HomeMy WebLinkAbout120119PREVISED: 1/18/12
NOTICE OF THE EXECUTIVE AND
REGULAR SESSIONS OF
THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
TIME: 5:00 P.M. – EXECUTIVE SESSION
(Executive Session will be held in the Fountain Conference Room - 2nd floor)
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR SESSION
WHEN: THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012
WHERE: FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Councilmembers of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person o r by telephone conference call; a quorum of the
Town’s various Commissions or Boards may be in attendance at the Council meeting.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to A.R.S. § 1-602.A.9, subject to certain specified statutory exceptions, parents have a
right to consent before the State or any of its political subdivisions make a video or audio recording of a minor child.
Meetings of the Town Council are audio and/or video recorded and, as a result, proceedings in which children are present may
be subject to such recording. Parents, in order to exercise their rights may either file written consent with the Town Clerk to
such recording, or take personal action to ensure that their child or children are not present when a recording may be made. If
a child is present at the time a recording is made, the Town will assume that the rights afforded parents pursuant to A.R.S. § 1-
602.A.9 have been waived.
PROCEDURE FOR ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL
Anyone wishing to speak before the Council must fill out a speaker’s card and submit it to the Town
Clerk prior to Council discussion of that Agenda item. Speaker Cards are located in the Council
Chamber Lobby and near the Clerk’s position on the dais.
Speakers will be called in the order in which the speaker cards were received either by the Clerk or
the Mayor. At that time, speakers should stand and approach the podium. Speakers are asked to
state their name prior to commenting and to direct their comments to the Presiding Officer and
not to individual Councilmembers. Speakers’ statements should not be repetitive. If a speaker
chooses not to speak when called, the speaker will be deemed to have waived his or her
opportunity to speak on the matter. Speakers may not (i) reserve a portion of their time for a
later time or (ii) transfer any portion of their time to another speaker.
If there is a Public Hearing, please submit the speaker card to speak to that issue during the
Public Hearing.
Individual speakers will be allowed three contiguous minutes to address the Council. Time limits
may be waived by (i) discretion of the Town Manager upon request by the speaker not less than
24 hours prior to a Meeting, (ii) consensus of the Council at Meeting or (iii) the Mayor either
prior to or during a Meeting. Please be respectful when making your comments. If you do not
comply with these rules, you will be asked to leave.
Mayor Jay T. Schlum
Councilmember Dennis Brown Councilmember Tait D. Elkie
Councilmember Dennis Contino Councilmember Cassie Hansen
Vice Mayor Ginny Dickey Councilmember Henry Leger
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EXECUTIVE SESSION AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Jay T. Schlum
1. ROLL CALL AND VOTE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: (i) Pursuant to
A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(1), discussion or consideration of employment, assignment,
appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining or resignation of a public
officer, appointee or employee of any public body, except that, with the exception of salary
discussions, an officer, appointee or employee may demand that the discussion or
consideration occur at a public meeting (specifically, for the purpose of discussing town
manager applicants’ qualifications); (ii) Pursuant to §38-431.03(A)(4), discussion or
consultation with the attorneys of the public body in order to consider its position and instruct
its attorneys regarding the public body’s position regarding contracts that are the subject of
negotiations, in pending or contemplated litigation or in settlement discussions conducted in
order to avoid or resolve litigation (specifically, (i) a proposed downtown development
agreement, (ii) pending litigation matters, and (iii) a potential town manager contract). .
2. ADJOURNMENT.
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Jay T. Schlum
INVOCATION – Doug Schmitz, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
ROLL CALL – Mayor Jay T. Schlum
MAYOR’S REPORT
i) The Mayor will read a proclamation declaring January 2012 as National Mentoring
Month.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS
i) PRESENTATION by SENATOR MICHELE REAGAN, relating to Economic
Development and bills she is sponsoring.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431-01(G), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters not listed
on the agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Council and (ii) is
subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Council will not discuss or take
legal action on matters raised during “Call to the Public” unless the matters are properly noticed for
discussion and legal action. At the conclusion of the call to the public, individual Councilmembers
may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff to review a matter or (iii) ask that the matter be placed on
a future Council agenda.
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CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
1. CONSIDERATION of approving the TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES from
December 13, 2011, and January 5, 2012.
2. CONSIDERATION of approving a SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE
APPLICATION submitted by Jenny W. Willigrod representing the Fountain Hills Cultural
and Civic Association, for the purpose of a fundraiser to be held at 13001 N. La Montana,
on Sunday, February 12, 2012, from 4 PM to 7 PM.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
3. CONSIDERATION of an EXTENSION of the encroachment permit submitted by Carolyn
Redendo (Sofrita, LLC) for the purpose of continuing an outdoor seating and dining area
located in front of the restaurant as well as a performance area for flamenco dancers and
other entertainment on the public sidewalk at 16848 E. Avenue of the Fountains.
4. CONSIDERATION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF relating to the
Community Center CODE OF CONDUCT.
