[{"_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",6262564,"mediaKeyId","3115050-805981ffd6d3c2efe5fca7e2beed72fb","parentId",3115050,"title","Residents urge council to address extreme heat, dog park safety and an ADA sidewalk complaint during public comment","audioSeconds",881,"startMs",712000,"endMs",1593000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115050-805981ffd6d3c2efe5fca7e2beed72fb&start=712&end=1593","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115050-805981ffd6d3c2efe5fca7e2beed72fb/thumbnail_712000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6262564/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Residents-urge-council-to-address-extreme-heat-dog-park-safety-and-an-ADA-sidewalk-complaint-during-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262564-3a623f4dd33fd40bcc346bfb79f19764/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184520&Signature=iWM88G8k77pYNIFLW9r4DRqTEZvxMb134G1DYO8AE0HfTXxT1exViQCN9M9PjL~Nn-MWLN8KqIg7Qln9nQV~eyhYSiaOkEB7ke3vKLVg0VPsYcbpqxMZuwh9JWuKzGKLZvFar-yfBFfazCm-BocmM31Smjot5fRbhmrayBNcfz3goZqNxHENuVPoiUWy9wqze5~uFtrn2U4gNfT6-uaGb8kR2E~M1LdIdKdg5zPco6t5SfhGsxWPpbqcvQxgVKnPtcEILCCg2LYUevYXKJkcEP1kKdY8VJodJWXkcsY9Wr4kHdlixg2HdH29pO35NYwCn39P6iJNC9Ge6uc051bJqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Scottsdale, AZ","date","2025-04-25T00:04:32.427Z","article","Several Scottsdale residents used the public comment period to raise separate community concerns: one urged the council to restore the sustainability plan; another announced a U.S. Department of Justice complaint under the Americans with Disabilities Act seeking expedited sidewalk work on 60 Eighth Street; and a frequent dog‑park user described recent safety improvements at Chaparral Dog Park.

Deborah (resident and certified arborist) spoke on Earth Day to urge council to reconsider a decision to repeal a sustainability plan adopted the prior December. “The extreme summer heat not only affects the residents, but it also is increasing the stress on the health of our desert flora,” Deborah said, urging the council to retain the plan’s extreme‑heat strategies, tree‑planting and nature‑based solutions.

Harold Back (public commenter and disability advocate) asked council to prioritize sidewalk work in the city’s capital improvement plan for the section of 60 Eighth Street between Camelback Road and Indian School Road. He told council the 60 Eighth Street Sidewalk Association filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice under the ADA and urged the council to schedule work “not next year, not 5 years from now, but right now, in this budget cycle.”

Steve Sutton (resident and parks user) reported immediate safety steps taken at Chaparral Dog Park after a recent serious incident in which a dog got out through a gate and ran onto Hayden Road during rush hour. Sutton said city staff installed large etiquette signs, a temporary laminated double‑gate safety notice and that Assistant Police Chief Rich Slaven arranged for a park safety officer to walk the park during peak times “when time permits.” Sutton described the community response to the announced changes as “very positive.”

Why it matters: These public comments raise distinct operational requests for city staff and elected officials — restoring or reopening review of sustainability strategies addressing extreme heat, accelerating an ADA remedy for a specific sidewalk segment and maintaining active safety measures at a popular dog park. In each case the speakers urged near‑term action or clearer staff timelines.

Council response and next steps: Council acknowledged the comments and, for the sidewalk matter, citizens said a formal DOJ filing had been made; that filing will be handled through the city’s legal and public works processes. On the dog park, department staff actions described by the commenter (temporary signage and periodic park safety patrols) had already been implemented before the comment concluded. On the sustainability plan, the speaker asked council to “reconsider your earlier decision;” council did not take an action during the public‑comment portion and did not direct immediate changes on the record.

Ending note: Public comment raised safety, accessibility and environmental concerns that council members said they would consider alongside the city’s budget and capital priorities in the weeks ahead.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council | Regular Meeting and Work Study - April 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment, residents asked council to reconsider repeal of the city’s recently adopted sustainability plan, reported a DOJ ADA complaint for an unsafe sidewalk segment on 60 Eighth Street, and described steps taken to improve safety at Chaparral Dog Park.","taxTitle","Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",2563,"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},6262569,"Budget review commission flags capital cost overruns, urges feasibility study for Rio Verde wildlife crossing",2855,3725000,6580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115050-805981ffd6d3c2efe5fca7e2beed72fb&start=3725&end=6580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115050-805981ffd6d3c2efe5fca7e2beed72fb/thumbnail_3725000.jpg","/articles/6262569/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Budget-review-commission-flags-capital-cost-overruns-urges-feasibility-study-for-Rio-Verde-wildlife-crossing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262569-527c46ddf662dec10c208c93e8f348d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184520&Signature=AYK0NKc-NWqWi8dgOXzod~h0bDGIGaoeAztDZLf3wroRC~IZA0vImKMI5dFGdc5Kbr3WTGfLrIuaTeWAK1wrQ1NZiVuXXSzO8ckLud1llt2AXzYlZVXSIWsMxWvQ5S6~o-rNfAK07CxWx1bq1ubDgbrX57nTLNMMR1E3iiXtVTdFwErSGQhHtsiMir3TMQouMRsRRZW9k9wTXQn5Spim1N8Ah~EaRmvn91lOyje6Gh8pwzE8EG0EZn0sochZ7vO5r~84qwnyN391j2b5eCbqhKFxSGfroJ~VLFjV5Fb0YJ6dny-n0LtocRziXetjXVbJZSLquSG1QBF6SjsOnE0lYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Budget Review Commission delivered a wide‑ranging report to the Scottsdale City Council that urged tighter capital project controls, recommended routine fiscal reporting and recommended a feasibility study before committing significant funding to a proposed wildlife crossing on Rio Verde Drive.

