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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022.0118.TCRM.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
JANUARY 18, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Dickey
Mayor Dickey called the meeting of January 18, 2022, to order at 5:30 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 Alan Magazine; Councilmember Peggy
McMahon; Councilmember Gerry Friedel; Councilmember Mike Scharnow;
Councilmember David Spelich; Councilmember Sharron Grzybowski
Staff Town Manager Grady E. Miller; Town Attorney Aaron D. Arnson; Town Clerk
Present: Elizabeth A. Klein
4. REPORTS BY MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS AND TOWN MANAGER
Town Manager Grady Miller reported that the request made at the last Council meeting for
information on the street naming policy, has been given to staff. It was his understanding
that Ms. Goodwin spoke with Councilmember Spelich today and they will move forward
with the process.
Councilmember Friedel said that he has been watching a couple of articles dealing with
water; Rio Verde Foothills, and then Scottsdale, issued restriction orders. At some point
they may want to revisit the issue with the Town's water provider and make sure they are
still in good shape.
He said that he attended the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting last week, and it
was well attended with around 90 residents. He was impressed to see the turnout and the
residents' participation.
Councilmember Grzybowski said she had attended two virtual meetings with the National
League of Cities. The first was the Roadmap to Inclusive Enterprenurialship and the
second was Health and Resilience Through the Arts. Additionally, this morning she
attended this year's first Legislative call with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
She then thanked the Mayor for the proclamation for the Nondiscrimination Unity
Proclamation.
Mayor Dickey reported that the IAFF and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network have
Town Council Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022 2 of 11
designated January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, bringing increased public
awareness to occupational cancer in the fire service.
Being the Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Holiday, today was proclaimed a "Day of
Racial Healing" at the Arizona Capitol.
She said that on February 1, 2022, students across Arizona will meet online for the 6th
annual Stand Up, Speak Out, Save a Life Conference— a far-reaching program aimed at
preventing teen suicide. EPCOR is a supporter of the conference. She signed a
Proclamation again this year for this cause which was very important to former
Councilwoman Sherry Leckrone who brought it to their attention.
She met with East Valley mayors; met with a Middle School student about a potential
project; and attended the Flower Girl Ribbon Cutting. Also, she was on a panel with Mayor
Woods & former SRPMIC President Diane Enos at the Scottsdale Leadership
A. RECOGNITION: Stellar Students of the Month for December 2021
Mayor Dickey read what was written of each of the following students. They came forward
as their name was called and received a letter and Certificate, and a group photograph
was taken.
Aubree Edwards McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Braxton Spears McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Mya Hinton Fountain Hills Middle School
Cason Pitz Fountain Hills Middle School
Stella Grieco Fountain Hills High School
Zach Rieck Fountain Hills High School
B. PROCLAMATION: Mayor Ginny Dickey has issued the Proclamation supporting One
Community's non-discrimination Unity Pledge.
Mayor Dickey read a proclamation issued in support of the One Community's
non-discrimination Unity Pledge.
5. SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS
None
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, CO ask staff to review a matter, or
(iii)ask that the matter be placed on a future Council agenda.
Town Council Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022 3 of 11
The following individuals addressed the Council:
Opposed to Detox/Sober Living Facilities
• Crystal Cavanaugh
• Liz Gildersleeve
• Cathi Marx
• Larry Meyers
• Ed Stizza
Comments included:
• With being Mayor comes responsibility; they need to get the sober living homes
ordinance written soon.
• Normally such facilities are in commercial zones, not residential.
• There is one 377 feet from her home and has been told it is unlicensed.
• Was thrilled to finally hear from Fountain Hills Recovery.
• He feels sorry for the folks trying to better their lives, going through withdrawals.
• After they get out of there, they go into the homes, the second phase of detox.
• There is no guarantee they are going to be clean.
• There is big money in the homes.lt is a business. Forget the goodwill and altruistic
characteristics.
Stop Signs Needed at Fountain Hills Blvd. and Saguaro Blvd.
• Allen Hunt
Comments included:
• Lives near the intersection and has seen the aftermath of three motorcycle accidents and
five auto accidents.
• He has talked with the Engineering Department, but nothing has happened.
• He wants two stop signs or a signal, or even a roundabout.
• They are going to be talking about spending $200,000 to $300,000 to widen Shea; he's
never seen a traffic jam on Shea.
Sunridge Drive/Desert Canyon Park
• Kim Wolborsky
• Barry Wolborsky
• Bruce Boyce
• Mark Graham
Comments included:
• The overwhelming number of members of the HOA do not want a park; everyone enjoys
the green space.
• The green space adds habitat and beauty to their neighborhood.
• If it is turned into a park, concerned it will turn into a hang-out.
