HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022.0315.TCRM.Minutes TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
MARCH 15, 2022
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Dickey
Mayor Dickey called the Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Town Council held March
15, 2022, to order at 5:30 p.m. and led the Council and audience in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE
A Moment of Silence was held.
3. ROLL CALL—Mayor Dickey
Present: Mayor Ginny Dickey; Councilmember Mike Scharnow; Councilmember David
Spelich; Vice Mayor Gerry Friedel; Councilmember Sharron Grzybowski;
Councilmember Peggy McMahon; Councilmember Alan Magazine
Staff Town Manager Grady E. Miller; Town Attorney Aaron D. Arnson; Town Clerk
Present: Elizabeth A. Klein
4. REPORTS BY MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS AND TOWN MANAGER
Counclimember McMahon said that she attended the Irish Fest and it was great. Vice
Mayor Friedel said that was also there, and he attended the ribbon cutting for The
Havenly.
Councilmember Grzybowski said that she attended the groundbreaking for the Fountain of
Light, as well as the legislative update call this week. She and Councilmember Scharnow
attended a call regarding broadband, and she and her husband worked at the Irish Fest
last weekend. She said they had record sales, with around 8,000 in attendance.
Mayor Dickey thanked them and all volunteers for putting together the Irish Fest.
She said that she attended the Coalition's essay contest, and it was an honor for her to go
and meet the students. She, too, attended the Fountain of Light groundbreaking.
Mayor Dickey reported that she attended a Fountain Hills Cares meeting, and also Zoom
calls with Senators Kelly and Sinema regarding the federal Infrastructure Bill.
She said that the bill regarding condo ownership changes requiring 100% of the owners to
agree to a sale got through the Senate Commerce Committee, and she hopes to see that
get through.
She attended the GPEC Mayors/Supervisors quarterly meeting and also a meeting with
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the Arizona/Canada group.
A. RECOGNITION: Stellar Students for February 2022
Mayor Dickey read what had been written about each of the following students. They
came forward and received a certificate and a group photo was taken.
Sydney Hagerman McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Matthew Nunez McDowell Mountain Elementary School
Mia Junk Fountain Hills Middle School
Jayden Pena Fountain Hills Middle School
Hannah Mowers Fountain Hills High School
Tory Johnson Fountain Hills High School
5. SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS
A. PRESENTATION: Monthly Update by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
Lt. Halverson, Acting Division Manager for Fountain Hills MCSO, gave a report on two
incidents that recently occurred in Town. First, on February 6, 2022, there was a break-in
at Fountain Hills Bikes where a $5000 - $7000 bike was stolen after they broke the
window to get. They contacted the crime lab, who responded and took DNA blood
samples from the window. They put that in for analysis and received a rapid DNA hit.
They were able to identify the suspect, and they reached across the border and worked
as a team to push the suspect back into Fountain Hills. He was then arrested and
confessed. They have worked to build relationships with neighboring communities and it
always makes things better. He said that the officers (Det. Sgt. Broadwater, Det. Bowers,
Det. Roberts and Det. Garcia) are all very experienced, and it shows that Fountain Hills
MCSO goes the extra mile.
Second, was an incident where the restrooms at Four Peaks Park were destroyed. They
reviewed the surveillance footage and saw two girls doing the damage. They contacted
the School Resource Officer, Deputy Hampton. She is exceptionally engaged in her work,
and she recognized the girls. They conducted an interview and both confessed.
He said that while these efforts may be small, they go to show the work product and ethics
of their officers.
He reported that they are receiving a new Officer in Training, and he is hoping that once
he has completed his training they can keep him.
Councilmember Magazine said that it was excellent work. He said that it sounds like it
took a lot of manpower to identify who stole the bike. He asked how they triage these
things, and why they spend so much time. Lt. Halverson said that Fountain Hills has every
kind of crime. Their officers have a high level of experience and while there are other
cases as well, they are extremely efficient. He said that there are a lot of resources that
Fountain Hills enjoys that certain agencies do not, such as the crime lab.
Councilmember Spelich said that he has known Lt. Halverson for three years. He said that
the Town did not have him for over a year, but now they are lucky to have him back. He
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added thoughts and prayers to Captain Kratzer.
