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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017.1108.TCOM.MinutesTOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE JOINT SESSION BETWEEN THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL AND THE FORT MCDOWELL YAVAPAI TRIBAL COUNCIL November 8, 2017 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh and President Bernadine Burnette called the Joint Session to order at 8:00 a.m. in the We -Ko -Pa Resort, located at 10438 N. Fort McDowell Road, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264. Opening remarks were provided by President Bernadine Burnette and Mayor Linda Kavanagh. AGENDA 1. OPENING PRAYER The prayer was offered by Fort McDowell Yavapai Tribal Councilmember Paul. J. Russell. 2. INTRODUCTION OF ATTENDING MEMBERS BY PRESIDENT BURNETTE AND MAYOR KAVANAGH Present were the following members of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Tribal Council: President Bernadine Burnette, Vice President Pansy Thomas, Treasurer Pamela Mott, and Councilmember Paul J. Russell. Tribal Council Secretary Selena Castaneda and Councilmember Gerald Doka were absent. Staff present: Chief of Police Jesse Crabtree, Fire Chief Mark Openshaw, General Manager Phil Dorchester, Graphic Designer Specialist Renee Garcia, Education Division Director Dr. Bill Myhr, General Manager of WeKoPa Golf Club Matt Barr, Acting General Manager of We -Ko -Pa Resort and Conference Center Craig Benell, Lobbyist Greg Lunn, Acting Division Director/Environmental Department Manager Mark Frank, Planning Project Manager Erika McCalvin, Executive Assistant to President Dale Cody, and General Counsel Diandra Benally. Present were the followiniz members of the Fountain Hills Town Council: Mayor Linda Kavanagh, Vice Mayor Alan Magazine, Councilmember Nick DePorter, Councilmember Cecil Yates, and Councilmember Henry Leger. Councilmembers Dennis Brown and Art Tolis were absent. Staff present: Town Manager Grady E. Miller, Interim Town Attorney Fredda Bisman, Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin, Communications and Marketing Coordinator Grace Rodman- Guetter, Public Works Director Justin Weldy, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, Council and Town Manager Nancy Walter, Fire Chief Dave Ott and Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Rich Johnson, and Town Clerk Bevelyn Bender. 3. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS OF MUTUAL INTEREST. Fire Fire Chief Mark Openshaw stated that Fort McDowell and the Town of Fountain Hills enjoy a good working relationship and communicate often in an effort to address any issues immediately. He stated that Fort McDowell and Fountain Hills have a mutual aid agreement and provided reciprocal services to their communities. Fire Chief Dave Ott stated it was comforting to have Ft. McDowell right next to Fountain Hills. President Burnette stated Fort McDowell had held a previous contract with Rural Metro and that they had come a long way in order to have their own fire department. She acknowledged the relationship with Fountain Hills and provided the history behind Fort McDowell's relationship with the Town. Mayor z:Acouncil packets\2017\r171205\171108jm.docx Page 1 of 5 Kavanagh stated the Town had stood in solidarity with Fort McDowell regarding the compact and continues to do so. Police Police Chief Jesse Crabtree stated that his department continues to work cooperatively with the Maricopa County Sheriff's office (MCSO) and they have a mutual aid agreement with the MCSO to assist with calls in Fort McDowell and to help with accidents on the Beeline (Hwy 87). He stated that it would be beneficial to his department to have a direct line to the MCSO substation. Lieutenant Rich Johnson acknowledged the good working relationship and partnership they experience with Fort McDowell. He stated that he would follow-up to provide that direct line phone number. Vice Mayor Alan Magazine asked if there were challenges or issues that Fort McDowell and Fountain Hills could work on together. President Burnette stated that increased traffic is one issue they face that is due to events being held at Fountain Park; she requested they receive a "heads up" on events. Vice President Pansy Thomas stated she oversees their public safety division and noted they try to protect the river and eagles as much as possible; however, they experience gun shooting on the east boundary line, destruction of fences due to ATV riders coming through, and have dumping issues. She stated the other area that they could use assistance with is the cost of detention. She too echoed the good working relationship with Fountain Hills and surrounding communities. President Burnette continued that other areas of concern are dogs, cows, and horses. She suggested that the Town Council and staff drive the boundary fence line. She noted that Sycamore Wash is of concern because of the ATV riders. She stated that many individuals (approximately 99% non -Indian) drop off horses there as well that they no longer want to care for. Fencing is another area they could use assistance with as Mother Nature works against them with erosion in that wash area. Mayor Kavanagh stated that in the past there had been regularly scheduled meetings between the Town and Fort McDowell and that was one way they communicated so the list of issues wasn't so long. She acknowledged that Fountain Hills has the same traffic issues as Fort McDowell as well as aggressive drivers but that the Town was trying to crack down. Mayor Kavanagh stated there was better control for ATV/shooting incidents in Town; however, in the Maricopa McDowell Park shooting/bow & arrow incidents still occurred. She pointed out that Senator Kavanagh had tried to address the issue through the Legislature and that the Town would