HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018.0423.TCESM.MinutesTOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND SPECIAL SESSIONS OF THE
FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
APRIL 23, 2018
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Kavanagh called the Executive Session to order at 4:04 p.m. in the Fountain Conference Room - 2nd Floor,
Town Hall.
AGENDA ITEM#1 — ROLL CALL AND VOTE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: PURSUANT TO: (i)
A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(1), DISCUSSION OR CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT, ASSIGNMENT,
APPOINTMENT PROMOTION DISMISSAL SALARIES DISCIPLINING OR RESIGNATION OF A
PUBLC OFFICER (SPECIFICALLY, THE TOWN MANAGER'S ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION).
Present for roll call were the following members of the Town Council: Mayor Linda Kavanagh, Vice Mayor Dennis
Brown, Councilmember Nick DePorter, Councilmember Alan Magazine, Councilmember Cecil Yates and Interim
Town Attorney Mitesh Patel was also present.
Councilmember Art Tolis attended via conference call.
Mayor Kavanagh MOVED to go into Executive Session at 4:04 p.m. and Councilmember Magazine SECONDED,
which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).
Town Manager Grady Miller entered the meeting at 4:38.
AGENDA ITEM #2 - ADJOURNMENT.
Mayor Kavanagh adjourned the Executive Session without objection at 4:55 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Kavanagh called the meeting to order at 5:06 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 Dennis
Brown, Councilmember Nick DePorter, Councilmember Alan Magazine, Councilmember Cecil Yates,
Councilmember Art Tolis and Councilmember Henry Leger. Town Manager Grady E. Miller, Interim Town Attorney
Mitesh Patel and Town Clerk Bevelyn Bender were also present.
Mayor Kavanagh reminded the public that the last informational meeting regarding the Town's proposed Primary
Property tax would be held on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Center, Ballroom #1.
DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION RELATING TO THE PROPOSED TOWN OF FOUNTAIN
HILLS FY18-19 BUDGET, INCLUDING ALL PROPOSED REVENUES, EXPENDITURES AND
PROGRAMS FOR ALL GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS.
Town Manager Grady Miller discussed the Town's proposed budget, which included setting the fiscal year 2018-19
budget for Town department plans, services, service levels and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) program with
Council's recommendations and proposals. Mr. Miller encouraged questions from Councilmembers during the
presentation and any recommendations or proposals occurring at the end of the meeting. Mr. Miller stated the process
began in October 2017 and asked Council to reference the 2017-18 Budget Supplemental requests that totaled over
$1M of highly needed and requested items, additional personnel or projects noted in their departments and where
approximately $260K of those supplements recommended for approval with $217K offsets received from projects.
z:\council packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 1 of 13
Mr. Miller stressed there were a lot of supplemental requests not fulfilled due to the Town's projected revenue
shortfall. Mr. Miller introduced Craig Rudolphy, Finance Director, who gave the budget presentation with the
assistance of particular Department Managers, if needed.
Mr. Rudolphy reviewed the information using the following PowerPoint presentation (available on-line or in the office
of the Town Clerk:
Town's Vision Statement: Outlined direction from Council.
Values Statement: Staff incorporated these values when considering the budget.
5 -Year Financial Overview: State Statue required Cities and Towns to balance their budget and noted a 10 -
year projected budget was created after discussions with Department Managers who itemized what their
departments believed was essential for their operation and included projects they felt should be addressed for
a total of $64M, which the Town currently lacked the revenue sources to fulfill. Mr. Rudolphy reported the
Town finances were "status quo" and the $64M requested items had been deferred and not included in the
proposed budget and would continue to be deferred at this time, hence the reason for the 5 -year projected
budget.
Councilmember Yates asked, due to the requirement for the Town to create a balance budget, did that mean
Council would have to cut the budget and Mr. Rudolphy replied "yes".
General Fund Projections: Compared the General Fund Revenues FY2017-18 verses FY2018-19 included was
the allocated portion of the proposed Primary Property Tax.
General Fund Expenditures: Graph showing expenditures were rising faster than revenues.
State Shared Revenues: Staff was not expecting a dramatic increase in revenues due to unknown tax cuts
enacted in December 2017, along with the Town's population not expected to increase compared to other
municipalities in the State, which would ultimately create a lesser amount due to the Town.
