HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.0602.TCRS.MINUTES.APPROVEDTOWN �F F�UNTAIN HILLS
MIN�TES �F THE REGULAR AN❑ SPECIAL SESSI�N
❑F THE F�LJNTAIN HILLS T�WN CnIJNCI�
June 2, 20�6
A Regular and 5�ecia! Meeting of fhe Fvuntain Hills Tawn Council was convened
at 5:4� p.m.
Members Present: Mayor Gerry M. Friedel: Vice Mayor Gayie Earle;
Councilmem�er Rick Watts; Councilmember Peggy M�Mahon; Cauncilmember
6renda J. Kalivianakis; Coun�ilmember Allen 5killicorn
Cauncilmemfoer Hannah Larrabee attended by telephone conferenc� call.
5taff Present: Town Manager Rachael Gaodwin; Tawn Attarney Jennifer J.
Wright; Tvwn Clerk Bevelyn J. Bender
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T�WN �F FQUNTAIN HILLS
Jl1NE 2, 2025 TQWN CflUNC1l. MEETIIVG MINU7E5
Post-Production File
Town of Fountain Hills
Regular And 5pecial Cnuncil Meeting Minutes
June Z.2aZG
Transcription Pro�ided By:
eScribers, LLC
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Transcription is provided in arder ta facilitate communicatian accessibility and may not
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Page 1 of 36
TOWN �F F�UNTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, 2026 TDWfV CflUNCiL MEETING MINUTES
MAYQR FRIEDEL: Thank you.
VIIe'll mo�e on naw to our call to arder for our regular meeting.
Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
ALL: I piedge allegiance ta the flag of the iJnited States of America and ta the Republic
far which it stands, ❑ne nati�n under Gad, indi�isihle, with liberty and justice for all.
MAYQR FRiEbEL: And if you chaose, please remain standing for a moment of silence as
our invo�ation person is nat able to make it tanight. 5o we'll have a moment af silence,
please.
Thank you.
Tawn Clerk, can I get a roll cali, please?
BEN�Ef�: Mayor Friedea.
MAYdR FRlE�EL: Present.
6ENDER: Vice Mayor Earle.
�RRLE: Present.
BENDER: Councilmember Skillicorn,
5KILLICORN: Here.
BENDER: Cauncilmem6er Kalivianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Here.
BENDER: Cour+cifinemfoer Watts.
WATTS: Here.
BENDER: Cauncilmemfaer Larrahee.
LARRABEE: Here.
BENbER; Councilmember McMahon.
MCMAHON: �iere.
BENbER: Mayor, you have a quorum.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank you.
And we'!I mo�e on t❑ our summary of current e�ents by our town manager.
Rachael?
GODDWIN: Thank you. Mayor.
Page 2 af 36
TOWN �F FDU{VTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, 2flz6 7�WN CflUNCIL MEETiiVG MINUTES
I have a few updates tonight, so bear with me. First, as we near the election, I wanted
t❑ remind our residents that town hall will ha�e a ballot drop box avaifa#�le beginning
the week af June 24th. For the ballot drop box will #�e available Manday through
Thursday from S t❑ 5 p.m., and on Ele�tion day fram 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
We nati�ed that iawn Hall was nat listed �n the �aunty's website as a k�allot drop point,
and we brought that to the caunty's attentian. They are re�iewing it and will share an
update ❑n�e that has k�een resalved. We just want to make sure that ❑ur community is
aware that we are a drop point.
5taff wili be putting out additiona! reminders regarcling important election dates and
information next week, s❑ please follaw us ❑nline.
As we head into summer, sa�e the date for our first Wacky Wet Wednesday. It will be
held on June 10th at 4 Peaks Park fram 11 a.m. to 12:3�. This is always a fun way for
families to eaal off and enjoy the start of summer. And if it's anything like today, we are
starting to see ❑ur triple digits, sa it's w�ll timed.
Work has als❑ begun on the Qesert Vista Dog Parlc, which will remain �iosed through the
month of ]une while updates and impra�ements are completed. We appreciate the
community's patience as we work and look farward t❑ reapening a refreshed and
improved space for our residents and �ur pets.
If you would like more infflrmation an that, their website is up ta date with the details of
that project. And there has been several social media updates featuring our own Mike
Pelton, and I thin€c director 5nipes bacEc there talking ahout all af the upgrades that are
coming to t#�e dog park.
And then 1ast, Mayor and C�uncil, I wanted to add ane speCial re�ognition tonight. I
hope that's okay. Qn May 28th, ❑ur �ery ❑wn Mike Ciccarone reached 30 years of
service with the Town of Fountain Nilis. Mif�e serves as our chief technalogy
Administratar, and anyone who has worked with the Town for any length of time knows
how much we rely an Mike.
Even when he's here, when he's not here, when he's on �acation. When he's hiding in
his ❑ffice, hoping that we don't f�ug him, he is a �ery, very, very integral part of what we
Page 3 of 3fi
TOWN �F FDUNTAIN N1LLS
JUiVE 2, 2fl26 T�WN C�l1NCli MEETING MINUTES
d❑ here.
7echnoiogy touches nearly e�ery part ❑f town operatians, and Mike has been a steady
presence behind the scenes for three decades. We want t❑ recogni2e that milestone
publicEy tonight. And I'fl turn it o�er t❑ the mayar for a farmal proc�amation.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Thank you. Rachael. Mike, this is a special ane. No doubt abaut it.
3fl years with ane arganization is a major accomplishment in any field, but it is especially
natable ir� technolagy, where so much has changed o�er that periad of time.
❑ver the last 3� yeat's, the Town has seen major changes in how we communicate, haw
we manage re�ards, haw we �ondu�t public meetings, how we protect our systems, and
how we suppart employees and residents.
Through a11 of that, yau have 6een a steady and reEiable part of this organization. A lot
af technology work is only noticed when samething is not working. 6ut the truth is, th�
Town depends on it e�ery single day. Your work has supparted e�ery department and
helped iteep the organizatian functioning through the years.
❑n behalf of th� Tawn Council and the Town ❑f Fauntai� Hills, thank you far 30 years af
dedi�ated service. It is my honar t❑ proclaim June Znd, 2026 as Mike Ciccarone day in
the Tawn af Fountain Hills.
Mike, came on up and get this proclamatian.
GDODWIN: Far thase of y�u wha don't knaw --
CICCAR�NE: It's been a pleasure ser�ing the residents and the Town for 30 years.
Granted, sometimes it felt longer than 3�, but I'm looking forward to serving the Town
for another at least z�. 5o I appreciate it.
MAY�R FRIEaEI.: And if anybfldy would like a �upcake --
Are we gfling ta taEce a cauple minutes to let people grab a cupcake?
Five minute recess and let people ha�e a cupcake an behalf of Mike.
[CR055 TALK]
MAY�R FRIE�EL: Thanks again, Michael.
All right. We'll move �n n4w to numf�er $, whieh is our consent agenda.
Can I get a motion?
Fage 4 of 35
TaWill OF FOLlNTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, 2fl26 TQWN C�UNCIL MEETING MINLJTES
MCMAH�N: Mgtion --
KAL.IVIANAKIS: Motian to apprflve consent agenda.
MAY�R FRIEdEL: bo I ha�e a second?
MCMAHON: I think I made the motion. 5he -- I think she second it. Right, Brenda?
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Check wit� the Town �lerk.
MCMAHON: I'll second it, wherever it goes.
MAY�fi FRIEpEL: We have a mation and a se�ond.
Can we get a roll call, pl�ase?
BENDER: Councilmember Larrabee.
LARRA6EE: Aye.
BENDER: C�uncilmember McMahon.
MCMAHQN: Aye.
BEN�ER: Councilmember Watts.
MAY�R FRIEdEL: Aye.
BEN�ER: Councilmember 5killicorn.
SKILLICflRN: Yes.
BENDER: �ouncilmember fCali�ianakis.
KALIVIAIVA�C15: Aye.
BEN�ER: Vice Mayor Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BENDER: And Mayor Fri�d�l.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Aye.
BENQER: Mayar, seven-z�ro.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank yau. We'll mave ❑n t� the regular agenda. So item A is a public
hearing with cansideration of possible actian relating ta ordinance 25�� amending the
Ffluntain Hills Zoning Ordinan�e, se�tiflns 1.12 and 2.�4 A and F, and adding Se�tifln 19
�6�H} t❑ pr�vide a site plan. Modificatians on -- and murals.
5❑ I'm going ta a�en a public hearing, and call on the Tawn Manager.
Racha�l?
Page 5 of 36
TflWN OF FOUNTAfN HILLS
Jl1NE 2, 202fiTDWN COUfVCIL MEETING MINUTES
G�OQWIN: Thank y�u. Mayar. We ha�e John Wesley here this evening. The mural
conversatian has heen one that has been sort of off and on the agenda since earlier this
fall. This is now bringing forward some detailed outiines for this -- this type of wark in
our town. It is a new and expanding area for us.
