Fountain Hills council ratifies consultant contract for small‑cell ordinance after heated debate

The Fountain Hills Town Council voted 5–2 to ratify a contract retaining a consultant to assist with drafting updates to the town's small‑cell wireless ordinance.

Town Manager Rachel Goodwin told the council the contract formalizes earlier executive‑session direction and ensures transparency in the public record: "Because executive session discussions are confidential and no formal action can be taken in that setting, any direction given must later be ratified in open session to ensure transparency and proper documentation in the public record," she said.

Why it mattered: council members framed the vote as the continuation of a multi‑year effort to update an older ordinance while others warned the town could face federal preemption on certain rules. Public speakers were split: Shelby Blecker urged careful consideration and said she prefers burying cable where feasible, while Crystal and Larry Myers urged the council to ratify the contract and proceed.

Objections and defense: one council member objected to ratification, saying the agreement contained "controversial political requirements" and was "biased in favor of the firm's controversial client, Children's Health Defense," a point that became the core of the public debate. Supporters of ratification said the town had sought specialized legal help and that staff had reviewed the matter.

Council process and vote: a motion to call the question ended debate by a 5–2 procedural vote. The ratification motion was then carried on roll call, 5 in favor and 2 opposed. Mayor Bridal, who voted yes, said the process had taken years and that the town needed to finish the ordinance work.

What happens next: the contract ratification authorizes staff to continue the consultant engagement and to use the consultant’s work product as the town advances ordinance drafting and planning and zoning review.