Local Sales Tax: Would Increase, but not expected at a rapid pace.
HURF or Street Fund: Expected to decrease.
FYI 8-19 Budget Assumption: Over the next four years and included a recommendation for additional staff
members or 1.5 FTE's, along with Maricopa County Sherriff's Office (MCSO) contract increase of 10 % with
no foreseen decrease in MCSO's contract in future years. Rural Metro's contract had a 3% increase in their
current contract and building permits were not expected to increase. Community Center debt subsidies paid
from the General Fund to pay MPC Bonds and included a $200K contingency.
Outstanding Debit
OutstandingBonds: onds: As of July 1, 2019, MPC Bonds would be paid in its entirety in 2020 along with a $5.3M
outstanding GO Bond. When these bonds are paid in full, property owners Secondary Property Tax would be
reduced. Eagle Mountain property owners' bond would be paid in its entirety in 2021.
Councilmember Magazine questioned what was involved in the $5M GO Bond and Mr. Rudolphy replied
primarily for the Saguaro Bond and the Community Center.
Town Manager's FY18-19 Proposed Budget: Totaling $39,409,425 and included anticipated proceeds from
the proposed Primary Property Tax in the amount of $7M because Council adopted the tentative budget on
May 1, 2018, the $39,409,425 established the maximum amount allowed, and if the proposed Primary
Property Tax did not pass, the maximum budget allowed would be reduced to $32M and the $7M would be
removed from the budget. Councilmember Leger requested the $7M be shown where it was allocated.
z:Acouncil packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 2 of 13
Councilmember Magazine questioned if the $7M, was not approved, would it be taken from the Roads and
Public Safety line items and Mr. Rudolphy replied that was correct. Councilmember Magazine stated his
preference for the opportunity for Council to discuss what areas in the budget would be affected, if the $7M
Property Tax was not approved. Mr. Rudolphy replied if that happened, those funds must be removed due to
the lack of revenue and he stated Council would decide how to reallocate the funds.
Previous Fiscal Year Comparisons: Discussed the budget highlights.
Budget Assumptions: Mr. Miller stated that no adjustments were recommended with the current 2.5% salary
increase for Town staff allocated over the next two years.
Councilmember Magazine questioned the 5% increase over two years and Mr. Miller replied that the
percentage was calculated over a 12 month period and averaged 3.75% over the next 12 months.
Councilmember Magazine requested additional discussion on Mr. Miller's approach on this issue. Mr. Miller
agreed and noted the total cost to the Town would be approximately $130K and he would not recommend an
increase the following year. Councilmember Magazine expressed he felt that the public would not understand
and Mr. Miller added this was the reason he brought up the issue so to be transparent.
Budget Assumptions (continued): Mr. Rudolphy incorporated a 3% increase for inflation and declared staff
hoped to maintain current service levels, with no new programs and did not see development of the State
Trust Land within the next five years.
FY18-19 Budget Highlights: Core Services for a total of $1,023,932 in supplements, and Mr. Miller
recommended $462,697 with an offset of $245,268 in new or accumulated revenue with a net increase
requested of $217,429.
Councilmember Yates mentioned that Core Services had requested ten new employees and Mr. Miller had
recommended approval of only a 1.5 FTE.
FYI 8-19 Capital Projects: Listed the CIP's proposed in the amount of $4,299,922.
Capital Projects (continued): CIF's were reviewed by Councilmembers previously.
FY18-19 Budget Summary: a break -down by fund on how the Town's revenues and expenditures were
proposed to be received and allocated and noted the $7.1M of the Town's Reserve Fund would be used over
the year with the majority coming out of the CIP Fund and HERF.
Summary of Changes FY18-19 Budget: Listed by category with maintenance and utility costs that showing
the largest increase.
Mayor Kavanagh asked what the maintenance expenditure involved and Mr. Miller replied possibly streets at
$2M and Councilmember Yates added it included the delta in Pavement Management and Mr. Rudolphy
replied "Yes".
General Fund Operating Budgets: Listed by department with the General Government Fund increased by
$1.7M and $1.5M an allocated portion of the proposed Primary Property Tax dedicated to public safety along
with a decrease in staff due to a realignment of the Engineering Division from Development Services to
Public Works.
