HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026.0915.TCRS.MINUTES.APPROVEDTOWN �F F�UNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES DF THE REGIJLAR SESSIDN
OF THE F�UNTAIN HILLS TOWN C�LJNCIL
5ept�mkaer 15, 2Q26
A Regular 5ession of the Fauntain Hills Tawn GounGil was �vnvened at 5:3� p.m.
Members Present: Mayo� Gerry M. Friedel: Vi�e Mayvr Gayle Earle;
Councilmember RiGk Watts; Coun�ilmemf��r Peggy 1111cMahan; Councilmember
Brer�da J. Kalivianakis; Councilmember Hannah Larrabee; Councilmember Allen
5killicorn
5taff Present: ❑eputy Town Manager ❑avid Trimbl�; Town Attarney Jennifer
Wright; ❑eputy Towr� Clerk Angeia Padgett-Espiritu
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TOV11[11 OF F�UNTAIf�I HIliS
SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 REGl1LAR TaWN CDi1NCll 14�EETlNC MfNU7E5
Past-Praduction File
Tawn af Fnuntain Hills
Regular Tawn Council Meeting Minute5
Sep#ember 15, 2026
Transcription �rovided 6y:
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7rans�ription is pr�vided in order to facilitate cammunication accessibility and may not
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Page 1 of 32
TQWIU pF FQUNTAlfV HILi�5
SEPI EM6ER 15, 202C REGUl.7R iQ4Yt� COUiVCiL MEETiNG I+/lINUT�S
MAYOR FRIE�EL: I'd like ta call this meeting to order. Would yau please rise for the
Pledge of Allegiance?
ALL: I pledge allegiance to the flag af the United 5tates of America, and to the Republic
far whi�h it stands, one nation, under Gad, indivisible, with fiberty and justice far all.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: And if you choase to remain standing, our in�o�ator tonight will k�e
Kerry 5chneider, director af Promised Land preschaal at Christ Church in Fauntain Hills.
SCHN�IbER: Go�d evening. Thank you for allowing me to come and pray for your
Coun�il meeting taday.
Lord Gad, creator of all, we thank you for the beautiful Town of Fountain Hills and for
the people who call ifi hame. We come before yau and ask fflr your wisdom and
guidan�e this evening.
Gi�e the Mayar, Cauncilmembers, and staff, �lear minds, open hearts, and a spirit af
eooperation to make decisions tha# will honor you, and be fnr the common gaod ❑f the
citizens they serve.
We also ask you, Lord, ta help e�eryone in attendance this e�ening t❑ be respectful of
differing opinions, realizing that we are all made in your image. It's in Jesus name we
pray. Amen.
MAY�R FRIEdEL: Thank you. Town Clerk, can I get a roli call, please?
BENQER: Mayor Friedel.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Present.
BENDER: Vice Mayor Earle.
EARtE: Present.
6ENQER: Councilmember 5killicorn.
SKILLIKDRN: Present.
BENDER: Councilmember Kali�ianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Here.
B�NdER: Councilmember Watts.
WATTS: Present.
BEN�ER: Coun�ilmember Larrabe�.
Page Z of 32
7�WN C]F Fc]iJN�AI�i H{L!5
SEPTfMRE�t 35, 202F+ I;�GULP.R COWfW CQLfNCIL MEF'fl�1G MiNUTES
LARRABEE: Here.
BENDER: Coun�ilmember McMahan.
MCMAHON: Here.
BENDER: We ha�e a quorum.
MAYOR �RIE�EL: Thank you. We'll move on now to our summary of current tawn
events hy our �eputy Town Manager, Dave Trimble.
Qave?
�RIMBLE: Thank you. Thank you, Mayor and Cauncil. Gflad to be here, filling in far
Rachael.
This weekend was busy at Fauntait� Park. The �ommur�ity gathered on 5eptemher 11th
ta remember the lives lost and those affe�ted by the attacks ❑f 5eptember 1�.th, for the
25th anni�ersary for that, Fountain Park also hasted the Fountain Nills High School Cross
Country In�itational on Saturday, which braught approximately 1,��0 runners to town.
Also, work is nearing campletion on the acfditional eastbound lane an Shea Bouie�ard
between Palisacies and Fountain Hills Baulevard. That segment has k�een clased recently
fln several nights, and — but we expect the praject ta be complete within the next few
weeks. 5o that's the goad news there.
5taff �ontinues working with EpCQR �n the Palisades Boule�ard water main work, as
well as current maintenance activity, and we'll continue ta keep residents informed as
we -- as that wark maves forward.
Laoking forward, Ballet Arixona will present the Free Bailet Under the 5tars at Fountain
Park at 7 p.m. on Thursday, 5eptemk�er Z4th. Oktaberfest. friday and Saturday,
October 2nd and 3rd, at Centennial Pavilion is coming up.
Anc! finally, Make a❑ifference Day is alsa coming up an Saturday, October se�enteenth,
and the last day t❑ sign up as a �olunteer is Monday, ❑�tflber 12th. And that's it f�r me.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Thank you. We have a lot gain� ❑n in our town.
❑kay. Naw we'll mov� an t❑ proclamations, awards, and recognitions. And I want to
start out by recagnizing ❑ur sheriff and MC50.
The Town of Fountain Hills continues to work closely with Maricapa County 5heriff's
Page 3 of 32
TOW1Y OF FDUNTAiN HILLS
5EPTEIVI�SEH 15, 2D26 REGUL4R TO►NIV CDl1NCli N�EETIiVG MIRUTES
�ffice as partners in the shared commitment of pubfic safety, service and
respansi�eness to our �ommunity.
Follawing the Mayor's Visibility Initiative in 2D25, which further enhanced MCD's --
MCSO's eommunity engagement through partnerships with local {�usinesses
stakeholders. The increased communicati�n and interactians with ❑ur residents helped
dri�e public safety efforts.
Community-led feedback on safety anc� quality of life issues helped direct the attention
and resources af MCSO to address key cancerns from our public. This collaboration
drove patrai presence, in-person meetings with k�usinesses and community groups, and
highlighted areas where Fountain Hills residents needed extra support.
The results of this partnershi� with the Tawn af Fountain Hills, fhe businesses and
community leaders and the persannel at MC50 has been recognized by town, by our
tawn go�ernment and internally at MCS�.
Incr�ased community engagement does not always show tangibEe results autsicie of the
day-to-day interactians or �loser close relationships it produces. However, in today's
case, there is one area that pro�ides a clear �iew showing the results of tawn
government, law enforcement, and the business community caming together.
The Fountain Hills Municipal Court reported total case firing -- filings ❑f 1781 in fiscal
year 2�25. Following the Mayor's Visibility lnitiative, community engagemenC, and
driven by the dedication af our MCSD deputies on the frant lines, the muni�ipal court
reported total case filings ❑f 4171 in fiscal year'25. That's an increase af 7.34 percent
over the pre�iaus year.
This represents the direct impact �f tawn puhlic safety and community, and the
community working tagether to continue k�eping Fauntain Hills one af the safest
communities in the country.
The success of MCSD in ser�ice ta Fountain Hi�ls was re�ently re�ognized by Sheriff Jerry
Sheridan. We are glad to have him here taday to present the Sheriff's A�commodation
to the persannel wh❑ serve Fountain Hills and are responsible for making this success
possible.
Page 4 of 3?
TtiWN �F Fi�UN7AIfV i�iiLS
SEPTEIVlBEF: 15, 2U�5 RFGULAR TOWN �OUN�IL MEcTiNG MINUTES
5a can I get all the Jerry's t❑ come forward?
That was a jake. So you cauld laugh at that.
{LAtJGHTER]
SHERIDAN: Vllell, you're always so serious, so somehody knows when yau're kidding.
Anyway I moved t❑ Fauntain Hills 50 years ago this month, and it has �een my adopted
secand Frome. And the only reason I had ta move o�t is because MCD toak away the
stables from us where we had our horses, so it was either moved ta Gaidfield Ran�h, or
get rid of my harses. Well, I m�ved ta Gflldfield Ranch, just so you knaw.