Sa I know that Jahn has worked with Amanda ta take a lat of time and haw tfl present
this and bring this concept forward.
With that, Jahn, I'll turn it aver ta yau.
W�SLEY: Thank you, May�r and Caur�cil. Gofld e�ening.
5a as stated, we're discussing some possible amendments ta the 2aning ordinance to
address murals. May recall, as the T�wn Manager mentianed bacEc last fall, we came t�
yau with this tapi� because we ha�e had murals being put in �ariaus plaGes in town on --
an -- an elecCric boxes, and that's generated same interest on others to paint their
�uildir�gs.
As we iaoked at our ardinances, we faund we really had no way to regulate ar cantrol
those. And Councii ga�e us direction to laok at that and come back to yau with a
program and any praposals and ❑rdinance �F�anges t�rat might be needed ta address
plaeing af murals on our buildings.
And so as we �ooked at it, we'�e rec�gr�ized some need t❑ am�nd the zoning ❑rdinanc�
to ac{dress this topic. We're propasing same amendments in three different areas of the
zaning ordinance.
First is ta pro�ide a definition, definition so that we knaw what we mean wh�n we say
mural. 5econd amendment is to Section 2�4 ❑f the zoning ardinance that deals with site
plan re�iew to give us that authflrity when samebady is making changes to an existing
building that doesn't have current paint pro�isions to re�iew. ihen that buikding for
appiicatian of a mural and then same standards for murals themsel�es in Chapter �.9.
5o fooking at each af thflse individually, here's the definitian far murals, we reviewed
mural d�finitions in a number of ather jurisdictions and piececi t�gether fram those
things what 4ve felt wauld be a good definition and wflrkable ❑ne for us.
And sa that's the change to Sectian 12 point -- ar 1.7.2, that definitian. And Chen in
Page 6 of 36
TOWN aF F�UNTAIN HILLS
1UNE 2, 2026 TaWN C�UNCIL MEETING MIIVUTES
Section 204 the zaning ardinance or a �ouple of changes there. Again t❑ make it clear
that if somebady is amending the exterivr of the building #�y applying the mt�ral, that we
ha�e that ability thraugh ❑ur site plan re�iew pro�ess ta review that type of
mvdifi�ation.
And then also under the amendments, again, if samef�ody's making a change that we
�an review far paint colors and other modificatians on t�e exteriar of the �uilding.
And then the big change is in �hapter 19 of the zaning ordinance, where we actually add
the pro�isions for murals. It created a new 1619.06H.
But it also does paint out that one of the pro�isions deals with paint colors. And that's
in there because we have an existing provision that limits a buifding to a maximum of
five paint colors.
5o the new pravisian here, H again references �ack to the definition and says that
murals may have mare than five c�l�rs and then list some specifi� requirements that
must be met in painting a mural on a building. And you can read what those are.
But probably the big part af this is the last one, C, referring I�ack to the call to artist
pragram we use currently for the painting of murals on the utility boxes.
Those have with them certain design themes and standards. And sa this references that
that program and those requirements. And sa ea�h time we put those out, we set same
themes that can be applied. And so if somebody's going to d❑ a mural, they wauld look
at these artistic themes, ar�d whate�er they would da would need t❑ be �onsistent with
those. And through that praeess, we also then are using some autside resources to help
us t❑ identify artists and create a list of artists that are then used and a�ailable to -- to
do the murals. So I think that puts a pretty good cantrol an the types af t�ings that we
would see painted on the buildings.
!t gaes an then in the ardinance to list same things that you can't do with a mural, anci
again, you can read these. I don't ne�d to reiterate all of them, but in particular we're
coneerned a�oufi that t�alance of the free speech but also cantrolling of the loak. 50
some things such as na profanity or gory items, vialent materials, a�oiding peaple and
words because that can start to t�ecome palitical and how those might k�e presented,
Page 7 of 35
TaWN OF FDUNTAIN HILLS
JUNE Z, 2Q25TaWN CDUNCIL MEETIiVG MlNUTES
and then a�oiding signage. If somebody really wants to do a sign t�at's cflvered under
the sign ordinance or trying ta avoid that, and then not allowing them on histariG
property, and then they need to be maintained in a good arder.
5❑ item three, when we re�iewed this witi� the Planning Zvning Commission, they were
a Eittle con�erned that that statement might not be quite strong enough. And they
suggested we do a little bit more ta ensure the murals are maintain�d. As we thought
abaut it, and what was put in the packet was we can add an extra senten�e �n there,
which is what we would do anyway. We refer back if somebody's not maintaining
anything according to zoning ardinance, we go to our enforcement procedures that are
in the zaning ordinance, which then allaws us to issue notices af violation and ultimately
citations. So we could make that more clear 4�y adding the s�ntence ❑n there.
Anything beyond that, about the only way we cauld address it is if s�mehady daesn't
foflow up and maintain a mura! would be for the Town to ga in and repaint the building.
We don't necessarily want it ta g❑ there and felt that might be to❑ much t❑ put in here,
hut -- tut you kn�w, we could add that sentence. If the Coun�il thinks it's impartant ta
help enforce this pro�ision.
Next pravision is again, referen�ing back. If you're gaing to paint a mural, you have t❑
use somebody off the Town's list ❑f approved murai artists. PNZ commission was
�on�erned that we ought to limit that ta Arizona anly artists. We could da that. That
might {imit it somewhat. Again, they ga through an extensive pracess ta solicit artists to
do these murals as reviewed by a professianal group. And if we t�appen to get
somebody on that list fram outside of ArE2ona and a local property awner wanted to use
them, I'm not sure why we'd want to limit that. But we could add that sentence into the
Code if desired by the Cauncil.
And then third, the PfV2 commissian was interesteci in establishing a proc�ss wh�re
there might be som� type of other aversight cammittee or commission that waulc#
re�iew these murals and not just lea�e it to staff. And sa item fi�� in the draft ordinance
that was in your packet has that in there.
Staff has some concerns witi� this parti�ular pra�isian. We've had experience before
Page 8 of 3fi
rowr� oF �ourrrai� �ai��s
�UNE 2, 2a267�WN COUlVCIL MEETIN� I!lliNLl7£5
with cQmmittees and commissians that re�iew art, and it's foeen a challenge. It can bog
down t�e process and delay in there far someone wanting to get their bui�ding
repainted, get the mural ❑n there witha�tt really necessarily aciding any additional
benefit to the iown.
We'�e gane through the process t❑ -- to solicit and ha�e a list ❑f very quaiified mural
artists already selected, themes that are already pre-described for them t� use. 50
again, staff sees that as is nat real4y being necessary in the ordinance.
And s❑ staff recommends the ❑rdinance as it was submitted to the PN2 commission.
But if Cauncil would like to �onsider any af those ati�er three items that were suggeste�
by the PNz cammissi�n, we can review that in the adapted ardinance. Any questions
for me at this time?
MCMAHON: Thanks, Jahn. I appreGiate it, and I appreciate your assistance taday in
trying to understand this, hut I ha�e a question with the acldition of number fi�e for the
1906.
Number faur says that we're -- we're working with the Cali ta Artist pragram, and als❑ a
list af the pre-qualified artists. Is that -- and is -- are all thase pre-qualified only Arizona
artists, ar is there a conflict between these two proposed sections?
WESLEY: Mayar, Councilmemi�er, I would have to defer to Amanda Jacobs io know if
we'�e hac� any nfln -- non-Arizona artists on the list currentEy or pre�iously. But whether
we'�e had some in the past ❑r not, we cauld in thc future, it`s always a passibility.
MCMAH�N: ❑kay.
JACOBS: 5hall we dance?
MCMAH�N: Thank yau, Amanda.
JAC06S: Thank you, John. Mr. Mayar, Councilmemfaer McMahon. All ❑f our current
artists are from Ari2ona.
Ta John's point, we da a natiat�al Call ta Artist. The last time we went through this,
there were a couple af aut of state. But if you lo�k at page three -- I ha�e a hard copy.
You guys ha�e it electronically. But in the cal! to artist eligibifity says this call is ❑pen ta
professiflr�al artists and artist teams li�ing in Arizona. 5� that's a requirement ta be
Page 9 af 3fi
TOWid OF FOUN7AlN WILLS
Jll�iE �, 2D26 T�WiV COUNCIL ME�TIiVG MINUTES
e�l�lb�e al'lCi Sp��CtpCi.
MCMAHON: 5a they have to be living in Arizona.
JACQBS: Correct.
MCMAHON: 5o it's not --
JACDBS: Correct.
MCMAHDN: And that's what the language will say if it's approved or --
JAC0B5: Yes. 5� within the Call to Artist, we don't think we need to get sa specific in
the warding. �nly Aritana artists may be used. We're ❑kay with that. Or do we want ta
modify that?
MCMAHON: �kay. So we're -- we're saying it's within the Town's list of pre-qualified
artists. 7hat's what the language is going ta be?
