Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010.0512.TCSM.MinutesPage 1 of 3 TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL JOINT SESSION OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL AND THE FT. McDOWELL YAVAPAI NATION TRIBAL COUNCIL May 12, 2010 President Dr. Clinton M. Pattea called the meeting to order at 8:38 a.m. at the Radisson Hotel Conference Center located at Ft. McDowell. Present from the Town of Fountain Hills: Jay T. Schlum, Mayor; Cassie Hansen, Vice Mayor; Mike Archambault, Dennis Brown, Dennis Contino, Ginny Dickey and Henry Leger, Councilmembers; Tait D. Elkie, Councilmember-elect; Christopher Schmaltz, Acting Town Attorney; Rick Davis, Town Manager; Katie Decker, Community Affairs and Media Relations Administrator; Tom Ward, Public Works Director; and Shaunna Williams, Executive Assistant to the Town Manager, Mayor and Council. Present from the Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation: Dr. Clinton M. Pattea, President; Bernadine Burnette, Vice-President; Pamela Mott, Treasurer; Paul Russell, Council Member; Ruben Balderas, Council Member; Thomas Moriarty, Acting General Counsel; Phil Dorchester, General Manager; Alfonso Rodriguez, Economic Development Director; Dr. Carole Coe Klopatek, Government Relations Director; and Rory Majenty, Events Manager. Agenda Item 1 – Centennial Projects: Dr. Klopatek distributed a packet entitled “Celebrating 100 Years of Statehood” (copy attached) and suggested that the group explore ideas about collaborating together on Centennial projects. Discussion ensued about potential projects, some of which were a kick-off event such as Fountain Hills/Ft. McDowell Day; a historical marker or kiosk; a hiking trail on the border between the communities; histories of influential people; and rebranding existing events as Centennial events. It was agreed that the respective Councils would appoint representatives to work on a committee together to brainstorm Centennial project ideas and estimate costs. Agenda Item 2 – Creation of ad hoc working group to address Power Road connection: Ms. Decker pointed out that the purpose of this agenda item was to obtain consensus from the group about pursuing the connector inasmuch as it would be valuable to both communities. Mr. Ward provided information about the alternatives that have been considered and the projected costs, although he stated the project could likely be accomplished for much less in the current economic environment. He noted that a request had been made to place the project on the Maricopa County Department of Transportation’s Transportation Improvement Plan, but that no response has been received. Ms. Decker pointed out that the project must also go through the Maricopa Association of Governments. Mr. Rodriguez stated that although cost, technical challenges and environmental challenges exist, the biggest challenge will be political. Mr. Moriarty noted that he believes the City of Mesa would support the project and that the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community would oppose it. Following discussion about bringing the City of Mesa, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, Town of Fountain Hills, and Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation together in an attempt to obtain consensus, the group agreed with Dr. Klopatek’s suggestion to take this issue back to the respective Councils in order to identify how they wish to proceed. Page 2 of 3 Agenda Item 3 - Yavapai Experience Day at Fountain Hills Museum: Ms. Decker stated that Yavapai Experience Day would be an opportunity for Fountain Hills residents to learn about the culture of the Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation. Councilmember Dickey suggested that this event could possibly be a Centennial project and Ms. Decker agreed that it would be a good kick-off event to demonstrate collaboration between the communities. Ms. Decker stated that holding this event would accomplish one of the goals of the Fountain Hills Town Council and inquired if Ft. McDowell would like to participate in this project. Vice-President Burnette stated that Ft. McDowell would let Fountain Hills know their decision. Agenda Item 4 – Updates: Mayor Schlum reported that the Shea Boulevard climbing lane is due to be completed on June 30 and is coming in under budget. He noted that $1M is being de- obligated to use on the Shea Gap project and medians. He further stated that Saguaro project is in design now and that construction would occur in the next fiscal year. Mayor Schlum stated that the Town is working to create vitality in the downtown area. He pointed out that the mission of the Business Vitality Advisory Committee is to keep the Downtown Vision Plan alive. He pointed out that the “Greening of Downtown” and demonstration garden are going forward in spite of the current economy. Mayor Schlum noted that the Council approached the parent company of Chaparral City Water to inquire about involving the Town in purchase of that company. He reported that the parent company verified the sale of the Fountain Hills operation and notified the Town that Fountain Hills would need to submit a “non-binding bid” within 1-1/2 weeks, which the Town was unable to do. He pointed out that the Town Council would ultimately need to ratify the sale. Mayor Schlum expressed appreciation for the “2010 Contact Information for Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation” (copy attached) that was distributed to meeting attendees and indicated that Fountain Hills would provide a similar directory to Ft. McDowell. Mayor Schlum noted that he would distribute Fountain Hills pins to each meeting attendee he and thanked them for their service. He also thanked the Ft. McDowell Yavapai nation for inviting the Town of Fountain Hills to meet with them. President Pattea adjourned the meeting at 10:22 p.m. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS By __________________________ Jay T. Schlum, Mayor Page 3 of 3 ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: _______________________________ Shaunna Williams, Recording Secretary CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Special Off- Site Meeting between the Fountain Hills Town Council and the Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council at the Radisson Hotel Conference Center located at Fort McDowell, on the 12th day of May, 2010. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 3rd day of June, 2010. _________________________________ Shaunna Williams, Recording Secretary