[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_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",6583458,"mediaKeyId","3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41","parentId",3110534,"title","Council approves $150,000 contract to replace Skypark well as water casing failed inspection","audioSeconds",324,"startMs",11222000,"endMs",11546000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41&start=11222&end=11546","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41/thumbnail_11222000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6583458/Payson/Gila-County/Arizona/Council-approves-150000-contract-to-replace-Skypark-well-as-water-casing-failed-inspection","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583458-8b16991d89a791e0987367da27a9b212/orig.mp4?Expires=1770746049&Signature=fFn6Z81eLbr4mgpowid7Ev0j~bI5bZUDQJu4Aix0QC8p6o4aKwvzUqBayUkTwoC5m5o-3C8czrmduXsZGRyPKcvm~pkRa9bWZDkwsJJ4-BkRJcHpXs3OINbyfdP1jlVDRx5QtHCrsuRxdDPYXYZczvi-ZE6qZEllwMxpme1OsQ1WjTjvz0DBi282jpuU~qOSSYTWO8jx2RLcc5oLOtgKO180esm6BvToa-gvNFB98LBvMcZbGvvsnhm6-ACXslEUqYetM4lYJzXeAaIY1vCQH~LL-hqxLlqV9jznIMJLVAhPD8lHiBphChheRuZfwD--CAMszHXisOSwLT0Q0GXgAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Payson","date","2025-04-23T00:00:00Z","article","The Payson Common Council approved a contract on April 23 for the replacement of the Skypark well after staff reported the well’s casing is badly deteriorated.

Water resource manager and hydrogeologist Vaden Aldridge (staff) told council that a camera inspection revealed the well casing is thin and that the camera incident — in which the camera caught and peeled part of the casing inward — indicated the casing needs replacement. The town budget includes a placeholder for well replacement; staff solicited bids and received three responses.

Staff recommended awarding the contract to Integrity Drilling Services, the lowest responsive bidder, for $150,000. Aldridge and staff recommended funding the work from the Water Enterprise Fund. Council approved the award and allocation during the meeting without objection.

Town staff said replacing the Skypark well will restore reliable production and protect the town’s near‑term water supply; work will proceed under standard public‑works contracting and inspection requirements. The contract award follows standard procurement for water‑system capital work and will be paid from the water enterprise fund.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Payson - Payson Town Council - Regular - Apr 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a water‑enterprise funded contract with Integrity Drilling Services to replace the Skypark well after staff reported the existing casing is deteriorated and that a camera inspection caused casing to peel inward; three bids were received and the low bid was awarded.","taxTitle","Payson, Gila County, Arizona","taxId",60910,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583462,"Payson council debates Beeline Bus infrastructure project; directs water contribution cap and seeks other funding sources",0,6222000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41&start=6222&end=6222","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41/thumbnail_6222000.jpg","/articles/6583462/Payson/Gila-County/Arizona/Payson-council-debates-Beeline-Bus-infrastructure-project-directs-water-contribution-cap-and-seeks-other-funding-sources","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583462-cfe61333fba92f55d1b88a61eb8f3e2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770746049&Signature=i1H9y6TuihNEM7R7BAbJW2~6Z5Y5Mo4WEX7CYC8G~hanaCT~p8dluULj9YqzSMh2Dqr9nnLG--ot2yH9g-zkzowkQ-0j5nyB~Keea7V2pSh7FE68wCppHcqb1A1TNrPnW~TV1tgtTt3rDdfxjVFg-mxczo6vKPzx8vjHvaZm7kN1cKmaygsZ7AGfJGhEgrNFtsWe0hTIpNG8fttoMNmEaiBVXxHlyB7I1LbyJJa8x8bMPfjJpl52huzum-4tX~mMK45FnJGa2yzqM8TsR3XYGGY8yf7M4eFhHN9p80aU5VLYb1WzGH8Oe7hXRHiLXJ~5CFHIlbX-wiu4XtxhH-c9-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Payson Common Council spent substantial time April 23 reviewing contracts and funding for the Beeline Bus Route project, a multi‑segment streets and infrastructure package linked to federal transit grants (FTA 5339) intended to improve curb, sidewalk and drainage near bus stops.