JACOBS: Corre�t. We'll have Jo{�n clear them.
WESLEY: And Mayor, Councilmember. 5a that`s what it says in the Call t❑ Artist --
MCMAHON: ❑kay.
WESLEY: -- program currently, is that it needs Cfl be an Arizona artist. S� it's n�t
necessarily n�eded here because it's ca�ered there. But if -- it's redundant but it won't
hurt to be here if the Council wants t❑ leave that irr akay.
MCMAHON: But 19D6{Hj says ❑nly Ari2ona artists. So which one are we using?
WESLEY: 5❑ both; we can use bath.
MCMAHON: Dkay.
WESLEY: If y�u take -- if you take it Off af here, it's still in the artist pr�gram --
MCMAH�N: �kay.
WESLEY: -- d�cuments. 5❑ it'll stii! be t}�ere. 5o whether it's here ar not it -- that is a
standard --
[CRQSS 7ALK]
MCMAH�N: S❑ it's nvt a cantradietion. It's what I want to make sure. 5o thank you, I
appreciate it. I didn't mean to put yau ❑n the spot, so.
WATT5: J�hn -- �ardfln me, 1ohn. 2.�4�Hj has a list of cannots. Wha't I didn't see in
there was anything that related to campaigns, movements, political actions ❑f any sart.
Page 1fl of 36
70WN OF FaUNTAIN HlllS
JUNE 2, Zfl26 iDWN CDUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
I want to make sure those types of things were excluded as well.
WESLEY: Mayor, Cauncilmember, sQme of that gets a little bit Ghallenging to put in as
specifi�afly as t�rat. We think we've c�vered it in the fact that, again, you ha�e ta follow
the theme that's in the ca�l to artist program. And so those themes wilf pretty much
�xclude thase. But then here yau can't use any wards and you can`t depict any people.
It would be challenging ta g❑ very far and do anything that is palitical flr those types of
tapics that you just mentianed.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: akay. And my second question is, is there a way -- I knaw we
strugg�ed last year with getting artists to respand. Is there a way that we can put a
ca�eat in there that says for Arizona artists, we're going ta gi�e yau a tet� percent
all�wanee? 5amething like some ❑f the different types ❑f organizations that ha�e
heneficial treatment when they suhrnit t❑ RFPs and apen it up to the nation as a whole
and say, any artist but Ari2ona artists, we give a ten percent alfowance to?
WESLEY: Mayor, Cauncilmembers, certainly anything's possihle under the scenaria. I'm
not sure how that plays out. For the mast part, these will t�e artists that indi�idual
property owner will then hire to do the work. And sa I'm not sure that ten p�rcent
favorabiiity comes into that -- that property owner that's naw hired the artist ta do the
w� rk.
MAYQR FRIEdEL: We're not hiring thc artist.
WE5l��Y: C�rrect.
WATTS: We're just making the approval.
WESLEY: Carrect.
WATTS: But you could �a�e an �ncenti�e that was a ten p�r�ent reduction in permitting
fees, for instance, far Arizana artists.
WESLEY: Again, anything may be possible. I'd have ta maybe defer to the Town
Attorney about where we might get begin with any gift clauses or those types of things,
but --
JACOgS: Mr. Mayor, Cauncilmember Watts, I'm going to jump in just to clarify.
Sa we a�tually have ne�er had an issue with the call to artist proc�ss. We get ❑�er 1$
Page 11 of 36
TaWN OF FDUNTAIN HIl.�S
JIJfVE 2, 2Q25 T�WN C�UNCIL MEETING MINUTES
at'tists. Of the 18, the last session we probably had two that were ❑ut ❑f state. And
then this current cycl�. 5o in ❑ctober, we were abie ta ❑btain three new artists. 50
there hasn't been an issue where we're going to have to gi�e them mare money.
WATT5: Okay. Then I misunderstood. I thought last year we struggled getting
responses, and I was trying to fincf a way t❑ incent people --
JAC�BS: No.
WATTS: -- some of the artists t❑ come on Board.
JAC�BS: Sa that would that would be incorrect.
WATTS: 5o thank you for the clarification.
JAC�BS: Yeah. You're welcome.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Thanks.
MAY�R FRIEQEL: Cauncilman.
51CILLIC�RN: Thank you. 7hank yau, Mr. Mayor,
Dire�tor WesEey, it all looks pretty gaad t� me. !t sounded like you had a reser�atian on
19�H}, about the comrnittee.
WESLEY: Carre�t.
SKILLIC�RN: 5o you woulci prefer staff to d❑ the o�ersight instead of committee?
WESLEY: Correct.
SKILLlC�RN: And you know, Mr. Mayor, I think t�at's -- that's a good idea. That's a
gaod change. If you're recepti�e, I'd like t❑ make a motion with that -- that small
amendment. S❑ I'd like to amend ta approve it as drafted, ❑ther than an H and H, take
the �ammEttee aut and aElow staff ta have that discretion.
WATTS: I'll secand that.
MCMANON: Didn't -- you already amended that number four. You took that out?
VIIESLEY: Mayor. Councilmemb�r. That was number five. And s❑ unfortunately, I
ereated a little confusion in this in the way 1 wrote the report and what I atta�hed to it.
The ordinance that I attached t❑ your staff report did ha�e the committee on ti�ere.
And so it probably would be 6est to make it cl�ar in the ❑rdinance that you're proving
that it does not include that just so.
Page 12 vf 36
TQWN OF FQl1NTAIN HILLS
lUNE 2, 2�26 TDWN CflUNCII MEETING MINLITES
MCMAHON: �kay. Thank you. I thought in yaur amendment that yau did that.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Cauncilmember.
KALIViAiVAKlS: Yeah. Thank you. Thank yau, Mr. Mayor. Yeah, a�tually, my point was
with Cauncilmember Skillicorn's paint. That's why I want to bring up to you. E was
a�tually going to ask yau for your reser�ations an that, but it seems like this body has
pretty much decided ta just go with the streamlined �ersion and just ha�e staff re�iew
it. And so that was my questian, and I think it's been asked and answered, but I would --
I would suppart that mation with that amendment.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Town Manager.
GDODWIN: Mayor, if ! may, I just want to clarify the motion, because I t�ink to yaur
point, John, t�ere was a little bit af confusion. 5o what I heard the Council say and what
I heard Coun�ilmember 5killicarn mention, we -- you want to submit the versi�n that
was submitted to PN�. Is that �orrect? Is that the versian that staff is re�ommending
this ever�ing?
WESLEY: May�r, Town Manager. So what I heard Coun�ilmember Skillicorn say was to
remo�e fi�e --
GOODWIN: Corre�t.
WESLEY: -- whieh is the committee. The other tw❑ items thai were maybe of question
about the extra reference on maintenance and the reference ta the Arizona artist.
G�ODWIN: We're going to €ceep thase.
WESLEY: We'I! keep thase in. That's not a big deal either way.
GOO�W�N: Okay.
WESLEY: And so I think that's clear what -- from what was stated.
G��OWIN: Fantastic. Just want ta make sure. Thank you.
KALIVIANAKIS: And thank yau. And then then my -- my other questian was, it seemed
like -- and again, I`d like to just ha�e yau weigh in on this, 6ut as part af our pa�kage was
regarding enfarcement, because when the murals first go up, they iook great and
e��ryone's �ery excited. But then as the Arizona sun, we know what it daes to murals,
plastics, e�erything. It degrades them rather quickly. I would kind af like to see more
Page 13 af 35
7aWN O� FOUNTAIN HILLS
JUNE Z, 20Z6 T�WN CDUNCI� MEETING MINUTES
teeth put inta this, that if the Town sends a c�mpliance repart that's ignored, or they
don't repaint a mural that's dilapidated, that we have the authority -- the Tawn does ta
repaint the mural anci bill tF�e praperty �wner. If we approve the �ersion that we're
taEking aE�aut right nvw, would it include that, or wou[d we ha�e to add that to the PNZ
versivn?
WESLEY: Mayor, Councilmember. There's nothing specifi� in this ❑rdinance that that
includes that pro�isian. The -- as you stat�, the typi�al process wnuld be some r�fltices
and then �i�latians. Those vialations �an get very stiff over time if the property owner
daes nat comply and do the painting. We do ha�e general -- and the Tawn attarney can
jump in here and help me as I might need it. But we do have general authority to
abate -- issue abate �iolatians af the �ode. Does that extend to aur ability ta repaint
somebady's building far them and charge them for it? I dan't know that it daes it. It
might. We can ga out and -- and you knaw, deal with green paals ar ha2ards and abate
thase. But whether we could reaily use that same authority to paint somebody building
for them it may just be painting ❑�er it rather than actually repainting the mural if we
did t�rat.
KALIVIANAECIS: Right. And it says repaint the building and charge the cost of the
property owner, and I think I'd be for that. And again, sometimes we ha�e code
violatians g❑ ❑n f�r years and they pay them and they're unresol�ed. And I think yau'd
be the ane that �ould testify ta that. And so again, this would be giving it some teeth.
