HomeMy WebLinkAboutMMPC.2020.0225.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 25, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Garvey called the meeting of Tuesday, February 25, 2020, to order at 5:00 p.m.
in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, located at 16705 East Avenue of the Fountains,
Fountain Hills, Arizona.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Paul Garvey; Vice Chairman Scott Grzybowski; Commissioner
Thomas Aiello; Commissioner Tom Barberic; Commissioner Dr.
Darrienne Slater
Absent: Commissioiner Bill Craig; Commissioner Janice Holden
Staff Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin; Executive Assistant
Present: Jamie Salentine
3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
There was no comments from the citizens present.
4. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION of Safety Options on the Promenade Trail
Chairman Garvey reviewed the Promenade Trail safety problem and displayed the three
(3) options. (See Attachment 1) He noted that options 2 and 3 does not guarantee
pedestrians would be diverted off the promenade.
Discussion ensued relative to the direction pedestrian's hike and which option would be
best.
Chairman Garvey stated that Parks Superintendent Kevin Snipe's concern is the water
management. He noted that under option 1 that water would be diverted towards the
water tank and east of the gazebo. He confirmed that a mechanical trench or a backhoe
would be needed. He suggested to build steps up to the berm and that the steps would
be made with rocks.
In response to a question by Commissioner Aiello, Chairman Garvey replied that by
providing the pedestrians another option around the promenade is the only way to keep
them off.
In response to a question posed by Commissioner Barberic, Chairman Garvey responded
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of February 25, 2020 2 of 5
that Phase 3 of the trail will be delayed and the focus will be on the promenade section of
trail. He noted that the goal is to have that section completed by 2022.
Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin pointed out that the direction on which
option to use is coming forth from the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills (SCFH) and
that the Commission should make a motion to recommend to SCFH approval of one of the
options.
Moved by Commissioner Tom Barberic, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Aiello to
recommend to SCFH approval of Option la—hybrid as shown on the picture. (See
Attachment 2)
Vote: 5 -0- Unanimously
5. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION on Emergency Marker and Landing Zone for Ridgeline
Trail
Chairman Garvey stated that he and Commissioner Grzybowski met with Fire Chief Dave
Ott to discuss emergency response, resources within the preserve, and the practices such
as tools and landing zones. He noted that the markers have value for the fire department
however, not necessarily used during a 9-1-1 call. He added they know where the markers
are located on a map and that he suggested less density between markers (ex: currently
there are 30 markers on the 4-mile Sonoran trail). He commented that the markers will
be spread out more and taller and that no landing zone is recommended for this section
of the trail, as there are 10 landing zones within the preserve.
In response to a question from Commissioner Barberic, Chairman Garvey suggested that
they speak with Chief Ott for his opinion on how many landing zones are needed and then
address the maintenance of those landing zones.
Moved by Commissioner Tom Barberic, seconded by Commissioner Thomas Aiello to
recommend to SCFH approval for higher markers and fewer markers throughout the trail
and no additional landing zone.
Vote: 5 -0- Unanimously
6. UPDATE on the Community Services Parks,Trails, and Recreation Master Plan
Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin stated that the Community Services Parks,
Trails, and Recreation Master Plan is an external document and that the Community
Services Department sent out a Request for Proposals (RFP) in early January and that
three vendors submitted proposals. She noted staff is recommending a vendor with a
budget of$65,000. She added that the master plan is essentially a road map for the parks
over 10-years and directs what would be best for the Town Parks,Trails, and Recreation.
In response to a question from Commissioner Barberic, Ms. Goodwin reported that a
significant amount of community outreach will be done to hear what the community
wants. She noted that they would look all age demographics, space, land availability,
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of February 25,2020 3 of 5
funding, etc.
In response to a question by Commissioner Grzybowski, Ms. Goodwin explained that the
feedback would assist in supporting the current demographic population as well as what
the future goals such as; reaching out to younger families. She added that a community
wide survey would be completed too. She pointed out that the Commission may become
involved in the future once this is approved and in process.
In response to a question from Commissioner Barberic, Ms. Goodwin confirmed that
development fees are earmarked for Parks and Recreation and utilizing$40,000 for part
of the master plan funding. She added that consideration of approval for a vendor is
currently on the March 17, 2020 Council agenda and asked for their attendance to
support the master plan approval.
Discussion ensued relating to intertwine the Community Services Strategic Plan and the
Master Plan, potential kick-off of the master plan project, and timing of the mailed and/or
online survey.