At a work‑study presentation, commission chair David Smith framed the group’s work as advisory: “on every one of these topics we’re saying we offer this for your consideration,” he said, stressing that the commission’s intent was to identify issues for council review rather than bind council decisions.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the city’s capital program has grown significantly in recent years and a number of large projects had notable budget or scope uncertainty. Commissioners recommended clearer project scoping and cost estimation, more robust internal review for high‑risk projects and regular reporting of fund balances to council so elected officials can see emerging fiscal exposures sooner.

Capital projects and project controls: Commissioners identified several projects they flagged for further scrutiny. Mark Stevens and Brad Newman — who led subcommittee reviews of capital projects — told council they looked at projects that exceeded preset thresholds and investigated causes for large cost swings. Stevens said the city’s advanced water purification project rose from a $17,000,000 estimate to a $67,000,000 estimate and that “it went up by 50,000,000,” a change he said staff had attributed primarily to regulatory updates. Commissioners also raised questions about the Cactus Pool renovation estimate, which was listed at roughly $31,000,000 in the plan and later shifted in timing after staff further review.

Wildlife crossing: The commission recommended a feasibility study for a proposed wildlife overpass on Rio Verde Drive rather than committing to the placeholder $35,000,000 and a 200‑foot wide concept that had appeared in the draft capital plan. Commissioners and preserve stakeholders urged a smaller, data‑driven approach and asked that Arizona Game and Fish and other technical experts be consulted. Commissioner Carla (preserve commission liaison) told council, “the best way to do that is an immediate feasibility study and to involve the appropriate experts, drainage, transportation, and especially Arizona Game and Fish Department.” Several public speakers and preserve advocates also urged the study during the meeting’s public comment period.

Streets and pavement condition index (PCI): The commission urged council to prioritize pavement maintenance. Commissioners noted Scottsdale’s PCI had declined in recent years and recommended setting a target PCI (commission discussion suggested a mid‑70s target) and exploring whether some crack seal and maintenance work could be performed in‑house to reduce long‑term lifecycle costs. Commissioners framed road maintenance as a sustainability and tourism issue: “if we have a place that tourists love to come to, we love to live here,” a commissioner said.

Pension and fund balance discussion: Commissioners reviewed the city’s pension funding options and reported a split view on whether to commit large, one‑time payments to the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). Staff and commissioners described an existing PSPRS reserve (presented to commission as roughly $116 million) and discussed a proposed $50,000,000 payment that staff said would raise funded status and reduce annual actuarial contribution requirements. Commissioners recommended council weigh the tradeoffs — including the foregone capital uses for that cash — and asked staff to present pro forma options showing the operating and capital implications of different pay‑down levels.

Revenue and tax items: The commission suggested several reporting and policy items for council consideration, including monthly fund balance reporting and a council discussion about the grocery‑tax rate and the 2004 preserve tax. A split commission vote (5‑2) recommended considering suspension of the grocery tax; commissioners stressed the recommendation was advisory and that analysis of fiscal impact would be required before any action.

What council did: The item was presented for discussion. Council members engaged commissioners and staff in a lengthy dialogue about scope, schedule and next steps; commissioners asked for direction on follow‑up topics they could review next year (for example, advanced project scoping, procurement and project cost estimation). The council asked staff to consider the commission’s proposals and to return with more detailed options, including potential ordinance tweaks to support longer‑term commission work.

