HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017.1114.TCSM.MinutesTOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL SESSION OF THE
FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 14, 2017
* CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Kavanagh called the Special Session to order at 5:38 p.m. in the Fountain Hills Town Council Chambers.
Present for roll call were the following members of the Town Council: Mayor Linda Kavanagh, Vice Mayor Alan
Magazine, Councilmember Nick DePorter, Councilmember Cecil Yates, Councilmember Dennis Brown,
Councilmember Art Tolis, and Councilmember Henry Leger. Town Manager Grady E. Miller, Interim Town
Attorney Fredda Bisman, Dickinson Wright Law Firm, Town Engineer Randy Harrel, Public Works Director Justin
Weldy, and Town Clerk Bevelyn Bender were also present.
AGENDA ITEM #1 - DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING THE
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERSECTION CONFIGURATION ASSESSMENT STUDY: AVENUE
OF THE FOUNTAINS AT LA MONTANA DRIVE.
Town Manager Miller provided brief remarks and introduced Town Engineer Randy Harrel and Amara Ibeji ,the
representative from CK Group Engineering, who presented the analysis contained in a PowerPoint presentation
information (available on line or in the office of the Town Clerk) that was completed on the Avenue of the Fountains
(AOTF) and the La Montana intersection as requested by members of the Council.
Mr. Harrel displayed a vicinity map and outlined the current road situation involving the intersection that included stop
signs located in each direction and the displayed "Do Not Enter" signs notifying and discouraging wrong way drivers.
Mr. Harrel discussed the turn movements volumes during particular times of the day with the highest movement shown
during the noon time going south bound on La Montana and found 158 vehicles per hour were recorded; he explained
the results on the turning movements at three locations. Mr. Harrel explained the data in "Table 1" slide with the
average control delay per vehicle using both signalized and un -signalized intersections and pointed out that the scale
that showed "A" was being the best and "F" was failing.
Mr. Harrel stated the level of service currently on the AOTF and La Montana intersection study with each turning
movement in either direction received a level of `B", and stressed this was a good level of service for this intersection
and well above comparison examples in Scottsdale or MCDOT. Accident data was presented with a diagram for the
AOTF and La Montana intersection statistics from January 1, 2012 through April 1, 2017, using this period of time to
show any accident patterns. Mr. Harrel stated that accidents reported totaled 12 within the 5-1/4 years of collecting
data and that an accident pattern was found on the AOTF; going east bound. He commented no accidents were
reported in the area for 2016 or 2017, since staff noticed this accident pattern and made site improvements to help
correct the problem. Mr. Harrel also pointed out that the accident rate for this intersection was 0.5 per million vehicles
and well below the 1.0 accidents per million used as a guideline.
Mr. Harrel introduced Amara Ibeji, representing CK Group Engineering to present their analysis of the intersection and
recommendations for possible alternatives to improve the traffic flow through the year 2040. He stated that the
analysis included information received from Town staff and the Maricopa Association of Government (MAG) for
projected traffic growth and a comparison between existing traffic and in the future.
Mr. Ibeji thanked the Town for the opportunity to present their findings and pointed out that the Director of
Engineering for CK Group Jim Shurman was present and available to answer questions since he had played a part in
the study.
Mr. Ibeji presented a slide detailing the projected year 2040 traffic volumes at this intersection and presented data from
"Table 3", of the traffic signal warrant analysis results and a slide that listed the traffic signal warrants under particular
guidelines at intersections.
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Mr. Ibeji reviewed "Concept #1" and stated several options were considered using field visits to observe traffic
operations and studying how people merged through the intersection. Mr. Ibeji pointed out that one of the major issues
found was the wide footprint in the north/south movement and mentioned that the traffic signal warrants were in line
with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and stated the intersection did not meet those
standards for a traffic signal. Mr. Ibeji stated it was determined that the intersection functioned good, but questionable
due to how drivers used the intersection due to the geometrics of the intersection. Mr. Ibeji suggested several
improvements needed to be made to improve the operations and address the wide footprint north/south movement.