Staff briefed the council that the project originated from grant-eligible transportation improvements and that the town had previously invested about $500,000 in design. The original scope covered multiple short segments — including Colcord, Longhorn, McLean and areas near the Payson Event Center — and last month staff proposed a project budget in the range of roughly $6.8 million to $7.15 million. Staff said the town had applied for and was offered extension on the grant timeline and that construction buy-in and costs increased substantially since the earlier design estimates.

Christine (staff), Bill Clemens (acting town engineer) and Tanner Henry (water department staff) explained the cost breakdown staff used: mobilization, traffic control, earthwork, asphalt, storm drains, sidewalks and water improvements such as valves and sleeves. Staff reported strong initial interest from vendors (about 469 views, 16 downloads of documents) but said the solicitation produced a single bid. The procurement produced one responsive bid from a contractor (DBA) for the full package, plus a project management/inspection contract with CEI. Staff noted Davis-Bacon wage requirements for federal transportation grants and said those wages have risen about 33% since 2022, increasing labor costs.

Tanner Henry and the water department clarified that water requested work — pipe, valves and appurtenant work — originally itemized at about $310,130 represents water’s direct, requested portion. Staff later presented a different allocation showing water‑related items and a larger water-associated subtotal; that difference prompted debate about whether the water enterprise should subsidize general street reconstruction costs. Council members argued over precedent: some said utilities have historically paid only for appurtenant water work, while others favored a broader shared‑cost approach because the improvements would extend system life and benefit the community.

Council weighed options: (1) proceed with contracts as awarded and use available funds (including HEERF and general fund) to bridge any gap; (2) reduce the town’s water contribution to only the water‑requested work; (3) rebid the project; or (4) forfeit the grant and stop the work (forfeiting design costs). Members also discussed transit ridership and whether the town’s operating of the transit service is the right policy choice; staff noted the town’s transit system enables access to grant programs.

After extended discussion and an executive-session legal review, council returned and adopted a funding direction. The council directed that the water enterprise fund’s contribution toward the Beeline project shall not exceed $400,000 and that any remaining funding gap be covered from other eligible sources (staff identified HEERF or other eligible town funds). The council did not provide a final contract approval to proceed with construction at this meeting but gave staff that funding direction and asked whether staff should rebid if needed. Council members also requested clearer cost breakout documentation before final procurement.

Staff said rebidding is possible because a two-year extension on the grant was confirmed, giving additional time to rebid if council desires. Staff also noted that stopping the project now would forfeit roughly a half‑million dollars already spent on design.

The item remains before council for follow‑up: staff will return with a refined funding plan, documentation of water-requested vs. street reconstruction costs, and recommendations on whether to proceed with the current low bidder or rebid.","Council discussed a multi-segment street and utility project tied to a FTA 5339 transit grant. After debate, council directed that the Water Enterprise Fund contribution not exceed $400,000 and that remaining funding come from other eligible sources; council also discussed rebidding options and the project’s scope.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583465,"Payson council directs staff to exclude grant‑contingent projects from Exhibit B of budget resolution",4260,3558000,7818000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41&start=3558&end=7818","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41/thumbnail_3558000.jpg","/articles/6583465/Payson/Gila-County/Arizona/Payson-council-directs-staff-to-exclude-grantcontingent-projects-from-Exhibit-B-of-budget-resolution","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583465-f342a18446b8deeb3def82fdda582a13/orig.mp4?Expires=1770746049&Signature=LcEaIhrtuh1-uomxVbuiNsNBHq~-c1iPM5hYSNE2yV8bC6R1IyhqjL7y-dog1RCUaqd6pBNK8Yy4gFKRs6di0Xy8r7JI5hRD~tkHK6i0HDUMJDL7mfLXnNG~C72xmMYsrUOqwZCQqK9eG4DiVdhD0l0qQRBem7BoX6Vqqsy1XgIfKP3y7sVaLmOVsBUOxU7nZfJz9qX7agEPz5hl00mzRkn30D46gc0Voc7r9Oc8Xb6iLxBKZiBZtZi13kieXWEFWxyQ8jaOUqVUflSGDLxqBLPwIXOhhbeMzBRxVS~sh8N9LOeN1oQ~4MweVzUMDquntCFyJpwmcHeUSQgalA-lEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Payson Common Council on April 23 returned to an unfinished procurement-policy item and gave staff formal direction to change how Exhibit B of the town’s annual budget resolution is prepared. The council directed staff not to include projects that are contingent on grant awards on Exhibit B and to include clear language showing which items on Exhibit B are pre‑approved by the budget.