General Fund Operating Budgets — Changes: Mayor Kavanagh asked if a separate category could be created
to show the difference between the funds with approval of the proposed Primary Property Tax and another
without the tax funding and Mr. Rudolphy replied the only portion that involved the proposed Primary
Property Tax was located in the General Government Fund for $5M. Mayor Kavanagh asked if the additional
office operating cost for MCSO passed on to the Town was included and Mr. Rudolphy replied the 10.11%
included all increases. Mayor Kavanagh asked if it was known if MCSO's contract increases for the next few
z:\council packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 3 of 13
years would be stable and Mr. Rudolphy replied 10% was his best guess and Mr. Miller added that he
understood that for each dollar of salaries or 64% next year was dedicated to benefits and the following year
as much as 69%. Mr. Miller further explained the reasons for MCSO's increases and stated the Town could
see double digits in the future.
Councilmember DePorter mentioned that the Town should further explore creating its own fire department
and possibly law enforcement and Mr. Miller replied staff compared Fountain Hills to other east valley
municipalities and found Fountain Hills was the second lowest to Queen Creek, with others much higher.
Mr. Miller stated that staff had researched this option and at this time current contracted services looked
favorable at this point and noted the cost of Fountain Hill's own fire services would increase the cost between
20% - 30% from current costs. Councilmember Leger agreed. Mayor Kavanagh asked if Queen Creek also
contracted with MCSO and Mr. Miller replied "yes". Mr. Rudolphy commented that the cost currently was
$3.9M annually compared to the Town owning its fire services at $800K - $1M in additional costs.
FY18-19 Budget by Core Services from all Funds: Special Revenue Funds included the $4M for increased
street maintenance if the proposed Primary Property Tax passed and $1M for Facilities Replacement Fund.
Reserve Funds
(Fund Balances)
Mr. Rudolphy presented his projections for the end of fiscal year 2019 totaling $13.5M.
Councilmember Magazine asked if $7M was currently in the Reserve Fund and how that compared with
previously years. Mr. Rudolphy replied lower due to the previous recession that drew down the General Fund
with transfers to sustain other funds.
Councilmember Leger pointed out that if the proposed Primary Property Tax was approved and was all used
for roads, the funds would be depleted and Mr. Rudolphy replied the formula was 20% of the average five
years of General Fund Expenditures that allowed good financial stewardship and Mr. Miller added that rating
agencies considered the Town's "Times Coverage" that consisted of the revenues the Town received
compared to the amount of debt outstanding and the type of debt. Mr. Miller pointed out a high rating kept
the Town's finance rates down and Mr. Rudolphy added at this time Fountain Hill's rating by "Moody's" was
AA2 and higher than most municipalities. Councilmember Yates stated the recommended reserve used by
municipalities was prudent and Mr. Rudolphy replied the concept was the same.
Councilmember Magazine questioned the $7M Council had approved in a proposed Primary Property Tax
and asked since there was $7M held in the Rainy Day Fund, could the Rainy Day Fund be used in an
emergency, such as a new fountain liner. Mr. Rudolphy replied the amount available in the Rainy Day Fund
that could be allocated would be $2.8M and would not cover the cost of a liner; he noted that once these funds
were depleted, the funds would be gone and that it had taken many years to build up the fund to its current
level. Mr. Rudolphy explained that $1.4M of that fund was an assigned fund balance held for unexpected
expenditures and for very specific items such as a national disaster by declaration. Councilmember Magazine
requested the Rainy Day Fund broken down on the presentation for clarification. Mr. Miller mentioned that
funds used from the Rainy Day Fund must be repaid within five years.
Five Year Overview: Involved 20 different funds for specific purposes with varying restrictions.
Five Year General Fund Revenue Projections: Showed the accrual dollars of the Town's revenue shortage
going forward, excluding all the projections considered in the ten-year financial forecast and lacked items
currently deferred in the five-year projection.
Pavement Management Prog am: Funding expedited over the years.
General Fund Projections: Displayed the past and current funding.
z:\council packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 4 of 13
Operating Costs Per Capita: Compared operating costs and listed Fountain Hill as falling second to lowest
with Queen Creek being the lowest.
Employees Per Capita: Number of Full Time Employees (FTE) and included fire personnel for comparables
to other municipalities and Fountain Hills was in the 1-1/2 — 2 range.