Mr. Ibeji reported that four concepts would be discussed to tighten the intersection as presented in the "Concept #1"
slide. He continued this involved narrowing the footprint north/south roadway so drivers could transverse easier using
road stripping and improving access left from the ;post office with an option of making a U-turn.
Councilmember Yates asked if his explanation suggested making the road two lanes with in and out access and Mr.
Ibeji said that was correct.
Mayor Kavanagh mentioned that during her discussions with Mr. Harrel it was suggested to use "Concept #1" and to
eliminate the U-turn.
Councilmember Leger asked for more information on stripping or curbing options and Mr. Ibeji replied there were two
options using stripping or the Town could use a permanent solution with curbing. Councilmember Leger pointed out
that stripping would not deter drivers from moving across the stripping lines and questioned if curbing would be more
effective and Mr. Ibeji agreed with the use of curbing was permanent. Mr. Shurman added that Phoenix had used
"parking bumpers" or "stops" as simulated curbing to help provide direction to drivers.
Mr. Ibeji highlighted the pros and cons in a slide involving "Concept 0".
Vice Mayor Magazine requested cost estimates for each concept. Mr. Harrel explained that cost estimates were not
part of the contracted study, but he had rough estimates. Mr. Ibeji proposed the cost for the stripping at $30K and
permanent curbing cost at approximately $110K -$120K.
Mr. Ibeji moved on to "Concept #2" involving a roundabout and reviewed the pros and cons with an approximate cost
of $1M for a one lane roundabout, with the elimination of the left turn conflict.
Vice Mayor Magazine asked if the study had included the Town's future developments including the anticipated 403
apartments and commercial businesses along with future vacant land development and Mr. Ibeji replied that part of the
analyses of future traffic projections were provided by Mr. Harrel through traffic studies for the area and had been
taken into consideration along with the data from MAG's traffic model until 2040.
Councilmember DePorter asked if the 9% MAG projection were for additional drivers or population and Mr. Ibeji
replied the numbers involved traffic only.
Mayor Kavanagh suggested that another con to the roundabout concept was that drivers had a tendency to not stop for
pedestrian foot traffic crossing at the intersection; she expressed concern there would be definite driver confusion.
Councilmember Leger liked the one lane roundabout concept and wondered if there was a way to reduce the current
lane to one lane and eliminate the current multiple lanes. Mr. Ibeji pointed out there was an option to be presented
similar to his question that included stop signs and Councilmember Leger pointed out that a possible road change
without the roundabout would also reduce costs.
Mr. Ibeji explained the "Michigan" concept (Concept #3); he stated the concept used in Michigan was also similar to a
plan used in Tucson to reduce left turn conflicts by using a U-turn, then a right turn to continue on. Mr. Ibeji reviewed
the pros and cons and noted the approximate cost with temporary stripping would cost approximately $100K using
barricades in medians and with permanent curbing the cost would be approximately $260K.
Mayor Kavanagh asked what curbing would be used and Mr. Ibeji replied raised curbs.
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Mayor Kavanagh and Councilmembers asked Mr. lbeji to demonstrate the road configuration and how traffic would
flow.
Mr. Ibeji explained "Concept #4"; he stated this alternative was similar to "Concept #1" by forcing drivers to one lane
then through the intersection, allowing a right hand turn and adding a stop sign in the middle of the intersection that
would address some of the current concerns and recommended for areas experiencing a wide footprint as in the MUTC
signal warrant.
Mayor Kavanagh expressed "Concept #4" would be as confusing as was currently in place and suggested not allowing
U-turns for safety reasons and possibly using a combination. Mr. Ibeji added that her suggestion could be considered
and this concept could possibly be improved with this option.
