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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMMPC.2021.0427.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION APRIL 27, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER at 5:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Vice Chairman Scott Grzybowski; Commissioner Thomas Aiello; Commissioner Tom Barberic; Commissioiner Bill Craig; Commissioner Janice Holden; Commissioner DJ Willard; VACANT Staff Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin; Parks Superintendent Kevin Present: Snipes; Recreation Mananger Linda Ayres; Executive Assistant Patti Lopuszanski 3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC There were no citizens present. 4. CONSIDERATION OF Approving the March 30, 2021 Meeting Minutes Vice Chairman Gryzbowski requested a correction be made to the March 30, 2021 minutes in the first sentence of item #7 paragraph 1 to read: Ms. Goodwin shared that power is holding up the opening of the restroom. Motion to approve the minutes with the amendment. MOVED BY Commissioner DJ Willard, SECONDED BY Vice Chairman Scott Grzybowski To APPROVE the March 30, 2021 amended meeting minutes. Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously 5. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION of Appointing of a Chairperson Ms. Goodwin reminded the commission that it had been discussed to wait until all seven seats were fully appointed and had anticipated that was going to occur before the current meeting. The announcement of the new commissioners will take place at the May 4, 2021 Town Council meeting. Vice Chairman Grzybowski did not want to delay the vote for appointing a Chairman for another month. Commissioner Willard asked if there was a document for the rules and responsibilities of the Chairman and Vice Chairman to be added to The Guidelines for Management of the Preserve. Chairman Grzybowski informed the commission that they follow the same public rules that the Town has and would be a good addition to include it in that document. Commissioner Aiello nominated Commisioner Grzybowski. There were no other members for consideration of the Chairman position. MOVED BY Commissioner Thomas Aiello, SECONDED BY Commissioiner Bill Craig to APPOINT Vice Chairman Grzybowski to Chairman. Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously 6. DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION of Appointing a Vice Chairperson Chairman Grzybowski nominated Commisioner Barberic as Vice Chairman. MOVED BY Vice Chairman Scott Grzybowski, SECONDED BY Commissioner Thomas Aiello To APPOINT Commissioner Barberic to Vice Chairman. Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously 7. UPDATE on Adero Canyon Trailhead Kevin Snipes, Parks Superintendent informed the Commission the Adero Canyon Trailhead restrooms will have a soft opening on April 28, 2021. There will be access to a drinking fountain with filtered water. Commissioner Holden asked about access to the pump house and storage. 8. DISCUSSION of Lower Ridgeline Trail Construction Progress/Signs Commissioner Craig was pleased with the progress made on the trails during the pandemic. He anticipated by next November the Lower Ridgeline Trail should be completed. Five additional signs for the trails will be needed and taken out of this year's budget. Ms. Goodwin reminded the Commission if approached by homeowners that the trail was approved by Town Council and MMPC. 9. DISCUSSION of The Guidelines for Management of the Preserve Commissioner Willard began the discussion recognizing Paul Garvey's contributions to starting the guidelines. Preserve, protect and provide is the goal to better inform the community. It was determined to set aside an Issue Bin to review certain topics. Highlights of the document included working groups and what they are responsible; vetting process; and relationship with Sonoran Conservancy. Chairman Grzybowski asked if there could be a liaison with the Sonoran Conservancy added to the document. Vice Chairman Barberic noted their attendance to MMPC meetings and their input would be valuable. Commissioner Holden has an upcoming Board meeting with the Conservancy and would share MMPC information. Commissioner Willard asked about the future of maps. Ms. Goodwin conveyed that while moving away from producing large quantities of maps there will be some locations such as Town Hall, Chamber of Commerce and the Community Center that will have smaller quantities of maps. Per Commissioner Holden trail signs do have it posted that Ebikes are not permitted. Commissioner Willard asked for clarification of benches on trails. Chairman Grzybowski asked for clarity on this issue as they can be natural looking seating made out of rocks. Ms. Goodwin stated that there are issues maintaining benches, and costs if they are damaged, and would like there to be careful consideration on this topic. Ms. Goodwin gave an update on hunting in the Preserve and that we are subjected to follow what Arizona Fish and Game dictates. Commissioner Holden confirmed the signage posted also states no hunting. Chairman Gryzbowski determined The Guidelines for the Management of the Preserve needed more work done before presenting to Town Council for approval. Commissioner Holden asked who owns responsibility for documenting changes. It was agreed the role of the Chairman would oversee the changes. 10. UPDATE on Non-Native Plants Assessment Plan Commissioner Holden shared that there were no updates at this time. 11. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION of Trail Counter Activity and Trail Counter Recorder Commissioner Holden asked for clarification as to how counts were calculated. Commissioner Craig explained that the number of times the counters are tripped would not be accurate for marketing promotions and approximately one half of the reported figures would represent the number of users. 12. UPDATE on Community Services Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan Ms. Goodwin discussed the progress being made with editing the Master Plan and the intent to bring it to Town Council for final approval June 1, 2021. It was well received by the Town Council in its draft form and provided comprehensive feedback from council members. The Master Plan is a viable, changeable document to see 10 years into the future and adjust and adapt according to the needs of the community. Chairman Gryzbowski also attended the meeting and shared his takeaway on the survey responses that wanted to see more funding available for parks and recreation. He felt this opened up discussion with Town Council to look at where funding could come from in the future. Commissioner Craig asked about the timeline for the Sundridge Trail. It was determined a meeting would take place with Ms. Goodwin, Chairman Grzybowski and Commissioner Willard to discuss further. Ms. Goodwin stated a timeline to communicate with the community and receive public feedback would be needed. The building of the parking lot will be the first part of this CIP project, followed by the trail and finishing up with the park. 13. ADJOURNMENT at 6:29 pm MOVED BY Commissioiner Bill Craig, SECONDED BY Commissioner Thomas Aiello at 6:29 P.M. Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously MCDO ELL MOUNTAIN ADVISORY COM SSIO irm n Scott Grzybowski ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: aat—CX Patti Lopuszansk , Ex ive 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 ills McDowell Mountain Advisory Commission in the Town Hall Council Chambers on theo2kday of c� ( , 2021. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 17 day of 14 , 2021. atIlt4-16e Patti Lopuszans i, E tive Assistant