Sut I still own my home in Fountain Hills. I love Fountain Hills, and I ha�e to recagnize --
I icnow you're prababiy g�ing to recagnize Enrique, but many years agv Fountain Hills
cansidered getting their own poli�e department. And I kr�ew that was the wrong thing
for the tawn, especially as a taxpayer, that they'd get a much better deal with the
sheriff's �ffice.
Little dici I know -- how Eong ago was that, Rick?
RICK: 21 years.
SHERI�AN: Z7. years ago that I would stand here in frvnt af you as yaur sheriff. And I'm
glad we made that decisian back 21 years aga. And the sheriff's office is still serving the
town to the best af its a�ility, �nd wiil continue, espe�ially as lan� as I'm the sheriff and
Gerry's here.
Y�u know you ca n't go wrang with a Jerry, right?
[LAUGHT�R]
SHERIbAN: 5o anyway, I wanted to take a moment and thank the confidenee that the
Tawn Cauncif has had and the cammunity has had in the sheriff's office, because we feel
that, you know, policing here, at least I know I policed here before Fountain Hills was a
town, and I hape tv lang continue to do that and serve this �ommunity and the great
people that live here. Thank you.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: S❑ I know yau ha�e sam� spe�ial re�agnitions tonight.
RICK: Thank you, Maynr, and Coun�il and Sheriff, fflr ailowing me t� speak and allowing
MCSD to highlight this major operatianal a�hievement. I want to begin by sharing what
Page 5 of 32
i�3►A��V OF FOUNTAIIIi HILLS
SEPTE4VI3ER 15, 2U26 REGULAR TflWN CGUfVC�.L MEfTING MINU7E5
a profound honar it is to ser�e the Fountain Hills community. The incredibke public
safety successes we have a�hie�ed were only passible be�ause of the tremendous
support we'�e recei�ed from aur residents, the Town Councii, and the dedicated tawn
staff.
Puk�lic safety is a partnership, and Fountain Hills is a shining example ❑f haw a
cammunity and law enforcement work together to keep families safe. It is with that
spirit of partnership I am praud t❑ present a Sheriff's �ommendation to the District 7
Patrol Group, �amprising ❑f deputies, sergeants, and admin staff far their exceptional
work during the fiscal year 2�Zb. Managing this growth required flawless efficiency and
teamwork. Their relentless work ethic brings great credit upon themsel�es and ❑ur
entire agency.
Will the mem�ers ❑f the ❑istrict 7 Patrol Group please step farward to receive the
5heriff's �ommendation?
[CR�SS TALK]
MAY�R FRIEDEL: I don't know. Is there anybody aut on the streets tonight?
[LAUGHTER]
[CRflSS TALK]
MAYQR FRIEDEL: Thank you. Naw we'll mo�e an ta the Mayor's business spotlight.
And tanight's Mayor`s business spotlight is Mindful Barbe�i. It's my pleasure to
recognize John 5peafcman, awner of Mindful 6arbell, as part of the Mayor�5 i]U5111�55
spatlight.
5ince opening in Fountain Hills in 2021, Mindful Bark�efl has become much m�re than a
fitness studia. Located on the avenue of the fauntains, it has become a pla�e where
people come together to build strength, confidence, independence and community.
The studia offers strength train�ng, Pilates, balance, mobility, and mindfui mindfulness,
with a particular focus on helping adults over 50 stay active and move well.
What makes John's stvey espe�ially meaningful is the personal cannection behind the
business. John and his partner, Jason, left their life in Santa Barbara, brought their dog,
Hugo, and chase Fauntain Hills f�r a fresh start.
Page 6 of 3Z
TOWN OF Fi]UfVTAiN H�LLS
SEPTEM6ER ].5, 2026 REGiJLAR TDWN CDUNCIi MEETiNG MINUTES
They wanCed ta �reate a spa�e where people cQuld feel supported, eneouraged, and
safe while working toward their individual wellness goals.
Their story is a wonderful example af what makes Fountain Hills speciaE. Peaple came
here {ooking for a �vmmunity, find one they lo�e, and then gi�e faa�k by �reating
samething meaningful for their neighhors. And of �ourse, Hugo gave Fa�ntain Hills twa
paws up and quickly ciaimed the studio as his sec�nd home.
Jahn a€sa understands the journey of rebuilding strength firsthand. After suffering a
ruptured lumbar disc, he used targeted training to rebuilci his strength and mability, and
today, he brings that experience and understanding to his clients.
His small group Pilates classes limited to just four participants, provide personalized
attention focused ❑n core strength, flexibility, posture, balan�e, and joint health.
Just as important as physical benefits, is the sense of cannectian. Mindful barbeil has
created this in aur �ammunity. Manthly social gatherings, educationaf events, a�d First
Friday meetups give clients oppartunities ta connect beyonci their workouts and build
genuine friendships.
Mindful Barlaell has �ontinued to grow through the acquisitiQn of Pilates 1a1, expanding
the variety of fitness and wellness ❑pportunities a�aiiable in Fauntain Hills, and allowing
John t❑ serve people with different interests, abilities, and gaals.
It's exciting to see a local business not only sutceed, but cantinue investing in itself, and
in ❑ur community. John has �reated mare than a gym. Ne has �reated a community
where neighbors can �annect, faugh, support, and reeagnize that getting ❑Ider does not
mean giving up on iiving and a�ti�e, healthy, and independent life.
�n behalf of the Town of Fountain Fiills, congratulations and thank yau to John
Speakman, and the entire Mindful Barbel! community far e�erything you cantri#�ute to
Fountain Hills.
It's my honar ta recognize Mindful garbell as this month's Mayor's Business spotlight.
Jahn, came ❑n u p.
lOHN: Hi, I'm ]ahn, and honestly, I think the Mayor should be my marketing guy, and --
beeause I dan`t think I could -- there`s nothing I can add ta what he said.
Page 7 of 3Z
TOWiV OF FOIf�JtAIN HlELS
SEPfEEV16ER 15, 202f REGULAR TOVJN CQUNCI� fIrEET14VG MINUTES
Yau captured e�erything that Mindful 6arbell is about, and I truly appreciate it.
However, I d❑ have a prepared spee�h. I feel like I'm going to do a quicic, quick speech
here.
Aga�n, I'd like to thank Mayar, Coun�ilmembers, e�eryf�ody in attendance tonig�t. This
recognition was �ompletely unexpected, and it really daes mean a great deal to me and
to my family as well.
When Jas�n and I moved t❑ Fountain Hills, we really haped that this wou4d become our
new home, and it has. We've met some truly wonderful peo�le here, many af wham
now spend se�eral hours each week doing exactly what I te�l them ta da, and -- e�en
when it involves squats. Sa t�rat alone deserves some recognition.
Minciful barbell may be our business, but our clients are the maEn reason it has become
suGh a meaningful part af my life. They show up, they work hard, they suppart ❑ne
another, ant! they remind me every day that beeoming stronger is about much more
than IiftEng weights. It's about cantinuing to li�e life with �onfidence and independence.
I'm �ery praud to serve this eommunity, and I'm sincerely grateful for this honor. I
thank you.
MAYOR FRIE��L: You're welcome.
And naw we'll mave an to our veteran recognition of the month. It's my distinct honor
and pri�ilege to hanor Enrique Melendez. Enrique Melendez, USMC, retired, was barn
in Santa Tecla, EI 5alvador, and movec� to the LJnited States to pursue his education.
Enrique graduated from a Caf ifornia Marine Military A�ademy. He served in special
military operations, training troaps in jungle warfare, and supporting missions
throughout Central Arnerica.
Years iater, he worked with 5enator John McCain to facilitate the deplayment of forces
from EI Salvador to serve aiongside the U5 farces in Iraq.
In recognitian of this joint effort, Enrique was honored and decorated for his
distinguished service by 5�nator ]ahn M�Cain in 2003.