5. UPDATE by the Greening of Downtown Chair Jerry Butler; CONSIDERATION of the
PROPOSED PHASE V project in Fountain Park.
6. CONSIDERATION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION to the Town Attorney regarding
negotiation of the TOWN MANAGER CONTRACT.
7. QUARTERLY UPDATE on the progress of implementing the Town Council Goals for
FY2011-12
8. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION to the Interim Town Manager/Finance Director
Julie Ghetti.
Items listed below are related only to the propriety of (i) placing such items on a future
agenda for action or (ii) directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the
Council:
A. NONE.
9. SUMMARY of Council requests and REPORT ON RECENT ACTIVITIES by the Interim
Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti.
10. ADJOURNMENT.
DATED this 11th day of January 2012.
_____________________________________
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call
480-816-5100 (voice) or 1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to
participate in this meeting or to obtain agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff
reports furnished the Council with this agenda are available for review in the Clerk’s office.
REVISED: 1/18/12
NOTICE OF THE EXECUTIVE AND
REGULAR SESSIONS OF
THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
TIME: 5:00 P.M. – EXECUTIVE SESSION
(Executive Session will be held in the Fountain Conference Room - 2nd floor)
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR SESSION
WHEN: THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012
WHERE: FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Councilmembers of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person or by telephone conference call; a quorum of the
Town’s various Commissions or Boards may be in attendance at the Council meeting.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to A.R.S. § 1-602.A.9, subject to certain specified statutory exceptions, parents have a
right to consent before the State or any of its political subdivisions make a video or audio recording of a minor child.
Meetings of the Town Council are audio and/or video recorded and, as a result, proceedings in which children are present may
be subject to such recording. Parents, in order to exercise their rights may either file written consent with the Town Clerk to
such recording, or take personal action to ensure that their child or children are not present when a recording may be made. If
a child is present at the time a recording is made, the Town will assume that the rights afforded parents pursuant to A.R.S. § 1-
602.A.9 have been waived.
PROCEDURE FOR ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL
Anyone wishing to speak before the Council must fill out a speaker’s card and submit it to the Town
Clerk prior to Council discussion of that Agenda item. Speaker Cards are located in the Council
Chamber Lobby and near the Clerk’s position on the dais.
Speakers will be called in the order in which the speaker cards were received either by the Clerk or
the Mayor. At that time, speakers should stand and approach the podium. Speakers are asked to
state their name prior to commenting and to direct their comments to the Presiding Officer and
not to individual Councilmembers. Speakers’ statements should not be repetitive. If a speaker
chooses not to speak when called, the speaker will be deemed to have waived his or her
opportunity to speak on the matter. Speakers may not (i) reserve a portion of their time for a
later time or (ii) transfer any portion of their time to another speaker.
If there is a Public Hearing, please submit the speaker card to speak to that issue during the
Public Hearing.
Individual speakers will be allowed three contiguous minutes to address the Council. Time limits
may be waived by (i) discretion of the Town Manager upon request by the speaker not less than
24 hours prior to a Meeting, (ii) consensus of the Council at Meeting or (iii) the Mayor either
prior to or during a Meeting. Please be respectful when making your comments. If you do not
comply with these rules, you will be asked to leave.
Mayor Jay T. Schlum
Councilmember Dennis Brown Councilmember Tait D. Elkie
Councilmember Dennis Contino Councilmember Cassie Hansen
Vice Mayor Ginny Dickey Councilmember Henry Leger
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EXECUTIVE SESSION AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Jay T. Schlum
1. ROLL CALL AND VOTE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: (i) Pursuant to
A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(1), discussion or consideration of employment, assignment,
appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining or resignation of a public
officer, appointee or employee of any public body, except that, with the exception of salary
discussions, an officer, appointee or employee may demand that the discussion or
consideration occur at a public meeting (specifically, for the purpose of discussing town
manager applicants’ qualifications); (ii) Pursuant to §38-431.03(A)(4), discussion or
consultation with the attorneys of the public body in order to consider its position and instruct
its attorneys regarding the public body’s position regarding contracts that are the subject of
negotiations, in pending or contemplated litigation or in settlement discussions conducted in
order to avoid or resolve litigation (specifically, (i) a proposed downtown development
agreement, (ii) pending litigation matters, and (iii) a potential town manager contract). .
2. ADJOURNMENT.
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Jay T. Schlum
INVOCATION – Doug Schmitz, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
ROLL CALL – Mayor Jay T. Schlum
MAYOR’S REPORT
i) The Mayor will read a proclamation declaring January 2012 as National Mentoring
Month.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS
i) PRESENTATION by SENATOR MICHELE REAGAN, relating to Economic
Development and bills she is sponsoring.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431-01(G), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters not listed
on the agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Council and (ii) is
subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. The Council will not discuss or take
legal action on matters raised during “Call to the Public” unless the matters are properly noticed for
discussion and legal action. At the conclusion of the call to the public, individual Councilmembers
may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff to review a matter or (iii) ask that the matter be placed on
a future Council agenda.