Ending note: The commission offered a shopping list of topics for future study — capital scoping and execution, PCI and roads, project cost estimation processes, enterprise fund reviews, contract service versus in‑house delivery and pension funding options — and asked council whether it wanted those issues prioritized for more detailed review.","The Budget Review Commission recommended tighter capital controls, improved project scoping and reporting and asked council to commission a feasibility study for a proposed Rio Verde wildlife overpass; commissioners also debated a proposed $50 million supplemental PSPRS pension payment and prioritized improving Scottsdale streets.",{"_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},6262572,"Scottsdale council approves 5‑year CDBG/HOME consolidated plan and FY25‑26 annual action plan",1569,1715000,3284000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115050-805981ffd6d3c2efe5fca7e2beed72fb&start=1715&end=3284","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115050-805981ffd6d3c2efe5fca7e2beed72fb/thumbnail_1715000.jpg","/articles/6262572/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Scottsdale-council-approves-5year-CDBGHOME-consolidated-plan-and-FY2526-annual-action-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6262572-ff22125c93b642dbc7f95900c1c67c13/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184520&Signature=frvSLmCFEzWxZf4tZ21kprzZnJob37JlB6EgmsvBHezAGse-dKV6a8pTlqAd9EXGxMn~AYYWXIRO0MV-hnh8b2N75A3T36Stce~~td1YbFu6FHzhRp-2zUAPcDfRHe8xC5DT~woqHAo6WLbwhxThHoKzphL~TIZLfnOljL7CS4pEhThWoPs~gCcF23A5-vFtBapYlrR0sDASOPzdnlEX1f-eJFA09rWJ0G-8Ia8Jwei5RMaYYrQXDlB2XcM8fNxAuk8hA4TnTJhFf5WndwXjHQn0L7ckSx2gBrtCb1KLis6eHHJFvPDlG1lByx1pVPvugVda4lkYlz7P-Sd~nesr9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scottsdale city council voted to approve the city’s five‑year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) consolidated plan for 2025–2029 and the fiscal year 2025–26 annual action plan that directs federal CDBG and HOME funds to local housing and homeless services.

The vote approves the recommended annual allocation of approximately $1,800,000 in CDBG funds and the city’s portion of HOME Consortium funding, program staff said. The action accompanies Resolution No. 13350, which the council adopted as part of the motion to approve the plan and annual budget for the federal entitlement programs.

The consolidated plan is the federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME planning document required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Mary (housing and community assistance manager) told the council the consolidated plan “addresses our needs” and summarizes the city’s needs assessment, housing market analysis and strategic goals for use of federal entitlement funds. “We are anticipating receiving $1,800,000,” Mary said while describing recommended allocations.

Why it matters: The federal entitlement dollars fund programs that city staff and local nonprofit partners say help low‑ and moderate‑income households, seniors and people experiencing homelessness remain housed and safe. Council and commission members framed the vote as approving a continuing set of services and housing rehabilitation investments that affect existing voucher holders, older residents on fixed incomes and regional homeless service providers.

Key allocations and programs included in the FY25‑26 annual action plan, as presented to council:
- Approximately $1,800,000 in total CDBG allocations for FY25‑26 (city estimate as presented). That total includes a reallocation of earlier CDBG funds and a program administration cap. Mary described a reallocation of $425,000 and program administration at the HUD 20% cap (presented as $227,000).
- $1,000,000 designated to the city’s housing rehabilitation program (major rehabilitation, emergency and roof repairs); staff estimated they rehabilitate roughly 50–58 homes per year on average.
- $119,360 (presented in council materials as $119,000‑ish) recommended for public services that support homeless shelter and emergency lodging programs in coordination with regional partners, with named recipients including Family Promise and Community House.
- HOME Consortium funding (Maricopa County consortium share) of roughly $287,000 for a pilot tenant‑based rental assistance (TBRA) program serving low‑income seniors. Mary said the TBRA pilot is a two‑year demonstration; 12 seniors were enrolled at the time of the presentation with capacity to expand to about 15.

Speakers and perspectives: Roger Lohrey (chair, Human Services Advisory Commission) spoke in support of using public service funds for homelessness supports and described program outcomes at Community House and Family Promise. Neil Scherer (Human Services Commission member and former city human services director) emphasized the city’s long history of housing rehabilitation and the role those programs play in stabilizing ownership in older neighborhoods.

Council discussion focused on capacity, eligibility and local residency rules for pilot programs. Council members asked whether TBRA participants must be Scottsdale residents; Mary confirmed participants must provide proof of Scottsdale residency for the prior six months. Council members also asked about voucher utilization: Mary said the city has approximately 780 housing choice vouchers available but is “currently spending at 110% of our budgetary authority,” which staff described as a funding constraint rather than a lack of landlords.

The vote: A council member moved to adopt the consolidated plan and FY25‑26 annual action plan and to adopt the resolution on the docket. The motion carried and council directed staff to implement the adopted annual action plan as presented. The official motion and second were recorded on the council floor; the formal resolution adopted is Resolution No. 13350 (referenced in the council packet). The council did not attach additional conditions to the allocations as adopted.

What’s next: Staff will proceed with program agreements and allocation of the FY25‑26 CDBG and HOME funds under the funding priorities approved by council, including executing the TBRA pilot enrollments and administering the housing rehab program. The city indicated routine HUD reporting and continued citizen engagement will occur as required by the consolidated plan.

Ending note: Council members and commission speakers framed the approval as directed at immediate housing needs—repairing aging owner‑occupied homes, supporting seniors on fixed incomes and funding regional shelter and case‑management services—while noting longer‑term funding pressures at the federal level could require future local planning adjustments.","City council approved a five‑year consolidated plan and the fiscal year 2025‑26 annual action plan allocating Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Consortium funds, including $1.8 million in CDBG spending and a suite of housing rehabilitation and homeless‑support programs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge council to address extreme heat, dog park safety and an ADA sidewalk complaint during public comment

Budget review commission flags capital cost overruns, urges feasibility study for Rio Verde wildlife crossing

Scottsdale council approves 5‑year CDBG/HOME consolidated plan and FY25‑26 annual action plan