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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ.2016.0811.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE
PLANNING&ZONING COMMISSION
August 11,2016
Chairman Archambault opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
The following Commissioners were present: Chairman Michael Archambault, Vice-Chairman Eugene
Mikolajczyk. Commissioners: Howie Jones, Stan Connick, and Roger Owers. Also in attendance were
Robert Rodgers, Interim Development Services Director, and Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant and
Recorder of the minutes. Commissioners Susan Dempster and Jeremy Strohan were absent.
Chairman Archambault requested participation in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent
reflection.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
No one wished to speak.
AGENDA ITEM #1 - CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATED July 28,2016.
Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk MOVED to APPROVE the meeting minutes dated Thursday,July 28,2016
as written. Commissioner Howie Jones SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
(5/0).
111) AGENDA ITEM #2 - PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE COMMENTS ON A PROPOSED
SPECIAL USE PERMIT BY FEARLESS KITTY CAT RESCUE TO ALLOW INDOOR
KENNELS AT 16832 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, LOCATED IN THE "C-2" ZONING
DISTRICT. Case#SU 2016-03
Chairman Archambault turned the meeting over to Commissioner Connick.
Commissioner Connick opened the public hearing at 6:32 p.m.
Bob Rodgers addressed the Commission regarding a Special Use Permit Application submitted by
Fearless Kitty Rescue, a non-profit, no-kill, cat rescue and kennel facility currently located at 16913 E.
Enterprise Drive. That is in the C-3 (Heavy Commercial /Light Industrial) Zoning District. Mr. Rodgers
said they have the option to purchase a vacant building located at16832 East Avenue of the Fountains
where they wish to re-locate the rescue facility. The building fronts on the Avenue of the Fountains,
directly abuts Gridley's store and is across a small courtyard area from Sofrita's restaurant. This is in the
C-2 (Mid-Density Commercial)Zoning District. The C-2 district regulations are contained in Chapter 12
of the Zoning Ordinance. Pursuant to Section 12.03.D in order for a kennel to operate in the C-2 zoning
district, a Special Use Permit must be approved by the Town Council. Tonight's hearing is to request that
the Planning & Zoning Commission consider forwarding a favorable recommendation to the Town
Council to approve this request.
Section 2.02D of the Zoning Ordinance outlines the key criteria that should be considered by the
Commission during your deliberations.
• They are:
1. Any Special Conditions that influence the location
2. Whether any new buildings or other improvements are proposed
3. Traffic
Page 1 of 4
4. Any negative influences on adjoining properties
5. No detriments to the public health, safety, peace, or comfort to the properties in the immediate
area or to the general welfare of the town at large
Col Mr. Rodgers stated, that if the Commission determines that those factors are satisfactorily addressed, the
Commission should forward a recommendation to approve the Special Use Permit. If it's determined that
the factors are not all satisfactorily met, the Commission may recommend that the Council attach
additional stipulations to their approval. OR, you may recommend denial. If recommending denial, the
Commission should note the specific reasons for the recommendation in order that Council can fully
evaluate the recommendation.
Staff recommends that the Commission forward a recommendation to Town Council to approve the
Special Use Permit to allow Fearless Kitty Rescue to locate at 16832 E. Avenue of the Fountains, subject
to the stipulations outlined in the staff report.
Kristen Skivington, a volunteer with Fearless Kitty Rescue, addressed the commission. She said Fearless
Kitty Rescue is a free roaming,no kill facility. The cats are not in cages. There are large rooms,couches,
kitty furniture, food and water. Cages are only used temporarily to introduce new additions to the facility
or for kitty timeout. Kittens are separated from adult cats and all have the ability to play and be just cats.
The Fearless Kitty Rescue has been in the current location for four years and expanded three times. The
new space will allow for Fearless Kitty Rescue to be internally designed for a rescue. This would include,
a non-emergency medical area, public spaces to view adoptable cats, and an educational/resource center.
There are over 100 volunteers and this space would provide an area for training staff. There are 2 shifts,
(morning and afternoon/early evening) running 7 days a week. Services with Republic Services are for
pick up two days a week.All litter would be tripled bagged and placed in industrial contractor bags before
going into the disposal. Ms. Skivingtion concluded with thanking the Commission and that she is
available for any further questions.
