we d❑ have funding, but we dfl have a Iflt ❑f projects
caming up, and there was a lot of hard work to get us ta the point that n�w we da ha�e
more money.
But if we start spending money an, well, let's throw maney at this road and let's thraw
money at that roac{, is there a chance that we wi11 get back to the days that our funding
will be depleted, and then we're going to ha�e to start restricting other improvements,
intrastructure, just because we want ta fix certain roads? Cauld you explain that, Paul?
Be�ause from my experience in Fountain Hills history, you know, we had some pretty
lean times, and we fattened it up hased on a lot of good thinking.
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MR. S�LDIIVGER: Yeah. 5� Mayar, �oun�ilmember. What I'm ad�ising is what we can
do within the canstraints af the budget. And s� for this particular road that we're
taiking abaut taday and the budget transfer, the way it's explained in the staff repart,
I'm trying ta k�e as ❑bjecti�e as possible, is that Palomina Boulevard eame in under
hudget. For that, in t�e budget, what we plan for which is �ery confusing, I've had ta
kind af go through this s�veral times in front of the dais is that it's being {�aid out of the
CIP fund but automatically being r�im6ursed from the streets fund because it's a streets
project.
5❑ in t�is case, it's more af a logistical mo�e to do the budget transfer. It's still going to
be e�entually paid out of the streets fund. So that's within the canstraints of the
original plan. But it's the Council's decision on making changes to that plan and that
budget. 5a if you want t❑ go a different way with that, and to clarify, this agenda itern
tonight wauld nat actually transfer maney. It's just the budget auth�rity. 5a it wauld be
the permission to directly spend maney out of the streets fund rather than the CIP fund
and do the reEmbursement.
M5. KALIVIANA1C15: Yeah, I can appreciate that, that the funding will e�entually be
recauped hy future street funds, eorrect
MR. SOL�INGER: 5a we're in a-- so Mayor and Coun�ilmember, we're in a strong fund
�alance situation right naw where, yes, the Council has authorized transfers of sa�ings,
general fund excess reser�e savings into �arious funds, in�iuding the streets fund. So
right now, today, we ha�e a little o�er $13 million in the streets fund.
A lot of the streets work is going ta happen in the second half of the fiscai year. 5a we
are gaing to plan to spend a lot of that down. Also, depending on what yau decide an
tonight. Palomino, a little ❑�er $3 millian, that will be reimbursed from t�at func4. We
akso have $5 million in the streets fund already for other road pa�ing work. That was I
�elie�e, selected by the 8055 data. 5o that's �8 million right there caming out of that
13 millian.
We'I! stifl recoup some r�venues along the way this year. So we'll stifl be in a decent
fund balance or savings position at the e�d af the year ta do more streets work next
Page �2 of 55
rvwn� r�� Fau�rA�N Ni�is
;IECEMB�lt I6, 2025 CITY CatlNCll MEETING MINUTES
year, but probably not as much as this year. 5a tonight the agenda item is simply ta give
the Cauncil an ❑ptian. If you want ta da Richwood, we can do it within the constraints
of the hudget.
M5. KALIVIANA1C15: And I appreciate that. And just to canclude, i just think a data-
dri�en approach hased on the RAS repart and the B�55 software program would he
better than just picking improvement raads out ❑f the air with no explanation other
than I dro�e ❑n them, and it didn't seem like a good road to me. Thank you.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Now that the filibuster is o�er, I'll make a �ouple of comments. First
of all, we are following the B�SS data. This is additional work. We're not shoving
anybody else down the road. And secondly, there's no cr❑nyism in�olved in this. A!I the
feecier roads that were leading into Richwood were dane. Why nat eomplete it all, that
whole neighborhood in one seasan, if we can do that? I have been on that road, and it
is a mess. I don't know that you ha�e. 5o we are following the data. We ha�e the
money.
MS. KALIVlANAKIS: {Indiscernible} home deli�ered meals (indiscerni#�1e7.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: This isn't a discussion right naw. We have the money a�ailable.
