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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.0901.TCRS.MINUTES.APPROVEDT�WN ❑� FDUNTAIN HILLS MINIJTES �F THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEET�NG DF THE TDWN �F FDUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMgER � , 2d26 A Regular Meeting of the Fauntain Hills Town Council was can�ened at 16ia5 E. A�enue ❑f the Fountains in apen ar�d public sessian at 5:3a p.m. Members Present: Mayor Gerry M. Friedel; Vice Mayor Gayle Earle; Cauncilmem�er Brenda Kalivianakis; Cfluncilmember RiGiC Watts; Counciimemb�r Hannah Larrabee; Cvuncilmember Allen 5killicorn Members Absent: Cauncilmember Peggy IVIGMahon Staff Present: Tawn Manager Rachael Goodwin; Tvwn Attarney Jennifer J. Wright; Town Clerk gevelyn J. gender ��TA���1 o � '� �� � / � S� �� � or � �i', �� �i�?'�` � � ' �w l � � �. e . � . � �ff �ha t i s Ar'ti�� TDWN �F FOl1NTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 T�WN CaIJNCIL REGl1LAR MEEFING fVIINLITE5 Post-Productian File Town of Fountain Mills Tawn Caun�il Regular Meeting Minutes 5eptember 1, 202� Transcription Provided 6y: e5�ribers, LLC * * � � * Transcription is pro�ided in order to facilitate cammunication aecessibility and may not be a tatally �erhatim record af t�e proceedings * * � � * Page 1 of 45 TaWN pF FOIJNTAIIV HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2U2fi T�WN C�UNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINL]iES MAY�R FRIEDEI.: I'd like to call this meeting to order. And would you please rise for the pledge? ALI.: i pledge allegianee ta the fiag af the United 5tates ❑f America, and to the republi� for which it stands, ❑ne nation, under God, indi�isible, with li�erty and justice f�r ali. MAYDR FRIEDEL: And if you choose. please remain star�ding. Past�r bee Pa�ia fram Christ Church in Fountain Hills will d❑ our in�ocatian. pAVIA: Thank yau, Mayor and Council and staff. It's an honor t❑ be here ❑n behalf of Christ Church, Fountain Hifls. Hea�enly Father, we just thank yau so much for this time ta gather taday, �ord Gad, here in your Town ❑f Fountain Hills, this laeautifui town, Lord. And we're just praying, l.ard, for the Cauncil tonight as they're making decisians, Father, that you would give them discernment� �IQU W�UIC� �lVe tI1�iT1 W15C�OIlIr Lord, you would give them just a unity tonight to came together far the betterment of yaur people, Lord. That's what we're praying for. We want the hest for this cQmmunity, Lord. We know that peaple stand ❑n different sides of this political spectrum, Lord. But at the end �f the day, we are all just numan beings just trying to live peaceful li�es here in this beautiful town. And I just pray that you would be with e�ery single person that is in this room tonigt�t and wat�hing as wefl. In Jesus' name, amen. Thank you. MAY�Ft FRIE�EL: Thank you. Town Clerk, can I get a roll call, �lease? BENdER: Mayor Friedel? MAYOR FRIEDEL: Present. BENdER: Vice Mayor Earle? EARLE: Present. BENDER: Councilmember Kalivianakis? KALIVIANAKIS: Here. 6EEVDER: Councilmember Watts? WA�TS: Here. BEN��R: Councilmember Larrabee? LAftRABEE: Present. Page 2 of 45 TOWN ❑F F�UNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2Q2b TOWN COUNCIL REGLJLAR MEETING MINUTES BEfVDER: Councilmember McMahon, I belie�e, is absent. And Caun�ilmember SEcillicorn? SKILLICORN: Here. gENDER: Mayor, yau have a quorum. MAYDR FRrEbE�: Thank you. And now, we'!I go to ❑ur summary of events by aur Town Manager, Ra�hael. GDD�WIN: Mayor, Council, community, thanks far being here. Welcome bacit. It was a 1o�ely summer. It was a busy summer. I'm going to hit a cauple of highlights from the summer as well as looking farward to a few things. We have a very, very �usy next couple af weelcs. 5o we wrapped up a busy summer with same great community e�ents, including an outstanding Fourth at the Fountain, which drew more than 3�,fl�� people. It was packed. If yau were not there, you missed ❑ut. It was a very, very large e�ent. We alsa had our recent Back to 5chool Bash. Thank yau ta all ❑f our staff, flur partners, our vofunteers, and everyone wha heiped make these e�ents successful. EPC�R also hosted a recent water resource presentation that was aisa very well attended. For anyone wha is unai�le to participate ar wants to review that, the full presentatian is avai�able ❑n the Town's YauTube channel. Looking ahead, aur annual -- we are hosting a 5eptember 11th remembranGe ceremony that will �e next Friday on t�e 11th at G p.m. at the ��untain Amphitheater. We hope the cammunity wi�l join us as we remember ar�d honpr those wh❑ lost their lives and thase who served that day. following that, we will host the Fountain Hilfs High Schoal Annual Cross Country Invitatianal at the park. It is a �ery k�usy morning an the 12th dawn at Fountain Park. Residents should expect increased activity and road closures in anci around the park that marning. Again, if yau haven't been, there are a lat af kids running. There's a lat af things happening down there. Hopefully, the weather continues to cooperate and it's not too, too hot. But it's a great day. Another reminder t�at next Tuesday, we will hold -- the C�uncil will ha�d a work session regarding roadway funding. This wiil k�e an impartant discussion cavering the candition of aur streets, previaus funding efforts, resicfent feedk�ack, and our fong-term funding Page 3 0645 TDWN OF FaUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEM6ER 1, 20Z6 TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES farecast. A reminder, that will be at 1 o'clack in the Cauncil chambers here. If you can't jain us, it wil� alsa be recorded. We are nearing the completion ❑f the 5hea B�ulevard widening project. Yay! 7hank yau ta all of our staff that ha�e beer� working on that. All of the pa�ing assaciated with the pra}ect is now complete, but pfease mark yaur calendars for this Thursday, September 3rd. There will be overnight clasures for eastbound Shea fram 9 p.m, ta S a.m. for the instal3ation of vehicle detection equipment and some of our publi� safety eiements. We'll have sor-ne additional cfosures planned fvr the f�llawing week on September 8, 9, and 10 sa that we can administer our pa�ement marlcing, do some crack-fillir�g, sealing, and temporary striping. �hat is really our last major hurdle for this project. So we are in the hame stretch. 5❑ we appreciate that. We will continue'to 6e doing daytime guardrail installation as well. 5o we just appreciate e�eryane's continued patience as we kind ❑f bring this project hame. LastEy, we had several new emplayees join the Town recently. Yau're gaing t❑ meet a couple af them tonight, but I wanted t❑ take a moment to wel�ome Hannah Martin. Hannah, where are yau? ❑h, there she is. 5he's in the back, 5he just recently joined us. Hannah`s new to town, and she just recentlyjoined us in the Tawn Manager's affice. I think a num6er af you guys ha�e met her. 5he's working with myself as well as the Council. 5o we're very glad to ha�e yau as part af the team. And then with that, I'd like to ask david Janover to come forward. Jano�er, are yau back there? There he is. Would you mind stepping farwar�{? Not to call you out, 6ut I'm cailing you out. May�r, I'm going ta turn it o�er to yau. MAYOR FRIEDEL: Thank you. Sefore we move on, l wauld like ta take a mament to recogni2e our Town Engineer, �a�id Jano�er, who has been named the 2Q26 Professianal Engineer af the Year hy the Arizona So�iety af Prafessional Engineers. This is a very meaningful and well-deserved honor. The award recagnizes much mare than success on a single project f�r our community. Candidates are considered for their prQfessianal and technical a�hie�ements, service to the engineering prafession, cflmmitment to cantinued prafessional growth, and contrik�utions to their communities. Page G nf RS TOWN OF FOUNTAIIV HfLLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2atb 7flWN C�ll{VCIL REGULAR MEETING MlNlJTES ❑avid, yau exemplify all these qualities. ❑a�id brings tremendous knowledge and experien�e to #�is work along with a thaughtful approach to solving complex challenges. His attention to detail, sound professiflnal judgment, and dedicati�r� to public ser�ice ha�e helped the Town address important infrastructure needs while continuing ta plan responsibly for the future. David, we are �ery fartunate to have yau as our Town Engineer and we're proud to see yaur work and prafessional accomplishments recognized by your peers thraughout Arizona. an behalf of the Tflwn Council, Town staff, and the entire Fauntain Hills community, congratulations an being named the 2026 Professional Engineer af the year, It's my hanor to present you with a certifi�ate of appreciation ❑f this outstanding achie�ement. And congratulations and thank you for your continued dedication and service to the Town af Fountain Hills. JANOVER: Thank you. Thank yau. MAY�R FRIE�EL: And I have a little something extra far you from Mrs. Mayor and the Mayor. So that's t❑ your favorite eating estahlishment. JAN�VER: Dh, thank you. MAYOR FRIE�EL: All right. JAN�VER: Wow. Thank y�u. I had na idea this was caming. I am honared, and I'm humbled at nat only getting the award, but the recognitian and what the recognition that this brings t� the engineering Community. And it's something that -- when things are engineered praperly, no one thinks about it. But when samething gaes wrong in the engineering world, everybody knaws about it. 5o it's one of thase kind of things w}�ere w�ren you're an engineer, yau're not really appreciated unless something goes wrong. 5o this appreciation means a tremendous amount ta me. And the Mayor and Coun�il and Tawn staff and mar�agement, I eould not be happier working for this beautiful community. 5o thank you. MAYOR FRIEDEL: And now, we'll mo�e on with a cauple of ather recognitions. We have some people that are retiring frflm same of our commissions. 5o we'll start out with a couple af recognitians for our 5trategic Planning Commission. This first one is far Randy Crader, And Randy is prababEy not here tonight, I don't think. But anyway, we wauld Rage 5 of 45 T�WN flF FpUNTAIfV HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 202fi TQWN C�UNCI� REGULAR MEETING MINLJTES like to express our sin�ere gratitude t❑ Randy, wh❑ has served with distinctian on the 5trategic Pianning Ad�isory Commissian since his appointment by the 7awn CounciE in February of ���4. Randy has br�ught a thoughtful perspecti�e and a �ollaborati�e spirit to t�e Commission's wark. His willingness to carefully �onsider the issues before the Commission and work constructi�ely with his fe�low commissioners has �een greatly valued k�y f�oth the Town and the Town Council and h�s fellow eommissior�ers. 5o it's with deep appre�iation that we recognize him here tonight. And we'�i ha�e this here for us ta get ta him as well. And then, we also have Paul 5mith. Paul, I believe, are yau here tonight? Maybe �e didn't make it either. �kay. So w� would alsa like t❑ express our gratitude t❑ Paul Smith for his distinguished ser�ice on 5trategic Planning Advisory Commission. 