Councilmember Tolis asked what the population number was in 2015 and Mr. Rudolphy replied staff used
mid -decade censes numbers from the Department of Revenue totaling 23,899.
Mr. Rudolphy stated that the projections included in the local tax numbers and included the proposed Primary
Property Tax of $7M. Councilmember Tolis asked if the local tax projection could be broken down,
specifically, the bed tax. Mr. Rudolphy replied the information was not with him at this time, but could
provide the data. Councilmember Tolis asked what segment of the taxes were growing in projections and Mr.
Rudolphy replied retail and wholesale, which was 50% of the Town's total tax revenue. Councilmember
Yates added that on-line sales were taking over retail and wholesale sales and all local retail and wholesale
were trending downward; Mr. Rudolphy agreed.
Organizational Chart: Presented and had not changed significantly.
Public Safety
Mr. Rudolphy noted that the following information covered individual departments.
Fire Department: Organizational chart.
Fire and Emergency Medical: Rural Metro Contract costs increased 9%.
Councilmember DePorter wanted to know the reason for the Town negotiating a five-year contract and Mr.
Miller replied the Town, at that time, was facing a revenue shortfall and it was important to know future
costs. Councilmember Leger added Council locked in an annual 3% increase annually avoiding negotiations
after three -years where increases could have been higher. Mr. Miller pointed out that the Town could opt -out
of the contract, if necessary, with a 12 -month notification from either parry. Mayor Kavanagh pointed out that
fire personnel were crossed trained to address medical or fire.
Councilmember Tolis asked why the Town could not return to a Fire District and Town Attorney Patel
replied he could not answer that question at this time, but could provide further information. Councilmember
Yates explained that he had researched the process and found there were layers of processes and would
require Legislation approval along with a vote of the property owners. Councilmember Yates referred to
Paradise Valley; the only municipality that received approval and by subscription only. Mr. Miller added if
the Town received all required approvals, the Fire District would have their own governing body such as the
Sanitary District Board with no possible direction from Council.
Fire and Emergency Programs: Listed.
Law Enforcement: Organizational chart.
Law Enforcement: Maricopa County Sherriff's Office (MCSO) costs increased 9.2%.
Councilmember Magazine asked why there was an increase and Mr. Rudolphy replied Animal Control offset
along with a School Resource Officer were included. Mayor Kavanagh asked Mr. Rudolphy to provide
information involving the intergovernmental agreements. Mr. Rudolphy replied the two intergovernmental
agreements were the County Animal Care and Control along with a shelter agreement for loose dogs.
Municipal Court
z:\council packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 5 of 13
Municipal Court: Organizational Chart.
Municipal Court Budget: Listed items with a 0.6% increase.
Municipal Court: No changes and listed core responsibilities.
General Government
Administration Department: Organization Chart.
Administration: Listed all services provided with an increase of 1.9% and also covered the department's
Volunteer Program that saved the Town approximately $500K annually.
Councilmember Magazine asked what the legal services assumptions were and Mr. Rudolphy replied "status
quo" while averaging current monthly billings from our Interim Town Attorney and averaging on a 12 month
basis, the finding was that the cost was higher than the previous attorney. Mr. Miller added staff believed the
future costs would be less. Mr. Miller informed Council there was a planned work-study to request Council's
direction on a "Request for Proposal" (RFP) and Councilmember Leger added he found three -years ago legal
services averaged $350K.
Administration: Listed and showed a decrease due to previous supplemental requests not seen in the 2018-19
budgets.
Mr. Miller asked Mr. Rudolphy to explain the increase in the Town Manager's Budget and Mr. Rudolphy
replied that the increase involved the proposed additional 1.5 full-time employees (FTE's) with the added
Communication Director and .5 FTE for IT support.
Economic Development
Economic Development Planning _Approach: Plan of action explained.
Economic Development: Costs increased by 10.1% with an additional year added to the contracted marketing
agency assistance totaling $50K. Mr. Miller stated the cost included a full-time position with an offset from
the Excise Tax. Mr. Rudolphy replied the amount was calculated on 80% of .1% of the Excise Tax collected
and approved by Town Council for Economic Development.
Development Services
Development Services: Organizational Chart.
Development Services: Budget reduced by 16.7% and listed the department's projected activities and
mentioned they were responsible for the General Plan update due by 2020.