And I would respectfully ask Cauncilmember Skilficorn if he would consider a further
amendment that he already added to include a time periad that the Tawn could step in,
because as we're writing �iolatians, we're still -- we still have the mural that looks
terrible and that people are like, what are they going -- what are they gaing to cio about
that mural that was put up seven years ago?
5a I would like ta see that further amendment to give the 7awn teeth t❑ like, look, if
you're not going to paint it over, we're going to paint it over and s�nd you the bill. I
think that would be goad public palicy.
LARRABEE: Mayor.
Page 14 of 3fi
TrJV1�A! C3F FOUiV7AIN I�ILLS
�l1NE 2, x02�i TQINH CDUNCIL MFE i IPJ� MINUTES
MAY�R FRIEpEl�: Yes, Hannah. Yes, Hannah.
LARRA6EE: Apa[ogies. Thank yau. Mayor-. I, if I may, through the Mayor, I'd IiEce ta ask
the Town attorney a question. Is that -- what was suggested by Councilmember
Kali�ianakis, are we starting tv leak int❑ praperty rights issue there? If we -- I
understand they'd be in �iolation, but are we able to just say, ifi you do�'t camply, we'll
paint your building?
WRIGHT: 5a Mayor and Councilmember Larabee. 5a in response to that question, we
already ha�e the provisions within aur enforcement a�tion. So already listed here under
three. IC states that failure will result in enforcement action as pro�ided by 1.1.
!f somebociy is autside af the scope of the zoning ❑rdinance and we need to do
corre�tive actifln, we actually �an �harge them for the correcti�e action to get them
within compliance of the 2oning code. We also ha�e the a�ility ta assess fees and fines
for e�ery day that they're in violation. 5o those can alsa be used to pay for any
repainting the building. 5o if it's outside of the zone, if they'r� violating the zoning code
and we ha�e to fix that -- that zoning code ardinance violation, then yes, we can.
And I understand your pri�ate praperty conGerns, but if it's ❑utside ❑f the zoning code,
then, you knaw, then it kir�d of -- we d❑ have the right ta provide ordinances regarding
esthetics of the comm�nity ta maintain �ertain appearances ta -- to -- ta pre�ent blight
those kinds of things.
Sa that's alf within ❑ur purview. And it's already existing in aur zoning ordinance, sa I
dan't think we'd need to spe�ify it here. In my opinian. I think it's already implied �y
b�ing able t❑ go into ❑ur enfarcement pro�edures within vur zaning Gode and within
the -- that we -- that currently exist.
LARRABEE: Okay. Thank yau so much.
BEN�ER: Yau're welcome.
MCMAH�N: Thank you. Need clarificatian. Sarry. ls there four, and is there a five in
the 19�6�H} �r no? Because I'm trying ta understand where the -- if there's -- it's my
understanding the Town's going t❑ manage this and take care ❑f it. There's not going to
6e a committee. Correct?
Page 15 vf 36
TOWN flF FQUtVTA{N HfLLS
1L1NE Z� 2fl26 TflWN CQUNCIL IVIEE7ING MINUTES
WESLEY: Correct. Mayflr. Coun�ilmember. Yes. As it's been, the motion has been t❑
remo�e five.
MCMAF��N: �kay. Thank you. I appreciate it far the clarificatian.
SKILLICORN: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. 5o in -- ❑irectvr Wesley, I belie�e, was planning
zoning that added the red s�ntence abaut enforcement?
WESLEY: Yes.
SKILLICflRN: Right. S❑ my intention was that the motion included that read sentence.
Right. Would you need more than that to enf�r�e it? I mean, he�ause there was a
question at�out adcfing a time frame. !'m -- I do not oppose adding samething like that,
but I'm not sure it is ne�essary. 5� I wauld -- you know, as the persan that has t❑ do it,
do yau need something mare spe�ific in there?
WESLEY: Mayor. Councilmember. I believe that we do not. I believe it's fine as -- as it's
drafted that you've made the mation on.
SKILLICORN: So Mr. Mayar, it sounds like any further revisions is moot -- ar moat.
MAY�R FRIEdEL: Town Clerk, do we have any comment cards?
BENdER: No, Mayor.
I did not hear a second. Was there a second to the motion?
EARLE: I'll second.
SKILLICORN: Cauncilman Watts.
MAY�R FRIEdEL: Watts.
BEN dER- Okay.
MAY�R FRI��EL: Councilman Watts.
BENaER: Thank yau.
�CALIVIAIVAKIS: And just one mare befare general discussion ta Jahn. John, just ta clean
up what Allen said. Again, just -- just reading the report, it said the anly ather option to
enforce maintenance wauld be ta inGlude a provisian that allaws the �"own to repaint.
Sa you're saying that has already heen included in the redline version? gecause I didn't
see it.
WESLEY: Right. Mayar, Councilmember, to the attorney's p�int. It's already included.
Page lfi of 3fi
TOWN OF F�UlVTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, 202fi TOWN CDUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
That's why we didn't put it in t�ere. But if it was just highlighting, if the Council still
wanted something e�en more specifically stated, we �ould, but it's not necessary.
KALIVIANAKIS: 50 --
WE5LEY: And again --
KALIVIANAKIS: We're giving you the autharization to repaint right at some further date,
just to clarify.
WESLEY: Right. Yes. Again, Mayor, Councilmember, in recammending this to the
Planning Zoning Commission, we just had the parts in the black letters, even that I felt
was apprapriate and would gi�e us sufficient aut�arity ta do what we needed ta do. We
added the red in response to the P1VZ �ommission to take it one step further.
KALIVIANAKIS: ❑kay. 5a we dan't need to take an additianal actian?
WESLEY: I don't belie�e so.
KALIVIANAKIS: Qkay.
MAY�R FRIE�E�: Okay. There's no �omment cards. I'm going to close the pubiic
hearing. And we have a matian and a secand already an the table. Can we get a rall calf
vote, please?
6ENdER: Cauncflmember McMahon.
MCMAHON: Aye.
BENDER: Counciimember Watts
WATTS: Aye.
BENDER: Coun�ilmember Skillicarn.
SKILLICORN: I'm pro mural. Yes.
6ENDER: Councilmember Kalivianakis.
KALiVIANAKIS: Aye.
BENDER: Councilmember Larrabee.
LARRABEE: Aye.
BENDER: Vice Mayar Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BENDER: And Mayar Friedel.
Page 17 of 36
TOWN �F F�LJfVTAIN HILLS
1UNE 2, 202fi TOWN COUNCIL MEETING M{3VUTE5
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Aye.
BENDER: Mayor, seven-zero.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Thank you.
Mo�ing ❑n to agenda item B, consideration and possible action regarding six month
extension of the $UP far the ❑airy 4ueen, lacated at 13Z12 North 5aguaro Boul�vard,
appraving the reductian of up ta nine parking places.
Town Manager, Rachael Goadwin.
GQODWIN: Thank yau. Mayor. This itern was originally heard 3�y the C�uncil back in
De�em�er. The SIJP currently is set to expire ciuring. I beiieve it's during your summer
break. 5o they are here anticipating that and requesting an extension.
Vllith that, John will gi�e us the details and background.
VIIES�EY: ❑kay. Mayor, Councilmembers, I will ga thraugh this fairly quickly, but Ef you
have questions, I can slow down. As was stated, we're dealing with a property at the
corner of Paiisades and Saguaro. The praperty owner there has requested ar did
request an SUP ta eliminate some of the parking spaces along the south side of the
bui�ding in order to add a drive up lane far a❑airy Queen facility that wil4 t�e put into the
buiEding. That was appra�ed by Town Council back in December on the 16th. They'�e
got six months from then to submit their building plans. They ha�e k�een working on
them, but they have not submitted them yet and anticipating they wouldn't get them in
before the 16th of this m�nth. They requested the extension sa that it can stay acti�e
as allowed k�y code. The ❑rdinance daes alfow for these extensions when requested by
the Cauncil.
There's been no particular changes in the area. There have been no particular changes
in t�e cade, and so staff does nat see any issues with an extensian at this time, and w�
recommend appro�al.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Councilman 5killicorn.
SKILLICORN: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. As a pro ice cream �oter, I'd like ta make a motion
to appro�e as drafted.
LARRAgEE: 5econd.
Page 18 of 36
TOWN OF F�UNTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, 2026 TQWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTfS
MAYDR FRIEDEL: We have a m�tion and a second.
Councilman Watts, d❑ you ha�e something?
WATTS: John, do we ha�e any pro�ision for sunset clauses on those SL�Ps for anybody at
this time? Or is that samething we ha�e t❑ address in the future? AppEying sunset
clauses to SUPs?