Enrique cantinued his lifelong dedicatian ta public service as a member of the Fountain
Hills Town �ouncil in 2�Q1, and later as a Council represent+ng EI Sal�ador in the State af
Page 8 of 32
TG�Ai OF fU1l�lTRIf�J H�Li5
SEP�'EfV16ER 15, ZOZ5 REGULAR 70WN C�iJNClL fVl£ETlNG MIhIl11ES
Ari2ana.
Today, he continues his ser�ice to the cammunity as an ambassador to the ❑ipfamatic
C�rps of America. The Mayar and Tawn Council are honared to present Enrique with
this �eteran af the manth recognition.
Enrique, please �ome on up.
MELENpE�: First of all, thank you, Mayar, the cammittee that approved my being here
today in recei�ing t�ris award, Hannah, whp wrote the resolution and -- and before I ga
any further, I want t� thank Gad for giving me almost 90 years of health and strength
starting in January. And also thank him for bringing me my guardian angel, my f�eautiful
wife Pam. That without her support and lo�e, I wouldn't be here.
Mayar, as you know, I h�ld the title of ambassador in the biplQmati� Corps of Arizona,
and the Corps is composed of 34 countries in Africa, Middle East, Asia, Europe, and
Central America.
And I ha�e the privilege of having three of your constitu�nts here who are cansuls. At�d
I want to start by naming them the Councif ❑f Poland. Please stand up, 6ogumil
Harsham,
The Council of Norway, Alex Wamack. The Councif was awarded a medal by the King ❑f
Narway, wha re�ently passed away, for the merit that in ser�ing the constituents of
Norway, in Arizona and New Mexico.
And the last ane is a tall fellow. He's a consul of Sweden. Mikael Orlm. Mikael won the
Olympic medal in the 1984 Dlympics in Los Angeles. Thank you.
You know, Mayor, when ! took the oath of affice, it was in the ald building, and I was
asked to sit next to the Mayor, and I sat there and when we ma�ed to this building. I
also sat next to the mayor, Mayor Sharon Morgan, Mayar Wally Nickels and MayarJohn
Beidler. And it gives me a feeling of strength ta be here getting this award from you and
the Council. And I just want t❑ say that I wifl continue with the hope of the big boss
upstairs to serve aur country in the best way that I �an.
Now, with respect to the award i wauld like ta mentian that in 2003 we went into war
with Iraq, and a feilow by the name of Dennis DeConcini, a United States senator, and I
Page 9 of 32
T�V1IN �F F�IJN�AiN HILLS
SEPTEMBER 7.5, 2�26 REGULAR Ta4VN C43UNCIL MEET4NG MIHUTCS
went to the Marin� Military Academy together, and he said, you ought to meet a fellow
by the name af John McCain, and I said, okay, and I met him in the year 2��fl.
Then when the war ir� iraq started in Z�03, 5enator McCain came ta me and said, iook, I
like you to go to your home cauntry, meet with the president, the commanding general
of the armed farces, and get me s�me damn Marines. And I said, sir, I dan't think I'm
af�le to do that.
�wo weeks later, he �alled me inta his office and he was sharter than me, stout. And
he -- bath hands he put on my shoulders and he said to me, get your knaw what down
ta EI 5alvador and get me those Marines.
So I did that. Spent two days in El 5alvador, met with the president. We were able to
get 381 Marines. The next day, we put thern in a C-i30 transport, and they went to Fort
Benning, Georgia, and then t❑ Iraq. Dut ❑f that 381 Marines, we lost 37 of them.
And then the last t�ing I want to do, and I'm not going to take any more time, �s when I
was here in the Council, there was a fellaw that I was sitting, I believe, where you are,
Mr. 5killikorn, and he ciidn't �ote with me mast of the time. But there was one vate that
was patent, which braught the Sh�riff's ❑ffice into Fountain Hills.
I didn't tell the town manager, I didn't tell the Mayflr, I didn't tell the town attorney
what I was gaing to do. But I made a motion to f�ring MCSD int❑ Fountain HiIRs. And
right before I finish, gentlemen, I'm talking ab�ut said, I agree.
And so I want to thank him, 5enator John Kavanagh. Thank you John.
And next to him is a lady that serves six years in the Town Cour�cil as our Mayor. 5he
was reele�ted twice. And Linda, thank you for your ser�ice.
With that, I want t� thank you. You're dair�g a great job, a good Mayar, and I know it's
been difficult to all ❑f you, just like it was ciifficult for me. But that's the pri�e you pay
for serving the community.
So I want ta thank you all. I want ta thank the audience. I want t❑ say, God bless y�u all
and G�d bless the United States ❑f Ameri�a, the greatest country in the world.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: �kay. And we have some proclamatians tonight. We're going to start
wiCh Vice Mayar �ayle Earle.
Page 10 of 32
TDWN DF FOLJNTAIN NiLLS
SEPTEMBER 15, 2U26 REGULAR TDWN COl1NCILMEETING MINLITES
EARLE: Thank you. Mayor. Tonigt�t we're going to talk ahaut o�arian �ancer awareness,
and we're dedicating this month, 5eptember, to that.
Whereas o�arian cancer is the fifth leading cause af cancer-relateci death among
women in the United 5tates, with an estimated 21,010 diagnoses and 12,450 deaths
nationwide in 2026, including 45D new cases and 313 deaths in Arizona.
Whereas, a woman`s lifetime risk is one in 91 for diagnosis and ane in A43 for death.
Whereas vague symptoms ar►d n❑ reliable early detection test means mast women are
diagnased at stage three ar later.
Whereas stage diagnases ha�e a�er 90 percent fi�e-year sur�ival rates, hut represent
only 17 percent of cases, while later stages clrop below 50 percent.
Whereas no equivalent screening exists for ovarian cancer like mammograms or PAP
tests -- PAP tests and making symptoms and risk factor awareness crucial.
Whereas public education can promote early diagnosis, access to gynecalogical
oncology, and research funding.
Whereas, the tawn joins survivors, families, caregi��rs and healthcare professionals in
raising awareness, promoting education, and fostering hope.
Npw therefore, Mary -- Mayor Gerry Friedei proclaims September 2�25 as Dvarian
Cancer Awareness Manth.
The Great Fauntain will be lit teal and residents are encouraged to participate in
awareness acti�ity, wear teal, and engage in life saving conservatian -- con�ersatians,
supporting affected families.
And d❑ we ha�e someone here to re�eive this? Thank yau. Dkay.
PUTMAN: Hi there. My name is Rachel 5ackett Putman, and I'm here as a stage three
❑varian �ancer survivor, thriver, and ad�ocate, and as a proud Arizona resident for the
past 2� years.
Thank you, Mayor and Coun�ilm�mbers ❑f the Tawn ❑f Fallon Hills for once again
recognizing 5eptemher as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. ArizQna is where I built my
adult life, my marriage, my ea�eer, and my survi�ors�ip. So receiving this proclamation
is so deeply meaningful, fram the Town ❑f Fountain Hiils.
Page 11 af 32
TaWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
SEPTEMeER 15, ZOZb REGULAR TaWN C�UNCIL MEETING MIIVLITES
❑�arian cancer is ane ❑f the deadliest cancers affecting women, yet it remains vne ❑f
the most underfunded and least understoad. O�er Z1,000 wamen in the U.S. will be
�{iagnosed this year, and o�er 12,�OD will lase their li�es, a staggering 5� percent
mortality rate.
Most women are diagnosed at aci�anced stages because symptams are vague, and there
are still nfl reiiable early detection test. For many of us, that lack of awareness is the
difference between catching can�er early and fighting for our lives. I was diagnased at
38 with a rare subtype called Ivw grade serous ❑varian can�er, a chronic disease with no
standard of care and an 85-per�ent recurrence rate.
l.ike many women, I fost my ability to have biological children, dreams my husband and I
hadn't yet fulfilled. Arrd this year, I've suffered some very deep losses to this disease,
losses that weigh hea�ily on me and remind me why awareness is sa urgently needed.
E�ery tea! light, every social media message, and e�ery proclamation, including yours,
helps someone recognize symptoms earlier, and brings much needed attentiflr� to this
insidious disease.