encourage him to continue addressing safety issues. She stated that by sticking together Fort McDowell and the Town could put the pressure on to affect change. The Mayor discussed the past redistricting issue noting that it was Fort McDowell that brought it forward stating they wanted to be in the same District as Fountain Hills, which had sealed their relationship. She reminded the Tribal Council that they were in Senator Kavanagh's District and he was ready to help. Tourism Mayor Kavanagh stated there were many events and amenities at Fort McDowell and the Town was linked in tourism with Fort McDowell. She said the Town was grateful to be a part of Fort McDowell's tourism. Communication and Marketing Coordinator Grace Guetter explained that the Town's tag line describes both Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell for a stronger destination. She said she enjoys working with Fort McDowell. Graphic Designer Specialist Renee Garcia also acknowledged the good working relationship between the Town and Fort McDowell. She suggested that they collaborate, create and promote itineraries in order to experience everything that Fort McDowell has to offer as well as their cultural heritage and history. She z:Acouncil packets\2017\r171205\171108jm.docx Page 2 of 5 proposed linking Fort McDowell's events to the Town's web site for inclusion in social media promotions. Ms. Guetter stated the Town had redesigned the tourism web site (18) eighteen months ago so the Town's partners could engage and promote events; she stated there was potential there for a stronger relationship. Councilmember Russell stated that Fort McDowell would be interested in sponsorship opportunities in the Town. Ms. Guetter stated that this was a reciprocal opportunity to explore further. President Burnette said that their events department would be the Town's contact and she proposed Fort McDowell invite the Town to their tourism meetings to share destination promotion opportunities as there was a wide variety of activities. Councilmember Yates stated that seven years ago Fort McDowell was placed in the general plan and is shown as a regional draw for the area. Mayor Kavanagh offered to include Fort McDowell promotional information in the Town booth at the two fairs. Acting General Manager of We -Ko -Pa Resort and Conference Center Craig Benell pointed out that the public notices the natural serenity of this area and that is the magic that is offered in the Fort McDowell and Fountain Hills; the 360 panoramic view of nature should be promoted. He invited Fountain Hills to come to their promotional meetings as they were stronger together. Education Education Division Director Dr. Bill Myhr stated that Fort McDowell has a great partnership with the schools and the museum. He noted that next week was a museum dinner and that he would be talking to an interested service group regarding Fort McDowell's rich history. Dr. Myhr stated that EVIT will be a great opportunity and that it would be promoted in Fort McDowell. He talked about the Coalition's work to stop drug abuse. Councilmember Russell noted he was unsure as to who should address his questions to regarding demographics as they saw Fountain Hills shifting to an older population and there were options as to where Fort McDowell sent their children to school. He also questioned what activities were offered for children. Councilmember Yates stated that before the crash the average age was 42 and now it was in the low 50's. He acknowledged that the Town was trying to address this matter and he offered the opinion that the Town's schools were top notch. He pointed to the Council's goal of trying to attract young families and he discussed he was excited to work with Fort McDowell when the State Trust Land is developed. Treasurer Pamela Mott indicated her interest to talk at the schools to share their tribal history/heritage, talk about the casino, and explain what it is that they do with giving back to the community. She discussed her past favorable experiences with former Mayors Wally Nichols and Jay Schlum and the good relationships enjoyed with the Fountain Hills Councilmembers. Treasurer Mott suggested such programs could be developed for the schools to provide such information to the students and asked that the school board be made aware of this opportunity. President Burnette pointed out that when they needed help with busing their children to school that Fountain Hills had come to their assistance. Councilmember DePorter stated that he would take Fort McDowell's message to the School District (Dr. Sweeney). He said he was hearing more communication between the Fountain Hills entities was needed. z:Acouncil packets\2017\r171205\171108jm.docx Page 3 of 5 Infrastructure President Burnette called on Acting Division Director/Environmental Department Manager Mark Frank and Planning Project Manager Erika McCalvin. Mr. Frank stated in the future (within 10 years) the discussion would be about coordination of their water supply. He reviewed what Fort McDowell's current water usage is, water availability (and through C.A.P.) and the point that there may be a need to link with Fountain Hills and EPCOR for water treatment and the delivery of water in the future. Ms. McCalvin reviewed the good working relationship they have shared with MAG and discussed grants programs. General Manager of We -Ko -Pa Golf Club Matt Barr interjected he was enthusiastic for future promotional cooperative efforts between the Town and Fort McDowell. He discussed the issue of run-off in the golf club washes as they have seen erosion and asked if the recent road reconstruction project was the reason. Director of Public Works Justin Weldy reviewed the recent road reconstruction project noting that a catch basin had been added to Panorama Wash and acknowledged there was an