HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021.0601.TCRM.MinutesTOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
JUNE 1, 2021
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Dickey
Mayor Dickey called the meeting of June 1, 2021, to order at 5:35 p.m. and led the Council and
audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was held.
3. ROLL CALL — Mayor Dickey
Present: Mayor Ginny Dickey; Vice Mayor David Spelich; Councilmember Mike Scharnow;
Councilmember Gerry Friedel; Councilmember Peggy McMahon; Councilmember
Alan Magazine; Councilmember Sharron Grzybowski
Staff Town Manager Grady E. Miller; Town Attorney Aaron D. Arnson; Town Clerk Elizabeth
Present: A. Klein
4. REPORTS BY MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS AND TOWN MANAGER
Town Manager Grady Miller reported that Jerry Miles, Mayor from 1996-1998, had passed away,
noting that he and his wife had been very active in the community and touched a lot. He said that
the loss will be felt. More information is to come regarding a service.
He said that on June 5, 2021, the Town will hold its second vaccination clinic, providing the
second Moderna shot, and they will also have the first of the Pfizer shot and the Johnson &
Johnson one-shot vaccine available.
Councilmember Grzybowski said that she attended the GPEC Board of Directors Meeting, the
League Legislative Update and also the GPEC Transforming Spaces and Places Meeting. She
said that they talked about the fact that when they were younger they hung out at the regional
malls, but that is in the past. They heard about the new Paradise Valley Mall Redevelopment
which will be 50 percent residential and 50 percent nonresidential, with bike and walking paths.
She also gave a plug that this year's Leadership Academy Planning Committee now has
applications available at ILOVEFOUNTAINHILLS.ORG.
She noted that she is catching the red -eye back to Virginia this evening so she will need to leave
the meeting by 8:30 p.m.
Councilmember Magazine said that he and his wife have lived in Fountain Hills for 15 years, and
he knows of no one that has dedicated as much time as the Miles. He said that several of them
were asked to go out and take photos of the sculptures around Town, and he was amazed by the
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number of them that had been paid for by the Miles.
Councilmember McMahon said that she attended the Arizona League Sustainability and Quality
of Life Committee Meeting. They are working with the State, SRP, etc. to increase electric
vehicle stations throughout the state. They are looking at the Recycling Fund for ways to support
sustainable and renewable energy, and they are also working with MAG to address
homelessness.
She attended the MAG Economic Council meeting, and they continue to support development of
the Regional Transportation Plan and ensure that Prop 400 does not phase out in 2025. She said
that the regional housing market has been affected by people moving from Seattle and
California, along with the increase in building materials, and affordable housing is hard to find.
She noted that Tempe has created the Hometown for All Initiative. Last year Phoenix had 34
brand new companies, nationally and internationally, bringing 8,000 new jobs. She said that the
trend is not slowing down.
Councilmember Friedel said that he attended the call with the League on May 25 regarding the
flat tax, and the effects could be close to $1 million to Fountain Hills alone. He called on all his
colleagues to encourage the Legislature to hold the cities/towns harmless. He said that Mr.
Ponder was on the call and he is very sharp.
He also attended a ribbon cutting for Priority Hearing, and yesterday he helped Rotary set up
between 2,000 and 3,000 flags for Memorial Day. He also attended the Post 58 Veterans Wall,
where they had between 500 and 1,000 people. He said that it was a moving experience.
Council Scharnow said that he attended the same ribbon cutting, and he also attended a Valley
Metro Board Meeting.
Mayor Dickey noted that she was going to move Items 8G and 8J to come right after 8C, as
Councilmember Grzybowski would like to be present for the discussion and vote on those items.
She reported that the Fountain Hills High School became a 2020 A+ School of Excellence, and
she went to the Falcon Nest to help them celebrate.
She attended a MAG Executive Board of Directors Meeting and they nominated a slate for the
Board, which went to the whole Regional Council that same day, and she and Councilmember
Scharnow are working on transportation issues through MAG and RPTA.
She said that she was happy to attend the High School Graduation; it was very encouraging and
hopeful. Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation's Vice President Paul Russell gave a speech that was
positive and empowering; all speakers were inspiring.