Mr. Shurman suggested improvements could be made to the entrance to the post office by making a two-way access,
which would provide additional access. Mayor Kavanagh agreed that the current configuration was confusing and
access from the post office west definitely must be addressed.
Councilmember Leger asked if the cut -through at the post office site was included in the estimated cost and Mr. lbeji
replied the cut -through would be an additional cost over and above the concept plan amount of about $30K.
Mr. Ibeji explained that "Concept #5" was to do nothing.
Councilmember Yates asked Mr. lbeji for his opinion as to which concept plan would improve the intersection and
would be the Town's best investment. Mr. Ibeji stated his preference for "Concept #4" with additional signage at the
intersection and that his second choice would be the roundabout and the most costly. Mr. lbeji acknowledged that with
the roundabout concept it was understood the pedestrian traffic issue would have to be addressed.
Councilmember Yates asked if change to the roundabout would change the level of service from a "B" to an "A" and
Mr. Ibeji replied he believed it would.
Vice Mayor Magazine stated that Se4dona has a lot of roundabouts and he has not witnessed any problems; he
questioned if there was some way to solve the pedestrian problem with this option.
Mayor Kavanagh stated her preference for "Concept #1" involving a cut through at the entrance of the post office,
eliminating the current cut through signs; shortening the intersection; she said that shortened bump -outs making it safer
and she suggested eliminating the U-turns to remove driver confusion for the simplest solution, which would address
current issues.
Councilmember Brown questioned the slide that appeared to show the area in front of the post office bringing traffic
back to the east instead of directing drivers across the road and Mr. lbeji replied the turnarounds would not be blocked
and only looked that way on the exhibit.
Mayor Kavanagh asked if drivers would have to use a cut -through by the Police Station since there would be no U-turn
and Mr. lbeji replied that drivers would not.
Councilmember Leger discussed "Concept #3" and asked if the roundabout could replace the current configuration
from two lanes into one lane and Mr. Ibeji explained there would be signage to direct traffic giving drivers room to
navigate. Mr. Shurman added merging into one lane would not work with a roundabout; he stressed that roundabouts
had shown traffic moves more efficiently if forced to yield as they improved traffic flow.
Councilmember Leger asked Mr. Shurman for his opinion on what the best options was regardless of cost. Mr.
Shurman stated his preference for "Concept #1" as having benefits but that Concept #2 address traffic in the future
noting that the pedestrian crossing had been moved further in and away from the actual intersection. Councilmember
Leger pointed out that "Concept #1" with the cut- through would be an additional cost of $30K added to the $11 OK
and noted that Mr. Shurman had previously stated that the traffic volume was not large enough for a roundabout. Mr.
lbeji stated the volume of traffic was not high at this time at this intersection or would it be in the future since the
intersection was functioning at good levels of service.
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Mayor Kavanagh questioned with a roundabout the only way for pedestrians to cross would be with a yield sign and
Mr. Shurman replied that was correct.
Councilmember DePorter expressed he liked the roundabout concept for the long-term, but added "Concept #1" would
address the Town's needs considering the Town's current financial situation.
Discussion ensued regarding eliminating u -turns and traffic patterns around the post office area. Councilmember
Leger commented that it could be very difficult to improve the post office area as they would need to achieve approval
from the government when discussing closing an entrance.
Councilmember Brown asked Mr. Harrel for his opinion on which concept plan he preferred and Mr. Harrel replied
either "Concept #1" or "Concept #4".
Mr. Miller stated he understood Council preferred "Concept #1" with no U-turn and Council was requesting a review
on the in and out entrances located in front of the post office and if there was a possibility of working with the post
office to make changes.
Mayor Kavanagh asked if there were any speaker cards and Town Clerk Bender stated that none had been received.
Mayor Kavanagh asked for a motion.
Councilmember Yates MOVED to pursue "Concept #1" with the idea of no U-turns and collect information on
navigating in and out of the post office (left turn) as presented and Councilmember Brown SECONDED the motion,
which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).