The discussion followed concerns raised by council members that items entered as placeholders in the annual budget — often to show the town’s ability to match or spend grant dollars if awarded — could be treated as automatically approved for later procurement without returning to council for final review of design, specifications and current costs. Council Member Jim Ferris had asked the issue be revisited, saying budget placeholders could tie the hands of future councils and that capital projects that change materially between budget adoption and procurement should be brought back for final approval.

Finance Director Dana Ohanzian and staff explained the current process: project descriptions and cost estimates are discussed during budget development and again at tentative and final budget hearings; Exhibit B is prepared as a list of purchases over the town manager’s signing authority that council approves with the final budget. Staff offered to provide an earlier draft of Exhibit B with tentative budget materials so councilmembers could flag items they wanted removed from the pre‑approved list.

After discussion, council voted to direct staff to: (1) not include on Exhibit B those projects that are contingent on grant awards; and (2) provide clear language on Exhibit B that items listed are pre‑approved with the budget. The motion passed 6 to 1.

Council and staff said the change does not prevent council from later removing items from Exhibit B; staff said they will bring a draft Exhibit B with the tentative budget to give council more time to review and identify items that should require a separate follow-up approval.

The council’s direction is intended to ensure large capital projects with only budget placeholders, or projects that may change substantially between budget adoption and procurement, come back to council with full details before final commitment.","After hours-long budget and procurement discussion, the council instructed staff to present Exhibit B with clear language that pre‑approved items are part of the budget and to exclude projects contingent on grant awards; the direction passed 6–1.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583470,"Council hears first public testimony on proposed wildfire structure-hardening code",950,2632000,3582000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41&start=2632&end=3582","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41/thumbnail_2632000.jpg","/articles/6583470/Payson/Gila-County/Arizona/Council-hears-first-public-testimony-on-proposed-wildfire-structure-hardening-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583470-d2661185d215ddb78d1190dbe7cf2cc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770746049&Signature=ZK0-FrZkDLijxYpzg0DXseGz7bW88gaXdOXdbDd55OZyDvRyEb-Nt1SPIk1ZAPGgCtr72rmWG0ieNVsowDujfI2~1W7pBssadaDKEMGkckOpCrsbx3RamRdC2prgh5-84soZgkrccbtxU~DdbwW-YqUg4qXItwqXY~egKWQOSQFIjvMnjrvq5zhtEUQOOUDJDlF~Lij5PeWqwQADXSQzHq6iSNiyYFQ-IzXp6AGXjBVNj5zXqPq~m2x87WFCdjBP~ZElxowj20aigZXOAcV3eRFlcdnLapehdDEj7X~yQaEyIbJwsZscgoV8tSxjlj7WRL~sNuhK5uf7~6Tbe2CHow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Payson Common Council on April 23 received a staff presentation and public comment on Ordinance 970, a proposed amendment to the Town of Payson Code of Ordinances to adopt a wildfire structure-hardening building code (Title 15, Chapter 150, Section 50.31).

Kevin McCully, fuels manager and battalion chief for the Payson Fire Department, told the council that structure hardening is a proven method to reduce wildfire damage and that the proposed code would apply to new structures and existing buildings when more than 50% of the original structure is modified or the permitted size increases by more than 50%. “The hardening of structures is a proven method to provide resistance to wildfires within a community,” McCully said.

Key provisions presented include a requirement for Class A roofing on covered projects, specified protections for roof valleys and open eaves, requirements for metal or noncombustible gutters and downspouts on new construction, and limitations on exterior vent openings (with ember-resistant vents allowed). The draft also would require an on‑site fuel‑mitigation inspection timed so mitigation is completed before final inspection and would apply to accessory structures over 200 square feet or within 10 feet of a structure.

Council members asked detailed questions about scope and enforcement, including how the 50% threshold for roof replacement would be measured, whether replacement siding triggers the rule, and how the code applies to town-owned buildings. McCully and staff clarified that the code would not automatically require upgrades for routine repairs or minor siding work and that fuel mitigation requirements remain unchanged but would be required earlier in the construction inspection sequence.

McCully and other staff said adoption could influence insurance underwriting and reduce catastrophic wildfire risk, but that town buildings and existing structures would not be retroactively required to meet the new standard. The planning and building code update is part of a broader code adoption cycle; staff noted the town previously adopted the 2018 building and fire codes and is preparing to consider 2024 updates.