She was introduced to Marshall Shore, known as the "Hip Historian" to share the story of
Fountain Hills in an online setting through writing a list of trivia questions where the answers
become the conversation. It is poignant that she had the book "Rising above the Rest" for
reference, as she was able to talk about Jerry Miles and the role he played in writing it with Alan
Cruikshank and Jean Linzer and the local contributors. She said that Jerry was so committed to
the community, and he will be sorely missed. She conveyed the Town's condolences to Jackie,
his family and his many colleagues & friends.
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A. RECOGNITION OF Students of the Month for January, February, March of 2021
Mayor Dickey said that it had been some time since they were able to do this, with the
pandemic closing schools and meetings. She read off the names of each of the students,
and asked those that were present to come forward to receive their certificate and have a
group photo taken. She noted that at the next meeting they would be recognizing the
Stellar Students of April and May.
January Stellar Students of the Month:
Lilliana Perla
McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Henry Good
McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Zoe Jagodzinski
Fountain Hills Middle School
Jacob Markel
Fountain Hills Middle School
DeShawn Rivera
Fountain Hills High School
Bella Garman
Fountain Hills High School
February Stellar Students of the Month:
Kellen Bryant
McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Kaycee Dehaan
McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Alex, Paige and Gia Ivie
Fountain Hills Middle School
Kensie Jibbin
Fountain Hills Middle School
Colton Marshall
Fountain Hills High School
Kayla Thorne
Fountain Hills High School
March Stellar Students of the Month:
Emma Tobias
McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Matthew Walters
McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Cason Pitz
Fountain Hills Middle School
Navaeh Baxter
Fountain Hills Middle School
Tyler Thurlow
Fountain Hills High School
Josie Sand
Fountain Hills High School
5. SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION BY Captain Kratzer of MCSO with a Monthly Update.
Captain Kratzer said that he wanted to highlight a couple of cases solved recently by their
detectives that deserve special recognition.
First was from the local Target store where they were hit 6 times within 21 days, with over
$11,000 in electronics and good stolen. MCSO worked with their Loss Prevention, and
they found that the same people were responsible for several incidents at the Talking
Stick store and also in Gilbert and Mesa. They identified the suspect using his credit card.
They obtained a search warrant and placed a tracking device on his vehicle. They located
him at his residence on May 13 and arrested him for shoplifting. He said that he admitted
to all of them and was selling merchandise on social media sites to feed a drug addition.
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The second case was the recent hit and run fatality that occurred on McDowell Mountain
Road. He said that it happened on May 25, 2021, between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. He said that
there were two trucks traveling on the road and the second one hit the bicyclist and did not
stop. The driver stopped at McDowell Mountain Regional Park to look at the damage, and
the first truck, while they did not see it happen, noticed that the truck had stopped at the
park and then the driver did not show up for the job and called in sick.
He said that the deceased was found by another bicyclist on the road that noticed bike
parts and called 9-1-1. Their detectives did a great job in making an arrest within two
days, in part due to great witnesses, although no one saw it actually happen, there was a
very alert park attendant who noticed the truck pull in, get out and look at the fender. Later
on, she reported that the detectives. From that they located residential surveillance
equipment that showed the same truck in the roundabout in Rio Verde. He said that
without the help of the public, it would not have been solved so quickly. He said that the
detectives were invited to the meeting, but they are still busy working on the case, and
they all appreciated the invitation. The main detective was Sergeant Dave Taylor
(supervisor), and Detectives Forrest Wright, Jason Porter, Billy Gardner, Sean Horning,
Kate Ashby, and Caleb Frey.
Vice Mayor Spelich said that these cases are extremely difficult to solve and the
detectives did a great job. Councilmember McMahon thanked them for their work.
Mayor Dickey stated that they had heard of the officer killed in a car accident, and their
respect and thoughts go out to all of them.
6. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R. S. §38-431.01(H), 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.
