[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6233063,"mediaKeyId","3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff","parentId",3425380,"title","Audit finds Scottsdale's water/wastewater impact-fee program in legal compliance; council holds public hearing on proposed fee increases","audioSeconds",622,"startMs",3738000,"endMs",4360000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff&start=3738&end=4360","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff/thumbnail_3738000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6233063/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Audit-finds-Scottsdales-waterwastewater-impact-fee-program-in-legal-compliance-council-holds-public-hearing-on-proposed-fee-increases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233063-14e705648ba5f08a1d2c1811d011fb15/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157531&Signature=TfnEKTPmo6lrswGxsZMMPYisY-9FoNe2zmxfcN0SuTc-EtOhdBffDJ3oXI1iebqW7p9kX0jUXPssQ61WEvtW~8BonmI7njVIANtUR94HTArSIrVCYlui8nF56j27bdquu-PIdSW7EChNlPPhZV02hlLon~9LF41CPbwRWQXdThYonaUwFbV2-IARwuqoSEv-oqD0TTeHh9SQL2mJwxkq1T1wxF2dCr1ms-N-TRKPVLh3Gh2vJMkGS7YyPlRmdWyVJT13p-j4K26820YssKEbQD3HqdRbE0PjaTapYoQtkRsLktdV5E7RruXreKy9E9m0XbSfC0alent68CN8a6Ge9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Scottsdale, AZ","date","2025-05-21T15:15:01.293Z","article","A Willdan Financial Services audit presented May 20 found that Scottsdale's development impact-fee program for water and wastewater \"is consistent with and in compliance\" with Arizona law requiring certified audits of land use assumptions, infrastructure improvement plans and use of impact-fee revenues.

Kevin Burnett of Willdan told the council the firm reviewed land-use assumptions adopted in 2021, the infrastructure improvement program and two years of revenues and expenditures covering fiscal years 2022'23 and 2023'24. Burnett reported some variances between projected and actual development in the two-year snapshot but said that was expected given the original reports cover a 10-year horizon. Burnett said all expenditures reviewed were spent on impact-fee-eligible projects, and permit-sample testing did not find systemic mischarges.

Separately, staff held the statutorily required public hearing on proposed changes to water and wastewater development fees. Interim Water Resources Executive Director Kevin Rose presented a proposed fee schedule that would increase the combined water and wastewater development fee for a standard one-inch meter EDU from roughly $7,700 to about $14,864'an increase of approximately 93 percent. Rose said the new water fee would be \"a little under $9,000\" per EDU and the wastewater fee \"a little over $6,000\" per EDU; if adopted the new rates would take effect Sept. 15, with council adoption scheduled for June 24.

Council did not vote on the fee adoption on May 20; the hearing was procedural and staff said they will return to council on June 24 with an adoption item. Rose noted the fees reflect the city's land use assumptions and an infrastructure-improvement plan that was adopted April 8.

The audit presentation referenced Arizona Revised Statutes governing development impact fees (A.R.S. S 9-4-6305). Burnett said the audit team reviewed level-of-service definitions, capital projects, and permit charges and concluded the program met statutory requirements.

The public hearing on proposed fees drew no immediate public action; councilmembers asked procedural questions and staff indicated they will return with ordinance language and an effective date for council adoption in June.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council | Regular Meeting - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Willdan Financial Services audit presented May 20 found Scottsdale's development-impact fee program for water and wastewater to be in compliance with state law; staff also held a public hearing on proposed fee increases that would nearly double the combined impact fee per EDU.","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},6233068,"Old Town parking garage petition prompts city manager study after heated public comments",1244,2069000,3313000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff&start=2069&end=3313","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff/thumbnail_2069000.jpg","/articles/6233068/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Old-Town-parking-garage-petition-prompts-city-manager-study-after-heated-public-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233068-9b5d539ed3ac2e4718d38f5f50b0ef07/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157531&Signature=CLZr-ZtvroXtV490dMX-kf9I6DqrV3sNCT0a749jkSOKaykJZIwiKDpYcKKfqryKKCJ~66~ljisrSb83xQzRwkY~AlGZxi3FtM-Z6zsgA9Clu3bbj1BjtM~SomepJ6jDHMaBbyedIksq-IrdyzHm6UdVGoy7jZ-5RzN-iOLQN8iMJoElTQDXtmuv3-jPbv5dGD3BBPqESzlE97g53h19re31Y9vYjm-yuEz4v9KQl2UDVP2rs49xL6zB9g0Udxdr~U2XcDdzILAgsKBrN5evIZlUzQTzeTepY1-g3oyUl-tPbRYgEbpRbXtDNnpLMPoh1AzfSs4x~x5RuVpy5BnTSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Business owners and residents told the Scottsdale City Council on May 20 that a planned parking structure at Brown and Second Street would harm Old Town's historic character, displace the farmers market and nearby businesses, and damage tourism and small-business activity.

