[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6602406,"mediaKeyId","3001376-d17c6d7e08a295dc682b1aebc0eaad55","parentId",3001376,"title","Town outlines expanded wash maintenance program, warns of safety risks and years of cleanup ahead","audioSeconds",504,"startMs",1308000,"endMs",1812000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001376-d17c6d7e08a295dc682b1aebc0eaad55&start=1308&end=1812","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001376-d17c6d7e08a295dc682b1aebc0eaad55/thumbnail_1308000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6602406/Fountain-Hills/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Town-outlines-expanded-wash-maintenance-program-warns-of-safety-risks-and-years-of-cleanup-ahead","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602406-828c86316e9e1173548b3dd114863085/orig.mp4?Expires=1771133277&Signature=Syoa0UjNaSUSdHaAWfVMPFA64oZT7hOZZ7kiAXXDblyUz12bMCg0WUiuiaJBK0dcl1TDdP5yZGQUzGoOJxM~pmdjs42-Y6o4fX2sU7Sl0dk~newR4ruQwxcGUnCqTL9eDxFn-NvglTR79g4R~HNdTRMx5Y9wig8yv8YH5GAswVD6ErdvS9p2csf~RzpJU~sICWb4nz~~6oNodGh8rCuW4hViPQwriCwrwQQjJI5Hk0g72b2sqeZs8HSgA2Zzl0SslaRdfxg3C9JrjMuDtcLWtJysWbjH2p6C9lsRxxxuQ35a4DJxjQb~HQe0WQewfo~rFLk~9SLMTtXzkuR8YJrI5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Fountain Hills","date","2025-04-16T03:29:43.737Z","article","Fountain Hills — Town public works staff presented an update on wash maintenance across Fountain Hills and described a multi-year effort to clear flow-lines, remove illegal dumping and reduce fire hazards. The council heard before-and-after photos, discussed safety and wildlife protections and was told that several washes require substantial additional work and funding.

Public works director Justin Waldy (presenting) reminded the council that Fountain Hills contains large amounts of undeveloped desert and many drainage washes that convey stormwater from the McDowell Mountains to the Verde River. He said the town now has funding authorized by the current council to expand maintenance efforts and that crews have cleared roughly 55 acres since October 2024, with more planned for the coming fall and winter. The presentation emphasized clearing the flow line (the low point where water moves) rather than “clear-cutting” slopes that stabilize banks.

Why it matters: Washes convey stormwater and protect downstream infrastructure; clogged flow lines and decades of illegal dumping — including appliances, concrete block, tree trimmings and other debris — can increase flood risk and fire hazards and raise long-term cleanup costs.

Key points from the presentation and discussion
- Scope and recent work: Staff showed before-and-after photos of Powderhorn, Oxford and Ashbrook washes and said about 55 acres had been cleared since the latest contract began in late 2024. Planned priority sites include Powderhorn and Sirius Wash (south of Shea), and later Hagen, Jacqueline, Malta and Ashbrook washes.
- Illegal dumping and debris: The director said some dump sites have accumulated “for decades” and may be tens of feet wide and long; removing large volumes of buried and compacted debris could cost “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in some locations.
- Seasonal work limits and wildlife protections: Staff recommended pausing higher-risk maintenance during the hottest months and noted Sonoran Desert breeding seasons, rattlesnake hazards and active nesting owls in a dead tree the town will delay removing until owlets fledge.
- Prioritization and scheduling: Waldy said the town will not publish specific daily schedules because conditions dictate timing and the town wants to avoid public expectation mismatch; staff told the council they aim to address all town-owned washes shown in the map over the next two years, subject to funding and access constraints.

Council and public follow-up
Councilmember questions focused on process and prioritization. Councilmember Kelly Vianakis asked how the town prioritizes individual residents’ requests for dangerous washes near homes. Waldy and the manager explained the town will respond to contacts and that conditions, safety and access drive scheduling. Councilmember Watts asked about a specific wash at Fountain Hills Boulevard and Sherwood; staff identified it as Legend Wash and said it is in the two-year plan.

Financial and implementation notes
Staff said the current council-approved funding allowed expanded work to begin and that the town will need to continue funding in a future budget to make larger repairs and remove embedded junk. For very large dump-removal projects, staff said the town may need additional appropriation in later budget cycles.