The following individuals had submitted cards online, or in person, requesting to speak at
the meeting under Call to the Public in opposition to the newly -adopted Sign Ordinance:
♦ Stephenie Bjorkman
♦ Suzanne Nann (during the meeting indicated she was supporting the opposition, but did
not wish to speak)
♦ Gina Stevens
♦John Kavanagh
♦ Linda Kavanagh
♦ Rosemary Powell
♦ Betsy LaVoie
♦ Chris Enos
♦ Steve Vargo
♦ Tyrone Meredith
♦ Frank Quinn
♦ Mark Bierman
♦ Stephanie Sandoval
♦ Dori Wittrig
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♦ Terri Tieber
♦ Chris Brant
Comments included:
♦ They are opposed to the new Sign Ordinance
♦ The businesses need their signs and there is no reason they cannot work together to
keep them and make everyone happy
♦ How much tax revenues will the Town lose by taking away signs?
♦ Asking that the Town Council reconsider the item at the June 15, 2021, Council Meeting
♦ Does not feel this is a beneficial decision; when they go places signs tell them that a
business is open
♦ As a real estate agent, half of the people going to open houses say they came because
of the Open House sign they saw
♦ The sign issue in Town is not new; they never eliminated the signs, but taking them
back 15 feet from the curb is pretty much eliminating them
♦ One Councilmember indicated safety concerns with temporary signs; in his six years on
Town Council he never heard or read of safety issues from signs
♦ The Town has a lot of directional signs in the right-of-way; are they going to remove
those?
♦ What about political signs? One person that voted for the new ordinance had political
signs up
♦ One person on Council can change this and he hoped they will
♦ The Town runs on sales tax money
♦ She was on the last big signs committee
♦ Signs increase foot traffic bring in new customers and are necessary for wayfinding,
especially for realtors.
♦ Why would they impose this new ordinance, without even consulting the businesses?
♦ She is a registered nurse, and she asked the Council to visualize restaurants, tax
revenues, etc. with signs. She offered three hypnosis sessions to anyone on Council
♦ Public right-of-way is different in width throughout Town
♦ This is one more burden to overcome
♦ The Council should put together a task force
♦ Spoke with hundreds of businesses, and she had 627 supporters to reverse the May 18
decision
♦ 77% said that temporary signs were extremely important and 19% said they were very
important
♦ More than 87% of the Town's businesses have people walk through their door because
of their sign
♦ Does the Town have any data to support the statement that the impact was being
"overblown?"
♦ Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
♦ He was asked to look at the law; aesthetics are important, but who judges?
♦ Distances in right-of-way are arbitrary and capricious
♦ Reconsider the 4-3 vote; bring in the Chamber and other stakeholders
♦ Resident since 1991; owns MCO Realty, and most of his agents believe this is going to
hinder their ability to represent the homeowners
♦ He is an outsider looking in
♦ Four years ago he found a house to buy and moved to 110th St. and Shea, but he
always comes back to patronize the restaurants, some of which he found because of the
signs
♦ Signs are a welcome to those that do not know an area
♦ He is also an outsider. and is in the sign business, but he has no gain to be there as he
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does not sell or make a -frame signs
♦ He does like the tone of the whole Council and the idea of them coming together
♦ Employees of large corporations did not feel the impact of 2008; small businesses did,
and now they have all gone through the pandemic
♦ Businesses are now reopening and getting a chance to recover
♦ He and his wife are residents and owners of GOAL agency; they found their home and
restaurants through signs
♦ Was a home builder in Minnesota for over 25 years, and signs were the #1 reason
people came to the model homes
♦ Loves the Town; is a business owner in Town, and property owner
♦ She works with 300 agents with Homesmart International, 60 of which are in Fountain
Hills, and this is harming both the consumers and the agents
♦ Owns Remax and serves on many boards in Town
♦ It has been 9 years and 6 months since November of 2011, the bottom of the real estate
market and there were 3 tough years leading up to that
♦ COVID has been a nightmare
♦ Many people find their way here because of the fountain; hundreds of would-be tourists
come without a thought in their mind, but by the end of the day they happen upon a sign
on a street corner that takes them to a house they buy
♦ Shocked that the Town Council made such a drastic decision when it does not seem at
all necessary
♦ The community has crafted good policy before; they can do it again
♦ Owner of Sunbaked Bakery said she needs her signs because the building sits back
♦ She comes in at 2:30 in the morning and puts her sign out; people then know she is
open
♦ Suggests that all the tenants pay for one sign at the end of every street telling people
what is down that road
♦ Has lived in the area since 1983, and was shocked that they would vote for this
♦ Even before the pandemic the businesses were in trouble
Town Clerk Elizabeth Klein reported that the Town received two electronic comment cards
in support of the ordinance from Sherrilynn James and Fred James; and 13 in opposition
from Melinda Stanton, Pal's Inn, Cherie Koss, Suzanne Isaacs, Erin Holman, Michael
Gant, Dr. Nancy Gaillard -Dillard, Peter Donzelli, Sandy Cashen Paige Lorentzen, Tammy
Bell, Lisa Murray, and Dean Warner.