Development Services: Divisions listed with an overall total of 7.5 FTE's and a budget decrease in Building
Safety due to a revised process with third party inspectors paid directly by the building developers.
Councilmember DePorter left the dais at 6:14 p.m.
Public Works
Public Works: Organizational Chart.
Public Works: Budget increased by 0.7% and reported staff maintained 70 acres of Town washes with the
Public Works Director responsible for the overall Capital Improvement Projects program; administration and
the Pavement Management Program.
z:Acouncil packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 6 of 13
Public Works Divisions: Listed by division with 5.95 FTE's and now included the Engineering Division
shown as moved from the Development Services Department to the Public Works Department.
Streets Fund (HURF): Budget increased by 148.5% with 4.85 FTE's and staff was currently working in Zone
1 pavement section of roads and mentioned this program may change in the future.
HURF/Street Programs: Outlined funding with an additional fund included as part of the proposed Primary
Property Tax, if passed in May 2018.
Councilmember DePorter returned to the dais at 6:16 p.m.
Community Services
Community Services: Organizational Chart.
Community Services: Budget increased by 4.8%.
Community Services Budget Hi hg_li hg_ts: Staff maintained 118 acres of parks, 740 acres of preserve and other
Town services.
Community Services Division: Listed with 20.7 FTE's.
Capital Improvement Plan
$4,299,922
Capital Projects: Listed in five different categories.
Capital Projects: Listed.
Four Peaks Park Capital Improvement Proiects
Recommendations and Discussion of Options
Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin gave the presentation on a five-year vision plan for this park
and noted there were extensive proposed renovations.
Current Issues to address: Listed with photos.
Additional Issues to address: Vandalism, no seating or ramadas, no pedestrian accessibility, no parking to
access park areas and no public restrooms.
Four Peaks Park Master Plan: Initially developed in 2012 through the Community Services Advisory
Commission and displayed a picture of the area that involved a $5M investment, with no current funding
available.
Four Peaks Neighborhood Park: Staff requested to complete renovations.
Four Peaks Neighborhood Park: Listed with diagram of the proposed necessary items for renovations.
Option 1 - Four Peaks Park Renovation: Reorient layout with applied grant funding, if awarded, and presented
a diagram of the staff proposal. Mayor Kavanagh asked if the grant funding of $50K would go towards this
proposed plan and Ms. Goodwin replied "yes" and added this option was the best solution to address issues in
the park. Councilmember Magazine asked if the renovation plan included a path to the bridge and Ms.
Goodwin replied "ideally yes".
z:\council packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 7 of 13
Option 1 — Reorient Park Layout: Cost estimated at $485K and Mr. Miller expressed his support for this option
and added this was also Town staff recommendation.
Option 2: Displayed in a diagram.
Option 2 - Maintain Current Park Layout: Listed work to revamp the current site and noted this option did not
address the vandalism problem in the park.
Option 2 — Maintain Current Park Layout: Cost projected the same as in Option 1, with estimates totaling
$485K.
Councilmember Magazine asked that the parks grass issues be addressed and Ms. Goodwin replied the ball
fields redo hopefully would be addressed through a grant opportunity. Councilmember Magazine questioned
if the only issue was watering and Ms. Goodwin replied there were more weeds in the fields than grass. Ms.
Goodwin stated at Council's first meeting in June 2018 there could be another grant opportunity to present to
Council for their approval to make application and specifically address the ball fields, with grant results
awarded in December 2018. Mr. Miller added the entity that was granting these funds only focused on
baseball fields.
Future Options — Pending Funding: Listed future renovation plans with and displayed options "A" and "B" and
mentioned staff was open to other options. Councilmember Tolis suggested staff research a low cost option by
creating mounds for an "RC" car racing track to draw youth and adults to the park and Ms. Goodwin stated
that staff would check this option out.
Funding and Priorities: Listed the five-year plan of action. Councilmember DePorter thanked Community
Services staff for their plan of action to make this park assessable and complete for the neighborhood.
Councilmember Leger acknowledged that the $485K necessary for the park renovation was not currently
allocated in the 2018-19 budgets and Ms. Goodwin replied there was $100K currently placed in the CIP
budget for this project and Councilmember Leger proposed approval of the $100K and asked what work could
be accomplish with this funding. Ms. Goodwin replied basketball court demolition due to safety concerns and
possibly addressing the playground equipment by using the additional $50K grant funding, if awarded. Mr.
