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TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE, SPECIAL AND REGULAR SESSIONS OF THE
FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 17, 2011
EXECUTIVE SESSION AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Schlum called the Executive Session to order at 5:01 p.m. in the Fountain Conference Room
AGENDA ITEM #1 – ROLL CALL AND VOTE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION: PURSUANT TO §38-
431.03(A)(1), DISCUSSION OR CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT, ASSIGNMENT, APPOINTMENT,
PROMOTION, DEMOTION, DISMISSAL, SALARIES, DISCIPLINING OR RESIGNATION OF A PUBLIC
OFFICER, APPOINTEE OR EMPLOYEE OF ANY PUBLIC BODY (SPECIFICALLY, FOR THE PURPOSE OF
REVIEWING TOWN MANAGER CANDIDATES' APPLICATIONS).
ROLL CALL: Present for roll call were the following members of the Town Council: Mayor Schlum, Councilmember
Contino, Councilmember Hansen, Councilmember Elkie, Vice Mayor Dickey, Councilmember Leger and Councilmember
Brown. Human Resource Administrator/Risk Manager Joan McIntosh, Jim Mercer with the Mercer Group (via
teleconferencing), Town Attorney Andrew McGuire, and Town Clerk Bev Bender were also present.
Councilmember Elkie MOVED to enter into the Executive Session at 5:02 p.m. and Councilmember Brown
SECONDED the motion, which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).
AGENDA ITEM #2 – ADJOURN TO THE SPECIAL SESSION
Without objection, the Mayor adjourned the Executive Session at 6:25 p.m.
SPECIAL SESSION
* CALLTO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Schlum called the Special Session to order at 6:32 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers.
* ROLL CALL: Present for roll call were the following members of the Town Council: Mayor Schlum,
Councilmember Contino, Councilmember Hansen, Councilmember Elkie, Vice Mayor Dickey, Councilmember Leger and
Councilmember Brown. Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti, Town Attorney Andrew McGuire and
Town Clerk Bev Bender were also present.
AGENDA ITEM #1 - CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 2011-48, DECLARING AND ADOPTING THE
RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2011.
Vice Mayor Dickey MOVED to approve Resolution 2011-48 and Councilmember Brown SECONDED the motion.
There were no citizens wishing to speak on this agenda item
The motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).
AGENDA ITEM #2 - ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Contino MOVED to adjourn the Special Session and Vice Mayor Dickey SECONDED the motion,
which CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The Special Session adjourned at 6:36 p.m.
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REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
* CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Schlum called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers.
* INVOCATION – Pastor Tony Pierce from the First Baptist Church
* ROLL CALL
Present for roll call were the following members of the Town Council: Mayor Schlum, Vice Mayor Dickey,
Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Leger, Councilmember Elkie, Councilmember Contino and Councilmember
Hansen. Interim Town Manager Julie Ghetti, Town Attorney Andrew McGuire and Town Clerk Bev Bender were
also present.
* MAYOR’S REPORT
None.
* SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS
(i) RECOGNITION OF SERVICE TO THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS BY RICHARD HOLPER AS A
COMMISSIONER ON THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION.
Mayor Schlum stated that Commissioner Holper was not able to attend the meeting this evening. He said that Mr.
Holper served on the Commission from October 1, 2010 until October 13, 2011 and was a valuable member of that
body who brought his knowledge and capable decision making to every meeting. He stated that the Town wishes to
thank Mr. Holper for his valuable contributions to the entire community and added that they wish him the best. The
Mayor stated that they will miss having him as a member of the Commission but will see him around Town.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM #1 – CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FROM OCTOBER 11, OCTOBER 12 AND NOVEMBER 3, 2011.
AGENDA ITEM #2 – CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING A LIQUOR LICENSE APPLICATION
SUBMITTED BY AMER JOHN DELLY, OWNER/AGENT OF FOUNTAIN HILLS DELI, LLC DBA
FOUNTAIN HILLS EXPRESS CONVENIENCE STORE AND DELI, LOCATED AT 11829 N. SAGUARO
BOULEARD, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ. THIS IS FOR A SERIES 10 LICENSE (BEER & WINE STORE).
AGENDA ITEM #3 - CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING A SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE
APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY JEAN LINZER, REPRESENTING THE FOUNTAIN HILLS SISTER CITIES
CORPORATION, FOR THE PURPOSE OF A CARNIVAL COSTUME BALL. EVENT TO BE HELD AT
FOUNTAIN HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER, 13001 N. LA MONTANA, SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2012, FROM 5:00 P.M. TO 12:00 P.M.