WESLEY: Mayor. Cauncilman, we da ha�e sunsets. That's why that's f�efore you. This
would sunset. If yau didn't do the extension, t�ey'd be done. They'd ha�e ta start a�er
again. We ha�e two athers in there. The first hurdle is you've gat to suhmit your
building permit within six manths, and then you have to get your building permit
approved within 12. And for those t�at don't require either ane of those, you've got 18
months to estak�lish use. And if that doesn't happen then it sunsets.
WATTS: 5a sunset clauses wauld be more appEica�le to something like a Pl1D, PA❑
g�ing forward then.
WESLEY: Yes.
WAiTS: Correct.
WESLEY: Right.
WATTS: Okay. Thanks.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Qa we have any c�mment car�#s, 7awn Clerk?
BENQER: Mayor, we have �ne. It is Kim ❑borski.
fl6DR5Kl: Hi, I'm Kim �borski and a resident of the T�wn. It d�esn't saund like this is
necessary, but I just feft like I needed ta come up to support my friends, because a
number of them are just gid�y about bairy C�ueen rea�ening in town, and two af
them -- n❑ more than tw� of them, have a date to meet there the day that it apens.
And these are not yaung people. 5o you know, I think that Dairy queen, e�eryone's
excited. And I think this is another thing to -- to attract young people t❑ our tawn.
And just as a side note on that, I think we need to add some more of thase �ool swings
right o�er there on the lake near the ❑airy CZueen s❑ peaple can take their, you kr�ow,
vanilla swirl cho�alate dipped and eat it on the swing.
That's all I got. Thanks.
Page 19 vf 36
TDWN �F FOUNTAIN HILL5
JUIVE 2, ZUZfiTOWN COUNCIL MEE7ING MINUTES
MAYDR FF�IEdEL: Thank you. ❑❑ we ha�e a motian? And a secand. We ha�e a motion
and a second.
Rail cali, please.
BEhlDER: Councilmember 5killicarn.
5K[LLICORN: Yes.
BEN�ER: Councilmember Larra�ee
LARRABEE: Aye.
BENDER: Coun�ilmem6er McMahfln.
MCMAHON: Aye.
BENDER: Coun�ilmember I{alivianakEs.
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
BENDER: Coun�ilmemher Watts.
BENbER: Vice Mayor Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BENdER: And Mayor Friedel.
MAYOR FRIEaEL: Aye.
BENdER: Mayar, se�en-zero.
MAYOR FRIEQEL: Thank you. Welcome back, ❑airy Queen.
All right. Maving on ta item C. It's consideration and possible act+an regarding
Cooperati�e Purchasing Agreement 2a25-�63 with I]uncor dfling husiness as Summit
West Signs.
Rachael.
GODDWIN: Thank you. Mayor. Justin, thanks for heing here tonight. He's going to --
Justin's going to walk us through the con�ersation about ❑ur illuminated signs. A
number af them are in need of repla�ement, and we need we're in need ot a cantract to
d� so. AI! of aur illuminated signs are featured at our different traffic signal
inters�ctions.
5❑ with that, I wil! turn it aver to Justin to gi�e us any detaiis we need.
WELDY: Thank you far the �pportunity, Mayor and Cauncil, if you drive throughout the
Page 2U of 3fi
T�1NA! DF FUUi�1'AIN HlLLS
1UNE 2, 2G�5 TQWN CQI�NClL MEET!!VC fVIiHL'T'E5
Town during the daytime, you`re not likeiy t❑ notice as often that the eliminated
intersections, the traffic signals. We have green and white signs up there indicating
what the streets are. In the past, they used ta ha�e the black numbers ❑n them:
16,400, 17,���, 18,�00. With the ad�ent and ad�ancement of technology, we n❑ longer
do that. Howe�er, the signs are subject t❑ all ❑f the elements that tf�e desert provides,
and deterioration, especially as of recer�t, has laeen aGcelerated. We had them on a
ratatian f�r repair and ar replacement, and unfartunately, the vendor that did that far a
considerable amaunt af time simply vanished.
We were startled by that and spent a considerable amaunt of time reviewing aur are
a�ailable ❑ptians. You'd be surprised how many peaple want to gi�e it a try. Well, the
Pub�ic Wor€cs bepartment in the Town is nat in the give it a try business. Sa we dicf
same research with the help of the procurement officer, Rob Durham, who's in the back
af the room, I hefieve, and disco�ered that the ane GPA contract with a local, long time
esta6lished sign shop was the best affardable aptian for the Town.
As we discussed this and we'�e all haci an opportunity to read this �ontract, $15�,004 is
a lat of money. It certainly is. But when you look at the �omplexity and the si2e of these
signs, yau ha�e a little bit ❑f a better understanding.
Now, keep in mind that some ❑f the ❑ldest ❑nes that we have are �urrently stiil
❑p�rating on fluarescent tubes and, in rare cases, incandescent lighting. As we repair flr
replace these sign fa�es and the casings that hold them up there, they will be
e�entuaily, not rigFrt away, con�erted t❑ a more efficient and more reliafale LEb system.
I would like t� nate that as a sample run with this graup, we are going ta be starting at
the intersection �f Avenue af the Fountains and Palisades. Perhaps o�er the next �ouple
of days an yaur caming and going to different places. Perhaps driving by the future
Dairy Rueen location, yau Gan take a laflk at that area and have a hetter understanding
❑f why this is necessary. it simply has ta do with the aesthetics, the upkeep, and the
appearance ❑f the Tawn, and in order Ca establish that, and keep those gaals, and meet
th�se demands, we ha�e ta spend maney.
Please note we are confident in the pracess, but this is a new �endor to us in regards to
Page 21 vf 36
TOWN QF FDUNTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, Z026T�WN CaUNCIL MEETING MINUTfS
this. 5o the first intersection will be the test t❑ get the kinks and stuff aut. If they are
able to accamplish that, and that wiil start in July and August mflst likely. Then we will
mo�e t❑ the next intersectian that n�eds the mast attention, and so on and so forth
until we get them ali up and operating o�er the next 12 t❑ 15 months. And ther� we'il go
back to a basic maintenan�e �n the contract.
5o the dollar threshald is an opportunity for staff to catch up on the backlog.
With that said, if t�ere are any questians I can answer, I'd certainly be happy t❑ da sa.
MAY�R FRlEdEL: One easy question, this doesn't include the flashing stap signs that I
hope that if they're not working, they're nat applicable, are they? Maybe that's --
mayf�e that's a question for Captain Thomas. !f they don't flash, we don't have to pay
attention.
WELDY: Mr. Mayar, Counciimember. So I`m not going t❑ speak on �ehalf of law
enforcement, but the �lashing LED stop signs in the illuminated street name signs are
totally differerrt.
MAY�R FRIEpEL: �kay
WELI�Y: Twa different vendors, twa different manufacturers. Twa different chalkenges.
MCMAH�N: I'll make a moti�n t❑ approve.
MAYDR FRlEd�L: SeGvnd.
MAYQR FRfEDEL: 6efore we get ta the �ote, are there any comment cards, Town Clerk?
B�NdER: Na. No, Mayar.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: Thank y�u. Also, we have a mation and a second.
Can we get a rofl call, please?
BEN�ER: Councilmember Larrabee.
LARRA6EE: Aye.
SENDER: Counciimember McMahon.
MCMAHON: Aye.
BENDER: Councilmember 5killicorn.
SKILLIC�RN: Yes.
BENdER: Councilmernlaer 1{ali�ianakis.
Page 22 vf 36
TDWN QF FOUNTAIN HtiLS
JUIVE 2, 2p2fi TpWAf CQUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
BENaER: Councilmember Watts.
WATTS: Yep.
MAYdR FRIEDEL: Vice Mayor Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
6ENDER: Mayor Friedel.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: Aye.
6ENDER: Mayor, se�en-zero.
MAY�R FRIEaEL: Thank y�u. Moving an to item b. It's consideration and possible
actian relat�d to any item included in the Ari2ana Cities and Towns weekly legislative
bulletin. There hasn't been a whaie lot going on. They just went back into session.
5� Tawn Manager.
G�ObWIN: Yes, you're right. Monday there was not a meeting again. They just
re�onvened. Sa we're kind af waiting to see where they go with the budget. Was there
any questions or anything else going on ❑ut t�ere that any Councilmembers were
interested in? �therwise, we`re kind ❑f sitting tight.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: D€cay. 5a mo�ing on ta item 1�. I'm going t❑ re�ess the regular
meeting anc! open a special session. And that's a public hearing with consideration
possibfe action relating to resolutiflr� 2��b-11 appra�in� the final budget far the Tflwn of
Fauntain Hills for the fiscal year July 1st, 2�26, and ending June 3�th, 2�27.
Town Manager.
G�00WIN: Mayor. T�ank you. Arguably, this is the bi�gest a�tion we take every year,
which is to adopt the final budget. The tentative budget was braught ta you at our May
2nd meetin�. 5a Paul is here tonight to present ❑ur final 4�udget and walk thraugh a�y
changes from that, present any details, answer any questions, and h�pefully, mave
farward with this item.