Miller reminded Council that a request was made for staff to return to Council and present a five-year park
plan for their approval and possibly add additional funding with the $116K removed previously from the
budget for the Economic Development Town Hall office space. Mr. Miller also mentioned the $50K grant
was a match by the Town and would only leave $50K for additional allocations for the project. Mr. Miller
added if Council recommended the $116K placed in this project fund the total would become $216K to start
the renovations in Four Peaks Park.
Councilmember Yates commended Ms. Goodwin and staff for their excellent plan and proposed use of funds.
Councilmember Leger asked if staff had considered a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club and Ms.
Goodwin replied there was a tentative meeting date set and the Club was supportive to discuss the possibilities.
Councilmember Leger asked it the "Diamondbacks" ball Team support had been considered and Ms. Goodwin
replied that more information on a possible partnership would be presented in June 2018.
Councilmember Tolis requested staff to contact other community partners and asked for their support and Ms.
Goodwin replied "absolutely",
Councilmember Yates left the dais at 6:41 p.m. and returned at 6:43 p.m.
Councilmember Magazine asked if any of the funds listed under the Community Services Department and
CIF's were related and Mr. Rudolphy replied the budgets under Community Services were operating costs
only and not Capital Funds. Councilmember Magazine questioned funds allocated in the budget report on
z:Acouncil packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 8 of 13
page 41 totaling $1M, page 42 totaling $448K and page 102 for $1.2M and Mr. Rudolphy replied all funding
involved parks and he would provide that information.
Mr. Miller brought up the project listed in the CIP's that was deferred for the Plaza Fountainside project
approved by Council as a multi-year/multi-phase project beginning in 2020-21, with a "Request for Proposal"
(RFP) returned with a design cost between $89K - $117K for a total amount for project completion of $500K -
$600K. The people involved in this project requested the Town address south of the courtyard be paved at a
cost of $80K. Mr. Miller reported that a presentation was placed on Council's May 1, 2018 agenda to request
Council's approval. Mr. Miller understood this was a late request for their consideration and if approved,
would also add a bocce ball court funded with grant money and placed next to the splash pad. Mr. Miller
added grant funding needed to be added to the budget documents and would affect the CIP's and possibly
could create policy issues. Ms. Goodwin stated that more information would be presented along with further
discussion on the bocce court, which was only a portion of the plan that was approved by Council last year.
Mayor Kavanagh stated she did not remember a suggestion for a bocce ball court. Mr. Miller indicated he
only wanted to inform Council of this item coming forward. Mayor Kavanagh felt a more appropriate place
for a bocce ball court would be at Golden Eagle Park and Ms. Goodwin replied there was already a horseshoe
area in that park. Mayor Kavanagh asked if a bocce ball court was in-line with the master plan for Fountain
Park and if the Town would supply the equipment and Ms. Goodwin replied it was a supply your own
equipment area.
Councilmember Tolis asked if the Plaza Fountainside business owners were involved in the discussion and
agreed to this plan. He indicated he supported increased commerce for these businesses to increase revenues
for both the businesses and the Town. Mr. Miller replied that was the original plan. Councilmember Leger
pointed out that in Council's CIP meetings it was clear that Council did not wish to pursue this project.
Mr. Rudolphy asked for clarification on the Four Peaks Park funding with Council direction and also
Council's decision on the deferred Economic Development Remodeling Fund in the amount of $116K and if
those funds would be moved to the Four Peak Park improvement Fund. Mr. Miller replied it was decided that
the $116K would be held in a fund until Council received a five-year park plan before a decision was made.
Councilmember Yates clarified the $116K was unallocated and unbudgeted. Mayor Kavanagh asked how
Council could proceed with transferring this funding into parks and Mr. Miller suggested action at this time.
Councilmember Magazine informed Council that he was going to make a motion to remove proposed
budgeted items totaling $275K and Councilmember Leger pointed out that currently the budget exceed
spending limitations by $330K and requested this issue be addressed before adding $116K to the budget.
Mr. Rudolphy explained the expenditure limitation and stated he was confident all budgeted amounts overall
would not exceed the Town's budget limitation and Mr. Miller acknowledged the Town's budget limitations
would have to be raised in the near future.