increase in water flow. He stated he was unsure as to what could be done differently as the Town was prohibited from damming as there were two pieces of private property in between the boundary of the Town and Fort McDowell. Mr. Weldy stated that if Fort McDowell has challenges on the western boundary to contact him to help resolve. He brought up the matter of replacing cattle guards at Grande/San Marcos indicating that he would like to work with Fort McDowell's staff on the project. Town Manager Grady Miller asked Mr. Weldy to elaborate on Panorama Wash. Mr. Weldy stated that this was ground water and it was pumped back into Fountain Lake; he shared the challenges the Town has faced due to the age of the pump, pump replacement, and vandalism in this area. He acknowledged that there were two homeowner associations that loved the spring water flow and have improved their common areas. Mr. Weldy stated that the Town did not have the authority to affect change and that this would need to be discussed with the homeowner associations and Fort McDowell. President Burnette reiterated the challenges they have with fixing the west boundary fence and ATV riders. She stated that the Town and Fort McDowell will have to try and work together as there were hundreds of washes that make their way to the Verde River. President Burnette commented that in parts of the reservation there were some kinds of faults/fissures that were affecting their homes (cracking) and there were issues at their cemetery with graves sinking. She noted this could be an issue as some cracks were 10 — 20 feet wide so the Town and Fort McDowell needed to work together moving forward. President Burnette pointed out that the Town had stood with them to avoid problems with Goldfield Ranch. Councilmember Yates reminded everyone that a joint study had been done relating to Beeline connectivity to the 202. He requested to put this proposal back on the table for future discussion as it would help with a labor force needs not only in the Town but also in Fort McDowell. Councilmember DePorter reiterated that communication was the common thread he has heard for on- going needs and encourages everyone to continue to reach out. He suggested that staff find their peers and continue talking; he proposed that the Fort McDowell Tribal Council and the Town Council meet once a quarter and perhaps more but informally. Mayor Kavanagh commented that the Town and Fort McDowell have more in common and it was important to work together. She stated this was about friendship above everything else. She expressed her disappointment that the relationship between Fort McDowell and the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce had ended but that she hoped they would keep the channels open. She extended the to offer to Fort McDowell that anytime issues come up to contact the Town and let us know as we can work anything out. z:Acouncil packets\2017\r171205\171108jm.docx Page 4 of 5 At the urging of Mayor Kavanagh President Burnette commented on Fort McDowell's proposed new casino saying that they were still in the planning process and there was no date yet on a ground breaking. She stated that they were dreaming big and when the time comes the Council would be invited. She acknowledged that change takes money and that they have given back to the local community through Prop 202 funding. President Burnette introduced Lobbyist Greg Lunn and the Executive Assistant to the President Dale Cody. She suggested that their next meeting be scheduled to be held in six (6) months and for Town staff to work with Legal Counsel Diandra Benally and Dale Cody to lock in a date. She thanked everyone for coming. Councilmember Russell stated he was thankful for the relationship with Fountain Hills. Vice President Thomas stated that the gaming facility money helps the local economy as well as other communities. She indicated that these gaming dollars go a long way and that Fort McDowell residents spend their dollars in Fountain Hills. She commented on the up -coming election and expressed her hope that the Town and Fort McDowell can continue to work together. Treasurer Mott thanked everyone for coming and offered to provide a tour noting that she always feels welcome when in Fountain Hills and she hoped the mutual friendships continue. President Burnett stated that because of the schools their children have developed friends/relationships in Fountain Hills, which was a blessing to all; she invited everyone to the up -coming Fort McDowell events. Councilmember Yates thanked Fort McDowell for this meeting opportunity. Councilmember Leger concurred and commented that staff executes their success and he suggested that staff get to know who their counterparts are as then issues can be resolved. Vice Mayor Magazine echoed those thoughts and commented that this was quite a list of challenges and now there was a need to follow-up; he stated that can be done staff -to -staff. Mayor Kavanagh thanked Fort McDowell for hosting; she stated that in six months Fountain Hills would host the next meeting to follow-up on the issues; she presented each of the Tribal Councilmembers with a fountain pin. 4. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Kavanagh adjourned the Joint Session at 9:34 a.m. U IC/MAW101"111LY II1109 I I Q rf." M ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk CERTIFICATION Linda M. Kavanagh, Mayor I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Joint Session, held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills and the Fort McDowell Yavapai Tribal Council held in the We -Ko -Pa Resort, on the 8th day of November, 2017. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 5th day of December, 2017. Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk z:Acouncil packets\2017\r171205\171108jm.docx Page 5 of 5