Commission came to the consensus to draft a recommendation of approval on behalf of
the entire Commission and if they are able to attend the meeting, they attend.
7. REVIEW of Trail Counter Activity
(See Attachment 3)
Chairman Garvey explained the new excel sheet and graphs. He clarified that the trail
counter program are owned by the Conservancy with Stan Ruden gathering the
information and an apprentice over the summer months.
Ms. Goodwin clarified that the reports are to track trends and when maintenance is
needed which trail should be addressed first, which is determined by usage. She added
that the reports are used for year-end benchmarks too.
Chairman Garvey stated that the apprentice will also assist on checking that trail counter
batteries are working throughout the year. He noted that estimated counts are in yellow.
8. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION of Revised Work Group Structure
Vice Chairman Grzybowski reviewed the workgroup meeting. (See Attachment 4)
In response to a question from Commissioner Barberic, Vice Chairman Grzybowski stated
that option 1 explanation on Value of the Preserve is unknown, however, once the
strategic plan is placed in, that group fits within option 3 which is being recommended by
the work group.
In response to a question by Commissioner Barberic, Vice Chairman Grzybowski answered
that the the group would assign the work to be completed and verify completion.
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of February 25, 2020 4 of 5
Discussion ensued relating to the redefining of the groups, names of groups, and aligning
to the strategic planning.
Executive Assistant Jamie Salentine emphasized that if the commission goes with the two
workgroups of three and three; that no other discussion with another member is to be
done and brought to the meeting as an agenda item.
Chairman Garvey clarified that the commission agrees with option 3, with two groups of
three commission members:
Group 1 Commissioners (short term task): Aiello, Barberic, and Craig
Group 2 Commissioners (long term task): Grzybowski, Holden, and Slater
Commissioner Barberic suggested that each group come to the next meeting with
goals/items that are prioritized.
9. DISCUSSION on Adero Canyon Trailhead Access
Ms. Goodwin stated no update.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Vice Chairman Scott Grzybowski, seconded by Commissioner Tom Barberic to
adjourn.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
The McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Paul Garvey, Chairman
ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
►1C Jam Salentine, Executive Assistant
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular
Meeting held by the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission in the Town Hall
McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of February 25, 2020 5 of 5
Council Chambers on the 25th day of February, 2020. I further certify that the meeting was duly called
and that a quorum was present.
DATED this 26th day of May, 2020.
Ja ie Salentine, Executive Assistant
Attachment 1
MMPC
February 25, 2020
Page 1 of 8
Promenade Trail Safety Problem
Option 1: Build steps up to the end of this area. This might be done by digging
steps into the existing surface. This might easily be done with a backhoe although
it could be done, with effort, by hand. It is our belief that this is the best option. It
would provide a solution for hikers. However, it does not address the safety
factor for bikers and it would be difficult to do if done by hand and possibly
expensive if done with backhoe.
Option 2: Build similar steps up to the entrance to the Alternate Bike trail. Then
from about 100 yards up this Alternate bike trail build a new trail to the left of the
existing Promenade trail, using some switchbacks, that would go up to the area of
the original entrance to the Western loop trail. This would allow hikers to avoid
the uphill portion of the Promenade. However, it would be somewhat difficult to
build and people would probably still use the existing Promenade trail instead of
this new alternate.
Option 3: Bypass the initial bad part of the Promenade trail that is just past the
second gate by building a new trail starting to the east of the rock outcropping
just north of the Trailhead ramada and going up to the area of the present
temporary water tower. This would be a safe way for hikers to avoid that first
part of the Promenade trail. However, it would not deal with the area from the
water tower up to the Western Loop entrance and people would probably still
tend to use the Promenade trail.
