[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6616823,"mediaKeyId","2844051-636c013855de8798109e9858341e8bf9","parentId",2844051,"title","Votes at a glance: council approves consent agenda, board appointments and amended public art master plan","audioSeconds",1864,"startMs",1718000,"endMs",3582000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844051-636c013855de8798109e9858341e8bf9&start=1718&end=3582","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844051-636c013855de8798109e9858341e8bf9/thumbnail_1718000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6616823/Fountain-Hills/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-consent-agenda-board-appointments-and-amended-public-art-master-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6616823-3aece084a38db0e825cfe3c2b4dff82e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154409&Signature=EhU2yEGcYOQMa8t-PTMEvyqhQr0~irxRk~V~O8EkLwxPsWv06VXmRhOHRShmyW9MuAQJj9AVlBr28SdzprXf0OJr9ybONT9pRwPFsj-f0pXd2VAlTUo1jnf7zMBtXKF6pdZLEocxONensreLCxXXNMe7COV1SnyFyUAbGMDZ024ril7MyRe~w0WwGbMH-kOCTf~3FUUpNnj4NlmZFzyBx2JghIBdkxTc-p2mFFJRbSXv77wF7qFKKwChbwI6nI80LqBFEHVkLOSbK6PoPbSHcLS2Ug1UNXopeGVs9T0NoIKWNiBs9nFfOJxj9KXJMjLUsl8BOlKAZuqCtV~vdLBJ3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Fountain Hills","date","2025-04-02T02:57:05.977Z","article","At the Fountain Hills Town Council meeting the council approved routine consent items, reappointed members to several boards and adopted amendments to the town’s Public Art Master Plan and public art guidelines.

Consent agenda and appointments: The council approved the consent agenda by roll call (7‑0). The council voted to appoint or reappoint multiple members to town boards and commissions including (examples announced during the meeting) Nick Proctor (term to 04/30/2026) and reappointments to Planning & Zoning including Dan Kovacevich (term 05/01/2025–04/30/2028) and others. Council thanked the appointees for their willingness to serve.

Public art master plan: Council considered and approved an amendment to the Public Art Master Plan and public art guidelines by roll call (7‑0). Staff said the amendment clarifies the valuation method used to determine obligations to the public art fund, specifying use of International Code Council valuations to ensure consistent assessments across properties and eliminate an inconsistent option to submit construction receipts as an alternative.

Outcome: All consent agenda, appointment and public art master plan items were approved unanimously; council recorded roll calls for those votes and asked staff to proceed with implementing the changes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 1, 2025 Town Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved consent agenda items, several board and commission appointments and an amended public art master plan by unanimous votes during the same meeting.","taxTitle","Fountain Hills, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",58389,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6616827,"Council narrows Fountain Hills political sign‑free zone; 6‑1 vote adopts revised map",740,5458000,6198000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844051-636c013855de8798109e9858341e8bf9&start=5458&end=6198","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844051-636c013855de8798109e9858341e8bf9/thumbnail_5458000.jpg","/articles/6616827/Fountain-Hills/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-narrows-Fountain-Hills-political-signfree-zone-61-vote-adopts-revised-map","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6616827-17c86e0995b294884a56ee8a56962876/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154409&Signature=VH79hyviEiTedrhnbEorbi9wWD8PH~VIP9eYMaOgKb1BS7~~m8fXebL5KJ~a8brx6CpRwB1aMhsHKkjgs-y-IvRmZFhI5j0jcr9hnC-2PDRKOpBiIgecCwKRO9yqwulfC9QHgRihLTXUVYi39WCxxP1Ha6MliX6FkGPsFTrxEABQgFUrWeU2q52No2mQJTex0vVFice3RazwZX021Rvee6PdUibuNJcqcZhsYMXJ200h9204A0SJkDanzoW6xXp7t92wfGVjoqkVL46umxoQdDuHDkF32mvjpEqsT93-8hc7abuHE47YXsQ5S~CizCkTyfPk24RA7htbto6NZqWGEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fountain Hills Town Council voted 6‑1 to modify the town’s political sign‑free zone map under state law that allows municipalities to designate areas where election‑period signs may be removed from public rights of way.

The council considered several map options presented by staff, including the existing 2012 map and three narrower alternatives. The maps were prepared to comply with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) provisions that permit municipalities to adopt up to two contiguous sign‑free zones with a combined area not to exceed three square miles.

Councilwoman Peggy Earl had proposed a smaller zone focusing on the downtown lake, Palisades and El Lago areas; staff offered intermediate options that included additional main streets and tourist‑oriented corridors. During discussion Vice Mayor Toth sought a clear contiguous area and staff advised that state statute requires contiguity and limits the municipality to a maximum of two designated zones.

