HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.0421.TCRS.VERBATIM.TRANSCRIPTT�WN OF F�IJNTAIN HILLS
MINLJTES ❑F THE REGULAR 5E551�N
�F THE F�UNTAIN HILLS TDWN C�UNCIL.
April 21, 2�26
A Regular Meeting af the Fvuntain Hills Town Councif was canvened at 5:30 p.m.
Memb�rs Present: Mayor Gerry M. Friedel: Vice Mayor Gayle Earl�;
Caun�ilmemb�r Rick Watts; Councilmember Peggy McMahon; and
Cauncilmember Brenaia J. Kalivianakis.
CQun�ilmemb�r Alf�n Skillicorn attended by telephane conference call.
Caun�ilmember Hannah Larrabee was absent
Staff Present: Tawn Manag�r Rachael Goodwin; Town Jennifer J. Wright; Tvwn
Clerk Be�elyn J. Bender
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Town of Fountain Hills
APRIL 2i, 2026 TflWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Post-Production File
Town of Fountain Hills
Town CQur�cil Meeting Minutes
April 21, 20Z6
Transcription Pravic�ed By:
e5�ribers, LLC
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Transcription is provided in order ta fa�ilitate communi�ation accessibility and may not
be a tatally verbatim record of the proceedfngs.
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Page 1 of 79
Town of Fvuntain Hills
APRIL 21, 20z6 T�WN C�UNClI. MEETING MINUTES
MAY�R FRIEDEL: I`d like to call this meeting t� order. Would you please rise for the
Piedge af Allegiance?
(Pledge of Allegiance recited}
MAYOR FRIEDEL: And if you choose ta remain standing, the invacation will be provided
tonight by Vicki ❑irksen.
�IRKSEN: Please jain me in pausing tagether in a spirit of gratitude and reflection. We
gi�e thanks, each in aur own way, for this �ommunity we all choase to call hame and for
the apportunity t❑ gather s� we can make it a hetter place for tamorrow. We are
grateful to wake up ta the sunrise a�er Four Peaks, a place that has been sacred for
generations before Fountain Hills came tfl be.
We are grateful ta the passiflnate business ow�ers wha pravide us with places to gather
and meet aur daily needs. We are grateful far the visionaries who bring new ideas that
improve our well-being and sense of placemaking. We are grateful for leaders who are
solutian-oriented ta help us o�er�ome our challenges. And when night fa�ls, we are
grateful that we can still see the stars. May we be reminded that a meaningful kife is
❑ne rooted in ser, compassion, and connection. And may we all be inspired to continue
that work in our own way, strengthening this c�mmunity far generations to come.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Thank you. Town Clerk, car� we get a roll eall, please?
BENDER: May�r Friedef.
MAYOR FRI�DEL: Present.
gENdER: Vice Mayor Earle.
EARLE: Present.
BENDER: Councilmem6er KalivianaEcis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Here.
BENDER: Coun�ilmember Watts.
Page 2 of 79
Town of Fountain Hills
APRIL 21, 2026 TOWN COUNCIi MEETlNG MINLl�ES
WATTS: Here.
BEIV�ER: Councilmember Larrabee?
Councilmember McMahon.
MCMAHON: Here.
BENQER: Councilmember Sk�llicorn.
SKILLICDRN: Present.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Thank you. We'I[ mo�e on naw to the summary af current e�ents by
7awn Manager Rae�ael Goodwin.
�ooawiN: Tt,a�,k y�u, Council. Good e�ening, e�eryone. I have just a few updates I
wanted to share. This Saturday we'fl be hosting aur 5pring Mo�ie in the Park and the
American Car Show and Parade as all part af the community celebratian of America's
25�th. The American Car Parade will �cgin at 5:3D on Saturday near 5aguaro and
Parkview.
The route will tra�el around the fauntain, up and down the avenue, and then canelude
on 5aguaro Baule�ard with cars remaining ❑n dispfay. A special thank you ta the
Fountain Hills Aut❑ Club and Peter Valney far helping organiie the e�ent. The parade
will feature 55 American cars in a red, white, and blue sequence, and the parade will be
accampanied by rollir�g street ciosures and led by our own MCSO mounted unit.
Following the parade, roughly 7:30, 7:45, we will shaw National Treasure on a 6�-foc�t
screen in Fountain Park near the amphitheater. Pop�orn, hot dogs, and hamburgers and
ather goodies wifl be available on site.
Sa a good Americana celebration. �ne other upciate far the community is regarding the
EPC�R mainline repla�ement work, which is now underway along Palisades and 5hea
Boulevard. If you've k�een o�er there, you probably noticed the traffic impacts.
Residents should expect that those traffic impacts will be roliing throughout that
project. We encourage folks to subscri4�e to the town's text alert system for
page 3 of 79
7o�vn af Fountair� Hills
AARlL 21, 2�]26 TDWP! CflUN�1L PJiEE:lN� NliI�Ll7ES
notifications regarding traffi� changes ar ta visit the town's website for the most up-ta-
date informatian as the praject progresses.
A reminder, this is a large projeet and will be se�eral months, probably taking us at least
through the end af the year, if not inta the new year. 5o it is a very big project, but one
thaC is �ery needed for that replacement. Mayor FRIEDEL, with that, those are my
updates.
MAYDR FRIE�EL: No apple pi� far the event? Just kidding.
GOO�WIN: You knaw, you never know. You ne�er know.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Okay. We'll mo�e on t❑ presentations. Raehael?
GOO�WIN: AI� right. First up, I believe we have direetor Snipes. He's gaing t❑ 6e dving
a shared presentatian hetween himself as well as Director Weldy. Both Community Sers
as well as Public Works sart ❑f share our �apital impro�ement project responsibilities, sa
ECe�in's going ta be reviewing those that are within our parks, and then Justir� will be
re�iewing thase that are outside throughout ❑ur community.
So with that, I will turn it over. And just a reminder, these are updates about our
current CIPs. This does not farecast future CIPs, but just where we're at to date ❑n the
FY2G projects since we're �oming into the last quarter af the year. All right. With that.
SNIPES: Right ❑n. Thank y�u, and Cauncil. We're here tonight to talk about the capital
impro�ement prajects and where we're at as we're caming down ta the end. We ha�e a
I�t af projects that are underway and many that ha�e faeer� campleted as well. 5o some
af these we've talked abaut earlier this year that are completed and were completed
earlier. S❑ we'll kind of move thr�ugh thase.
The Golden Eagle Playground replacement's done and ❑pe� and operational. We added
in the rest of the e�ent receptacles on the avenue, got those taken care of as well as
added the new shade structure. The community center, we did the fans and the lights
that ha�e made a huge difference over there. That's samething that was completed
right at the beginning af the year and has been a huge success for keeping the area
Page 4 of 79
iour�� o' ��si��,�a�n Hii�s
A.i'R3�. 27.: 2�LF �OiN�V CO�iIVCIL Fr'IEcT:iv� rnir�vr►5
mare cansistently covl, as we11 as having better lighting in the entire facility. Here's kind
af a breakdown flf those costs. And again, we talked ak�out t�ese earlier, sa I'm just kind
af moving through those at a quicker pace.
SNIPES: We're out far bid currently. We'll be getting that bid back here by the end ❑f
April for 5ky�iew Park. We're excited about having a lot of people invol�ed in coming in
far the pre-bid, s❑ h�ping tn get a reaily go�d response on this one. We just started the
lighting of the Cent�nnial Shade praject, which includes daing the shoebox lighting
around the edges of the Centennial Pavilion area, as well as we added same down
[ighting ta the outside of the shade poles that you can see there.
They're really slim to where they don't take up a lot af eyesight, I guess, for the area,
but they'II still pravide good lighting as well as heing at a goad light temperature far th�
neighbor next do�r with ❑ur ❑ark Sky ❑iscavery Center. While we were doing this
praject, we found that the electric power box that was over in that area that supplied
pawer to all the outlets and lights that were there was pretty risky when we got int❑ it,
and sa we decided to go ahead and ma�e that out of the walkway where it was
ariginally and mo�ed it into the granite area right next to the walkway t❑ get it out ❑f
the way.
It ends up being an upgrade, but we were nervous abaut how �fase the electricai bars
were ta t}�e outside af the bax, sa we made that upgrade as well during this process.
They'll be hack next Monday t� continue �n daing the strip lighting that goes up
underneath arrd run all the wiring that needs t❑ go t� e�erything. So �opefully here in a
couple of weeks, we'11 have that area lit up with the new lighting.
SNIPES: We just completed the bid for the ramadas at F�untain Park yesterday. We
haven't dane an afficial annauncement yet. We want t❑ do some baekground on the
eompany that was our law btd far that, but everything looks goad sa far. 5o we'fl
probably be doing that official announcement tomorrow to the company sa that w� can
get that praject maving as well.
Page 5 of 79
Tcv�r: ai rou�tair� iiiils
,4PFtll ?1, 2�7_5 T�]iAi�V ��l3i�t�L MEt1sNC MZf���TfS
For the FQuntain Park shade pad lighting, we've been meeting with the vendars and
have a ciesign in place, and we're just waiting an some numbers to came in so that we
can get those ordered and put in. 7he Desert Vista bag Park impro�ernents wili begin
last wee€c af May t❑ first week of June, and prahably keep the dog park closed through
the manth af June.
5o just a heacfs up to everybody that whiie we're in there doing that work, we wfln't be
open s❑ the contra�tors can da what they need to do. And the next ❑ne there, the
Qesert Vista and �our Peaks electrieal building we talked a4�aut earlier, we're stifl
warking on trying not to ha�e to use this design money at all. That's aur goa1, and just
be able to use the design-build for next fiscaE year. With that, I'If take any questions.
MCMAHON: Thank you, Mayor. What is the upgrade ti�at`s g�ing to be done for the
dog parEc?
SNIPES: So there's se�eral things that are caming in. We've had a lot of issues araund
the splash pad area there with flooding and causing mud puddles, and so that's being
taken out and a new drainage system put in to im�ro�e that. Leveling af the turf areas
ta help get the water and rainwater to wash out better, as well as just filling in the holes
that are there.
And then we're going into each one of the shade structure areas and cleaning up those.
The way they were originalay installed made it to where e�erything was at different
le�els, and sa we're going in to clean up those areas as well. And then t}�ere's a few
othet` housekeeping things that are going on in there as well.
WATTS: Kevin, without dis�lasing -- without disclosing wha the successful bidder was on
the ramadas, are we at, below, or abo�e our original estimate?
SNIPES: We were right just below it.
WATTS: Just below it. IVice. Because the other ones came in reasanably close, far the
most part, under.
SNIPES: Yeah. We had same that were a little bit --
Page fi of 79
iawn af FR�inta;�� Nil�s
APRIL 21, ZD2G 7'D1A�f4 CDliNCiL MfE i ING MINaTES
WA�TS: A little.
SNIPES: -- way o�er and --
WATTS: Way a�er. I missed that one.
SNIPES: We had some way �ver ones tao. Yep. So it's pretty typical. I mean, when you
have -- I think we had 13 or so f�usinesses that put in far it. S❑ you get that sometimes
tao. Sut we were happy with the numbers. There were se�eral that were right within
that range.
WATTS: Good. Thank yau.
MAYO€� FRIEDEL: Thank you.
SNIPES: Thank you �ery much. Appreciate it.
It's all yaurs, sir.
WELQY: Good e�ening, Mayar, Councilmembers. A lot of the projects that we're going
ta take a IooEc at tanight, we'�e dis�ussed in the past. Some of them are multi-year
prajects and others are new projects. As we go thraugh these, if you have any
questians, please feel free to take a moment and we'll pause and we'll discuss it. The
first �ne is a multi-decade praject, and this is just another section ❑f Shea that is
currently underway. The reno�ations and widenEng to 5hea began shflrtly after the
town incorporated.
As a reminder, it was part af the agreement when the Department af �"ranspartati�n
fr�m Maricopa County granted the 5hea Baule�ard ta the town of Fauntain Hills. T�e
agreement was that the town would cantinue t❑ use the tax funding pr�vided by the
entire State af Arizona through the transaction tax to continue to make those updates.
5❑ this one right here is just the most recent one. As you all knnw, the en�ineer's
estimate for this was abaut twice of what the qualifying bid was for. We ha�e made
some minar changes out there to reduce the o�eral� Cast, some value engineering, but
the projeet is currently about three weeks ahead of schedule.
Page 7 of 79
Tn�'h •�f Fvt�ntain Hiils
APR1: �,.. 24�5 7flJ17N CQ!..'��:i� �1lEE:TIf�� ��a71PlIJTES
WELQY: This was a cauncil projeCt right here, the full-depth repaving of Pal�mina. This
project is substantially complete. The definitian on that is that we �an use it. There are
gaing to �e s�me temporary pa�ement markings in the form ❑f waterbarr�e paint in the
caming days. We had t❑ make some minar �hanges there. In ahout 3S tfl 40 days, the
permanent, which is thermaplastic pair�t, will ga down along with the refleeti�e and�or
raised pa�ement markers.
This is the marked pedestrian �rflsswalks thraughout the downtown and ather lacations.
For the Coun�il's inforr`nation, we have twa additional lacations that are slated for this
year. ❑n� af those is on Saguaro at Monterey, crassing 5aguara. �he other one is an
5aguara at La Montana. S� thase tw❑ lo�ations there, we ha�e sidewalk on either side
at La Montana and 5aguaro, and then we're going t❑ discuss the sidewalk on 5aguara
and Monterey here shortly.
WATTS: Can we go back, please? And Igolcing at the budget an�l what's expended, do
yau anticipate there being any maney feft o�er? Be�ause I think when we appra�ed
this, there weren't any sidewafks. And not ta put you an the spat, but I was wondering
if ti�ere are sufficient funds ieft ❑ver, if maybe we cat� re�isit sidewalks, or once it's
dane, there's �at going to 6e any r�am for siciewalks.
WELDY: Mr. Mayor, Cauncilmembers, so that discussian has passed, and right now it
just wouldn't be cost effective to g❑ back in and add that. And the pea�le spoke clearly
on behalf of that area and indicated they did not want them. The green number that
yau see here is what is availabie in the hudget, so that will remain an unspent fund
balance that'li go back into the budget and remain there. You're welcome.
WATTS: 5a Justin, when you say that's the unspent ba[ance, the budget was 5.4.
Canstruction bid was $3.2, call it. 5o we've gat $2.2 left, all said and dane. 5o how da
we end up with the budget available of $4?
Page 8 of 79
Tawn nf Fouartain Fiills
ApRll. 21, 10"l6 TOWN C�UI�CIL MEETf�4G MIf�U � E5
WELQY: 7he budget a�ailable of $4 was the entire amount appro�ed by the -- and
Council. We w+ll subtra�t from that the bid, and then we anticipate based �n some
value engineering and minor changes that we wiil als❑ be belaw the ariginal bid amount.
WATTS: So we'll be something underneath, call it ab�ut 3.8, somewhere in that area.
W�L�Y: Right. In that general area. We're kind af ballpark right naw. We won't know
until we finalize some discussions with the contractor and get the final pa�ement
markings down.
WAT�S: Right. Thar�k you.
VIIEL�Y: Yau're welcome. This is a multi-year project. In the past week and a half, we
upgraded and�ar repaired the area on northbaund Palisades at W�stridge. This is a
multi-year pr�ject that's underway. We currently ha�e about eight that have not heen
installed. The plan is to install thase in the next tv�o to three wee�s, and then after all ❑f
them are installed, town staff will take a look at them and make any additional
necessary correctians to the text and�ar the arrows and their orientation up, c{own, left,
ar right. When it's all finished, it will all be c�rrect befare we make final payment.
WATTS: Yeah, we have heard sflme ❑f the signs are incorrect. And yau say when it's
finished -- can you just project finish dates and then when the corre�tions will be made?
WEL�Y: Mr. Mayar, Cauncilmembers, the end date is June 30th. They have unti! June
30th to c�mplete it. We will issue a certificate of sut�stantiaf campletion. There will be
30 days beyand that ciate that they will be required ta make any additional changes
and/or upgrades. Yau're welcome.
WELDY: This is the Galden Eagle Impoundment Phase 2. 5taff was in front of the -- and
Council just a few short meetit�gs back, asking far same additional funding t❑ complete
the design �f Phase 2. As a reminder, the plans are currently in the hands �f tw❑ state
agencies, and the timeframe for completing that review is nat yet €cnown. We
anticipate that the design wi11 be completed by the end of June, but we'll see based on
Page 9 of 79
'�uvrri vr Fo�in•tain Hills
F�f�t7lL 21, iU25 TOIA�Af CQL1NCi� N!it'1 i�dG MfflU f�5
their return. This is a cauple of the starmwater rehabilitatian projects that we ha�e
completed.
Dne of them is not yet underway. We had some minor �halienges in regards to
contracts. We did go to bid on this ane far the construction, and then we solicited and
recei�ed several qualifying sur�eying cantractors, and then the scope was sent ta them.
5a this one is probaf�ly about three weeks out before it gets started, the �ne dawn an
Nielsen. This is the clawntown streetscape impro�ements, Phase 1. We had several
discussions abaut this, and in fact there was just an open house an this phase af it.
Again, this is the design far that sectian. That was quick. Any questians? Awfully quiet.
GQO�WIN: Mayar, our next presentation is by Justin as well. We just kind of
completed our CIP autlaok, so maving a]ittl� bit broader, bire�tor Weldy is going to
share with us a mare Publi� Works update regarding the other elements going on
around town this year.
WELpY: Thank yau for the opportunity. This is an overall reaching update on Publie
Works and a!I ❑f its di�isions. The first t�ing we're going ta focus on is pa�ing. Naw
bear in mind that what we're going ta be dis�ussing tanight in regards to pa�ing projects
are not the �apital paving projeet, which is on PaEomina. This is all the rest of it
appra�ed by the Mayor and Council.
As you can see, with the manies appra�ed by the Mayor and Caun�il, we have
campletecf up to date not quite a half mile, but by the time we're finished in June, we
wiil ha�e a little bit o�er nine lane rniles pa�ed. That's a considerable at`nount of paving
for a smail community. ❑uring this timeframe, and less noticeable to those, contractors
have been out crack filling several of the areas that were approved by the May�r and
Cauncil. The next portion of that is the preser�ati�e seal.
WELDY: We're gaing to mave on now to the 5treet Department and same �f their
aeti�ities. We have certainly discuss�d in the past, and we're going t❑ talk ahout it again
here tanight, what Public INorks and its ciivisions dfl go ❑n araund the �loek, 24 hours a
Page 10 of 79
3�Uv'��� ❑F �alfi:t�lil Fili�S
4FRtt 21,'20�5 TDW�i C��!NClL MfzTi^;G MfNIJTf.S
day regardless. This is just an example: 138.5 hours. That's when Puf�lic Warks staff was
calleci out after all the buildings were closed to address numeraus things, from water
main breaks ta help ta �lean up after �rashes or to put up a sign after a crash.
There are a lot �f things that we �puld �ome in for avernight. ❑ftentimes it rnay be a
wild animal that was struck that is in the road. This is an initiati�e by the May�r and
Council Ca get aut and take care ❑f same af these potholes. It's a combinatian eff�rt
between town staff and a�ontractor. We've had a contractar uncier contra�t for the
past few weeks.
7hey've been out e�ery other week. Mast recently they were an King Street. Prior to
that, they were ❑n Palisades between 5aguaro and Fountain Hills Boulevard. Pri�r ta
that, for one of the first autings, they were on Fauntain Hills Boule�ard. 5o they'll be
returning ta Fountain Hills Baule�ard narth af Palisades next week to wark on some
additional stuff ther�.