Ending
Town staff asked residents to help by not dumping, to report illegal activity and to expect continued outreach and educational materials for homeowners whose properties abut washes. The council thanked staff for the presentation and approved continuing the multi-year maintenance plan and outreach steps as proposed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 15, 2025 Town Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Town staff told the Fountain Hills Town Council they have cleared about 55 acres of washes since October 2024 and outlined a multi-year plan to remove decades of illegal dumping and clear flow lines to protect stormwater conveyance and reduce fire risk.","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},6602411,"Fountain Hills council adopts revised rules, eliminates local ethics complaint procedure and lifts sanctions on councilmember",461,4594000,5055000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001376-d17c6d7e08a295dc682b1aebc0eaad55&start=4594&end=5055","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001376-d17c6d7e08a295dc682b1aebc0eaad55/thumbnail_4594000.jpg","/articles/6602411/Fountain-Hills/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Fountain-Hills-council-adopts-revised-rules-eliminates-local-ethics-complaint-procedure-and-lifts-sanctions-on-councilmember","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602411-2cb4e1499db12ad292fa0ab8b8c3f5e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771133277&Signature=Dj6QnuOqBelKspD8Qk8IuenY-Plte-0aZZqiXoDlnjzygTmATtS5eFIhQlWhfK3VTd-8X0-7hlTE09cXrH0GblRyFQejHwNzwzGkAeG~LcN1f-6FNOrhXzQhDOAl8MYmYNAXrvbXU71sia5NF5q1ZboAhJsFLmUkEcZYNgL3wv3ucbP8XLMmkdF40VTM6Q0a9qVGAY2oovhB~gcw30GisbLWi~n~6YNh8zMFq6YM7jYBK~y1exlZjOKmScSsDLVSXc8x5H52YWzBL4P8S2xVTxRKXCVfS3tiH5THWwuF8yNkBuL4-YBZilU-YdfgxDbJP-camuPtX3IZC40cmDdh0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fountain Hills — The Fountain Hills Town Council on April 14 adopted an amended set of council rules that removes the town’s local ethics complaint procedure and later voted to lift sanctions previously imposed on Councilmember Alan Skillekorn.

The council approved a redlined updates package to the rules of procedure that, among other edits, eliminates Section 10 — the town’s enforcement and complaint process for alleged violations of the code of ethics. The amendment prompted extensive public comment, with dozens of residents urging the council to retain an enforcement mechanism and saying removal would take away citizens’ primary means to seek redress.

During public comment dozens of residents spoke for and against the change. Opponents argued the revision would shield council members from accountability and identified specific past incidents they said required review. Supporters said the existing ethics process had been weaponized, produced expensive outside legal fees and sometimes returned unfounded findings.

Why it matters: The town’s adoption of the revised rules removes the local administrative procedure by which residents could file and pursue ethics complaints against council members. Council members and multiple public speakers warned that removing the complaint procedure does not prevent citizens from pursuing other avenues — such as recall elections, the state ombudsman, or ordinary litigation — but several residents said those alternatives are less accessible than the local process.

Council action and votes
- Resolution adopting redlined updates to the town’s rules of procedure, including elimination of Section 10 (ethics complaint procedure): adopted (roll-call recorded votes in meeting transcript; vote recorded in session). Council recorded individual votes during roll call; recorded positions included: Councilmember McMahon — Nay; several other councilmembers — Aye. (Council approved the resolution following roll-call.)
- Separate vote to remove previously imposed sanctions on Councilmember Alan Skillekorn: council voted to lift the sanctions (motion carried; Skillekorn recused himself from that vote). The motion to lift sanctions passed with a majority of council votes after public testimony and council debate.

Public concerns and council debate
Residents described the ethics rule as a primary local accountability mechanism. Diane Price, Pam Kapp, Beth Culp and others urged that removing the complaint process would let current and future misconduct go unchecked. “Why would community leaders not want to be held accountable to the people they represent?” Diane Price asked during public comment.

Speakers in favor of repeal argued the ethics process had been unevenly applied and sometimes produced costly outside-lawyer involvement for complaints that later were found unfounded. One speaker urged the council to “get rid of the ethics code and the noise” and allow voters to decide at the ballot box.

Procedural matters and town attorney absence
Several councilmembers said they were uncomfortable making changes while the town attorney was not present to advise on pending conflicts or claims. Vice Mayor Toth and other members said legal follow-up would be handled by staff and outside counsel where needed, and some councilmembers specifically noted that existing pending complaint work had been paused or administratively stopped during earlier discussions.

Sanctions removal
After extended public input and internal debate, the council voted to remove sanctions previously imposed on Councilmember Alan Skillekorn. The meeting record shows a roll-call vote in which Skillekorn recused himself; the motion passed by a majority of council members who cast votes.

What the changes do and do not do
- The adopted rule revisions remove the local complaint-handling procedure in Section 10 of the rules of procedure; the town retains other avenues of oversight (recall, state ombudsman, civil litigation) but citizens lose the local administrative complaint track removed by the vote.
- Councilmembers indicated the town will still be able to use outside counsel and other processes as needed. The town manager and town attorney (when available) were asked to report back on implementation questions and any required ordinance updates.