Another rQad project �ame in under budget. We're going to take those funds and
complete this r�ad, and possibly even an�ther road, and still fallow the 6�SS data and
get the roads that we would normally do campleted as wefl. S❑ this is in addition to nat
sh�ving anybody eise's raad d�wn.
Rnd I don't think any resident in this town has said that we're Granies hecause this street
didn't get dane or that street didn't get done. Qur focus is to get roads dane as much as
we can, and every resident in this town sees what we're doing, and they're happy with
the progress that we're making on our roads. I've not heard one complaint abaut a road
being done and us being cranies for doing it, and I don't knaw ❑f any paliticians Chat li�e
❑n Richwood.
M5. KALIVIAIVAlC15: I didn't say I ae�use anybady of cronyism. I said, the way we're
daing this, there cauld be the accusation of --
MAYDR FRI��EL: Brenda, that's enaugh. That's enough please.
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M5. KALIVIANAKIS: It's a passibility.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: CounGilman Watts, you've been waiting,
MR. WATTS: So if we follow the Bd55 or whate�er rep�rt in this year'S budget ta
address t�e streets, where and how was the decision made? i think it's an important
question. H�w did we get to Richwood? Maybe Justin -- maybe director can explain t❑
us why we selected it. IVobody's asked the question. How did we get to them? Are
they ir� next year's list and we're bumping them up? If we'�e already got this year's list
taken care af, how did we get there?
MR. WELdY: Mr. Mayar, Councilmember, Ri�hwooc! was dir�ct select.
MR. WATTS: What does that mean?
MR. WELaY: From this elected bady. 5o there are discussions in regards ta all the
different types of roads and classificatipns. When we presented what we cauld do with
the money that was allacated based an the data, staff recammended, and I'm t�at staff
member -- that we not do anything to Fountain Hills Boulevard. As part ❑f that
con�ersation and e�ery other one we'�e had, I ha�e listed a number of lang, wide roads,
in�luding Richwoad, Pal�mina, King's Tree. I could continue on down the list. And
those are additional raads that need historically a single funding mechanism. As part af
that can�ersation, Richwaod was discussed.
MR. WATTS: 5❑ if I saici it less eloquently, w� did -- the Cauncil, this Councif did discuss,
was advised that Richwoad was in the mix. And cauld it be that the amaunt �f money
that we saved, the cost far the square faotage, for the 4,1�0 square feet of asphalt,
repair, removal, whate�er we end up with, fit Richwood better than ❑ther streets
be�ause of its size, because of its avErall condition? And so it was selected not
randamly, not haphazardly, but we literally -- your departm�nt looked at it and said, this
is the best fit fflr the funds that we have available t❑ get it in from next year's t❑ this
year.
MR. WELDY: We iooked at it, Councilmember, based on council direetian.
MR. WATTS: Thank you.
MAYQR FRiEDEL: Councilwoman Larrabee.
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TOVFli�i OF FOUNTAIh' FiiL�S
DEi:EM3ER lfi, 2U25 C!TY COUNCIL MEETING iVIINLlTES
MS. LARRABEE: Thank you. I actually really appreciated the conversatian regarding
whether the chip and cape or a rehuild would �e warth it. With the May�r's suggestian
af getting two roads with that amount ❑f money, maybe Gombining T}�istle in there, I
wanted to ciarify, what would the timeline be if we were -- instead of doing Richwood
and Thistle, if we were to say, let's just rebuiici Richwoad? I knaw Councilmember Watts
kind af answered my question, but just to hear it from your mouth, what would that
lifetime then b� far?
MR. PIERCE: I beiie�e a reconstruction of a road, a brand new road has a lifespan of
a�out 30 years. 5❑ yau're talking about three decades it it's utilized with the proper
preservation methods. Sut you have to follow those. You ha�e ta preser�e them. You
have t❑ reju�enate them. You ha�e to d❑ it properly. 5o it's abaut 30 years, I believe,
that we've presented t❑ this Council befare in �ur RAS presentations.