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CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
1. CONSIDERATION of approving the TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES from
December 13, 2011, and January 5, 2012.
2. CONSIDERATION of approving a SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE
APPLICATION submitted by Jenny W. Willigrod representing the Fountain Hills Cultural
and Civic Association, for the purpose of a fundraiser to be held at 13001 N. La Montana,
on Sunday, February 12, 2012, from 4 PM to 7 PM.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
3. CONSIDERATION of an EXTENSION of the encroachment permit submitted by Carolyn
Redendo (Sofrita, LLC) for the purpose of continuing an outdoor seating and dining area
located in front of the restaurant as well as a performance area for flamenco dancers and
other entertainment on the public sidewalk at 16848 E. Avenue of the Fountains.
4. CONSIDERATION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF relating to the
Community Center CODE OF CONDUCT.
5. UPDATE by the Greening of Downtown Chair Jerry Butler; CONSIDERATION of the
PROPOSED PHASE V project in Fountain Park.
6. CONSIDERATION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION to the Town Attorney regarding
negotiation of the TOWN MANAGER CONTRACT.
7. QUARTERLY UPDATE on the progress of implementing the Town Council Goals for
FY2011-12
8. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION to the Interim Town Manager/Finance Director
Julie Ghetti.
Items listed below are related only to the propriety of (i) placing such items on a future
agenda for action or (ii) directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the
Council:
A. NONE.
9. SUMMARY of Council requests and REPORT ON RECENT ACTIVITIES by the Interim
Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti.
10. ADJOURNMENT.
DATED this 11th day of January 2012.
_____________________________________
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call
480-816-5100 (voice) or 1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to
participate in this meeting or to obtain agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff
reports furnished the Council with this agenda are available for review in the Clerk’s office.
Redacted
Redacted
Redacted
Redacted
Redacted
“An Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Project”
State Centennial Celebration - February 14, 2012
Greening Update
VISION PLAN
The Greening of Downtown
Expand Shade Areas
and Improve the Ambiance
of the Downtown Area and Fountain Park
No Money – No Staff
Just a Dream
Greening Update
Tonight’s Presentation
Fountain Park Accomplishments to Date
(Jerry Butler)
Performance Pad Landscaping Project
(Chris Varanese)
Cactus Garden Project
(Pete Carillo)
Eagle Scout
Leadership Service Projects
Activities Began 2 Years Ago
(35 Serve on Volunteer Committee)
Raised $180,000
(Donations and In-Kind Services)
Fountain Park Enhancements Include
134 Trees
Low-Water Demonstration Garden
Wildflower Garden
Two Island Improvements
Three Commemorative Columns
Performance Pad Landscaping
Accomplishments to Date
Accomplishments to Date
134 TREES
40 Trees near
Performance
Pad
18 Trees
East of
Veteran’s
Memorial
36 Trees
along Interior
Walkway in Park
2011 Arizona Community Tree Council Award Recipient
Accomplishments to Date
40 near
Performance
Pad
TWO GARDENS
Low-Water
Demonstration
Garden
Wildflower Garden
Volunteers Made
It Happen
Maintained by Volunteer Master Gardeners
Maintained by Volunteer
Botanical Garden Club
Accomplishments to Date
TWO ISLAND IMPROVEMENTS
18 East of
Veterans
Memorial Shore Bird Island
Great Blue Heron Island
on West Side of Park
A Beneficiary
Accomplishments to Date
THREE COMMEMORATIVE COLUMNS
18 East of
Veteran’s
Memorial
More Donations can now be Acknowledged
Pavers and Landscaping
Added in Fall 2011
Accomplishments to Date
18 East of
Veteran’s
Memorial Pavers and Landscaping
Added this Fall
PERFORMANCE PAD LANDSCAPING
Added 14 Donated
Planters
Improve Seating Ambiance
195 Plants in Containers + 30 Plants in Ground
Coming in 2012
PERFORMANCE PAD LANDSCAPING
PROJECT – PHASE 2
Presented by
Chris Varanese
An Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project
Coming in 2012
PERFORMANCE PAD LANDSCAPING
10 Planter Containers
Phase 2
60 Plants
Crushed Granite
Boulders
River Rock
PERFORMANCE PAD LANDSCAPING
Phase 2
(March 12 – April 27)
•Remove sod from the area
•Modify the irrigation
•Place soil and shape into mounds
•Install boulders and place plants
•Spread granite
•Install river rock around the drainage pipes
Coming in 2012
CACTUS GARDEN PROJECT
Presented by
Pete Carillo
Coming in 2012
An Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project
Cactus Garden
(East of East Parking Area)
Coming in 2012
Cactus Garden Master Plan
Cynthia Wolfe
Landscape Designer
Coming in 2012
Cactus Garden
will contain
Sonoran Desert Cacti
Coming in 2012
Cactus Garden Project
Remove Two Inches of Excess Dirt and Waste
Install Irrigation
Dump Soil to Shape Into Mounds
Purchase and Plant Cacti
Introduce Layer of Granite
March 12-April 27
Coming in 2012
More to Come …
Improvements in the Planning Stage
Fountain Park
Duck Island Enhancements – North Side of Lake
More Trees
Downtown Corridor
Find New Partners and Financial Support
Urban Demonstration Garden
& Learning Center
2nd QUARTER
REPORT ON
COUNCIL GOALS
FOR FY2011-12
January 19, 2012
November 17, 2011
Page 1 of 10
On December 16, 2010, the Town Council adopted Council Goals for FY2011-12 based on Strategic Plan
2010.