Michael Fernandez, who said he has operated a Pottery business in Scottsdale since 1951, submitted a petition and described the project as proposed across from the Old Adobe Mission and blacksmith shop; he asked the council to agendize a future public hearing to reconsider building a three-story concrete garage in the historic district. Madison Bridal, representing the Mission Restaurant, said the restaurant's guests and staff have not had parking problems and warned that lengthy construction would \"severely compromise our business.\" Fernandez and Bridal described petition signatures totaling more than 1,500 gathered in recent weeks.

Council members debated how to respond. Mayor Lisa Borowski said the petition asks for additional time to find an alternate location; she proposed agendizing the matter. Councilman Barry Graham moved to direct the city manager to investigate and prepare a written response to council, a motion that Councilman Clausman seconded. An alternate motion to agendize the item was offered but did not gain majority support.

Council members who spoke during the debate said they wanted more detailed information before committing to a public hearing. Councilwoman Solange Whitehead said the project is an active contract and asked staff to \"identify every other possible location\" and protect the farmers market; she supported directing the city manager to prepare a report. Councilwoman Mary Ann McAllen and Councilwoman Cathy Littlefield said they also supported a written staff report given the \"many moving parts\" involving the farmers market and property leases (including a parcel owned by HonorHealth).

The council voted to have the city manager prepare a written response and report back to the council and the petitioners; the motion passed. The report is to include legal, contractual and construction-related impacts and be provided to petitioners and councilmembers for further consideration. Council members did not rescind or halt any active contracts during the May 20 action.","Business owners and residents submitted petitions opposing a proposed Brown and Second Street parking garage in Old Town; the council directed the city manager to investigate and prepare a written response rather than immediately agendizing a public hearing to reconsider the project.",{"_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},6233072,"Scottsdale council agrees to consider youth petition to add e-cigarettes to smoke-free ordinance",407,1583000,1990000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff&start=1583&end=1990","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff/thumbnail_1583000.jpg","/articles/6233072/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Scottsdale-council-agrees-to-consider-youth-petition-to-add-e-cigarettes-to-smoke-free-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233072-82c1a3990b332a72bac4fd65040c5d81/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157531&Signature=Kw-c1p66vgk0KNtgeWT-iWnMWFZVmUV5qyB5IHC5bWGquqcFiuqs3qG5tdG090rMKbQqhYaS34T9bas38RQ3nQdo2W0I7wzA~~2HVEV-XukwKkliNv5VT36o0dzQ58CnIz9ED~lGuAXNhGuHDg2NtwHrA1W7zcxcvfkAcINJlueX~9c4bcezN24oSgJu44lFV~BArFoMLs6xVSbAgW7lSv4z5QRFa4MIufV71cbyMwFFyj8EJSMVhfE2vAodS~RG07pkvMFvnxa89WJrTWmZTsGt59j1p5mbgzcUVTxGpBNSyfuiw3zRPNEsn8qVsyGhfzCD1DwSwhv8w8a6OflQ4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Scottsdale Mayor's Youth Council and the Scottsdale Youth Substance Abuse Coalition asked the City Council on May 20 to update the city's smoke-free ordinance to explicitly prohibit use of e-cigarettes in public places and places of employment.

The request, presented by Desert Mountain High School student Sadanth \"Sid\" Gupta on behalf of the youth groups, asked the council to \"amend the Scottsdale Smoke Free Ordinance\" so that the definitions of \"smoking\" and \"smoking devices\" include e-cigarettes. Gupta said the change was motivated by youth use and the products'appeal to minors.