5ince his appointment tfl the Cammission k�y the Caun�il in May of 2�24, Paui has demanstrated exceptional cammitment, thoughtful leadership, and �aluahle expertise. His cantributions ha�e strengthened the Commission's work and supported its efforts to guide the iawn's future. The Town Council and his fe�law �ommissianers are grateful for his dedicati�n and ser�i�e to thi$ cammission and the positi�e impact that he has made through his wark on the Strategic Planning Cammission. So we'll ha�e this here, and we'll get t�is to him as well. And then, I ha�e one other recagnition tonight. And this is from our History and Culture Ad�isory Commission. And this is Tim Yoder. I believe Tim is here. I see him in the bacfc. Tanight, we would like to take a moment to recognize Tim Yoder for his outstanding service an the Nistory and Culture Advisory Cammissian. Tim has ser�ed since November 2023. And during this time, his dedicatian and hard work has made a lasting impact on both the Commissian and the Town af Fountain Hills. Tim's cammitr�nent t❑ preserving and pramoting our tawn's histary and culture has f�een e�ident through his countless hours of vafunteer service. Nis contributions have been in�alua�le. His support has helped further the goals ❑f the Commission and the 6roader �ision of the �own. Dn behalf of the Town �ouncil and f�lfow commissianers and the residents of Fountain Hills, we sincerely appreciate Tim`s tirefess efforts and his positi�e influen�e on Page 6 of 45 T�WN OF FOUN7AIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, �DZ6 TflWIV C�UNC4L REGULAR MEETING MINUTES our cammunity. We are grateful for your service, Tim. Thank you, and thank you far a11 yau do. 5a if y�u'd come an up, i'd like t� present this to y�u. YD�ER: I'd just like to say it was a pleasure serving with my fellow commissioners. And Ryan Preston ran a �ery gaod show. MAYaR FRIEDEL: And naw, w�'ll move on to presentations. Rachael? GDOQWIN: Let's see. I beiieve -- Amanda, are yau gaing to be intraducing this item with us? Thank you. I appreciate it. Tanight, we do ha�e a presentatian by Republic 5ervices ta award their nonprofit grant to our community. Amanda, will yau take it fr�m there? JACOBS: Good e�ening, Mr. Mayor, memhers ❑f Caun�ii. WeEtome ba�k to session. We want to start ❑ff one ❑f our presentatians today with our iast nonprofit grant in partnership with Republic 5er�ices. So a little bit of background, Republic 5er�ices pro�ides the Tawn $10,��0. And then, we open up an applicatian process. Anc4 we ha�e people -- beeause Econamic ❑e�elopment is ministering it, we ask other members af the �cpartm�nt as wekl as Melissa, who I'll introduce in a second, to help evaluate our applications. And so we're here today to award two nonprofits. And so we'�e got big checks. We've got some real check money. And we're going to hav�, again, our falks that ha�e been nominated and have received the award to come up and take a photo with Cauncii. But before we da that, I'm going ta turn it ❑ver ta Melissa with Republi� 5ervices t❑ say a few words. Melissa? KR�EGER: 7hank you. Gaod evening, Mayor and Cauncil. My name is Melissa Krueger. If you ha�en't met me, !'ve had th� pri�ilege of serving as your municipa! manager for Republic Servi�es far the past twa and a hal� years. During that time, myself and my coileagues ha�e had the opportunity t❑ became acti�ely in�al�ed in your cammunity thr�ugh chamber events, riblaon cuttings, networking events, quarterly meetings, Touch-A-Trucks, Make a pifference Day, �oEunteering. One of the exp�ri�nces I'm most Page 7 of 45 iQWN QF FOUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, Z026 TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES praud af is �olunteering at Make a DifferenGe Day for two �onsecuti�e years helping residents with yard impro�ement projects. ❑ur team spent the day trimming trees and bushes and pulling weeds, and even battling a few baugain�iliea thorns alang the way. ! often joke t�at I don't e�en spend that much time working in my ❑wn yard. But I was happy to do it because I genuinely wanted tfl s�pport this cammunity and its residents. We've truly enjoyed getting t❑ knaw the people wh❑ make this tawn special. Dne of my other fa�orite memories was participating in the Touch-A-Truck e�ent where our Republic 5ervices truck attractec� such a crawd of kids that �ur line was longer than the Fire �epartment's. 5arry to the Fire Qepartment. But it's a proud moment for our team. As ❑ur partnership �omes to a dase early next year, I'm honored to be here this evening to present our Republic 5er�i�es' final community grar�t ta the tawn. 5ince 2078, Republic 5ervices has praudly contributed a total of $90,000 to lacal nonprofit organizations in this community. This program reflects aur commitment to gi�ing back to the communities we serve. And I'm incredibly proud to ha�E been a part of it. Tanight's grants recipients are Falcon Fiesta and the Fauntain Hills Protect �ur Youth Coalition. We are grateful for the important work these arganizations do to strengthen and support yaur cflmmunity. �n behalf of Repuhlic Services, we'd iike to thank the Town, its ieadership, residents, and nonprafit partnerships for the relationships we'�e built over the years. It's 4�een a privilege to serve this community. We hope the Town will continue to support its nonprofit ❑rganizatians and community initiati�es. And we I�pk farward to ha�ing an opportunity t� flnce again ser�e yaur amazin� �ommunity. Thank yau. JACOBS: Do you want t❑ announce Fal�on Fiesta? KRUE�ER: �h, yes. Up first is Falcon Fiesta. tPhoto taken] JACOBS: Testing. Testing. �kay. 5a our finance team is sometimes strict where you're supposed ta sign flff on a checic. But I said, there`s cameras. 5o we're handing o�er the real check as well as the poster-size. It's $S,�Q�. Yes. And if you wanted to say a few w�rd s. Page 8 nf 45 TDWN OF FpUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 202fi TOWN CflUMCIL REGl1LAR MEETING MINUTES STUMPF: Thank you. Yes. We just want to, on behalf of the Baard ❑f the Falcan Fiesta, thank our generous community and Republic 5er�ices for this danation tn support ❑ur seniors at flur distri�t. Thank you. KRLIEGER: ❑kay. And the Fountain Hills Protect ❑ur Youth Coalition. {Phototakenj JAC�65: Alf right. We'�e gat another $5,000, a real checit. ❑a I give it ta the kids, ar do I give it to Tammy? And then, I think we're going to ha�e a few words from everybody. Tammy? gELL: Yes. Really qui�kly. Thank you. I just my name is Tammy gell. I'm the executi�e director for Protect �ur Youth, and I want to thank the Town, staff, leadership, and Republic Ser�ices again for continually in�esting in Protecting �ur Youth here at Fountain Hills and �art McD�well Ya�apai Nation. I'm really excite� ta share this year's grant funds. I just want to take a minute to tell you that we are going t❑ be expanding our Above �hat youth pre�ention and leadership club ta the fifth grade. And this is why it's so important. We knaw that in the 5tate of Arizona, our eighth graders, who report using alcot�al on a regular basis, tell us that they start by the age of 12 years old an average. 5a we are gaing ta take a very successful middle schaol program, we're gaing to bring it dawn to the fifth grade, and we're going to start teaching ❑ur youth same -- building some coping skills, creating some realiy important relationships and ❑pportunities for them to thrive hefore the prablem begins. So we're very grateful for your sponsorship and for your grant because this is going to allaw us to do that. The person doing all the hard wark is next to me. This is our program manager, Elizabeth �rr. 5he's going to share sgme more. �RR: Thanits, Tammy. 5o what makes this opportunity so exciting is that we're pro�iding our youth with some positi�e role madels and alsa giving them the tools to fight against peer pressure and also, gi�e them healthy resources so they can make healthy deeisions. And I wauld just like ta thank the Tawn of Fountain Hills and Republic 5er�ices so much for in�esting in that �isian. And tonight, I did bring same of our rale models with us. These are the high schaolers actually, ❑ur Fauntain Hills seniors that Page 9 af 45 TOWN aF FOUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMSER 1, 202fi T�WN C�l1NCIL REGLJLAR M�ETING MINUTE$ are gaing t❑ be helping with this program. And I did want to ask them a question; why they decided to be�ame a mentar far the Fountain Hills Protect Dur Youth Coalition. 11NI�EN�IF�ED SPEAKER: My name is Milo (ph.j. I chose to became a mentor far the Youth Coalition because I'�e seen in real life and on the internet what drugs da ta people and how they ruin lives. And I want to stand against that and help improve those conditions. STREUFERT: Hi, my name is Coll�en 5treufert. And I�hase to be a mentor for the Fountain Hills Protect ❑ur Youth Coalitian because I want to help children fight against addiction in their own families and their own futures. WEST [PH.} Hi, my name is Abigai4 {ph.} West. And I chose ta be a ment�r because I want to help educate the yauth an how ane small decision can change y�ur life forever. DRR: Thank you. MAYdR FRIE�EL: Thank you again. Naw, we'il move on to our -- do you have something else? JACOgS: This next ane. MAYOR �RIEDEL: Yeah. �kay. JAC�85: You're not dane with me, Mayar. MAYDR FRIEDEL: Rachael? Rachael, go ahead. GODQWIN: That's right. Amanda's n�t dane. 5he has act number 2. 5he's going t❑ be giving us an update an where we're at with the downtown strategy. JACDB5: Okay. Mr. Mayor, members af Council, sin�e I have the microphane, bef�re we di�e int❑ ❑ur downtown strategy update, Manager Goodwin mentioned some new staff inembers. I am pleased to intraduce our new e�onamic developmer�t specialist, 5op}�ia Renk. Sophia? We are fu11-staffed now, hut excited to have Sophia. 5he �ames from the private industry, t�ut has significant experience in marketing and business de�elopment. And then, �ery excited that she is afso, like myself, a Fountain Hilis resident. 5n that has been well-received so far in the business community. With that, Mayor and Councif, 1'm Page 10 of 45 T�WN OF FDl1NTAIN HELLS SEPTEMBER 1, 202b TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES �aing to pravide a hign-level update on our downtawn strategy. 5o f�r Council, if there's anyone new in the audience or watching at home, we {�ad a 20d9 downtown �ision plan. And far years, it hadn't been updated. And the majarity af the focus was the A�enue ❑f the Fountains. When I started ❑ver four years agfl, aur cammunity econamic develo�ment strategy was also very old, about ten years old. And so we updated that. And in September of 2023, Council unanimously approved that. LJnder t�e focus area of business attraction, you'll see there, it says, "create a new downtawn strategy consistent with e�onomic trends." In November of 2p23, we had a budget workshop, and we requested Coun�il �onsensus. Sa again, in a warkshop, we can't �ote. But we asked far consensus ta have staff to begin working on an internal update to the p€an beginning in January of 2024. And then, my fellaw colleagues thought I was a little crazy because I'm like, we're going to do this in nin� months. But we did it. We knew it was going to be reafistic because we kept hearing from the business cornmunity ancf our residents, this has ta happen. 5o in September ❑f 2D�4, we pr��ided that strategy to you. You ❑nce agair� unanimausly appro�ed it. And what we heard to❑ loud and clear from the residents and E7USIClp552S ISr we've tried this before. There's a tendency to make a plan, and then it's shel�ed. And I said, on my watch and my colleagues watch, that's nat happening. And of caurse, having the great support of Cauncil. 5o just a reminder, this was the map that we started with baek in 2fl�4. Again, for folks who have been here much longer than myself, it used t❑ in�lude Fountain Park as well as portions ❑r all of Bashas, as well as Pillar, which is formerly Havenly. But we decided to reduce that footprint t�ecause, right, if you make it bigger, it's a bigger plan. It could cost mare financially. 5a here are the variaus facus areas. There's four. So facus area 1 is land use. We had six implementatian strategies. And fi�e aut of six are completed, or as we like to say, in pro�ess. 5a big bulk of t�ase implementation strategies had ta deal with the dawntown ❑verlay district; so impraving acti�e uses, impra�ing by-rEght uses because as Director Wesley and I are meeting with new �usinesses, they want to know how lor�g our process Page 11 of 0.5 T�WN OF FOl1NiAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2UZ6 TDWN COl1NCIL REGULAR MEETING MINU7E5 is. And sa if we have ta tell them, ❑kay, you're going ta ha�e to go to the Pianning and Zaning Commission, yau're then gaing to ha�e to ga to Cauncil, sornetimes that adds anywhere between four to six months. 