VIJELDY: It's also important t❑ note, and we brQught this up in discussion a cauple of
times o�er the last tw❑ or three years, far the majority of the time after incorparatian,
�ery little additional lands�apin� has taken place, prirnarily on 5aguara. There ar� ather
sections such as Palisades between Shea and Golden Eagle Boule�ard. Those were
landscaped as part of a de�elopment agreement. 5aguara was existing at incflrp�ratian,
but for monies �ollected in regards to insuran�e claims and/ar dama�e for storms, little
to n❑ trees and�or shrubs were planted.
Llnder the current Mayor and Council and the Town Manager, we have changed that
and began to spend sflme of the money that we callect thraugh insurance via �ehicle
damage and�or storm damage and plant trees. Last year we planted, I think, 38 trees,
and this year 45 trees went in. This is part of our effort t❑ keep materials �ut af the
washes and the alleys and from piling up around tawn. INe have tw❑ dumpsters at the
street yard. One of them is far green waste and the ❑ther ane is for non-ferrous metafs.
These things fifl up on a regular basis. They're not real big.
Page 11 af 79
z��;f� zf Fountain Fiills
Af iisl. ZZ,1Ca2b T!]ihlti C�]�JNClL F����7!�dG Mi�ll!'�E5
These are 2�-yard dumpsters, hut on a�erage, we send them out about two times a
month. The funds are not much, about $5�0, but it goes �ack into the street funci and
we use that for our sign program.
WELdY: We're going to move now to fa�ilities. And oftentimes when we're discussing
contracts for facilities, be it for maintenan�e and�or repair, we tend to focus on that and
a little less on what the plant me�hanics and the super�isars and their cantractors take
care of day in and day out. This is another division of Public WorEcs where someone is
an �all around t�e clo�k t`egardless, �ecause we need to keep all of the buildings on the
Town Hall campus functioning. T#�is was the chiller replacem�nt. This was hudgeted out
af our facilities reser�e funding.
Mayar and �ouncil approved a contract far this twa times. There was a little bit af a
delay because af some shipping issues. These are some v� the things that our twa plant
me�hanics and the super�isar have campleted vver the last se�eral manths. And yau'€I
nate that the majority af these are directiy related ta first responders, the fire
department being able to get in and out of their facilities. And then there's some ❑ther
stuff that was past initiati�es af the Cnuncil.
7he electric vei�icle charging stati�r�s, their card readers, and -- or we refer to it as the
head -- had k�eeome absolete and mostly inaperable. The other one, and this is
important, there are a few mem6ers of the Councii that re�agnize that these buildings
have ta have annuaf inspecti�r�s from outside agencies and�or outside professionals.
The fire alarm and the sprinkler annual re�iews have been completed as part of that.
WELbY: Here's -- this is on ta the environmental pragrams. This was the Househafd
Hazardous Waste e�ent held last November. As you can see, ther�'s a cansiderable
amaunt of material that was callected. Eacn ❑f the items that are callected he�'e are
disposed of in the apprapriate location under the guidelir��s af either the c�unty, state,
anci�or federal g�vernment. None of these materials go into the Iar�dfiEl. They're
treated in another manner. This is our electronics recycling: 1�,524 paunds, well, fi�e
tons of material.
Page 12 of 79
'faw�z �f Fo�an�ain'rlills
APi?!� ZZ, 7.U2C� T�Wti C�;L�hfCIL A'ICE7if�G I?��INUTf5
A11 of this material, with little exception, is repurposed and recyGled. There is a small
percentage ❑f it, of the afder TVs, that actuafly have to he shipped ta Cafifornia. They
ha�e a specialty facility there that processes those. So when resicients ask if they'll take
this type of TV, there's typicalEy a fee for shipping it to that location. Any mare
questions? Awfulfy quiet. Thank you far the opportunity.
MAY�R FRIEbEL: Thank you. We'll mo�e on naw to praclamations, awards, and
recagnitians, and we're going ta start out wEth the May�r's 6usiness 5patiight. And
tonight, we're gaing t❑ spotlight Saddle BranG �rili. This mflnth, it's my pleasure t❑
reca�nize a true Fountain Hills fa�arite, 5addle Bronc Grill, as ❑ur's Business 5potlight.
5addle Bran� �rill has been more than just a restaurant. It has become a#�elo�ed
gathering place and a cornerstone in our community.
What began as Barb's role as a hastess in 20�9 quickly e�ol�ed into an apportunity for
❑wnership for 6arb and 6rad Tis�h. In April 2015, and over the past ten years, their
leadership and dedi�ation ha�e helped transfarm the restaurant into ane ❑f Fountain
Hills' mast cherished local establishments. Known affectianately as the Cheers ❑f
Fauntain Hills, 5addle Bronc Grill ❑ffers more than exceptional food. It offers a
connection, friendship, and a sense ❑f laelanging. With familiar faces at the bar each
e�ening, iangtime staff inembers and custamers wha fee! like family, the restaurant has
�reated a wefcoming atmosphere that reflects the heart of aur tawn.
5addle Bronc is known for its fresh-made daily comfort faod and �lassic American
favorites, from �heeseburgers and rihs to chi�ken -- l'm sarry -- ta chiGker� dishes and
more. Anybody hungry yet? Ail paired with live music and warm haspitality. Its
commitment ta quality and consistency has earr�ed multiple cammur�ity re�ognitians,
in�luding Va�ley Fav�rites Award and being named Restaurant of the Year twice by the
Fnuntair� Hilis Chamber of Commer�e.
What stands out rnost is Saddle 6ronc Gril�'s cammitment to the community. Barf�'s
belief in gi�ing back to customers and treating every guest like family has created a
lasting loyalty and a strong word-of-mouth reputation throughout Fountain Hills. �n
Page 1.3 of 79
Ta�vn �f I�ount.aisi Hills
APR!! Zl, 2025 TQWN COUI�CI:. h�FF71P�G MINUTES
behalf af the Tawn of Fauntain Hills, we thank Barb and Brad Tis�h and the entire 5addle
Bronc team for ten years of outstanding ser, hospitality, and �ommunity spirit.
C�ngratulations ❑n heing recagnized as thi5 mont�'s Mayor's Business 5potlight. Came
❑n down, would you please?
TISCH: I just want to say thank yau, Mayor and the Cauncil, and everyone, f�r yaur lang
support. Ten years has flown by pretty quick, and we`re looking forward ta the next
years ta come. Thank you all far yaur support.
MAY�R FRIEQEL: And next up, we have the 's Veteran ❑f the Month. 5p tonight, we're
recognizing YN3 5anford "5andy" Borkin. 5andy was k�at'n and raised in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, and is a graduate ❑f the Uni�ersity of Minnesota. He enlisted in the United
5tates Navy in 1969 and served hon�rably ab�ard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise,
where he was a CVN-5S -- and he can tell yau what that is -- in the Tonkin Gulf during
the Vietr�am War, earning Vietnam servi�e medals in recognition of his dedicated ser.
He was honora�ly discharged in 1973.
Fallawing his military ser�ice, Mr. Borkin built a distinguished career in management
with Nordstrom`s department stare. In 2003, 5andy and his wife Faye made Fauntain
Hills their home. A life member of VFW Post 75�7, 5andy has held numer�us elected
leadership positions and continues to provide autstanding valunteer ser in supp�rt ❑f
fellow v�terans. He has alsa generously contrifauted his time as a volunteer with home-
deli�ered meals, further demonstrating his enduring commitment t❑ serving athers and
strengthening this community. Sandy, �ome ❑n down and be recagnized.
B�RKIN: Well, it was a lang time aga that ! was in the servi�e, but I'll tell you, I laved
every minute of it. I didn't think I would when I first went. In fact, �vhen I first gat ta the
Enterprise, the ship scared the heck out ❑f ine. It was so big. But I'll tefl you, I am sa
glad that I did it, and I'm s� glad that I joined the VFW, ar�d it's been a great ride. So to
all my comrades, all my friends out there, thank yau sa much far coming to share this
evening with me, I really appreciate it. Thank yau. And thank you to the Cauncil toa.
Page 14 vf 79
Ta:�n cf Fountain }iills
1a?.rciL Zl, 2026 TdW� C�Lf1�',:f� ME� {ING IVIlNiJTfS
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Thank you for your service. Dkay, naw we'll mo�e on to our Consent
Agenda. Qid yau want to rema�e something, Gayle?
EARLE: Yeah, I request that we mave the Consent Agenda B, approving a request for
7urf Paradise t❑ ❑perate off-track pari-mutue! wagering -- wagering -- I can't say it -- �ff-
track betting at Park�iew Tap House. I'd like to put that on t�e regular agenda.
MAYpR FRIEdEL: Okay, so that will became the first regular agenda item. SQ Gan I get a
mation for the other --
MCMAHON: Mation to apprave �onsent Agenda A.
MAY�R FRIE�EL: Is tnere a second?
EARLE: I`II second that.
MAYOR FRIEQEL: We have a motion and a second far Consent Agenda. Roll call, please.
SENDER: Coun�ilmember5killicorn.
SKILLIC�RN: YeS.
BENbER: Councilmember McMahon.
MCMAHON: Yes.
BENbER: Cauncilmember Kalivianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
BENbER: Cauncilmember 1Natts.
WATTS: Yes.
BEN�ER: Councilmemher Larrabee?
Vice Mayor Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BEN�ER: And Mayor Friedel.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Aye.
Page 15 vf 79
Tnwn of F'auntain Hil!s
4PR�L 21, 2Di5 TO1�1N �r]Li!ECIL. ?A'�ETII�� Mi�J1iT�5
BENDER: Mayor, b-4.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank you. All right, ma�ing ❑n to the regular agenda item now. We
ha�e the pre�ious Cansent Agenda item appt`a�ing the request far Turf Paradise to
operate off-track wagering at Parkview Tap Hause. Ga ahead, Gayle.
EARLE: Can we ha�e some histary on that?
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Rachael?
G�ODWIN: 5ure. I'm going to ask for John Wesley, whaever maybe has some details
for us that can just gi�e a �Orief overview. This ane has been -- this is not a typical
request. It's not samething we see very after�. 5o I certainly understand wanting ta talk
ahout it. Internally, it a�tually touches a number �f different departments. 5o Jo�n has
been helping with the suppart of both Bev and Paul Sollinger out ❑f finance. 5a can yau
give us an update, Jahn?
WESLEY: Yes, Mayar, Council, I'I! be very 4�rief because I d�n't have a whole lot t❑ add,
but we'll see what questians you have. 5� the state statutes aElaw for these ❑ff-track
�etting facilities to go int❑ �ommunities and requires the state approval. But part of the
state approval is it also recei�es the IoGal jurisdiction appro�al. So that's what we're
going through this evening. There's nothing specific in our ardinances at this time t�at
go�ern these.
And so the Cauncil is kinci of free in that regard to consider what the needs are. We did
r�ach out to neighboring Gommunities that might be impacted by this, the two IVati�e
American communities, and they sent back responses that they had no issues with it
gaing in. 5o it's here with the recommendation for appraval.
EARLE: Can y�u tell us, did they have ti�is license before?
WESLEY: Vi�e Mayor, I'm not sure, actually. As we'�e discussed befare, I believe they
had it ❑r at least appfied for it, but I'm not sure if it ever actualfy was implemented.
That's where I'm fuzxy.
Page 16 of 79
�awn af iau�t�isi �iiis
APRIL Z1, �e]]_E TQW�1 f.Dk.�'��CIL i�9EETiNG fNIhUTES
G�O�WIN: Mention is, it's been appraved previously by this body, and whether �t was
implemented or it expired flr nat, but yes, it has heen approved pre�iously.
EARLE: �kay, thank you.
MCMAH�N: Thank yau. I haven't heard of this before, so I cfon't remember approving
it in the fast fi�e years, but possibly we cauld ha�e. This is gambling, cflrrect?
WE5L.EY; Yes.
MCMAHQN: It's betting on horses, dogs?
WESLEY: Harses, I believe.
MCMAH�N: �kay. I'�e never really seen this. I knaw that it's in a eouple ❑ther towns,
but we have a casina a �ouple miles away that has the same bettir�g. 5o I'm ha�ing
difficulty understanding why we need this in tawn at a laar and a tavern, be�ause I think
that it's }ust going t❑ apen it up. If we say yes ta arre, then it's just gaing t❑ piggy�ack.
We're not going t❑ be abie ta say no to ❑ther restaurants ar bars that may want t�is. 50
I'm not gaing to be for this.
I'm very car�cerned ak�out it. I don't think it fits within Four�tain Hills. I don't think it fits
within aur image. And so I'm not far it. I mean, there's a casino that has huge
restaurants, huge jumbatrons and e�eryt}�ing where you can sit and bet there. And I
don't think this belongs in our town. And that's my personal opinifln. Thar�k you.
WATTS: Thank you, Mr. Mayar. This might be a IittEe k�it in the weeds. I kr�ow that the
Tap Hause has had that in the past. And I don't realiy ha�e any problem with it, but I d❑
have a question, and that is normally when you bring gambling int❑ a tawn flr facility or
reservation, there are programs design�d for gambling addiction and money to k�e put
aside.
So people that are a victim ❑f to❑ much gambfing, they lase their hames and everything.
Has that been accounted far here, that there'll fae programs set aside for people that
have gamk�ling addictions based on us opening this facility in t�wn?
Page 17 af 79
T.w�n vf Fc�i.�nt�in Hilis
APRIl.21, 2026'��W��! C���1�f£il lil�ETl!VG Mi�l�JiFS
WESLEY: Mayor, Cauncilmember, I'm nat aware of anything specific assoGiated wifh this
particular facility coming in that samething alang that line is being done again
specifically for this heyond what is just generally known and advertised, as you'�e
menti�ned.
WATTS: Yeah, if we eould mayhe reach aut at this point, I'm going t❑ vate yes. But if we
cauld reach out and see if there's a pro�ision for that, I would appreciate that.
EARLE: I don't believe there is. There`s no requirement for them to have it. This is
simqkyjust the permit fram the state ta allow the activity offsite. Again, ather facilities,
as the mentioned, whether it's casinos or ather large facilities, yeah, they do ha�e those
resources. That's nat part of this conversation in regards to this aff-track betting
request.
WATTS: �kay. Because I knaw all the major gambling sites� they do ha�e the disclosure
here and there. And then if you are addiGted, call this phone number and there's
pragrams a�ailable. It'd be nice if there was same �onsideration given to that.
GDOQININ: Mayor, if I may, the appli�ant is here and may be a�fe to help address that
question if you'd like to hear from him.
11NIdENTIFIED SPEAkCER: 5a Jot�n, I suppart this. i thinkTurf Paradise, having been
there numerous times myse�f, they run a great operatian. I think the ❑ff-tradc betting --
I'd rather ha�e peopl� sitting in a r�staurant in ❑ur town buying ffl�d and so an and t�e
sales tax. So I think it's -- but I da think that it also pravides an opportunity for us t�
laok at our ordinances for 2aning and see how we can include them and minimize the
impact. I dor�'t want ane on every corner. So maybe we should take a look at that, put
it on the agenda for some time in the future.
WESLEY: Yes, Mayar, Councilmembers, I have noted in some other communities they
have made provisions within the zoning ordinance. We have�s't here, hut we could look
at that in the future.
_ _ _— --.._ __ __ __ _ . __._.. ---._.._._.._
Page 18 of 79
io��un pf Fountairi HiE;s
RPitIL Z1, 2Q2fi TOW!� CDL'�JCIi fJIEETING M!N[JTE5
MAYDR FRIEDEL: And I would just like ta add that I thinl� any enhancement that one af
our businesses can have, why not? They're in business t❑ make a living, and if tt attraets
mare tustamers and we get sales tax revenue from them eating and drinking at any
establishment based upan the ser that they offer, I think that's a good thing for the
town and the community.
They had it ance befare. I don't see a problem with it goir�g forward. And I also think, ta
address counciiwoman Kaii�ianakis' question, !'m sure there's certain disclasures that
are inherent with this type ❑f operation that will be provided to peaple if there's an
issue. And that's pr�6ably state-regulated, is my guess an that.
KALIVIAlVAiCIS: Do the casinos pro�it from this? I know I see that ti�ere's letters in here,
but I d�n't kn�w how that works. D� yau know how that warks?
WESLEY: Mayor, caun�ilmemher, no, I don't.
KALIVIANA1C15: �kay, could anyba�#y answer that questian?
GQnDWIN: E don't believe that the request before you tonight is affiliated with either of
the �asinos, whether it be 5alt River or Fort Mc�owell. We gave them mare of a
eourtesy to let them know that this was coming befare you to see if they had any
objections. Obviausly, their letters represent that they da not, so they are r�ot appasing
it. 8ut no, they don't ha�e any direct benefit from it.
KALIVIANAKI5: Thank you.
VIIESLEY: Are we going ta allaw any publi� comment on this since we changed this and
let it come up to a regular agenda item? We didn't ha�e time f�r any comment cards or
anything, so I'fl ask the Tawn Attorney, is there -- if there's samebody in the audience
that wants to comment, should we -- can we allaw that?
WRIGH�: I think the pubiic camment, they're allawed to request to dis�uss the Cansent
Agenda item, but cansidering this was maved and mayhe they didn't know they could
request, I think that we cauld make a-- if ti�at's up to the bady. I mean, it's realfy maybe
a mation to a�cept public �omment.
Page I9 a! 79
?vwri of Fo�antain Miils
APF�IL 7.1, `tGZfi T�WN Gi�l1;:Cll. MEEii�dG NIfIV[J i ES
MAYOR FRIEDEL: 5o I'll make a motian to amend the rule and I'll allow public �omment
❑n this item since we ma�ed it fram consent t� regular. We'll need a second for that.
EARLE: 5econd.
MAYDR FRIEdEL: �kay, a31 right, can we get a roll call an that mation?
BENpER: Cauncilmember 5killicflrn.
sKi��ico�N: res.
BEN�ER: Cauncilmemher McMahon.
MCMAHON: Aye.
BEN�ER: Councilmember Kali�ianakis.
KAL�VIANAKIS: Aye.
BEN��R: Cauncilmember Watts.
WATTS: Yes.
BEN�ER: Vice Mayor Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BENpER: And Mayor Friedel,
MAY�R FRIEQEL: Aye,
BENbER: Mayor, 6-D.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank you. So c!o we ha�e anybody in the pubfic that wants to make a
comment? 5tep up, identify yourself, and then ga ahead.
J�HN50N: Honorabie Mayar, members of the Council, my name is Da�id Johnson. I am
the president of Turf Paradise. I also oversee the ❑ff-track betting operations there.
My residen�e is at 314 5outh 122nd Lane, A�ondale, Arizona. 5o I am not a r�sident of
the Town of Fountain Hills. What you have befare yau is a request for aff-track betting.
Page 20 af 79
T�wn vf Fvuntain Hills
Af'Rli 7.1, 2U2fi T�bVl1 CQL'f�CIL PJIEETINV R?IG3UT�5
This is, as Johrr stated, this is an acti�ity that was appro�ed by the 5tate Legislature
many years aga, over 4Q years aga.
5in�e it's been appra�ed, we have ❑perated aver 1�0 la�ati�ns, and ❑ut of those
lo�atians, we'�e only had twa that have ever had any in�idents. Everybody who is
in�al�ed in this acti�ity is going ta be given a background �heck hy the Arizona
❑epartment of Gaming. They are also gaing to he given an F81 background check. To
answer some of the questi�ns that were asked #�y Councilmer-nber McMahon, the Indian
tribes do nat benefit fram this.