Paul, I'll turn it aver t❑ you.
50LONER: Okay. Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Coun�il, thank you for the oppartunity
tonight. I know last year, I kind af laok �ack at last year's presentation, and there was a
Page 23 of 36
T�WN OF FOUNTAkN HILLS
JUNE 2, 20Z6 TOWN C�IiNCII MEETING MINl1TE5
lat af public camment on capital project. And Rachael called this my Christmas Eve, and
it really is. It's my finish line. It's been a lo�g year. We -- we do have a lot af publi�
input in this process. W� ha�e a lat of public discussi�n, and this is really a culmination
of that. 5o this will gn quickly, and I'd be hap�y ta answer any questians or discuss
anything in the budget if yau'd like to along the way.
5❑ here's e�erything public facing that we'�e done this year. We'�e had two wark
sessions, which we kind of call retreats in No�ember and February, where we were here
in the CounCi! chambers about six haurs at a time, discussing several budgetary issues
and priorities.
We alsa had an open hause in the Council chambers, abaut 20 residents. I don`t know
how many of thase were staff, but abaut 2D people were there. But it was good. It was
a good eon�ersatian. I really appreciate those, you know, take some time t� prepare.
But I da appreciate when the public comes t❑ tFrose -- thase meetings.
March, we had a lang meeting related ta capital improvement plans far next year. We
discussed all the capital projects in depth. Then we braught the proposed work the
proposed budget, to a work session in April, followed k�y the tentati�e budget approval
last month. S� tanight, this is aur finish line, and I'm happy to be here.
�ur tentati�e budget was approveci unanimously hy Council on May 5tn, se�en zero,
and it set the maximum hudget for next year at $50.3 million. As a reminder, we budget
ta make sure we're at least $1 below the canstitutionally required expenditure
limitation of $3$.2 million for next year that's set hy the State. So we walked through
that quite a bit in previaus sessions. gut that's something as part of our practices and
❑ur budgetary process.
Als�, we ha�e $1 millian in aur genera3 fund contingency. We kind of talk about this
every year. We'�e talked abaut a few times. We were that was aur goal going into this
process to have at least $1 millian. We're like, really spat on, pretty much. And you
knaw, we'�e talked a lat abaut our canser�ative re�enue projectians. 5a at this point, I
da want to say, like I'�e talked about in some of aur quarterly reports, our re�enues
ha�e started to pick up.
Page 24 of 3fi
T�WN OF FQLfNFAIN HILiS
IUNE 2, 2026 TflWN CQUNCIL MEETING MINLJTES
The past fi�e manths have been much better than the previaus year and a half. And so
for whatever reason, the Tawn is seeing raising revenues, a passible econamic
expansian.
5❑ �aing into next year, I feel really good. I think you're going to s�e a lot of quarterly
reports where we're, well, exceeding our projectians, and we'il ha�e t❑ wflrk that int❑
❑ur fiscal year 28 budget plan to see if there's additianal res�urces available.
Another thing ta note, raad paving in our aperational budget. Last year we had a CIP as
well for Palomino, �ut we did -- the Coun�il did apprave an increase ta aur operational
budget for road paving at $5 milli�n �ut ❑f 8.3 millian tata! in the streets fund.
�ne thing we also like t❑ point aut is what are ❑ur budget expenditures for all the
departments in the general fund, n�t �onsidering the contingency. 5o you �an kind of
see what's really gaing up in the budget. It's similar t❑ last year, ahout four percent
increase of $9Q0,000 at 25.8 miliion for next year.
This is kind of where we landed on all the bucfcets. We -- we like to call aur funds
buCkets. It's just a gaad way ta i�lustrate. This is where the mon�y is going for different
purposes. And as yau know, aur generai fund pays for almost all the Town's c�re
servi�es far our residents and $26.8 million for next fiscal year.
5treets fund 8.3 million, as {�re�iously discussed, our capital improvement plan $7.1
million, whi�h is a decrease from fiscal year'26. But keep in mind, we are earmarking
other funds like development impact fee funds ta pay for that -- that plan facilities
reser�e funds 60Q,OD0 like we`v� discussed. We're �armarking some of that money to
ga into the capita� impro�ement plan. And we're als❑ setting aside that lake cleaner
maney, although part of that is a!s❑ earmarked for the desig� of the lake cieaner project
far next fis�al year.
5pecial re�enue fund. M�st af t�at is just in case we receive grants next year. I know
we're actually going t❑ start working with the fire department. I d�n't knaw if Rachael
knaws this yet, but we're warking with the fire department starting next week an
another grant applicatian for next year, trying ta apply ta passibly get the feds t❑ pay fflr
a fire truck. 5o that would be something that's exciting, but we'll have ta see how that
Page 25 of 36
TOWN QF FOUNTAIN HILL$
JUNf 2, 2025 TQWN CpUfVC4L MEETING MIfVl1TES
goes.
Economi� de�elflpment funds. 5o the three funds that the economic de�elopment
dire�tar manages, number one, the EGonamic De�elopment Fund, �awntown 5trategy
Fund and Tourism Fund, a little bit o�er ane miliion and clase ta 1.1 million in total
across those funds, all ather funds of the Town, about 14, 15 ❑ther funds. You're
looking at about BD�,O�D. Most ❑f that for �ehicle replacements. Sa just wanted to gi�e
a brief recap. I knaw we've talked abaut a I�t, but that's kind of where we lar�de� in the
final budget.
Tota! budget of $Sa.3 million. And s❑ ❑ne thing, in �ur tawn cade, it talks about haw
the Council appro�es �ertain recurring gaods and services, things we pay far year after
year, ❑r things that are mandated that we've talked about with Council many times, that
pr�ving the hudget kir�d ❑f similar tfl our approa�h with our fully authorized green light
�apital projects that we can mave forward on these items. So we're listing them �ere.
It's included in the budget implementation palicy as well, and realiy shauld be familiar
with mast af these.
The first three are related to the enviranmental program related ta environmental
mandates at the County and state le�el that we kind of ha�e to do, like street sweeping,
wash maintenance and t�ings iifte that.
5o in th� general fund, out of t�e Put�lic Works Department, $45�,��0 for Washington
Oam maintenance, 135,�00 for street sweeping, and 1�3,000 for professional fees for
M54 rec{uir�d program steps.
The next item, landscaping. If you look at the battom line two, that's also for
landscaping. S❑ there's some nuance ta this. We budget far landscaping at our parks
and �ur fa�ilities, �ut af the general fund and f�r �ur street medians and right vf ways
❑ut of our streets fund.
5❑ yflu see the different budgetary items at 3�3,fl��, 345,QOfl. But anather nuance to
that is we just campleted a 6id process to find a new vendor Fflr landscaping, and th�
bids came in �retty well below those amount -- thase budgeted amflunts. 5a that's
something that would b� an opportunity far next year t❑ possibly cansider reallocating
Page Z6 of 3fi
iQWN �JF FaUN7AfN ��IL�5
JL�NE Z, 2025 TdJU'J�i Cti7LiNCf!_ h�EeTING N1�NUTE5
some af that �udget.
$5 miliian for the Pa�ement Management Program. You're appraving it in the budget,
but we`re alsa going to bring Justin back up anather time to discuss the plans for next
year as well. And then, like we'�e talked about, we ha�e oth�r budgetary items in the
streets, fund f�r other streets, maintenance and repairs like striping, signage, concrete.
Thase camhined to be 324,Q�� and traffic signals 8�,���.
5o theae are things that we da year after year that are in the budget. They may change
slightly year ta year, but through the budget pracess, we're ask�ng that yau apprave
that. So we don't always ha�e to come back for specifi� Council apprpvals an these
items that are going an year to year.
5a in a nutshell, this is what aur hudget loaks like. Yau'll see that aur projected
revenues and expenditures went down by about six percent. Mast of that has to do
with the ❑ark 5ky ❑iscavery Center grant fram last year ar this year.
The Cauncil -- I€cnow I've said this so many times, but I just want to make sure that I'm
transparent. Explain to the public that we budgeted $3 millian in prajected re�enues
and expenses last year far fiscal year'26, in case we were able to get that grant from the
feds t❑ work with the ❑ark 5ky �is�overy Center. We did not receive that. 5o we did
nat receive the money or spend it in the budget, we took it aut. 5❑ it does make it laok
like aur budgets re�ucing in both aspects, but that's the main explanation. Also explain
the reductian in expenditures, our �apital improvement plans a little bit lower than --
thar� fiscal year'25 at $11 miliion. Expense limitatian exclusi�ns at $12 mifiion.
We are prajecting ar budgeting t� spend a Eittle bit less of thflse revenues. And it's just
simply be�ause we're dfling a I�t flf road work this year, so we don't have as many
exclusions t❑ use. We're not using all ❑f aur ex�lusions, but we're using less than -- than
fiscal year '26.