Representative Kavanagh also reported during Call to the Public that he was quite
confident that the Legislature would pass a flat personal tax, but they will hold the cities
and towns harmless. He said that every resident is going to have a tax cut.
Crystal Cavanaugh, Fountain Hills, said that she was back to talk about detox units. She
said that they may not be discussing them now, but as soon as the Town receives a
formal application, they will be back for consideration. They already have some in Town,
but she asked if they want more. Once they are in Town they cannot get rid of them.
Patrick Russo, Fountain Hills business owner, said that he agreed with everything being
said, but he was there to speak about a different issue. There is a new business his
building looks at, and he is surprised that the Town has allowed a warehouse to go into
the middle of Town. They want to put their loading dock in the front of the building; he
hoped they were not going to allow them to do that. He is concerned with safety in having
semis turning around and coming in and out when fairs are going on.
Ed Stizza, Fountain Hills, said that it was fantastic to see everyone there, but he was
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there to talk about the crosswalk (Desert Vista). The turnout shows that it would be nice to
have a public forum. He also mentioned the new panhandling sign at Saguaro and Shea,
and asked if it was in the right of way.
Councilmember Friedel said that in response to comments made during the Call to the
Public, he would like to request 1) staff look into the loading dock issue; 2) staff look at the
height of the lights at the Desert Vista crosswalk and see if they need to be baffled; and 3)
if there was any type of direction they could give regarding changes to the sign ordinance.
Mr. Miller noted that the codes require shields on lights at all intersections, not just
because of the dark sky ordinance, but to keep lights from bothering the neighbors.
MOVED BY Vice Mayor David Spelich to rescind the vote on the sign ordinance. Mr.
Arnson said that the item is not on the agenda to be voted on. Vice Mayor Spelich said
that according to Parliamentary Procedure it did not need to be. Mr. Arnson said that
based on Arizona's Open Meeting Law, it must be a separate item on the agenda for
action to be taken. Mayor Dickey said that is so that anyone wishing to speak on a specific
issue would know when it was on the agenda, so they could be present or submit
comments.
7. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine, noncontroversial matters and will be
enacted by one motion of the Council. All motions and subsequent approvals of consent items will include all
recommended staff stipulations unless otherwise stated. There will be no separate discussion of these items
unless a councilmember or member of the public so requests. If a councilmember or member of the public
wishes to discuss an item on the Consent Agenda, he/she may request so prior to the motion to accept the
Consent Agenda or with notification to the Town Manager or Mayor prior to the date of the meeting for which
the item was scheduled. The items will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal
sequence on the agenda.
MOVED BY Councilmember Sharron Grzybowski, SECONDED BY Councilmember Mike
Scharnow to approve the Consent Agenda Item 7-A.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
A break was held from 7:02 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
A. CONSIDERATION OF approving the meeting minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 20,
2021, the Regular Meeting of May 4, 2021, and the Regular Meeting of May 18, 2021.
8. REGULAR AGENDA
A. PUBLIC HEARING regarding Resolution 2021-14, approving the Final Budget for the Town
of Fountain Hills for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2022.
CONSIDERATION of Resolution 2021-14 of the Mayor and Council of the Town of
Fountain Hills, Arizona, approving the Final Budget for the Town of Fountain Hills for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2022.
Town Council Regular Meeting of June 1, 2021
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Mayor Dickey opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Miller stated that the Town Council adopted the Tentative Budget back in May, which
is the work plan for the next year. He noted that the process began with a Council
Retreat, several Council workshops, a public open house, and then Tentative Budget
adoption in May.