I'm alsa so grateful for the illuminatian af the fountain in teal, and for joining in
solidarity all those impacted by ovarian cancer. These actions truly save ii�es and h�nor
the wamen we've last far too saon.
Thank you for standing with sur�i�ars, hanoring the women we've last, and helping t❑
prate�t families across the Town of Fauntain Hills and the great 5tate of Arizona. Your
continued leadership makes a real and lasting difference.
Together, we can shine a light on this gra�ely o�erlooked disease and gi�e hope t❑ the
women and famifies wh❑ need it most.
MAYOR FR4EDEL: Thank you. Dur next pro�lamatian is going ta b� Hannah Larrafoee.
LARRABEE: Thank you, mayor. And we are praclaiming 5eptember 17th thraugh th�
23rd as Constitution Week. Whereas the Constitution af the United 5tates ❑f America,
the Guardian ❑f our liberties, em�radies the principles of limited go�ernment and a
republi� dediGated ta rule by law. And whereas 5eptember 17th, 2025 marks the 239th
anni�ersary vf the framing �f the Constitution af the United 5tates af America f�y the
Page 1� Qf 32
TQWN QF FDL1N1'AIN HlLt.S
SEPTEMBER 15, Z0�6 REGULAR T�WN �QL}NCIL MEETING MINUTfS
Constitutional Con�ention.
And whereas, it is fitting and praper to accord official recognition to this magr�ifi�ent
dacument anci it's memorable anni�ersary, and to the patriotic celebrations whieh will
commemorate it.
And whereas Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing vf a praclamatian each year by the
president of the lJnited 5tates af America, designated 5eptember 17th thraugh 23rd as
Constitutian Week.
Now, therefore, the Mayor and Tawn Cauncil of Fountain Hills do hereby proclaim
5eptember 17th through the twenty-third 2�26 as Constitutian Week and encourage all
citixens ta reaffirm the principles of freedam and justice set forth by the framers ❑f the
Constitution.
The QAR is here t❑ ac�ept the resolution.
RACHEL: My name is Rachel. There we go. Hi, my name is Rachel and I'm the Regent of
the Faur Peaks chapter af the aaughters ❑f the Ameri�an Revolution, here in Fountain
Hills.
The ❑aughters of the American Re�olution was founded in 189� and is a nonprofit,
nonpoliti�al wamen's servi�e arganization that pram�tes the missions of histaric
preser�atian, education, and patriotism, and by this proclamativn, it unders�ores all
three.
5o thank yau very much t❑ ❑ur Mayor, and to our town. We're so thankfui also t� have
partnered with aur EQcal schools here in elementary school and our middle schaol with a
special display an the Canstitution. 5o if you all have kids in s��rool, feel free to stop by
❑ur baoth, We'd lo�e to see you. S� thank you.
MAYDR FRIEDEL: Thank you. And �ur last proclamatian is gaing ta be read by Brenda.
And this is for our 5ister Cities, which is a very impartant organization in �ur t�wn. And
it connects us with cauntries internationally around t�e warld.
5❑ Brenda.
KALIVIANAKIS: ihank yau, Mr. Mayar. Yeah, last but not least, we'd like ta recognixe
our sister cities and our cultural heritage months. Whereas the Town of Fountain Nills
Page 13 of 32
TQiNN OF FQUNTAliV HiLLS
SEPTEML�ER 15, 1fl2f REGULAR T�WN C�iJ!VCIL MEETIIVG MINUTES
va4ues its friendships, its cultural exchanges and mutual understanding fastered t�rough
sister cities relationships. Whereas our sister cities Ataca, EI Salvadar, Dierdarf,
Germany, and zamosc, Polanci strengthen aur Gommunity through international
friendship and cultural exchange.
Whereas, we join the nation in hvnoring Hispanic Ameri�an Heritage Month, German
American Heritage Month, and P�lish American Heritage Manth, celebrating the rich
cultures and the traditions our sEster cities represent.
Now, therefore, the Mayor, Gerry Friedel, and this Tawn Council af Fauntain Hills da
hereby recognize aur sister cities, and celebrate Hispanic, German, and Palish American
Heritage Month.
MAY�R FRIE�EL: There you go.
IJNIDENTIFIE� SPEAKE�t: Thank you, Mayar Friedel, how it would be pranounced in
Germany and Town Council far this great honor bestowed to Fountain Hills sister cities.
F�untain Hills Sister Cities was founded in 2D�� and slowly �ut surely, we grew our sister
cities in E! Salvador, and Poland, and in Germany.
We're really proud to work far this arganization and really appreciate the suppart that
we get fram the �own.
8e�ause af our efforts, we have been able ta gi�e our students here, an opportunity to
explore worldwide acti�ities outside of their comfart ione. We send stud�nts to Poland,
t❑ Germany, and we had ❑ne year, 4� students going ta Ataeo to help rebuild homes
that were washed away from fioocis.
So these students came back with a life-changing attitude, and we cantinue to do that.
And we're proud to welcame students from Poland, from Germany. Atac❑ students
have been here as well.
In January, we're planning a trip to Ataco, EI Salvador ta meet aur new friends there.
And with me, I have Elizaheth Harsham. She's the leader for 2amosc Poland. I have
Tanya. 5he's helping me tremendously with 5ister Cities. And we have Ste�e Baggia,
wh❑ is in charge of fEnding aur next sister city, which will be in Italy.
I thank e�erybody, and f expect to see all af yau at Oktaberfest on �ctofaer 2nd �r 3rd,
Page 14 of 32
i'OWlli �� F�UIvTAII� HILLS
5EP1'EMBER 15, �.U2b REGLJLAR 7C"�WN COL7NCiL MfETIMC; MINJTES
because that's ❑ur fundraiser for 5ister Cities. �hank you �ery much.
KALIVIANAKIS: Thank yau.
MAYOR FRI EREL: Tha nk you. We'I! ma�e an n�w with our presentations.
Da�id?
TRIMBLE: Yes. Mayorarrd Council. Paul Soldinger, our Chief Finaneial Officer, will walk
us thraug� and tell us how we did orr ❑ur revenues for the fourth quarter and full year
far fiscal year 2025.
S�LDINGER: All right. I was expecting e�eryone to stick around, but i was just kind of
oi�serving that no one stayed for my report. 5a I don't know if I should -- how I shauld
take that, but I'll think about it.
But yeah, tonight I'll be presenting our quarter four ancf full year fiscal year 2�26
re�enues to the Mayor and C�uncii. It's generally a very p�sitive report. So I'll kind of
go through it, but please feel free to ask any questi�r�s along the way.
Dur total r�et taxable acti�ity far the quarter was 192.2 million, an increase af 3.6
percent campared ta Che prior year. And far the full year activity, we were about 0.4
percent more than fiscal year'25. But keep in mind, fis�al year'25 had half a year of the
residential rental taxes that went away, that the 5tate eliminated in January of 2025. 50
just t❑ seeing an increas� at all was a positive de�elflpment.
Total IoGal sales taxes af 5.8 million for the quarter, outpaced last year by se�en percent.
It was a very good quarter for us, buayed by �onstruction and servi�es, whi�h I'll get
into. Very strong quarter. As yau can see, the first twa quarters of the year were pretty
slaw cflmpared ta the priar year, and then we kind �f sped up through the end ❑f the
year.
We ended up twa percent ahove last year, at 20.5 miElion. 6ut that -- again, that's
pretty good k�ecause we lost, you know, three ta $4�n,00a of la�al sales tax revenues for
residential rer�tals far that half year that we last. So that was pretty strong outcame for
the town, and we're looking pretty good for fiscal year'27.
It was �ery strong campared to projections, 22 percent aba�e projections f�r the
quarter, 14 percent for the year, very similar to fiscal year'25.
Page 15 of 32
rvw� vr- Foururaan� f�i��s
SfPTEPJiBER 15� Z02fi REGl1lAP. TflWiV Cal1NCIL MEETfNG MINU7E5
And one thing to point out is something that I thaught was really good. Looking at fiscal
year'24, we were at 20.6 millian. We kind af dipped down with the loss of residentiaf
rental taxes, but we're back up. 5o we're starting to turn back upwards in �iscal year
2�26.