5a what can we do that is realistic, ciigestibfe not ❑nly by Coun�il, hut the cammunity? And so it took o�er a year. 5❑ it took a littie long. 6ut extremely excited that again, that was a{�pro�ed by May�r and CounGi! ba�k in May. 5o this is one where we say, akay, we can check the box. We updated. We r�ow ha�e an o�erEay district. 6ut af eourse, the work is never done. And we'll get to that in ❑ur third faeus area. Council alsa unanimausly supparted -- I think I have that right -- a facade impro�ement program. We launched t�at as a grant in April. And so just as a reminder, within the d�wntawn budget, there's $SD,�QD. And a business has to d❑ $10,000 or greater -- so match -- to make sure twa are n�t violating the �ift clau$e. We did back in April recei�e faur appfications. We are na�igating that process. But I can tell you because this is puhlic. But Safrita's submitted an application, the Fauntain Nills Chamber af Commerce, ColabR8, and 5ami Fine Jewelry. 5o we`re in �arious stages of those appEications. 5o some, it's just there. We're working through it. Twa of t�em have submitted building permits. Sa as we start to navigate that and take pictures, we'll pro�ide that in a diff�r�nt update. Fa�us Area 2, lnfrastructure: 5o six out of se�en are in progress. And a big chunk of this when we think of infrastructure, of course, is the Mayor and Council supp�rt of a five-year downtown streetscape capital impro�ement praject. And so a couple years aga, we asked Council, do you want us Ca try ta do this in five years ar eight years? And we had yaur support for five years. 5❑ right now, we're in the pracess. And s❑ Public Works is leading this charge of lo�king at the design for Verde Ri�er and Park�iew. And so far, we`re an s�hedule t� provide a final presentation tentatively this becember, and ther� hope ta begin construction of Verde Ri�er in the spring ❑f 2427. And as my buddy, ❑ur pire�tor Weldy says, we just had a con�ersation with the Chamber and TAMA that with eonstruction, sametimes there's never a good time. But then, as we say, if there's a way ta ease some of the pain -- like, not do this in �ctober when afl the visitars here, we'r� ha�ing the fair -- that's appreciated by the community. 7here's als❑ an area called Page 12 of 45 TOWN OF F�UNTAIN HILI.S SEPTEMBER 1, 202b TOWN CflU�VCIi REGULAR MEETING MIHl1TE5 pedestrian connectivity. ❑ur Public Works QeparCment installed marked �rasswalks at Saguara and Parkview and 5aguaro and Paul Nordin ta allaw for pedestrian activity t❑ get safely ta our �ery p�pu�ar Fauntain Park. And ther� Plat �p8, I went ahead anti camhined a�auple of these, but restraoms are separated out. 6u't you may recalf far a�er a year, we were working with Plat 208 to see if we �ould ha�e some type af partnership where we could rede�elap what we're calling the potket par�Cs. But so it was the land next to Sofrita's. There`s the other parcel next to Zab Thai. So we're getting very, �ery clase. And then the business community unfortunately wanted us to swap where the restrooms are. And so you may recall we ga�e you an update, and itjust rcaily wasn't feasible because across the street -- sa if we think of where the parking lot is, the 5heriff's Qepartment, and Georgie's, we own land right there. And do we want to add another restroom? Right naw, staff is not requ�sting that. We don't think that's feasible. 5o this is calied -- I did nat call it this. I inherited it. But where we're at is the Civi� Distriet within downtawn. And so if you think of Town Hall, library, museum, c�mmunity center, all these locations have restronms. 5o why put another one there? 5o with the rede�elopment of packet parks, we're saying'that's completed, that we'�e sort of exhausted al� af our resources and buy-in. Hawever, we are sti11 tafking. 5o samebody different has approached us for a public�private partnership related to restro�ms. When I can tell you mare, E will. It has �ane a little quiet. But we're still looking at doing that. And that's why we made sure ta ha�e it in the plan. Facus Area 3, Ecanomic Vitality: 5o three are completed, four are in pragress of aur seven impl�mentation strategies. 5a going back, some �f this is listed under ecanomic �itality. But parts were als❑ included in land use far our dawntown o�erlay district. So for o�er four years, I was requesting more flexit�le xaning. And so with the Planning ar�d Zaning Commission as well as Council, we did get buy-in ta create. 5a if you're thinking where HanarHea�t� is, if yau get blood wark at 5onara quest, the former Mayo CliniG, we'�e turned that into an innovatian district. 5o again, we can che�k the box. But unfortunately, because this has taken so long, two of the buildings and ❑ne of the larger Page 13 of 0.S T�WN OF FDUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2�Z6 T�WN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETiNG Mkhl1TE5 praperties -- there's a person that I knew, �ery well-knawn in Phoenix all ahout bi�science investors, people sold their land or their buildings. 5❑ we`re starting fr�m s�ratch and building those relationships, and t{�en trying to get t�at k�uy-in for our �ision to, again, attract more industry. AEso ❑n here, k�ut was alsv part af the downtown averlay district, is ai4owing temparary uses on �acant praperties. 5a t�ere's some parcels -- think at the corner of Verde Ri�er and Park�iew -- w}�ere it's a vacant lat that has just sat there. Well, we ha�e yaur approval. Naw, the next step is talking to some ❑f those kandowners ta see, would they ha�e a pQp-up e�ent, a little mo�ie, some faod trucks, is there something they want ta test out so they pull the trigger, if you will, to finally build something. 5o it's not just a vacant parcel. Park Place, the Mayor and Counci� back in Dctober of 2Q25 updated the cie��lopment agreement. And so that again happened. Cauncil appr�ved that. But we are now waiting for the praperty awner ta submit new buiading permits plans. That was part of the de�elapment agreement. 5v we're waiting on that. Then, we had requesteci about $35,000 last year to do some digital marketing; so dawntowr� logos, sacials, adding stuff on aur Ex�erience Fountain Fiills wel�site to, again, let peapie know that downtown is beyond the A�enue. It's that area. And sometimes, we'll hear from peopie, what is there to do in Fountain Hills? There's tons. There's tans to da. 5o now, it's letting people know where they can go. So far instance, Grapeables has li�e music. We ha�e the �ulinary Curator, pebhie's Kitchen. ❑ef�bie's here. She's doing a ton af culinary experiences. So things are happening. We just need to market it and have it in a central location. And then, k�eyond the Art on the A�enue and the Farmer's Market, we tried something new in partnership with the Community Services Qepartment, as well as Aesthetic Elegan�e, where she wanted to -- on her dime, but to partner with the Tawn -- t❑ use thE Avenue Linear Park on 5aturdays when it's nat so taasty kike right now, so probabfy we'�I picit it back up in I�ovember -- but to ha�e yoga in the park. And so that was extremely successful that she's already working with Community Services to bring that ba�k. And then, we also Iast year started our 3rd Thursday Concert Series at Centennial Page 14 of 45 TOWN �F F�IfNTAIN HILLS SEPTEM6ER 1, 2U2fi TDWN C4l1NCll. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Pavilion. 7hose were extremely popular. 5e�eral ❑f them, we had anywhere between 25fl to 3�D f�lks at Centennial Pavilion. We've decided t� move t{�at up, not start it in November, but it will be October this year. We're working on all the collateral just so we don't interfere with the Concerts on the A�enue. I think the more, the merrier. But peapie are like, let`s spread it out. ❑kay. Easy peasy. But if you have not been to the concerts, you should �ome. Dur feedba�k also last year was to add a few more faod tru�ks. We were trying to push people into the community, but happy to report that the Batchelar Pad, �ctober, Na�ember, and December, are going to k�ring their food cart. And it's going to be the actual barbecue. Erik said, Amanda, people may be missing my barbecue. 5❑ we're g�ing t� bring the barbecue. And if y�u didn't knaw, 5nowbird lce Cream also now has a little mini-�art. And so they will t�e there with ice �ream. 5�mehfldy said, caol. I agree. 5o Fo�us Area 4, we got puhlic spaces, p�acemakin�, and s� we're separating these next two slides out for arts and signage. And so again, a lat of this has ta do with murals. We're continuing ta da murals on utility baxes. Se�eral months aga, we requested Council's permission to separate the o�erall placemaking strategy to allow John to work with yau guys be�ause we needed to do an ❑rdinance update for murals an pri�ate businesses. And s� we followed up with several ❑f tY�e businesses. They ha�en't submitted an applicatian yet, but a couple ❑f them are saying, we are gaing to da that. We're just waiting. It aiso, too, is a little hot. So we want to make sure our artists are not suffering in the heat. And then signage, fi�e implementation strategies, three �ut af fi�e. So some highlights is we had the ❑�erall Town-wide wayfinding signage. But a request again, t�o, was ance we install thase, can yau please tell pe�ple -- p�int them to dawntown. 5a you'll see language like downtawn, the Fountain Hilis Chamber Visitor Center, the International Dark Sky Disco�ery Center, shopping. 5o we're painting ��erybody to ❑ur dawntawn. And then each year, we've been updating the Avenue ❑istriet street banners. So right now, we've got the America 25�. Hopefully, within the n�xt 30 days, we will �e replacing them again with the theme of that we're naturally artsy. We`�e got dining and we've got shopping. Page 15 of 45 TflWN �F FDUNTAIN HlLLS SEPTEM6ER 1, 2U2fi TflWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES And then, we'�e been encouraging -- and we'�e also heard this frorn ❑ktoberfest ar think of the Qark 5ky Festival -- of can we have temporary signage, not just within the downtown, hut cauld we place things in other strategic areas aiong Palisades or �ountain Hills Baufevard? 5a we're seeing more f�usinesses take advantage. There's some other ideas I'�e been working with the Chamber of Commerce on. 5o again, these are all in progress. And with that, Mayor and Cauncil, high ie�el. But we wanted ta gi�e y�u an update, the public, and then just pr�ve aur Council's heen very supportive. We are business-friencily. We are apen far business. And we did not shel�e our downtawn strategy. Any questians, Mayor, Council? MAY�R FRIE�EL: Great presentation. We'�e got a lot going on -- JAC�65: We da. MAYDR FfiIE�EL: -- in the downtown strategy for sure. JAC�65: �kay. Thank you. MAYDR FRIEbEL: Vice Mayar Earle? EARLE: I just want ta thank you for e�erything you do. You're doing a great job. 7hank you. JACOBS: Thank you. Yau're welcome. Anc! I have t❑ say, it's a team effort. Like I was saying, Community 5ervices, we talked about aevelapment 5er�ices, we got Financ�, we got Public INorks. 6ut it's a team effort. And it's easy when we ha�e the Tawn Manager's support and the Cauncil's support. Thank yau. MAYOR FRIED�L: Okay. And ma�ing on, we've got our eonsent agenda. I'll take a mation to appro�e. KALIVIANAKIS: Motion ta appro�e the cansent agenda. MAYOR FRIEDEL: 5econd? EARLE: I'il seeond it. MAYOR FRIEDEL: W� ha�e a mation and a second. Can I get a rall call �ote, please, Tqwn Clerk? BEN�ER: Councilmember5killicorn? SKILLIC�RN: Yes. Page 1fi of 45 TDWN aF FQIJNTAIN HILLS SERTEMB�R 1, 2a2b TOWN CaUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTfS BENbER: Councilmemi�er Kali�ianakis? KALIViANAK15: Aye. BENDER: Councilmember Watts? WATTS: Aye. BEND��: Councilmember Larrabee? LARRABEE� Aye. BEN�ER: Vice Mayor Earle? EARLE: Aye. BENDER: And Mayar Friedel? MAY�R FRIE�EL: Aye. BENDER: Mayor, G-0. MAYaR FRIEQEL: Thank yau. We'll move on t❑ our regular agenda. Item 9.