And then the last ❑ne is the expense iimitation at 38.2 million. That's nat set by us.
That's set hy the State in accordance with the C�nstitution and statutary guidance. But
it's something that we ha�e ta �omply with as a town ❑r any muni�ipality.
So in a nutshell, we like this has been a goad -- I wauld say, slide f�r us. 1Ne like to
Page 27 vf 3fi
TQWN OF F�LJNTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, 2�26 TQWN CaIJNCIL MEETING MlNl1TE5
present it because I'd like to think it shaws how we manage our budget wisely and lean
and conservatively. We compared and we did the same thing fast yeat'. We compared
all the same East Valley municipalities, most af them in Maricopa County, looking at our
budgeted arn�unts in the genera! fund, or if any ot�er ga�ernments use other funds to
pay for puhEic safety, because we were trying ta look at core services, you kngw, pubiic
safety, parks, de�elopment ser�ices, building things like that. 5❑ trying to campare
apples to apples tg the best of our abilities.
If you Eaok at our buc{get for fiscal year '26, the ane we use, fiscal year'26 als❑ because
that's what's available and ready far this ar�alysis. S❑ if we look at fiscal year'�5 per
capita, we -- we budgeted $�.,�64 per resident, about 35 percent the amount the
Paradise Valley does for similar core services. 5a you know it -- you know, I wnuld say
we're lean. I tnink the data supports it. And I da want ta make that transparent ta the
publi�. 5a ti�at's why we present this.
And so with that, that's the k�udget in a nutshell, and I'm happy to answer any questions.
MAYDR FRIEdE�: I have a eomment though. Thanks for the -- the great job yau da,
Paul, and your -- and your team. And you can see how efficient this town is by your
numbers that you're showing there tao.
So again I knaw we'�e gotten awards year after year for w�at you guys have done. 5a
we really appreciate your efforts and your team's wark on this. 50 -- so thank you for
that.
SKILLICORN: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And I'd just like t❑ thank staff and the CFO. �ne,
yau knaw, with such a great communication p�tting -- putting everything together so
people can easily understand it working with abviously quite a few different demands,
balancing that. And I alsa want ta thani� y�u far some gaad news. With the re�enues
impro�ing it really does seem like it's a well-oiled machine and things are gaing well. It's
exciting t❑ see. It's exciting t❑ see, yau know, a new sales tax �ener'ator, and dairy
Queen coming t❑ town. Grocery stare, things like that. That's just such good news.
❑v�r and o�er again, we hear a lot of gaod news. 5n thank yau sa much.
MCMAHaN; Thank you. Paul, ! r�ally appreciate your and the staff's work. It's been a
Page 28 of 3G
TOWN OF �OUNTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, 2026 TaWN C�UNCIL MEETiNG MINUTES
Iong road. We'�e gone back and forth a lat. And the budget shaws your discipline and
respe�t far the Town and -- and the dallars that we do ha�e and using them wiseiy. 5a
thank yau �ery muc�. And also, congratulations ❑n your award.
WELDY: ihank yau.
MCMAHOfV: And i make a matian to apprave.
WATTS: 5econd.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: And before we ga to a vote, do we have any comment cards, Town
Cferk?
B�NbER: ryo, Mayor, we do not.
MAY�R FRIE�EL: Thank you.
5� we ha�e a mation and a secand.
Can we get a roll call, please?
BEN[7�R: Cauncilmember McMahon.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: You know what? Befare we do that, I think I need t� close the public
hearing.
I�ow we'll g� ta the �ote.
6ENpER: Councilmember McMahon.
MCMAHOf�: Aye.
BENDER: Cauncilmember Watts.
WATTS: Aye.
BEN�ER: C�uncilmember 5killi�orn.
SKII.I.IC�aN: Yes.
B�NbER: Councilmember Kalivianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
B�NbER: Councilmember Larrabee.
LARRABEE: Aye.
BENDER: Vice Mayor Earie.
EARLE: I'd like to add to my �ate, Aye. Merry Christmas.
WELdY: Thank you.
Page 29 of 3fi
TDWfV �F FflUNTAIN HILlS
1L1NE 2, 2026 T�WN COl1NCll MEETING MINUTES
BENDER: Mayor Friedel.
MAY�R FRIEQEL: Aye.
BENDER: Mayor� seven-zero.
MAY�R FRIEbEL: Thank you.
WELQY: Thank you.
MAYQR FRIE�EL: 1Vow, I'm going to close the special session and re�on�ene aur regular
meeting.
And we'll rno�e an to the cal! to the public. Qo we have any speaker �ards, Town Clerk?
BENDER: Yes, Mayor. We da. We had fi�e speakers, k�ut one individual left. And I
passed around what he left far you.
We will ga with Larry Myers first, followed by 5helby Blecher, followed by Crystal
Ca�anaugh, and then Wendy Dashel.
MYERS: Mayor, Coun�il. Larry Myers, resident just shy of 45 years. 5o kind of timely
that we had aur budget report, and it was efficient, and it showed re�enues rising
because last week. I can't let this go without the public here and also the Peflp�e
watching ❑n TV.
There was a resident that stepped up t❑ the microphone, and I`m sure it was for palitical
purpQses, stated that their re�enues were higher under a pre�ious administration,
whiCh I'm pretty well aware of that because I used t❑ interacC with aavid Paak quite
frequently, since the Tawn is pretty transparent in most aspects, especially in finance.
The revenues were not higher under the pre�ious administrati�n. If yau take out the
$1� million handout fram the federal go�ernment of the C�VID mvney. S❑ I'm sure he
was unaware of that. And it was a-- he'll correct his mistake the next time }�e steps to
the mieraphone. That's the first thing.
Second thing I have to correct. And it`s nat taking place }�ere on the dais, but in the
newspaper and in social media, t�ere are certain individuals that are taking credit for
bringing 5prouts here with a �ote and blah, bfah, blah, blah, blah. Well, I had a san that
worked for 5prauts a while ago, long befare Sander e�en f�ought the plaza.
5o there was na �ote that brought Sprouts her�. Sprouts was talking ta the Basha
Page 30 of 3fi
70WN �F FOUNTAIN HILLS
Ji1NE 2, 2UZ6 70WN COUNCIL MEETING M4NUTES
family, who i am als❑ pretty sa��y with, the extended family. And they were actually
talking to the 6asha family about the 6asha store in the Basha Plaza before any of this
took place.
5o they'�e been eyeing Fauntain Hills for a long time, and it definitely has nothing t❑ do
with 3�4 ane bedroom apartments. It has tn �o with a pretty well-to-da cammunity
that shops wisely, buys organic produ�e. And that's there a high end grocer, ar a mid tp
high end grocer. And they were a�tually talking about being in the Basha Plaza befare
the Basha family sold it ta the 5acramenta Company.
Sa iet's just make that clear because all of this is rather political. Let's put this
administratinn down and !et's baast another administration up. And then let's take
�redit for things we ha�e na credit for whatsaever and just lea�e that be. We're lucky to
ha�e Sprouts, and we'll be lucky to keep them.
Thank you.
MAY�R FRIEQEL: Next speaker.
BLECHER: G�od evening, Mr. Mayor, Town Council. 5helby Blecher, resident of
F�untain Hills. A resident wrote something and pasted it to several Facebook groups. I
feel the need t❑ read that apinian into the record far everyane in Fountain Hifls ta hear.
The bemoGratic club stated positiQn. You can �a laok that up. �he stated mission
sounds pleasant on the surfa�e, but it raises seriaus concerns about partisanship,
exclusian, and tFre narr�wing of ci�i� discourse in Fountain Hills, with the three liberal
candidates supparted hy the dem�cratic Club are prppasing is nat a community effort
but a poiiti�al sila.
A missian statement centered on pramating the demacrati� cammur�ity divides
residents rather than unites them. Fountain Hills belongs to all the residents, not any
one political party.
The missian statemen't also promises t❑ support demacrati� �alues, goals and activities.
But which �alues whi�h goals residents deserve spe�ifics, n�t �ague palitical slogans.
And that raises a larger issue. We keep hearing af�out fiscal responsibility, transparency,
and community engagement from ❑ur liberal �andidates. Th�se sound great, but they
Page 31 af 3fi
TDWN �F FOUNTAIN HILLS
JL1NE 2, Z02fiTpWN COUNCIL MEETING MINLITES
are assertions, not e�idence.
If the Town gaver'nment is failing, where spe�ifically, what spending wauld they cut or
reprioritize? What budget decision lacked transparency? What process waufd they
replace? What policy should ha�e been adopted but wasn't, and what harm resulted?
These are not trick questions. Th�y are the minimum standarci for anyone seeking
public office.
The fa�ts matter. Fountain Hills already operates with a balan�ed budget. The Town
maintains public participation through ❑pen meetings and public �omment. It already
has an active economic devel�pment strategy fo�used on supparting lacal husinesses.
So if transparency is lac�Cing, what's being hidden?
