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Camp Verde council reviews engineering design standards, keeps rural-roads approach and asks staff to study alternative manhole materials
Summary
The Camp Verde Mayor and Council reviewed a proposed Engineering Design Standards Manual on May 29, 2025, heard a fire-flow presentation, took public comment on roads, manhole coatings and stormwater waivers, and directed staff to retain the Rural Local Roads standard (with staff amendments) and to assess alternatives to polymer concrete for manholes.
Camp Verde, Ariz. — The Town of Camp Verde Mayor and Council reviewed a proposed Engineering Design Standards Manual during a May 29 work session, asked technical questions about road widths, manhole design and fire-flow testing, and directed staff to retain the Rural Local Roads standard while amending its design details and to evaluate alternatives to mandating polymer concrete for manholes.
Town Manager Miranda Fisher told the Council that staff hosted several feedback sessions with local developers and contractors and presented a “Summary of Changes” to the draft manual. Town Attorney Jon Paladini outlined legal reasons the town would benefit from adopting an engineering design standards manual, including clearer expectations for developers and more defensible standards for enforcement.
Council members pressed staff on technical choices, including whether to specify 60-inch manholes or 48-inch manholes with polymer concrete lining, water supply and required fire flow for residential and commercial subdivisions, and standards for retention and detention ponds. Town Engineer Bruce Connolly, CIP Project Manager Martin Smith, Utilities Director Jeff Low and Wastewater Division Manager Chet Teague answered questions about sizing, materials and operational implications.
Copper Canyon Fire Marshal Nate Bailey gave a presentation on water-supply and fire-flow requirements for residential and commercial structures. Council members and staff discussed how fire-flow testing would be used in plan review and what conditions might mean for project approvals if the town cannot demonstrate adequate capacity.
During the public-comment period, several residents and stakeholders raised specific concerns. Rob Witt presented a handout and urged the Council to adopt narrow rural road dedications with standardized improvements on both sides. Blaze Petska asked the Council to reconsider a proposed requirement that manholes be coated with polymer concrete rather than alternative coatings such as epoxy, citing cost and compatibility concerns. Bethany Brady asked whether developers would be required to cover the full cost of fire-flow testing, noting that the Fire Department already conducts routine hydrant testing and asking what redundancy or additional costs the manual might create. Nadiya Peters said Camp Verde is designated as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), said a waiver request she filed for retention and detention had been denied, and reported that staff required first-flush stormwater measures for her project.
Town Manager Fisher, Town Attorney Paladini, Utilities Director Low, CIP Project Manager Smith and Fire Marshal Bailey responded to those comments and clarified the town’s current practices. After discussion, the Council directed staff to keep the Rural Local Roads standard, with staff amending the specific design details, and directed staff to assess alternative materials to polymer concrete for manholes rather than immediately adopting a single mandated coating.
No formal votes on ordinances or resolutions were recorded in the minutes; the Council’s actions were expressed as staff directions and policy guidance during the work session. Mayor Marie Moore recessed the meeting at 6:36 p.m. and reconvened it at 6:47 p.m.; the session adjourned at 8:18 p.m. The Town Clerk certified the minutes on June 19, 2025.
What happens next: The Council’s directions mean staff will incorporate the Council’s guidance when preparing revisions to the draft Engineering Design Standards Manual; the minutes do not specify a return date to the Council or a formal adoption timetable.
