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Home My WebLink AboutMMPC.2020.0929.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Garvey called the meeting of Tuesday, September 29, 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 Janice Holden*; Commissioner Dr. Darrienne Slater* Absent: Commissioiner Bill Craig Staff Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin; Executive Assistant Jamie Present: Salentine Attendees: Pam Cissik*, Co-Chair of the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills (SCFH) Volunteer Board of Directors *Commissioners Holden and Slater and Attendee Pam Cissik participated in the meeting via telephone. 3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC There was no comments from the citizens present. 4. CONSIDERATION of Approving the June 23, 2020 Meeting Minutes Chairman Garvey requested that a correction be made to June 23, 2020 minutes item #6, paragraph 8 to read: In response to a question from Chairman Garvey, Ms. Goodwin confirmed that a conversation with Town Manager Grady Miller, Chairman Garvey, and herself regarding the emergency access road will occur, however, due to the current issues she requested the meeting be tabled until late summer. MOVED BY Chairman Paul Garvey, SECONDED BY Commissioner Thomas Aiello to approve the June 23, 2020 meeting minutes as amended. Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously 5. DISCUSSION on Present Threat of Non-Native Plants Chairman Garvey clarified that this discussion is informational with a possibility of placing this item with the commission workgroup to further look into. Pam Cissik, Co-Chair of the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills (SCFH) Volunteer Board of Directors, explained the threat of non-native plants within the Preserve. (See Attachment 1) Ms. Cissik stated that SCFH is at the beginning stages of this process which includes education, then have volunteers map the invasive plants in the Preserve. In response to a question posed by Chairman Garvey, Ms. Cissik responded that the neighboring communities around the Preserve she is not aware of what they are doing, however, the County Park and Scottsdale Conservancy are active in mapping and removing the invasive species. She noted that she does not know where they are at exactly but will look into. Commissioner Holden added that she is aware that the Scottsdale Conversancy has certified herbicide stewards and are willing to share these stewards. She noted that the conservancy had briefly looked at some of the Town's areas and that the invasive plants can be managed/controlled since they have not seen mass amounts. In response to a question from Chairman Garvey, Commissioner Holden reported that Scottsdale Conservancy covers trails, trailheads, hillsides, and washes. In response to a question posed by Chairman Garvey, Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin, stated that the Town does not have a policy on non-native plants, however, spoke with the Fire Chief and the Parks Superintendent which they feel looking into this would benefit the Town. She pointed out that if moving forward that this would be for a reduction on the non-native plants and realize full eradication may not occur. She requested that if this item is given to a workgroup that Parks Superintendent, Kevin Snipes, be included as the staff liaison to discuss the details. Chairman Garvey recommended that this item be given to a new workgroup to include himself, Commissioner Craig, and Commissioner Holden to start the process regarding the non-native plants within the Fountain Hills Preserve. The Commission concurred with Chairman Garvey's recommendation. 6. DISCUSSION on the 2020/2021 Hike Schedule Ms. Cissik pointed out that upcoming hike schedule is robust with 21 different events scheduled. She noted that updates to these have been added to include COVID-19 regulations, which includes pre-registration and limitation of hikers to 10 people. She added that all of the events are being run through Community Services specifically with Parks Manager Linda Ayres for registration. Ms. Goodwin pointed out that the Recreation Department will implement a Hiking Challenge for the month of November in order to work with COVID-19 and to have people get out and utilize the Town's trails. She noted registration is required and a T-shirt will be provided to the registrars. 7. DISCUSSION on the 2020/2021 Trailhead Host Program Ms. Cissik stated that the SCFH will restart the Trailhead Host Program once the trailhead is open. She noted that safety precautions will need to be implemented due to COVID-19. Ms. Goodwin commented that a storage shed for items such as a first aid kit, maps, etc. for the trailhead hosts is at the trailhead, however, will need to discuss with Mr. Snipes regarding the specifics. Chairman Garvey asked Ms. Cissik for the host program to consider the following items: • Feedback from the hosts on the specific area on the Promenade Trail where the asphalt meets the entrance to the Overlook Trail ascending if that area remains an issue for the hikers • Hosts to assist at trailhead when closed due to fire Discussion ensued regarding trailhead hosts posted during closures, how they would be notified, and possible use of signage. Chairman Garvey suggested that Ms. Cissik look into hosts being posted during closures. 8. UPDATE on Adero Canyon Trailhead (ACT) Access and Trailhead Work Activity Ms. Goodwin stated that curb and gutters have been put in on Eagle Ridge Drive and utility and paving plans are being discussed. She is anticipating access by Thanksgiving, however, not a guarantee. She added that discussions with the Sanitary District for temporary use of the septic system as well as EPCOR for water usage in order to utilize restrooms is in process. She confirmed that there is a port-a-let backup option. 9. UPDATE on Changes to Preserve Trail Maps Chairman Garvey stated that all items discussed at the prior meeting have been implemented and that updated maps have been received. Chairman Garvey pointed out that at the Town's art and craft fair the Conservancy will not be handing out maps anymore, just an 8x11 map they will supply. 