Finance Director David Pock said that the action taken tonight is to get the Final Budget
adopted and also the Budget Implementation Plan.
He reported that the TPT collections for last month were the highest ever for a month in
collections. Typically, April's are higher, but they did have a good month, mostly due to
restaurants and bars coming back as well as services. He said that with last month's
numbers, the Town reached their budget numbers; the remaining three months' revenue
will be the gravy. He then gave a brief PowerPoint presentation which addressed:
FY22 FINAL BUDGET
FY22 GENERAL FUND REVENUES
FY22 GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES
FTE'S
CAPITAL PROJECTS
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN
He said that originally staff thought that the Town would be receiving just over $3 million
each year for the next two years, or $6 million; however, they received an e-mail from the
Department of Treasury today indicating that the Town is scheduled for $8.4 million over
those two years. He said that the State is going to be doing a webinar on Friday to walk
staff through the process.
RECOMMENDED USES
POTENTIAL USES
Mayor Dickey closed the Public Hearing and recessed the Regular Meeting into a Special
Meeting.
MOVED BY Councilmember Mike Scharnow, SECONDED BY Councilmember Peggy
McMahon to adopt Resolution 2021-43.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
The Special Meeting adjourned and the Town Council reconvened into the Regular
Meeting.
B. CONSIDERATION OF Resolution 2021-15 adopting and establishing the 2021-22 Budget
Implementation Policy and approving the Town Organization Charts, the FY 2021-22 Pay
Plans, the Schedule of Authorized Positions, and the updated Employee Job Descriptions.
Town Council Regular Meeting of June 1, 2021 9 of 16
Mr. Pock explained that this was the implementation memo that outlines the
administration of the budget.
Councilmember Magazine said that he would like to address the second part of the
resolution, regarding the Town Organization Chart and pay plans. He said that many
years ago he sat next to the Chairman of a very large food company on a flight and asked
him what the secret was to his success. He was told that the number one job is choosing
the right people. Councilmember Magazine said that he does not know all the staff, but he
has witnessed the dedication of department heads and others that do not get enough
credit. He is constantly impressed by the people and their dedication, they are uniformly
outstanding and bright, committed, responsive to the Town Council and residents. The
Council needs to not take them for granted. He said that he could not speak highly enough
for the quality of the Town staff.
Mr. Miller thanked Councilmember Magazine for his comments and said that he would be
glad to convey that message to the staff. He added that they have a great team.
With regard to the budget implementation plan, he noted that when he was out the last
few weeks, for some reason the corrected organizational chart for Public Works and the
respective job descriptions did not get in the final packet. The only change, as indicated
on the items placed on the dais, is that the Town Engineer will now have supervisory
authority over the Assistant Town Engineer.
Mayor Dickey thanked Councilmember Magazine for his comments related to staff. She
appreciated their responses, always giving clear answers that help her respond to
constituents.
MOVED BY Councilmember Sharron Grzybowski, SECONDED BY Councilmember Peggy
McMahon to adopt Resolutioin 2021-15 (with the corrected attachments presented).
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
C. CONSIDERATION OF Professional Services Agreement 2021-051 with Heinfeld, Meech &
Co. for annual financial auditing services for FY21-25 with a total not -to -exceed amount of
$198,695.
Mr. Pock said that the Town is required by Arizona Revised Statutes to request proposals
every five years for auditing services to ensure that the Town is receiving the best service
for the best price. In March, staff received five responses. Staff graded those and invited
two to come back in for an oral interview. After that, it came down to the same two firms
as last time, and they decided that Heinfeld, Meech & Co. deserved another five-year
contract. They are familiar with Town processes and the Town has been working on
efficiencies that they have built in.
Mr. Miller noted that the $198,000 is over the course of five years. It is slightly inflated as
they never know if they are going to need a single audit.