• Represents 32 homes next to where the park is supposed to go.
• Survey sent out reinforced the impression that the decision to build a park has already
been made.
Town Council Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022 4 of 11
• He's not opposed to the park, but would like more information. He would not be in favor
of having the hiking trail.
• Other concern is with traffic control. If it involved any type of traffic control he would be
upset.
• His main concern is that if not a park, what could it be as it is a valuable piece of
property. A park may be far less disruptive than any commercial.
Ed Stizza said that the Town spent money on a media system, and he asked if there was a
way to have the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings televised. He also voiced
concern with the new crosswalk on Saguaro, stating it was a liability for the Town. It is
ineffective in design and in the wrong location. He said that he was told the lights would be
shrouded, and they are not. Mr. Miller noted that they are shielded.
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 Vice Mayor Alan Magazine, SECONDED BY Councilmember Sharron
Grzybowski to approve the Consent Agenda Items 7-A through 7-C.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
A. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the Special
Meeting of January 4, 2022, and the Regular Meeting of January 4, 2022.
B. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Resolution 2022-03, abandoning the 20'
Public Utility and Drainage Easement along the north and east side of 16330 E Inca Avenue
(Application A21-00005)
C. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Consideration of approving a Special Event
Liquor License application for the Fountain Hills Veterans Memorial for a beer garden in
conjunction with the Irish Fountain Fest on March 12, 2022
Town Council Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022 5 of 11
8. REGULAR AGENDA
A. PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Regarding Ordinance
21-17, amending Chapter 10, Single-Family Residential Zoning Districts, Section 10.04,
General Provisions, to add design standards for single-family dwellings.
Mayor Dickey opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Miller said that staff has received concerns from neighbors about duplexes being in
residential areas. Mr. Wesley and the Planning and Zoning Commission worked out
some design standards that get to the heart of the issue.
Mr. Wesley said that over the last nine months they have had a few applications come in
for single-family homes in the SFR districts. If they did not know what it was, it would
look like a duplex, but based on the rules they could not deny the applications. They
have amended the current ordinance to provide some standards to address this issue.
He then began a PowerPoint presentation which addressed:
PROPOSAL
DRAFT ORDINANCE
Vice Mayor Magazine said that the issues raised may not be solvable. If someone has a
two-car garage on the front of their house and another on the side of the house, he asked
what would keep them from changing it into a duplex. Mr. Miller said that the property is
zoned SFR. If someone wanted to sell the other unit, it would show up.
Mr. Wesley said that from what was submitted to the Commission initially, they
suggested adding laundry room, and electric service from subpanels, and included
"mirror-image"wording.
Councilmember McMahon said that she was concerned with allowing a second kitchen
of 50% of the main kitchen, and suggested it be at 25-30%. Mr. Wesley said that they
picked 50% as a starting point at the Commission level. The Commission's consensus
was that 50% was a good place to be.
Councilmember Spelich said that former Councilmember Dennis Brown is in the building
business and has diligently worked on many of these issues. He said that the Mayor,
Vice Mayor Magazine and Councilmember Scharnow worked with Mr. Brown on the
casita wording. He has read this wording and is concerned. He requested that the item
be tabled, so they could sit down and discuss some things.
Town Clerk Elizabeth Klein said that she received two written comments, from Chuck
LaVoie and Suzanne Brown, who would like to see further discussions take place before
any action is taken.
Councilmember Scharnow said that it sounds like the sign ordinance. He has no issue
studying it further.
Town Council Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022 6 of 11
MOVED BY Councilmember David Spelich, SECONDED BY Councilmember Gerry
Friedel to continue the Public Hearing to the February 15, 2022, Regular Meeting.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
B. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: to Adopt the 2022 Strategic Plan.
Chairman of the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (SPAC) John Craft, introduced
those commission members present: Cynthia Magazine, Patrick Garman, and Bernie
Hoenle (who was present earlier). He said that for several months, SPAC has been in
the process of identifying and proposing strategic priorities and supporting tasks for the
major update of the town's Strategic Plan. According to the charge of SPAC, the
Strategic Plan undergoes a major update every ten years and a minor update every five
years. The Town Council approved the current Strategic Plan in 2017 which consisted
of a minor update. He said that they put together work groups and that took some time.
The approach required a lot of internal vetting, getting together with the commission as
well as the Town Manager and his staff, and many stakeholders in the community. He
said that they took the comments received previously and integrated them into the
proposed plan such as "outsourcing" and "biennial budgeting." He then began a
PowerPoint presentation which addressed:
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Manageable
Measurable
Impactful
PLANNING ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Town has limited resources
Economic seasonality
Strong, talented volunteer base
Revenue variability
Limited residential growth
Unmatched natural beauty
COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER INPUT (SPAC's Approach)
Engaged local business, civic, education and government leaders for inputs,
observations and experiences.