Retail sales, our biggest category, a little more than half of our total lacal sales taxes.
We braught in 2.74 million, ahaut 1.4 percent mare than the priar year, fourth quarter.
A little bit af Coming hack down to earth from the third quarter, which was �ery, �ery
strong. But �ampared ta projeetions, sti11 1.3 percent ahove, and for the year at $10.8
miflian, abaut fi�e per�ent more than the priar year in aur retail categary.
5o that's pretty good. That's a good outcome for the town, espe�ially earlier in the year,
or e�en the fiscal year'24, towards the end ❑f the year, things seem t❑ �e up and down
month to manth.
Retail sales. We'�e been presenting this infarmation just taking out the food sales. It
just gi�es you a better indicator of actual retail shopping in the town and the trends.
We did ha�e a little bit af a dip, $Z.18 million for the quarter of retail sales without
foad -- 1.2 pereent below the priar year, fourth quarter. But all in all, for the year, we
were still 1.5 percent above the priar year. 5a still upward trend, not as strong as the
o�erall retail sales.
5o retail sales for remote sellers. We'�e been loaking at this; it's kind of a indicator of
onfine shopping. You knaw, it's shawing us where the trends are going. And right now
we're still seeing that trend. �579,�0� of local sales tax fram remote selEErs far the
quarter, an increase of Z4 percent ❑ver the priar year.
And f�r the year, at 2.15 million, ahaut 17 percent ❑�er the prior year. 5a we continue
t❑ see this trend where people are buying online more and more. Just something to
think of when you're out there talking ta constituents and stakehalders of the town.
Construction. This was a very gaod quarter far constructian. We also had a �ery gflod
fourth quarter in fiscal year'25, but we brought in �1.�. milli�n of construction sales tax
in the faurth quarter, about seven percent mare than fiscal year 2D25. $3.3 millfon in
t�tal far the year, almost 11 percent m�re than the prior. And that was, again, a goad
Page 16 of 32
rvwN aF �auN�aiN �i��s
SEP7EMFER 15, 2025 REGUI.AR TQWN C�UI�CIL MEETING MI!VUTES
trend far us, because yau can't see all the prior years, fiseal year'22, when de�elopment
started picEcing up mare after the pandemic recvvery kind of things, our local saies tax
for eonstruction was lower than $2 millian for that year.
Then we kind of started shooting up. There's a lot of tle�elopment for fiscal year'23,
'24. We came back dawn to earth in'25 a littie bit, and now we're starting to see that
trend back up as well. So again, just anather goad sign that after a slawer fiscal year'25,
we're tren�{ing k�ack up in construction activity.
For the quarter, 1.1 millian was 83 percent more than our canservative projections.
This is ❑ne of the categaries where we have talked ab�ut with Coun�il, that we're
pro6ably being a little bit too o�erly conservative. Just kind of what I just stated, how
things were very choppy for a few years. And that's kind ❑f why we're starting to see
more af a baseline level of re�enues for the town. 5❑ definitely we'll k�e addressing that
through the �udget in the next few years.
But far the year, $3.3 million, 38 percent abo�e prajections far the year.
lJtilities and corr�munications, it was a goad quarter for us $375,000, se�en percent
more than the prior year, fourth quarter for a�erall for the year, it trended dawn slightly
in utilities, for whatever the reasons that may be. The 1.71 millian we brought in was
slightly lower, about 0.75 percent lower than the priar year in t�tal, but we were still
barely above our prajections for the year, at fl.9 percent abave aur prajections.
Definitely something to manitar. Again, like I've stated, utilities are relatively stable
slightly ��ing up this year was a little bit of a down year for utilities, for us.
Real estate. It laoks bad on the screen, but just remember, the local sales taxes for
resi�{ential rental taxes went away in January of 2025. The fourth quarter is actually the
first fully comparable c{uarter wher� there wasn't a residential rental tax from year t❑
year. So yau did see that �7Q,0�0 we f�rought in this �ategary was nine percent abo�e
the priar ycar, fourth qua rter.
The $71Z,000 for the year was 2G percent below the prior year. But again, that's very
much expected with the lass of those long term taxes. All ir� all, if you compare the
prajections, we were three percer�t -- 3.7 percent aba�e projectEons f�r the quarter and
Page 17 of 32
TOWfv 7F F�IJNTAI'V HIL�5
5�R7EM8�R 15, 202b HECxULAH i�WiV CCli1NCIL MEETINr MINU FFS
4.b percent abave prajections for the year.
Restaurants and bars. I know in fiscal year'25 and e�en '24, this was a �ery choppy
category, but we have seen three �onsecutive quarters ❑f pretty strengthening revenues
here. We brQught in $34,fl�q, eight -- 8.7 p�rcent above the prior year.
And again, similar to our retail category, and I-- was it �ar�stru�tian as wel�. We had
stronger revenues fflr a couple af years at 1.45 million there in fiscal year'24. You see
that drop in'25, and now you're starting ta see that upward trend again.
5❑ I mean, we've heard we'�e all heard abaut the restaurants opening in tawn and same
of the impending restaurants coming in. We are already seeing �his trend up for us. 5o I
think that's a gaod sign as well.
434,d��, 18 percent above our conser�ati�e projections and far the year 12.7 percent
above aur projectiQns.
5ervi�es. This was really the star of our -- so shout out t❑ Amanda. I befie�e sh�'s here
in the bacEc. Dur tourism sectar, really it was a great quarter for the tawn. We brought
in $951,OOD. 25 percent abave the priar year, fourth quarter. I want ta say that's the
best quarter we'�e had. It's pretty close in this category.
And in total for the year -- as you �an see, the first twa quarters were actually lagging.
We weren't dfling that great in this sector the first two quarters. But then all in all, for
the year, we still flutpaced last year k�y six percent. This is another one of the categories
that we'�e pr�hably been a little a�eriy conservative on, and we've established a better
k�aseline a�er the past three years, that we �an probably address through the budget
process as well.
All in all, 91 percent abave our conservati�e prajectirans for the fourth quarter and 55
percent abo�e projeetions for the year. 5fl yeah, we ha� a really gaod year from a
tourism standpflint for the tawn.
5❑ like I said, very positive report for the town, for our state shared re�er�ues, we barely
exceeded ❑ur pro}e�tions at $960,��D in the general fund for the quarter, for state
shared sales taxes. We get a share ❑f thase sales taxes from the 5tate on a monthly
basis, as well as urban re�enue sharing, or incame taxes. Pretty close to aur prajections
Page 18 af 32
T�WN �F FOUNTAIh HI�l.S
SEPTEM6ER 15, 20Z6 REGULAR TpiNfll CQl1NCIL MEETING NiINUTES
right below that amount.
Where we did underperform -- we did have a coupfe underperformers for the quarter in
our streets fund vehicle li�ense, taxes and F�ERF bath came in slightly below projections
for the quarter.
5o with that, happy to answer any questi�ns ❑r address anything you might want ta talk
a�O�ut.
WATTS: Paul, thanks for the presentation. Better than expected. The $900,000 in the
hotels gaal, shnrt-term rentals --
50LDINGER: Un-huh.
WATTS: Why? Can Amanda explain, so w� can duplicate it?
SOLdINGEI�: 5a do you want -- I can tauch on a little bit, and then Amanda wi11 come. I
think people are Goming to tflwn mare, yau krraw, nat just spe�ial events, more
marketing, even better output and attention far sacial media with what Mike Pelton is
doing, things like that.
And actualiy Councilmember $killicorn asked me ta work on providing more data ta
ecanomic de�elapment. We kind af went thraugh that process and �ecause of -- so
much of the taxpayer information is �onfidential, that was hard to dfl. But I'm sure she
can speak on it from mnre of a f�roader perspective.
WATTS: 5a if you're saying that, though, that you'�e +dentified those things as a raot
cause of what occurred, we can expect that ta continue?