The following graph depicts progress that the staff has made toward achieving these goals since the
beginning of FY2011-12:
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Recreational Opportunities and Amenities
Economic Vitality
Education, Learning, and Culture
Civic Responsibility
Environmental Stewardship
Civility
PERCENT COMPLETE
PROGRESS TO COUNCIL GOALS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011 -12
Quarter 1
Quarter 2
OVERVIEW
Page 2 of 10
Strategic Value: CIVILITY
Percent Complete: 100%
C1 Practice the art of civility in all public settings and encourage those around you to do the same.
Staff supports the concept and principle that civility serves as the foundation of our interactions and
relationships internally and externally by reaching out to local organizations and asking how the Town
and the organizations can work together to maintain open and respectful dialogue in advance of divisive
issues becoming controversial.
C2 Support community events and activities that create opportunities to build community and
friendship.
1. Build on success of current service events and opportunities.
“Make a Difference Day” was held on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 7:30 a.m. to noon. The
event was coordinated by Volunteer Coordinator Heather Ware and her much appreciated planning
committee that included Nan Norton, Paul Appledorn, Boyce Baldwin, Pastor Steve Bergeson,
Victoria Caltabiano, Dan Foster, Bill Myhr, Jo Nelson and Mike Scharnow. Approximately 175
residents volunteered their time and skills to complete a variety of projects consisting of building a
wheelchair ramp, building fences, patching stucco, painting, clearing brush and overgrown
landscaping, cleaning closets, and cleaning garages. In addition, great progress was made at
Fountain Park with the Greening of Downtown project. This first “Make a Difference Day” in
Fountain Hills was a big success and we would like to continue to be a part of national “Make a
Difference Day” each fall, held on the fourth Saturday in October. The recipients of this event were
extremely grateful. One lady stated that with all the negative things going on in the world, this
event restored her faith in mankind. Some prepared food for the volunteers and many became
teary eyed when expressing their appreciation. Overall it was a very rewarding experience. Many of
the volunteers with “Make a Difference Day” want to continue to help the residents they served
during the event on an ongoing basis.
2. Provide new event to provide opportunity for community service and camaraderie building.
This initiative was intended to introduce the Keep Fountain Hills Beautiful Day in conjunction with
the Keep America Clean initiative. The Town held the second annual “Make a Difference Day” event
that was extremely successful. The efforts of the staff and volunteers resulted in so many
community projects being completed that staff will focus efforts on continuing this program next
fiscal year rather than diluting efforts with a second event.
3. Support and contribute to state centennial activities and incorporate centennial activities.
Community Services staff helps chair the local committee that continues to meet. A local event to
celebrate the centennial is being planned for Sunday, February 12, at the Centennial Circle adjacent
to the Community Center. An application to the Arizona Centennial Commission was prepared,
submitted and approved to have this local event sanctioned as an official State Centennial event.
The 2011 theme for the Holidays at the Community Center in December was “Christmas through the
Years – a Centennial Celebration of the Holidays”. The Centennial Circle was improved in December
with the addition of decorative pavers and landscaping in a design created by the local Centennial
Committee members. A monument will be placed by the Community Center that will recognize
local residents who played a significant part in establishing the Town’s art collection.
4. Develop a proposal to reduce the cost of facility use and rental fees for residents and organizations
in Fountain Hills.
Two new proposals were approved this year in the new fee structure that was adopted at the
Community Center. One was to reduce the fee for local groups that book on a more frequent basis.
Page 3 of 10
Additionally, the fees for audio visual use at the Community Center, which are again used often by
local groups, were reduced by half.
5. Develop a program to encourage organizations to partner with the Town in facility maintenance and
upkeep.
The initiative is to meet with stakeholder groups to determine the parameters of a program that
would encourage regular user groups to participate in general maintenance. The majority of groups
that regularly use Town facilities are proud of their facility and willingly assist in the cleanup.
To date, the following groups have agreed to participate as indicated:
- Sonoran Conservancy – Maintain the trails in the Preserve and the Town’s Overlook Trail
- Botanical Garden Society – Maintain the Desert Botanical Garden and the Desert Wildflower
Garden in Fountain Park; provide docents for tours of the Desert Botanical Garden by the public
- Master Gardeners – Maintain the Low-Water Garden in Fountain Park
- Volunteers – help to maintain the public art on display outdoors; act as docents for art walks
C3 Genuinely solicit and consider public and stakeholder feedback as part of the decision-making
process.