Collaborated with Vision Fountain Hills to survey over 900 local residents.
Assessed the impact of the 2017 strategic plan
Reviewed developing strategic plans of the Town
VISION FOUNTAIN HILLS - Survey Results (Respondents' Primary Community
Interests)
Business Development
Technology Services
Town's Condition
Environment
Town Finances
Safety
KEYNOTE THEMES IN THE PLAN'S DEVELOPMENT
Collaborative Partnering
Town Council Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022 7 of 11
Transparency Ownership
Stewardship of Local Environment
PROPOSED STRATEGIC PRIORITIES - 2022
Targeted collaborative economic development
Promote the long-term financial sustainability of Town infrastructure, environmental and
social resources
Improve public health, well-being, and safety of our Town
Maintain Current Infrastructure while preparing the Town for emerging trends that
increase public safety and quality of life
TARGETED COLLABORATIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Signature Strategy#1 - Retain existing business & attract new ones
Signature Strategy#2 - Lead the formation of collaborative economic development
groups
PROMOTE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF TOWN
INFRASTRUCTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SOCIAL RESOURCES
Signature Strategy#1 - Increase transparency and communication with the public
regarding continuous monitoring and internal controls of town finances
Signature Strategy#2 - Promote long-term financial health and stability of the Town as
responsible and accountable stewards of the community's fiscal resources
Signature Strategy#3 - Review the provision of governmental services to identify
opportunities for increased efficiency and economies of scale
IMPROVE THE PUBLIC HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND SAFETY OF OUR TOWN
Signature Strategy#1 - Enhance the natural and built environment of Fountain Hills
Signature Strategy#2 - Make Fountain Hills a community focused on public health,
well-being, and safety
MAINTAIN CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE WHILE PREPARING OUR TOWN FOR
EMERGING TRENDS THAT INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Signature Strategy#1 - Development an investment plan and schedule to maintain/bring
FH's streets, medians, buildings, and parks to established standards
Signature Strategy#2 - Support local broadband build outs and deployment efforts while
ensuring the preservation of conduit right of way for future technologies
Signature Strategy#3 - Increase ease and safety of multi-use aspects of Fountain Hills
roads
Signature Strategy#4 - Partner with other government agencies and outside entities i.g.,
private companies, nonprofit organizations, and volunteer groups, to evaluate and report
on the health of FH parks and its asset maintenance/management system
In additional to the plan itself, they have also included "communication and monitoring
plan." He said that historically the commission has presented the plan and then sat back.
They think that the commission can play a role of communicating between the Council
and the public, in terms of being transparent. They could post information on the website
and include progress.
Town Council Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022 8 of 11
Councilmember Scharnow said that in looking under Health, Well-being, Safety Issue,
the Town has done several studies in the past two years. He asked what an
Environmental Plan would look like. Chairman Craft said that if they acknowledge that
their environment and surroundings are an important aspect, it should be
comprehensive, addressing such things as environmental services, water, etc. Anything
they do moving forward would have a basic plan to address the environmental issues.
1 Councilmember Scharnow said that it was a big leap to suggest an experienced grant
researcher/writer. That is a budgetary item to be considered each year. Chairman Craft
said that they felt it was critical. Currently, the Town spends time being reactive versus
proactive.
Councilmember Friedel noted that there are a lot of volunteers in Town with grant
writing skills, and they should explore that avenue. He said that he was glad to see
something about holding public meetings on the finances of the Town. Mayor Dickey
said that they already hold one meeting a year.
Vice Mayor Magazine asked, going back to the Environmental Plan, if the Commission
looked at previous plans and track what has been accomplished.
Chairman Craft said that there have been discussions with the Town becoming a
biophilic community, and they are a great resource of help them move forward.
Mayor Dickey said that they did talk with Raymond about this in the past, and they have
done quite a bit. While they did not have a big plan and do everything at once, one by
one they have implemented paperless agenda packets, double-siding copies, curbside
recycling, Green Fridays, use of reclaimed water on parks, cactus preservation, grass
and plants limited in landscaping. They tried to do some solar at one time, but then the
incentives went away. She said that he took that role seriously.
Chairman Craft said that the implication of putting that in there is not to say we have not
been doing anything. This is more to document what we have done. It is more for
economic development use.
Councilmember McMahon said that this is a lot of information, and there are some things
the Town is doing. She would like more time. Vice Mayor Magazine said that he, too,
would like more time, and he would like input from staff. Councilmember McMahon said
that she would also like to talk with staff further.