This is not an activity that the tribes participate in. It's pari-mutuel wagering ❑n h�rse
racing, and the lndian tribes have ele�ted not to ha�e o�f-track bettir�g. If th�y did wish
to ha�e it, they are always welcame to it, but it's just samething that th�y ha�en't dane.
Fort McDowelk used to have one many years ago, aver 20 years ago, but they �lased it
dnwn. To answer yaur -- and I'm sarry Councilmember, I can't pron�unce that -- f�ut
yes, there are programs that we do work with the Ari2ona beparCment ❑f Gaming, as far
as self-help.
Thase are the same pragrams that the trihal casinos use, as well as all of the sparts
betting companies as well. 5� aur primary a�ti�ity is between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 50
we're primarily a daytime activity. We don't canduct nighttime acti�ity. And it's like you
said, it's a business enhancer. it's going to help the local business. It's going t❑ bring
people to that facility that will eat and drink and generate tax re�enue. 8ut it wil3 alsa
keep people here.
I can te11 yau that a lot ❑f the people that do business at my locations in Scattsdale are
Fountain Hills members, town, they li�e �ere, they're residents, and they're traveling
aut af your town t❑ da business in Sco'ttsdale because this activity isn't pro�ided far
them anymore. It has been in the Park�iew Tap House before. It operated without any
incid�nt. Unfortunately, the previous owner af iurf Paradise wanted to s�e more
acti�ity, sa he decided to clase it. We ha�e new owners of Turf Paradise. We're trying
Page 21 of 79
� ovvn ni Fountair H��is
AP�I�_'!_1, 2026 �'�WN C►7U°rClL PAE[:T1N�: Ms;��'i ��5
to grow. We're trying to da things right. And I've been asked to �ome back and see if it
would be possible to return the activity here.
MAYDR FRIEd�L: Yeah. Thanks for coming aEl the way from A�ondale and ta illuminate
a little further what would -- a Consent Ager�da item turned into not. But I'm sure we all
appreciate you coming here tonight and explaining in a little more detail.
J�HN50N: No, you're welcame.
MAYQR FRIE�EL: Thank you. W� ha�e anather speak�r.
UNI�ENTIFIE❑ SPEAKER: 1 don't knaw if it`s necessary, but I did send an email ear�ier to
some of you, and i just wanted t� make a public statement be�ause I dan't see how
there cauld be any reason t❑ deny this. We serve alcahol in Fountain Hills. We serve
cannak�is. There �an be addictian problems with bath af thase things. 6etting,
e�erybody knaws there can be gam�Ofing prablems.
8ut my bigger thing was, yes, let's keep the people in Founta�n Hills who might t�e
inclined t❑ go out ❑f town. An�# if you're going to come in, let's say t❑ the Tap House,
you may have a beverage, you may ha�e a lunch if it`s daytime, you may have an ear€y
dinner. All thaf sales tax for us. And I did read the twa letters from bath ❑f the tribes,
and neither one of them had a problem with it. 5o we`re not anybody's nanny. 50 let
people take responsibility for themselves. I say appro�e it. 7hanks.
KALIVIANAKIS: I would like t❑ make a moti�n t❑ appra�e the request from Turf
Paradise. Oh, is there another comment? Oh, sorry.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: Please come on up.
SCHLACHTER: Jean 5chlachter, 31-y�ar resicient of Fountain Hills. And yau all read my
emaii today, I assume. And th� twa things that I wanted to make clear is, one, that it is
an addietian, gambling, anc{ that in fact suicide rates are highest among the addiction
for gambling than any other menta! health issue. 5o that's an issue, and we certainly
dan't want t❑ encourage gambling as a �ommunity. And s❑ I think that's a major issue
to consider.
Page 22 of 79
Tawn n$ Fountain Hiiis
dIP�tIL 21, 2a25 7D;�JfV CU:1�Cii. MEE7��G fWiA��??£5
And alsa, as I indicated, that there's 12 cities and tawns in Mari�opa County that ha�e
off-tra�k betting, and only one is smaller than Fauntain Hil�s. They're all Earge cities that
can support the infrastructure, the law enforcement, the addi�tian issues, and we �an't
do that. 5o that's why I wrote the letter. And I'm kind of disappointed in what I heard
tonight. S❑ thank you.
MAYDR FaIE�EL: Yes, sir. Sure, come ❑n up.
BLECKER: Gaod evening, Mr. Mayar. Sheiby Blecker. Good e�ening, Councilmembers,
r�sident of Fauntain HElls. Former resident of Las Angeles, Califarnia. There are plenty
❑f smafl towns in and arou�d the outskirts of Los Angeles that have pari-mutuel betting.
They make revenue. It pro�ides services for the tawn. It keeps people in the town. I
c�on't see any reasan why we shou�d allow tax re�enues and tax dallars t� gfl out of
CQWfl.
These sma11 tawns d❑ not have necessarily gambling addicCion prab4ems. I mean, that's
always going to be a case, and it can be a concern. I dan't think Maricapa Caunty
5heriff's gaing to have a problem with it. You'�e already heard from the applicant that
said we removed it before because there wasn't enough 6usiness in tawn. If there's nat
enough business, then they'll remo�e it again. 6ut if we can keep tax re�enue in tawn,
that's a majflr thing. If we �an keep residents in tawn staying in tawn instead of gaing to
5cattsdale, I think that's a maj�r thing. And I think you should all approve this. Thank
you.
MAY�� FRIEbEL: Thank y�u. Brenda, you had a motian?
KALIVIANAKIS: Yeah, my mation was t❑ approve the application for the Turf Paradise to
b� located at the Tap House ir� Fountain Hills, Arizona.
EARLE: 5ecand.
MAYDa FRIEbEL: Town Clerk, we have a motion and a secand. Can we get a rall �all
vote, please?
6ENb�R: Councilmember Kali�ianakis.
Page 23 of 79
Towr; of Fountain ii+ils
r�PRI! 21, 2025 TOLNh CQ! �!vCil MEETih•� MINU'� ES
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
BEfVDER: Councilmemi�er Watts.
WATTS: Aye.
BENbER: Caun�ilmember 5killicorn.
SKILLICQRN: Yes.
BENDER: Couneifinem4�er McMahon.
MCMAHON: Nay.
BENDER: Vice Mayar Earl�.
EARLE: Befare I �ote, may I explain? I just appreciate Mr. Schlachter-- if I said that
right -- bringing this to aur attention s❑ that we could discuss it publicly and i c�uld learn
a little more about it. And i will appro�e it. 7hank you.
SENDER: And Mayor �riedel.
MAYDR FRIEbEL: Aye.
BENaER: Mayor, 5-1.
MAYQR FRIEbEL: Thank you. All right, we'll move an now to the rest of our regular
agenda. Right now I've got -- I'm mo�ing to approve Cauncil 5ubcommitt�e B's
re�ommendation to appaint two members ta ❑ur Planning and 2oning Commission. 50
right now I'm going to mo�e ta approve Scott 5chlossberg and Ni�k Pro�tor, both
incumbents, far aur Planning and Zoning. And I will ask if there's any camment cards on
this.
gENdER: No, Mayor.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Okay. And then is there any Caun�il discussion on this? Na. ❑kay, I'll
request a secand then an the motion.
KALIViANAK1S: I'Ik second that.
Page 24 of 79
7si�un of Fv�antain Hi!!s
►1�'RIL �1, 2026 T�WI� CQUNCi4 �VIE�TIIv� MIIViJTES
MAY�R FRIEQEL: 5❑ we ha�e a motion and a se�ond. Can I get a roll call �ote, please?
BENDER: Cauncilmember 5killi�orn.
SICILLICQRN: Yes.
BENDER: Councilmember Kali�ianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
BEN�ER: Councilmember McMahon.
MCMAH�N: Aye.
BENDER: Coun�ilmember Watts.
WATTS: Aye.
BENDER: Vice Mayor Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
B�NDER: And Mayor Friedel.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Aye.
BENbER: Mayor, 6-0.
MAYOR FRIEdEL: Thank you. And we'il mave ❑n to the next consideration. We'�e got
approval ❑f Council Subcommittee A r�commendation to reappoint members to the
Community 5ers Ad�isory Commission. And at this time, I'm going t❑ make a motion t❑
reappoint Craig Rudolphy at this time t❑ that Cauncil. Are there any �omment cards,
Town Clerk?
BENaER: No, Mayor.
MAYQR FRIE�EL: ❑kay. Any Council discussion on this? No.
KALIVIANAKIS: I'd li€ce to second.
MAY�R FRIEpEL: 5ecand. Dkay, s❑ we have a m�tion and a second. Can I get a rol! ca11
�ote, please?
Page 25 of 79
�awi� of Foarttain Fiills
;-iFRI� �1, Z025 TQWP� CDIiNCII iJ�f£TItiG M!!�JTEs
B�N�ER: Councilmember M�Mahon.
MCMAH�N� Aye.
�ENDER: Councilmember Watts.
WATT5: Aye.
BENQER: Caun�ilmember Skillicorn.
SKILLICORN: Yes.
BENDER: Councilmemk�er Kali�ianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
BEIV�ER: Vice Mayor Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BEfVDER: Mayor Friedel.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Aye.
BENDER: Mayor, 6-4.
MAY�R FRIEaEL: 7hat�k you. At�d then the final one I'�e got is eonsideratian and
possible actian on the approval of 5ubcommittee A's recommendation to appoint three
members to the 5trategic Planning Ad�isary Commissian for a full three-y�ar term, May
2�Z5 thraugh April 2029. And !'m going ta make a motion to reappoint Jeff Yazetta, Joe
Reyes, and Polly Bonnet. Are there any comment cards an this one?
BENDER: No, Mayor.
MAYDR FRIEdEL: Any Council discussion? 5eeing nane, ean we get a second?
KALIVIANAKIS: Second.
EARL�: 5ecand.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: And a ro11 cafl �ate, please.
gENDEFi: Councilmember McMahon.
Page 26 of 79
1'nwn of Fv�ntain Hills
A�RiL 21� 2U26 TOWN C0�INCIL ME� i�NG M!�#UTES
MCMAHQN: Aye.
6EN�ER: Councilmem6er Watts.
WATTS: Aye.
BENDER: Coun�ilmember Skillicorn.
SKILLIC�RN: YeS.
BENDER: Cauncilmember Kalivianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
BENdER� Vice Mayar Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BENbER: And Mayor Friedel.
MAYOR FRIEDEt: Aye.
gEN�ER� Mayor, 6-�.
MAYOR FRIEQEL: Thank you. And moving al�r�g, r�ow we'�e got a public hearing that
we're going to ha�e in canj�nction with possible action regarding the re2one of
appraximate�y 2a acres lacated 6�� feet sauth of the sautheast carner of Galden Eagle
Boulevard and IVyack bri�e from R�-35 to R1-1QA t❑ allow the develapment of 25 singie-
family resi�#ential lots. 5a I'm going ta apen a public hearing on that, and I`m gaing to
call on the Town Manager. Go ahead.
GODdWIN: Mayar, I'm going to hand this off to our senior planner, Farhad Ta�assoli.
H�'s going C❑ walk us through the details ❑f this request as we get this project
underway.
TAVA55�LI: 7hank you, Mayor, cauncilmembers. Thank you for the apportunity. As
you mentionec�, , this is a rezone request filed by Tall 6rothers ta re�one a property
from R1-35 ta R1-10A to allow for 25 single-family lots. The subj��t property is a farmer
future s��oal site owned by the Fountain Hills lJnified 5chaa! District. As I mentianed,
Page Z7 of 79
i ovlr� �f Fauntain Hil��
APR3L 21� 20Z6 iOUL'�V CCUN�IL MEEi!^�G iV11�fUF�S
it's about 20 acres. You can see its praximity t❑ Golden Eagle Boule�ard to the east, and
in the far western portion of the property is a wash that runs through it. That is
Ashbrook Wash.
TAVAS5�L1: In�identally, the segment of the wash to the north as well as t❑ the sauth is
❑wned lay the town. This here is actually in escrow with iall 6rothers, but until now has
been awned by the schaol district. And the purpos�, as I m�nti�ned, is to de�elap a Z5-
Eot single-family subdi�ision c�nsisting of single-story housing product. A little bit flf
background.
As I mentioned, the praperty has been ❑wned by the Fountain Hills Unified 5chool
❑istrict. It's been designated a future school site since the '7�s and was pre�iausly
consic{ered for schoal use until the District initiated a put�lic dis�osal pracess in Z024,
and the green light to sell the praperty was approved by �vters in No�ember 2024. And
Toll Brothers has been selected as the preferred buyer for this property.
TAVASSOLI: I�ust wanted to provide, befnre gving too far into the details of the praject,
a little bit of site context and ��nditions. The vacant praperty is surraunded primarily to
the nartheast and ta the east by a very well-established single-family n�ighborhood
with lots at a minimum being at 1�,Q00 square feet.
As f inentioned, there is a large natural wash, Ashbraak Wash, running along the
western side of the parcel. The wash and the surrounding floadplains constitute
appraximately nine acres of the site. I'll ha�e a little l�it more detail abaut that segment
❑f the wash a little bit later, but the wash serves as a drainage and wildlife hafaitat
functianally, and there is no c�nstruction propased for the wash, as you'll see later.
TAVASS�LI: And also just want to pro�icie a little zoning map here t� give yau additianal
context with regards to the zoning. As you can s�� all around it, the surraunding
pr�perties are zoned for single-family residential as well, Ca the east and -- ar rather, t❑
the west and to the south, alt�ough as yau can see in the aerial, those are largely
unde�eloped.
Page 28 af 79
Tnwr! af Fount�+in H+iis
APRI� 21, 2�25 iDWlV COUNC!I. MEETING �v�iNiJi�S
TAVA55DLI: 5o the applicant is propasing a re2oning from R1-35. Currently R1-35
aRlows one dwelfing unit per 35,4�4 square feet. So �ery iow density residential. And
the preferred zoning is R1-1pA to a€low far compatibility and ffexibility af the housing
produ�t that they wou�d Eike to introduce, which consists primarily -- ❑r actually
entirely -- of single-story homes.
Although the �istrict, according to the roning ❑rdinance, would alfaw twa-story homes.
Typical lot sizes would be 8D by 13�, which is appraximately a little o�er 1�,Q�D square
feet. The building setbacks far the R1-14A district require a minimum af 20 feet in the
front, seven f�et on ea�h side, and ZD feet in the rear. As I mentioned, the homes -- the
product that Toll Brothers is proposing to intrflduce here is limited ta ❑ne story.
ihe maximum lot coverage under the provisions of the R1-10A 2oning ciistrict is 40
percent. Yhe difference between the R1-1�A and R1-�0, which is actualiy mare
prevalent here in town, is the lot co�erage maximum. R1-1DA allows for 30 percent lat
�average. Maximum lot coverage far R1-10A is 40 percent, but otherwise the sethacks
far both distriGts are the same.
TAVA550LI: IVow, the applicant submitt�d their original rezone rec{uest late last year,
ba�k in December, where the ❑riginal request came in as a 29 single-famiiy unit
subdivision. And following some �oncern fram residents and als❑ a series af ineetings,
bath large and small -- small anes being with individual members of the neign6arhood --
the appficant's latest proposal proposes t❑ remave the faur lots to the narth for a tatal
of 25 units. And what the applicant is propflsing in place of those faur lats that ha�e
been remo�ecf is a natural apen space area, whiCh is expe�ted ta help with some af the
drainage concerns. And there's also, as was part of the ariginal plan, an oper� spa�e area
here further ta the south.
TAVASS�LI: 5o the density that would be allowed in this par�el with the R1-10A
rezoning is a little ❑�er faur dwelling units, maybe 4.3 dwelling units per acre. What the
applicant is propasing is 1.Z9 dwelling units per acre. That's gross, which includes the
property in its entirety, but a density of a little o�er three ta the acre net, which only
Page 29 of 79
i �3t'�il i�f FoUi�*3in �ii;ts
AP�tlL 21, 2Uc6 TL71AfP1 �C1UfV�iL INEETIN[i �'�iNUTFS
incfudes the de��lopable area here, as you can see just east ❑f the wash. Th� property
wil� feature at least ten aGres of permanent open space, including the natural wash, the
narthern edge, which was originally propased for those four homes initialiy, and the
smaller flpe� space �ract here further ta the south.
TAVASSOLI: Looking at the general plan, we find that ❑ne �f the pro�isions is in support
of reuse of underutilized school district prflperty, and therefare we find that alsa that
the proposed de�efapment would be cflmpatible with adjacent R1-10 neighborhoods, as
I showeci you, those neighb�rhaods ta the east and to the north. With the praposal for
single-story, with that restriction, the applicant's goal is to protect �iews and the
neighborhood character, as well as preserving natural resources.
TAVASSDLI: I've included in your reports a citizen participation summary. Notices were
mailed by the applicant well f�efore -- actuakly shortly after the application was filed --
beyond the 3��-faat minimum requirement far notification. That neighbarhoad
meeting was a�tually held at the community center an january 2ath, where there were
at least 6S attendees.
Yhere was some additiona! dialogue and ❑utreach after that meeting. 5ome ❑f the key
topi�s that were discussed were density, drainage, wildlife, �iews, and traffic.
Community feedback was mixed at the meeting. Same were supportive whiie others
had same conc�rns, particularly abaut traffic and drainage, and many were receptive ta
the idea af ha�ing a single-story product in the area ta preserve those �iewsheds, as
well as preserving that wash. Correspandence was recei�ed a�tually nat long befare the
Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, which I k�elieve was an March 13th.
A petitian of protest or petition af oppasitian was received on March 5t�. Going
through the petition, we found that there were 123 residents opposed to the rezone.
Three were open to some fflrm of rezaning af ti�e property, gi�en the fact that it is
essentially an the marEcet, but they were opp�sed ta the Toll Brothers praposal. Sin�e
the petition was submitted, we re�ei�ed ten {etters af suppart, ane particularly
Page 3� of 79
Town af Fvuntair� Hills
APRIL 21, 2C261'flWiV CDLINGL M��TIlV�a MflVl1TG5
descri�ing a positive experience with Toll Brothers, but still had some remaining
concerns, particularly with the traffic.
TAVASSOLI: So the reason laoking at the petitian is important is we need to determine
whethe�' or not a supermajority �ote would k�e required hy Council, a�d the zoning
ardinance has very specific steps in making that determination. And so what's required
is that we loak at the names on the signature -- names on the petition, and then loak at
the 154-foat buffer surrounding the parcel, 15� feet autside the parcel boundaries, t❑
determine how many of the names an those petitians are within that 15�-faot buffer.
And so we found that there w�re 19 ❑wners, and we verified that they were awners flf
the property, which is required. 19 awners of the 28 properties within that 15�-foot
k�uffer, including the subject praperty, were pratesting. And s❑ that's 67, almost 68
percent of the ❑wners within that buffer area. Hvwever, those pratesting fandowners
awn a�out 1fl.7 percent of the land within that buffer area, again in�luding the subje�t
property.
5❑ both must ha�e met the ZO per�ent threshold in orc�er t❑ require a three-quarters
vote, and we've determined that -- and f�y the way, these are the signatories of the
petition that were within the buffer area. We'�e determined that threshald was not
met. And I do want ta stress that the 15�-foot buffer wauld not only include the
properties that are entirely within the t�uffer area, but afso those that include just
portians of the property.