Mayor Kavanagh asked for further discussion. Councilmember Tolis asked for clarification on the use of stripping or
curbing and Councilmember Yates replied that his motion included as presented in "Concept #1".
Mr. Miller informed Council that final costs would be included in the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for the next
fiscal year, allowing them to review and discuss the details.
AGENDA ITEM #2 DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING THE
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRAFFIC ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT: SHEA BOULEVARD
AT PALISADES BOULEVARD AND SHEA BOULEVARD AT FOUNTAIN HILLS BOULEVARD.
Town Manager Miller stated Town Engineer Randy Harrel would continue with this presentation.
Mr. Harrel stated that CK Group Engineering had performed an analysis of these two traffic signals proceeded to
discuss the information contained in the PowerPoint (available on-line and in the office of the Town Clerk). He
discussed the peak hour traffic volumes and movements at both intersections and pointed out the peak traffic
movement was at Palisades Boulevard and the largest side street during the same time was the right-hand turn off
Palisades Boulevard. Mr. Harrel continued with a slide showing the configurations at Shea Boulevard and Palisades
Boulevard intersection with current traffic signals and noted that most were typical except for the south bound
Palisades Boulevard traffic signal heads that reflected the high right turn volume coming off of Palisades Boulevard
onto Shea Boulevard. Mr. Harrel explained data in "Table 2" showing existing intersection peak hours LOS analysis
at Shea Boulevard and Palisades Boulevard with a service level of "B" on the scale in the morning hours and "C" in
the afternoon, being above the minimum standard level of service that Scottsdale or MCDOT required with the most
concern for the right -lane turn only signage right bound/west traffic on Palisades Boulevard that had been evaluated at
different times of day. Mr. Harrel provided information on traffic accidents that showed no traffic patterns found and
the accident rate of 0.4 accidents per million vehicles, fewer than the 1.0 accidents on the scale with the finding that
there were no rational for making changes at this intersection. Mr. Harrel noted that in 2013-2014 the Town installed
LED lights on all traffic signals and were shown to reduce accidents. Mr. Harrel turned the presentation over to Amara
Ibeji to continue the presentation.
Councilmember Leger left the dais at 6:46 p.m. and returned to the dais at 6:47 p.m.
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Mr. Ibeji presented information contained in the PowerPoint on the analysis made on Palisades Boulevard and Shea
Boulevard and suggested changing the timing movement for a better option and in picture 2, looking east from the
right -turn lane showed a line of site issue that was less than the recommended 425' with a glare issue from the sun and
a recommendation not to remove the sign.
Mayor Kavanagh questioned the language on the sign "Right on Green Only" and suggested using the text "No Right
on Red" sign instead so as to be consistent with other areas in the valley. Councilmember Leger and Councilmember
DePorter both agreed to the suggested language change for consistency purposes. Mr. Ibeji acknowledged that would
be the Town's decision and recommended not removing the "No U-turn" signage on Palisades Boulevard and Shea
Boulevard.
Mr. Harrel addressed the Fountain Hills Boulevard intersection with slide" Table 3" and noted a good level of service
with 11 accidents in the last two years with no traffic accident pattern seen.
Mr. Ibeji discussed the Shea Boulevard and Fountain Hills Boulevard (FHB) intersection and gave several options
involving a signal head configuration and how there could be some confusion with drivers going south bound on FHB
and recommended two alternatives as described in the slide Shea/Fountain Hills Boulevard signal modification and he
explained that the turn arrow, right sign, was not necessary because it was already a permissive movement due to the
lack of restrictions unlike on Palisades Boulevard.
Mr. Ibeji gave "Option 1", remove the right turn arrow due to being permissive and clean up the traffic light with
directional signals.
Councilmember Yates left the dais at 7:03 p.m.