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MOVED BY Councilmember Gerry Friedel, SECONDED BY Councilmember Mike
Scharnow to approve Professional Services Agreement 2021-051 with Heinfeld, Meech &
Co., P.C. for annual financial auditing services for fiscal years 2021 through 2025.to
approve Professional Services Agreement 2021-051 with Heinfeld, Meech & Co., P.C. for
annual financial auditing services for fiscal years 2021 through 2025.to approve
Professional Services Agreement 2021-051 with Heinfeld, Meech & Co., P.C. for annual
financial auditing services for fiscal years 2021 through 2025.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
D. CONSIDERATION OF Ordinance 21-08 amending Section 7-1-2 of the Town Code to
provide a local amendment to the adopted 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings by adding an additional definition.
Mr. Wesley said that staff was given direction by the Town Council to address the issue of
construction that has started but never been completed. Staff knows of five or six areas
where this has occurred. In reviewing the 1997 Uniform Code for Abatement of
Dangerous Buildings, they found that if they went into the definitions and added one more
definition, they could address this issue. He said that staff was proposing a two-year
period; however, that decision was up to the Council to determine. He said that staff would
reach out to a property owner or developer, remind them of the time frame and reference
the code requirement, and let them know that they must either take action or the Town
would. If they were not agreeable with action taken by the Town, they could appeal it to
the Board of Adjustment.
Councilmember Magazine said that he was concerned with the term "dangerous." Mr.
Wesley said that if something is determined as life -threatening the Building Official has
the ability to step in. He said that once the Council takes action, staff will reach out to the
property owners of the existing unfinished projects, provide them a period of time to start
doing something, and if they do not, the Town will start a formal process. Councilmember
McMahon said that she believed that two years was too long of a period. Mr. Wesley said
that the Town would probably start with billing, but if it is not corrected, they may end up
having to lien the property.
Councilmember Scharnow agreed that two years was too long, and asked if a standard
single-family building permit was good for a one-year period. Mr. Wesley said that it is
usually six months, but it continues as long as they continue to do work within that time
frame. He said that this was industry standard.
Councilmember Scharnow asked if this would address something like the old Taco Bell
building that caught on fire and was fenced off. Mr. Miller said that with that particular
case, his understanding is that it is structurally sound; it has not been condemned. The
issue of safety is with people breaking in. Mayor Dickey asked why this would not address
that issue. Mr. Wesley said that he would need to speak to the building officials. They
were specifically looking at new construction. A different situation with existing buildings
would have other codes that apply.
MOVED BY Councilmember Mike Scharnow, SECONDED BY Councilmember Alan
Magazine to adopt Ordinance 21-08, with the change from two years to one year.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
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E. CONSIDERATION OF approving Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Purchasing Agreement
2021-002 with Sanderson Ford for the purchase of one new light duty truck.
Mr. Weldy said that this request is to purchase a new fire marshal vehicle. He said that
everything is in alignment with the Town's procurement and vehicle replacement policy.
The only difference between this and others is the color. The existing vehicle has reached
its ten-year life, and while it is in relatively good condition, it is subject to failures.
Councilmember Friedel noted that 20% of the unit was for upgrades. Mr. Weldy said that
the firefighters take incredible care of the Town's vehicles.
Councilmember McMahon asked what would be done with the old vehicle. Mr. Weldy said
that it would go into stand-by mode, and the one currently in stand-by will go out to
auction.
MOVED BY Councilmember Sharron Grzybowski, SECONDED BY Councilmember Gerry
Friedel to approve Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Purchasing Agreement 2021-002 with
Sanderson Ford for the purchase of one new light duty truck in the amount of $44,511.70 .
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
F. CONSIDERATION OF approval of Contract 2021-050, Third Amendment to contract with
Verizon Wireless for a wireless facility lease at Shea and Palisades.
Mr. Weldy said that the Town actually has leases on several pieces of property to wireless
companies. This is for a renewal of an existing agreement on the northwest corner of
Palisades and Shea. The traffic signal pole has a wireless antenna array, and just west of
the site is a backup generator and site operation center. He said that staff and Verizon
Wireless went back and forth and this is what Verizon Wireless offered. Currently, rent is
$1,512/month; the new agreement is $1,665/mo for the first 5 years; the second renewal
goes to $1,830/month, and the third renewal goes to $2,015/month. He said that Verizon
Wireless will continue to make upgrades to their array to ensure that they are competitive.
If the change is substantial, staff will be back to the Council to receive guidance.
Councilmember Magazine asked if any other company piggybacks with this. Mr. Weldy
said that there is not a co -location agreement at this site.
MOVED BY Councilmember Mike Scharnow, SECONDED BY Councilmember Gerry
Friedel to approve Contract 2021-050.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
G. CONSIDERATION OF Contract 2021-048 with PlaySpace Design, Inc. for Fountain Park
Playground Equipment and Splash Pad Remodel.
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Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin thanked the Council for adopting the
budget, as within that they authorized the CIP which includes this project. She then gave a
brief PowerPoint presentation which addressed:
FOUNTAIN PARK PLAYGROUND AND SPLASH PAD
She showed a picture of the existing equipment and what the new equipment will look like.
She said that using the upgraded system will allow them to do better preventative
maintenance as they can remove parts without having to bust concrete. The life
expectancy is 10-12 years, and they have surpassed that time on the old equipment.
RENOVATIONS
Ms. Goodwin said that there are a number of new products that have come out since the
old equipment was put in, that has slip and fall protections, can withstand the desert sun,
and longevity.
Councilmember Friedel asked who polices where the kids go. Ms. Goodwin said that they
police themselves. She said that they do not intend to take this project on until October, as
they wanted to close at the end of the season, but they would like to get the order
submitted soon.
TIMELINE AND BUDGET
Ms. Goodwin showed a short video of what the equipment will look like. Councilmember
Fridel asked if it was something they could share on the Town's website. Ms. Goodwin
replied that it was.
MOVED BY Councilmember Alan Magazine, SECONDED BY Councilmember Peggy
McMahon to approve Contract 2021-48 with PlaySpace Design, Inc for the replacement of
playground equipment and splash pad in Fountain Park for an amount not -to -exceed
$1,200,000.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
H. CONSIDERATION OF applying for the biannual Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority
grant.
Ms. Goodwin said that they have applied for this particular grant a number of times, using
it for redoing the tennis courts and adding a basketball court at Four Peaks Park. She
said that this grant comes open every two years. The odd year is the application, and the
even year is when the project is done. It is now time to apply. She said that this year they
would like to go back and ask for a new project. She said that this is funded through the
car rental tax. They will be proposing to add lights to the skate park, since the Arizona
Tourism Authority is specific to youth outdoor activity. She said that they have asked for
this before, but staff believes that with the improvements made at the park, they stand a
better chance. She said that without lighting at this amenity, it renders it unusable during
the peak time. She said that this project is programmed into the CIP for the Town's half of
the project, with $75,000 from the Town and the ask would be $75,000.
Town Council Regular Meeting of June 1, 2021
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MOVED BY Councilmember Peggy McMahon, SECONDED BY Councilmember Mike
Scharnow to authorize a grant application for the Arizona Sports and Tourism
Authority Grant for skate park lighting at Desert Vista Skate Park and authorize the grant
acceptance and all steps necessary to implement if awarded the grant.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
CONSIDERATION of applying for an Arizona Parks and Trails Grant
Ms. Goodwin said that this is a new grant, and was found by members of the Community
Services Advisory Commission who has a group that looks for grants. This is for a new
bathroom to be located at Four Peaks Park, adjacent to the new playground space. There
is one bathroom at this park now, but it is on the other end of the park. She said that there
is evidence that there was a restroom there when the school was operating, so they
believe the infrastructure is in place. She said that they would do further research and, if
appropriate, would like to apply. It is a longer grant cycle. Applications are submitted this
fall, but they would not know until next Spring.
MOVED BY Councilmember Gerry Friedel, SECONDED BY Councilmember Alan
Magazine to authorize a grant application to Arizona State Parks and Trails and authorize
the grant acceptance and all steps necessary to implement if awarded the grant for the
addition of a restroom at Four Peaks Park.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
CONSIDERATION OF Resolution 2021-19 adopting the Community Services Parks,
Recreation and Trails Master Plan
Ms. Goodwin gave a PowerPoint presentation on the new Community Services Parks,
Recreation and Trails Master Plan that addressed:
COMMUNITY SERVICES PARKS, TRAILS, AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
What is a Master Plan?
How was the Master Plan Developed?
