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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022.0209.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION COMMISSION FEBRUARY 9, 2022 1. CALL TO ORDER Meeting was Called to Order at 4:32 pm 2. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Scott Grzybowski; Commissioner Bill Craig; Commissioner Janice Holden; Commissioner DJ Willard; Commissioner Steven Nurney Absent: Commissioner Brian Jennings Staff Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin; Parks Superintendent Kevin Snipes; Present: Executive Assistant Patti Lopuszanski 3. 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 Commission, and(ii)is subject to reasonable time,place,and manner restrictions. The Commission 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 commissioners may (i)respond to criticism, (ii)ask staff to review a matter,or(iii)ask that the matter be placed on a future Commission agenda. NONE 4. CONSIDERATION OF AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Trail Master Plan The MMPC Special Meeting was held to discuss edits made to the Trail Master Plan that had been sent to Commissioner Willard to provide an updated draft for review. The MMPC Commissioners intend to have a final copy ready for approval at their February 22, 2022 meeting. Commissioner Willard went through the changes that were sent to him one by one for additional feedback and clarification. Ms. Goodwin informed the commissioners pending no objections to any of the other add-ons if they have one final marked-up version that they want to adopt that says "pending all the changes that were discussed"they can do that and not have to come back with a clean copy at a future meeting. Provided changes are not significant and commissioners agree to move forward with a vote. Commissioner Willard followed up stating they could conceptually agree and since they are meeting in another two weeks can have changes made. Commissioner Willard commented that two items should go before Town Council for their approval, one being the Trail Master Plan and the other part the approval of the North Leg Trail. Ms. Goodwin agreed putting two separate items on the agenda for Town Council approval would be best if they take exception to the Trail Master Plan. It does not preclude moving forward with the North Leg Trail project. McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of February 9, 2022 2 of 3 Commissioner Nurney started the discussion on changes he noted on the Trail Options page which talked about repairs and improvements. Chairman Grzybowski confirmed that MMPC had fully vetted and approved of the North Leg. Commissioner Craig added that this should be called the "North Leg Loop." The Conservancy is looked upon for their input. Commissioner Holden shared that the North Leg Loop was not recommended by the Conservancy. Ms. Goodwin added that conceptually the Conservancy is asked of their concerns but ultimately this is a plan that is guided by the Commission. While feedback from the stakeholders is important they do not make the final decision. It is the Town Council's decision on what is in the best interest of the preserve over the next ten years. Commissioner Willard noted further that the commission has not made a judgment"these are the trails that may be built" if the discussion were in favor of building the trails noted in the plan. The Conservancy also had noted for consideration spider trails and visibility from the promenade. Due to the nature of the terrain Commissioner, Willard shared that there was no visibility from the promenade. It was reiterated by Commissioner Willard that these trails may be built but the Commission has not weighed in on all of them yet. The Conservancy input is more appropriate when the committee begins vetting the trail and comments are shared that have not been addressed yet. Commissioner Holden stated 5 years from now looking at the trails to be vetted may look different with a change with the commissioners. Ms. Goodwin stated this Master Plan is a forward-looking document and as each trail is considered it will be reviewed in its current capacities. This is a living document and things can change. Ms. Goodwin asked if there will be sufficient resources or will there be a need for outside help. Commissioner Holden noted trail maintenance plan would not have enough volunteers and asked if there are enough people to build a new trail. A plan for the construction of a trail should be included in the North Leg vetting was added by Commissioner Willard. Chairman Grzybowski shared that it is included in the MMPC vetting process and the funding requirements. Commissioner Willard added that they are saying Conservancy/Trailblazers are committing to do this and maybe with outside help great addition "trail-specific" Commissioner Holden suggested that a construction trail plan is needed and should include resources. Chairman Grzybowski asked that for the North Leg vetting add a bullet for"is there sufficient resources to build this trail?" The answer to that was "YES". Chairman Grzybowski requested the Appendix be added and page numbers. Commissioner Willard asked for any new edits to be sent to him by February 14, 2022. Ms. Goodwin added the approval timeline would allow for a formal motion to adopt the Master Trail Plan by MMPC on February 22, 2022, with Town Council adoption on April 5, 2022, with Commissioner Craig as the presenter providing maps of what Council is voting on. 5. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY Commissioner DJ Willard, SECONDED BY Commissioner Janice Holden Vote: 5 -0- Unanimously Meeting Adjourned at 5:17 pm. McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Meeting of February 9, 2022 3 of 3 MCDO LL MO TAIN ADVISORY COMMISSION ott rzyb i, Chairman ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: Patti Lopuszanski, Ex c� utiv ssistant 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 Community Center Yavapai Room on the 9th day of February 2022. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 26th day of April 2022. Patti Lopuszanski, Exee Assistant