Mayor Dickey said that she did not know that they have talked enough with staff, and in
reading the SWOT she has questions herself. Some things shown as weaknesses may
be considered strengths by others.
Councilmember McMahon said that there are things in the Plan that seem like directives.
Chairman Craft said that the Commission would respect their opinion. He suggested that
they study the SWOT which includes proposed tasks and strategies that can be
measured and evaluated.
Mayor Dickey said that there was a lot more in the Plan than before, and she would
rather have time to hear from staff and the public further. She would rather have robust,
full support from everybody and not the questions she thinks she senses.
Ed Stizza, Fountain Hills, asked if the detailed packet was available online. Staff replied
Town Council Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022 9 of 11
that it was. He said that he just heard of a parcel that came up for purchase at $2 million,
but sold for$1.2 million. It would have been a great purchase. He asked if all
opportunities are being looked at. Mr. Miller replied that the Town has a Parks Master
Plan.
Vice Mayor Magazine said that people would love for the Town to buy more land and
other things, but unless someone comes forward with a lot of money, they cannot do it.
Mayor Dickey suggested that he also view the General Plan.
C. CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approving Amendment No. 1 to
Professional Services Agreement 2020-063 with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., and
related budget transfer.
Public Works Director Justin Weldy said that on February 18, 2020, Town Council
approved a Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
(KHA) to prepare a Design Concept Report (DCR) and preliminary design services for
the Shea Boulevard widening from Technology Drive to Palisades Boulevard in the
amount of$115,778.00. The scope for the preliminary design included the preparation
of the DCR, 15% design plans and an Engineering Cost Estimate to be used for future
construction budgeting. KHA has completed these tasks for the roadway project to
widen the following two (2) traffic lane segments of Shea Boulevard, to three traffic
lanes plus a bike lane:
EB: from East of Palisades Blvd. to west of Technology Drive
WB: from West of Technology Drive to east of Fountain Hills Blvd. (FHB)
Now that the DCR and preliminary design phase are complete, the project is ready to
proceed to the final design phase. Staff is requesting the Town Council to consider
amending the agreement to include final design of the project consisting of the following
scope of work:
Preparation of 30%, 90% and Final Plans
Preparation of Specifications and Cost Estimates
Preparation of a FEMA Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) to address fill placed in the
Cereus Wash floodplain
Preparation of a supplemental survey for Town fill areas
Preparation of a Geotechnical investigation and analysis for shoulder compaction,
maximum fill slopes, and rockfall ditches
The additional fee for the design phase is $229,795.00
He said that Shea Blvd. has regional significance. It is the only street north of McDowell
that connects to Scottsdale from the 101 to 87. It carries recreational and commercial
traffic, and most recently they counted 35,000 to 36,000 cars a day. He said that this is a
small section, 2.7 miles, and is currently the only bottleneck on the Shea Corridor.
Mayor Dickey said that the beauty of this is that it is Prop 400 money, with 70% getting
paid for by sales tax paid throughout the entire county.
Town Council Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022 10 of 11
MOVED BY Vice Mayor Alan Magazine, SECONDED BY Councilmember Peggy
McMahon to approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Service Agreement 2020-063
with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. in the amount of$229,795 (using 70% MAG ALCP
reimbursement funding) and the associated budget transfer.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
D. DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION 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.
The Town's lobbyist, Jack Lunsford, gave an update on activities of the Legislature,
noting that this was the first official week of work being done. He gave a PowerPoint
presentation which addressed:
2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
CORE PRINCIPLES
LEAGUE ENDORSED AND SUPPORTED
TRANSPORTATION
PENDING/FORTHCOMING LEGISLATION
Short-term Rentals
Vaping/Tobacco
Vaccines
Affordable Housing & Homelessness
Governor Budget
Mr. Miller said that Mr. Lunsford would not be at every Council meeting; only when it is
critical, and when they need to be taking action as a Council.
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.
Mr. Miller said that he would send a detailed report about the meeting staff held with
Sunridge. He said that they thought it was just a board meeting, but they had a lot of
residents attending. They were trying to make sure they survey the entire community.
This park has been a project in the Town's CIP for many years.
Vice Mayor Magazine noted that he and Ms. Goodwin have made an appointment to
meet with Bruce Boyce. Also, he would like to know what comes into play legally, with
regard to detox facilities, group homes, sober homes, etc.
10. ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Councilmember Sharron Grzybowski, SECONDED BY Vice Mayor Alan
Magazine to adjourn.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
Town Council Regular Meeting of January 18, 2022 11 of 11
The Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Town Council held January 18, 2022,
adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
_ t
Gi y Dick y 'C yor
ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
El abeth lein, 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 18th day
of January, 2022. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present.
DATED this 1st day of February, 2022.
Elizabeth ein, Town Clerk