1. Encourage greater citizen participation in Town Halls.
Town staff has introduced the concept of “Citizen Town Halls” by inviting residents to visit their
Town Hall and meet with a Department Director from any department regarding any issues that
they would like to talk about. The first Citizen Town Hall in September had five resident attendees
and the second had two. Additional Town Halls were held during the months of October through
December with minimal public attendance. During the budget process there are plans to hold public
Open Houses that will replace the Citizen Town Halls.
2. Expand web-based feedback instruments to encourage public stakeholder feedback.
The initiative is to utilize technology to survey citizen satisfaction with Town services and identify
areas for improvement. During the Town Manager search, a survey was added to the website
asking residents for input on what they would like to see in a new Town Manager. The website was
updated to include a searchable “Tax Dollars at Work” section that includes all payments made to
vendors for the fiscal year. The front page was also updated to provide a link for residents to follow
the proposed Congressional and Legislative redistricting efforts of the Arizona Redistricting
Commission. The Administrative Department/Finance now includes a link to the monthly budget
report showing year to date revenues and expenditures.
3. Consider strategies that utilize social media as a feedback instrument.
The Town has updated the front page of the Town website to make it more dynamic with more
current information. For example, a link was provided to the Arizona Redistricting Commission
website so residents could follow the changes made to the Congressional and Legislative Districts.
As a result, more citizens contacted the Town on how to become engaged. Additionally, staff has
increased the posts to the Town’s Facebook and Twitter accounts to alert residents of ongoing
events.
Strategic Value: Environmental Stewardship
Percent Complete: 99%
ES3 Explore and implement new technologies and opportunities that will minimize noise, air, and
light pollution and reduce energy consumption.
Page 4 of 10
1. Conduct and analyze Town energy audit and employ strategies to reduce energy consumption.
An Energy Audit has been completed. Three high-priority items from the audit were to install a new
energy management system (EMS), HVAC upgrades, and lighting retrofits to more energy efficient
lights and fixtures.
2. Investigate ways to reduce energy costs.
A new energy management system for the Town Center complex has been installed. Staff will
monitor the energy use data collected by the EMS to calculate energy savings. We will continue to
use the energy audit as a tool to implement priority energy saving measures on Town-owned
facilities in the future. Staff will be bidding out mini-split HVAC systems for electrical rooms as well
as lighting retrofits in early 2012.
3. Recommend sustainable practices.
Staff will continue promoting water conservation through our low-water landscape ordinance and
utilizing “Water Use It Wisely” as part of our public outreach and education for water conservation.
Staff works closely with Allied Waste and Recyclebank to educate and encourage residents on
increasing the landfill diversion rate of the Town’s curbside trash and recycling program.
Strategic Value: Civic Responsibility
Percent Complete: 90%
CR2 Discover, recognize, and utilize the talents of our citizens and use these assets to address
community needs.
1. Expand “Take Pride Day” where volunteers complete small jobs to promote facility maintenance and
upkeep of amenities, perhaps as a semi-annual event or as part of Centennial activities.
The initiative is to continue to build on the success of “Take Pride Day.” The FY11-12 budget
included a spring “Take Pride Day”; staff would like to propose foregoing the annual “Take Pride
Day” in lieu of expanding “Make a Difference Day”. Our staff does such a great job maintaining
Town-owned property that it is a challenge to create municipal projects for a “Take Pride Day”
event. National “Make a Difference Day” is more aligned with the strategic direction of utilizing the
talents of our citizens to address community needs, and we are confident it will grow larger each
year. The 2011 “Make a Difference Day” event was a huge success.
2. Establish a senior mobility program that uses volunteers to escort seniors to doctor’s appointments,
services, and other errands.
The Give-A-Lift program has been in existence since July of 2009. We currently have approximately
50 riders and are in desperate need of more volunteer drivers. Our Volunteer Coordinator will
continue to reach out to local organizations, at Volunteer Coffees, and through newspaper articles in
an attempt to recruit more volunteers for this program.
CR3 Foster a culture of public service and volunteerism.
1. Continue to utilize Volunteer Coordinator to foster volunteerism for activities and initiatives.
Our Volunteer Coordinator continues to actively recruit volunteers. There are application packets in
each of the kiosks at the Town Hall, Community Center and Library. The Volunteer Program is
featured on our website. In addition, our Volunteer Coordinator continues to speak at local
organizational meetings to discuss the numerous roles volunteers can fill. Periodic articles appear in
the Fountain Hills Times. Partnering with clubs and organizations, as well as the faith community,
brings new volunteers to the Town as seen in our recent “Make a Difference Day”. Our greatest
resource continues to be word of mouth.
Page 5 of 10
2. Expand on the Adopt A Street program to include citizen stewardship of community assets.
Several public areas have now been adopted by a number of local groups that are assisting with the
maintenance of various community assets. These include the trails in the Preserve and adjacent to
Fountain Park, the Desert Botanical Garden, and the Low-Water and Desert Wildflower Gardens in
Fountain Park. Volunteers are also continuing to maintain the display of public art on a monthly
basis.