5�LQINGER: Mayor, Councilmember, I think it would he challenging to ha�e record
breaking quarters, yau know, every quarter. But I think the trend is going upwards at
least the last few quarters.
And o�erall, ane thing that we talked about in the budget process, like I said, this
�ategary is ane af the ❑nes that was fluctuating, esp�cially in the pandemic recavery. So
that's why we've been even mare especially c�nservative, l.ike, I think we projected 1.7
million for the year. I think far fiscal year'27, it`s 1.8 million ar so that we projected still
being somewhat �onservati�e.
gut we've developed a baseline now, where we're t�ringing in well o�er $2 million a
Page 19 af 32
TQV`JN OF FOUNTAIIV WIl.LS
SEPTEMBER 15, 202fi FiEGL'LAR T�Wf� C�JI�iJCIL UI�ETING M{HLITES
year, and that's three years straight. S❑ I think aur tourism activity is strong right naw
for the town, and I'd iike ta see that �ontinue.
WATTS: Thank yau.
AMANaA: Good e�ening. Mayor. Council. Councilmember Watts. 5o Paul pretty muCh
caver it. And then yau may recall back ir+ June, instead af praviding the Mayor and
Cauneil with an economic de�elapment update, we Focused an tourism, just sa the
Cauncil and publi� ca�ld understand that we were being intentianal and strategic.
And so Paul mentioned our social media, sa unexperienced Fountain Hills that is under
ecanomic de�elopment, and we have a third-party, again, a couple ❑f years baek, thanks
to the Mayar and Cauncil, allowed for additional funding sa that we could have
someone wat�hing, colleeting data, and then making sure our messaging met the data
we were seeing in regards ta visitors.
We alsa did a significant update, you may recall ba�k in June, regarding our hotel page.
5o previously t�e hotel page fln Experience Fauntain Hills, you went. It was a brief
descriptian. Naw it's more detailed. It talks about the accommfldations. And then
there's a cal[ to action to say book yaur reser�ation.
And sv I don't have the number right in frant af ine, lout I think we saw o�er an 80
percent increase. And so we're seeing what we're c#oing is working. And so part vf that
too, is, again, ❑�er the last few years, caming ta Caun�ii, requesting mare marketing s❑
that we can -- we can target the different again, auclience visit�rs.
What we're seeing, again, we are seeing a little bit more �ariety tn our restaurants.
Peaple ar� lo�ing ta �ome here with our events and then doing spe�ific targeted
marketing with advertising. And so again, kn�wing that we ha�e the internatianal Dark
5ky Qisco�ery Center caming in the spring of next year. We knaw we're a Dark Sky
community. We've been also really capitalizing an that. And there's been other stuff up
our sle��e, but we're here just far a report. We'll talk about that at ar�other time.
But again, we hope we can duplicate this. I ne�er want ta disappoint.
WATTS: Than�t you.
AMANbA: 5o the pressure's ❑n.
Page ZD of 32
TQWN �?F FDUNTAIN HIl.[S
SEPTEII'IB�R 15, Z02& RFGU�RR �'GWN CC]L}titi�CIL MEETING MI�Ii1T�5
WATT5: Thank you far the insight and nice jab.
AMANflA: You're welc�me. Thank yau.
MAY�R FRIEpEL: And I'I� just add, you know what? Our socia� media has really Caken
o�f. It`s much better than it was before. We'�e had re�ord numbers at aur town e��nts
as well. 5o that all feeds into the sacial media and getting the word out, as ta what
we're doing.
And also internally with our public infarmation �ffi�er, we're leaps ar�d bounds ahead of
where we were with what he's dfling far the town, as well. So gaod jab. Thank you.
Thank you Paul.
KALIVIANAKI5: I'd like t❑ make a motian t❑ appr�ve the �onsent agenda.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: I have a motiot�. Is there a se�ond?
MCMAHON: 5e�and.
MAYD�i FRIEQEL: Town Clerk, can we get a roll call, please?
BENbER: Councilmember Larrabee.
LARRABEE: Aye.
BEN��R: Cfluncilmem6�r McMahan.
MCMAHdN: Aye.
BENDER: Coun�ilmember Watts.
W ATTS: Aye.
BENDER: Coun�iimember. Skillicarn.
SKILLIKORN: Yes.
BENDER: Coun�il�-nember Kali�ianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
BENDER: Vice Mayar Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BENDER: Mayor Frieciel.
MAYOR FRIEDEL: Aye.
BENQER: Motian passes, se�en to 2ero,
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Thank you.
Page Z1 af 3z
7QVJRi UF FOl1NTAIM HI�LS
5EPT�MBER 15, 7�12b REGULAR 7[]'�A1N CDUNCIL MEETII+IG MlNUTES
We'il mo�e an t❑ our regular agenda. So we ha�e cansideratian ❑f possible action
regarding Resalutian 2026-21 autharizing the dissolution af th� Municipal Property
Corporatian.
Da�id.
TRIM6LE: Dnce again, CF� Paul 5oldinger will walk us through this ane, It closes aut the
Municipal Property Gorporation, which was created in 1998 for past town �apital
financings. All related debt was paid back in 2�18, and the MPC board appro�ed
dissoiutian last month.
Sa Paul, gi�e us more details.
S�LDING�R: Yes. Thank you ❑a�e. it's kind of interesting to see you in this position.
I'm not used to seeing yau up there. 5a yeah, thank yau for -- that was pretty muc� a
good summary of t�ris.
I also have Bill QeHahn from Greenberg Traurig there representing us and helping us
clase the MPC as our �ond Cauncii, special Districts Council. Any specific legal questions
that you ha�e, I may bring him up.
But it's a relatively straightforward resolutian. The MPC, the Municipal Praperty
Carparation is a nanprofit corporati�n fflrmed in 1998, and the sole purpose was to be
used as a middleman to help the tawn issue pledge re�enue obligations, or issue debt ta
finance, reaily the building you're in, the community cenCer, the library building, as well
as help the town purchase 2�0 acres of open space preserve iand.
And sa at the time, this was a camm�n practice �ecause ❑f the way the Treasury
regulations worked at the time. There was a change around that time in the late'9�s, to
Treasury regulatians that no langer really made an MPC necessary, but ga�ernments still
continue t❑ use them. 6ut now you're seeing a lot ❑f governments dose them down,
because they're really mare of a middle -- an unnecessary middleman in these finan�ing
arrangements.
Sa MPC, all the bond debt was paid off around 2D18, 20�9 time frame. They're different
than the Eagle Mauntain dissolution that you considered a coupfe of months ago. There
is nv -- there's no potential lia6ility. There are n� liabilities of the MPC. In fact, the
Page 2Z vf 32
TpWi4 C?F FUiJI�kTAIi� FIILLS
SEPTEi1116ER i5, 2fl26 RE�iIliARTaWPJ COLINCIC MEETiNG MINUTES
town already awns the buildings, and the land, and there's about $13,OQ0 in the �und
sitting there.
And so we've been, you knaw, having these MPC k�oard meetings once a year, fi�ing
regulatory reparts with the Corporatian Commission. And really, number 1, there's n❑
need ta do that anymore. We can issue a pledge re�enue obligation as a town, if the
Council would choase to go down that route.
And number 2, there's been no activity, no plans to use the MPC in abaut seven, eight
years. 5o the last thing is the MPC board appraved dissolution at its August �7th
meeting. And so the last step w�uld be for the Tawn Cauncil to consider resalution
2025-2� for clasure of the MPC.
Me 6eing the person that everyone knaws likes to us� AI, use AI to �reate this simple,
iflustrati�e graphic. And all it's saying is what I just described, the MPC was kind of
necessary at the time as a middleman ta hefp us issue tax exem�t bands.
After the Treasury regulations changed araund that time, you no langer really need that
middleman. You can do it yaurself at a cheaper cost and a more effecti�e process.
5a really, today we're recammending clasure. And again, we have legal counsel here
available for any questi�ns.
SKILLIK�RN: Thank yau, Mr. Mayar.
Motian to approve as drafted.