M5. LARRA6EE: Okay. 50. �ne raad far 30 years versus twa, maybe twa roads far 7 to
10. However, as dis�ussed, this �s on top of, not instead af. Sa we are saying that we`re
buying time there before we do e�entually ha�e to rebuild thase pre-ir�corporation
roads. What i guess I'm trying ta weigh in my brain is do we consider continuing this
and rebuilding that road instead, or do we �alue t�ase two roads f�r se�en to ten years.
Instead, 1 just want ta hear e�erybody's can�ersation an that, I guess.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Councilwaman.
M5. MCMAHON: Thank you very much, I appreciate it. I'm also concerned about
selection, direct-select, whatever yau want to call it. I feel like Council did agree. And
there is a management pian in place baseci ❑n the street cammittee based on
prafessionals. And i feel like, for exampl�, when we selected Palomino, there was
disagreements about that street, even with the residents. And I dan't want ti�at to
happen again.
! thought that Cauncil had discussed and agreed upon a payment plan far certain
streets. And e�en though I appreciate your response, Justin, it really didn't address the
questian. It's nat that staff i dan't think is, kifce you said, is picEcing this. It's Council. And
I don't think that we ought to select streets out of sequence because it does affect aur
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pEC�M6ER 16, ?_025 CITY C�UNCIL MEETING MINLITES
budget. It does affect haw much money we`re going to ha�e far the stre�ts funds. I`m
not going to �ate for this because I recall w� did already decide on the streets that were
going to be repaired with the funds, and t don't want t❑ backtrack on that. Thank you.
MAY�R FRiEaEL: Vice Mayor.
MR. 5TlLLICOf�N: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Actually, would you mind explaining yaur pfan
to fix more roads? You mentioned that there's a possibility of doing Thistle. Tell us
more abaut your plan to fix more roads.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: Well, 'that's not really an agenda item, but we're nat picking and
Ghoosing. We're still daing the other roads, according to the BOSS data. This is in
addition to. So the bids came in lower on Shea 8oule�ard and als❑ Pafamina. 5o my
thaught was if they came in that much lower, we could also do a ehip and cape on
Thistle like we were going t❑ do on Richwood.
Sa yau're going to get tw❑ major arteries in this town, and all the conne�tor strccts to
Richwood right now have been done already. S❑ why not clean u� that whole
neig�barhoad at ane time? And I think Chama and EI Lag❑ have held up extremely well
with that pro�ess. Have they not?
MR. PIERCE: They are shawing gaod signs, yeah.
MAY�R FRIEbEL: So we're not using the data that we have. This is in addition t� the
data and the road work that we're doing.
M5. MCMAHDIV: I understand that and thank you. However --
MAY�R FaIEbEL: I'm sorry.
M5. MCMAHON: I said I'm sarry.
MAYDR FRIEC]EL: You weren't recognized yet.
MS. MCMAHaN: I thaught you were answering --
MAY�R FRIE�EL: No. We're �ice mayor. Na, the Vice Mayar.
MR. STILLIC�RN: Mr. Mayar, thank yau very much. And it's good to hear that yau have
a vision to fix more raads and mo�e us a steady pragress where we want to get. Motipn
to appro�e as drafted.
MS. LARRABEE: Second.
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p�r,�p,1SER 1fi, 11]25 �i'fY CdUNCI� ME�71NG MIHUTES
MAYOR FRIE��L: Councilwoman McMah�n.
MS. M�MAHOIV: Thank yau very much. Again, I feel like this is gaing out af order as far
as street selectian. And I'm wanderEng if we don't spend this maney right now, if we
carry it o�er ta the next year's budget and then have more money to maybe fix a langer,
iarger -- or larger partifln ❑f streets versus seiecting anather ane this year, far lack af
anything else to say, just to get it done. I'm just -- I feel like we're going out of
sequence, and I'm not for direct select. That's all there is ta it. I'm not going to vote for
it.
MAY�R FR�EDEL: Thank you, Councilman Watts.
MR. WATTS: I'm �onfused that we're gaing out of sequence in any way, shape, or farm.
Qirector Weldy ciearly told us how we got ta Richwood. My concern is that we can get
three iimes the useful life ❑ut for 5� percent mflre. When I ga to the grocery store and
it's buy three, get fi�e, I do that. And I think the same thing applies to roads. I can get
more life, less headaches.