CR4 Implement a comprehensive communications plan to encourage informed citizen participation in
civic life.
1. Develop a communications strategy to effectively provide information to citizens.
The initiative is to develop a comprehensive citizen’s communications strategy which identifies how
citizens most often prefer to receive information about the Town and prescribe methods the Town
can effectively communicate with residents and other critical publics. Developing a comprehensive
communications strategy without staff dedicated to this initiative limits how comprehensive any
strategy can be. However, staff continues to communicate through appearances at local
organization meetings, Citizen Town Halls, monthly AveNEWS, weekly Manager’s reports, Facebook,
Twitter and Town website.
2. Develop a single community activities and events calendar to showcase Town, partner, and regional
activities and serve as a clearinghouse to communicate opportunities.
The Town website has a calendar that includes events that the Town is aware of; staff solicits
information from local organizations so that their events can be included on the calendar.
3. Close the loop on citizen inquiries and inform council members of final answers/resolution.
Citizens are encouraged to submit comments, complaints, or inquiries through the Town website’s
citizen portal, eFountain. The issue can then be tracked by both the citizen and staff (and Council)
as to the progress and/or resolution. The system sends an email to the citizen when the issue is
closed so they can see that their issue was addressed. Issues forwarded by the Town Council to staff
are also entered into eFountain to ensure that there is follow-up.
4. Utilize civic events to share information about Town issues.
The Town participated in the Fountain Hills PTO Holiday Boutique on December 4, 2011 by
purchasing a booth space. Town staff manned the booth with brochures and information on Town
services and staff was available to answer questions from participants on any Town issues.
CR7 Communicate the role of local government and clearly define the trade -offs between service
levels and amenities and the associated costs so residents can make informed choices.
1. Deliver budget presentations to identified community stakeholder groups.
The FY2012-13 budget process began with the Council budget retreat on Thursday, November 17, at
the Fountain Hills Community Center, and was open to the public. The Town Council was presented
with the “tools” that are available for balancing a municipal budget each year and worked together
to come up with those options that will be considered as part of the discussion for the budget goal
setting retreat session on January 26, 2012 at the Community Center. During the month of April,
2012 staff will make presentations to as many local organizations who are interested on the
proposed budget to seek feedback on proposals.
2. Continue to present Citizens Academy.
The second annual Citizens Academy is scheduled to run for seven weeks beginning Wednesday,
January 25 through Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The classes include presentations from
Administration, Community Services, Development Services, Law Enforcement, the Fire Department,
the Municipal Court, the Fountain Hills Unified School District, and the Mayor.
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3. Create an easy-to-understand, meaningful document that translates the budget for public
consumption.
The Budget in Brief document will be enhanced to provide comprehensive but easy to understand
information for the public. The document is posted on the Town’s website.
4. Clearly communicate policy decisions and implications of decisions.
Included as part of the Budget in Brief document.
5. Investigate the potential of becoming an Arizona We Want pilot community.
The Town applied to be considered but was not accepted; the Town will support the local business
that was accepted and contribute in any way that we can.
Strategic Value: EDUCATION, LEARNING AND CULTURE
Percent Complete: 90%
ELC2 Support partners in providing arts and cultural opportunities and amenities.
Staff presented recommendations to the Town Council to help streamline the special event process for
applicants, staff and the Town Council. The proposed recommendations were approved at the
November 3 Town Council meeting. Additionally, staff is working with representative from Fort
McDowell, and their enterprises, to better communicate and potentially jointly program for special
events.
1. Identify local talent and promote opportunities to showcase talents at community events and
activities.
Staff is researching options for this event, although feedback received thus far has been less than
enthusiastic for an event of this nature. Staff has recommended removing this event from the
budget for FY 2011-12.
2. Support public art walk.
Staff continues to support the public art walk and is looking to expand the private tour offerings by
reaching out to neighboring school districts. The art docent manuals have been updated to reflect
the new art acquisitions since last season. The orientation meeting was held to kick off the new
season of art walks.
ELC4 Position the community’s arts and cultural businesses, venues, and amenities as economic
drivers integrated into the Town’s comprehensive economic strategy.
1. Increase external awareness of and interest in public art.
This initiative was intended to provide a partial virtual tour of public art in Fountain Hills; once the
Town has a digital library of all the art pieces, the virtual tour will be available on the Town’s
website.
2. Continue to support Greening project.
Staff continue to work closely with the Greening of Downtown group and is close to finishing Phase
IV of the project. The planting of forty additional trees is being planned tentatively for this winter.
Planning is now underway for Phase IV of the project which will include a cactus garden, additional
improvements to add landscaping around the amphitheater, and additional trees being added to
Fountain Park.
3. Continue to support the arts district.
The Town supports the arts district by coordinating the general maintenance of each piece of art
through volunteers, as well as hiring a professional to come in twice a year for maintenance.