Vice Mayor Brown said the optics of Council approving a budget that exceeded the limitation by $330K was
not good and stated the budget should be balanced.
Councilmember Magazine presented his suggested cuts in the budget as $10K for courtroom benches,
Communications Director for $115K and Wayfinding Signs for $150K that totaled $275K.
Mayor Kavanagh requested Council address the court benches and Mr. Rudolphy explained the benches would
be paid from the Courtroom Enhancement Fund and not General Fund Expenditure, but noted it was still an
expenditure.
Councilmember Magazine MOVED to remove courtroom benches in the amount of $ l OK from the fiscal year
2018-19 budget. Mayor Kavanagh asked for a second to the motion and the motion FAILED due to lack of a
second.
Councilmember Magazine MOVED to remove the expenditure for a proposed Communications Director in
the amount of $115K and Councilmember Leger SECONDED the motion.
z:\council packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 9 of 13
Mayor Kavanagh asked for a discussion from Council.
Councilmember Yates proposed it was important that a Communications Director was added to create a plan
to sell our community brand and perform other important tasks in Town and Councilmember Magazine replied
that he appreciated and supported Councilmember Yates comments, but not at this time.
Mayor Kavanagh asked for a roll call vote.
Councilmember Yates
Nay
Councilmember Tolis
Aye
Councilmember Leger
Aye
Councilmember DePorter
Aye
Councilmember Magazine
Aye
Vice Mayor Brown
Aye
Mayor Kavanagh
Aye
The motion CARRIED (6-1) on a vote of those members present, with Councilmember Yates voting "Nay"
Councilmember Yates pointed out the legal services budget was greatly elevated and could conservatively be
cut, after several considerations, by $50K from the proposed budget.
Councilmember Yates MOVED to remove $50K from the Legal Services Budget line item 524 and Vice
Mayor Brown SECONDED the motion. Mayor Kavanagh asked for further discussion.
Mr. Rudolphy reminded Council that the Legal Services Budget also covered the cost of the Town's
Prosecutor.
Mayor Kavanagh asked for a roll call vote.
Councilmember Yates
Councilmember DePorter
Councilmember Tolis
Vice Mayor Brown
Councilmember Magazine
Councilmember Leger
Mayor Kavanagh
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
The motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0) by a vote of members present.
Councilmember Magazine MOVED to defer the Wayfinding Signs in the amount of $150K and remove from
the 2018-19 tentative budgets and Councilmember DePorter SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Kavanagh asked for a discussion.
Mr. Miller stated the monument signs were the only part proposed in the 2018-19 budget year with the final
overall Wayfinding Signs placement deferred until 2020-21. Mr. Miller suggested pushing back the
monument signs for an additional year at $315K, with design concept completed until funding was available.
Councilmember Magazine restated his motion.
Councilmember Magazine MOVED to remove Wayfinding Signs/Monuments from the budget and defer the
$300K by one-year, respectively and Councilmember DePorter SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).
z:\council packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 10 of 13
Mr. Rudolphy stated that the Wayfinding Sign design may not be completed in this fiscal year and the
remainder of funds allocated would carryover into the new budget year 2018-19 and Mr. Miller explained that
out of the allocated $75K approved for design concept, $25K required carryover if the work was not
completed by the end of June 2018.
Councilmember Yates MOVED to approve a carryover of $25K from the fiscal year 2017-18 budget years to
the 2018-19 budget years and Councilmember Magazine SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).
Vice Mayor Brown announced that Council had removed a total amount in cuts of $440K at this time.
Councilmember Tolis requested clarification on for the unpaved alley project budgeted at $250K.
Councilmember Magazine left the dais at 7:12 p.m.
Mr. Miller explained the alley projects had been deferred before and his recommendation was to not remove
this item and move towards completing the Town's agreement with Maricopa Association of Governments
(MAG) and Vice Mayor Brown added the alley project was monitored by MAG and an unfunded Federal
mandate; Public Works Director Justin Weldy agreed.
Councilmember Magazine returned to the dais at 7:13 p.m.