After council amendment to exclude certain arterial “fingers” (Eagle Mountain, Summerhill and parts of Fountain Hills Boulevard) and to keep Shea Boulevard as a contiguous corridor, the council approved the amended map by roll call, 6 in favor and 1 opposed (Councilmember McMahon).

Why it matters: The change affects where political signs are allowed in public rights of way during the statutory election window (typically 72 days before a primary through 15 days after). Staff reminded the public that the statute governs signs in the public right of way and does not regulate signs on private property.

Public input: Staff reported receiving seven online comments on the map change; Crystal Kavanaugh spoke at the meeting and urged a focus on protecting the downtown lake and adjacent areas rather than broader corridors. Several councilmembers expressed a preference for a simple, contiguous downtown protection area and for clarity in enforcement.

Outcome and next steps: The council adopted the revised map by resolution; staff will publish the map and apply it during the next election period. The resolution modifies Resolution 2012‑31 and will be enforced consistent with ARS requirements.","The Town Council adopted a revised political sign‑free zone map after debate over which streets and areas should be protected from right‑of‑way election signs. The measure passed 6‑1 with Councilmember McMahon voting no.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6616832,"Council clears $550,000 plan for community center upgrades; divider‑wall replacement to be bid as manual option",1740,3597000,5337000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844051-636c013855de8798109e9858341e8bf9&start=3597&end=5337","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844051-636c013855de8798109e9858341e8bf9/thumbnail_3597000.jpg","/articles/6616832/Fountain-Hills/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Council-clears-550000-plan-for-community-center-upgrades-dividerwall-replacement-to-be-bid-as-manual-option","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6616832-6fc04c32e61dfb5c2bea57c65d7ef01d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154409&Signature=ZhLgA2z15BAFyMR2EafcnJ-k6xQuz~6nbGgWa6~8eUkoem0YLRxiTm0OeVQToOX8j~8-4JiATqwemkJESAf-Yo7O0yyYOZEqYhUkPfmvarqvc6aIOst1sP9UH2tvJnXxE7dmAoKX5u9ig6LQ9umyo5Ao6wp4tNMEDirjXhMzBkSfAUlXGPdc54WGkOW0j0W3UTrkfU3MjFO-M0dMl7wRJ50mY0IRzh0ZwP8FQwB6ND6wJ9iCtOqfpIi1xOKiDrYhG4GZY~rBS0XK8bJ8gQQHphzFSV42FRCBeMrnrA-ZD8lwHEgYo9jRUhz6cNbzjJxTHF3s1o-gHMmSBQBwnDK90Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fountain Hills Town Council voted to move forward with a package of community center improvements that staff estimates at $550,000, approving immediate purchases and directing staff to seek additional competitive bids and a lower‑cost manual divider‑wall option.

The approved package includes: replacement of the ballroom divider walls (the largest cost item), motorized blinds for the south lobby, new slow‑speed high‑volume ceiling fans for the lobby, and interior lighting upgrades. Director Kevin Snipes told council the divider walls are about 26 years old and beginning to fail, with multiple recent incidents of panels coming off their tracks.

Why it matters: The ballroom in the community center is often reconfigured multiple times per day for meetings and events. Staff said a catastrophic failure of the divider system would force cancellations and disrupt revenue‑generating events; council members cited both operational needs and high current maintenance calls for vendors.

Cost and scope details: Snipes presented an overall cost estimate of $550,000; speakers questioned individual line items. A resident speaker, Barry Wolborski, and several council members pressed staff on whether the town could replace hardware only, retain the existing frames, or choose manual rather than motorized operation to save money. Staff said motorized systems increase costs because of wiring and integration into building controls, and that labor raises pricing when work occurs at the required heights. Staff also said manual systems are feasible and would likely reduce cost by roughly $100,000, although exact savings will depend on bids.

Council direction and vote: Council approved moving forward with lighting, motorized blinds, and lobby fans and directed staff to pursue additional competitive bids and to price a manual divider‑wall alternative before final contracting. The council’s motion included authorization to proceed within existing CIP funding and to return updates through the CIP process; the motion passed on a 7‑0 roll call.

Timing and warranty: Staff said the project is on a tight schedule tied to fiscal‑year timing with an installation window targeted before July 1. Snipes reported the divider walls have an expected life of roughly 25 years and that the selected vendor is expected to provide a two‑year warranty for new work; staff will continue negotiating to reduce total cost.