{a.� related to pa�ement management. Ancf f2achael? G��DWIN: Thank you, Mayor. Each year, each falf, we bring back a pavement management plan to kind af outlin� where we're going t❑ be tackling aur pa�ement plans fflr with the alla�ated budget. We have our 5treet 5uperintendent, Jeff Pierce, who's going to wallc us through that. Just as a hi�hlight, if yau recall, there was same, I'm going to Gall them, pre-appra�ed streets that we k�rought to your attention back in the spring that were kind ❑f pre-autharized as streets that needed to ha�e first priority. We are already a�{dressing those. I thin�C Jeff wil� probably talk about that. But then, this is what we will be doing with the remainder of the funding. PIERCE: Thanlc yau, Town Manager. Perfect. Thank you. Town Manager, Mayor, iown Council. Jeff Pierce, Street Superinter�dent. How are you? I stand here tonight to present some sele�ted streets that were approved fiscal year'25/'26, and alsa gaing ta be talking about aur fa�orite subject, pa�ement management, with additional funding appraval. We'll start off with haw we select these roads eurrently. An� we've talked ahout the gOSS system in the past. And that's the Budget Street -- the ❑ptimizer 5treet 5elector. That is a pragram utilized by our current asphalt cantractor who helps us Page 17 of 45 T�WN OF FaL1N7AIN HILLS SEPTEM6ER 1, 2026 TOWN CpUNCIL REGULAR ME£TING MINUTES pro�ide data for selecting and funding raadway maintenance and full reconstructions. This helps us with the various suh�e�ts su�h as traffic ffow, traffic �olumes, pa�ernent conditian index -- PCI -- and aEso tries ta gi�e us the best cast-effecti�e programs we can with the funding thaf is avaifable. With that said, w�'ll go �ack t❑ February 3rd, Z�26 when Public Wflrks ❑ire�tar Justin Weldy presented a number of raads. This fiscal year, fiscal year'25�'27, we have $6.4 millian in our pa�ernent maintenanc� fund. Dut of that, these streets that yau see up an the screen are $3.4 millian ❑f that. 1"fi�ese roads were approved by Council, and as af July 1st of this year, have been started. We ha�e a number af phases through that. I believe it's 7. through 5. And �urrently, we are in phase 1❑f this, which we will currently be in the northwest section af appraximately at the Stan�rest, Keymar, and Wendo�er area. llnfortunately, this week we suffered inclement weather, which put us in a schedule pause to allow the subgrade ta dry ❑ut. And hopefully, we will be ba�k an schedule as af T�esday of next week getting t�e pa�ing ❑n. Dut of the �6.4 mifiian, we ha�e a remaining $3 million. We went back to 6055, the asphalt cantractar, and Town staff, and were able t❑ run a scenario to bring farth to yau. We were able to identify 14 lacal road segments scheduled for re�onstruction with the remaining funds of �3 million for this year. On this map, you will natice that most of these roads are grauped together in the sautheast section af t�wn. Tl�is does two things for us. This not only helps us keep mobilizatian costs down, but it alsa cannects existing road segments to roads that were completed last fiscal year or a fis�al year priar to that, allpwing streets t❑ be grouped together. ❑ut �f the 14 roads, a number of roads are cul-de-sacs, akong with s�me lang sectians. Some of these include Manitou Dri�e, Kiowa Cir�le, Hawk Drive, INaI��7�! GCCI2r Parlin Drive, Sciracco bri�e, Cameron Court, Trojan Court, Malta Qrive, Middlecoff Dri�e, Augusta CourC, Indian Wells ❑rive, Zaharias �rive, and finally, Barnes Dri�e, With that, I'm looking to ha�e approval fram Council for the remair�ing $3 million and can answer any questions at this time. MAYQR FRI�pEL: Vi�e Mayor? EARLE: �h. WeEi, I was just going to move to approve, If anyone wants to -- am I aut ❑f Page 18 of 45 TQWN OF FQ�JIVTAIN NILLS 5�P7EMBER 1, 202b TOWN CQIJNCII REGULAR MEETING MINl1TE5 line? MAYaR FRiEDEL: Na. 5KlLLiCORN: You can make a motion anytime you like. MAY�R FRIEQEL: You �an make a m�tion any time you war�t. That's carre�t. EARLE: Okay. MAY�R FRIE�EL: Cauncilman Watts? WATrS: Can yau tell me what type of program -- are we doing an o�erlay, chip seal, what -- PIERCE: These are full reconstructions, sir. WATTS: Full reconstructions? PIERCE: Yes, sir. WATTS: Thank you. MAYDR FRIEDEL: Tawn Clerk, d� we ha�e any comment cards? BENaEa: Mayor, we received two online, and both ❑f them were against this item. MAYDR FRIEDEL: Okay. ❑kay. Thank you. Councilwoman? LARRABEE: Well, I want to second Cauncilwoman Earle's motian. 6ut ! also just wanted t❑ say thank y�u s� much far your staff's work an this. I can't tell you how exciting it is that not only did we get the roads that we had appraved done in almast half the k�udget, but then an top af that, we're adding 14 mare raads for this year. This is absolutely fantastie. It's exa�tly what the community has been asking far since weil before I ran for Council. And this is making my last cou{�le months here really wonderful. 5o thank you. PI�RCE: Thank you, Councilmember. MAYOR FRIE�EL: akay. 5o we ha�e a mation a�d a second. Can I get a roll call vate, please? BENDER: Cauncilmernber Watts? WATTS: Aye. BENDER: Councilmember Skiliicarn? SKILLIC�RN: Present. Page 19 of 45 TOWN DF F�l1NTAIN H1LL5 SEPTEMBER 1, 2�26 TDWiV C�UNCIL REGIJLAR MEETING MINLJTES BENDER: Cauncifinember Kali�ianakis? KALIVIANAKIS: Aye. BENDER: Cauncilmember Larrabee? LARRABEE: Aye. BENpER: Vice Mayor EarEe? EAR�E: Aye. BENDER: And Mayor Friedel? MAY�R FRIEbEL: Aye. BENDER: Mayor, G-0. MAYDR FRIEDEL: Thanft you. 7}�ank you, Jeff. Rachael, next up is -- GOODWIN: Yes. Next up, we �ave flur Qirector Weldy. He's bringir�g farth a project that we a�tualiy tackled ❑ver the summer through eonsultation with myself, as well as aur legal ad�ice. We felt like this project could not wait for Council appro�al. 5a he is here far retroacti�e action. WELbY: Thank you for the intraduction and the backgrau�d infarmation. Mr. Mayor and Coun�ilmemk�ers, first, thank yau fpr the vpportunity. Those of you that have lived in this cammunity for any iength of time, ar e�en if yau're a newcomer, you may or may nat be aware ❑f the surfaee water pump on Panarama. This pump was installed way ba�fc in the 80s by MCO Properties based an information they had re�eived related to the possihility that the lake liner could t�e leaking. We now know that that in fact was never the cas�, but in fact ha�e professional apinians -- more than one -- over three decades that indicate some ot this water is natural spring water that ❑�curs naturally. And then, the bakance of it is irrigatian water that is put on �ountain Park and percalates dawn to an impermeable clay layer, and then surfaces in this area. 5ome years aga, the Mayor and Council approved two different phases af a project ta replace the storm drain pipe afong Panorama, and phas� 2❑f that pro}ect was to fifl in the relaCi�ely large borrow pit used to build some adjacent hames, and alsa a small park there, and replace Page 2U of 45 TaWN �F FQUNTA4N HILLS 5EP7EM8ER 1, 2026 T�WN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINLJTES the pump. We ha�e faced challenges since that appravai t❑ reach an agreement ❑n bef�alf of SRP with a neighhorhflod asso�iation far an electriGal easement amounting ta abaut 300 square feet alang Pan�rama to install an additional transformer af the appropriate size ta pravide the 48d �olts necessary. Nat being able to reach that agreement, we have had to make some �hanges after the praject, including but not limited ta trying several different types ❑f pumps that will achieve the goal, wt�ich is to minimize or completely eliminate the flow waters that wauld ga by and enter the tribal lands. Not being successfui despite every attempt, we'�e now gone to a more madern system. And because of the flows onta the tribal lands, concern by the tribal government, and their renewed commitment to stop thase flows, we had a discussion internally ❑ver t�e summer. The decision was made to get s�me quates. Th�se quotes are clearly listed in the staff repart. And there are attachments related ta that. gased an further dis�ussian that's related t❑ �anversations with ot�er go�ernmental agencies -- not local, but caunty and state and federal -- we decided it best ta go ahead and mo�e forward with the Town Manager's approval. �iaving said that, the pump has k�een reinstalled, and it is a new one, state of the art. It is not yet energized, as we are woricing t❑ bring the electricity fram the current Incatifln into an area that will in the �ery near future ha�e a screen wall around it sa it will be more esthetically pleasing. It will also provide some protections forthe fa�ility. With that, we intend to ha�e it energized and up and running by the end af 5eptember if e�erything works ❑ut right. Anci sa far, we're right an track. I'll d❑ my best t❑ answer any questians that you may have related to this item. MAYOR FRIEQEL: I see na questions. Councilman 5killicorn? $KILUCORN: I'd like to make a mattan to appro�e as drafted. WATiS: Secand. MAYqR FRIE�EL: ❑kay. We have a mat�on and a second. Tawn Clerk, can we get a roll call, pfease? BEN�ER: Cauncilmember 5killicarn? Page 21 of 45 TQWIV pF F�l7NTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBfR 1, 202fi TflWIV COUNCIL REGULAR MEETlNG MINUTES SKILLICORN: Yes. BEN�ER: �ouncilmember Larrabee? LAaRABEE: Aye, BENDER: Caun�ilmember Ka�ivianakis? KALiVIANAKIS: Aye. BEN�ER� Councilmember Watts? WATTS: Aye. gENDER: Vice Mayor Earle? EARLE: Aye. BENDER: And Mayar Friedel? MAY�R FRI�DEL: Aye. BENaE�: Mayor, 5-�. MAYDR FRIEDEL: Thank you. ❑kay. We'll mave an ta item 9.��.J, which is discussion and possible direction regarding amendments to the Tawn Code for Sections 10-2-8, 1�-2-9 relating tQ handbills. Rachael? GOODWIN: Thank you, Mayor. Just a reminder, this item is actually for discussion and direcCifln, sa not formai action. What we're looking to dis�uss and what John will walk through tonight is our current ardinances an handbills. There are some conflicts as well as some Constitutionality questions. So we just need to get those addressed and get some direction on haw we'd like t❑ correct those. 5o John, I'll let you walk through that. WESLEY: Thank you. Mayor, Councilmembers, go�d t❑ see you here again this e�ening. 5a as said, we`re dealing with t�ree different sections ❑f the Tawn Code. But to put it all in perspeeti�e, Article 10-2 addresses litter issues. Sections 1�-2-8 and 10-2-9 address handbills from that perspecti�e. Currently, the ordinance provides some distinctians between commercial and naneommercial handt�ills. And there's some legal con�erns with ha�ing that distinction with those items. 5❑ going a iittle deeper, 5ection 1fl-2-1 pro�ides some definitions, which includes definitions ❑f handbills and cammercial and Page ZZ o€ 0.S TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEM6ER 1, Zfl26 iOWN COUNCiL REGULAR MEETIHG M1NUTf5 noncommercial handbills. 10-2-8 deals with hand�ills on p�blic property and basically prohibits the distribu'tion of commercial hand�ilfs, but allows noncommercial handbills ta be distributed if they're handed to sameone. You can`t just lea�e them around, but have to {ae physically handed t❑ someone. And then mo�ing t❑ 1�-2-9, which deals with private �raperty, does not allow commercial or nor�commer�ial handhills to he plaGed ❑n vehicles or deposited on praperty known to be vacant, t� be left on property posted far no trespassing, and sa fflrth. And then we get dawn to Q and E. D says y�u may leave commercial ar non�ommer�ial handbills on inhabited praperties if they're secured, I�UY [ilp�} E 58]15� "can only lea�e �ammerciai handbills if accepted by an accupant." 