TAVA550LI: 5o in aur analysis, staff believes that the rEzor�ing maintains the single-
family use consistent wit� the area. The design responds to the natural wash
canstraints, and there is a stipulation that yau will see in the report that addresses that,
as well as a stipulatian abaut the single-story restriction ta pratect neighbors' views. It
does generate fewer trips than a schoal would, and it supports a broac�er educatiflnal
rein�estment ihrough the property sal� by thE Oistrict.
Page 31 of 79
'fawn nf Fuursiain N�Us
RPRIL �l. ?dtn T�WN COiJ�JC!L MEE1 i�iG MINUI'E5
Cammissifln and staff re�ommendatian with regards ta the one-story iimit, we've
incfuded a stipulation whi�h would require the applicant t❑ incEude a note an the final
plat stating that restriction, as well as a note establishing a nan-developable area which
would include the fioodplain and erasion setback area surrounding Ashbrook Wash.
And as I mentianed earlier, that canstitutes ahout ten a�res of ihe praperty, as well as a
stipulatian to cap the number of lats at 25, as depicted in the exhibit in your packets.
And we've a!s❑ in�luded and agreed on a stipulation ta include a sidewalk spanning the
frontage al�n� Aspen t❑ basically create a safe �arridor far the pedestrians.
TAVA550LI: Sa our suggested motion is to mo�e to appro�e the ❑rdinance that would
be the re2one request af approximately 20 acres from R1-�5 to R1-1�A, subject to the
four cflnditians listed. We are wefl aware -- I am well aware of the many concerns
related to traffic as we�l as drainage.
We do ha�e at ieast a couple members of the Publi� W�rks Department wha are ready
t❑ address thase concerns as well, if need be. And with that, I'll elose my presentation
and open up to questions before I hand it a�er ta our applicant wh❑ has alsa prepared a
presentation. Thank yau.
WATTS: Can y�u g� back ta the slide with the 20 pereent on it?
TAVAS50LI: ❑h, ti�is one here, right?
WA7T5: 5o we got 28 properties within the 150-foot buff�r and plus 25, so a total of 53.
TAVA550LI: A�tually, no. Mayor, Councilmember, wit�ir� this buffer area there are 28
properties. 28 properties, n�t t�e 2S if you're referring to the �ots being split up, but as
a single parcel.
WATTS: I'm trying ta understand, must meet both for the 20 percent threshold ta
require a three-quarter �ate?
7AVA550LI: Correct.
Page 32 vf 74
Tatil�n nf Foar�tain Hi3is
APRIL 21, ZDZfi TDWN C�UI�CiL iL�:EFTi�IG MINlJTES
WATTS: Three-quarter, 2� percent �ote, ❑r 2D percent threshald, applies to the total ❑f
the houses within the zone and the 150-foot. Can you do the math for me?
TAVA55�LI: Okay, so Mayar, Cauncilmember, so within this 150-foot buffer area, 28
properties are included within this pro{�erty, or within this blue area, either in their
entirety or just a portion. 50 28 properties. And then we Ifloked at the signatures that
were provided on the petitian. These are the 19 properties withir� that buffer area that
were on the petition. The other names were outside this buffer area, but 19 were
in�luded.
And so 19 owners out of the 28 within this area, it's about 68 percent. 5o that threshold
is met beeause it's well o�er 20 percent. 7he ather threshold that needs to be met is
that the protesting landown�rs need tv owr� ZQ percent of the land within that buffer
area, including the subject property and including all rights of way.
And sa with our math, we've determined, yau knaw, looking at the acreages anci square
footages, that those landowners own a little ❑�er ten percenf of the land within this
buffer area. WATTS: Sa loaking at the protesters being 68 perc�nt, it's really the
remaining 32 percent that exceeds the 20 percent threshold for not to require. Does
that make sense? Am I laoking at it wrong? I see the 58 perCent and !'m saying, well,
we got more protesters than we do.
TAVASSOLI: Yeah, if we loak at individual land�wners, yes, pretty much. I do want to
mention ane thing. It's worth stressing that this is a very conser�ati�e figure here
�Oecause the landowners here to the north, they actually resGinded their oppasition, and
the appltcant has actually interacted with these landowners, and they'If have t`nare ta
say a�aut t}�at. 6�t these landowners here own 1�.7 percent ❑f the area that's within
this blue shaded area. And sa that threshald is not met, but the first threshald is met.
Bath neecf to be met in arder to require the supermajarity vote.
WATTS: All right, thanks.
MAYflR FRIEDEL: Do we have any �omment cards? Oh, okay. Applicant.
Page 33 of 79
Tnvin �f Fnuritain Hilis
F!:'Ftl� .�.i, 2�2Fi TOWN C�UlVL'il rJ�E'r7i�lfi PJiIiVUTES
MARSH: Good e�ening, N1ayar, members af Council. Ashley Mars}� fram Gammage and
Burnham, 40 North Central, for your rec�rds. I wiil try ta be brief in my remarks. Mr.
Ta�assali did a great jab gi�ing an aver�iew af our initial appficatian and some progress
we made, but that is a zoning attarney's dying last words, s❑ bear with me far a few
minutes as I highiight a few things from aur application.
Before I really get gaing, I would like to just take a minute to thank members �f the
Fountain Hills community, our neighbors. We spent a lot of time with them going aver
❑ur pr�posal, We had big meetings, small meetings, as Mr. Ta�assoli mentianed. 7hey
gave us same great feed4�ack. Vlle made some re�isions. W� earned the support of
tF�ose immediately adjacent neighbors thraugh thase re�isions and those canversations.
S❑ I kr�ow a few ❑f them are here this e�cning, and I want to thank them very much for
their participation k�ecause we came up with a great site plan.
And I also really want to thank town staff. You heard a great presentation from Mr.
Tavassoli, but we had conversations with your Public Works, with your engineers, wiih
your pEanning director, with your town manager, with memf�ers of the Council, with
members af your planning commission. So we really touched a lot of d�fferent points on
this, got a lot af different feedback, and I just want to thanft everyone for those
comments.
MARSH: 5o without further ado, again, my name is Ashl�y Marsh. �ur team is here
taday. I've gat Colin Phipps. He's actually the VP of land for Toll Brothers. He's had a
great warking experien�e wit� the Town of Fountain Hills througt� their projects. 7011 is
a c�mmitted partner and land developer, home builder in the Town af Fountain Hills,
and has had a really amazing experience and hopes to do a few more proj�cts, this ane
included, in your tawn. We also ha�e pennis N�wcomb af my office.
He is a senior land use planner. And aur aw�some civil engineers, Ryan Rabb an�i Fani
Koglegatla {ph.}, if there's any technical conversation that needs to be had, !'ll refer ta
them, especially on �ivil. I know enough about civil engineering ta be dangeraus, but
not the expert.
Page 34 of 79
'f�wn r,# rountai�7 Nills
APRIL ZZ, z�2f T�WN COUN�:I! M�E i I�dG MiPJEJTES
MARSH� So as we mentioned, as you're familiar with, this is ab�ut a 20-acre site an the
narthwest portian of your tawn. The site itself, Mr. Tavass�fi went inta detail, �ut it
is -- I think I skipped a slide there. It is zaned R1-35.
It has always �een toned that way since the initial planning in 1972, which was actually
earmarked as a future s�haol site. It inherited the R1-35 xoning, but around it, it's really
built up as R1-10 cammunity. 5o if you laok at the site here, you d❑ see some larger
land use designations, but when you really drill into what's k�een de�eloped, it's really
R1-1� zaning. Those hash marks are topagraphical mountain features.
You see the wash carridors in blue there, and I just highlight that to show that this is a
historic property. It was 197z planning for a future site, but what's been developed
araund it within the iimitations af the topography really is an R1-1� home produGt, that
1fJ,�Ofl-square-faot lot, w�ich is what we're proposing here. This is just a site example
s❑ you can see what I'm talking ab�ut. Vllhere we've praposed our de�elopment is
relati�ely fiat terrain, and then at the ha�k af that, that about ten acres does have some
tapographical consideration.
MARSH: Mr. Tavassoli mentiot�ed this, and I know you're all familiar, i�ut this site was
one af tw❑ sites that the s�hool distriet awns and put up for sale in its 2024 special
�lectian. If appraved, the sale is to fund and ta rein�est into buifdings, into
transpartation, int❑ really su�porting the aperations of the schaol district, which is
mu�h needed far the healfh ❑f the District.
This ballot measure was o�erwhelmingly appro�ed by the resicients af Fountain Hills. I
think we went back and saw 69 percent of your �oters appro�ecf this measure. And as
Mr. Ta�assoli mentioned, Tall was unanimausly chosen as the potentiai buyer and
de�eloper for t}�ese two sites and is in escrow to purchase them.
MARSH: So we went o�er this in a little bit of detail, but just t❑ kind of give yau a iittle
bit more history on aur initial praposal, which w� submitted in November ar december
Page 35 af 79
�u�v:� of fv�iritai , Fi3l�s
APRiL .'�.1. 21725 T�7W�V CL�UI��IL iVZcE I{92G �IIIIViJ7E5
of 2�25, Tall -- I give them all the credit in the war€d. I really ha�e enjoyed working with
them.
They thought very hard and �ery thoughtfully about what we could build here that
would fit within the fabric af the existing neighbarhood, still bring that quality luxury
prQduet that Toll is known far, and realfy try to thread the needle and honor that there
are existing properties and an opportunity t� develop a �acant piece of property. 5o
when Toll initially went t❑ the drawing board, they �ame t❑ me and said, "Ash, we want
to do 29 singfe-story lots on this property. It's really important for us ta preser�e this
wash corridor.
We understand it's significant in terms �f drainage patterns with the town. It alsa has
some wildlife considerations. We dfln't feel like it's appropriate to engineer aver this
wash corridor, so we want ta leave that alone." And again, emphasize that single story
was really important to them, and they said, "What kind of zoning do we need to get
this dane?"
5❑ we loaked at that R1-�OA land use category to be able ta pro�ide thase single-stflry
homes and fit in with what's already existing there, w�ich is that R1-1�, which we
showed you. All that R1-10, that big capital A, allows us ta da that's different is to have
a�ittle bit more iot co�erage s❑ that the square foatage ❑f the hame is spread aeross the
lot �ersus built up. And there are tw❑ stories in this neighbarhood. As you saw, there's
a stipulation on our zoning case that woufd just ha�e for that single-story produ�t acrass
the board.
MARSH: And sa I give Toll a lot of cr�dit. This was already a great site plan. I've seen a
lot Qf them. I don't want t❑ say that every site plan I've seen is a great site plan, i�ut this
was a really good ane. Preserved approximately ten acres in open space, devekoped
about nine-ish acres af that 19-acre site, and preserved that wash corridor and
�iewsheds with the single story. Another thing that they worked really hard an with
their design team is t❑ mirror the Girculatian.
Page 36 of 79
iauln of Fountain Hilis
APRIL 7_1, 2026 TOWN COUIdCI�. �JlE�T4lVG MINLl7E�
5a if you Iflak at aur site plan in the neighborhood to the north, that circular dri�e is
pretty apparent ❑n each side, right? 5a again, just how do we thread the needle
between what's existing and how we can bring a new community onta this piece of
property?
MARSH: As I mentioned, and Mr. Ta�assoii mentianed and shawed this t❑ yau already,
we had a lat af engagement with the neighbflrs and heard Cancerns about �iewshecf
corridars, about traffi� and density, a6out the wildlife that traverses this area.
And to Toll's credit, they laaked back at their de�ei4pmer�t plans and said, "What can
we do in terms af creating additivnal apen space to address concerns about grading,
about drainage, about density, create additional a�en space, and really take another
Ioak at the most impacted neighbflrs, which are those neighbors to the north, the only
property owners that we are sharing property lines with, and how can we make
adjustments to aur site plan t❑ address a lot of these concerns?"
7his was a 29-unit site. 5o from a de�elapment perspeeti�e, that's a fairly madest site.
5o hy removing these four lats, that's o�er a 14 p�rcent density r�duction t❑ help
address those cancerns abaut grading, drainage, and general density. And in doing so
they're still remaining committed t❑ the single stary that the rest ❑f the neighborhood
was promised.
5o trying ta thread the needle, make cancessions where we could in terms of revising
aur site plan, having tough li�ing roam conversations. We went ant� sat in living rooms,
we had Zoam talks, we really listened to that feedback and tried ta c�me back with
something that was reflecti�e of those conversations.
5o before P�anning Commission, we did make quite a substantial change t❑ aur plan on
that north portion by remo�ing those four Iflts and creating an additional 1.3 a�res af
open space fln that northern perimeter, again t❑ address density, ta address grading
and drainage, ta address some viewshed concerns, still maintaining the single-story
cammitment that we've made ta the neighhorhood, opening up this corridor, and now
Page 37 of 79
Towr, cf FounYain Hi!„
AFRI� Z7, ]_��"vTQW�J CQi!^aCl� MEETI�IG fyII1VU7E5
pro�iding about 11.5 acres of open spa�e. 5o that's abaut 58 percent af the total site as
dedicated flpen spa�e for this 25-unit community.
MARSH: And this is a eonceptual rendering of what this will look like. Again, just kind af
tucking into this facing vacant piece of property. It's a little ❑utdated in that it shows
the 29 lats, but just to gi�e the Cauncil perspe�tive of how it just really hlends in with
w�ere that vacant !at currently sits.
Toll daes a great jab. They build beautiful homes. We did recei�e some feedback on
making sure that there wpuld be same traditional elevatians along with some modern
anes. Just to let the Coun�il know, with the single-story product, we are still offering
four di�ferent floor plans with faur different facades and then additianal colors from
there. 5❑ it will be 25 lots with a �ariety to choose fram within that single-story
programming.
MARSH: And t❑ kind of address the eiephant in the room here, we ha�e heard svme
criticisms ❑n traffi� on Aspen f7ri�e anci some con�erns that I'm sure you'll hear from
folks from this e�ening as weli, that there is quite a bit of �olume on Aspen. We worked
with Ci�Tech. They are one ❑f the prominent ci�il -- excuse me, traffic engineers in the
5tate and asked them t❑ look at volumes. And that's really what you're looking at when
you're looking at road capa�ity and any type of roadway impro�ement is what type of
�afume is this traffic g�ing to generate.
And as we've tou�hed ❑n a couple of times, this site was really en�isioned and planned
and pragrammed for a sc�vfll, right? That's what the platting says. That's what your
streets were designed to accomm�date, was s�h�ol traffic. So aur traffi� engineer
looked at if this were de�elaped as the intended s�hooi, what would that laok like?
The charter schoal and an e4ementary school produee hundreds of �olumes mare than
our 25 units. And anflther thing we wanteci to point out, which I'll show yau in the next
slide, is a little hit easier to read. We looked at what would the traffic �olumes be if this
were develaped for single-family resiciential under the current zoning, which is a larger
Fage 38 nf 79
'i'ow7 of Fountain Hiliy
APR!! 21, 2fl2fi TflWN C�LlNCiL �v1EETlNG M�NUl'E5
lot and would allow for 15 lots instead af the 25 we're propasir�g. And as you'll see,
those numbers are really negligible, �n the peak times, it's six mare trips in the morning
and ten more trips in the e�ening.
And I reference those peak times because t�at's when you feel traffic, right? Q�er a 24-
haur period, maybe four trips per haur. But on the peak times when you're trying to get
to wark, trying ta get ta schoal, whatnot, it's really n�gligible. It's six m�re trips than
what wauld be entitled by right, whereas it's a reduction in hundreds for the schaal use
as proposed. And I put this in a bar grapF� so you can just see.
I know thase tables get a little con�oluCed, and I'm used t❑ looking at them, but so that
it's easy to digest, yau can see that ci�arter school in blue producing hundreds of
�alumes similar to that elementary s�hool in orange praducing hur�dreds af volumes,
and then those residential uses caming in much, much less, with what we're proposing,
the 25 over 15, which would be entitled by right, negligible numbers in the difference in
traffic va�umes.
MARSH: Along with that feedback we gat on Aspen, we heard a lat of peaple enjoy
walking their dog, take ad�antage of this -- yau know, what Fountain Hills is, is naturally
beautiful, but this real�y pretty corridor, a lot of p�ople riding bikes and whatnot. As
part af the town's ordinance, we wil! be required to put a sidewafk ❑n our frantage, and
that's really great. That's a great thing for this �ommunity, which we've heard is very
pedestrian-�riendly, because it's going t❑ get folks outside of what I'�e showed yflu is
just roadway and ❑nta a street.
And in working with your Pu�lic Works Qepartment, we'�e committed and they've
agreed to allaw us to do a sid�walk extension ❑n what is a little bit of a town-owr�ed
property that's currently undevelaped. 5❑ now the entire �rontage al�ng Aspen that is
eurrently unde�eloped wiil have sidewalks. 5a I want ta thank the neigi�bars for that
feedback and for Pu�lic Works for being re�eptive ta us making that impravement ta
your property sa that we can get falks aff the road, and we're really excited for that ta
b� a benefit ta the community.
Page 39 af 79
Tul�n af �vuhtain �ills
APR!L z1, 202& TpL'UfV CCll1;y.��� ���71NG MflVll i ES
MARSH: Last couple things that we'�e heard, our feedba�k on grading and drainage.
Just to fet the Council know, we do have a pre-plat pending, and as part af that, we are
required ta da an engineered grading and drainage stuciy. S❑ our folks, again, Ryan and
Fani here to answer any questions, have already studied what grading and drainage
laoks like in this area. We understand that there are eoncerns how Aspen gets just
toppled ❑ver with water.
And part af that is beGause those flows are coming through and not �eing reaily directed
anywhere, right? It's just o�ertopping a road onto an unde�eloped piece Qf property.
5� with Tall's proposal, we are going to be improving the drainage picture along this
road. What yo� see in red are some af thase existing canditions that ❑ur engineers
have studied, and we`�e gathered some feedback fram the neighbors. At the northern
part of our praperty, there is an existing drainage channel that's filled with silt. That is
the town's channel.
!t needs some impravemer�t. 5o we're going to g❑ in there and da some r�grading to
get those low paints and c�nvey water to the wash where we now ha�e an open space
area. Those were hames pr�posed befare, but there's an open space area now. There
is an area where there is some ponding and that open space will be regraded where
necessary just to make sure those flaws are praperly captured and getting aut to the
wash as well.
And then, as I mentioned, if yau look ❑n Aspen, currently stormwater is just Cflppir�g
over the existing ribbon anta the praperty, and naw we'll have curb along Aspen to
increase street capacity and then convey it down int❑ a stormwater basin that will get
inta the wash. 5o that's the last slide. 5o impra�ing this prop�rty will help those
existin� grading and drainage conditions where water is just currently flawing.
MAR5Fi: The last kind af critique that we've heard is that ❑ur lot sizes are not
compatible with what's existing in the neight�arhaod. We taok a hard look at that ta see
what is existing in the neighborhgod. 1t's a�l our R1-10 2oning, as I showed you in
Page 4fl of 79
I�pVJIi Ll{ �[7Lilltolll �"�!!15
F'.f'Rf? 2i, 2a"Lfi TQW^! Ct`UNCii. MEf7it�G MiHC17E5
pre�ious slides. Sa that's that 1Q,000-square-foat lot. Dur lot sizes are �ompatil�le with
all those along Aspen Qri�e.
Yau wil� see some larger lots further kinci of narth ❑f Aspen as the tapagraphy also goes
up. 5o if you're familiar with this stretch ❑f road, everything along Aspen is flatter, and
then your larger lots ha�e s�me topagraphy cancerns, so it makes sense that they're a
little bigger hecause af those consideratians. gut for the mast part, we are completely
consistent with the neighbors araund us.