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ELC5 Encourage access to higher learning opportunities or the establishment of an educational or
training campus within our community.
1. Broker a commitment from an organization to establish an educational or training facility/program
in Fountain Hills. Report on activities to date.
The Town continues to maintain a relationship with Scottsdale Community College (SCC). After
several meetings and discussions, SCC’s desire to work with Fountain Hills appears to be leaning
more toward assisting in workforce training and development on a case by case basis for Fountain
Hills’ businesses rather than establishment of a program or facility in the community. After
research on communities who have been successful in attracting institutions of higher learning, it
appears, among other factors, the communities tend to have a significant population growth pattern
with a trend toward a younger population base. We will continue to monitor opportunities and
respond appropriately.
Strategic Value: ECONOMIC VITALITY
Percent Complete: 60%
EV1 Develop a comprehensive economic development strategy for the Town’s future and work with
our partners to forward economic growth and awareness.
1. Develop a comprehensive community marketing plan/campaign.
This initiative is to determine theTown’s “brand” and develop a comprehensive branding strategy.
Both the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission and the Fountain Hills Chamber are working on
creating a brand to market Fountain Hills. The Chamber will be making a presentation to the Town
Council at the first meeting in December that highlights their branding efforts to date.
EV2 Develop and maintain a balanced, equitable, sustainable, local financing structure to support the
Town’s core government services at desired service levels.
1. Revisit the 2007 Revenue Enhancement Analysis Report and identify potential strategies for
consideration and/or implementation.
The Revenue Enhancement Analysis was prepared in 2007 and contains significant amounts of data
that compares Fountain Hills to similar communities both inside and outside of Arizona. An update
of the report will be considered for the FY12-13 budget discussion during Council’s January 26, 2012
goal setting retreat.
2. Review and consider implementation of a storm water maintenance fee.
The stormwater fee was considered last year but did not receive Council support. The fee was
presented as a “toolbox” item during the FY12-13 Council budget retreat discussion but did not
receive majority Council support.
3. Consider establishing a financial sustainability commission to review and recommend strategies to
ensure long-term financial sustainability.
The initiative to consider establishing a financial sustainability committee to review and recommend
strategies to ensure long-term financial sustainability is a program that the Strategic Planning
Advisory Commission would like to move forward with. During the joint meeting between the Town
Council and the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission, there was significant discussion regarding
the direction in which Council would like SPAC to move.
EV4 Promote retention, expansion, and relocation of quality businesses.
Several strategies with specific focus areas are being used to implement this element of the
Strategic Plan.
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Recruitment of retail businesses, which will provide products and services for Fountain Hills’
residents, has been and continues to be an emphasis.
The Town also continues to build relationships with the real estate professionals who represent
retail space in Fountain Hills. To that end, the Town has worked with various leasing agents over the
course of the 2nd Quarter to provide information and support for their marketing efforts. In
addition, staff worked with several leasing agents, property owners, retailers and contractors to
facilitate several projects through the Town’s process for plan reviews, inspections and special event
applications.
We are pleased to share that Dunkin’ Donuts officially opened on December 27, 2011 with much
fanfare. Staff worked closely with the contractor, property owner, and Dunkin’ Donuts’ promotions
company in order to meet their opening timeline.
In addition to Dunkin’ Donuts, Sherwin Williams also opened their store during the week between
Christmas and New Years. The store is approximately 5,000 square feet and is located in Fountain
View Plaza (northeast corner of Fountain Hills Boulevard and Keith McMahan Drive). Staff worked
with the corporation real estate person as well as the contractors to facilitate this location. We
were able to successfully assist them through our process in order to meet their project timeline.
The attraction of businesses that will create quality jobs, increase daytime population, and build the
community’s economic base continues to move forward. Targeted business sectors for Fountain
Hills have been identified and align well with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s (GPEC’s)
target industry sectors. The Town is collaborating with GPEC to outreach to targeted business
sectors in Fountain Hills. The information will allow us to define and refine the competitive
advantages of locating a business in Fountain Hills, which is anticipated to be used as part of the
Town’s marketing for business attraction purposes.
During the 2nd Quarter, the Town refined the contact list for targeted outreach. Staff then drafted
and sent letters to the specific targeted businesses in Fountain Hills to introduce the project and
alert them to expect a call asking them to participate in the project. In addition, a follow -up
reminder postcard was also sent to each of the identified businesses. Also during this time period,
GPEC team members began the outreach calls and information gathering.
The outreach is anticipated to be completed in the 3rd Quarter, with the final analysis of the data
and report completed.
1. Provide opportunities to receive feedback from those investing in our community.
The strategy outlined below is being used as a forum for an exchange of ideas with the Town and for
the Town to receive feedback on items which may be of concern.