5o there are a couple of concerns nere as has heen noted. First ot alf, the distinction hetween commercia! and noncommercial handbills would be that there are same legal concerns with that. And then, the conflict between subsections 0 and E, where one says you can put commercia] if it's secured and the next one says you can oniy do commercial if it's a��epted by someane. 5n thase are the areas we want t❑ focus an this evening and Ivaking for your directi�n ❑n. The first one, w� think is fairly easy with regard to the cammercial �ersus the nancommercial. Ta make sure we are legal with regard to Constitutianal free speech, we just need to eliminate those distinctions and just talk about handbills regardless of commercial ar noncammercial. Our real question for Council this evening is with that �onflict between b ar�d E, and is it okay, ther�, far any handbill, whether commercial or non�ammercial, t❑ k�e left on property as lang as it's secured? �r do we want ta have any handbili that's left only if someone ae�epts it? And so again, that's the main direetian that we're looking for. Sa we can come bacEc ta yau with an ordinance that handles this the way you'd like to see it done. 5taff does have a concern at�out handbills that are left that are secured. 5ometimes, that secure nature isn't as secure as people think. They can still get bfown around, creating a fitter issue. And then alsa, if a person real�y isn't careful about it, if some�ady's aGtually occupying the property at the time or not, they cauld be left in front of homes where people aren't there for an extended period. And that then could create a pui�lic safety issue with same people that are going Page 23 of 45 TdWN DF FQUNTAIfIf HILLS SEPiEM6ER 1, 202fi T�WIV COUNCIL RfGULAR MEETING MINl1TE5 to be a4�le to re�ognize that it doesn't look like anybody's home. So those are cancerns with that. 6ut again, looking for Council dire�tian haw you'd like tfl see us address this. MAYdR FRIEaE�: Councilmember Watts? WATTS: Thanks, John. Can you tell me what a handb�ll is foy si2e, number of pages? Is there a consistent definition on commercia3 and residential? WE$LEY: Commercial ar noncommercial? Councilmember, I'd need to ga ba�k to the ❑rdinan�e. i didn't memorize that to just be al�le to say it. But I don't recall anything in the ordinance that cloes it by size. It is by content, really, if it has a commercial ❑r nancommercial nature to it. Give me just a second to get there. 5o again, 10-2-1 -- let's see. lt shauld be up. 5o it has a rather lengthy definition ❑f commercial handbill. And I caukd read the wY�ale thing, but it's -- again, it's rather lang. But I'fl just do the first part. "Any printed ❑r wt'itten matter of any sample or si2e, circular, leaflet, pamphlet, paper, booklet, or any other printed ❑r otherwise reproduced ariginal or copies of any matter ❑f literature." Then it goes into a more extensive -- WATfS: I think you had it when you said any si2e. WESLEY: Yes. And then, noncommercial, again, means "any printed ❑r written matter, any sample ar de�ice, circu€ar, leaflet, pamph4et, magazine, paper, booklet, or any ather printed or Qtherwise re{�roduced original copies af any matter of literature not included in definitions of commercial." S❑ it doesn't reference any size. WATTS: And is it the same for during the e�ectian seasons? WESLEY: Correct. WAiTS: 5a fhe election season takes priority o�er our ordinance, or �ice �ersa? WESLEY: 5o again, if it meets the definition �f a handbill, and mast of the materials that are left as part of ele�tion would today be considered, I belie�e, a noncommercial handbill. But they're still a hand4�ill. WATTS: flkay. And how da we determine if a residence, nancammer�iai facility is ❑��upied or not? WESLEY: I think that's ❑ne af the chaflenges with the �ode. It says inhabited, uninhabited, ar vacant. And sometimes, that`s difficult to say if samebody's just off for Page 24 nf 45 TaWN DF FaUN�AIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, Zp2G TDWN C�UNCIL REGULAR MEETING MIIVUTES an extended period or it's a winter �isitor or if it truly is a �acant property. WATT5: definitely a GhaElenge. WESLEY: Yes, it is. WATTS: Thanks. MAY�R FRIEDEL: Councilman? S}CILLIC�RN: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Dne thing that I just want ta refresh the staff and ❑ne thing that I wguld suppart is something that's drafted �ery narrawly t❑ protect First Amendment rights. The First Amendment is very �lear. "5hall nat" is actually in the First Amendment. 5o that the distinction between nonc�mmer�ial and �ommercial, that should be cleared up. And I ha�e e�ery right to past a Past-it nate on my neighbar's door. 5❑ i think we need ta remember that when we're drafting. And we want t❑ be �ery narraw, and we need to protect First Amendment rights. A�d that's what I would require if I'm going to �ote pro or �on. �ARFtAgEE: Thank you, Mayor. I would echo that sentiment. I appre�iate your identificatian ❑f the commercial and no�commercial disti�ction sfl that we can clear that up. And while writing this ardinance, I agr�e that we need to err on the side of freedam. I wauld like ta ensure that we're defending First Amendment rights. 6ut I will add that for pubiic safety �oncerns, I do agre� with that. 5ame hauses, when the Amazon packages start piling up, yau start to think, oh no, people are going to realize they'�e been gane for a whiie. 5� I would recommend s4me kind ❑f language in there �f ❑ut of sight from the street or something that just allows for us to protect the pri�acy of the hameowner as well as the First Amenc�ment rights of the handbill or -- I don't know what to call it, but thank you. KALIVIANAKIS: Thank yau, Mr. Mayar. And I'd like to address a c{uestion to our staff. And then after comment cards, I d� have a statement I'd like to make, too. And my first thing is, it's �ome up that there's a Constitutiona� issue whether yau have a right to go ❑n somebody's property and put a Post-it nate ❑n their door. And I was wondering, cauid we get a fegal opinion, or wauld that f�e permissible to have the Tawn Attorney weigh in? Is there such a Constitutional right? Page 25 of A5 TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS SERTEMBER 1, 2a25 T�WIV CflUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WRIGHT: Yeah. So as iong as there's no no trespassing signs, yau do have a right to ga to samebady's doar and, ! guess, leave something behind unless it becomes a nuisance. 5o there are issues with trash. So we can regulate whether ar not something is left behind or not �eft behind f�ecause there are esthetic issues. There's trash issues. This is actually in, I believ�, the part of our cacie that's litter in particular. 5o this is in t�e litter section of the code. Sa yau certainly ha�e a right to g❑ unless t�ere's a na trespassing sign, in which case you can't enter a person's premises without their appro�al. But you do hav� a right ta otherwise go ta sameone's daor. In regards t❑ lea�ing something i�ehind, again, this is a litter issue. 5o if you were to lea�e something #�ehind, it was unsecured, it would start blowing ar�und. It would �ot just remain ar� that pers�n's praperty. 5a I dan't -- it's hard t❑ say whether a P�st-it note wauld stick if it's a dusty daor and things lifte that. It's hard to say that's -- I'm not going to give a direct legal ❑pinion as t� w�,ether or not a Post-it note per se, but we can reg�late whether or nat things are left behind in a way that would cause litter in the neighbarhood. lCALIVlANAK15: Okay. Great. And then, let'sjust drill down on one more thing. ❑a we have the right as a Town to make the requirement that it's got ta be accepted by a person? WRIGH7: Yes. We can make the requirement that you cannot leave paper he}�ind. 5� we could say that -- you really have tw❑ c�aices that you can lea�e it behind secured or you can't leave it behind at all. And that would be legally permissit�le because it's a litter issue. Because the problem is, is whether ar nat it creates litter in the communities. KALIVIANAKIS: 5o both optiar�s that Mr. Wesley presented would b� permissible? WRIGNT: Yeah, The hig issue ❑n the legality right now that -- first of all, the big issue is that we ha�e inc�nsisten�ies. KALIVIANAKIS: Right. WRIGHT: The twa sectians cantradict each ather. 5o that's a prablem. And then, the main issue from a legal standpaint is the cammercia��noncammercial because that`s c�ntent regulatian. KALIVIANAKIS: Yeah. Thank you so much. And yeah. I agree we have to tie that Page 26 of 45 TOWN OF FDUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 TOWN CaIJNCIL REGLILAR iVIEETI3VG MINU7E5 taget�er far commer�ial�noncommercial. That's a no-brainer. Again, reserving my comment far later, I do ha�e concerns in the snowbird community and where peopfe take a lot of �acatians ha�ing acclamatian �sic] of all these brochurQs, fliers, lands�aping, all this kind of stuff in front of your house. But we'll address it after comment cards. Thank you. MAY�f2 FRIE�EL: Vice Mayar? EARL.E: Thank yau, Mayor. I just want to get clear on this. ls what you're saying is you're going ta ta1�e out the nancammercial ar commercial? It's just g�ing ta k�e all the same for hQth? WESLEY: Just handbiil. EARLE: So that's great. Anc# then I would ga alang with Cauncilwoman Larrahee -- I wanted t❑ say Tath -- E.arabee and Couneifman 5killicorn. If I understood him right, I would -- if we're just daing discussion here, what I would support is being able to leave the handbills, but out of sight. 5o I don't know if a Past-it note is in sight ❑r n�t, but it seems maybe it would he. Maybe you'd ha�e to hide the Post-it nate, but that would be my opinian. MAYQR FRIEDEL: Councilman? SKILLIC�RN: Thank y�u, Mr. Mayor. On note, it was kind af was brought up about if it's actualiy a�cepted by a person. I want ta remind you, the post office will leave a Post-it note an the door if a package requires a signature and nobody's home. Also, the same thing with Amazon. Th�y'il drap it ❑ff without e�en ringing your doorbell, and it's not acGepted by a persan. And to restrict that, I really don't see the post affi�e ❑beying it, t❑ be honest. Ar� we going t❑ be certain finding mailmen? I doubt it. And if we're nat going ta do t�at, I don't s�e this as being plausible. MAY�R FRIEDEL: Councilman? WATTS: I kind of like the idea ❑f prohibiting lea�ing it ❑ff the door because it eliminates pra�ess servers. On a lighter note, is putting it under a doormat with it sticking out from underneath a doormat a�ceptable? It's secure t�nder the doormat. 