Mr. Weldy continued to explain that the Town entered into a contract with the County for these heavily used
allies to be paved and Mr. Miller added MAG did monitor progress and if not completed as agreed in the
contract, Federal Funding could be pulled from the Town due to air quality violations. Mr. Weldy stated he
believed the Town had deferred this project the last four to five years and Vice Mayor Brown added the
overall alley pavement project had been going on closer to 10 -years.
Councilmember Leger asked for clarification on the scope of work for $255K and Mr. Weldy replied funding
for the current alley would address Phase IV and noted there was also a phase V.
Vice Mayor Brown requested to hold off on a final decision on this project until Council had more information
and Mr. Miller replied it was important to leave this project in the tentative budget to allow Council a chance
to decide before the final budget approval and Vice Mayor Brown agreed.
Mayor Kavanagh asked for additional suggested allocations removed and none were initiated.
Mayor Kavanagh requested a discussion on the $116K discussed to be added to the Four Peaks Park project
and mentioned this transferred amount would leave a budget total of $324K and would balance the budget.
Mr. Miller suggested moving $100K into the Four Peaks Park project.
Councilmember Yates MOVED to move $100K from the Economic Development deferred budget item into
the Four Peaks Park project and Vice Mayor Brown SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).
Mr. Rudolphy stated the budget would now be under the limitations required.
Councilmember Tolis asked what the Contingency Fund could be used for and Mr. Rudolphy replied at
Council's discretion. Councilmember Tolis asked if Contingency Funds could be transferred for Town
projects and Mr. Rudolphy replied that it was better to keep in the same fund and Mr. Miller added it took
years to build the up the Contingency Fund to its current balance and was only used for Town Departments
that ran over and in certain situations.
Fee Schedule Changes: Reviewed.
z:\council packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 11 of 13
Personnel: Removed the Communications Director request and would keep in the budget a .5 FTE for an IT
Support Specialist, as suggested by the Town's external auditor for back-up support.
Personnel and Benefits: Reviewed for 55.69 FTE's plus .5 FTE for an IT Support Specialists.
Councilmember Magazine expressed his concern for the optics of a 5% personnel increase to wages and
stressed it may be found a mistake when residents reviewed this request.
Councilmember Leger pointed out the increase was over a two year period and pointed out he was strongly in
favor of removing the Communication Director proposed new position and felt the 5% was a reward to staff
for working so hard. Councilmember Leger stated he agreed with Councilmember Magazine until the Town
had stated freezing raises the following year.
Councilmember Yates added that staff was asked to increase their work load and he did not want current
personnel to relocate to another municipality. Councilmember Yates added the increase would be 3.7% over
the next 12 months and then capped. Mr. Miller observed that other municipalities restored a merit system and
Fountain Hills had not and mentioned that the Town also did not contribute to staff's Social Security for a
savings to the Town of 6.25%. Councilmember Magazine suggested a 2.5% raise for the next two —years and
was in agreement that staff warranted a raise. Mr. Miller explained the future was unknown for funding
suggested raises and stressed raises would average 3.75% over 12 months. Councilmember Magazine still
questioned how this would be received by residents overall.
Mr. Rudolphy pointed out savings currently seen in overall health insurance costs to the Town.
Mr. Rudolphy stated a new budget total would be presented at the May 1, 2018, Town Council meeting for
Councils consideration and approval.
Next Steps: Listed beginning with the May 1, 2018, adoption of the tentative budget.
Mayor Kavanagh thanked Mr. Rudolphy for his transparent presentation and stressed that anyone could
contract Town personnel to answer additional questions. Mayor Kavanagh suggested Town residents who
wanted to be better informed, register for the next "Academy" class next fall for further understanding of the
Town functions.
Councilmember Leger pointed out that revenues from the proposed Primary Property Tax had been
incorporated into the current tentative budget and as promised and unanimously approved by Council.
AGENDA ITEM 42 — ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Kavanagh asked for a motion to adjourn.
Councilmember Yates made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting and Councilmember DePorter SECONDED the
motion, which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). The Special Session adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
:A
ATTEST AND
PREPARED BY:
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
Linda M. Kavanagh, Mayor
z:\council packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 12 of 13
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Executive and Special
Sessions held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills in the Fountain Conference Room and the Town Hall Council
Chambers on the 23rd day of April, 2018. 1 further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was
present.
DATED this 19th day of June 2018.
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
z:\council packets\2018\r180619\180423m.docx Page 13 of 13