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

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.