5❑ it's mare ❑f a legal questian. Page Z7 of 45 7OWN OF FDU�VTAfN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 20Z6 TOWN COUNCIL REGLfLAR MEETING MINUTES WRI�HT: Oops. There we ga. So I think the question is, is if you wanted it -- because I think the current statute states -- or current cade states that it must be se�ureci if it`s a noncommer�ial handbill. Sa under a daflrmat wauld be considered secured beGause the doormat is keeping it down. If the question is that if we wanted to change the �ode to be, it has to f�e securecf and aut ❑f sight, I would also think that under a daarmat, as lang as it's placed in a way that is not seen from the street -- we'd ha�e to say something aut af sight frflm the casual observer on a rflad, passerby ta a degree. So we'd have t❑ defir�e what we mean by out af sight. �aes it mean completeiy out af sight so it's completely under the doo�'mat and nQk�ody knows it's there? Probably not. But d� we need to make sure that it's not readily �isible fram the casual passerbyer {sic}, yes, if we're gaing to say it has to be out af sight. WATTS: That'll be interesting to try to define that where from the street you can't -- you can see a doarmat. MAYaR FRIEDEL: Pardan? WATTS: From the street, yau can't see a�aormat. It's flat. You can't see what's underneath it. If you put it underneath a doormat, the resident ar the errtity where the doormat is isn't gaing to be able to see it either. So you ha�e challenges �oth ways. WRIGHT: Yeah. I think there's prabably a way to put it under the doormat where it sti�ks aut enough where you �an see it as you open your door, but it's not �isible from the raad. WATTS: Thaf's what I wouid loak for. Right. WRIGHT: 5❑ I mean, if we were to craft a code that says that it has t❑ be secured and generally out of sight so it can't be visibfy ar readily seen from t�e street, that could be something that eould be administered to. I mean, are we going to give somebody a citation if you �an a�tually see? I think the general premise is what we dan't want t❑ have �appen is a pile of handbills an somebody's unoccupied residence, which I thinit we wauld still want to keep the language that exists that states that you generally shouldn't be doing -- Eike, if you go there and you see ten other handbills, you pro�ably shouldr�'t be the 11th. You probably shauldn't i�ave been the second or the third. The Page 28 of A5 TOWN OF FaUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, z02fi TaWH CQUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINI]iE5 first ane didn't know, but f�y the time you get to four or five or six, they know at that paint. MAYQR FRIEDEL: Do we have any camment cards? BENDER: Mayor, we do not ha�e comment cards. MAY�R FRIE�EL: ❑�Cay. �o we have any oCher question5 or �omments frorn Cauncil? Ga ahead. KALIVIANAKIS: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yeah. Again, I think we should consalidate the twa sectians. I thinEc it's a gaod call that yflu noticed the confliction. And if we're going ta straighten ❑ut this ordinance, I would be for handing it to the person. I just point ❑ut two things that I think the a�erage Fountain Hills resident -- I think if you polled the snowbirds, everyone w�uld say, yeah, dan't put that junk when we're gane. If you palled people that take vacations a lat, they would be 100 hundred per�ent, I don't want a bun�h ofj�nk on my daorstep. And I think if you po�ied the rest ❑f the population, they'ci �e like, no, I dan't e�en like junk mail in my mailbox. And s❑ do I war�t peaple coming up here and putting a bunch of fliers? Unfartunately, we live in the real world, so if there's two ar three ar faur, they're not going ta care. There are g�ing to be fi�e, six, and seven because they're paid to put these things out there and they're going to put it. 5a I think -- the average person in Fountain Hilfs would, 1 think, wauld be begging us, reject that. !f !'m hnme, they can give it to me. 1f I'm not, don't put all that junlc. And then, the other thing I just thinic I have t❑ point aut is the �onflict of interest that this Council has because every twa year$, we have election cycles. And so it is in our inter�st when everybody is aut d�ar-kna�king and sali�iting votes that we're all going ta lae �oting an something that's going to affect us. 1 think that all seven of us ar six should be re�used hecause we're biased. Of �aurse, we want to put political stuff on peaple's property. And s❑ I don't like that conflict. I think that's pr��ably why we're going ta vote for it be�ause it's going to be good for our husiness, the politicians. 6ut I don't think this is samething that the residents war�t. And that's all I ha�e. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. MAYDR FRIEaEL: DQ you have enough direction? Page 29 of 45 TQWN OF FDUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2U25 TaWN CDl1NCll. REGl1LAR MEETING MINLJYES WESLEY, Yes, Mayor. I belie�e sa. MAYDR FRlEQEL: A!I right. I dfln't see any other questions ar comments. 5o we appreciate your presentation. Thank you. Mo�ing ❑n ta item 9.�d.y. Town Manager, Rachael? GOO�WIN: Thanit you, Mayor. Paul's gaing to introduce this item. This item really is up for discussion at a Council le�el. He's going ta autline same af the tacts araund the proposed stipend increases, and then we will turn it aver far yau guys for tfiscussion. Paul? SOL�INGER: A!I right. Welcame back, Mayor, Vice Mayor, ar�d Cauntil. Thank yau for the opportuniCy. Just like Ra�hael mentioned, I'll just gi�e same brief backgraund and turn it a�er to you for discussion. S❑ Mayor` and Council compensation was first established 6ack in April of 1592. I belie�e I was in elementary schaol back then. It's been a long time. Probai�ly just starting elementary school at the time. $30D per month for Cauncilmembers, $400 per month for the Mayor at that time. Then in 20QQ, tompensatian far the Cauncil was adjusted to current amounts, s❑ it's been in place since 20D4 at $400 per manth for Cauncilmembers and $6�� per month for the Mayar. Town Code in Arizona law does allow the Council to adjust ❑r approve in�reased �Qmpensatian by a resolution. The Tawn �auncil did consider a similar resalution, Z�25-18, last May. It was denied hy a 3-4 vote during that meeting to increas� the amounts ta $75� for the Coun�ilmembers and $1,1�� per m�nth for the Mayar. But after that fact, the Council did have a couple mare con�ersations about this subject. There was some con�ersation at the June 17th, 2�25 regular meeting. And we spe�ifically had a wark session discussing Town staff ar�d Council pay at t�e time. And sfl during thase con�ersations, we were directed there was enough Councilmember interest t❑ r��isit this subject. And so tonight, we're reconsidering a similar resolution, but a different resolution, 2�26-�4, which re�isits the idea of increasing the base stipend pay starting in december af 24Z5 ta $75� per month for the Councilmembers, $�,1�Q per month for the Mayor. And just ta knaw, there will be another agenda item right after this alsa cansidering whet}�er Councilmember Page 3U of 45 T�WN OF FflUNTAIN NILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2U�fi T�WN COUNCIL REGULAR MEEiING MINUTES member stipends could be aligned with Town staff pay adjustments. 5a with that, i'll turn it back t❑ the Caun�il far further discussion. I{ALIVIANAKIS: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Cauld we just clear up a stipend �ersus a salary? Because we got a!ot af comment cards, and I got a lat af feedba�k from the publiC. And it seems iiEce they're interc�ranging thase twa te�-ms with abandon. Is t�ere a difference between salary and a stipend? 50LDINGER: Mayar, Caunci�woman Kali�ianakis, I'd say there is. In this regarcf, it's kind af interchangeable. But a stipend is typically for your everyday expenses, right? Tra�eling, offi�e supplies, use of your affice, things like that. And so that's haw we'�e characterized the stipend far the Council is eovering yaur e�eryday costs ta ca�er yaur responsifailities. 5alary pr other compensation is typtcally far the duties being perfarmed. 5o that is how it's characterized in the resofution. KALIVIANAKIS: Thank you for clearing that up be�ause f think that's samething that's �een missed by a lot af people. And that was my definitian, �DQ, that stipends are usually associated with colleges, universities for ladging and far c�ntinuing education, those type of things. And sa because some ❑f the camment cards are like, well, yeah, let's give them a higher salary t�ecause we'll attra�t better Coun�ilmem�Oers in the future, which is probably a good argument. But then, we should -- I think we should be talking about giving aursel�es a salary and not a stipend. And then we Can set that salary according to maybe other towns and muni�ipalities. But that's nat a �onversation that we're having tonight. And sa my last questian to you would be, have Cauncilmembers came t� you saying that this stipend of �400 for the Council and 6�❑ far the Mayor is simply nat enough for their continuing educatian and far their daily expenses ❑f being ❑n the Council? Has that been a problem that Councilmembers are caming to you and yau're having to decide whether they should be approved or nat as expenses? 50LQiNGER: Mayor. Councilwoman� no. I wauldn't say that that's been a regular cdnversatian. It's really been mare at a Cauncil level. There have been some �an�ersatians about it simply just not being adjusted for 25 years to account for Page 31 of 45 TQWN OF F�l1NTAlN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2U26 �OWN COLJNCIL REGULAR MEETING MNVUTE5 inflation. T�at's really the internal conversatians that have been had. But n❑ particular Councilm�mber has discussed that with res�ect ta t{�at ta me. KALIVIANAKIS: �kay. 5o this isn`t ❑n the agenda. trying to fix a prablem. It's just maybe addressing samething that hasn't been dealt with for a long time. Fair statement? S�LDINGER: Councilwoman, that's how I'd characterize it based on my understanding. But again, tt`s a Cauncil-driven discussiat�. 5o I dan't want to put words in anyone's mouth in this con�ersation. KALIVlANAKIS: ❑kay. SOLbINGER: Yeah. But 1 appreciate the question. KALiViANAK15: Thank you. LARRABEE: Thank you. 7hank you, Mayor. And thank yau, Paul. One thing to note is I was two years ofd when this current stipend was set, maybe less than two years old. ! didn't loak at the manth. But when we're talking about bringing this up for inflation, I think it's really important t❑ note that technically, this amount t�at we're changing it t� is less than what $4DQ was worth in that year per month. So as we know, the worid nas changed a Ivt in 25, 26-ish years. And I think we ne�d t❑ set that mindset of this is less than what we were paying �urselves in 2000 as far as the �alue ❑f the money. ❑n top ❑f that, if we ha�e concerns regarding cost, k haven't figured ❑ut the exact dollar figure, hut I know I personally ha�e taken unpaid time off from my positiar� to be able ta attend �audget meetings, various Town e�ents over the four years that !'�e #�een on Council. I would not be sur{�riscd if my gas from where I work in Ahwatukee, my last hours at work pro4�ably acid up ta about this amaunt. ❑n t�p of that, something that has been part of the �on�ersation in our past talks abvut this has been whether or not this Caunci[ is accessible to peopfe who work. At this pr�sent moment befare passing this resolutian, it is simply not. I actually -- when I was running for affice, I had someone sit me dawn and ask me what I was up to because th�re's no way s4meflne in their 20s was dumb enough to do this, lasing as much m�ney as yau would. And I literally had to cor�vince h�m that this wasn't some kind of weird Hannah taking o�er t�e world thing. I do not f�elieve that Page 32 of 45 TQWN �F FOUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER ]., 2a2fi TQWN C�UNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTfS government affi�ials should be o�erly campensated. But I da believe that it's a little silly that we were being Gompensated so low that people thaught I was up t❑ s�mething be�au$e I was a young person, nanretired, trying t❑ run. S❑ I'm not saying we need a whale Cauneil ❑f people in their 2�s, but a fot af peop�e wark even if they are retirement age. A lot af people still work, If they're getting paid hourly, they're getting screwed if they run for Council. 5a that is why I suppart this. WATTS: Are we going to �ote ❑n this tonight? We are? MAY�R FRIEDEL: Yeaf�. WATTS: Okay. Then my pasition is reai simple. When we were all running for seats on the �our�cil, this was never raised. And everybody on this Council knew what the stipend was whether it was compensatfan or nat. I think it's disingenuaus anci self-serving to raise it ourselves today so that we benefit from it. I think that if we wanted t❑ in�rease it now, it should be for the next Council. It shouldn't be for this Couneil, the people that are seated on it. And far that reasan and several others, I'c! he a no when we �ote for this. LARRABEE: I had a clarifying question. Paul, at what date does this increase �ome into effect? 