Mr. Ibeji reviewed "Option 2", and discussed the left U-turn restriction on FHB as being similar to Palisades
Boulevard and noted there was inadequate room for drivers to make the U-turn movement and kept safe. He reviewed
the Shea Boulevard and found there was the option of removing that restriction since there were three receiving lanes
involved.
Councilmember DePorter left the dais at 7:07 p.m.
Mr. Ibeji stated the intersection was working at a good level with low volume and no recommendations for the east and
west movement, but after an analyses of the north and south movement suggested the Town would benefit from a
protective phase movement by adding an arrow allowing a left hand turn to improve flow. Mr. Ibeji also suggested the
Town could consider installing a flashing yellow arrow concept as introduced in other areas of the valley helping with
left movement at this intersection. Mr. Ibeji addressed "Table 5" using the left flashing yellow arrow option and
suggested this option would require education for drivers to understand. Mr. Ibeji displayed a slide from City of
Scottsdale using flashing yellow arrow signals and their description with diagram and included an educational handout
with a report.
Councilmember DePorter returned to the dais at 7:09 p.m.
Mayor Kavanagh asked about the safety concept with the introduction of the flashing yellow arrow and Mr. Ibeji
suggested installing the arrow in the off peak visitor months as a trial period. Mr. Harrel stated that CK Group
Engineering had evaluated the continual use through Town using these type signals, but added the change had not been
budgeted for the total signal replacement. Mayor Kavanagh agreed that a trial period was necessary on less traveled
streets to allow drivers a chance to change over to the new flashing yellow arrow and allowing time for
Councilmembers to receive their reaction.
Councilmember Leger expressed his concern for the rate of speed on Shea Boulevard for those getting ready to turn
and Mr. Ibeji replied that he had spoken with other cities and found there were no issues in similar situations.
Councilmember Leger stated opposition to the left flashing yellow arrow signal on Shea Boulevard.
Mr. Miller asked if there were additional costs for the suggested changes and Mr. Harrel replied that the costs were not
addressed, but believed they would be minor. Mr. Miller asked if the cost would be mostly programming and Mr.
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Harrel said yes along with purchasing new signal heads and adding some additional signage and the cost divided
between the Town's Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Projects.
Mr. Miller requested direction on this project from Council at this meeting for budgeting purposes.
Councilmember Tolis inquired on the line of sight distance on Shea Boulevard and Palisades Boulevard for right hand
turns, He indicated that he was in favor of changing to a right turn on red since some drivers already disregarded the
light and turned considering the site distance was 350' with few accidents. Mr. Miller added that this action could
cause some problems due to vehicle speed and Mr. Ibeji added that Traffic Engineers leaned more towards safety and
there was a sun glare factor in this area; he agreed with Councilmember Tolis that it was witnessed that drivers were
making right turns on red at that signal.
Mayor Kavanagh reviewed possible recommendations as yellow flashing arrow lights, making less confusion at the
intersections, moving traffic along and as recommended from CK Engineering ways to make the Town's traffic signals
safer.
Mr. Miller suggested Council vote on options presented. Mayor Kavanagh asked for additional discussion.
Councilmember Tolis asked about the total cost on the option proposed and Mr. Ibeji replied that "Option 2" would
cost less than "Option 1", due to less added equipment and the additional of two additional heads for an approximate
coast of less than $5K. Councilmember Leger added that Council would have the ability to review costs during the
budget process. Mr. Harrel stated that all recommendations considered would probably cost approximately $20K -
$30K total and would be placed in the budget.
Councilmember Leger MOVED to address the recommendations made for the Shea Boulevard and Palisades
Boulevard by removing the "Right -Turn on Green Arrow" and replacing it with a "No Turn on Red" sign and
Councilmember DePorter SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED (5-1), by those present. Councilmember Tolis
casting the nay vote.
Councilmember Leger MOVED to take action on recommendations for the Shea Boulevard and Fountain Hill
Boulevard, "Option 2", with the exception of the flashing yellow arrow light and Councilmember Brown
SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0), by those present.