And I wouldn't be surprised if we could thraw both �f the r�ads in, Richwaod and what
was the pther raad? Thistle. Thank you. And maybe I would say we shauld fook at that
ta make sure that we can get those done in the same manner of a complete removal
and replace. I just like doing it right, as opposed to doing it three times. �hank you.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Cauncilwoman Earle.
M5. EARLE: I'm with Councilman Watts. I like the math on three years with 5� perc�nt
mare. 5o I don't knaw. I guess we would ha�e to �ote down against this one. And how
do we get to that if we --
UNI�ENTIFIEb SPEAKER: �Indiscernibfe} ask ta amend it?
M5. EARLE: I wouEd then ask Allen if he would amend it to a full reconstructian. Allen.
Skillicorn, sorry, Councilman Skillicorn. Are you just thinking?
MR. 5TlLLICaRN: Mr. Mayor, Councilwoma�, I like th� Mayor's plan, and I thinit he's got
a solid plan here. Gets us ahead of the cur��. If we were going ta amend it, I'd like t❑
get his input.
MAY�R FRIE�EL: I'm not opposed ta the reconstruction. But I think we should als❑
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T�WAf �F FOU�TAfN FIIiLS
C]ECEMBER 1fi, 1025 CI7Y COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
then mayk�e get some input �bout moving Thistfe t❑ a CIP to da what I was suggesting
an that one. Sut I don't kr�ow that we can �is�uss that right naw hecause it's not. Yeah,
we'll bring it back separately. 5o I'm not opposed tfl that, Vice Mayar, if you want to
make the am�ndment.
MR. 5TILLiCORN: ! will amend my mation to the full rebuild.
M5. EARLE: Thank you.
MR. WELdY: Mr. Mayar, C�uncilmembers, if I may, as we're discussing the different
types of treatment here, 5taff went out and prepared an estimate far a chip seal with a
cape micro mill. Recanstruction is different, and that requires us t❑ ga back ta the
board. And part ❑f that discgvery will include some geotechnical exploration. That's
when we go out and dig holes in the road t❑ determine the type af base, whether it's a
suitaf�le base.
Please nate that Mr. Rierce pro�ided yau with a preliminary number tonight to
reconstruct it, nat the final numfoer. That will not be €cnown t�ntil after we do the
geotechnical and a little bit af ather looking into it in regards t❑ lagistics and maving and
discuss it with th� Town manager and procurement.
MAY�R FRIEQEL: Justin, Jeff what kind of a time frame are we talking about? If you
have t❑ g❑ ba�k and da the gea work.
MR. WELDY: Mr. Mayar, Cauncilmemt�ers, realistically, we would return in the latter
part of Fehruary with our end results including an updated estimate.
MAYDR FRIEaEL: 5o is it safe to say that that 740 could ballaon t❑ mayk�e dauble?
MR. WELDY: In regards to the chip seal and cape, sir, No.
MAYaR FRiEbEL: No, I'm talking about a full reconstruction.
MR. WELdY: Sa the preliminary num6er is a little k�it over 1.1 far reconstruction. Is
there a possibiiity that price will increase? Yes. Is th�re a passibility it will be less?
5iightly. We will not know that until we d❑ the geote�hnical. And there's a lot of
internal movir�g parts and discussions that need to be have with other professionals,
and then make a determination based ❑n our findings, whether or not we want to talce
the adc#itional time that we did with Palomino. Get some solicitation out there, a littfe
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; UVdid UF FOIlNTAliV Hlt i.5
[1rC��110ER �5, 2D25 G�rY CCUNCIL MEETING MIPdL1TE5
bit of competition. We see the outcame ❑f that. Sa we wauld have t❑ have some
discussian about that as welE. Either direct select using one ❑f the job arder contracts ar
coaperative use agreements. Or do we want to go aut for bid.
MAYQR FRIE�EL: We cauld cantinue thi5 and ha�e them �ring back information if that'S
what the Council wants to dv.