50LdINGER: 5o Mayor, Councilwoman Larrabee, based an the resfllutian as drafted, it wauld begin Decem�ier of 2D26 for when the new Councilmemf�ers would be seated. But there wauld be existing Coun�ilmembers on the dais still, LARRABEE: Right. S❑ techniCally speaking, there is n❑ passible reality where a Town Council could appr�ve this and it wauld last for a brand new Council because there's always three veterans on the Cauncil. 50LD� NG ER: 7hat logi� passes. Yes. LARRABEE: Thank yau. 50LQIfVGER: ! believe. GOO[7WIN: You can actualiy pass it far the '2$ ar far a future Cauncil -- 50LDINGER: 5ure. GDODWIN: -- when none ❑f the -- any af the body is still availabie. Page 33 of 0.5 TOWN flF FOUNTAIN H1LL5 SEPTEMBER 1, ZOZ6 T�WN COi13VCIL REGl1LAR MEETliVG MINUTES LARRABEE: And we would assume that none of those peaple are running for reelection ❑r a�ready plan ta run for reelection. G�ODWIN: Correct. LARRABEE: I happen to know of people who d❑ plan to run for reelection. So I think that the reasQn that this has nat been dealt with in 25 years is be�ause we keep saying things like this of, we�l, it shauldn't loe far us. Well, we shouldn't start it naw. Well, if we do it for the next Council. Well, I dar�'t want to k�ring it up because peaple get mad abaut it. And that's how we got �5 years �Oehind. And in a lot of ways, I view this issue similarly to our downtawn praject. It's a can that kept getting kieked down the road until it was an alarm going off. Thank you. EARLE: Thank you, Mayor. I}ust want to g❑ off af Hannah's comment as well. This was brought up w�en Ginny was the mayor. And I know we called her k�lue, f�ut Sharon, right, was an the Cauncil at t�at time. They did not �ote for it because they said it would ha�e t❑ be a futur� Coun�il. 5o haw mat�y times are we going to keep saying it's a future Coun�il? If we �ote now, it is for future Cfluncil and going forward. At some paint, there's going to be a few people ❑n here that will benefit. But it's going -- it �an't go int❑ effect until the new Council is seated �ecember 1st. I€cind of see it as selfish ta not do it for future Coun�il, so. Alsa, we're bringin� it back again. !t's just an adjustment t❑ restoratian, nat a raise. And if this was what they felt was the amount, $�1Q0, I see it as 26 years later because we're in 2�26. At what point does it became almost moat, t�at amount of money, if inflatian keeps gaing forward? WATT5: I think I like the idea af voting on it for the 20z8, maving it out inta t�e distance where we may ❑r may not be on the Council at that point. We may or may n�t run. But right naw, aur fidu�iary respansik�ility is the �inances of this tawn. And put the Town first and forem�st, not ourselves. And it's self-enriching if you're sitting an the Cauncil and yau're going to be benefited by the increase right now starting in December. It's dising�nuous ta say, why didn't we talk ahout it during the election cycle? Nobody raised this during the elec'tion cycle. And yet, everybody knew. I think that's th� part that becames self-serving taday. And yes, at some point we'�e got ta do it. Push it ta Page 34 of 45 TQWN �F F�UN�'AIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2U26 TDWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 202$, and I'll be a supporter. Right now, I'rn not going to be a supporter for ❑ecember. MAYDR FRIEdEL: Da we ha�e any Gomment cards, Town Clerk? BENDER: Mayar re�ei�ed 15 anline cards. Ten were for this item, five were against. We have three speaEcers. Those speakers are, in this order, Gregg Dudash, Linda Somo, and Lari Troller. QU�ASH: Gregg �udash, Fauntain Hills resident. And wel�ome back, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council. This is a �ery interesting questian. And a lot vf people are canfused abaut it. First of all, the state law, it �ann�t take effect until the next new Cauncil session. So if you were ta do it in January, it would kick out to anather twa y�ars. The thing is, it`s been 25 years, 26 years since we've looked at tnis, okay? My professional background, I wauld technically be called a suf�jeCt matter expert. And the reasan fQr that is master's degree in human resources, o�er a dazen years in persannel, my first five years were in campensation and benefits in a put�fic sector environment in Chicaga. I actually workeci on the pfan to bring the rate ❑f our �omrnissioners up. 50 I've done this. And let me tell you how -- the first prabl�m is p�aple think that this is a raise. And they're saying, you're going to double the persan's salary. This is not a raise. A raise is a merit increase. That has t❑ do with the individual, In �ompensation, we're looking at the classification here. There's two classes, actually. And we look at the class. And the incumbent is separate from that. It daesn't matter who's in it. And these are alsa what we would call a single-rate class, meaning it doesn't change. Whether yau're in for four minutes or fflr faur years, that pay is always the same. And by the way, this is a salary. This is what it is. We ha�e not iaaked at this jn 25 years. As a compensation professional, I shake my head and say, that's a prohiem. Let me te11 you how we would go about daing this. We start with the job descriptians af the twa classifications. We then ga out and we find similar flrganizatians; in this case, municipalities. We loak at if they have similarjofos. And guess what? Perfect match, Every municipality has counci�members. E�ery municipality, for the mast part, has a mayar. So we have a perfect match there. I looked at it, and I limited it to East Valley far a number of reasons. But t❑ simplify it -- and I'm looking at s+x different Page 35 of 45 7OWN �F FOUNTAIN FkILLS 5EPTEMBER 1, 2U25 TOWH COl1NCIL REGULAR ME�71NG MIiVUTES municipalities -- tt�ere are three municipalities that don't pay cauncil ar mayor anything. And as yau can imagine, Paradise Valley is in there. The problem with that is, is that yau end up getting retired millionaires filling the position. And you don`t g�t the stratifi�ation ❑f earnings that you want ta bring into an elected pasitian. S❑ it's important to pay for these twa pasitians. � went and 1 laoked, and you're going t❑ be shocked at what gaes on here. 7he a�erage is seven Cimes more than the �urrent rate. That's not se�en percent, se�en tim�s mare. We are sa far behind that we're literally a joke. The least paid was Apa�he Junctian. They had been double what yau are paid now. They finally kicked it up to the municipal a�erage. And by th� way, everybody else is also doing the autnmatic compensation. 5o the bottam line is, I'm going to recommend the amount for mayor should k�e �5,��0. The amnunt far cauncikmembers shauld be $3,D��. That is the average. MAYDR FRIEbEL: I hate t❑ interrupt you, but your time is up. QLJDASH: Well, you'll do what you're going t❑ do, but that`s my recommendation. MAYOR FRIE�EL: Thank you. ❑UDASH: Thank you. 50M0: Mr. Mayor, Councilmembers, my name is l.inda 5�mo. And I am a resident of Fountain Hills. Na one is denying that there is time, effort, and sometimes yaur own resources required to da the job that yau're daing. But let me a!s❑ remind you that it's not a job. It's a ci�ic duty. W� did not hire you. We �oted for you. And you are ser�ing ❑ur community. I 6elie�e that you do need a stipend because af the time, effort, and any losses that you might ha�e experienced he�ause of having t❑ miss haurs fln your job. But an 83 percent increase immediately for anyane wha's �urrentfy on the CounGil and will continue to ser�e, ❑r 87 percent increase for the mayar wh� will continue ta serve seems a bit out af proportion. I thoraughly agree with Cauncilmember Watts. And it seems very self-serving that you would �ote on it naw. As was recammended, if you just postpone it until yourJanuary meeting, it woufd not ga into �ff�ct until th� 2�28 counsel takes effe�t. And by then, it could be anybody. It might not be anyone who's currently �n the dais, and yau �ould at least say, this wasn't self-serving. I'm Page 3fi of 45 TOWN DF FaUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2U26 TOWfV COUNCIL REGULAR MEE7ING MlNUTES daing it for future Council. 5o I would encourage yau to postpone this at least. And at the very least, if yau choose t❑ pass this tanight, da not attach it to automatic increases for staff in the future. Talk about self-serving, that is extremely self-serving. MAYQR FRIE�EL: That's a different agenda item. That's a different agenda item. And if you want ta come up and talk to that ane, you can. SOMO: I understand that. MAY�R FRIEDEL: We're not conflating the tw❑ right now. 50M0: Thank you. But I thought I would mentian that since it is the next item. Thank you. MAYDR FRfEbEL: Thank you. TROLLER: Hi. Lori Troller. i didn't as�C to speak, hut I'll take it anyway. 5a I'm going to take Rick's perspecti�e and flip it a little. If yau guys had the salary that Gr`egg just said, seven times -- if we were at the rate where we should be, would we ever come and say, we're going to be fiscally resp�nsible and we're gaing to take seven -- we're going to reduee our salary -- the pay -- by seven times? Would we ever be at the level where we should be and say, we're being fis�ally responsible, and cut it? Wauld you ever ga bacEcwards? You wouldn't. I don't think y�u would. 5❑ it's the same argument. But I honestly belie�e -- I'm in the pri�ate sector. If I wasn't getting paic! at the current rate, !'cf pick a different job. So I'm just saying, take that same argument, go the other way. I don't think you'd cut it. UNID�N71FIEb SPEAKER: We can't hear you. TRDLLER: 5o that's it. Should I say it again? 5he �ouldn't hear me. Should I say it again? Could you hear me? I'm right here. �h, there it is. So f can restate that, but that's my thaught. We're good? �kay. Thanks. LARRABEE: 7hank yau, Mayor. I tiid want ta pro�ide a quick Glarification that one af the suggested solutions wauld t�e to pastpone this to the January meeting. At that time, the three new Cauncilmembers w�uld be sworn in ar�d therefore, also �oting for their own stiperrd in�rease. �ust wanted ta pro�ide that clarification. KALIVIANAiClS: Dkay. Thank you. Gerry. Yeah, I would I'd he much more amenable if Page 37 of �E5 T�WN QF FOUN7AIN MILLS SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 TDWN CQLJAlCIi REGIJLAR MEETING MINLITES we w�re gaing t❑ make this ef�e�tive be�emfoer of '28, like was mentioned earlier. I'm still a�ittle bothered k�y the fact that we're addressing this tanight, just because it hasn't been addressed in a number of years. The questian of whether the Council has estabiished a sufficient �asis to justify an in�rease of this magnitude hasn't been established. It wasn't in the staff report, and it wasn't really Calked ak�out. Before elected officials vote ta substantial�y increase the compensation attached t❑ ❑ur office$, I believe there shauld be an objecti�e basis for daing so that would include warkload analysis ar a compensation study, whi�h, again, were not in aur packet. I ha�en't seen that analysis ❑r any other objecti�e analysis that demonstrates why this is warranted. It's an 83- ar 87-percent increase. To me, it's 1QQ perGent. And that's a lot. Based ❑n that information today, if somebody would want to make a matian to mayk�e put this in a couple of years from now, I'd be mu�h more amenable to �ote yes. 6ut at this point, I'm going ta vote na. MAY�R FRI�DEL: Vice Mayor? EARLE: I'd like to make a motian to pass as is. LARRABEE: 5eeond. MAYdR FRIEDEL: We Y�a�e a motion and a second. Can we get a roll call, please? BEIVDEf�: Councilmember Larrat�ee? LARRABEE: Aye. BENDER: Councilmember 5killicorn? SKiLLICDRN: No. BENDER: Coun�ilmember Kalivianakis? KALIVIANAKIS: No. BENDER: Councilmember Watts? WATTS: No. BENDE�: Vi�e Mayor Earle? EARLE: Aye. BENDER: And Mayor Friedel? MAYDR FRIED�L: Aye. Page 38 of 45 TOWN flF FQl1NTAIN HILLS SEPTEM6ER 1, 2�Zfi TOWN CaUNCIL REGULAR MEfTING MINUTES BEN�ER: Mayor, 3-3. MAYQR FRIEbEL: Yeah. 5o that's a no. Thank yau. We'li move vn ta item E. Well, item E is really maot now, right? Yeah. We dan't e�en need to address item E. SKILLECORN: Wouldn't it still apply? EARLE: Yeah. Why waufd it not apply? MAYDR FRIEbEL: Oh, well. G��DWlN: Even if yau dan't adjust the stipend -- MAYOR FRIEbEL.: Yeah, you could -- GDODWIN: --1 believe the salaries as taday -- MAYpR FRIE�EL: All right. 