Councilmember Elkie MOVED to approve the Consent Agenda as listed and Councilmember Brown SECONDED the
motion.
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A roll call vote was taken as follows:
Mayor Schlum Aye
Vice Mayor Dickey Aye
Councilmember Leger Aye
Councilmember Hansen Aye
Vice Mayor Contino Aye
Councilmember Brown Aye
Councilmember Elkie Aye
The motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).
REGULAR AGENDA
AGENDA ITEM #4 - CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 2011-47, RENAMING THE STREET AVENIDA
VIDA BUENA TO KEITH MCMAHAN DRIVE ACCORDING TO THE GUIDELINES IN THE TOWN'S
ADOPTED NAMING POLICY.
Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti addressed the Council relative to this agenda item and stated that the
Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution to honor the late Councilmember Keith McMahan by re naming
a Town street to Keith McMahan Drive. She noted that the Council adopted Resolution 2011-31 authorizing the renaming
of Avenida Vida Buena to Keith McMahan Drive. She added that the resolution before the Council this evening is the
final step in the renaming process and said that if approved the Chamber will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday,
November 22nd at the corner of Fountain Hills Boulevard and the new Keith McMahan Drive to recognize the name
change. She said that his sister will be attending the ribbon cutting and added that she would like to offer a thank you to
Joe and Debby Skehen for bringing this forward (and they are in the audience this evening). She referred to the street sign
displayed in the Chambers.
Mayor Schlum thanked Ms. Ghetti for her presentation.
There were no citizens wishing to speak on this agenda item.
Councilmember Elkie MOVED to approve Resolution 2011-47, renaming Avenida Vida Buena to Keith McMahan Drive
and Councilmember Hansen SECONDED the motion.
Mayor Schlum advised that the public notices were sent out and law enforcement was informed as well as neighbors and
asked if any feedback had been received.
Ms. Ghetti discussed that the public notices went out on October 12th and no feedback has been received. The notices
went out to all the utilities, law enforcement, neighbors and anyone who will be affected in that area.
Councilmember Contino expressed the opinion that Councilmember McMahan deserved more than just having a street
named after him and that is the reason why he will be voting nay.
Mayor Schlum commented that they could always take further action later as well.
The Mayor said that he looks forward to the ribbon cutting and thanked Mr. & Mrs. Skehen for their efforts. He stated
that having Councilmember McMahan's sister present will be wonderful. He added that there will be op portunities to do
other things in the future as well.
The motion CARRIED by majority vote (6-1) with Councilmember Contino voting nay.
AGENDA ITEM #5 - CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH THE FOUNTAIN HILLS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-12, IN THE AMOUNT OF $103,200, FOR THE
PURPOSE OF PROMOTING TOURISM IN FOUNTAIN HILLS.
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Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti addressed the Council relative to this agenda item and advised that
the Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget included an appropriation for funding for four agencies that have provided services to the
Town in the past through a competitive bidding process and contracts that expired June 2011. Three of the agencies were
considered at the August 18, 2011 meeting, leaving the Fountain Hills Chamber Tourism contract to be approved (in the
amount of $103,200 for the purpose of promoting tourism in Fountain Hills).
Ms. Ghetti stated that members of the Executive Budget Committee and staff have worked with the Chamber to create the
scope of work before the Council this evening.
There were no citizens wishing to speak on this agenda item.
Councilmember Brown MOVED to approve the Professional Services Agreement between the Town of Fountain Hills
and the Chamber of Commerce Tourism and Councilmember Elkie SECONDED the motion.
Councilmember Hansen asked whether the other contracted services are required to do bi-annual reporting (as the
Chamber is being required to do).
Town Attorney Andrew McGuire stated that he does not recall the freq uency of the reporting but they are all required to
report. He added that it might be quarterly for the Boys & Girls Club.
Councilmember Hansen stressed the importance of consistency and said it would be good to have everyone on the same
reporting schedule.
Mayor Schlum noted that the Chamber used to report quarterly. He stated that the schedules may vary depending upon
how the Town is paying the funding out. He asked how the Chamber is being paid.