MS. MCMAHON: Can we do that?
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Councilman Watts.
MR. WATTS: I just want to be real clear about you came up with the with 1.1. You
didn't just wa�e your finger in the air. It wasn't a wild guess. !t was based on
experience. It was based on what you belie�e to be sa. I'm nat looking for it t❑ dauble.
If it ma�ed ten percent, $100,0�0, one way or another, yau still ha�e the multiplier
effect af the 74� versus the 1.2.
And we still get a road that's got 30 years �ersus 7 or 10. And if i'm a pessimist in the 7
years, then I get faur times the return ❑n my money as oppased t� three times with the
3Q years. S❑ I'm still a supporter �f recflnstruction 1.1. I believe in you guys to be able
t❑ get the best numbers t❑ manage the 1,1, and we shauldn't see a significant increase,
if anything and possibly to your point, ❑irect�r, we might even see a reduction fram the
1.1. 5o I'm still going ta st�nd firm on the re�onstruction.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Couneilwoman Larrabee.
MS. LARRABEE: Yes, I think I have a point af information. Whichever ane's a question.
Councilmember, asking through the Mayor, af Gaurse, but Councilmember SEcillicorn fflr
the amendment to the motian, are we moving ta continue this, to then talk ak�out
recanstructian, ar are we maving to appra�e 74p,�QQ right now as the budget transfer
and understancfing that they'll need t❑ come hack for additional, that -- that's w}�ere I
apolagize. I was just I-- I missed exactly what the ar-r-iendment is.
MR. STILLICORN: T�ankyau, Mr. Mayor, Councilwoman, the question is valid because
the packet and the sta�f report recommended the �hip seal. And it appears that the
Cauncil majority's opinian has ehanged on that. And that`s fine. But the amendment to
the original motion wauld be to allow -- and the directors ba�lc there -- is allaw the
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f]ECEMBER 16, 2�725 �ITY COUNCIL MEETING MINU�ES
suffi�ient funds transfer to a31ow far the effe�tively $1.1 million estimate for a tatal
rebuifd. That's the specifics af the amended mfltion. And as long as I know there's -- it
seems like there's two detra�tars to chip seal. As long as they're still insisting an the
rebuild, I wauld iilce t❑ keep with that motion.
M5. LARRABEE: Thank you.
MR. STILLIC�RN: Are you going ta als❑ amend your secand?
MS. LARRABEE: Yeah, I amend my second.
MR. STILLICORN: Qkay.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Okay. Town Clerk, we have a motion and a second. Can we get a roll
�all, �lease?
M5. �ENQER: councilmem4�er Kalivianakis.
M5. KALIVIANAKIS: Nay.
M5. BENDER: Councilmember Larra�ee.
M5. LARRABEE: Aye.
M5. BEIVQER: Coun�ilmember Earle.
MS. �A�I.E: Aye.
MS. BEN�ER: Cfluncilmember McMahon.
M5. MCMAH�N: Nay,
M5. gENbER: Cauncilmember Watts.
M R. WATYS: Aye.
M5. BENDER: Vice Mayor 5kiili�orn.
MR. STkLLIC�RN: Since I appase pathnles, !'m a yes.
MS. BENDER: And Mayor Friedel.
MAYOR FRIEbEL: Aye.
M5. BEN�ER: Mayor, 5-0 -- I'm sarry, 5-2,
MAYDR FRIEbEL: Thank you.
And then the next agenda item is G. And I'm going ta open a public hearing on this one.
And this is regarding proposed development impact fee schedule. Tawn Manager
RaGhel.
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TOIM1IN flf FnL'NTAiN HilL5
bFCEMB£R '16, 2D25 CITY CaUNCIL MEET4�iG MINLfTES
MS. �ODDWIN: Thank you, Mayor, The public hearings are for our impact fees. We'�e
been talking a IQt about these. There's a few updates to share. We're almost to the
hamestr�t�h here. We ha�e this meeting, and then it will be brought �ack again in
January for I think the final time, ideally. So with that, I will hand it o�er to aur CF� for
rnore updates.
MR. 50�E]INGER: All right. Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor and Council. This is tl�e
se�ond-tQ-last step af this long, lak�vrious process to update our de�elopment impact
fees. We will be halding the publi� hearing tonigi�t to hear public input. And we'fl be
talking ai�aut a staff prpposal ta reduce the fees based on recent changes in projectians.
And with that, the Cauncil will take no action tonight. But eonsider the public feedback,
and we'll came back at the �anuary 2�th meeting far Council ta cansider the final
appraval of the impact fees, and they would go int❑ effect in April. ! think it's a 75-day
waiting period.
Sa with that, just another updated timeline. Things have 6een changing. It's very
malleable. 6asically, on the 21st, the Coun�il did appro�e the Land Use Assumptians
and Infrastru�ture Impra�ement Plan, including the development impact fee schedule.
5ince then, we actually received #�ic4s and awarded -- the Council awarded a bid an
�ecember �nd for the 5h�a widening praject for the construction Qf $3.� million. That
was abaut half af what the engineering estimates indicated. I kind of explained the
timeline in ❑ther meetings, but we had a budgetary amount of $3 million based vn an
older estimate. We got a new one that pretty much more than doub�ed what we wer�
pr�jecting.
We used that to develop the land use assumptians and infrastructure impro�ement plan
that you appro�ed. And since then, we gat goad news thraugh the bidding process that
the C�nstruction costs will came in much less than that engineering estimate. S❑
tonight I'm getting a little foit ahead af myself. We'll talk abaut that in just a little bit.
But tanight we're ha�ing the public hearing. And then the last step, like Rachel
mentioned, wauld be ❑n the 2�th f�r consideratian of appraval of the new impact fees,
and they'd go int❑ effect next April.
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�ouv� oF Foun��rai� �+i�is
CECEMBER 16, 2025 CITY COUfVCIL MEETING MINUTES
So just the basi� hackground, these are our current fees, the kind af anes t❑ loak at.
Just an easy point of referen�e is the single-family residence and multifamify fees at the
top 3,973 combined for single-family residence and 2,537. This is being charged to
de�efop new de�elapment in the iown for those types of residents, as well as the
cammercial type praperties below, based on 1,000 square foat af space.
Based an the report that yau approved an the Z1st, we did talk about in depth how the
fees were substantially increasing, but there was some wiggie r��m and flexibility for
the Council if things change in the projectians t❑ cansider. Number one, tanight during
the public hearing and then for appro�al, if there is any appetite t❑ reduce the fees
based on the change in projections. Sa that has happened.
You'll see that the propased fees in the repart you apprave abflut tripled up to 12,314
and 7,1D0 hu�ks for a singFe-family multifamily resi�ence. But sin�e then, like I
mentianed, we did �-eceive an award, a bid for the that proje�t. The 5hea Baulevard
widening project is about .94 lane miles to, widening ta three Eanes at 3.2 million. ❑n�e
we looked at all the costs associated with the project, it was pretty much almost exactfy
50 percent.
Sa what we're doing tonight is just kind of introducing our recommendatian that we'll
�� bringing to you an January 20th to say, hey, the parks anc! the fire impact fees, we
recommend they stay the same. And with the streets fee, we're recammenciing
reducing it by 50 percent. And with that this is actually what the new re�ised fees
would Eook iike t�at yau would be considering far appro�al an January 20th.
Yau'll see that the single family, rather than the 12,314, it`s down to 8,816, still mare
than dauble than what it currently is. 5o it is still a substantial raise, but nat as -- easier
to stamac�r than triple the amount. And the multifamily is down to 5,462. And you'fl
see dawn the line acrass the other d�velopment types that there was a reductian for
the street's impact fees.
5� this is what's included in the upcfated report in your pack�t that you'll cot�sider
approval far on the 20th. And this last slide just simply shows the difference between
the �urrent fees and what the staff-recammended fees wauld be. You are still seeing an
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TflWN aF FC]UlV7A1N HlilS
dECEMBER 16, 2025 Ci'�Y C�UNCIL MEETING MINUTES
in�rease across the board for a singie-family residence. It would f�e going up by $4,843,
multifamily 2,925 and dawn the line. And with that, I'd t�e happy to answer any
questians.
MAY�R FRIEQEL: Caunciiman Watts.
MR. WATTS: Pretty signifi�ant drop. And �indiscernible} put this t�gether the second
time ar�und?
MR. SOL�INGER: Yes, Councilmemf�er.
MR. WA�TS: And the ❑utEo�k, we're still able ta aGGomplish everything that was in ❑ur
Qriginal plan for parks, support all the de�elopments, additiona! �indiscernibleJ, y�u
name it, we've gat it included there for the next five years. Is that carrect?
MR. SOLdINGER: Yes, Mayar and Caun�ilmember. It lasts far fi�e years before it's
required to be updated, but the assumptians are based on a ten-year outlook.
MR. WATTS: ❑kay. I like the fact that it went down. It's more conducive to huilding and
aur ecanomics. 5a thank you for that.
MAY�R FRIEQEL: Councilwoman.
M5. LARRABEE: Paul, I just want t❑ thanEc you far your work an this. I know I'�e been
the I guess, thorn in your side on the development fees, and 1 just I appreciate that we
faund something that does lower, especially that amount for single-famiiy homes. That
f�wering �y almost 3,50� is really exciting. Sa thank y�u. I knaw it's got ta raise one
way or another. So I appreciate your work, and I appreciate your patience with me. I
will n❑ �anger be the bump in the road.
MR. S�L�INGER: Thank y�u. Appreciate that.
MAYQR FRIEdEI.: 7hanks for yaur hard work an this. Paul, this has been a long jaurney.
And we see the results. So thank yau again. Are there any commerrt cards?
M5. gENbER: No, Mayar.
MAYOR FRlE�EL: �kay. Then I'm going ta caose the puhli� hearing ❑n this. 7hank yau.
MR. S�LDINGER: Thank you �ery much.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: And notice was given that items H and I were remaved fr�m the
agenda, as was requested. And r�ow we'll ha�e Council discussi�n and dir�ction to the
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Town manager.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Merry Christmas.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: And then we'll mave �n t❑ future agenda items. And I ha�e twa. One
I'd like to ha�e ba�k. For the future agenda, the o�erlay con�ersation again sa that we
can get that resol�ed with the clensity.
UNI�ENTIFI�D SPEAKER: Yes. He has �oted to �ontinue that.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Y�ah. All right. 5o I just wanted t❑ make sure we had that continued,
and that we'll bring that back. And then I want ta see if we can take a laolc at what it
would cost for Thistle with a chip and cape and have that really become more ❑f a CIP
project. Anybody ha�e anything else? Can I get a motion ta adjaurn?
LJNf�ENTIFIE� SPEAKER: 5o mo�ed.
M5. LARRABEE: 5econd.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: All in favor? Aye.
ALL: Aye.
MAY�R FRIEbEL: Thank you.
Page 5d of 55
;c�wn� a� �c��a�v-rairr �i��s
D�CEMB�R lfi, 2a25 CITY CaUNCIL MEETING MINUiE5
HAVlNG NO FURTHER BtJSINE55, MAY�R GERRY M. FRIEpEL Ad3nt.1RNEQ THE REGULAFi
MEETING OF THE F�UNTAIN HILL5 TOWN �DUNCIL HELD �N ❑ECEMBER 16, 2fl25, AT
7:35 P.M.
APPR�VEO: �
����
GERRY I�I. FRIEDEL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
BEVELYN BEN ER, T�WN CLERK
CERTIFICATI�N
I HEREBY CERiIFY THAT THE FOREGDII�G MIfVUTES ARE A TRUE AIV❑ C�RRECT CQPY �F
THE MINUTES ❑F THE REGLJLAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN �f FnI.INTAIN HILLS, AR12�NA HELD �N DECEMBER 16, 2025. I FURTHER
CERTIFY THAT 7HE MEETING WA5 QULY CALLED AND HELD, ANQ THAT A QUORUM WAS
PRESENT.
BEVELYN BENDER, TOWN CLERK
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