LARRABEE: 5ecand.
MAY�a FRIEDEL: Are there any cnmment cards?
BENQER: No, Mayor.
MAY�R FRIEDEI.: Okay. We have a mfltion and a sec�nd. Can I get a rolf cala, please?
BEN�ER: Yes.
Councilmember McMahan.
MCMAH�N: Aye.
MAY�R FRIEbEL: Cauncilmember Watts.
WAi'T5: Aye.
BENDER: Councilmember5killi�orn.
Page 23 af 32
TGW�1 OF FaUN7Rl�i NiLLS
5E?'TEMBER 15, 2025 P.EGULAR TQIhPi� CC}UNCIL iVI�ETING MIAIUTE5
SKILLIKDRN: Yes.
BEN�ER: Councifinember Kali�ianakis.
KAL�VIAIVAKIS: Aye.
BENDER: Councilmember Larra6ee.
LARRABEE: Aye.
BENDER: Vice Mayor Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BEIV�ER: Mayar Friedel.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Aye.
6ENDER: Motian passes, seven t❑ zero.
MAYOR FRIE�EL: Thank you.
We'I� ma�e ❑n to Regular Agenda Item B, which is a public hearing. 5❑ I'm gaing to �pen
a pubfic hearing.
7his is with �ansideratian ❑f possi�le action relating ta a request f�r a special use permit
t❑ allow residential use of a praperty zoned C1 ❑n Saguar❑ Baulevard.
�avid.
TRIMBLE: Yes, Mayor, We have John Wesley, De�elapment Services director, ta waik us
through this one. As you mentioned, special use permit t❑ allaw an apartment ❑n the
second floar af the building, cammer�ial �uilding an 5aguaro 6oufevard. Already
contains -- includes a caretaker quarters and P and Z recommended approvai.
So lohn will take it away from there.
WE5LEY: Mayor. Council. Not to❑ much m�re t❑ �dd from that. It's pretty
straightforward case, but we'll step throug� a cauple ❑f items.
5� Chapter �2, the �aning �rdinance lays out all the requirements with regard ta
comm�r�ial zaning districts. It mastly allows commercial us�s, but does allow for
residentiaf uses, with approva! of a speciaf use permit by the Cauncil. And 5ection 202
of the zoning ordinance sets out t�e procedures far that.
As stated, we're dealing with praperty at 11659 North 5aguara Boule�ard, Zone C-1.
Currently, if yau're familiar with that, Pals lnn is that building, and it was canstructed
Page �4 vf 3z
FflVVH Cs� FOLINTAIN HiLlS
SEPfCMBER 15, 2U2fi REGUL4R iUWN CrJLJNCEL MEE7fMC, MINLlTES
back in �arly 2D��. The 5UP was issued at that time to allow the kennel use ❑f the
property. And the de�eiopment, as from the �eginning, included a wat�hman's
quarters, which is all�wed by right with a �ommercial de�elopment.
6ut sEnce then they've taken part of their second floor, and done same remodel work,
and made it appropriate for anather residential use. So that additional apartment use
daes require this special use permit. 5❑ here is the site plan ❑f the current fa�ifity with
the parking. And this is the second fl�ar with the existing watchman's quarters.
And then in this carner is an area that is -- has been affice, but has been remodeled ta
now be appropriate for a residential us�. It's what will be changed if tl�e SUP is
appra�ed.
5o the ordinance sets out certain �riteria for the Planning and Zoning Commission to
loak at in the review t❑ determine if a spe�ial use permit should be appra�ed. And this
case is, t�e Cammissia� looked at these requirements in terms ❑f the impact on
adjacent husinesses, the community, the r�eighbarhoad.
They found that there really were na negati�e impacts. And sa as has been m�ntianed,
the Commission has re�ommended approval.
Any questians for me?
EARLE: I'd like t❑ make a motion to approve the -- ta appro�e the special use permit,
allowing ane apartment in the Commercial Zoning �istrict at 11559 North 5aguara.
LARRABEE: Secand.
WATTS: 1ohn, did you say that I understand correctly that the remadeling has already
�een �ompleted prior ta the special use permit being passed?
WESLEY: Yes, that is correet.
WATTS: 5o they gat a building permit for samething that wasn't initially zaned
properiy?
WESLEY: 5a as they 1a�Oeled the permit, the areas that are shawn here that can now -- if
this is appra�ed, become bedrooms that are labeled as ❑ffices.
So as -- far the permit, as it was requested, it was apprflpriate. And how they really
want ta use it does require this appra�al. If this daesn`t get appraved, thase will f�e
Page 25 vf 3Z
TQ�IUN O� FQUNTAIiV 'rliLLS
5EP7�PJISE� 1S, 2�2b i��+GULAR TDWN C�LJNCIL MEETING 11111NUTE5
affi�es instead af hedroams.
WATT5: But the rem�deling has already been campleted.
W ES LEY: Yes.
WATTS: �ar a bedronm and an apartment.
WESLEY: For faur offices, that alsQ happens t❑ have a littie �Cit�henette with it.
WATTS: Okay. Tha nk you.
MCMAHON: 7hanEc you. John. Excuse me.
SKiLLIK�RN: 7hank you, Mr. Mayor.
Director Wesley, this has been mostly �acant for a few years, correct?
WESLEY: Mayor, Cauncilmember. I'm not sure haw much t}�e office has heen used. I
know it Y�as had s�me challenges with its use, but I really don't knaw how much it's
heen.
SKII.L.IKORN: Okay. And Mr. Mayor, sa I--you knaw, I belie�e I've been upstairs in the
huilding a lang time aga, and I re�all it being vacant. And narmally I'm not a huge fan of
gaing residential in situations like this. I mean, there's na Qther residentia� around
there. You know, there's ather �ommercial.
But really the exceptian here is that it's f�een vacant. And that's where I wauld change
my tune. S� something that's vacant, I wauldn't -- I have much less ❑f an issue gaing to
resic{ential. And there's a big distinction between something we're building brand new
that isn't va�ant yet, to residential, you know, changing that zoning that`s -- in that
situation because I do iaok at zaning as a promise.
But in a situation like this where it has been �a�ant, and it appears that the zoning is not
working, or the demand is not working, or whatever, that is more of a special case to
m e.
5a that's normally I wauVd not support samet}�ing like this, but in this case, hecause it
has f�een, you know, apparently chroni�ally �acant, that kirrd ❑f changes the tune. 5o I
wauld support this. Thank you.
MCMAHON: Thank you. I dan't think this is a special �ase, but that's my pers�nal
apinian. I did -- it cioes bother me that this persan already built aut t�is, and is now
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F:]U1+i11 QF FQUfVTAliV FtIL�S
'�EPTENiBER 15, 20�5 RfGUTAR TCiV41N COUNf.1L MF�TIiV�i MINl1TES
asking far a special use permit. It's like backwards ta me.
5o cvuld you please explain a little bit more cfearly what he renovated that for, what it
is, ana if what he rena�ated -- is those -- are those affices ar is it residential? And if it's
residential, is he gaing to li�e there or is it going to be rented out? �r -- a little bit more
infarmatian, please, if you dan't mind.
WESLEY: Mayor, Councilmember, I won't be able to add to❑ much more than what I
have afready said, f�ut on the 6uilding constructian or remodel plans that they had far
this area, it did lahel these areas, and if we look real close, it may actually say that, label
ii1�52 35 �ff4CQ5.
And so it was a remodel of an office to add a kitchenette area. And then this was a big
meeting space ba�k here in ihe back. If it does get appra�ed for the special use permit,
then these offices will be used as bedraams, and that will become a iiving room in what
was otherwise going ta be a conference raom in an affice building.
MCMAH�IV: 5o is he going t❑ �on�ert it further? if he gets this s�ecial use permit, is
this like a pause in order to convert it further ta residential, or is he just going ta use
thase offices as -- i mean, I'm trying to understand this.
W E5LEY: Sure.