The petition included additional youth speakers. Angelo Leonardi, a 17-year-old representative of the Scottsdale Youth Substance Abuse Coalition and the Mayor's Youth Council, told the council he had experienced breathing problems near people vaping at Chaparral Park and said the measure would make public spaces \"cleaner, healthier and safer for everyone.\" John Lee, a Scottsdale resident and volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, added that \"almost all\" e-cigarettes contain nicotine and urged the council to act.

Mayor Lisa Borowski moved to agendize the petition for further discussion at a future meeting; Councilman Barry Graham seconded the motion. Council members noted they must ensure any local ordinance complies with state and federal law before adoption, and Mayor Borowski and other members encouraged patience while staff studies legal and compliance issues.

Council action was limited to placing the petition on a future agenda for staff and council consideration; no ordinance or regulatory change was adopted at the May 20 meeting. Council members and staff said the item will return for discussion and potential action after staff reports and legal review.

The council indicated the agendized discussion will include state and federal compliance steps and that youth petitioners and staff would be invited to participate when the council considers the matter.

The petition was formally received by the city clerk and will be scheduled for a future meeting, at which time the council may direct staff to draft ordinance language, request additional analysis, or take other follow-up steps.","Members of the Scottsdale Mayor's Youth Council and the Scottsdale Youth Substance Abuse Coalition urged the City Council to amend the city's smoke-free ordinance to include e-cigarettes; Mayor Lisa Borowski moved to agendize the petition for future council discussion and the motion passed.",{"_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},6233054,"Scottsdale Water receives APS Peak Solutions rebates totaling $91,000 for last summer; $1.8 million since 2010",132,3390000,3522000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff&start=3390&end=3522","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff/thumbnail_3390000.jpg","/articles/6233054/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Scottsdale-Water-receives-APS-Peak-Solutions-rebates-totaling-91000-for-last-summer-18-million-since-2010","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233054-24833fa28849e500233f9778681d6556/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157531&Signature=ZItBrhgpwdrfwLRD2qqbFAjPsFd97kbvPnXXzWSnuNJzVLOJe5rmwjSx8BOWSUl2NqFCSE~CynY9Z-FDddntXQNNy7CGILWFgRnt58QIn7bEcIYUydZ62P-bzyMrPSCKykABzkxks8B0Kch1~uzQEQPmRAcJG~iOtGVDAqO~tB11fm7u6Aev5mpmken1qjK~ahyIChmPCrH-y7O0qTkOm6SVAUs2SFOiM5kRQm9GCZV8I~bw19HCL4r8K3yTM6xUZPVBmewim0QKXi1lyQzSP4ZYO1p4Pt~zt6Kj3~urcpbiK1TupZYQtVbial2Q9Kdpt85-~Ka8FvV2LAwV0tWxng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scottsdale Water staff told the City Council on May 20 that the utility participates in Arizona Public Service's Peak Solutions program, a voluntary summer program in which participating organizations reduce electric usage during peak grid demand and receive financial rebates.

Kevin Rose, with Scottsdale Water, said the program runs during high-demand hours (commonly indicated as peak summer hours) and that participation is voluntary and designed to reduce grid load \"without any impact to our customers.\" Rose reported the utility earned about $91,000 in rebates last summer and said the program has brought \"a little under $1,800,000\" in rebates to the city since its 2010 participation began. Staff presented a ceremonial check during the meeting.

Rose said the city typically reduces usage for roughly four hours during peak periods (he referenced a typical window of late afternoon to evening), and that the program is an element of the utility's emergency preparedness and grid-support activities.