Added: Botanical Garden
NEXT STEPS FOR THE MASTER PLAN
Councilmember Scharnow thanked staff, noting that he read through it quickly again after
the packet was sent out, and although he does not agree with all the objectives, he
appreciated the slide at the end that explained it is a blueprint.
Mayor Dickey said that she liked the connection to the Strategic Plan. She talked with
members of the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission and Vision Fountain Hills,
and several of the objectives are related to that, while others are not. She said that it is
flexible, and it is a blueprint. She said that she read back through the minutes of when it
first came to Council and a lot of what was discussed at that meeting was incorporated
into this document.
She said that she is hoping they can go back, with the success of the recent Thursday live
shows on the Avenue, and perhaps a First Friday concept.
Town Council Regular Meeting of June 1, 2021
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Councilmember Grzybowski said that one thing she wanted to mention was that, yes it is
a guide and not binding, but when they had the presentation the consultant addressed that
it was "big picture," and it would be a great guideline as Community Services is coming
up with a pathway; that is the entire purpose in this.
MOVED BY Councilmember Peggy McMahon, SECONDED BY Councilmember Sharron
Grzybowski to adopt Resolution 2021-19 for the Community Services Parks, Recreation,
and Trails Master Plan
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
K. CONSIDERATION OF authorizing the Town Manager, or his designee, to apply for,
accept, and/or receive American Rescue Plan grant funds, passed through the State of
Arizona, and to make the necessary FY22 budget transfers.
Mr. Pock said that they they are holding an informational meeting on Friday, and he is
anticipating it to be the same type of application as before. It has to be submitted by July
1.
Mr. Miller reminded the Town Council that they did talk about this previously, and staff will
come back to the Council in September with a work session or agenda item with potential
uses, but the real critical piece is Council's approval tonight to move forward.
MOVED BY Councilmember Alan Magazine, SECONDED BY Councilmember Peggy
McMahon to authorize the Town Manager, or his designee, to apply for, accept, and/or
receive American Rescue Plan grant funds and to make the necessary FY22 budget
transfers.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
L. DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE CONSIDERATION relating to any item included in the
League of Arizona Cities and Towns' weekly Legislative Bulletin(s) or relating to any action
proposed or pending before the State Legislature.
Mr. Miller said, as mentioned earlier, that the House and Senate have taken a break prior
to the holiday weekend. It sounds like it is possible that the flat tax may or may not be
passed. Nick Ponder has done a good job. Based on what he has heard from Nick and
the League staff, all the vigilance has paid off, but they may have to ask the Council to do
more. And, he thanked Councilmembers for what they did on their own.
9. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION to the TOWN MANAGER
Item(s) listed below are related only to the propriety of (i) placing such item(s) on a future agenda for action, or
(ii) directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the Council.
Town Council Regular Meeting of June 1, 2021
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Vice Mayor Spelich said that before they close, he would implore that those who voted for
the sign ordinance consider how it will negatively affect businesses. It is not a threat, but if
it stands as adopted, it will go to a referendum. It will be Daybreak Part II. He said that he
is willing to be flexible; they need to put their heads together.
Councilmember Magazine said that he does not have his feet in cement. He keeps
hearing that they need to compromise, but he has not heard anything. Putting this on the
agenda for the next meeting is not the right time.
Councilmember Friedel said that maybe if it was on the agenda they could find a way to
delay, and do it the right way. He said that they are all about shopping local and there are
a lot of businesses struggling in Town. These are families in a lot of the businesses. They
need to find a way to get input and do it the right way.
Mayor Dickey said that they should wait and let staff get back with them after their
meetings. They cannot debate this right now.
She thanked Dave Trimble for filling in for Grady, and welcomed Grady back.
10. ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Councilmember Sharron Grzybowski, SECONDED BY Councilmember Alan
Magazine to adjourn.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
The Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Town Council held June 1, 2021, adjourned at
8:28 p.m.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
D 'JJ-1-VZ
Gin Dickey, Mayor
ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
Eliabet lean, Town Clerk
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular
Meeting held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills in the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 1 st day of
June, 2021. 1 further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present.
DATED this 15th day of June, 2021.
a
LIE-abe-t'Fi lein, Town Clerk