Councilmember thanked CK Group Engineering and Mr. Harrel for their presentation and helpful visuals.
AGENDA ITEM #3 DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING PAVEMENT
MANAGEMENT FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS.
Mr. Miller gave the opening remarks involving Council's expressed interest during the purchase agreement presented
in the past year when a request to award a co-operative purchase agreement to M.R. Tanner was presented in the
amount of $2.5M for pavement management projects. Mr. Miller stated that the Council had "Tabled" the cooperative
purchase agreement until a discussion could be held on the use of the "zone" approach verses "needs" approach to
address Fountain Hills' roads and to discuss recommendations from a pavement analysis.
Mr. Miller introduced Public Works Director Justin Weldy to proceed with the presentation using some past
PowerPoint slides (available on line or in the office of the Town Clerk).
Mr. Weldy explained the process for preservation of the roads and discussed the key factors in extending the life of
roads in hopes of extending their life and to stop the oxidation that developed in areas every two to four years due to
the valley heat, which caused the loss of the bonder and ultimately caused street cracking. Mr. Weldy showed a slide
of one of the roads in Town from first application treatment beginning in 2011, and what had occurred on the road by
2013, which showed cracking.
Mr. Weldy discussed the fundamentals of pavement preservation and spoke to those areas in town already in need of
treatment and those roads that have been treated along with strategies to low cost pavement preservation in the future
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and he mentioned how a delay causes costs to increase. Mr. Weldy pointed out the pavement lifecycle for roads and
materials needed per year using new street applications along with discussing pavement management funding under
Resolution 15-10 in the amount of $1M for annual maintenance and listed funding sources.
Mr. Weldy presented the Town's current investment in pavement maintenance and the catch-up process needed in
funding along with how a primary property tax would affect the available funding beginning in 2018-19, which would
be a good start.
Mr. Miller explained that the funding necessary to add the preservative application to Shea Boulevard and Saguaro
Boulevard would cost between $600K and $800K with a $2M funding allocated currently to take care of street
maintenance. He pointed out, if necessary, a bond would only pay for certain streets as proposed and would then lack
funding to maintain them in the future.
Mr. Weldy discussed a map that depicted the current approach to pavement management, which was the "zone"
concept approach and unless Council gave other direction "zone 1" would be area addressed and had been for the last
three years and it appeared two additional years would be needed to complete "zone 1" at the current funding level.
Vice Mayor Magazine pointed out that this report was troubling to him and at this rate the Town would never be able
to address the roads.
Mr. Weldy discussed previous challenges in the town's various roads since pre -incorporation and Shea Boulevard with
that road requiring extensive repair and noted again the rising costs of materials.
Vice Mayor Magazine asked if it was possible to predict what $7M would cover in road repairs and Mr. Weldy replied
he could not, but did recommend an outside pavement assessment be done. Mr. Weldy reminded Council that there
were 390 lane miles of road with over 3M miles of pavement in seven zones. Mr. Weldy requested a discussion on the
"zone" approach verses the "need" approach and then presented a slide listing steps necessary for a pavement
management program and analysis with staff's recommendation to collect information on cost of maintenance and
areas needed to be addressed first.
Mr. Weldy informed Council that better pricing could be obtained by using the negotiated cooperative purchase
agreement through the City of Chandler. Mr. Weldy continued with a slide diagram displaying funding requirements.
Mr. Weldy requested direction from Council on a obtaining a contracted roads analysis and also on the "zone"
approach. In response to a question from the Vice Mayor, Mr. Weldy stated he could not predict what the proposed
$7M would cover. Councilmember DePorter expressed that the analysis was an important tool and he support
obtaining the analysis 100%.
Councilmember DePorter MOVED to direct staff to pursue a contract with a firm to assess the overall condition of the
Town's current roadway network and provide pavement management analysis on current and future funding scenarios
utilizing the "zone" approach; Vice Mayor Magazine SECONDED for discussion. Mayor Kavanagh asked for
discussion.
