Fountain Hills staff outlines multiyear plan to clear washes, warns of illegal dumping, safety pauses

Director Waldy briefed the Fountain Hills Town Council on the town's multiyear wash maintenance program and recent work to clear debris that blocks stormwater conveyance.

Waldy told the council that since the most recent contract approval in October 2024 crews have cleared roughly 55 acres of town‑owned washes and that the town maintains a bit over 200 acres of largely undisturbed drainage corridors. "For some of these areas…you'll see what appears to be a clear cut. In fact, what we've done is we have just cleared the flow line, which is our primary objective here," Waldy said.

The presentation said the Powderhorn and Sirius washes (south of Shea) and Oxford and Ashbrook were among the work sites shown in before‑and‑after photos. Waldy said Ashbrook Wash, between Hampstead and Bayfield Drive, contains decades‑old illegal dumping — "tree branches, used or unused appliances, bicycles, brick, block" — and that removing that material could cost "hundreds of thousands of dollars." He added that some dumping areas are 20–30 feet wide and 50 feet long.

Council members and the director discussed how the town prioritizes work. Councilwoman Kelly Vianakis asked how the town decides which washes are done first; Waldy replied the town does not publish a fixed schedule because conditions and safety dictate where crews go and for how long. "Every town owned wash that was shown on the second slide of this presentation will receive some attention," he said, and estimated it will take a couple of years to reach a manageable condition because maintenance is behind "probably 25 plus years." Councilman Watts asked about a particular wash at Fountain Hills Boulevard and Sherwood; Waldy identified it as Legend Wash and said it is planned for next year.

Waldy described a safety‑driven pause on heavy maintenance during the Sonoran breeding season and the warm months, citing field safety, prevalence of rattlesnakes and active nesting wildlife. He said crews will avoid clear‑cutting slopes where vegetation stabilizes banks and will principally clear the conveyance flow line and remove dead or hazardous material.

No formal council motion or vote was taken on the maintenance presentation; Waldy said the current council has already approved funding that allows the effort to continue and that staff will return with additional plans and budget details when appropriate.

Council members urged more outreach to homeowners who back up to washes; Waldy said staff are preparing flyers and educational material for residents and that the fire department handles fire‑safety questions.

The presentation closed with council questions and staff offered to respond to follow‑up inquiries and to provide more detailed budgets later this year.

The council did not adopt new policy or ordinance language during the presentation; staff described work underway and near‑term planning.