Ms. Ghetti replied that payment is made depending on the scope of work in the contract. She confirmed that the Boys &
Girls Club is quarterly and added that the Food Bank she believes is quarterly in advance and the Theater is based on their
performances (the specific ones that the Town is sponsoring). She explained that as far as the payout schedule for
tourism, the Chamber has submitted their billing already and if this is approved tonight they would get their first payment
tomorrow. She said that as soon as they submit invoices for the items listed they receive reimbursement.
Mayor Schlum commented that they spoke quite a bit about this item and the importance of generating tourism in
Fountain Hills. He asked if the Council was satisfied with what is being proposed for this year.
Councilmember Elkie responded that he is satisfied and added that this is just one small step in the direction of the
branding. He noted that the proposed amount is not considerable compared to other cities and towns as far as marketing is
concerned so he believes this is one small step in the new direction. He stated that he is really looking forward to what
Tourism will be able to deliver
Mark McDermott, Director of the Visitors' Bureau for the Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Council and thanked
them for their support for the new direction and the branding. He commented on the fact that members of the Council
have served on the Advisory Board and said that he is very excited about the direction in which they are going -- a
collaborative mission -- and the goal is to make the most of it and remain engaged.
Councilmember Elkie emphasized the importance of maintaining the open communication and spirit of cooperation with
the Town Council and the Chamber. He encouraged Mr. McDermott and members of th e Chamber to contact Town staff
if they ever want to provide the Council/residents with an update as far as the tourism progress that is being made.
Mr. McDermott stated that the Bureau will not hesitate to reach out to all of the Councilmembers for assis tance and said
that if there is anything that the Council feels that the Bureau can do differently or better, they would welcome the input as
well.
Councilmember Hansen commended Mr. McDermott and his staff on the quarterly reports they have done over the last
few years.
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In response to a request from Mayor Schlum, Mr. McDermott shared some information about
"The American Trails Symposium," a collaborative effort. He said that it entails a rather large convention, with about 800
people in attendance, and added that every hotel in Town will be filled and there will be spill over as well. He noted that
this is an international symposium (renamed from American to International) and it brings together outdoor recreation
enthusiasts, which makes it so perfect for Fountain Hills and the Fort McDowell Indian Nation. He reported that it will
take place in April of 2013 and planning is actively underway. He advised that the participants will engage themselves in
the community and see what they can do to improve it (they have gone into communities and built new trails, etc.). He
commented on the positive marketing impact of being a site for this symposium and the benefits of such a collaborative
effort with Fort McDowell.
Councilmember Leger said that for the dollars that the Town is investing in this project they have ten deliverables and his
expectation is that they will get a big bang out of their buck and he is looking forward to it. He discussed branding and
stated that he hopes that as they move to the next stage that there will be an opportunity for a presentation to the Council
because branding is a very visual thing.
Mr. McDermott stated that nothing has been scheduled as of yet but they need to do that soon.
Councilmember Leger said that he thinks that is important and noted that there have been discussions with Council and
individually with the Chamber and others and noted that there is a perception in the community that the branding is
narrow. He stated that he is impressed with it because it is marketing Fountain Hills so anyone involved with the Town
benefits from it. He added that he wants it to be broadcast on Channel 11 so that people can see for themselves exactly
what it is and what taxpayer money is being spent for.
Mayor Schlum commented that at the Visitors Bureau meeting he attended he was glad to see a few more of the hotels in
attendance. He said that collaboration with them is extremely important. He stated that the International Trails
Symposium is similar to the Olympics and noted that the Town is an outdoor Mecca. He added that perhaps there are
some things they could plan leading up to the April 2013 date (or follow up afterwards). He stressed the importance of
staying engaged and communicating with one another for optimum benefit.
Mr. McDermott informed the Council that a lot of fundraising will have to be done and everyone will have to pull
together over the next year and a half to make this happen.
The motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0).
Mayor Schlum thanked Mr. McDermott for his efforts and his update.
AGENDA ITEM #6 - QUARTERLY REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF IMPLEMENTING THE COUNCIL'S
GOALS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-12.
Interim Town Manager/Finance Director Julie Ghetti addressed the Council relative to this agenda item and stated that the
report is available in the Council's packets and is on the Town's website (Copy available in the office of the Town Clerk).
