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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 Z:\Council Packets\2012\R1-19-12\120119Ar.docx Last printed 1/18/2012 10:32 AM Page 2 of 3 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. Z:\Council Packets\2012\R1-19-12\120119Ar.docx Last printed 1/18/2012 10:32 AM Page 3 of 3 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 Z:\Council Packets\2012\R1-19-12\120119Ar.docx Last printed 1/18/2012 10:32 AM Page 2 of 3 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. Z:\Council Packets\2012\R1-19-12\120119Ar.docx Last printed 1/18/2012 10:32 AM Page 3 of 3 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. Page 6 of 10 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. Page 7 of 10 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. Page 8 of 10 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. Page 9 of 10 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 Page 10 of 10 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.