5a we'�I mo�e an to item E, which is the cost-of-living increase. 50LDINGER: A11 right. Ma�ing on. Mayor and Council, this one, this is resQlution 2026-05. Similar background; Tawn Code and Arizona law do allow far the Caun�il ta apprave increased �ompensati�n by resaiution. 5o as you know, during the budget discussions, the Council appro�es a annual general adjustment for Town staff. So this year, for fiscal year'27, it was 3.8 percent for Town staff. Hawever, as we'�e discussed, the Counctl stipends �ave not received annual adjustments. Again, you'�e had con�ersations ❑n the subj�ct, and there was inCerest in �isiting this particular item. 50 we drafted resoiution 2�Z5-a5, whi�h would align annual increases between Council stipends, annual �awn staff pay adjustments. And this would begin with next fiscal year 202$. MAY�R FRIEbEL: Councilman? SKILLlCORN: Thanlc yau, Mr. Mayar. I'd like t❑ make a motion t❑ appro�e resolution 2025-05 as drafted. LARRABEE: Secand. MAY�R FRIE�EL: ❑a we have any camment cards on this one? BENDER: Mayar, we have 7.1 speaker cards that were turned in online; 3 for anc! 8 against. And then we have ❑ne speaker card. It's Gregg Dudash. MAYDR FRIEDEL: He's declining to speak. 5o we ha�e a motion and a second. Can we Page 39 nf 45 TOWN OF FQUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEM6ER 1, 2a�6 TDWN CDUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MlNUTES get a roll calE on this one? KALIVIANAKIS: Could I just address this ��ry quickly? MAY�R FRIE�EL: Sure. KALIVIANAKIS: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Again, I think with the stipend falling down, I just Googled when d❑ people get pay raises? And that's basically when theirjfl6 duties graw, their perfarmance excels. And there's a list af reasans that people get pay raises. Again, with a stipend, if people spend more money on training or education ❑r gas miieage, they �an turn it in as a voucher to the appropriate persan, iown staffer. Just putting a C��A in a stipend, to me, it's a nonsequitur. It doesn't make sense. MAY�R FRIEdEL: Councilwoman? LARRABEE: Thank yau, Mayor. I'd lilce to paint aut a change in wording t❑ 6enefit a certain narrati�e. When we were talEcing abaut the difference between a stipend and a salary, it was elarified that that was ta do with cast. Naw, we've Goflgled whether peap�e get pay raises for anything other than job performanee. If we're referring ta cost, it makes ��en more sense forthis to be a�justed with the cost-of-li�ing adjustment of our Tawn staff because, again, as inflati�r� increases, your money goes down in value. That's why we all knaw that if we bury cash under a mattress, you're technically losing maney. But if you in�est it, you might k�e earning money. It's the same difference. With infiatian of each year, cost-of-living increases. And therefore, this wauld increase the stipend as it was s� clarified in the last item for the Council members. Thank you. MAYQR FRIEDEL: Cauncilman? WAT75: Paul, when would the cost-of-living adjustment take place? 5ame tim� frame that staff? 50LDINGER: Yes. WATT5: And what month is that? SOLDINGER: 5o Mayor, Councilman Watts, so fln�e the budget is adopted in July, the �ery first full pay period in 1uly, that's when we apply the adjustment. WATTS: S❑ this wouldn't take effect untif next July? 50L�INGER: J�ly of 2027, yes. Page 40 of 45 TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS SEPTEMBER 1, ZOZ6 TOWN CDUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINl1TE5 WATTS: Thanks. MAYDR FRIEdEL: �kay. We have a motian and a second. Can we get a roll �all, please? BENDER: Cauncilmember KalivianaEcis? KALIVIANAKIS: Nay. 6EN�ER: Cauncilmember Larrabee? LARRABEE: Aye. B�NpER: Councilmember Watts? WATT5: Aye. gEN�ER: Councilmember 5killicorn? 5KIL�IC�RN: Yes. BEN�ER: Vice Mayor Earle? EARLE: Aye. BENbER: And Mayor Friedei? MAYflR FRI EaEL: Aye. BENDER: Mayor, 5-1. MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank yau. Thank you, Paul. We'll mave on now to the call to the puhlic. Town Clerk, do we have any speakers? BENQER: Mayar, we have ❑ne card, Ann Kinnie. KINNIE: Good evening, Mayor and Councilmembers. My concern is cell phone use. I've lived in two states. I'm sarry. I'�e lived in twa states in the years since cell phones have been on �ur badies and part of our lives. In thase two states, towns had similar governments; a mayor, tawn council. And until I moved to Fauntain Hi11s, I ne�er saw some members of the Town Council ❑n their cell phones during meetings. I d�n't think many of you are aware ❑f the optics that came afong with that. I was in education my whale career. Our phones stayed at ❑ur offices, not in a meeting. And I think that's som�thing you s�aulc! or may at least cansider because sometimes, it looks -- there's some dtsinterest. And at the worst -- and I don't know any other way t❑ describe it -- it sometimes laoks like some ❑f you are waiting to hear from your handl�rs, spouses, Page 41 oi 45 TOWN �F F�UNTAIN HILES SEPTEMBER 1, 202fi TDWN Cfll1NCIL REGULAR M�ETING MINUTES someone before you answer or contribute to a conversation. And I dan't think that's the obje�t or the aptics that you'd like ta portray ta yaur cor�stituents. And if yflu go ba�k and watch any of the last Cauncil meetings Che last -- I've �ome to about half, and I watched about half online. If you can be ❑bjective and watch some of these online, you'll see that I'm pretty accurate that there's a lot of heads down on your phanes. And i just personafly -- maybe it's my bugahoo, laut I find it unprofessiar�al and almost offensi�e. ThanEc you. MAY�R FRIEDEL: 7hank yau. Any other speakers? No. Okay. We'll mn�e �n ta CounGil discussion and direction ta the Tawn Manager. Anybody have anything they need to bring up? Any future agenda items, Rick? WATTS: I'd kind of like to get an update an where we`re at with t�e e-bike situation. Do you ha�e that, or is t�at something for Capt. Thomas? GaODWIN: 5a it'll be a joint -- It's still a joint conversation between Capt. Thomas and -- well, you had Ke�in 5nipes also affer sart of the perspective from the park side of things. The direction that we recei�ed was to kind of see if we cfluld collab�rate to impro�e our current ardinan�es. That is still underway. And I dan't want to put Capt. Thomas on the spot right now -- WATTS: ❑h, g❑ ahead. GDODWIN: -- but there is a conversation. I knflw Kevin Snipes is not here tonight. But it is on the docket for further effort later this fall. WATTS: Thank you. KALIVIANAKIS: Okay. Thank you, Jerry. �achael, if you recall the former Council, I did make a motian far future business t❑ eliminate these things fram the dais. And I did get a second and a third. This was under farmer Mayor ❑ickey, and it never did get a hearing. So there really is still a future agenda item lurking flut there for the efiminatiar� of �ell ph�nes during Cauncil meetings. I don't know if we can get a legal opinion, maybe later ar samething. And is a future agenda item that was legally put on the future agenda that was ne�er broug�t up Page 42 of 45 T�WN OF FDIJNTAIN HILLS SEPTEM6ER 1, 2025 TOWN COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES by the rnayor, could we be w�lling to stil� entertain that? ❑oes it time aut? And I made the mation, sa I knaw. G�ODWfN: 5ure. I would need tfl g❑ hack and actually re�iew -- KALIVIANAKIS: Yeah. GDOQWEN: -- what that was. KALIVIANAKIS: Yeah. GD�QWIN: And I'm sure -- I mean, I can work with Jen to gi�e y�u a fallQw-up an that ❑ne. KALIVIANAKIS: Okay. Great. Thank you. GO��WIN: Um-hum. MAYDR FRIEdEL: Councilman? SKILLICORN: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I actually ha�e three future agencia items that I'd like to propose. One is an ordinance regulat€ng automatic license pfate readers if I've gat a�ouple seconds on that. WATTS: I'd second that ane. LARRABEE: I would third it. 5KILLIC�RN: All right. Next one wauld be a discussion, basically having, like, a policy on water usage. ❑hviously, we would have t❑ double-check what's I�gal state-law-wise and zoning-wise. 6ut I'd like to ha�e a com�rehensi�e water discussian for the Tawn if we'�e got two se�onds an that. WATT$: Can I get some cfarification on what you're trying to get? 5KIl.LIC�RN: Well, the ❑pen Meetings Act wauld prohibit me from talking abaut same of the details of it. But my vision is we're going tQ have to discuss it as a Council and see where our preferences lay to mo�e farward. But it's also go�d to have this in the publi� s❑ pe�ple know where we stand on the issue. WATTS: 5a it's realky a direction to staff more than anything else? S�CILLIC�RN: Yeah. 5a I'm not proposing an ordinance. I want the Council ta direct our att�rney to came up with a-- and it may not he an artiinan�e. {t may not be a�le do anything legally. 6ut also, it eould be multiple ❑rdinances. It Could be something we Page 43 of 45 TDWN QF FDUNTAIN HILi.S SEPTEMBER 1, 2�26 TQWN CaUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINLJTES add ta aur strategic plan, things �iEce that. WATTS: I think I'd second that. I'd think it'd be good for the publi� t❑ knaw the steps that we'�e taken, just like the corner of Shea and Fountain Hills goule�ard and the thausands and thousands ❑f gallans that we'�e saved there. I think it would be two million? Wow. 5o yes, I would be a second an that. 5KILLIC�RN: And my third is just a minor re�isian in rules. I know we talked about this spring, I thirrk. ! just think how things are operating, I just think we want to ha�e a minor ciarifi�ation an rules. I dan't knaw if I have a second and third on that. MAYDR FRIEb�L: Rules as they can concern what now? SKILLICdRN: I think the �pen Meeting A�t wauld prohibit me from gaing inta it in depth. G�D�WEN: Counciimember, are yflu talking Rules of Pracedure? SKILLICORN: Yes, yes. GDOpWIN: Okay. I believe there is a tentati�e holci date for a Rules of Pracedure work sessian because there's a number of �hanges that have come through from the staff side and through ❑ur clerk's �ffice. 5a there is a pfan far that. Is that something -- did you have a time line you're looking to -- SKILLICORN: Again, none af this is like, oh, it has to happen next week-type stuff. I reali2e if we're adding a whole bunch of things an the agenda, it takes time. �oo�w�N: okay. SKILLICaRN: This was a eouple specific things that I wanted t❑ make sure are real clear. GQQbWIN: Qkay. MAYOR FRIE�£L: That's w�ere I was going. I wanted tfl know wi�at rules. Ru1es af Procedure. �kay. Thank you. KALIViANAKlS: Motion to adjourn. SKILLICaRN: Second. MAYDR FRIEDEL: AI[ in fa�or? ALL: Aye. MAYOR FRIEflEL: All right. We're adjourned. ihankyou. Page 44 of 45 TQWIV DF fQUNTAIN HILLS SEPTfMBER 1, 2026 TOWiV COUNCIL REGULAR M�ETIfVG M�NLJTES Ha�ing no further business, Mayor Gerry Friedel adjourned the regular meeting of the Town Cauncil at 7:13 p.m. APPR�VED: � � GERRY FRI EL, MAYQR ATTE5T: � � ` ���-C�h�le��- BEVE N J. B N�ER, TDWN CLERK � ����� CERTIFICATION I HERE6Y CERTIFY THAT THE F�REGDING MINUTES ARE A TRL.IE AND CORRECT COPY OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR TOWN CDUNCIL MEETING OF TNE TDWN C�LINCIL, FQUNTAIN HiLLS, ARIZ�NA HELD ❑N SEPTEMgER 1, 2fl25. I Fl1RTHER CERTIFYTHATTH� MEETING WAS DULY CALLED ANQ HEL❑ AND THAT A C2U�RL1M WA5 PRESENT. � , `t � �C� �.1� BEVEL N J. B NdER, T�WN CLERK � �R �p e�s�C.`� Page 45 of 45