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Attachment 3
MMPC
February 25, 2020
Page 1 of 6
Botanical Lake Overlook Sonoran A-K&Western Adero Overlook
Garden Trail North End Loa trails Can on Trail
2017
Jan 6121 400 250
Feb 8699 500 338
Mar 8150 700 388 Estimated
Apr 5402 600 399 4/29/19 ACT restricted access commences
May 3118 300 300 Counter not yet in service
Jun 2563 300 300
Jul 2377 300 300
Aug 1750 300 300
Sep 2100 300 300
Oct 4000 325 300
Nov 5900 375 300
Dec 7097 425 300
2017 Total 0 57277 4825 3775 0 0
2018
Jan 6984 483 240
Feb - 6448 737 1059
Mar 2491 9948 1581 1461
Apr 1262 5153 2409 500
May 925 3356 898 300
Jun 563 1816 1042 300
Jul 439 1646 500 300
Aug 370 1622 500 300
Sep 650 1935 500 300
Oct 1030 3715 500 450
Nov 1630 5463 655 628
Dec 2251 5001 487 2101 7363
2018 Total 11611 53087 10292 7939 7363
2019
Jan 2291 6969 677 2550 10237
Feb 2467 5505 731 2250 9010
Mar 3295 8080 1150 4150 16564
Apr 1452 5488 1581 1879 6645
May 945 3938 754 1212 666
Jun 449 2471 254 115 183
Jul 402 1736 152 200 200
Aug 386 1533 200 200 200
Sep 690 2588 350 300 300
Oct 1087 3759 500 500 500
Nov 1720 5496 652 700 700
Dec 1818 3913 707 1083 1040
2019 Total 17002 51476 7708 15139 46245
2020
Jan 1904 7657 915 1676 1548
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2020 Total 1904 7657 915 1676 1548 0
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Attachment 4
MMPC
February 25, 2020
Page 1 of 3
Janice, Tom A, and Scott met as a work group to discuss how to structure
the MMPC work groups for 2020. We were tasked to assess and recommend
MMPC work groups for 2020. The goal for the Working Groups' assignments:
To be a source for recommendations to the Commission
To ensure the execution of Commission commitments
To be relevant to our mission of Preserving the Preserve
To serve our strategic pursuits, the Community Services' Strategic Plan and
our stakeholder community and align our goals with the Sonoran
Conservancy of FH
Based on these objectives we determined that the tasks associated with the
2019 Work Groups had mostly been accomplished or were no longer
relevant.
In our discussions, Liaison persons came up. A Liaison to the Town, Sonoran
Conservancy of Fountain Hills (SCFH), McDowell Sonoran Preserve (MSP),
McDowell Mountain Regional Park (MMRP), etc. The Chair & Vice Chair
would be the liaison to the Town. But would it make sense to appoint one or
more other Commissioners to liaison positions or is this a work group. A
work group does not fit this position but we support a Liaison position.
We present our work group findings to the MMPC for consideration.
Option 1
Leave the work groups as is which are:
1. Value of the Preserve
2. Safety
3. Preserve Marketing and Fairs
4. Trail heads
Tasks associated with the 2019 Work Groups had mostly been accomplished
or were no longer relevant
Option 2
Leave the work groups as is (above) but add new tasks
Attachment 4
MMPC
February 25, 2020
Page 2 of 3
Option 3 (Recommended)
Align our work groups to the Fountain Hills 2020-2023 Community Services
strategic plan. We added some examples of tasks in alignment with the plan
as well as a few tasks relevant to the coming year. With that in mind we
recommend naming 2 primary work groups:
1. Tactical (short term tasks):
Vision #1 Provide recreation that inspires personal growth, healthy
lifestyles and a sense of community.
Task #3 Maintain parks, recreation, and open space as a vital
element in the quality of life for residents
• Create plant identification areas at Golden Eagle Park and Four Peaks
Park (the Botanical Garden and the Preserve)
Additional Tasks:
• Complete and open phase 1 & 2 of new trail with signage
• Update the Emergency Marker and Landing Zone Location Plan;
distribute as required
• Remove vegetation ID tags at ACT
• Remove all QR codes and their mounting plates
• Repair info sign at top of Overlook Trail
• Confirm working condition of Preserve trail counters
2. Strategic (long term tasks):
Vision #2 Expand and strengthen outdoor experiences and
opportunities to contribute to the region's attractiveness as a place to
live, work and play
Task #1. Preserve, protect, maintain, and enhance natural resources,
parkland, and recreational opportunities
a. Planning
• Work to balance nature and man-made environments in town
Vision #3 Optimize safe utilization of facilities, amenities and open
spaces
Task #3 Create respectful ambassador for parks, Community
Center and other facilities
a. Integrate Social messaging to expand outreach
b. Develop and assign website monitoring for updates
c. Enhance/re-establish Docent/Volunteer Training
Attachment 4
MMPC
February 25, 2020
Page 3 of 3
Additional Tasks:
• Implement workaround to the Promenade Trail safety issues
• Validate accuracy of several Preserve trail signs (distance to
MMP, FH-MMP reference, distance of Sonoran Trail)
• Design walking path mapping and associated signage
• Determine Emergency Marker requirements for the new trail