Vice Mayor Magazine questioned if Councilmember DePorter meant to say moving away from the zone approach.
Councilmember DePorter confirmed that was correct "move away from the zone approach."
The Vice Mayor asked what would happen if the Town did not have the funding after receiving the analysis and if the
primary property tax were not approved, so he suggested waiting until the May 2018, election before investing $120K
for an analysis. Mr. Miller replied that staff would not have the ability or manpower with only two people and 390
miles of streets to be assessed to complete such an analysis. With a contracted firm they would present value on
funding necessary to address the Town's roads with or without the primary property tax approval. Mr. Miller stated it
was critical that the Town find out the total cost that needed to be addressed. Mr. Miller added that the assessment
could also be used if necessary to request a bond package in 2020, when the Saguaro Boulevard bond was paid off and
only if the primary property tax was not approved to fund road improvements through the pavement management
program. Vice Mayor Magazine commented that he would assay to the Town Manager's wishes, but with
reservations.
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Mr. Weldy explained that the $120K, included everything listed in the previous presentation including several
renewals for the software, storing of the data and input of changes as they were made. Mr. Weldy added that the
proposal this evening was reduced to $70K, and would provide staff with all assessments on spreadsheets and one-year
of software assistance stored and updated. Vice Mayor Magazine thanked Mr. Weldy for his presentation.
Councilmember Leger asked how long would the analysis take to prepare under the firm and Mr. Weldy replied six to
eight months after Council approved the contract. Councilmember Leger acknowledged the projected date for a vote
in the primary property tax would be May 15, 2018, and noted the analysis would not be completed before the election,
but requested Mr. Weldy provide any data available early to assist Council during discussions and to inform voters of
the funding need. Mr. Weldy stated he would reach out to the firm for assistance.
Mayor Kavanagh asked Councilmember DePorter to repeat his motion.
Councilmember DePorter reiterated his desire to use the suggested motion and MOVED to direct staff to pursue a
contract with a firm to assess the overall condition of the Town's current roadway network, provide pavement
management analysis on current and future funding scenarios and ultimately move away from the "zone" approach in
pavement management after implementing the recommendations from the completed pavement analysis and move
forward to approving the cooperative purchasing agreement allowing the Public Works Department to address
pavement management needs for the fiscal year 2017-2018 and Vice Mayor Magazine SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Kavanagh asked for further discussion.
Councilmember Leger questioned if $69K was the total cost and Mr. Miller replied that staff would return to Council
with the total costs and Mr. Weldy added that renewals would amount to approximately $6K per year with a $69K
contract.
Councilmember Tolis asked how staff had analyzed roads previously without the use of an assessment and Mr. Weldy
explained that the "zone" approach was used and mentioned that he inherited the project from prior staff, he had
attempted to assess and address the current road conditions with available funding. Councilmember Tolis stated that
he understood this would provide a professional approach giving staff the information necessary to save on funding in
the future and use this assessment for justification. Mr. Weldy added that the assessment would provide insight into
the depth of the road's condition by inspection of the cracks along with the cost to address each situation.
Councilmember Tolis remarked this appeared to be the only option. Mr. Miller stated that staff could not address the
worst of the worst roads due to neighborhood politics as to which streets met the requirements for repair, but with the
assessment, those issues would be answered under the direction from Council.
Mr. Weldy expressed that the streets on Palomino were in despite need of repair and listed some of the roads in very
poor condition.
AGENDA ITEM #4 - ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Brown made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting and Vice Mayor Magazine SECONDED the
motion, which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (6-0), by those present. The Special Session adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
:S
ATTEST AND
PREPARED BY:
Bevelyn 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 Special Session held by the
Town Council of Fountain Hills in the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 14th day of November, 2017. 1 further
certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present.
DATED this 5th day of December 2017.
Bevelyn Bender, Town Clerk
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