Ending
The votes mark a substantive procedural shift in how Fountain Hills handles allegations of council misconduct. Many residents said they will pursue additional civic avenues if they disagree with the change, and several council members signaled intent to revisit specific language and posting procedures in future meetings.","The Fountain Hills Town Council voted to adopt amended council rules that eliminate the town’s local ethics complaint procedure and later voted to lift previously imposed sanctions on Councilmember Alan Skillekorn.",{"_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},6602415,"Fountain Hills council approves town-led application for $2.5 million Dark Sky exhibit",1795,2750000,4545000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3001376-d17c6d7e08a295dc682b1aebc0eaad55&start=2750&end=4545","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3001376-d17c6d7e08a295dc682b1aebc0eaad55/thumbnail_2750000.jpg","/articles/6602415/Fountain-Hills/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Fountain-Hills-council-approves-town-led-application-for-25-million-Dark-Sky-exhibit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602415-98c5f2ebbd80321ab09945b74fc9a1d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771133277&Signature=OccKABB3O0OZFcgxfEKDv6APJGxKGYHh2D4PSJwBI4o0PovlncT2bHet2WTn9sPqkM2L2uXoXDJq-KeNdF~dcjnrGWlKaNDHh0sYYVBU~Nqo1ovroREioNeChyWuUbfmIp3arMvbFsUPdO3p6D0h5GOIT7qqyJ5mO072rzVvHckALdtdfEcUbKkVZD4cmgymFIC9uRZdLrb7YYp-BtjeLD2bI1nXuQ6nHFbfr5fE3HHwROgLBX7iiLoOuqgbMSMl5foLaaHZhiGmUDxjNF9G64-LpcFGb5iO5IfRGw5MbuJp1KEwDnU5s62xqcNFaLBsjD60a~d9jwoeTSSl9WFGhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fountain Hills — The Fountain Hills Town Council voted unanimously to authorize the town to apply for $2,500,000 in congressionally directed spending on behalf of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center and to serve as the grant administrator if the project is selected.

The council’s April 14 vote directs staff to complete and submit the request that would seek federal funds to purchase and install a science and STEM-exhibit for the proposed discovery center. The council approved the motion on a 7-0 roll call after staff described deadlines and administrative requirements.

Council members and staff stressed this vote authorizes only the application; a later formal acceptance would be required if the funding is included in an appropriations bill. Economic development director Amanda Jacobs told the council, “The request is for $2,500,000. It’s to outfit a scientific exhibit, for example, for STEM education.” Town Manager Rachel Goodwin and finance staff explained the application process would be reimbursement-based and would require the town to act as the recipient and draw down federal funds if the project is awarded.

Why it matters: The proposal would channel federal money through the town to a local nonprofit project that promotes Fountain Hills’ “dark sky” tourism brand. Council members said the grant could advance tourism and education, but they repeatedly raised questions about staff time, fiscal controls and audit risk.

What council approved and what happens next
- Council directed staff to prepare and submit the congressionally directed spending request by the April 25 deadline and to proceed with the town as the applicant and potential grant recipient. Staff noted the senators’ offices strongly prefer, or require, a government sponsor rather than a nonprofit as the applicant.
- If the request is included in an appropriations bill and ultimately awarded, the town would return to council with the grant documents and an interlocal/subrecipient agreement outlining responsibilities, before accepting any federal funds.

Staff cautioned about up-front duties and audit exposure. Jacobs estimated that if the town proceeds through award and administration, processing the federal grant could require roughly 100 staff hours of grant administration work; finance staff noted the town would likely need to increase a special revenue fund in anticipation of drawdowns and to make short-term reimbursements to the nonprofit. The staff presentation noted federal reimbursement rules, the need for documentation and the potential requirement for a federal single audit if federal spending thresholds are met.

Concerns voiced during debate
Councilmember McMahon pressed staff on legal agreements and the town’s liability: “Is there going to be a legal agreement between Dark Sky and the town outlining everybody’s responsibilities, releasing liability, etc.?” Jacobs responded the town would require a formal agreement if awarded and that staff would return to council for approval of any contract or grant acceptance. Finance staff added that direct administrative costs incurred during the award period can be requested as reimbursable direct costs in the grant application, but pre-award preparation time typically is not reimbursable.

Councilman Watts and others sought assurance that the town would review the full grant terms before committing to administration. Staff repeatedly confirmed the current motion authorizes only the application; any actual acceptance of funds would require additional council approvals and legal review.

What the town would administer and financial safeguards
Staff said the Dark Sky Discovery Center would be a subrecipient if the grant is awarded, and the town would be the grantee responsible for compliance, draws and monitoring. Staff noted the town could request reimbursement for eligible internal administrative time and for costs such as required audits; they described federal audit thresholds and the standard reimbursement model for these awards.

Next steps and timing
The application was filed for submission to the senators’ offices; if the request is added to a congressional appropriations bill and subsequently awarded, the town anticipates a separate grant process and council approvals in mid to late 2026. Councilmembers asked staff to return with final grant language and proposed agreements before the town signs any award.

Ending note
Council members expressed strong interest in the project’s potential economic benefits while acknowledging administrative and fiscal responsibilities if the town acts as grant recipient. The council approved the motion to submit the request, 7-0.","The Fountain Hills Town Council voted unanimously to authorize the town to apply for $2,500,000 in congressionally directed spending to outfit a STEM exhibit for the International Dark Sky Discovery Center and to serve as the grant recipient if the award is made.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Town outlines expanded wash maintenance program, warns of safety risks and years of cleanup ahead

Fountain Hills council adopts revised rules, eliminates local ethics complaint procedure and lifts sanctions on councilmember

Fountain Hills council approves town-led application for $2.5 million Dark Sky exhibit