Vice Mayor Friedel said that it was a great report, and it is important to share to show
there are resolutions to cases.
Mayor Dickey thanked Lt. Halverson and the department.
B. PRESENTATION: Communications Strategic Plan and Citizen Engagement Plan.
Mr. Miller said that within the next five years, when they see the results of another overall
survey, they hope to see that residents are getting most of their information from the
Town. Bo Larsen, Community Relations Manager/PIO, then gave a PowerPoint
presentation which addressed:
THE COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIC PLAN KEY GOALS
1. To establish the Town of Fountain Hills as the primary source for Town news,
emergency communications, and information on events.
2. To inform, educate and engage residents and stakeholders about Town
responsibilities, services, activities, and results.
3. To inform Town elected officials and Town leadership of any Town projects, incidents,
and potential and current media coverage.
4. To help inform, educate and engage Town employees about the policies, procedures
and information they need to succeed in their jobs and repent the Town in public
interactions.
TO ACHIEVE COMMUNICATION GOALS
Raise public awareness of the decisions made by the Town Council and Town Manager
using multiple communication channels
Crisis communications planning and action as needed
Provide Town information via the web, social media, printed newsletters, and the news
media
Stream Town Council meetings live on www.fountainhillsaz.gov and Cox Cable
Government Access Ch. 11 with replays on YouTube
Respond in a timely manner to media and public records requests
Utilize video, digital and multimedia content to enhance communication
Design and produce printed and digital content that engages and informs the reader
Create custom communication plans to address Town client needs
Speech writing and media coaching for elected officials and key town staff, as needed
GOAL: DELIVER EFFECTIVE CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS
GOAL: PRODUCE HIGHLY VISUAL AND INFORMATION SOCIAL MEDIA
GOAL: BUILD AND MAINTAIN STRONG MEDIA RELATIONS
GOAL: BUILD A STRONG ONLINE DIGITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
GOAL: PRODUCE PROACTIVE AND RESPONSIVE PUBLIC INFORMATION AND
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
GOAL: CREATE ENGAGING EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONS
GOAL: CITIZENS ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
GOAL: DEVELOP VERSATILE VISUAL CONTENT LIBRARY
MEASURING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Magazine said that Mr. Larsen does a terrific job and is incredibly
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ambitious. He is concerned that he is setting himself up for failure with how many
goals/tasks he has listed. Mr. Miller said that he believed Mr. Larsen can do it. A lot of
what is listed has already been started, and he is using other resources.
Councilmember Magazine suggested that he provide a quarterly report to the Town
Council on the various things he is working on. Mr. Miller said that was a good suggestion.
Vice Mayor Friedel told Mr. Larsen to keep doing a good job. He could not think of when
communications have been better.
Councilmember Spelich asked Mr. Larsen how long he has worked for the Town. Mr.
Larsen replied about one and one-half years. Councilmember Spelich said that the plan is
well put together, and in his first year versus now, communication is off the chart. He said
that he would like the Council to consider having an emergency hotline, a dedicated
phone number for residents.
Councilmember Grzybowski said that the amount of communication since she has been
on board, and changes on the website, are leaps and bounds over prior. Councilmember
Scharnow said that he echoed everything said so far. He said that having been on the
other side of the fence, it has been a good transformation.
Mayor Dickey said that when they first discussed this position, it was noted that
councilmembers should be communicating with the residents, and that was their job. She
said that it was right, it was all their jobs, but it is great having someone to devote their
time to such communications. She said that they are still working on making the website
more searchable, and with the pandemic they stopped their Town Talk Tuesdays, but she
would like to see them start doing that again. She said that the Times has been a huge
resource and the ability to work with them communicating has been invaluable. Bo has
great contacts, and she looks forward to all the things he will be doing, but he will not do it
alone.
Mr. Larsen thanked everyone for the comments. He said he feels fortunate, has over 30
years experience, and a lot of what has been outlined he is already doing.
Councilmember McMahon thanked Mr. Larson, adding that it is always a pleasure to work
with him and his professionalism.
Councilmember Magazine said that he agreed with everything that has been said, but he
still worries about him a little.
6. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(H), public comment is permitted(not required) on matters NOT listed on the
agenda.Any such comment(i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Council, and(ii)is subject to reasonable
time, place, and manner restrictions. The Council will not discuss or take legal action on matters raised during
Call to the Public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action. At the conclusion of
the Call to the Public, individual councilmembers may(i) respond to criticism, (ii)ask staff to review a matter, or
(iii) ask that the matter be placed on a future Council agenda.
Crystal Cavanaugh, Fountain Hills, said that she has witnessed the drafting of the group
home ordinance. It is solid, well-written and fair. She gave a big thank you to the Planning
and Zoning Commission and Mr. Wesley, and she urged the Town Council to pass it as
recommended.
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7. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine, noncontroversial matters and will be
enacted by one motion of the Council.All motions and subsequent approvals of consent items will include all
recommended staff stipulations unless otherwise stated. There will be no separate discussion of these items
unless a councilmember or member of the public so requests. If a councilmember or member of the public
wishes to discuss an item on the Consent Agenda, he/she may request so prior to the motion to accept the
Consent Agenda or with notification to the Town Manager or Mayor prior to the date of the meeting for which
the item was scheduled. The items will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal
sequence on the agenda.
Councilmember Spelich abstained from voting on the Elks Lodge extension of premises
application (Item 7-D).
MOVED BY Councilmember Alan Magazine, SECONDED BY Councilmember Sharron
Grzybowski to approve Consent Agenda Items 7-A through 7-G (with Councilmember
Spelich abstaining on Item 7-D).
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
A. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of March 1, 2022.
B. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of a budget transfer for the
General Fund and Vehicle Replacement Fund.
C. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Adoption of Resolution 2022-12 Authorizing
renewal of the Town of Fountain Hills' membership in the Arizona Metropolitan Trust.
D. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of an Extension of Premises
Application for the Fountain Hills Elks Lodge which is hosting a beer garden in conjunction
with a charity event on April 2, 2022.
E. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approving a Map of Dedication for a portion
of Serenity Estates.
F. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of a six-month extension to the
approved Special Use Permit to allow four residential units at an existing building located at
16842, 16843, 16844 and 16845 E. Avenue of the Fountains (generally located north of
Avenue of the Fountains, between Saguaro Blvd. and Verde River Dr.) and in the C-2
(Intermediate Commercial) Zoning District and the Entertainment Overlay District. SU
2021-04
G. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Extension of a Special Use Permit to allow
residential uses on a 0.58 acre property in the Community Commercial (C-C) zoning
district at 17134 E. Kingstree Blvd., generally located at the northwest corner of Saguaro
Blvd. and Kingstree Blvd.
8. REGULAR AGENDA
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A. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Resolution 2022-13 approving an
Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Tempe authorizing the Town of Fountain Hills
to participate in the East Valley Regional Veterans' Court.
Court Administrator Joanna Elliott said that she is a veteran herself, and they have been
working in cooperation with other municipalities on the Veterans Court. When they
receive a case with a veteran involved, at their request, or that of their attorney, they refer
them to Veterans Court. The City of Tempe has done a great job partnering them with
resources for in-patient care, counseling, etc. The court is asking to continue that
partnership with them. The current budget is $650. They have referred three cases since
2018.
Councilmember Spelich thanked her for her service, and said he wholeheartedly
supported the program. He asked if they needed more money. Ms. Elliott replied that the
budgeted amount is ample. They provide pamphlets that make them aware of the
program, but they do not convince them to do it. She said that it is time consuming, but it
has been very successful. She said that a lot of times they get people with cases in
multiple jurisdictions.
Councilmember McMahon asked what the cost was to the Town. Ms. Elliott replied that
last year they paid $399.62.
Mayor Dickey noted that when she was at the State Attorney's Office they were just
starting this program, along with the Drug Court, Youth Court, Mental Health Court. Ms.
Elliott said that they have not seen much of a need for the Drug Court, but they are
looking further into the Mental Health Court.
MOVED BY Vice Mayor Gerry Friedel, SECONDED BY Councilmember David Spelich to
adopt Resolution 2022-13.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
B. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Reconsideration of denial of the Park Place
Site Plan, Phase III.
Mr. Wesley said that a couple of weeks ago the Town Council voted to deny the site plan
for Park Place. Since then, the applicant came back, noting that Building B did not have
many comments and is requesting that they reconsider the site plan for Building B. He
said that the first step in doing this would be to approve a motion for reconsideration.