MCMAHOlV: Because to me, this is the first time I'�e seen something like this, where
he's already -- tFre persan has a�ready renovated and is now asking far a special use
permit. 5a I'm just trying to understand what we're appro�ing --
WESLEY: Right, and s� --
MCMAHDN: -- better.
WESLEY: �kay. Mayor, Councilmember. 5o again, the request is to allow the office ar
the residential use of this �orner of this buikding.
To my understanding, they have done all the rena�ations that they plan ta do. I don't
know if there's anything �Ise left to reno�ate at this point. There may be, tp fully make
it an apartment �ersus a-- an offi�e building, but the key pieces ha�e already been
done.
MAY�R FRIEdEL: Jahn, I alsa believe E've been up in that ❑ffice a caupfe of years ago.
Page 27 of 32
TUWIV OF FOUlVTAIN HI? f..5
SE�TEMBER I5, 202Fi REGULAR T�WPJ COUN�IL ME�TING f471Nl7iFS
There was already a kitchenette in there, so they didn't add that without the SUP.
They're taking these two offices and th�y're gaing t❑ convert it ta a bedroom, is what it
is.
They'�e gat a-- th�y've got an existing caretaker's affice -- I mean apartment in the bacEc
already. 5o they're just adding anather apartment up there. 5❑ I dan't see it as a
problem.
MCMAHON: lVot a prablem. I just wanted to ha�e more information about it and
understand it. Because usually you don't see it in this order, sa to speak.
WESLEY: That's carrect.
MCMAHON: Yeah.
WESLEY: lJsually you'd get the 5UP first rather than da the investment wit� the hope
that it would be appra�ed.
MAY�R FRIE�EL: Agr�ed.
WESLEY: Qkay.
MAYQR FRIEDEL: 5a we have a-- are there any Gomment cards?
BENCIER: Na, there is not.
MAY�R FRIEDEL: Okay. So we ha�e a motion and a seconci, I think, on the flaor. Can
we get a roll call?
❑h I'm sarry. I've gat ta �lose the special meeting.
All right. Now we have a m�ti�n an� a second. Can we get a rall cail, please?
BENDER: Yes, Mayor.
Caun�ilmember 5killicarn.
SKILLIKORN: Yes.
BENDER: Coun�ilmember �.arrahee.
LARRABEE: Aye.
BENdER: Cauncilmem�er McMah�n.
MCMAHON: Aye.
BENDER: Counciim�mber Kafivianakis.
KALIVIANAKIS: Aye.
�age Z8 of 32
30WIIF QF F�l3NTAl�11 HILLS
5EP'iEMBER 15, 202fi REGUI.AR T�WN COUMCII. MEETiNG MINUTES
6ENDER: Councilmem4�er Watts.
WATTS: Aye.
BENDER: Viee Mayor Earle.
EARLE: Aye.
BENDER: Mayor Friedel.
MAYOR FRi EDEL: Aye.
BEI�aER: Motton passes, seven to �era.
MAYQR FRIE�EL: Thank you.
We'll move an naw ta the �afl ta the public. Q❑ we have any speaker cards?
BENDER: No, we d❑ not.
MAYDR FRIEbEL We don't. �kay.
Then we'll ma�e an to Council discussian ar direction to the T�wn Manager. ❑oes
anybody ha�e anything?
Okay. 5eeing nothing, does anybody ha�e anything far future agenda items?
Councilman?
SKILLIKORN: Thank yau, Mr. Mayar. �hank you, Mr. Mayor.
Yeah, I actually did want ta make a motion, and I was going ta be fairly specific if you
want to bear with me here. I wanted ta make a motion to wark with the Tvwn Attorney
for an ordinance regulating automatic license plate readers.
EARLE: I'll second. 5ecand.
LARRABEE: I'll su�port that as well.
EARLE: I support that, ! should say.
MCMAN�IV: Can we even da that? Is that state?
11NI�ENTIFIEO SPEAKER: So I belie�e even the last meeting we had a request for a flock
camera ordinance. So ! believe taday is asking ta work directly with me to write -- draft
an ordinance and bring it back far appro�al. Is that what I'm understanding?
SKILLIKQRN: Ti�at is carrect.
UNI�ENTIFIE❑ SPEAKER: Yeah. So certainly tawns are perfectly -- can regulate within
their awn tawn limits' automatic €icense plate readers.
Page 29 of 32
TaWAf flF FOl4iVTAlIV HILi..S
SEPTEMBER 15, 2QZfi FeEGULAR T�WN COlJNCIL MEETING MINl�7f5
M�MAFf�N: I'd like t❑ see same informatian on that, please, if you don't mind,
t�efore this becomes on the agenda.
UNIDENTIFIEp 5PEAKER: I don't understand your qu�stion. What is it specifi�ally you're
requesiing?
MCMAH�N: No. I'll send yflu an email. Thank you.
MAY�R FRIEQ�L: Caunci�man?
SKILL3K�RN: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The se�ond one I did want to work with the Town
Attorney about drafting up a-- like a Florida-style ban o� 5haria law.
MCMAHON: What was that?
LARRABEE: 5econd.
EARLE: I would be -- are we ha�ing a ciiscussion here? Can I-- I'll be apen t❑ a
discussian ❑n that? I'm not quite sure what that would in�olve, but !'m apen to
dis�ussing it.
UNIbENTIFIEb SPEAKER: 5o I helieve that Councilmember 5killicorn had asked to go
directly ta drafting an ordinance to bring for re�iew. And sa we ha�e two that are -- that
he got ane second to bring it for a drafted ardinance far review. And then -- hut you --
you're saying that you want ta t�ave a discussion before the ardinance?
EARLE: ! would like to understand a little mare a#�out it. Is that -- that's --
UNIDENTIFIEb SpEAKER: [In�is�ernible}.
WATTS: In that light, I'd be the third.
MCMAHON: And befare we spend legal time on that, I would like to have a discussian
so we can understand it better. Because I-- be honest with you, I don't knaw what he's
talking ahout, and I don't think it's appr�priate ta spend legal time and fees ❑n
something without some type af discussion about this subject befare we del�e into it
with the ordinance. Thank yau.
L1NIbENTIFIEp SPEAK�R: 5vrry. Thre� for what?
MCMAH�N: For an ardinance.
[CR055 TALK]
WATTS: Three to write the ❑rdinance.
Page 30 of 32
TOWN OF FOJ�1 fAIN HiLLS
SEPTEfWSER iS, 2026 RE.iULAR TOWN CQIJNCl� MEE7ING MIfVUTES
MAYDR FRIE�EL: Anything else? Anyone?
❑kay. Can I get a motion and a second for ad�ournment?
LARRABEE: 5o maved.
EARLE: 5econd.
MAYDR FRIEQEL: All in fa�ar?
WATTS: Aye.
MAYDR FRIEdEL: Thank you.
Page 31 of 32
TQWN QF FpUhTR!!V HI�LS
SEPTEMBEFt 15, �OZfi REGiILAR TaWN COUA�Ci� rAEETING MINISTE�
Ha�ing no further business, Mayor Gerry Friedel adjourned the regular meeting of the
Town Council at 5:4� p.m.
APPR�VE�:
�.
GERRY FRI EL, MAYOR
ATTEST: �
�:m� ��,�_.�� ��- �_
__ , _ , � -�
ANGELA ❑GETT-�PIRITU, �EPUTYTOWN C�ERK
CERTIFICAiIDN
I HEREBY CERTIfY TNAT THE F�REG�ING MINUTE5 ARE A TRL1E AND C�RRECT C�PY �F
THE MlNUTES ❑F TNE REGULAR T�WN CdUNCIL MEETING �F THE TOWN CDUNCIL,
F�UNTAIN HILLS, AR120NA HELD �N SfPTEMBER 15, 2�25. I FURTNER CERTIFY THAT
THE MEETlNG WA5 ❑ULY CALLED Af�D HELD AN❑ THAT A QUflRLJM WA5 PRESENT.
r
��C ��`�� �� '
�
ANGEL� PADGETT-�'.
. ,
�_..
- �=���
�.
PIRITII, ❑�PUTY TOWN CLERK
Page 32 of 32