Reporter:  Crystal Cavanaugh

Community Center improvements not to exceed $550,00 were approved for divider wall replacements, blinds, fans and lighting. 

The sign ordinance was updated to define the Sign Free Red Zone for political signs which included the borders of Fountain Lake, to Palisades, to Fountain Hills Blvd, to El Lago, to Saguaro.  Shea Blvd, within Fountain Hills, was also designated as Sign Free.

The Public Works Director updated ongoing wash maintenance and explained a set schedule for specific washes was not possible due to ever changing conditions that change priorities.

The Council approved updates to our Town Council Rules of Procedures, which included eliminating Section 10, thus removing the ethics complaint process.  Ethics complaints had been filed by some residents as a political weapon which was costing the Town substantial sums each time a complaint was sent out to an outside attorney.  Residents still have recourse to address concerns such as contacting Council through email, speaking during Call to Public, filing a complaint with the State Ombudsman, initiating a recall process, or the ballot box during elections.  It was unclear whether Section 8, outlining appropriate Council conduct, will remain as part of the Code and  future amendments may be discussed.

Unprecedented and politically motivated sanctions applied to Councilman Allen Skillicorn over one year ago, were finally removed with a 4-2 vote, with Skillicorn abstaining.  Numerous members of the local Liberal Ladies club were in attendance and spoke in opposition. They had also protested in front of the Town Hall prior to the meeting.

The Town Attorney, Aaron Arnson, was not present for the April 15 Regular Session meeting after becoming upset with regards to billing practices that had been discussed in the Executive Session just prior to the Regular Session. He had been provided with a summary following the Executive Session and encouraged to make a response. Instead he became angry and then did not show up for the Regular Session. He submitted his resignation the following day and provided the Fountain Hills Independent with a statement about Councilwoman Earle’s “false accusations.” His law firm, Pierce Coleman, but not Arnson, was approved to continue to stay on until July 1, during the transition period when new attorney proposals will be accepted.