Ed Stizza, Fountain Hills, said that one concern is that this would not apply to the rest of
the project, and he would like to see a different color for the accent, not orange.
Mr. Arnson said that if the Council does not want to move forward, they do not have to.
MOVED BY Councilmember Alan Magazine, SECONDED BY Councilmember David
Spelich to not reconsider the Park Place Phase III site plan.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
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C. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: regarding the proposed site plan for Phase
III, Building B, of Park Place located on the west side of the 13000 block of North Verde
River Dr.
No action. Item above was not approved.
D. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Authorization to Purchase and Install
Illuminated Speed Limit Signs.
Public Works Director Justin Weldy said that while the recommended motion was correct,
the amount of the estimate was reduced by $2,000.
He said that the locations were discussed and selected by the Traffic and Pedestrian
Safety Committee. Based on research, this is the best for the Town of Fountain Hills. It is
the latest in technology with online and phone support. He said that it will count traffic and
record their speed. At this time they are asking for permission to purchase and install five;
however, they would like to buy an additional five in this contract so they have those for
future use.
Councilmember Magazine thanked the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee and all
involved; he thought this would be a tremendous asset. He is glad they are putting up five.
Councilmember Grzybowski said that she loved the idea of going with the ones with data,
but disappointed they were not going to the cloud based units. She has had people
question why they are putting it further north on Saguaro; people speed through there,
even if the lights are blinking. Mr. Weldy said that while the map is not exact, it will be as
they enter the Safety Corridor, just south of the crosswalk; it will be near it.
MOVED BY Councilmember Peggy McMahon, SECONDED BY Councilmember Sharron
Grzybowski to authorize the purchase of ten (10) Illuminated Speed Limit Signs in the
amount of$30,410.00 from Centerline Supply, and for staff to install the signs shown on the
attached exhibit.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
Town Council Regular Meeting of March 15, 2022 8 of 9
E. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approving Professional Services
Agreement 2022-074 with Cactus Asphalt.
Mr. Weldy said that in order to effectively utilize the Town's limited street maintenance
budget, staff is proposing a pilot program that outlines the steps needed to preserve the
current pavement condition on two local street segments. The Pinal County Public
Works Department solicited bids for Street Maintenance & Repair Services and the Pinal
County Board of Supervisors selected and awarded the contract to Cactus Asphalt. The
company has agreed to extend Pinal County contract pricing to the Town of Fountain
Hills.
This is a low-cost solution to some of the roads that have exceeded their life and simply
need to be rebuilt. Staff is asking the Council to consider letting them proceed with this
pilot program and if successful use it on the pre-incorporation roads while they search
for long-term funding solutions.
MOVED BY Councilmember Sharron Grzybowski, SECONDED BY Vice Mayor Gerry
Friedel to approve Professional Services Agreement 2022-074, between the Town of
Fountain Hills and Cactus Transport, Inc, D/B/A Cactus Asphalt in the amount of
$209,473.72.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
F. DISCUSSION WITH POSSIBLE DIRECTION relating to any item included in the League
of Arizona Cities and Towns' weekly Legislative Bulletin(s) or relating to any action
proposed or pending before the State Legislature.
Mayor Dickey said that they do not have anything new to bring forward, and she asked
that the Council take a look at the review provided by Jack Lunsford.
9. COUNCIL DISCUSSION/DIRECTION to the TOWN MANAGER
Item(s)listed below are related only to the propriety of(i)placing such item(s)on a future agenda for action,
or(ii)directing staff to conduct further research and report back to the Council.
None
10. ADJOURNMENT
MOVED BY Councilmember David Spelich, SECONDED BY Councilmember Sharron
Grzybowski to adjourn.
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
The Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Town Council held March 15, 2022,
adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
I
Town Council Regular Meeting of March 15, 2022 9 of 9
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
TnbI
GiDickey, Mayor
ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
E ' abet lein, Town Clerk
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular
Meeting held by the Town Council of Fountain Hills in the Town Hall Council Chambers on the 15th day
of March, 2022. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present.
DATED this 5th day of April, 2022.
Eli bet ein, Town Clerk