�Ir+' Kate Koch, a two and half year volunteer with Fearless Kitty Rescue, addressed the Commission relative
to a grant received from Republic Services last summer. She explained the grant was for the Trap-Neuter-
Return(TNR) for Feral Cats Program. Feral Cats are wild cats that are not domestic and every town has
them. Ms. Koch reviewed some of the rescue's accomplishments. In the last eighteen months ninety-nine
cats were taken into the Fearless Kitty Rescue; sixty-six strays, thirteen trap and release, twenty-two
owner surrender, and eleven from owners deceased (3 from MCSO calls), forty-seven calls for lost and
found cats and nine dead cats picked up off the streets. Ms. Koch concluded with offering informational
flyers about the TNR program.
Amberleigh Dabrowski, a Fountain Hills resident, asked the following questions regarding the Fearless
Kitty Rescue; how frequently would volunteers work at the facility and the amount of foot traffic
expected. She also asked about noise control measures.
Commissioner Connick asked if there were any more public speakers and there being none, he closed the
public hearing at 6:34 p.m.
AGENDA ITEMS #3 - CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSED SPECIAL USE PERMIT BY
FEARLESS KITTY CAT RESCUE TO ALLOW INDOOR KENNELS AT 16832 E. AVENUE OF
THE FOUNTAINS,LOCATED IN THE "C-2"ZONING DISTRICT. Case#SU 2016-03
Chairman Archambault asked for hours of operation and answers to the questions from the last
speaker.
Ms. Skivington said the hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. These are not the public
hours but people come and go throughout the day. Public hours are not every day. The new
location's proposed hours are: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m.
Page 2 of 4
and then 3:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. The facility is not open full time to the public. Adoption
arrangements are made by appointment with the adoption coordinator.
Chairman Archambault asked how are the cats contained.
Ms. Skivington replied there are many rooms which are designated cat rooms with doors. They
are not allowed to free roam the building. There is a public area of the building near the entrance
that is contained and allows people to see the cats available for adoption. There are a lot of
windows on the interior and exterior for viewing of the cats in each of the rooms.
In response to other questions Ms. Skivington said noise is not an issue with the current location
and they do not anticipate one in the new location. The cats are left unattended overnight and
there is no way for anyone to come into the building. Cats are very independent and do not mind
being left alone. The web camera posted on the website shows what the kittens are doing when
no one is around. They are often playing, running and sometimes sleeping.
Commissioner Jones thanked the rescue for the community support Fearless Kitty Rescue
provides to Fountain Hills. He asked what is the percentage of local and national funding.
Ms. Skivington said local is 70 % and national is 30 %. National funds are growing because of
participation in more grant writing and having national recognition. Two large donations of cat
food were received this last year which provided $60,000 value of cat food. Since it was not all
needed, Fearless Kitty networked with other rescues to share the food. The promotion of
Fearless Kitty Rescue on Jackson Galaxy's Foundation and other sites are providing more grants.
Fearless Kitty Rescue was recently recognized at a national conference.
In response to Commissioner Jones, Ms. Skivington said the feral cats are brought in and get
spayed or neutered and receive rabies vaccination. They are returned to the location they were
taken from.
Ms. Koch said the majority of feral cats are near El Pueblo and the Indian reservation area. The
farthest one out is near Safeway.
In response to questions, Ms. Koch said all the volunteers will park in the back and the windows
do not open so noise should not be an issue. Security cameras will be in place.
Commissioner Connick asked about other community rescues.
Ms. Skivington said there are rescues in other comminutes. The difference is Fearless Kitty has a
dedicated staff and location. Sometimes people use their house and take in cats. There are
official ones like the county and the humane society. Fearless Kitty is unique because it is in a
small community and can serve the town well.
Commissioner Owers asked if the TNR programs spay, neuter and rabies shots are performed on
site.
Ms. Koch said the Arizona Animal Rescue League provides a low cost spay and neuter program
L which Fearless Kitty Rescue resources. After surgery the cats are returned to the facility for
monitoring and then released where they were trapped. They are given rabies shots only. The
procedures are not done at the rescue facility.
Page 3 of 4
Ms. Skivington said the cats available for adoption are spayed and neutered, vaccinated and
micro chipped at El Dorado Veterinarian Hospital in Fountain Hills.
Cof Commissioner Owers MOVED to FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION to Town Council to approve
the proposed SPECIAL USE PERMIT to allow Fearless Kitty Cat Rescue to operate an indoor kennel at
16832 E. Avenue of the Fountains, located in the "C-2" zoning district, subject to the stipulations
recommended by staff as outlined in the staff report. Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk SECONDED and the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. (5/0)
AGENDA ITEMS#4-COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.
