Payson Town Council Regular Meeting - August 13, 2025

The Payson Town Council met on August 13, 2025, at 4:02 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, presentations, consent agenda approval, and new business. Key topics included domestic violence shelter funding, an off-highway trail partnership, a development update, and change orders for a replacement well. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:10 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the Regular Meetings of June 25, 2025, and July 9, 2025, and the Special Meeting Minutes of June 25, 2025, and July 9, 2025.
• Authorized Town Manager Darren Coldwell to submit the Participation Form for the Purdue Opioid Settlement Agreement, releasing claims against Purdue in exchange for opioid remediation funds.
• Adopted Resolution 3459, approving changes to signatories for Town accounts at JPMorgan Chase Bank.
• The consent agenda passed unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Paul Frommelt, Payson resident, welcomed the new Town Manager and urged fiscal responsibility and transparency. He opposed the roundabout, aquatic center, and grocery tax increase, and asked for focus on infrastructure.
• Bob Decker (RIMWAT) requested funding for code enforcement and firewise efforts, noting RIMWAT is working with the school district and Payson Fire Department on fire prevention curriculum.
• Alan McKay (RIMWAT) emphasized the importance of community firewise cooperation and described firefighting challenges.
• Tom West, Payson resident and aviation professional, complained that Hangar One lease rates were unfairly set equal to larger T-hangars, risking FAA grant eligibility. He also opposed lease restrictions on multiple signatories, corporate entities, and fuel storage.
• Charlie Seraphin, Payson resident, requested an independent forensic audit to address concerns with vendor relationships and contracts.
• Isaac Blake (Digital Payson) requested three items for future agendas: a forensic audit, full and timely access to records for council members, and an open meeting law compliant town hall process.
• Dale Mueller, airport advocate, highlighted the need for routine airport maintenance and a fixed base operator space with public Wi-Fi for flight planning.
• Marie Fasano (EAA) requested a letter of support for an aircraft display in the Airport Road roundabout, noting ADOT approval and prior council approval; no Town funding needed.
• Mike White, Star Valley resident, raised concerns about grading, vegetation removal, and runoff at the Juniper Pines Development, and noted he had sent videos to the Council.
• Mike Quinn, Payson resident, encouraged ordinance enforcement and said he was not opposed to higher taxes if for the Town's benefit.
• Chief Hilario Tanakeyoma (Tonto Apache Police Department) introduced himself, committed to strengthening relations with Payson PD, pursuing accreditation, and supporting regional law enforcement.

Discussion Items

• Town Manager Report: Darren Coldwell reported on individual meetings with the Mayor and Council, future monthly sales tax and financial reports in accessible format, and future agenda opportunities for department updates. He noted that SB 1737 rescinded the $1.5 million allocated for the Longhorn roundabout, redirecting funds to Highway 87 turn lane projects managed by ADOT.
• Rodeo Days Proclamation (D.1): Mayor Otto proclaimed August 7–16, 2025 as Rodeo Days. Dan Wile, President of the Payson Pro Rodeo Committee, accepted and invited the community.
• National Patriotism Week Proclamation (D.2): Council Member Bell proclaimed September 8–14, 2025 as National Patriotism Week. Members of the Elks accepted.
• Time Out Shelter Presentation (D.3): Board President Lori Martinez described the shelter's 32-year history as the only domestic violence shelter within a 100-mile radius. Since 1993, it has served 16,816 individuals. In FY2023–2024, it provided over 5,000 bed-nights and distributed 524,851 pounds of food. The thrift store proceeds remain local. Martinez highlighted economic and facility challenges and invited the Council to the "Lanterns on the Lake" event on October 16, 2025.
• Arizona Alpine Trail Presentation (D.4): Treasurer Jeff Sauer presented the 700-mile off-highway loop trail plan, funded by a $360,000 Arizona State Parks grant. The master plan is due in draft by end of 2025. Potential staging area near the Payson Event Center discussed. Presenters noted economic benefits and emphasized environmental stewardship.
• Juniper Pines/Pink Door Mini Storage Update (D.5): Zoning Administrator Nicole Adams reported that the mixed-use project is in the civil improvement and final plat stage. At-risk grading completed in July 2024 under permit; two performance bonds provided; preliminary plat approved March 2025 for 24 single-family lots, one commercial lot, one multi-family lot, and four tracts. A traffic study is required but not yet submitted. Water Director Tanner Henry explained the multi-agency review process for modifying a public well. Council requested follow-up on bond amounts, drainage report results, and contact with ADOT on the traffic study timeline.
• Sky Park Replacement Well Change Orders (H.1): Tanner Henry explained that drilling encountered hard rock, requiring additional air compressor rental and removal of fallen rock. The original contract was limited to $150,000; change orders total $96,100, bringing the total to $246,000, in line with the other two bids. A $25,000 contingency was added.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously (7-0).
• Proclamations for Rodeo Days and National Patriotism Week read and accepted.
• Council expressed appreciation for Time Out Shelter and encouraged continued support.
• Council discussed Arizona Alpine Trail partnership opportunities; no formal action taken.
• Council requested follow-up on Juniper Pines performance bond amounts, updated drainage/geotechnical report, and ADOT traffic study timeline.
• Motion carried (7-0) to approve change orders for the Sky Park Replacement Well up to $96,100, funded from the Water Enterprise Fund, and authorize the Town Manager to sign documents.
• Town Manager committed to providing monthly sales tax and financial reports in an accessible format.