2. Develop strategies that focus on business retention within the community.
The Town has been working with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) to implement an
outreach effort to our existing businesses in specific sectors. The purpose is to gather information
from our existing businesses which will help define and refine the competitive advantages of a
Fountain Hills location. A questionnaire and project timeline was completed in the 2nd Quarter and
the specific businesses to be contacted were identified. The questionnaire is used to facilitate data
gathering and also allows input from the existing business base as to how the Town can improve the
local and regional business climate.
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The implementation of the existing business outreach began in November and continued through
December. Follow-up calls along with data entry and analysis is expected to be completed during
the 3rd Quarter.
3. Continue to review codes to identify opportunities to relieve businesses of unnecessary regulation.
A sign committee made up of two Councilmembers, two Planning and Zoning Commissioners, four
staff members, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, and five members of the business
community meet on a weekly basis to discuss changes to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance, specifically
signage. The committee has met 13 times over the past four months. The committee will
recommend a one-year extension of the sunset clause for A-frame and banner signs in December.
Numerous additional changes have been discussed to date; once all of the sign regulations are
reviewed, any proposed changes will be presented to the public at Open Houses and then they will
go to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their review and recommendation to the Town
Council. It is anticipated that the first draft will be presented to the public in mid-2012, with review
by the Planning and Zoning Commission and adoption by the Town Council occurring sometime in
early fall of 2012.
4. Examine possibilities associated with acquisition of properties not used by school district for
possible business location or other municipal uses.
The initiative to examine possibilities associated with acquisition of properties not used by the
school district for possible business location or other municipal uses has not moved forward at this
time; the Four Peaks elementary school currently has a tenant is not available for Town use.
EV5 Promote Fountain Hills as a visitor destination.
1. Continue to support and partner with the Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell Tourism Bureau.
Staff regularly attends the bi-monthly meetings of the Visitor’s Bureau to share information about
upcoming events. Staff also meets regularly with Visitor’s Bureau staff to provide input on
marketing efforts related to events and Fountain Hills as a wedding destination. Staff recently met
with a representative from the Radisson Fort McDowell to discuss increased awareness of events
between the Town and resort and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Staff plans to increase
communication between the Town and all the relevant Fort McDowell enterprises moving forward.
EV6 Identify a slate of economic development tools and strategies (including tax incentives, fee
abatements, etc.) to stimulate economic growth.
1. Develop a strategy to focus new development and business relocation to the Downtown Core (along
Avenue of the Fountains).
Based on the Downtown Vision Plan, and the information and recommendations made at the ULI
AzTAP event, a strategy has been developed and is being implemented which focus efforts on new
business attraction to vacant spaces on the north side of the Avenue. The guiding principles are to
increase foot traffic and vibrancy while encouraging a complementary business mix. An updated
inventory of vacant space on the Avenue from Saguaro Boulevard to Verde River Drive has been
completed. Contact has been made with the leasing agents. A strategy to attract another anchor
business has been developed. A conceptual building layout is completed. In addition, a list of
businesses the Town desires to contact and discuss opportunities on the Avenue has been
completed.
In conjunction with identifying targeted businesses to recruit to the Avenue, staff is working
specifically on recruiting another restaurant anchor to the Avenue. Discussions with key individuals
and business owners regarding recruiting another restaurant anchor and redesigning open and
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public space to better accommodate outdoor dining has occurred. The Town has also worked on
design concepts to better accommodate outdoor dining. These design concepts will be used in
marketing materials. The design concepts along with marketing and outreach strategies are
anticipated to be completed and implemented in the 3rd Quarter.
2. Analyze and facilitate necessary rezoning (and related activities) to support future Lakeside District
development and look at other tools that might prepare us for making the Downtown Vision Plan
come to life as the economy improves.
The proposed road bond that was not approved by Fountain Hills voters had included reconstruction
of the Avenue of the Fountains and Saguaro Blvd. intersection, which involved components of the
Downtown Vision Plan.
Strategic Value: RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND AMENITIES
Percent Complete: 80%
R2 Provide an interconnected, multi-use trail and bicycle system that promotes active living, physical
activity, education, and appreciation of our parks and natural resources.
1. Utilizing the Urban Trails Plan, identify improvements along circuits that better accommodate and
promote multi-modal use of urban trails.
Staff continues to work with a consultant to develop an overall Urban Trail Plan to include signage
and trail markings. The proposed Urban Trail Plan was presented to both the Town Council and the
Parks and Recreation Commission at their recent joint meeting. Current plans call for the proposed
plan to be presented to the Council early in 2012.
2. Provide analysis of pedestrian movements with the Town and identify interconnect gaps.
A sidewalk map has been created. Community and Development Services have developed a
preliminary Urban Trails Plan, which also helped identify gaps in the sidewalks where potential
pedestrian paths may be located in the future.
3. Work with Sonoran Conservancy and other organizations to expand and maintain Preserve Trails.
Staff continues to support the efforts of the MMPC and is working with the commission on possible
expansion of the trail system to include a link to the Preserve trail system from Scottsdale. In
addition the Sonoran Conservancy has agreed to maintain the Town’s Overlook Trail system that
provides views adjacent to Fountain Park and the lake.