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 Commission.
None
AGENDA ITEM#5-SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS FROM SENIOR PLANNER.
None
AGENDA ITEM #6 - REPORT FROM SENIOR PLANNER AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR,
PLANNING AND ZONING DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.
There are four open commissioner positions with five applicants. Interviews will take place next week.
AGENDA ITEM#7-ADJOURNMENT.
Commissioner Jones MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 p.m. and Vice-Chairman Mikolajczyk
• SECONDED and the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. (5/0)
FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING&ZONING COMMISSION
BY:
Chai an Mike Archamba t
ATTEST:
?(1.11.Q1b 1/D4.0t1A)
Paula Woodward,Executive Assistant
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the meeting of the
Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission held on the 11th day of August 2016, in the Town
Council Chambers, 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. I further certify that
the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present.
Dated this 17th day of August 2016 ( ^moo�n
Paulala Woodward, Executive( Assistant
Page 4 of 4
Trap-Neuter-Ret.
for Stray and Feral Cats: ThelBasics
Follow these basic steps to join with thousands of others across
the country working to improve the lives of stray and feral cats.We
know you may feel nervous,but with our expert advice,you can
calm your nerves and get to work improving cats' lives.Find more
in-depth information about the entire trapping process and more
details at www.alleycat.org/Trap-Neuter-Return.
Set a feeding schedule.
Feed the cats at the same time and place every day—usually
for about one to two weeks.Use this same time when you are
ready to trap.Withhold
food for 24 hours before Trap-Neuter-Return
your trapping day.Always
Trap:Humanely trap the cats in a colony.
provide water.(Optional
tip:Feed cats out of an Neuter:Take the cats in their traps to a
upset trap if the area is veterinarian or spay/neuter clinic to be
sterilized,eartipped,and vaccinated.
safe and secure;the cats
will acclimate to seeing Return:Return the cats to their original
colony site.
and walking into them.)
Make veterinary appointments ahead of time.
Before your trapping day,call and make reservations with a
veterinarian or neuter clinic experienced with feral cat protocol.Let
them know you may or may not be successful—you may call to
cancel your appointment.(Steer clear of veterinarians who do not
have experience with stray and feral cats.)
Practice,practice,practice.
Practice setting the traps ahead of time.View directions for using
traps at www.alleycat.org/Traps.
i _ W
ti
•
,••
are and set the traps.
Prepare traps a the trap site so you do not disturb the cats.
Line the bottom with newspaper.Place about a tablespoon of bait at
the back of the trap,past the trip plate,and drizzle a trail of oil in a
zigzag pattern leading to the front of the trap.Tag each trap with its
location so you can return the cats to the same place later. Place the
traps on level ground and set them.Never leave traps unattended.
Watch from a distance where you won't intimidate the cats,but you
can see if anyone is approaching.Stay calm and have a towel ready!
Cover the traps once they are sprung
and transport the cats to the veterinarian.
Once the trap is sprung,cover it immediately and entirely with a large
towel or sheet to help keep the cats calm.
Don't pick up sprung traps if other
cats are still sniffing around the ,
trapping area.Wait for a quiet `
moment to fully cover and move
the traps.Although the cats
are scared and may thrash ortee
Il;i
seem'unhappy,'remember to 11111, ti
never let a cat out of the trap.
Take the cats in their traps to their soo.
veterinary appointments.
Care for the cats after surgery.
Hold the cats overnight after their surgery in a temperature-controlled,
safe location.While the cats are recovering from anesthesia,they are
unable to regulate their body temperature.Provide food and water
when the cats are awake by cautiously and slowly lifting the back
door of the trap by a half inch and sliding in a plastic lid with food or
water.Never open the door or put your hands inside the trap.A good
rule of thumb is that cats can be returned 24 hours after surgery,
once they're clear-eyed and alert.Talk to your veterinarian about
when to return lactating mothers and other special cases.
Return the cats to their outdoor home.
Return the cats to the location where they were trapped.Clean the
traps with a non-toxic disinfectant.
On behalf of the cats,thank you.You've done the right thing!
Alley Cat Allies
Join our ©2013
movement to 7920 Norfolk Avenue,Suite 600
Bethesda,MD 20814
protect cats. www alleycat.org/RespoResponse
121613