Because this was a first public hearing, council took no action. Staff will return with the ordinance language and any recommended edits for a second hearing and formal adoption vote at a later meeting.","Fire department fuels manager presented a draft ordinance to adopt new building standards for wildfire resistance; the ordinance would apply to new construction and major remodels and requires measures such as Class A roofing and ember-resistant vents. No action taken at first hearing.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583475,"Payson holds first hearing on rezoning for 1500 E. Frontier Street to allow five-lot subdivision",631,1877000,2508000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41&start=1877&end=2508","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3110534-d8221281b90005e8d513b5473f17bd41/thumbnail_1877000.jpg","/articles/6583475/Payson/Gila-County/Arizona/Payson-holds-first-hearing-on-rezoning-for-1500-E-Frontier-Street-to-allow-five-lot-subdivision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583475-c3048b44573c6bb89457a16a80c049dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770746050&Signature=g2xQzOl07RO0dZGiBCmiFn~kCSQD6cMM8W9zGOdDhKUtX2BY4p2qLdQewxVrSJS1x8JS88i4uHRYrSGB4k7gwlb7-Vhqqmc6o7Z54FXqYljRP-LSGcXdRvlPjvfNMNFwEwyb2uVnRkbPikSLOd2eWTTVQcl9Y8hx2rpaedW2oWxy2bUvzX4lU8p6iEJwuoiF9uXJfiAIM35qAnZkQe0Ddq5HpKUWR8UJbHgKErN2co5UvNjLWSg20VgF7~3uTEi69Xyk5Bh-ZhPohLXO95fVFIoxq2st53nhU4ciXgg19NfuVDZ-WJL9shNJuH1LotcRn0~qEsSayiaAHQvnTLnk1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Payson Common Council on April 23 held the first public hearing on Ordinance 969, a zoning map amendment and Unified Development Code text change requested for a 7.66-acre parcel at 1500 East Frontier Street to allow a five-lot subdivision.

Planning staff said the proposal, zoning case P25-001, would rezone the parcel from R1-175 to R1-90 to complete the Mountain View subdivision and permit five single-family lots of at least two acres each. Planning staff told the council the request aligns with the town general plan’s designation for traditional residential development and complies with the recommended density of no more than seven dwelling units per acre.

The applicant, Michelle Hellenard, told the council she and her husband purchased the 5.25+ acre parcel with the intent to create home sites for family members and said the cost to construct the required roadway, drainage and other infrastructure made a two-lot division infeasible. “We basically can build the same road, but now have five parcels if we can get this zoning change done, and spread it out over five,” Hellenard told the council.

Neighbors and the applicant discussed well impacts and notification. Hellenard said a handful of mailed notices were returned as undeliverable and that one neighbor had called expressing concern about potential impacts on groundwater if additional lots with wells are developed. She said she has reviewed publicly available well data and spoken with a water hydrologist; “as long as the neighbors’ wells were drilled to appropriate depths, there shouldn’t be an impact,” she said.

Planning staff noted the property is outside the Green Valley Water Sanitary District and is not served by town water; wells are permitted in the requested R1-90 district. Off-site road improvements to Frontier Street are required and are under review. Staff also said the planning and zoning commission recommended approval to council with conditions contained in the staff report.

Because this was the first public hearing, the council took no action and closed the hearing. A second hearing and final action will be scheduled at a later meeting, when council may vote on the ordinance after staff and applicant responses to comments and any required conditions are finalized.

The hearing record includes the staff report, mailed notices to neighboring properties, and the applicant’s citizen participation meeting summary; several neighbors attended that meeting, staff said.","The Payson Common Council held a first public hearing on Ordinance 969, a request to rezone 7.66 acres at 1500 East Frontier Street from R1-175 to R1-90 to allow a five-lot subdivision; no action was taken at the first hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves $150,000 contract to replace Skypark well as water casing failed inspection

Payson council debates Beeline Bus infrastructure project; directs water contribution cap and seeks other funding sources

Payson council directs staff to exclude grant‑contingent projects from Exhibit B of budget resolution

Council hears first public testimony on proposed wildfire structure-hardening code

Payson holds first hearing on rezoning for 1500 E. Frontier Street to allow five-lot subdivision