MARSFk: 5fl just t❑ wrap it up, I know you'�e heard a lot of information. I tried to ga
brief so we �ould get to the grill. It sounded delicious as Mayor Friedel rattled ❑ff their
menu. But just a summary of our request: we are �ery excited to propase an R1-14A
zoning d�stri�t to accommodate those 25 fram 29 singie-famify residential homes. As
we'�e pointed out, 'this is de�elopment of the schaol-owned land t❑ bring additianal
housing stock ta Fountain Hills.
E�ery ❑pportunity for a new home ailaws someone to mave in and ma�e out of their
home, so that helps with hausing. Mare ❑pportunities far hame ❑wnership increases
your tax base. We will be participating in impact fees al�ng with that, so additianal
re�enue ta the town. Again, we are nearly identical t❑ the adjacent zaning. Really
important, and samething that was important ta the neighbors we discusseci with, is
that this pie�e of pr�perty will be sold. You ha�e a �ater initiati�e that was passec{.
Th� schaal distri�t will be selling this, and this really ereates certainty as to what could
be built there versus those hy-right uses, whi�h could be schools, charter schoai,
elementary scho�l, chur�hes, mayhe something more intrusi�e ta the neighbarhoad
t�an our 25-unit prapflsal. Preservation of thase open spaces, cammitment t❑ single-
story development. The stipulatiQns Farhad read aff ta yau, Mr. iavassali, that we are
completely supporti�e of, and we're happy to w�rk with tawn staff on making sur� that
we are all in alignment.
Page R1 nf 79
Tv+��i vf Fnu;zta:n riil!;
�.�t',!L 2�. �C2b Tt7Vs1;V C[�l?NCIl. ha�ETl#�G N?IIVUY�5
We ha�e staff supp�rt, and I'm reaily thankful to yaur Planning Commission for a
unanimous recammendatian of approval as well. So with that, �'m happy to answer any
questions or came ba�k as you hear from members of the pu4�lic. But really, again,
appre�iate the feedback we'�e recei�ed, the revisions we'�e made, and working with
the community and tawn staff on what we feel is a great r�zoning request.
MCMAH�N: Thank you �ery much for yaur presentatian, I appreciate all the
cansiderations that you ha�e taken int� iaakir�g at this unique piece ❑f praperty and
making the necessary changes. Y�u know, talking with the neighhors, listening to what
they say, reducing the amount flf hames at great cost to Toll Brothers, et cetera, paying
attention ta the topography, payir�g attention to the lot size sa they canform to the
same size in the neighbarh�ad, similar huiidings, one-stary, et cetera.
5o I really appreGiate that. I appreciate the 11 acres of open space. The designs look
like they're thoughtfully done. I like the traffic calming measure of the sidewalk and
how long you're doing it there because people da ha�e con�erns about th� curb, et
cetera. But I do think personally that t�uilding it aut, ha�ing that traffi� calming measure
instead of it heing commercial, you know, a s�hool ar whate�er, I think that based upon
ali that I'�e heard and considered in this whole thjng, I think that it is a smart
de�elopment for that particular area.
And looking at the re�enue it'I! bring to the town, I think that's impartant. That's not
the only consideration given the stipulations you'�e agreed to. You knaw, I think it's a
�ery goad de�elopment. 5a thank you for your presentatian. I apprectate it.
MARSH: Thank yau, Councilmernk�er.
WATTS: I thi�k I've ask�d 1,�d0 questians already, but I've gat three mare. One, I want
ta make sure that we ❑nly have sidewalks fln Aspen. We don't ha�e any interior
sidewalks into t}�e de�elopment at all, ri�ht? No -- no frontage raac{ frontage.
MARSH: Yeah. Thank you. Thraugh the Mayor, we will ha�e sidewalks an ours as well.
I just highlighteti along Aspen. So there will be a sidewalk netwark along our internal
Page 42 0# 79
7��wn of Fvus�tain Hills
APRlL 21, z076 TOWf� CDIJiVCIL MEE'PING UlINJTE5
street. Let me see if I �an get the site plan up, but I wanted to highlight that sidewalk
extensian fQr you. So you'll see kind af our road. Those will ha�e sidewalks as well. The
internal raadway, the U-shape, for lack of a better term.
WATTS: �n k�oth sides of -- on both sides ❑f the street ❑n that?
MARSH: Yes, that is correct.
WATTS: Both sides. Okay. Thank yau. The lar�dscape areas where yau toak the four
houses aut and the apen area down below, and there's a little walk corridor, it looks
like, 6etween lots 11 and 1Z, those are all going t❑ be on your landscape plan, �s that
correct? That's yaur responsif�ility?
MARSH: Through the Mayor, Cou�cilmer-nber, yes, those will be HOA-owned tracts. We
will remain those in �egetative state, the natural state, as much as passible, but tf�ose
will all be awned and maintained �y the HDA.
WATYS: �kay. And the finai question is -- and we talked about it, but I don't see a
camment ak�out it. Any costs that are incurred to cio the grading and drainage on the
praperty to the south, you're willing to take that responsibility up to the extent of the
de�elapment fees and use it as a credit towards the devel�pment fees. �'m kind of
paraphrasing what we talked about.
MARSH: Through the Mayar, Coun�ilmember Watts, it's our understanding that the
tawn is in very preliminary planning stages for a park to our south, and we are happy to
have additianal coardination with the town. We haven't been asked af anything
specific. We'�e t�ad some genera! canversation afaout what coordination might loak
like. We're happy to �ontinue those coordination Can�ersations. And yes, we would
anticipate impact fee credit for any af that work we are a�le t� achieve.
WATTS: Yeah, that's really what I was getting to. W�atever cost we incurred, we'd use
it as a credit tawards your impact fees, not to exceed the impact fee total, whate�er
that calculates aut at. Sa as long as that`s stili on the table anci we're talking about it, I
would iifce ta see a nate, comment somewhere where -- I know it's preliminary. I talked
Page 43 of 79
f���rn af Four�tain F�ilys
APR�L �1, 2026 T[7WN CUU!'i�IL MEFTifVa MlEVLiTES
ta Kevin before the meeting and we have some con�ept, hut I want to make sure that
we're cavered and that we're gfling ta get that taken care ❑f and we're nat going t❑
incur the cost for it. So that's my --
MAR5H: Through the Mayor, Couneilmember, we are absolutely willing t❑ continue
thase can�ersations. Ta yaur point, we haven't nailed dawn anything. We've talked to
Kevin as weli.
We wauld anticipate any work we are able to achie�e wauld c�me thraugh an impact
fee �redit, and we're excited to �ontinue that conversation with your parks director and
your town manag�r ab�ut what that might lflok like. I think it's preliminary for the town
and for us as well, but we understand both af the town's planning is in process or our
p�anning is in process. There cvuld be efficiencies made there. There's impact fee credit
far parks, and so that might be a great opportunity for us to work with the town.
WATTS: Right. For now, a pinky promise will work. 5o I'm olcay with that.
MARSH: Thank you. Appreciate it.
KALIVIANAKIS: Thank you. And just f�riefly, and not really a question, but I really
appre�iate the effart that yau guys did on the r�orth side t❑ remo�e the four homes. I
think that that wauld ha�e been a problerri because thase peaple waulci have really
been impacted, that would li�e rigi�t abave there, be�ause there's no street barrier like
Aspen. And sa l do applaud you to ma€ce that huge accammadatian, to do more apen
s{�aGe so there isn't any sightline problems, because in Fauntain Hills sightlines are �ery
important.
And so I've been tracking this e�er since th� beginning too, and I knaw yau guys have
made a lot ❑f concessions. I know you'�e warked a lot with our cflmmunity, and I think
we all up here appreciate that. And we appreciate all that you'�e d�ne to accommodate
the concerns. It might not 6e perfect fflr some people, but it's a pretty gaod project,
and there's a lat af ��mmunity input in here. 5o I want t❑ appreeiate and thank you far
that.
Fage 44 of 79
ToSn�n �t Fountain !iilis
A�Ri1.2I, zU2fiTQU1�[V COUi'vCIL MEETfAIG fi^��JUita
MARSH: Through the Mayor, thank yo�, Councilmember.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: 5eeir�g no more questions, i'll ask if there's any comment cards.
BENbER: Yes, Mayor, we ha�e four cards. ❑ne is not speaking, and they wanted to let
y�u know that they were far the project. The other three ar� Richard Rakawski,
follawed by Anna Kelleher, and the last speaker will be F�an Wald.
RAKOW5K1: Good e�ening, Mayor and Council. I'm Richard Rakowski, This summer will
6e 25-year resident of Fountain Hills. I'm also president of the Fountain Hills Unified
5chool District Gaverning Board, although please note that I'm speaking for myself and
nat as an official representative af the board here tanight. I totally support the
proposed rezoning of the Aspen property, and I'll highlight a few reasons and excuse my
repetition af what has been said a few times already. S❑ as mentioned, Fountain Hills
�aters expressed their wil! to sell the property, 69 pereent to 31 percent, so the District
is listening to and acting upon the wifl of the �oters.
Yhe sale tv Toll Brothers, of �ourse, is eontingent �tpan this rezoning of the proposal.
Ta�l Brothers, as notec{, has macle significant concessions in the de�elopment plan to
gain the support of the neighborhoad homeowners. The sale will �e of signifi�ant
finaneial benefit t❑ ❑ur District schoofs, the students and parents, by generating funds ta
keep aur school buildings in safe and proper condition and to address needed things
such as roaf replacement and HVAC replacement -- the systems that are awaiting
attention at the facilities.
The sale repurposes �acant praperty which is not and wil3 not he needed in anti�ipation
❑f dramatic -- the absence ❑f drarnatic growth in tawn gaing in the future. It will not be
needed for our future school building. The rezoning plan, as mentioned again,
preser�es the wash and significa�t ❑pen space in the entire parcel. It matches the
density of the existing homes on Aspen and the adjacent streets, and as again
mentianed, single-stary hames to preserve �iews.
Page 45 of 79
Town of Fvuntain Hill;
K�RlL'11, 2D26 3'OW;d C�UItiCli, f1�iEETiNG i�1lidi3'fE5
As also mentioned, an Mar�h 9th, Planning and Zaning unanimously appro�ed the
proposal. S❑ E urge you to �ate for the propased re2oning, and thank you.
MAYDR FRIEbEL: Thank yau. Next speaker, please.
KELLEHER: Goad evening. My name is Anna KelEeher. I'�e #�een a part of Fountain Hills
since 1981. We'�e built two houses in the community. The first home that we built was
up an TPI Drive. Dur famiiy maved away fram Fountain Hills for a few manths. We
decided we laved it sa much, we mo�ed back again witi�in a year, and we built a second
hause on Aspen Dri�e. I really ia�e Fountain Hills. I la�e a lot af the things that this
cammunity has became.
You know, bacic when we mo�ed here in '81, we never thought a lot af this stuff was
possible. One of the things that cancerns me abflut the upcoming project is that it's
taken away the Qriginal spirit that Fountain F�ills was de�elaped on. My mam worked at
Cflmmunity B�nk when we first moved here. There were twa banks, Community and
Valley Bank, and the peaple that built this neighborhood were small family builders. We
had architects aut here.
We had Carl Malamon �ph.}, men who studied personaily underneath Frank L.Eoyd
Wright. We have so much talent. And to see a billi�n-daliar company like Toll Brothers
come in here and da a coaki�-cutter job -- the area that they're so proud af saying they
took the hous�s away fram, there's twa huge cactus back there. Each one of those
cactus has over 1,�00 years of growth ❑n it. There's a whole community of wildlife that
is centered around thase cactus in that area. Yesterday driving down the street, I had a
roadrunner run across the street in frant of rne with a fresh lizard in its m�uth.
I believe with the density of this dc�elopment, with ail the sidewalks and e�erything, I
think the density is going to put a fot ❑f stress on the natural en�ironment. And that's
❑ne of the big reasans why we all m�ved out here. I knaw e�ery night when I dri�e
hom�, I get up t❑ the faur-way stop sign and I'm like, "Phoenix is behind me, man." And
I do a little bit far and i start gaing up Golden Eagle and I'm back hame.
Page 45 of 79
Towh c�f Four�tain H�iis
Ah�iL 21, 2025 TpWN C:c3UlVCli. MEE7l�vG MlIVU1'rS
I'm back in ❑ur little place af serenity where people ha�e been for a while. They'�e put
thought inta their hauses, and I'd love ta see what 13 or 14 architects cauid do on that
land now. We ha�e s❑ many �onstructian possibilities aut there, and there's sa much
talent. i would lave to see some breakthrough projects on there. And you know, that's
all I got to say. This looks iike Phoenix.
I just passed the new Toll Brothers develapment an Tatum Road. This isn't going to
look -- they're going to be practi�ally the same. This isr�'t F�untain Hills. This is Phaenix.
If I want to live next t❑ a develapment like this, I should just go ciawn to Desert Ridge.
6ut I don't want t❑ do that. Dur house, my grandmother's died in, my mom has died in,
my dad is 90, and 4�e's about t❑ die in it too. And the house is coming to me and it will
ga to my family afterwards. That's all t have t❑ say. Thank you. God �less everybady.
MAY�R FRIE�EL: Thank you. Next speaker, please.
WA�.d: Thank you, Council. My name is Ron Wald. I live on Aspen Dri�e. My cflncerns
is with the traffic. I don't think there's been enaugh e�aluation af the traffic out there.
I'm a walker, and I walk that area daily, and I'm always con��rned about being hit by
cars, by people not obeying the speed limits ❑r anything. I'�e sent cauntless number af
camplaints ta the palice department, and they have came out and jumped up ser and
e�erything like t�at. And we keep cantinuing hearing from the developer that if this was
zoned a school that tf�ey wouldn't have t❑ d❑ anything.
They would ha�e ta d❑ it. You have to ha�e douhle lanes for schaol. Yau ha�e to have
parking, e�erything. You can't compare a hausing tract ta a s�hool 2one. There's no
�omparisan in it. And the City als❑ -- they alsa put signs out here. Yau're gaing to park
cars. This is where they put a traffic sign for to check the speed out here. T�is is my
truck park. Tt�ese are where pe�pie are going to be able to park y�ur car. How are yau
going to get two cars thr�ugh that area? And you guys are going t❑ go ahead and
inundate this area, same as down the street.
Page 47 vf 79
Torvr of Feuntain H�f�s
AE�i?!L 21, 2U7.6 TUWi+i �:►.7111�ir;L �rizf:i'!N� IIIIiNtITES
Another -- my tru�k parked here, a car that's parked ❑n the sidewalk over there. There's
15 feet. There's not even enaugh room for a fire truck. You ha�e to have 24 feet for a
fire Eane, and you guys are going t❑ go ahead and just pass this? And the other thing is
concerned about, is I don't understand the City math regarding the 67 percer�t. That is, !
just dgn't understand that math.
There's a ten percent hust in there. And then where the cie�eloper's talking abaut
extending the curb all the way, they're extending the flawline curh sa they don't have t❑
justify where the water goes dawn in there, where yau guys have yaur sewer lines and
everything. They g�t ta ha�e access to the sewer line. i'�e spent a lot ❑f time in this
area. I walk this area. I knaw this area. You guys gat to take in Gansideration for the
safety of the residents, not just for the pockethook of the City or the sehaal district. The
schaal district should be able to fund itself. It also was voted -- it was an R-35 when it
was �ated, and now they're changing it.
Why would the �oters -- didn't put it up far a re�ote and see if they'll pass it as an R-1n?
You can't just do that. And then I just -- it's just unacceptable. You guys, you need t❑
take consideration for why the people moved here. And I wauld still like to ha�e the
City math explained to us. Ypu guys had questions, and to me it's just wrong. And T�II
House -- they ha�e a I�t af stuff they have to d�.
Their traffic impact -- they said in the last meeting they dan't ha�e to d❑ a traffi� impact.
Same as their dust permits, all t�eir sails report, all their EPA permits, everything. S� 1
think yau guys need to consider this and ga from there. And remem6er, we people
need to be represented aut here to�. Thank you.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank you. I'm going to clase the public hearing, and then see if
th�re's any more discussion fram the Council.
VIIATTS: Mayor, seeing as how there's no additianal disCussion, I'd like t❑ move ta
approve the plan as suk�mitted.
MCMAH�N: I'll secand it.
Page 48 af 79
i'uwn af Fvun.*.air� Hills
APRIL 21, 20Z6 i�'JVN CQi.1NCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAYDR FRIEbEL: That's subject to thase stipulations, is that correct? ❑kay.
SKILLICDRN: Mr. Mayor?
MAYDR FRiEflEL: Yes, Allen, do you ha�e anything to say?
SICILLICORN: Yea�, may i make a comment befare yau do a roll call?
MAYflR FRIEDEL: I did not do a roll call.
SKILLICORN: No, #�efor� you d❑ a rall call, may I ha�e a comment?
MAY�R FRIEaEL: Please do.
SKILLICORN: �hank yQu, Mr. Mayar. 5a realiy, I've g�t three �oncerns afaaut this. First,
you've gat 1Z3 residents that did fife the prat�st against it. That is a majority. The
second one is a two-thirds majority of the people that live within 150 feet d❑ stiEl
❑ppase this.
And then number three, the current zoning wpuld allaw for 15 homes, yau know, sfl it
would be lawer density than what's proposed. It still allows �{e�elopment there. It still
al�ows the property to be sold and developed, hut just at a lawer density. And because
of those three facts, I really don't ha�e any choice 6ut to oppose this, because if it does
fail, it retains the �urrent zoning, which is 15, 15 �ames, and I would support that over
25. That's all.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: ThanEc you. We ha�e a matian and a secand. Can we get a roll call,
please?
g�NDER: Councilmeml�er McMahon.
M�MAHON: Aye.
�EN�ER: C�uncilmember Kali�ianakis.
lCALIVIANAi{IS: Aye.
6ENDER: Cauncilmember Watts.
WATTS: Aye.
Page �J9 of 79
Town u' �o�+r�a+r� hills
AF'fil� 21, �026 TC}l�l�d Ca►1►VCI� IYiE�TII��� iH91Ni1TE5
6EN�ER: Councilmember Skillicorn.
SKILLICORN: Na.
BEN�ER: Vice Mayar Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
B�NDE�: And Mayor Friedel.
MAY�R FRIEaEL: Aye.
6ENDER: Mayor, 5-�..
MAYOR FRIEQEL: Thank you. Okay, moving an t❑ �tem E❑n the agenda. We'�e got a
public hearing with th� consideration and possible actinn relating t❑ an ❑rdinan�e
amencfing the Zoning �rdinance, Chapter 27, Qawntawn ❑�erlay. I'm gaing ta open a
public hearing on this. Rachael?
�ooawi�v: rhank yflu, Mayor. 7his, as you mentioned, is regarding ti�e density far the
dawntown area, speCifically for the residential development. John is going to be leading
us through this �on�ersation as the de�elopment 5er�ices Qirector, but I do know that
our Economic �evelopment ❑irectar, Amanda, is here to kind ❑f chime in, as I know
she's �een very in�olved in this con�ersatian as well. So with that, John, I'll turn it o�er
ta yau.
WESLEY: Thank yau, Manager. Mayar, Councilmembers, I'll walk through a
presentation here af these items. First af all, you do have two items �n your agenda
tonight to deal with the downtawn area. First on� is Item 9E with regard to th�
Downtown Overlay. This is before yau because a few months ago when you were
consiciering the rezoning, which is Item 9F ❑n your agenda, s�me questions came up
about the maximum density that was allowed in the area.