10. UPDATE on Ridgeline Trail Status Chairman Garvey announced that Ridgeline Trail is officially open and that signs are installed. Chairman Garvey requested that discussion on bikes on specific trails be addressed. 11. UPDATE on Terms Expiring October 31, 2020 and Process Executive Assistant Jamie Salentine stated that two (2) Commissioners terms are expiring on October 31, 2020 which are Commissioners Holden and Slater. She noted that Commissioner Holden has requested to be re-appointed and that Commissioner Slater has requested not to renew. Ms. Salentine stated that the Commissioners who requested to be re-appointed will be interviewed by the Council Sub Committee with all of the applicants that have applied too. She added that the Sub Committee will recommend two (2) applicants to the Mayor which will be voted on tentatively at the October 20, 2020 Council meeting. She noted that there are currently four (4) applicants. She explained that a date/time for the interviews is still to be determined and that if the interviews occur after the October council meeting the current Commissioners do remain in their seats until filled. Discussion ensued regarding commissioners remaining in their seats until filled and the Sub Committee members. 12. UPDATE on Community Services Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan Ms. Goodwin commented that the Master Plan is moving forward and currently the Public Survey is out on the website. She requested for everyone to take the survey tonight as the survey closes on Thursday, October 1, 2020. She pointed out that there has been over 600 responses. She noted that next steps will be working on details such as inventory of Community Services systems and what are the conditions, then compare to other communities, current trends, and recommendations through the National Parks and Recreation Association, which will determine where the Community Services Department falls within other comparisons. 13. REVIEW of Trail Counter Activity Chairman Garvey stated that the information is in the packet for their review. (See Attachment 2) 14. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY Vice Chairman Scott Grzybowski, SECONDED BY Commissioner Thomas Aiello to adjourn. Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously The McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission adjourned at 5:48 p.m. MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN ADVISORY COMMISSION Paul Garvey, Chairman ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: C- Cury6,9,; (1kiLA -L Jami 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 Advisory Commission in the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 29th day of September, 2020. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 2nd day of November, 2020. Ja e Salentine, Executive Assistant Attachment 1 MMPC September 29,2020 Page 1 of 1 MAPPING INVASIVE NON-NATIVE PLANTS IN OUR PRESERVE 1. Regional Efforts -Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) a. Founded in 2012 by Phoenix Botanical Garden b. Currently 31 Partners - a few are Maricopa County Parks &Rec, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Tonto National Forest c. Desert Defenders (i) citizen science program of CAZCA (ii) focus on finding, mapping and removing invasive species at local parks and preserves (iii) plant species selected are known to have moderate to severe impact on local ecosystem, a few raise fire risk or worsen seasonal allergies (iv) currently focus on 8 invasive plants (iv) conduct training programs for volunteers 2. SCFH Actions a. April, 2020 - 2 stewards notified us of seeing Globe Chamomile on the new Ridgeline Trail b. Two trained stewards surveyed the Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden and identified and removed Globe Chamomile. Invasive grasses were found north of parking area but not removed c. Two training classes sponsored by Desert Defenders are scheduled through the Town for November, 2020 and January, 2021. 3. SCFH Proposed Actions for which Approval is Requested a. Become more knowledgeable about CAZCA, Desert Defenders and their objectives. b. Identify and meet with Fountain Hills Stakeholders to determine any areas of critical fire risk within or bordering Fountain Hills where invasives may be an issue. c. Train SCFH volunteers to identify and map presence of invasive nonnative plants in the Preserve d. Develop a removal or management plan for invasive species identified and report back to MMPC & Town e. Implement the approved plan f. Concurrently, accomplish same for Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden and Lake Overlook trail where SCFH already does trail maintenance Attachment 2 MMPC September 29,2020 Page 1 of 7 Andrews-Kinsey Adero Overlook& Botanical Lake Overlook Sonoran Trail &Western Loop Canyon Ridgeline Garden Trail Trail -North End Trails Trailhead Trails 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 57277 4825 3775 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 3784 7230 1064 1284 1408 Mar 4163 9112 1549 789 2479 1342 Apr 1997 7423 1356 597 2163 347 May 1335 5817 382 346 950 57 Jun 933 2189 316 263 850 109 Jul 633 2540 286 494 1100 17 Aug 432 2410 278 365 865 20 Sep Oct Nov Dec 2020 Total 15181 44378 6146 5814 11363 1892 N00r- 0 a' N w a)2NN 0NI NI NJ 0 0 La) a) 0 N 0) N 0 d Q 1I N Q a) immill co 1618 v 2251 1720 0 1630 z 1087 U 1030 690 aa) 650 �i 43 i"' 38 a C 30 a) 73 633 fa 40 0439 CO Li93: .= 449 C 563 -, fa m 13.5 945 co 925 1997 1452 a :262 Q 4163 3295 0 2491 3784 2467 ate, 1904. 2291 co m 00 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00in o 0 0 0 cr M en N N i�-I 0 IA 1"-- CO CY1 0 .--1 i--1 e--I N —U N r N N 0 0 Cl- N 2 Rig is L m N U N N f6 ZDa Q E 1v n co 3913 0 5001 7097 -- 5496 z 5,'.63 5900 375 u 371- 4000 2588 ;< aa) 1935 1 '^ 2100 - 2410 Co• on i 16 23 Q I - 1751 O 2540 O ' 173 1 16i QJ ! 2377 O ' 2189 2471 3 CU j 2563 181:■ CO j y 5817 3938idioms Co I 2 M23 54.88 a 5153 E402 9112 8080 co 9948 8150 -■ 7230 5 05 v 6448 8699 76'7 6969 v 6984 6121 0 o o g o c o 0 O O co lD N e�i O 1 NUoh. 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