Council took no formal action on the item; staff presented the rebate results as an informational item.","Scottsdale Water staff presented the city's participation in APS' voluntary Peak Solutions program, saying the utility saved about $91,000 in rebates last summer and roughly $1.8 million since 2010 by reducing electrical use during peak demand windows.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6233058,"Scottsdale council adopts tentative FY2025-26 budget with amendments; funds for wildlife-crossing study, changes to CIP noted",2418,4851000,7269000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff&start=4851&end=7269","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3425380-53f867b7f051497a7dda402330c3e8ff/thumbnail_4851000.jpg","/articles/6233058/Scottsdale/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Scottsdale-council-adopts-tentative-FY2025-26-budget-with-amendments-funds-for-wildlife-crossing-study-changes-to-CIP-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233058-3ef71efbe6dc4057f23fa8bf1ce69b46/orig.mp4?Expires=1771157531&Signature=RfK-U8wIyUhkIQp-zTCIMPL8vcSVQm8VC6FdOfxTzGVW58xl72Ktcfl3rEgsW7heURCUuUEofffVmFdjSlVDjHa8LeOw~~UJE-s3CrJATZ9WUMgaJYEjYbGS0jNx-P0RCg4jifl9iyO~WthT8uQQ2L-AajNFHMbvZDJj0FiSL6IDjcJ8CPUoY3Iv7zK~0CI2WLKQMRQMoWvyzDdbi8GR4iVTmwXi5vI9w2oaPzDz4Coo1ya8KFgtlDa8cmiLj2vfivEIDlYfqyrih0diP2jwII6HgNqcShKUCXVa5tNjaw-yu-XLhLdgM7KTmi8-EgPMUGgkj9TWpTrO7NTkHLGxWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scottsdale City Council adopted a tentative fiscal year 2025-26 budget and five-year capital improvement plan on May 20 after debate about capital timing, departmental vacancies and several community priorities.

Budget staff presented the changes between the proposed and tentative budgets, including moving a $400,000 Scottsdale Arts increase from operating to contingency, relocating certain staff across departments, and shifting timing on several capital projects. The budget document also added a $250,000 feasibility study for a Rio Verde wildlife crossing to the FY2026 capital budget and included a $1.4 million grant-funded fire truck. Staff reported several completed projects were closed out, producing roughly $4.4 million in savings for the five-year CIP; some bond projects and large park projects were moved outside the immediate five-year window pending feasibility studies.

Scott Selden, budget director, explained that the tentative budget imposes a maximum expenditure ceiling per state law and summarized net changes from the proposed budget. City treasurer Sonia Andrews and city manager Greg Caton participated in discussion; Caton told council that schedule changes on a bridge and other design work explain moving some construction timelines.

Council members and public speakers made several points during the budget hearing. Public commenters included Harold (60 Eighth Street Sidewalk Association) thanking council for funding their sidewalk; Robert Halligan of the Preserve Commission and Raul Zubia urged the council to keep the Rio Verde wildlife overpass feasibility study in the budget; and Sgt. Dan Serbolic, president of the Police Officers of Scottsdale Association (POSA), thanked the council for steps to improve police compensation.

Council debate focused on police compensation and head count, pavement-condition funding, park maintenance (notably in south Scottsdale), and fiscal controls on capital projects. Councilman Barry Graham praised the budget as shifting focus toward \"public safety, potholes and parks\" and noted increased police pay and pension funding were priorities. Councilwoman Solange Whitehead and others emphasized the need for a detailed review of vacancies (the tentative budget includes roughly $22 million associated with vacancies and related offsets) and the need to better prioritize long-term pavement investments.

Mayor Lisa Borowski moved to adopt the tentative budget with one amendment: restore two full-time positions to the mayor's office (an executive assistant and a management-analyst-level position) that had been reallocated earlier in the budget process; Councilwoman Cathy Littlefield seconded. An alternate motion to adopt certain ordinance numbers as presented failed, and the mayor's amended motion subsequently passed. The tentative budget is subject to final adoption at the June 10 meeting; staff indicated certain items may return with fuller detail and that contingency and reserve adjustments remain possible.","The City Council adopted a tentative fiscal 2025-26 budget at its May 20 meeting with several adjustments to capital projects and contingencies; council restored two full-time employees to the mayor's office by amendment and directed staff to move forward on a feasibility study for a Rio Verde wildlife crossing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Audit finds Scottsdale's water/wastewater impact-fee program in legal compliance; council holds public hearing on proposed fee increases

Old Town parking garage petition prompts city manager study after heated public comments

Scottsdale council agrees to consider youth petition to add e-cigarettes to smoke-free ordinance

Scottsdale Water receives APS Peak Solutions rebates totaling $91,000 for last summer; $1.8 million since 2010

Scottsdale council adopts tentative FY2025-26 budget with amendments; funds for wildlife-crossing study, changes to CIP noted