And so you s�nt the overlay district itself back to the P&2 Cammission t❑ ha�e them
look at and cansider whether or not that density that was in the approved ardinance
should k�e changed ❑r nat, potentially lowered, is what I belie�e the CounCil was faoking
Page 5D of 79
iovfn c�f Fouritain i�li!!s
APR1L 21, 2U2G Tfl1NN CUlJAIC�L MEE71iVG lvIINUTES
far at the time. And s❑ then yaur second item -- I don't want to get these confused -- is
Item 9F, where you'll aetually cansider the rezoning itself. S❑ first is the o�erlay
district -- are we making any �hanges to it? And then secand, rezoning the praperty.
WESLEY: 5o with that in mind, back in June 2�25, the P&Z Cammission did finish its
review of a new chapter to aur 2aning ordinance, Chapter 27, ❑awntawn O�erlay, and
included in their recommendation to the Town Council that o�erlay district that would
allow up t❑ 5� units residential by right hefore you need a speeial use permit to do
anything higher than that.
In September, then, the Council eonsidered that ordinance to create that new averlay
distri�t, but in doing s�, the Cauncil determined ta reduce that density down to 35 units
per acre. And then, as I said a minute ago, in Qecember, when we came to Council with
the rezoning to remove the two existing ❑�erlays in the downtown and apply the new
overlay district, the Councif had heard some comments fram the public with some
concerns about that density, s❑ it was sent ba�k to P&2 for car�sideratton af that.
WESLEY: 5ome of th� concerns that were stated by the publi� with regard ta the 35
units p�r acre is that with that levek of density, that it would be hard to achie�e
�conomic development goal$. The developers would c�me in and purchase a lot af the
properties and e�en same of the existing eommercial properties and take that out and
develop more of the residential, and doing so wauld lase same of the character of the
area and potentially choke it with traffic from the residences, that we neecf to sa�e fand
for businesses, that shauld redu�e the density back to the eight per acre and let Park
Place be Chat entertainment district.
WE5LEY: 5❑ looking at that and some respanse to those, I want to make sure it's clear
that with the a�eriay distri�t there's na ground floor residential at all on the A�enue,
and in the business distri�t anly with appro�al of special use permit. 50 �ouncil
maintains control and can keep that commercial ground flaar throughaut the area. ihe
cammon parking areas must remain.
Page 51 of 79
fown os Fauntain Hi!!s
RPRiL �1, Z02E T�WN C�BLIiVClZ MEEI'!h� ;v11NtJTtS
Those are awned by alI the awners of P�at 2�8 in camman, and as part ❑f the whale
zoning concept, those parking areas are needed for the developmerrt af the individual
lots sa they dan't ha�e to provide their own parking. Business vibran�y does depend
upon customers, and having custflmers wh❑ li�e nearby is very helpful for that business
�ibrancy. Residential generates less traffic than commer�ial development daes.
As you've seen from many of ❑irector �acobs' presentations on the town, we ha�e low
�acancy raCes in our multifamily de�elopments in tawn, suggesting a need far mar�
hausing of that nature in town. And right now, the character of the dawntown is
marred by ha�ing the scattered �acant lots thraughaut there. And if w� can get th�se
d�velaped and cEeaned up, the whole dawntown will look much better. Any upper
flaors in this area are unlikely to ha�e cammercial.
Mayf�e yau get sarne secand-floar offic�s, but they're even unlikely. And so if we're
going to ha�e the secand flaors really d❑ lend themselves ta 4�ecoming that residentiai
use. And we also did a review af several of the apartmer�t camplexes in the downtawn
area. And finally, they do ha�e a high percentage af year-round re$idences in the 90
percent-plus range. Sa the idea that residents af apartments are just part-time
residents d�esn't bear out with the facts.
WE5LEY: Sa one of the concerns and issues here, i think, has been it's challenging to
understand and apply density concepts when you're talking about small tracts. 5a,
Mayor, hopefully this doesn't take too mueh time, but I want to step thraug� ar�
understanding af density and what it means and how it applies in this case. Sa you just
saw the rezoning an Aspen and �ad some discussion there about density, but just real
quickiy, you have one hause on ane acre, that's one unit per acre.
Take that same one acre and put six houses, six units per acre. It's pretty easy to
understand in those cases. In a multifamily setting, I'm going to use Luna Fountain Hills
o�er here off of Fountain Hills and EI Laga as an example, about 15� units on 9.7 acres.
Sa that's 15.5 units per acre. �hat`s on the who1� tract. That includes the parking, the
apen space, and the amenity areas that are part of that develapment.
Page 52 0! 79
7own of Fa:entain Hills
APR�i 7.1, ZU2670WN COIIi�JCIL N1E�TilVG M!N'JI'ES
In this case, we're talking abaut downtown because the parking is separate. We're
reaily talking about a lot. And so if we did the same calculatian here for Luna
Apartments and just take the building and the area under the k�uilding, you're at about
82 units per acre in a comparable type of scenario. 5o that density -- and when we start
talking about 35 ar 45 ar Sa units per acre in the downtown area, you got ta keep that
type of ratio in mind.
WESLEY: 5o transitioning then to the dawntown area anci Plat 208 and the lots and the
ciensities here. So for the most part, we ha�e S,DOfl-square-foat lots. There's some
smafler, a few bigger, but that`s the predominant number. And s❑ based on that, with
❑nly the indi�idual lat, on a 6,fl��-square-foat lot, if you ha�e one unit on S,DOD square
feet, that's 7.29 units per acre. Then you can see the r�st ❑f the numf�ers in the ta�le
here. 5a we've been talking about, you know, 25, 3�, 45 units per acre.
So six units an a 6,d0a-square-foot lot, that's just under 45 units per acre. So what does
that loak like t�sing ❑ne of the vaGant lats dawntown and some af the adjacent building
massing? If we had ❑ne 7.2,0��-sc{uare-foat aparCmer�t unit, which, as I did same
research, is the larger end of the average for a two-6edroom apartment unit in Fountain
Hills. 5o if we had ane of those, that's what tha't might Eoak like. If you go to four or if
you ga to six, yau can see it's really nat �ery imposing. You can do that in a cauple of
floors and still have some �acancy left aver.
W�5LEY: It still allows for the ground floar commereial to happen. And s❑ six units or 45
units per acre, again, doesn't seem to be �ery impasing. Dne of the other concerns has
been a tatal block. 5o what does that do to a total block if somehow somebody were to
purchase a t�tal block, which is about 11 acres on the existing platted lots as they exist
today at 35 units per acre? �he a�erage density on that total block would be about 15
units per a�re. So again, �ery similar ta what we saw aver at Luna. ❑r if we were
allowing 45 units per acre, that wauld average about 20 units o�er the wi��le blvck.
Again, that wauld be clearing what's there, building it all as residential.
Page 53 of 79
Tav�in of �auntain Hiffs
APR4t 21, 2dZfi TpL1i[� COU�ICIL i11iE�T1NG Mlht}TE5
VIIESLEY: 5❑ what does it take ta have the type of �ibrant downtown that we've been
looking for? 5tudies show that to really get to that le�e� af activity and interest in a
mixed-use commercial area, you want t❑ ha�e between 12,000 and 15,n4� residents per
square mile.
5o that's sort of a much larger area than we're talking ahout here. 5� when we hring
that down ta the area of dawntown and it's kind of walkshed area, we're talking about
1,500 to 1,800 people, whi�h then translates inta samepla�e between 750, 904 dwelling
units. Currentfy, there are approximately ab�ut 350 dwelling units within the area
shawn. So we need to add sflmeplace between 404 t❑ 500 dwelling units within that
area to get that kind of �ibrant a�ti�ity in our downtawn area.
Within Plat 2�8, currently there are 7.1.5 acres of �acant land, sa not touching anything
that's aiready deVelaped. So yau Gan see here the numbers at cfifferent densities, how
many units we �ould potentially get if all af thase �acant lots were built at the higher
densities. And will that happen on al� of them? Probably not. Will there be same
rede�elopment of exisfing lots t❑ add same residential?
Yes, we'�e seen some af t�at. It's a bit challenging from the building cade, k�ut it has
happened and cauld happen. 5a again, you can see if we're trying ta target someplace
t�etween 4�fl and 55� additional dwelling units in the downtown area to get that
�ibrancy we're after, those higher density numbers are what we should be using.
WESLEY: Using one mor� example here, just taking a block af lats o�er here off of
Park�iew. W�'�e gat eight lots, six different ❑wners, five existing buildings, 48,0�0
square feet. 5a if you have 1,Z00-square-faot units, 4 calculate you c�uld probably have
abaut 28 per flaor on that t�lock if samebody bvught that whole k�lo�k, cleared it, and
started putting multifamiiy on it.
So two floors would be 56 units. Yau can see the densities at 35, even 45 units per acre.
You can't put that many units at that size. Now, you could put smaller units and get
more, but usir�g kind of that a�erage size that we see in town. And again, you'd stilf
Page 54 of 79
'Pawn af F�untain Hills
AW[il! 21, 2Uz6 TO1lIrN COUNCI� MEE71fJG MINi;TE5
require the ground floor residential -- unless the Coun�il were to approve ha�ing the
residentia! on the graund floar.
WESLEY: 5o there's also been some camments and questions ai��ut what staff's
re�ommendations ha�e been alang the way and how this has evolved. So again, the
current ordinance allaws eight units per aGre, whi�h is ❑ne unit per 5,00� square feet.
We round dawn on these things. So when I started re�iewing this new overlay, I
thought, gee, wauld the comr-nunity a�cept doubling that? 50 let's look at 15. So t�at's
what E put in my initial report. gut after getting that out anci realiy exarnining it in a little
�it more detail, by the time I got to the P&� Commission, I was saying that really daesn't
add anything to t�e town.
We really ought t❑ dou6le that again and talk at least 30 units per acre. 5a that's where
the Planning Commission really started, was with that. As they continued their
discussion, they again came up with 5d units per acre as being appropriate. And yflu can
see again, that wauld alfaw six units, because that 6.85 would be rounded dawn to six
units maximum allowed an a 6,��D-square-foat lat.
WESLEY: S❑ some other projects ha�e pre�iously been approved. A�rQss the street, we
have the Belvedere 5uites at 38 units per a�re. INe ha�e the proje�t ❑ver here hy Chase
Bank. Driginally Game in as a 43-unit-per-acre project, then sold to somebady else wh❑
came back with larger units and fewer at 21. We have another project down there
hehind 5afrita's. It's a small property, so again, the density goes up fast, anc! so it's 59
units per acre an that. And Park Place is at 45.
WE5LEY: RecommendaCion. Sa P&Z, in their review, got a little bit sidetra�ked maybe in
talking about sflme af the peripheral issues of other uses and so forth and ended up not
really making a re�ammendation. There was ne�er really any c{iscussion about lawering
the density. It still stayed around that 35 to 45 units per a�re in their discussion. So
from the staff perspecti�e, again, we'�e been tafking af�aut and wanting t❑ encaurage --
and through the updates to the strategic plan and sa fortFr, the community has talked
about ha�ing a �ibrant downtown.
Page 55 of 79
Tov�n af Fuuniain Hi!Is
APRIi 27, 2426 TalNlli COUNCI�. iL�EE7iIVG MINUTES
A"fun zone" has been used. 15 units per acre, staff feels, won't get us there. IrVe ne�d
the higher density. And we need ta make the desired development the easiest thing t❑
da. We da that by not requiring somebady t❑ g❑ thraugh the four or five manths of a
special use permit to get what they want. So staff recommends at least keeping the 35
units per acre that's in the current code as it exists.
WESLEY: 5o snme apti�ns for motions tonight, Mayor: one would he to deny the
ordinance that was attached to the staff repart. That's what we took back in
considerativn ❑f any changes. And that would just matntain the ordinance as it is today
with 35 units per a�re. Another option is to adopt the ardinance as attached. The one
change it makes from the �urrent ❑rdinance is it adds a eap to the total black.
5a just in case somehow some�ady did really buy up a whale block and start trying ta
�hange the existing parking, this would put that cap in place so you couldn't really get
that 35 units per acre an the full 11 acres. And then abviausly the Council, as yau
discussed it this evening, may ha�e some �ther aptions you want t� consider in terms of
the density, whether it's higher or lower, ❑r to add any other pro�isions into that. S❑
that's a third option that you have in any mfltions. Mayor, any questions you have for
me at this tirne?
EAf2LE: Yeah, I do. I do want to appro�e this with the 35 units per acre with that
pravision w}�ere the density ❑f the b�ock cannot exeeed 20 units per acre. 6ut I d❑ ha�e
a question a6out -- if we're dr�ing -- this is for the o�erlay ❑ver to the business area too,
you said, nat just the A�enue, correct? 5a I'm curious about the -- da we ha�e a
requirement that the first floor be predaminantly eommercial ❑utside of the Avenue?
WESLEY: 5a i g�t a map here. 5orry. 5o Mayar, Couneilmembers, in the A�enue
District of the three districts we ha�e in the downtown ❑�erlay, the Avenue ❑istrict
allaws no residential an the ground floar under any circumstances within 50 feet ❑f the
street fra�t.
EARLE: ❑kay.
Page 56 of 79
+cwn oi Fnu�tain Hiils
APRiz 21, 20Zb 70Wf� �t7iJNCIL MF[71NG MINUTES
WESL.EY: And so in the 8usiness Qistrict, you can have ground floor residential ❑nly
through appro�al ❑f a special use permit. 5a you can ha�e it, but it takes CaunciE
approval. And then in the Inno�ation Qistrict, it allaws basically n❑ residential at all
except through special use permit at any density.
EARLE: �l�ay. 5a is it possible to amend it that it would be predominantly -- if we want
ta really get this mixed use e�erywhere -- ta ha�e a predominantly commercial ❑n the
bottom?
INE5LEY: 5ure. S❑ Mayor, Councilmember, you're referring to the busin�ss district. And
sa is t�ere some pravisian ta say predaminantly -- probably wauldn't be a gaad term in
terms of trying ta implement -- k�ut ta say a percentage, 25 or 30 or 50 percent of the
gr�und fioar always has to tae non-residential. Sure, it's possible ta put that in. aight
now, since it's always gaing to ha�e t❑ come back t❑ Council for consideratian of
anything other than commercial ❑n th� ground floor, you'll always have that
opportunity.
It's hard to say what an appropriate number might be given some of the different !at
optians a�ailable. I kn�w we just had the one -- we have the �ne that's gaing through
currently on Parkview that had just, I'm going to say, 500 square feet on the ground
floor. And as P&2 Commission reviewed it, came baek with, "That's not sufficient. We
real4y need ta have more of that ground floor eommercial."
So that's where it gives us the oppartunity on the individual basis to loak at it and say
what's appropriate gi�en the area. Another location, it might be appropriate to e�en
ha�e all the ground flaor to be residential faecause that's not -- it may not be quite as
prime a c�mmercial IaCation as that ❑ne. 5o we start to limit oursel�es when we da put
a percentage ❑n that ground flaor, but certainly it coufd be done.
EARLE: ❑kay, because I'm just -- we're wanting ta k�ring more re�enue, s❑ needing more
business, correct?
WESLEY: Yes.
Page 57 of 79
}nwn ��f Faur►tain Nilis
kPRli 2i. 2U�fi TOWlV �OUiV�:EL MF.F'i iTlCi �V!lNU7�5
GDODWiN: Mayor, Councilmembers, if I may just kind af add to that a little bit. Part of
what we battle a little bit here again is the market, and what we're understanding fram
the developers, tfl build the commercial, it realiy daes take the residential piece.
They're going to f�e ab�e to rent those and get their revenue, generate the money they
need from that.
The eommercial is often a little bit mare �halfenging t❑ ha�e a market to fill the
�ommercial. And so as times change, we might be hooming more and it's easy to get
the commercial on the ground floor. �ther times it might be a little more challenging.
So again, it gives us a little mare flexilaility if we just lea�e it open ta the indi�idual case
through each 5UP to see what's appropriate in a gi�en location.
EARLE: ❑kay, I'm curi�us t❑ see what the rest of the Council thinks.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: I agree with that. I don't think yau can throw a blanket aver the
whale thin�. It comes f�ack to the Council anyway, so we can make a de�ision an it
based an what's being presentec{. S❑ let me get the next person up here. Thank you.
MCMAHON: 6oy, oh boy, this is confusing to me, but 1'll d❑ my be$t. nkay, s❑ we're
Calking about downtawn building resiciential units up to 35, right? And instead of it
being ZQ per block, it's going to -- if it stays at 35, it'll be 15.
WES�EY: Mayor, Caun�ilmembers, so the ❑rdinan�e, 2602, as it came ta you, as we had
studied at P&Z, at 35 units per a�re, the comparal�le far a whole block is 15 units per
a�re.
MCMAHON: ❑kay. And then you'll define what a w�oke black is, eorrect?
WESLEY: Yeah, it's und�rstood what a block is thraugh zaning and planning rules.
MCMAHDN: Yes. Okay. And I know this isn't A�enue of the Fauntains, but on Avenue
of the Fountains, I th�ught we required, or, you know, there was an agreement or
whatever yau want to say, that the f�ottom floor is commercial or a certain percentage
of the building needs to be commer�ial, like the one that is going next to Chase Bank.
Page 58 of 79
Town a! ��ountain HiAs
APfiIL 21, 2U26 T�WN COL�NS:iL MEETI[V�, MINLiTES
Sa we're not ha�ing the same requirement far these dwellings, or is that something
we're gaing ta loak at later after we decide the density?
WESLEY: Sure. Mayar, C�ur�cilmembers, again, in the A�enue ❑istrict, which is a4ong
the Avenue and Verde River, the ardinance requires the ground fl�or ta be non-
residential. In fact, it requires it to be acti�e �ammercial, retail, entertainment,
restaurant, those types of uses an the ground floor. Agai�, in these areas, unless the
property is at least 5Q feet back from t�e public right-of-way. 5❑ when yau ha�e -- with
primarily these two little pocket park areas, the back portions of those Gould be ground
floar residential, but it would take the --
MCMAH�N: Oh, I see. Yeah, okay.
WESL�Y: But other than that, ground floflr Gann�t be residential on the Avenue or an
Verde Ri�er.
MCMAHDI�: �lcay, s❑ the setk�ack's mare than ten feet, right?
WESLEY: 5� feet.
MCMAHON: ❑kay, it's 54.
W ESLEY: Yes.
MCMAHON: So upstairs is mare the residential, and that's really what we're talking
about, �orrect?
W ES LEY: Yes.
MCMAH�N: ❑kay, and the town is comfartable with 35?
WESLEY: Yes.
MCMAEiON: And then a maximum af what it said on there, 15 per block, right?
WESLEY: 5o if somebady were to pur�hase an entire �lock, cleared af all the buildings,
awn all the parking lot, then 15 units per acre is the maximum they could build there. I
will say also, though, aur whole zonirrg definition and overlay are based ❑n that current
Page 59 of 79
Town ui i-ountair� Flilis
APiili wl, 2U2ti TOWN ��i:t�ClL AIlF.FTI�vG MINUTFS
configuration ❑f cammon parking, and the o�erlay really daesn't wark if somebody
really buys it. And I think we wauld be into some larger rezoning process really at that
point.
MCMAHON: Okay, so two mare things. Thank you. 7he height, is it three feet? Is it
three stories?