Ms. Ghetti highlighted the contents of the report and discussed the Strategic Value - Civility (Practice the art of civility in
all public settings and encourage those around you to do the same). She said that a goal was to build on the current
service events that the Town currently conducts and noted that the first "Make a Difference Day" was held on October 22,
2011. She reported that it was a huge success. She noted that a variety of projects took place and the event was
coordinated by Volunteer Coordinator Heather Ware and her planning committee. She commended Ms. Ware and the
members of the committee for the great job they did. She added that staff plans to make this an annual event. She
advised that another initiative was to solicit public feedback and said that staff has used the Town's website and other
social media to accomplish this goal as well. She sai d that three Citizen Town Halls have been held in an effort to obtain
input and provide citizens with an opportunity to meet and talk with staff. She reported that on the Environmental
Stewardship Value the Town is in the process of installing a new energy management system that will implement energy
saving measures that can be measured. She discussed the promotion of water conservation through the "Water ... Use it
Wisely" campaign.
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Ms. Ghetti stated that under Civic Responsibility one of the initiatives is to communicate the role of local government and
noted that the Town will be conducting the second annual Citizens Academy in February at the Community Center (it will
include presentations from all of the departments). She said that citizens are encouraged to register for the classes and
learn about how their government works. She added that under Education, Learning and Culture, the Town has supported
the Art Walk and is working with the Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation on joint programs and special events. She further
stated that on Economic Vitality the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission (SPAC) and the Chamber are working on
creating a brand to market the Town and efforts are underway to promote the retention of businesses (this is moving
forward with an outreach plan/coordination with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)). She noted that under
Recreational Opportunities and Amenities, the initiative is to provide an interconnected, multi-use trail and bicycle system
that promotes active living, physical activity, education and appreciation of our parks and natural resources. She informed
the Council that this is moving forward with the Urban Trails Plan that will be presented to the Council during the
December Work Study Session. Ms. Ghetti indicated her willingness to respond to questions from the Council.
Mayor Schlum thanked Ms. Ghetti for her presentation.
AGENDA ITEM #7 - COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION TO THE INTERIM TOWN MANAGER/FINANCE
DIRECTOR JULIE GHETTI.
Items listed below are related only to the propriety of (i) placing such items on a future agenda for action or (ii) directing
staff to conduct further research and report back to the Council.
A. None.
AGENDA ITEM #8 – SUMMARY OF COUNCIL REQUESTS AND REPORT ON RECENT ACTIVITIES BY
THE INTERIM TOWN MANAGER/FINANCE DIRECTOR JULIE GHETTI.
Ms. Ghetti said that a Tourism presentation to the Council will be scheduled.
In response to a request from the Mayor, Vice Mayor Dickey provided a report on her attendance at the National League
of Cities & Towns Conference. She noted that the theme was infrastructure and very interesting (she will try and get
more information to the Council). She asked how the mobile workshops went and Mayor Schlum advised that staff did an
awesome job. He noted that the mobile tour cost $2,000 (the Town applied to do this over a year ago) and said that the
Town's prior Town Manager and Katie Decker were the contacts at the time so they did not receive word that the Town
had been selected until an invoice came in -- about ten days before the tour. He stated that staff pulled together a great
tour and format and the focus of the format was to emphasize the experience that the Town's volunteers have in Fountain
Hills and they basically led the presentation. He expressed appreciation to Jerry Butler, Jerry Miles and Jenny Willigrod
and other volunteers associated with the Greening of Downtown. He noted that public art was a huge focus of the tour as
well as the Greening effort. He reported that the attendees were in Town for a little over three hours and Kathy Worrell
from Parks & Recreation went on one bus and the Mayor went on another and they showcased the Town for
approximately forty minutes. He added that everyone pitched in to make it a success (the presentations were wonderful)
and they also went over to the Centennial Circle where they looked at some of the art work and a Docent gave them a
tour. He said that they also went down to the Performance Pad and walked along the Fountain and all in all it was a
wonderful time and a great opportunity to showcase Fountain Hills and all it has to offer.
Mayor Schlum stated that he is confident that many of the attendees, who were very impressed with the Town, will
vacation here in the future and noted that the group was mainly composed of elected officials. He added that an e -mail
was sent to the attendees thanking them for visiting Fountain Hills and said that it was fun to show off the Town.
AGENDA ITEM #9 - ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Contino MOVED to adjourn the meeting and Councilmember Elkie SECONDED the motion, which
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0). The meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
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TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
By __________________________
Jay T. Schlum, Mayor
ATTEST AND
PREPARED BY:
_________________________
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Executive, Special and
Regular Sessions held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills in the Fountain Conference Room and the Town Hall
Council Chambers on the 17th day of November 2011. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a
quorum was present.
DATED this 15th day of December 2011.
_____________________________
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk