Payson Town Council Regular Meeting - February 12, 2025

The Payson Town Council held its regular meeting on February 12, 2025, at 4:05 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting lasted until approximately 8:30 p.m. and covered a wide range of topics including consent agenda approvals, a proclamation for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a presentation on the Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP), discussions on a process improvement committee, adoption of 2025 legislative priorities, a public hearing on urban camping ordinance, and updates on the town manager recruitment process. The council also heard extensive public comment on various issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the January 8, 2025 regular meeting unanimously (7-0).
• Approved Resolution No. 3432 for the annexation of 702 E. Bobb Street into the Green Valley Water service area.
• Approved awarding the Project Management and Construction Management contract for Hillcrest Tank #2 to GHD, Inc. for a not-to-exceed price of $314,975.00.
• Approved the Final Plat and Agreement to Construct Subdivision Improvements for Timber Ridge Phase 1 subdivision.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charlie Seraphin urged the council to change how Payson is run, citing lack of council authority, high legal costs, and questioned the use of emergency clauses.
• Michael Heather presented a PowerPoint update on Taylor Pool, alleging staff lied about its condition and urging the council to take back power.
• Brook Myers criticized the town's use of consultants, lack of competitive bids, and compared the situation to federal waste; called for a "Department of Payson Efficiency."
• Shirley Dye provided a history of the Firewise Committee and expressed concerns about the wildfire protection plan.
• Robert Decker expressed concerns about wildfire risk and home insurance, requesting a publicly accessible evacuation plan.
• Tom Thompson urged renewal of the contract with Payson Hangar One LLC and requested that current lessees be honored.
• Janice Chesser invited the council and community to the Senior Center's 40th anniversary events.
• Timothy Coyne asked about testing water supply for firefighting and noted an interaction with the fire chief.
• Barbara Buntin called for greater transparency and access to documents.
• Guy Pfister stressed that citizens come first and expressed concerns that the council lacks power; stated roads are in disrepair.
• Thomas Michael Dugan complained about relocation of neighborhood mailboxes to a distant cluster without notice, citing ADA compliance as a pretext.
• Nina Grabiel questioned transparency and urged the council to work for the people, not in closed meetings.
• Tom Dunning supported town staff and defended the council and staff against criticism.
• Michael Hill reported a speeding truck that crashed into a home on East Bonita Street and requested traffic calming measures.
• Thomas West opposed new lease stipulations for airport hangars, asking for multiple names on leases and allowance for LLCs.
• Mike White echoed concerns about hangar lease policies and requested the council set policy for shared hangars and LLC leases.
• Mike Quinn commended town staff for excellent service.
• Frank Reagan cautioned against using the past against the current council, urged listening to citizens, and recommended appointing Sheila DeSchaaf as town manager.
• Judy Hansen did not trust what is being told to the council; criticized the vetting of former Town Manager Troy Smith and called for Sheila DeSchaaf to be fired.
• Skylar Bryce warmed center director, described services and urged collaboration rather than punishment.
• Emily Bryce shared personal experiences with homelessness and trauma, urged community collaboration to help the homeless.
• Edward Padilla discussed a bill (HB2393) to fund a new homeless center with temporary, transitional, and permanent housing.
• Paul Edwards suggested postponing the urban camping ordinance until a plan for safe sleeping locations is developed.

Discussion Items

F.1 Resolution No. 3430 - Process Improvement Recommendation Committee

• The council discussed the need for a committee to review town processes and professional services contracting. Several council members felt the council itself should act as the "complaint committee." There was extensive discussion about council policy, especially Chapter 10 regarding staff contact. The council ultimately did not act on the resolution, effectively killing it. It was agreed to discuss council policy clarification at a future meeting.

F.2 Resolution No. 3433 - 2025 Legislative Priorities

• Management Analyst Hannah Lusk presented the legislative priorities recommended by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Fire Chief Dave Staub highlighted HB2400, which would earmark $5 million for Payson fire mitigation. The council unanimously approved the resolution (7-0), authorizing staff to advocate on behalf of the town.

F.3 Ordinance No. 968 - Urban Camping Ordinance (Second Public Hearing)

• Town Attorney Aaron Arnson explained that the ordinance updates urban camping prohibitions following the U.S. Supreme Court's Grants Pass decision, which overturned the Martin v. Boise precedent. The council heard from the public, including representatives of the Warming Center who advocated for a collaborative approach. After discussion, the council voted 7-0 to approve the ordinance, emphasizing that police would continue to lead with services first.

H.1 Procurement Policy Update

• The council discussed a proposed amendment to require council approval for any procurement over $100,000, even if included in the budget. Some council members argued for oversight of capital improvement projects, while others felt recurring purchases should be handled via consent agenda. After lengthy debate, the item was tabled pending a review of the current Schedule B list. Direction was given for staff to provide the list to the council before the tentative budget.

H.2 Town Manager Vacancy Recruitment Process

• HR Director Lynne ODonnell presented an updated recruitment brochure. The council provided direction on qualifications: a bachelor's degree should be required but with flexibility for equivalent experience; experience requirements should include language like "or an organization of comparable complexity" to allow corporate experience. On compensation, the council agreed to advertise a hiring range from the base ($158,000) to the midpoint ($197,000), rather than the full range. The recruitment is expected to open in mid-to-late February, with interviews in April/May and a target start date in June.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (7-0).
• Resolution 3430 (Process Improvement Committee): No action taken; effectively defeated.
• Resolution 3433 (Legislative Priorities) approved (7-0).
• Ordinance 968 (Urban Camping) approved (7-0) following a second public hearing.
• Procurement Policy update tabled; staff to provide Schedule B list before tentative budget.
• Town Manager recruitment process refined: brochure to use a hiring range (base to midpoint), education requirement flexible, experience includes "comparable complexity." Recruitment to begin shortly.
• Council policy discussion on Chapter 10 and staff contact to be agendized for a regular meeting or work session.
• Airport hangar lease policies to be addressed in a March agenda item.