WESLEY: Mayar, Councilmembers, 4� feet. And so you can get three stories in. Four is
passible, but it's a challenge.
MCMAHaN: Okay, sa if same�ne doesn't -- if this is the rule and someane doesn't buy
the whole black, haw are yau going to figure out the maximum of units if you have tw❑
different buy�rs ar �uifders?
WESLEY: S❑ Mayor, Cauncilmembers, again, it'll just be the fot by lot appficatian ❑f the
�ode at whatever the density is that the CounciE sets. 5a at 35 units per acre, samebady
has, you know, ❑t�e af these 6,D0�-square-foat lots, they could then da up to four units
by right fln that lot. If they want to da more, they'd be back here for a special use
permit. If they happen to cambine two or three or four of those I�ts, then, you know,
whatever size that is, we just do the �alculatian. That's what they �ould do by right.
MCMAHON: �kay, I think I u�derstand. Thank you.
SKILLIC�RN: Mr. Mayor?
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Yes� Councilman?
SKILLICDRN: Thank yau, May�f. A C�Uj7I� C{UpStifl�}5. Fli'St Off, did the Vice Mayor
suggest the motion, or did she actually make a motion?
MAY�R FRIE�EL: G❑ ahead and answer.
EARLE: I was hoping ta ha�e made a motion, 6ut I thought we were in discussion right
naw. 5a yeah, we're in discussion, but if I could make a matian, that's what it would be.
MAYOR FRiEDEL: C�uncilman Watts?
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Town cf fpuntain Hills
APRiL 21, 2�ifi TOWN CC]UNCIL MEFTENG f�i�ViiT�S
WAiTS: So John, I just want t❑ be ciear on -- the original intent, I thought, was retail.
We keep sayir�g commercial, and when you talk abaut a special use permit and being
rejected �y Planning and Zoning, it's �ecause there's such a minimum co�erage.
5omebody �omes in and they want to store cars in there.
That doesn't generate anything except maybe some sales tax on the rental. Nothing
significant. Not liice a restaurant, not like a�lothing shap. 5o do we have a minimum
there that we want to ca�erage? Fia�e we estak�lished that yet? That has to be some
type of sales tax generation similar to, you know, whet�er we call it the fun zone ar
whatnot. Restaurant entertainment factor as opposed to just open ffoor space?
WESLEY: Mayor, Caun�ilmember Watts, again, on the Avenue, certainly all the ground
floor, whatever si2e, with the restri�tion that we put in place with the overlay far that,
would aver time phase out offices and they c�uld all be retai!-generating, re�enue-
generating uses ❑n those ground flaors. That's what's expected there. In the Business
❑istrict, that's where today it will allow whatever uses ❑n the graund flo�r that the C-2
zoning allows.
There are a few restrictians in terms of some of the items allowed by speeial use permit
in the current code, such as mini starage is not allowed in that 6usiness ❑istrict. And I
can't remember what all ❑f them are ❑ff the top af my head right now ta ga o�er those.
And so that's what would be allowed in terms of uses on the ground floar and be the
expectation of the full graund flaor uniess, thraugh a special use permit, Council
approves something differEnt.
WATTS: So I`m wondering -- I'm fine with the A�enue the way it is. It seems pretty
straightforward. I'm concerned about the Business District being commercial and not
having any r�strictions on th� amaunt ❑f sales tax generating ❑peration that could be in
thase particular fa�ilities. Can we put some sort of a restriction an them?
Page 61 of 79
Fnvm z�f F�untain �ii�s
1',PM1lL 2fl, �07_5 TUV�iN �:t7UMCIE. NIkETINC; MIN!JF��;
WESLEY: Mayor, Councilmembers, we could t!o samething similar ta what was done on
the Avenue, but that's t�ot part of this discussian of this text amendment as it's been
advertised. That would ha�e to be s�mething we'd do in the future.
WATTS: ❑kay. 5eeond one is when we get to that 15 units per acre, that's roughly
2,9�� square feet, as opposed to the 1,250 square feet that yau'�e got right now for
dwel�ing units per acre at 35 dwelling units per acre. 5� can we put a minimum
residential restrictian on that? It has ta be a minimum ❑f 1,�5D square feet.
WESLEY: As far as individual apartment units themselves having a minimum size on
that, again, that's samething that cauld be added inta the ordinance if the Council
chooses. I`�e had the ❑pportunity to think about that a little bit and can propose how
that might be worded int❑ the ❑rdinance if the Council would like to loak at that.
WATTS: I think the 15 dwelling units per acre as a maximum, pretty much -- we had
talked a little hit af�out 1,54Q square feet per unit as a residential area, bt�mping it up a
little bit, making it larger. But I think the 15 cavers that from the standpoint of per acre.
My only question there is if I have multiple owners, is the last guy that's buying the
acreage, the last piece of the acreage, restricted by the 15, or is iT on an indi�idual unit-
by-un�t basis? So did I confuse yau?
WESLEY: Na, I understand what you're saying, Cnuncilmember -- trying to think of the
best way t❑ respond ta that. 5o the purpose ❑f that 15 per acre, that's for the fufl black,
if somebody's baught the full block, including the parking. And so you're dealing with
❑ne awner at that point af everything anyway. As we'�e calculated it today, if each lot
as it exists toc4ay is built at 30 units ❑r 35 units per acre, that's the average density
you're gaing t❑ get a�erall. 5o th�re shouldn't be an issue of some last person caming in
and exceeding that. But if it did get there, then that just ki�ks them into a special use
permit at that paint t❑ get it appraved.
WATTS: Yeah, your example ❑f ha�ing five or six buildings and ha�ing, you know, that's
gaing t❑ cover an acre raughly, right? And by the time 1 got the last one, if everybody
Page 62 nf 79
Tnwn of Fo+antaYn Fiiils
APRIL �1, 2Q2fi TQWN CL�U�l�I� MEETING MINUTES
else was building �ut ta fhe maximum they Gauld f�uild out, do I get shortchanged
because now I'm restricted by the 15 units per acre? Or is something we shauld
cansider, Jo�n? Wouldn't we be looking at that anyway on an indi�idual basis with that
final, s❑ we could make a consideration at that point, right? That if we ever g�t there.
SKILLICORN: Mayar?
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Yes, Aflen.
SKILLIC�RN: Thank you s❑ much. Mayor. I actually would suppart development at that
35-15 le�el, 35 units per acre. And, you knaw, if it's 15, if it's the whole block, one
owner, that's fine. But I really like Councilman Watts' suggestian about retail. I don't
believe that we need more ❑ffice spa�e. And frankly, office spaee daesn't �reate any
sales tax revenue.
And offi�e s�ace is something that is so last decade. The economy has mo�ed on.
People work from hame. Less ❑ffice space is needed. I dan't want to see mare vacant
buildings. And that's really my concern there. 5o I would also encourage that matian to
include mirroring the retail requirement of the A�enue of the Fauntatns. And that's
what I think would be a great idea. And that's what 1 wauld supp�rt.
WATTS: I don`t know i� 1 g❑ that restri�tive, ta Coun�ilman Skillic�rn's point. If we
mirrored what was an the Avenue, I'd like s�mething in between what we've got now,
which is carte blan�he. Y�u can really �ome in and put car storage in there and �irtually
use �ery little percentage ❑f the floor space.
But if we had a requirement that was 5�, 6n percer�t af the flaor space has ta he fQr
retail ❑r ec{uivalent, then does that satisfy that IiCtle niche as weil? Would that be --
Councilman Skillicorn, does that fit, or yau want the whole retail like the A�enue? I
know, n❑ cross-talk.
SKILLIC�RN: Cauncilman, what ab�ut a compromise of 70 percent?
WATTS: I'm open. !'m IooEcing for John to say yay or nay.
Page 63 of 79
Fuwn o'f Fountain Hiiis
APltIL 21, 2026 7�NJM1f CCtl1A�::;i ;:'Ec i IP�G M€4�IJ7£5
WESLEY: Mayar, Councilmembers, my primary response stili is we're n�t ad�ertised for
that type of change. If yau wauld like us to cansider that, that wauld be something we
would ha�e to come back with.
As we ha�e worked on this, howe�er, o�er these last year-plus, as we en�isioned the
BUSIfiE55 ❑15i1`ICt, it really -- what has been intended -- is to be a more comprehensive
mix ❑f uses flf commercial-type acti�ities. So the ❑nes we are trying to rnove aff the
Avenue, where are they going ta go? We pictured them ma�ing to t�e Business Ristrict.
5KILLICDRN: Mayor?
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Yes, Councilman.
SKILLIC�RN: Thank you, Mayar. 5o I really think it is the role of the C�uncil t� set that
direction, and I beiieve this wauld be appropriate. It'd be good for the town. But
furthermore, like, some of the things that were brought up this evening, li€ce, there was
a visian far 400 additianal units in this area. That is nat something I suppart. I think
that that would actually undermine the charm ❑f this area and undermine the values of
our town. Highe� density, bringing 40� mare units, I don't think brings �ibrancy. I think
it brings more issues ta our tawn, and I wauEd actually disagree with that.
5❑ I really think that these are the types af things that the Council should actually set a
policy on this and a�'tually weigi� in. Now, we may not need t❑ d❑ that this e�ening, but
that is going t❑ be my apinion, is that there is an avenue for additianal mixed use so that
the property owners can a�tually use their prop�rties and actual{y make them mare
ecan❑mically �ibrant and viable.
But I als❑ don't think changing the character of aur town with so many additional
residents and additional units and parking and traffic and e�erything that higher density
brings. I d❑ not want us to become 5cottsdale. We are Fountain Hills, and we're
F�untain Hills for a reason, k�ecause w� have elbow space here. We have big lots and
we have low density, but there is potential for this 35-15 agreemer�t, and I still think
Page fi4 of 79
"fa�n af Founiain Fiilis
APR!L 21, 2G.26 "Cal'UN CDu�CIL 1�Ei31NG N1itiLlFES
there shauld be some direction ❑n a, yau know, a minimum amount of retail in this
area.
MAY�R FRIEpEL: Also, I want to remind everyhody that this is discussion -- I'm sorry,
this is question period right now, not discussion. 5a if you ha�e a question, then we'!I
hear that. 6ut let me get to the next person in the queue, which is ❑ur Town Manager.
GOQpWIN: I do have a question, Mayor. Thank you. And it's just a �larification
he�ause there's been same questions. 5o you highlighted, John, that you are praposing
a 35 and 15. Is that right?
WESL�Y: Yes.
��ODWIN: I'm just asking be�ause the staff recommendation is different in the packet,
which identifies a 2�. !t highlights a minimum af 35 and nat to exceed 20 units per acre.
5a I just want t❑ make sure we're considering the right thing sa that there's no
confusion.
WESLEY: That wauld be a gooci idea.
G�ODWIIV: And I belie�e, if I'm wrong, Vice Mayor, I believe that's th� numbers you
mer�tivned when you were bringing it up. 5o I just wanted to, again, I don't want any
�Qnfusion out there what numbers we're really working ❑n here.
WESLEY: Right. Yeah, I belie�e if we laok at the actual �rdinance, Zb�2, it is 35 and 15.
G��bWIN: Okay, thanlc you.
W�SLEY: And so the 20 went with th� 45, and so prot�ably got some numbers
transposed maybe there in the staff report. Yes.
KALIVIANAKIS: Thank yau, Mr. Mayar. Yeah, and I don't want ta put words in your
mouth, so if I say something wrong, please �orre�t me. You knaw what we're doing, I
think it's pretty important tonight. 1 think what we're nat doing is trying t❑ say that
they're going to ha�e residential on the ground flaor by rigF�t. I think tanight is what
Page fi5 ai 79
1'ow� �i ��untain i��i;s
AP�lL 2�, 2�2Fi'TOV:'N Ci?UiJCI� �n���r;r�c ��r�i��t�r�s
we're talking about, trying t❑ increase retail usage in this new Downt�wn zone. Is that
what we're daing, right? Trying to encaurage retail?
WESLEY: Correct.
!{ALIVIANAKIS: Right. And s� would y�u say that this is kind of re�erse logic, but if we
want more retail, we have ta k�e more generous with residentia!? Isn't that what's in
your report?
WESLEY: Mayar, Cauncilmemk�er, yes. The common term is, retail fallows rooftops.
And so when you ha�e the population through the residential de�elopment, that's when
the retail will come to ser�e that population.
KAL4VIA1VAKIS: Yeah, and I would agree with that, l�eeause when we put Park Pla�e in
here, the residential was the ecanomic dri�er, and then it took years to ba�kfill with the
retail. Is that correct?
WE5LEY: Correct.
KALIVIANAKIS: And is that what we're trying t❑ accomplish tonight by incentiviiing
developers ta build buildings in empty Iots so thaC we can ha�e a �ibrant downtown --
genera! plan, strategic plan -- by incenti�izing de�elopers to spend their money building
lats that are primarily gaing ta have retail an the f�ottom?
6ut they're gQir�g to in�enti�ize them because, as we know, Arizona is pretty sparse in
the sur-nmer, and then there's a lat of activity in the winter. 6ut if they had six units,
maybe at 35 or 4d per, then they wauld get that rental ineome a!I year long. And then
even if the summers are -- you're still in�entivizing de�elopers ta build an those lots
heeause there's still going to �e prafits coming in.
WESLEY: Yes.
KALIVIANAKIS: Is all that right?
WESLEY: Yeah. I'll make ❑ne clarification, Councilmember. �hat's when you said retail
on the graund floor. It's commer�ial an the ground flaor, particularly in the Busir�ess
Page 66 of 79
�own o'f Fvuntain iiil�s
APRIL Z�, 2U25 70WN �OUNCl� MEETIfVti IVlINJ7E5
bistrict. 5o it might be retail, but it might be ❑ffice, it might be something else in the
Business Distriet. 6ut it is non-residential on the ground floor.
KALIVIANAKIS: Well, in the ariginal o�erlay -- I don`t think there'll be any American
Famiiy Insurance or office buildings. I thought it was suppvsed ta be a certain type of
business.
WESLEY: Mayor, Councilmember, ❑n the A�enue �istrict, that's true. But in the
6usiness Distri�t, it's more open.
KALIVIANAKIS: S❑ it would be ❑pen ta ather types ❑f businesses, but it wauld still gi�e
them the opportunity to mave in there, again, based on the fact that it`s economically
viahle based ❑n residential beir�g Qn tap.
WESLEY: Yes.
KALIVIANAKIS: Yeah, I would be for 35 ❑r 45, as the packet says, to increase that to
incentivize it so we can get a lot mare retail and fill empty lats, which is what
everyt�ody's talking about, you know, when's this dawntown going to fook full. 5❑
that's -- thank you ��ry much.
MAY�R FRIEbEI.: I'll just add that I think e�ery time we have a renter that stays here
year-round, it's over $5�D a year in sales tax revenue that's generated versus somebvdy
that just visits. CaunGilmember?
MCMAH�N: Thank you very much. Nat Cfl cloud the issue, but piggybacking ❑n
Brenda's understanding, that's my understanding toa. 5� right now what we're deciding
on is density, and later on, you know, knowing that we're going ta ha�e �ommercial
down on the bottom floor, and later on deper�ding upan who the buyer is, the builder,
blah, blah, blah, we'EI take a look at what they want t❑ build, what they want to put in, if
there's an SUP, et Getera. So right nflw we're de�iding ❑n density?
WESL.EY: Corre�t.
MCMAH�N: �kay. Thank yau.
Page 67 of 79
Ts�.•rri �f rvuntain Hilis
APRIL 21, 7.�25 TiJINN CCl3i�rl� �dIEE i 111G M!luU7Ea
WATTS: Thanks. 5❑ I'm still stuck an the clarification ❑f the 15 units per acre that -- 35.
5ee, tald yau I got 35 dwe�ling units per acre, 15 units max per a�re per block. Well,
how big is the block then?
WE5LEY; 7.1 acres.
WATTS: 11 aGres. ❑kay. I think it's pretty clase. I just think the wording has to be real
clear, and I'm nat sure it is in the recommendation at this point. And the ot�er thing is
that I stil! wauld like t❑ do something to push the retail as opposec! ta commercial.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: That's going ta come later.
WAiTS: I dan't need the help, thank yau very mu�h. 5❑ if we could have a minimum
ever►tuaily of something in the area ❑f 15 to 75 perc�nt to satisfy -- w� haven't dane any
ealcufatians on it. We haven't gat any feedback from �conamic Development on, you
know, what the likelihoad is. 5o I'm a little concerned about that as well. S❑ with that, I
don't ha�e any mare questions.
MAYDR FRlEDEL: Seeing nobady else has anything, do we ha�e any �amment cards an
this, 7own Clerk?
BENbER: Yes, Mayor, we have one card. Crystal Cavanaugt�.
CAVANAUGH: Yeah, it's confusing. I'm with you, Peggy, because I came in to say, plain
and simple, regarding the density, we can always zone up. But you can't �ame back
down on�e we make it into tao large af a n�mber. But the mare this is being discussed,
you know, at 35 units per acre, I get it better than the last time it was discussed,
be�ause e�er� at that time, you guys thought 16, you knaw, wauld be a mare logica!
num6er.
And so tha't's when it went back to Planning and 2aning. But then surprisingly, the
majority didn't decide on the 35, anci th�y did express that there was actually an A5U
interest in helping to create, yau know, same aver�iew of �ptions, and i think they were
even going to do that far free to gi�e us same type of district. And s❑ my thaug}�ts were
apartments don't keep us from growing stagnant, but creative businesses do.
Page 6$ of 79
Tawn af Fountain Hills
AP'Rll. 21, 2R26 TOWN CUii�ICll MEETINC fiJiIRIL' i� S
5a I didn'C want to zone us aut of passibility. And even when John Wesley, flf all people,
John, said 15 units per acre initially, I thaught that actually sounded pretty reasonable
cflnsidering it started at eight. And I was warried whether someone would came in and
merge the parcels. S❑ I'm transitiar�ing in my brain here to the 35 units per acre with
that cap if sameone did �ame up and buy a whole block af it, because I like that
protectian.
Because currentiy, it's zor�ed -- Plat 208 is zoned as the entertainment district. And s❑ I
always worried if you approve t�e larger anes, yau're going to zane away the aptions
and opp�rtunities. And when apartments take th� priority, entertainment and dining
aptions go �ut the window, and that's tax re�enue for us. 6ecause, for example, I know
you're trying to put these businesses an the battom, but let's take, uh, Park Pla�e -- the
ice cream s�ap. They'�e had complaints be�ause it's ta❑ busy, taa naisy. There's
custamers, and that's an ice cream parlor.
S❑ then I worry about haw restrictive any solicitation and re�ruitment of oiher
businesses for some of these apartments will be, And I als❑ liked the aspect #�efare
when it was 16 units per acre, thinking it was going t❑ make them smaller and mar�
fitting far a charming dawntown area. And so that's where I'�e come ftind ❑f full circle.
As long as you d� ha�e some af these protections in place, I could suppart the 35 and
then g�t an 5UP in case special cireumstances come up. 5o that's all I have ta say.
EARLE: There yau ga. Thank yau, Mayar. 6efore I want ta make a motion, but I want to
say this was �ery �onfusing for me as well as e�eryone here, and I appreciate the
multiple meetings and �ommunication to understand and learn this. And when I asked
Jahn, "Couid you talk to us like we're kindergartners, show us some pictures," that kinci
of helped me to�, 5o thanl� you �ery much, Jahn, far yaur presentatian. I wauld fifce t❑
mak� a matian --
MAY�R FRIEbEL: Befare you make the mation, let me clase the public hearing.