If businesses are being harmed, whi�h businesses and by what p�licy? If fiscal
responsibiiity is la�king, which expenditure is irresponsible? Specifics matter. Good
ideas shau�d stand on their own merits. They should -- they should not need Partizan
branding.
And perhaps the most revealing part af the mission statement is its cammitment to
encouraging and supporting �emo�ratic candidates. L�t's be hanest about what that
means. This is nat civic mission. It's a political campaign objecti�e. Fauntain Hills works
best when ideas compete ❑penly. Lead�rs are judged by results, and residents are not
sorted into political camps.
If the goal is truly ta ser�e the community, then the mission statemeni should be about
that. What is best for Fountain Hills, not what is best for the political party.
That's the end af that statement.
Lastly, let me talk about messages on the liberal candidates' signs and th� PAC that
supports ther-n. Civility and callab�ration. be�ency and respect. Did the twa
Councilmemlaers sitting an the dais today, along with the farrner Mayor, care about
callabaration after the last election? Coun�ilmemher Earle recei�ed enaug}� votes to
win the primary outright. But the Peaple telling us they want coflabaration anly
callabarated, conspired wauld be a better word to pre�ent Earie fr�m being seated
early. Not �ery callaborative and not something we're going to easily forget.
Fage 32 nf 35
Tawn� aF �ouNraitv Mlt�s
lUNE z, 2[3�6 TDVi1N COUhCIL MEETING 11lINU�fES
Thank y�u.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Next speaker.
CAVANAUGW: Good e�ening. Crystal Cavanaugh, Fountain Hiils resident. What is
ci�ility? 5imply put, it's cvurteous beha�ior. Politeness. What is collabaration? The act
af working tagether. llnited lab�r, althaugh nat necessarily agreement in the end
result.
After obser�ing and participating in Council meetings o�er several years, I'�e seen this ta
be the overall warking relationship that akready ac�urs ❑n this dais, with a few
exceptions, of caurse, at least publicly. I�ot sure about 6ehind clased doors. So why
would a civility and callaboratian platform from some suddenly be the priority, as
though it is a change from the �urrent way of this Council? Wouldn't it be better to
expfair� strengths, views and phiiosophy, especiafly when so-called supporters of ci�ility
don't respond ci�illy at aif to discourse they disagree with, signs they dan't like, and
spew actuaf hatred towards others.
Nothing polite towards those they disagr�e with. And I speak from personal experience,
wheth�r it be ❑n social media ar letters t� the editor calling orange PAC signs vile,
disgusting, and nasty, while unable t❑ pro�ide specifics. You don't like a specific palitical
message ❑n a sign, drive on by. Yau dan't iike the ward blue ar leftist or no primary
property tax. drive on by.
Don`t cut zip ties, tamper ciamage, or steal. That is not ci�il, but it may definitely be part
of a collaborative effort. It's really just a disagreement on phiiasophy. But when yau act
❑n that, you're not civil. Verbal as$aults and personal insults. Threats C❑ slap someone
while calling therr-� disgusting. Stapping a �ehicle in the middle af the street ta scream
haw they �ate yaur orange signs. A driver yelled -- a driver yelled hate for arange signs
that just had candidates an them with the words experience, pra-praperty values, pro-
family a�d schaols, and pro-residents and pro-6usiness. At this point, it's like a
Pavl�vian response ta the color orange. When yau �laim you're taking some kind af
maral high graund, yet dri�e around with a loack window wi'th �inyls that, say, ra�aging
❑ur town witt� the w�rd rot �nd a skull and crosshones, ❑r a vehi�le that has candidates
Page 33 of 3fi
TOWN aF FOIINTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, 202fiTOWN C�UNCIL MEETING MINLITES
sitting amongst garbage bags with negative wording. Or if placing yaur chaose decency
and respect sign, yau put it right next t❑ yaur ather sign that says extremists destray
tawns, reject Turning Paint's gen Larahee. You may definitely lose some credi�ility.
It's a PACs jab to support their preferred candidates with attention getting messaging
and Reclaim Our Town does exactly that without pretense. Thank you.
MAY�R FftIEDEL: Next speaker.
DACAL� Good evening. My name is Wendy Dacal. I'm a 20-some-year resident here,
and before I get to what I was gaing to say, I have to addr�ss some ❑f that stuff.
Hatred, Ms. Ca�anaugh, I remember last me�ting, you were just smirking at the faGt t�rat
people were condemning you for the wardage in ane of the signs, and you just thaught
it was s❑ amusing that t}��re was a double entendre ti�ere, and that it just brought mare
attention t❑ it. S❑ you were sa happy that there was a prablem with it.
And unity and divisian. Oh my ��d, I wauld rather yau came into tawn, and you see the
signs that say, this is horri�Ole, though, y�u know, don't -- don't vote for them. And then
you see something that says civility, you know, wnieh would you rather pay attentian
ta? I know which I woufd.
gut anyway I just don't understand this. It's just beyand me. E3ut shame ❑n you.
Especially you, Mayar Friedel. It wasn't enough to cripple Ms. Kalivianakis' campaign
financialiy, ar�d setting her back weeks due to her weak anci without merit C and D
order. gut then yau had to come around with this. There is civility. There is hatred
right there. That -- whai was the purpose of that? What -- what is this meant to pro�e?
Nathing except that you're a very �indicti�e person. Alsa, the signs that Mr. Larabee has
have definitely ha�e the fauntain on them.
Where is his cease and desist ord�r? It didn't have a K. It's a fountain. 7hen Mr.
Larrabee shows up at the Town Cour�cii forum, and h�'s the first ane t❑ start slinging the
mud. Well, ❑ur -- these candidates said we want t❑ vow to have dean campaigns, but
did any of thE rat peapfe jump on that bandwagon? They sure didn't. They'd rather
gfaat at those disgusting signs that they're so proud of.
My -- my concern is that people come inta town, they see these signs that are ob�iously
Page 34 of 35
7flWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, ZOZ670WN COUNCIL MEE71fVG MINUTES
meant to alienate peaple and say, I don't need this. I don't want t❑ live here. I don't
want to da business here. This is a terri#�le place to be. Thank yau v�ry much far setting
my f�eautiful town that I was so proud of into such disgrace.
MAYDR FRIE�EL: And since yvu mentioned me iay name, I will address the fact that, A, I
didn't send aut that card. My cards are totally different, �ery professionaf, and 6, I had
absalutely nathing to da with delaying Coun�ilwoman Kali�ianakis' cam�aaign at all.
I also had t❑ make �hanges to my wef�site. The anly difference was I didn't go to sacial
media. I dEdn't g❑ tfl the newspaper. You knaw what I did? I changed my website. 50
we'll end -- we'll end -- we'll end right there. We'!I end right there. ThanEc you.
We'll m�ve on naw. Is there any other speakers?
BE�I�ER: No, Mayor.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Thank you. We'II ma�e an now ta Cauncil discussion and ciirectian to
the Town Manager.
❑oes anybody ha�e anything?
Dkay. How about future agenda items? Does anyhody have anything?
Councilman Watts.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Tawn Manager, do we ha�e an update on where we're at with the e-
�iEce situatian? And maybe that's next agenda item n�t to discuss right now, k�ut to
make sure that we're pursuing it. If I can get an update next time.
GD�DWIN: Yes, absolutely. We can certainly do that. We've been taking steps
internally ta -- to address that, hut a full update we �an eertainly add to the next
agenda.
WATTS: Thank yau.
MAYQR FRIEdEL: Anybody ha�e anything else?
I'll take a motion for adjournment.
KALIVIANAKIS: Motion to adjourn.
WATTS: Second.
MAY�R FftIE�EL: All in fa�or?
ALL� Aye.
Page 35 of 35
TflWN �F FOUNTAIN HILLS
JUNE 2, 2U26 TdWN C�UNCIL MEE7ING MINUTES
Ha�ing no further �usin�ss, Mayor Gerry M. F�iedel adjourned the Regular and
5pecial Session ❑f the Fountain Hills Town C�uncil held on June 2, 2426, at 6:52
p.m.
APPR�VEd: � r
��
GERRY FRVEQEL, MAY�R
ATTEST:
�,�.o � �
BEVELYN J.'��NpER TOWN C�ERK
CERTIFICATIQN
! HEREBY CERTlFY THATTHE F�REGOING MINUTES ARE ATRUE AN❑ C�RRECT COPY OF
THE MINUTES �F THE REGULAR AND SPECIAL TOWN CDUNCIL MEETING OF THE TOWN
C�IJNCIL, TOWN ❑F FDLINTAIN HILLS, AR120NA, HEL❑ ON JtJNE 2, Zfl26. I�LIRTHER
CERTIFY THA7 THE MEETfNG WA5 DULY CAL�ED AN❑ HELD ANa THAT A�UORLJM WAS
PRESENT.
��
� _
BEVELYN J. 6ENDER, TOWN CLERK
Page 3fi of 3fi