Bev Bender

This Strategic Plan serves as a living document intended to guide Town staff, Town Council, and the Strategic Advisory Planning Commission, ensuring continuity of effort and progress tracking over its five-year lifespan. It provides direction for various town activities, including policy recommendations, operations, and capital improvement projects. The plan prioritizes community interests such as Business Development, Technology Services, Town's Condition, The Environment, Town Finances, and Safety, based on extensive citizen input. The overarching vision is to provide a roadmap for an even brighter future for the Town of Fountain Hills.

The meeting involved discussions and potential actions regarding a request for a special use permit for a property located at 13212 North Saguaro Boulevard. The permit aims to reduce the required number of parking spaces to accommodate a drive-through lane. Key considerations included the impact on public health, safety, and welfare, as well as potential effects on existing commercial improvements in the area. The commission also addressed concerns about traffic flow, stacking of vehicles, and overflow parking, with a focus on minimizing disruptions to adjacent properties.

The Town Council work session focused on the upcoming budget cycle, emphasizing the importance of setting priorities and strategically investing resources. Discussions included an overview of fiscal year 2025 revenues and expenditures, a review of conservative projection methodologies, and consideration of revenue impacts for the next year. Key topics covered were sales tax revenues, urban revenue sharing, and fire insurance premium taxes, along with funding shortfalls in capital projects, road repairs, and the Lake Liner capital project.

The meeting included reports from the mayor, council members, and the town manager. Updates were given on upcoming holiday events such as the Turkey Trot, movie in the park, and Breakfast with Santa. There was a discussion on the consideration of a statue for Charlie Kirk, with a council member clarifying their position. The Rotary Club's dinner honoring first responders was recognized, as well as the town's distinguished budget presentation award. The Chamber of Commerce Fountain Hills Days event and a ribbon cutting for Creative Hands Cuisine were mentioned. Updates were provided on artificial intelligence policy in local government. The Soran Conservancy's 50th anniversary was recognized, and a video was shown for the Sons of the American Legion fish fry. A tour of the central Arizona project and a commitment to protecting Arizona's lifeline were discussed. Concerns were raised about federal cuts to the SNAP program and their local impact, with a call for community support. The upcoming Prop 409 election for Maricopa County was mentioned. The mayor's challenge for the turkey trot to benefit the food bank was highlighted. A grand opening for the compound pharmacy was attended, and the farmers market was starting the next day. A proclamation for Veterans Day was presented, and Susan Dorcis was recognized for her service on the history and culture advisory commission. A Make a Difference Day appreciation video was presented.

The meeting included reports from the mayor and council members, covering topics such as upcoming Halloween events, a new concert series, and participation in Make a Difference Day. Discussions also involved economic development, community involvement, and issues related to public safety and foreign relations. The council recognized local businesses and veterans, and proclamations were made for Italian-American Heritage Month and Arizona Cities and Towns Week.