Next steps: Staff will solicit additional bids (including non‑IGA contractors) for blinds, fans, lighting and divider options, pursue the manual option pricing, and report back to council as part of CIP updates. Installation scheduling is targeted to minimize disruption during lower‑use summer months.","The Town Council approved improvements to the community center—including motorized blinds, lobby fans and lighting, and upgraded divider walls—with direction to solicit additional bids and pursue manual (non‑motorized) divider‑wall options to reduce cost.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6616837,"Fountain Hills council approves $50,000 T‑Mobile grant application amid conflict‑of‑interest concerns",1544,1860000,3404000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844051-636c013855de8798109e9858341e8bf9&start=1860&end=3404","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844051-636c013855de8798109e9858341e8bf9/thumbnail_1860000.jpg","/articles/6616837/Fountain-Hills/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Fountain-Hills-council-approves-50000-TMobile-grant-application-amid-conflictofinterest-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6616837-9ae9172a5102593b1f959000d83ea59c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154409&Signature=njQnKE7kP5hP43tY-hLPQcXRloHgr203E3qIcS5pY5EfjRUlkzkSwdO3p4WBsqql3VYU06IXaTvRegnneJBgIOXuHuB7j~t4M1TnfUV5IL4fqOi1pQbbQ5gwUgMVYPehlkJytTRVsAvyfeCgXUuym2HJaq9rbZBqh7S5oCx8NCtiOsvmJ3x9kUnZfEexQZ4bRSErKKeYjHkopCAgM57PmPz4AI4z-n87MK0bR0GFlvFiJmTuingK9DYsimIcf4adpoBpZPC67CnQElCKg~ofX~89c3cYtar0SVFilXF5ATkDlxZvikgsh-ulF8u0ZaZYjpoqZ868utyXZjpcyHn22Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fountain Hills Town Council voted unanimously to authorize an application for a $50,000 T‑Mobile Hometown Grant to fund dark‑sky compliant lighting and site furnishings for the Centennial Pavilion shade structure.

Councilwoman Brenda McMahon moved to authorize the application; the motion passed on a 7‑0 roll call. Council members who spoke on the item said the application is only a request for funds and does not obligate the town to accept money if terms create a conflict.

Why it matters: Residents who oppose a separate T‑Mobile special‑use permit for a proposed 65‑foot “palm” cell tower in a residential area urged the council to decline the grant application, saying accepting money from the company while Council decides the permit would create the appearance of impropriety or a quid pro quo. Speakers said the two matters are linked because T‑Mobile decides awards for its grant program while the council decides the tower permit.

Town staff and several council members said the two matters are distinct: the grant competition is administered by T‑Mobile’s Main Street America program and is an open application for small towns; the pending permit is an applicant‑initiated request to replace an existing flagpole tower with a taller palm‑tree style antenna on property owned by Generation Church. Town staff said the applicant has paused the permit application following a Planning & Zoning recommendation of denial.

During the meeting public commenters urged the council not to apply for or accept funds from a company that has a pending permit before the town. Virginia O’Brien, Larry Myers and Laurie Troller told the council that taking the grant would create an appearance of impropriety, that the grant application had been rushed, and that public hearings on the pending tower were not yet complete.

Council and staff responses: Director Kevin Snipes said the application requires no town match and that staff would handle permitting and selection of dark‑sky compliant fixtures if the grant is awarded. Councilmembers asked whether the lighting plan had been vetted by dark‑sky experts; Snipes said staff had met with dark‑sky lighting experts and would specify fixtures to avoid light spill.

Several council members said applying does not require accepting funds if conditions warrant. Councilwoman McMahon said the application had missed the previous quarter and staff wanted to submit for the next round. Councilmembers who oppose the specific Generation Church tower said they would still vote their consciences on any future permit if it returns unchanged.

Outcome and next steps: The council authorized submission of the grant application by motion; the vote was 7 in favor, 0 opposed. Mayor Bridal and multiple council members said the application can be withdrawn later if circumstances change. Staff will submit the application for the next quarterly round and, if awarded, return to council with the grant agreement and specifications for the lighting and furnishings.

Meeting context: The item generated the meeting’s most extensive public comment period—tens of written comments were filed online and multiple residents spoke in person. Planning & Zoning had recommended denial of the related Generation Church permit; the applicant later requested a hold on that application. The grant discussion and vote took place after public comment and extended council Q&A.","The Fountain Hills Town Council voted 7-0 to authorize an application for a $50,000 T‑Mobile “Hometown” grant to add dark‑sky compliant lighting, tables and furnishings at the Centennial Pavilion shade structure after residents raised potential conflicts because T‑Mobile has a pending permit request in town.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: council approves consent agenda, board appointments and amended public art master plan

Council narrows Fountain Hills political sign‑free zone; 6‑1 vote adopts revised map

Council clears $550,000 plan for community center upgrades; divider‑wall replacement to be bid as manual option

Fountain Hills council approves $50,000 T‑Mobile grant application amid conflict‑of‑interest concerns