EARL�: Hello.
Page 69 of 79
Town of Forant ��n M'skls
RFRiL 21� 2�J267�UIiJ COl)NClL MkETING rJliNt��'r�
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Is that all right?
EARLE: Okay.
MAYOR FRI�DEL: Yeah. Dkay. All right. I'm going t❑ �kose the public hearing. Vice
Mayor?
EARLE: ❑kay, thank you. I'd like t❑ make a motion that we keep the original at a
minimum ❑f the 35 units, but with the pro�ision of the averall density of a black that
cannat exceed 15 units per acre.
MAY�R FRlEbEL: 15 or 20?
EARLE: Jahn ciarified it was 15.
WESL.EY: Yes, Mayor. Yes, 15 at the 35. 20 if you went up to the 45, which we
discussed i� the staff repart because it had been braught up by P&Z.
EARLE: But it was a little boo-boo there.
WRIGHT: Yeah. And I think prabably the easiest mation is to adopt Ordinance 26�2
with th� density as listed. 5a the density listed �n the sample ❑rdinance is 35 units per
acre, provided the -- I'm sorry, 3S units per acre aho�e ground floor per lot, provided tne
a�erag� density flf the total hlo�k does not exeeed 15 units per acr�. 5o that's exa�tly
what you said. Sa ap�roving Ordinance Z6Q2.
�ARLE: Can I just say what she said? Is that what will be recordeci? ❑kay, then we just
need a secand.
SKILLICDRN: Mr. Mayor?
MAYDR FRIEpEL: Yes, Councilman?
SfCILLIC�RN: Thank yau, Mr. Mayor. Wauld the Vice Mayor b� open ta amending it to
add instructiflns ta limit non-retail in the instruetions, and it could be open ta
discussion, you know, something 50 percent, something 6� percent, something 7�
percent, something like that. Wauld the Vice Mayor be open t❑ that amendment?
Page 7U of 79
�'awn cf {aun,ain Hiiis
�`,P�hIL 21, 202b 7'DWN CQUI�If�IL !'JiEETIR�G M3NiJ i F5
EARLE: Allen, that has t❑ be discussed at a different time, so I'm open ta that at another
time. ❑h, Jen. Oh, the attarney will speak.
WRIGHT: Yes, Cauneilmember 5killicorn, that's a �ery goad point to want to bring up,
but that's not agendized far this meeting. S❑ we can add that as a new ordinance at a
different meeting because we did not properly agendize limiting the type -- changing the
district to limit the type of cflmmercial devel�pment.
KALIVIANAKIS: I'll second her motion.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: ❑kay, we have a motiar� and a second. Can we get a rall call, please?
BENDER: C�uncilmemher McMahon.
MCMAH�N: Aye.
BENDER: Councilmember 5killicarn.
5KILLIC�RN: Yes.
BENbER: Cvuncilmember Kali�ianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
BENDER: Councilmemb�r Watts.
WATTS: Aye.
BENbER: Vice Mayor Earle.
EAR�.E: Aye.
BENDER: Mayor Earle.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: Aye.
6ENdER: Mayor, 6-0.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Thank you. Moving on, John, I see you're on deck for the public
hearing and consideration ❑f possible action for re2oning the area bounded by La
Montana and 5aguar❑ Bou{evard to remove the existing entertainment and planned
Page 71 of 79
1'o��,'n af Faur+ia+n Hiits
APFilL 27., 2QZfi TO11VlV �rJUf�CIL �RE�l"ING i,91NLiTES
shapping plaza ❑�erlay districts ta the area baunded by the same streets. I'm g�ing to
open a public hearing. All yours.
WESLEY: Qkay, thank you, Mayor, Council. S❑ now that we fcnow what the ❑verlay
district is gaing t❑ say, it's time to consider the rezflning of the downtown area to
remo�e the two o�erfays and put the new one in place.
And so the 's just again stated the area south ❑f Paiisades is where we �a�e the two
❑verlays that we will remo��, and then the full area of the downtown o�erlay wauld be
rezaned to have those uses allowed. And sa through the process, we did eariier on go
through the �itizen participation pracess as well as the natice process for all property
❑wners in the area and araund the area and publish the notice.
WESLEY: 5❑ here's the graphic representation ❑f the xoning change showing the existing
zoning with the a�erlays and what's being propased with the rezone. I'll go thraugh
these fairiy quickly he�ause we'�e hac{ a lot of discussion, but if I need t❑ stap or yau
want t❑ have questians iater, we can come back.
So the ❑verall ❑rdinance again has three districts: Avenue ❑istrict, the Business ❑istrict,
and the Innavation District. 6asic components af the A�enue District are that it has the
retail cammercial uses allowed, not the affice uses; limits the areas within 50 feet of the
streets ta the active retail entertainment type uses. And then otherwise is the same as
what's current�y allowed in the existing entertainment o�erlay. poes allow residentia!
above the ground floar; no residential on the �round floor.
WES�EY: Business District adds the offi�e uses as it currently is allowed. And then
Entertainment District -- outdoor s�ating is removed from the right-of-way because
there really isn't right-af-way area t❑ do that there. Otherwise, it's the same as
�urrently exists and again will allow resi[iential 6y right on upper flaors up ta the 35
units per a�re anci then requires 5L1P far anything on the ground floor or anything abave
the 35 units per acre.
Page 72 of 79
Town �r` F�untain Niils
APRIL 21, 20267aWN C�U1VClL h?C�TIi�G Fv11Nl3TE5
VIIESLEY: Inno�ation District keeps the �ommercial uses as currently allowed thraugh
the C-2 District but increases some ❑f the ❑ther employment-type uses that we think are
appropriate in this area. 5�me of the light employment aGti�ities with laboratories,
manufacture, assembly af non-f�azardous materials, and then as any �ommercial district
allaws residential thr�ugh an SL1P. So staff and Planning Commission have
recommended appro�al of this reioning. Any questians from the Council?
MAY�R FRIE�EL: No. Are there any comment cards?
BENDER: Yes, Mayor. Dan Kovace�ic and Crystal Ca�anaugh, if she still wants to speak.
KOVACEVIC: Mayor, Council, good e�ening. I'm ❑an Ko�aee�ic. I'm a 7.5-year Fountain
HilEs resident. I'm s{�eaking for myself as a citizen. !'m not representing Planning and
2oning tonight. I appreciate your appraval of the density. Thank you very much.
Because bringing in the spending power ta generate more sales tax revenue is a worthy
goal. I wanted to add some �alar. I appreciate the canversation a�Oout the cammercial.
I wanted to add some �olar �n that.
John mentianed the Bondi praperty -- that's a 12,Q00-square-foat commercial lot on the
Avenue that we approved. We all appro�ed it far 2,850 square feet of retail. The back
is all garages ant! supporting the residential. And it's a beautiful building, na regrets.
But naw we just saw a second proposal on Park�iew, a 6,��0-square-foot lat with only
$90 square feet af commercial, compfetely d�feating the purpose ❑f the business
a�erlay.
And if we continue to all�w this, we're anly going to get a minimum ❑f sales tax-
generating revenue from our real estate in the downtown. 5a as the attarney said,
we've got t❑ bring this up at a future meeting, but it's something that does n��d t❑ be
addressed be�ause we're setting up a situatian where peopl� can com� in, build
residential buildings by right with just a minimum ❑f commercial. 5a but you've
addressed it tonight. I appreciate it. �hank yau very much. Thanks for your
consideration.
Page 73 of 79
7cwn �� Fauntaitt Hills
�]PRI� 27., 2��6 TtIWN Cql1R�Cll MEETING MlfvliTES
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Would samebody like to make a motion? All right, I'm going to close
the public meeting now. Mation?
E{ALIVIANAKIS: Mntion ta appro�e Ordinance 2608. Is that the one we're talking about
right now?
WA775: I helie�e so.
MAYDR FRIEaEL: Motian to appro�e?
WATTS: Se�ond.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: W� ha�e a m�tion and a se�ond. Can I get a roll call, pfease?
gEN�ER: Councilmember McMahan.
MCMAHON: Aye.
BEN�ER: Councilmember Kali�ianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
BENDER: Councilmemher Watts.
WATTS: Aye.
BEN�ER: Councilmemher Skillicorn.
SKILLICORN: Yes.
gENdER: Vice Mayar Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BENDER: And Mayor Friedel.
MAY�R FRIEbEL: Aye.
BENQ�R: Mayor, 6-0.
MAYDR FRIE�EL: Than[t you. Okay, we'll move on now to the Call to the Public. Are
there any speaker cards?
Page 74 of 79
To+Nn nf r'6Llfitdifl !-IIIIS
APall_ 71, �026 Ti7WN CD!}hi�lL M�E�I"•1C ��illtilaTCS
Ga�DWiN: Mayor, one seGond. We do ha�e one item r�garding the legislative agenda,
unless there's any ciisc�tssion on that. I knaw it's been pretty stagnant there.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Yeah, we haven't had a meeting in a couple weeks. Any updates on
the legislative agenda from anyone? ❑kay.
GOO�WIfV: Okay. If not, I just want ta make sure we check.
MAYaR FR4E�EL: Yeah, okay. Now we'll move an t❑ the Call to the Public, do we have
any speaker cards?
BENQER: Yes, Mayor, we have fi�e cards. I don't belie�e the ❑ne speaker is still here,
Anna Kelleher. S❑ it'd be Cindy Couture, fallawed by 5helby Ble�ker, then AI Ronca,
followed by Kimberly 6artmann.
CDlJTl1RE: Hella, Mayor and Council. I'm Cindy Couture. I'm a longtime resident, and I
just ha�e a qui�k thing to say. Here's a questian. If I invited you ta my home to talk to
me abaut something and I saicl, "Sit down," and I sat and did paperwork and did my
business, talked on t�e phane and stuff, and two hours later I said, "What was it you
wanted to talk ta me about?" Wouldn't you think that was ciisrespectful?
I thinit it's disrespe�tful to put Cal4 ta the Public this late in the meetings. You are
efected ta listen t❑ us, and we need to be listened ta at tt�� beginning flf the meeting. I
don't ha�e t❑ work, hut some people do, and you need to mo�re it back to the f�eginning.
I know that Counciiman Kali�ianalcis and Councilwoman Peggy McMahon want ta have it
at the beginning, and the rest �f y�u need -- just at least two more ❑f yau need ta
change that. I just think it's disrespe�tful of your townspeaple. Thank you.
MAY�R FRIE�EL: 7hank you. Next speaker.
BLECKER: Gaod evening, Mayor, Coun�ilmembers. 5helby Blecicer, resident of Fauntain
Hills. I'm here tanight to say that I'm a little disappainted in some ❑f the
Counciimembers' failure to suppart the letter to AG Mayes. I'm a strong k�eliever that
you shauld stand up far what you belie�e in. Rnd if you can't say what you belie�e in
and stand up for it, you prahably don't belie�e in �ery much at all.
Page 75 of 79
Town of Fountain Hills
APRIL 21, 2026 TflWN COUNCIL MEETIIVG MINUTES
Sa I'm alsa a littl� bit �onfused about some af the comments that I heard that night.
And I'm going t� parapl�rase that some of the reasans that we shauldn't be supporting
this letter. I heard that AG does a great jab already ir� prase�uting a lot of these cases.
Now, when I type in a Google search, "Haw many �ases has AG Mayes prose�uted that
dealt with federal judges ❑r elected �fficia{s k�eing threatened ar attacked," the result
that I get is "Arizona Attorney Kris Mayes has mac4e a pu�lic commitment to prosecuting
threats against election officials and ❑ther public offieials. While she's engaged in high-
profiie legal battles, the pro�ided search results do nat enumerate a specific tatal
number of criminal prosecutions she has persona[ly initiated against indi�iduals for
threatening fed�rai judges or ele�ted officials."
So that didn't hold water. I heard that we're a smail town. AG Mayes is going to take
that comment and throw it in the trash. Well, it's my opinian that just like Call to the
Public, yau listen to the members of the pubkic. Writing a letter to the AG is your chance
ta be Call to the Public io our elected state offi�ials. Why not do it? Then I alsa heard
that it's nat vur f�usiness to tell the AG how ta da theirj�b. Why not?
I don't understand that comment either, Y�u know, we have plenty af people that
come t❑ Fountain Hills, names like Biggs, 5�hweikert, Glassman, Chaplik �ph.}, Reem
�ph.}, Khalif [ph.}. They all come here to get our �otes, and they ail came here ta te31 us
what they want to dfl and to ask us what we want them ta do. S� wi�y not write a letter
to Attarney General AG and tell her what we want ta da? I thank you memfvers that
appra�ed that letter, that added your name ta it.
But there's also a person that ! met recently by the name o� 5ean Qow. Now, just like
me, Sean likes ta hold elected offi�ials' feet to the fire, and I pEan ❑n warking with him to
hald elected afficials' feet to the fire. I thinlc that letter was a great letter. It sets a
precedent. It's not performati�e, like some peo�le in social media and in the Times ha�e
said. It sets a precedent. It says what we want. Anc! like I said, E'm disappointed in
those members that �ouldn't find the courage to suppart that letter. Thank you very
much.
Page 75 nf 79
Town of Fountain Hills
APRIL 21, 2026 TOWN C�UNCIL MEETI3VG MINUTES
MAYnR FRIEDEL: ihank you. Next speaker.
RQIVCA: Mayor, Caun�il, AI Ronca, �3 years. I support both Cauncilwoman Kaliviarrakis
and McMahan in their effort to move the Call to the Public ba�k t❑ its ariginaf positian
earlier ir� the meeting. As you know, presently we have to file a speaker card at 5:3�
and wait until now in order to voice aur opinions t❑ a body that we'�e elected to
represent us. Yau should be eager to hear from us.
Although this is better than nathing at all, it f�els punitive. It's like we'�e been slapped
across our hands. Elected officials shouldn't silence speakers or put barriers in our way,
e�en if it means that we might express an opinion that's disfavored. I respectfully ask
that you put this item on a future agenda as proposed by Councilwoman kCali�ianakis.
Thank you.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank yau. Next speaker.
6ARTMANN: Kimberly Bartmann, Fountain HillS resident since 2Q�1. But if you're a new
resident af Fountair� Hills or yau've lived here sinee it was first began �efare it was
incorporated, you should have a voice. And I'm wondering which candidate far Mayor
and Tawn Cauncil you will support. This is to all public, at h�rne and in the audienee.
Which candidates will bring our community together? Which candidates truly eare
about Fountain Nills? Vllhich ❑nes will leave behinci partisan politics and do what they
truly belie�e is best for our town? Wh❑ will support Fountain Hills thri�ing and coming
together? Who will di�ide it? Who has divided it?
Wh❑ will want to rename our Fountain Hills Community Center ta the Charlie Kirk
Freedflm Center? Hannah Larrak�ee and Allen 5killicorn propased this. And 6en
Larrahee is the spause of Hannah Larrabee, s❑ I imagine yau might want t❑ ask him what
he plans ta do. They also propased a statue to be placed an public property. Who will
put our town first? I encaurage you t❑ attend the Candidate Cau�cil Forum on April
29th. That's a Wednesday, I believe, at 5 p.m. And the mayoral forum on Thursday,
April 30th at 6 p.m.
Page 77 of 79
Tawn vf Fouritain FEills
APRiI 21, 2026 T�WN CDU�VCIL MEETING MINiJTES
I also encourage you t❑ speak to these folks and lonk at their so�+al media, see what
they'�e done for our town, see what type af valunteer work they do, see if they support
ROT. Because my daughter's 19 years �Id and got a mailer from ROT, and it was a nasty
t�ing about Brenda Kalivianakis. And my daughter was like, "Wow, I am not gaing to
�ote for peaple who put trash in our mailbox." Thank you.
MAYDR FRIE�EL: Thank you. Is there any Council discussi�n ar direction to the Tawn
Manager?
WAT75: I think the issues on 9E need to be clarified. I'd like ta bring it baCk, talking
specifically about the cap of 15 and the �erbiage along those lines, and the retail
�amponent, and talking ahout as a percentage of �ommercial.
GaQdWIN: S❑ let me just ask for clarification k�ecause the item passed tonight. 5o the
15 and whatnot is --
WATTS: No, I understand that.
GO�DWIN: I dan't ha�e a problem if staff -- if Jahn needs ta maybe put out a little bit of
a clarifier so that the rest of the Cauncil has something to sart ❑f -- that goes into more
detail than we were able tQ gfl into tonight. Do you want something t❑ come back,
though, that addresses the retail component that was being discussed with Cfluncikman
5killicvrn and whatnot. Is that correet?
WATTS: Yes. Yea�. i want to back on the agenda as soon as we can s❑ we can get
clarification an both vf the things, the �er�iage on the 15, because it is �lear as mud,
and the commercial �omponer�t, I think we need to address that s❑ we r�on't have 9�
per�ent commercial and ten percent retail. 5a I want to get that back out there. And so
Councilman 5killicarn talked abaut 75 percent. I don't know that I-- t�ut I'd like to �ear
the merits af it.
G�ODWIN: ❑kay, so I hear your rec{uest. I'm gaing ta assume Councilman Skillicorn is
supparti�e of that. Is there someane else that wauld like to ha�e that on the agenda?
Page 78 of 79
3ov�n c# Fauntain Hills
l�Puli. �1, 2fl2fi'i'OW{v CDUt�J�li iNF�T1IVG MIVUFES
MAYDR FRI�DEL: I'm interested in the retail camponent. The other stuff, I think we'�e
already -- that ship has already saifed. So is this a future agenda item, but we're giving
direction, or which way are we �oing this?
GDOQWIN: It's sflrt ❑f one way.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: I just want to make sure --
GO��WIN: Sure. It's related to an earlier item tonight. 5� yes, I will take that as
dire�tion and we'll work with staff ta make that happen.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Gaod, thank you. Any Qther future agenda items?
KALIVIAIVAfClS: I'd like ta address that, Mr. Mayor. Well, agair�, just shawing the validity
�f Cal! t❑ the Public, which I do really suppart. And we had a caller tonight that wanted
t❑ hold the publi� officials' feet ta the fire. I think that's an excellent iciea.
Sa k�ased on that suggestion ❑n the Call to the Public, I would recammend that we
re�isit our code af ethics, toughen it up and put it back where it used t❑ be. And als❑ as
part af that agenda, future agenda item, I would like to reinstate the ability fr�r
members of the cammunity to file ethics complaints against the Town Cauncil.
MCMAHDN: I'll sec�nd that.
MAYQR FRIEbEL: Thankyou. Can I get a matifln ta adj�urn?
WA�75: Mave to adjourn.
MAYQR FRIEDEL 5ecand.
KALIVIANAKIS: Second.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: All in fa�ar?
ALL: Aye.
MAY�R FRIEbEL: Thank yau.
Page 79 of 79
Having no further businF�s�, Mayor Gerry M. Friedel adjnurned the Regufar
Session af the Fvuntain Hills Tawn Cvuncil held an April 2� , 2025, at 8:2� p.m.
►,1��:Z�I�l�I�71
TOWN OF FDIJNTAIN NILLS
�'I�C�G�(�
Gerry M. F del, Mayar
ATT�ST:
.�.�-� _ ���,r_,�
Bevelyn J. �nd� Tawn Clerk
C�RTIFICATI�IV
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and carrect copy of the
minutes of the Regular Meeting held by the Town Council of Fauntain Hills on fhe
2�5' day of April 2�26. i further certify that the meeting was du3y cal�ed and that a
quorum was present.
�� �
Be�elyn J. B�er, own Clerk
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