Payson Town Council Regular Meeting – September 24, 2025

The Payson Town Council held a regular meeting on September 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:34 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a lengthy public comment period, approval of a consent agenda, a decision on a controversial wildfire hardening code, a first reading of a summer construction noise ordinance, and updates on an aquatic center bond and employee wellness program.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the August 13, 2025 regular council meeting.
• Authorized a letter of support for the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement.
• Authorized the Town Manager to submit a Participation Form for the Town to join Opioid Settlement Agreements with secondary manufacturers, releasing claims in exchange for remediation funds.
• Authorized Public Works to proceed with renaming Nugget Street to Gordons Way.
• Approved submitting a Project Initiation Letter to ADOT for a topographical survey of a proposed wildfire evacuation route.
• Declined to authorize Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. to complete engineering and design services for the Longhorn Road and McLane Road roundabout project.
• All consent items were approved unanimously (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve and Linda England requested that a neighbor dispute involving signage, fencing, and loud music be reclassified as a code violation, citing Town Code 131.03 and 131.09, and expressed concerns about property devaluation and harassment. Council members asked staff to review the issue; the Town Attorney reported the matter was being addressed.
• Paul Frommelt thanked the Council for placing the Aquatic Center bond on the ballot and expressed support for refurbishing Taylor Pool instead of building a new pool.
• Eric Wahlberg opposed the Wildfire Structural Hardening Code, asking for more public review time due to potential cost impacts on homeowners.
• Jonathan Jackson (construction business) shared concerns about increased costs for remodels and new homes under the proposed fire code.
• Council Member Flaherty read an email from contractor Gino Wulkotte opposing the code, citing negative effects on housing affordability, lack of insurance relief, inequity (only new builds/remodels), and questioning its effectiveness compared to enforcing existing firewise rules.
• Stacy Frederick echoed Wulkotte's concerns and opposed the code, urging more public input and enforcement of current firewise codes.
• Lori Permenter supported the aquatic center bond and urged a “yes” vote, arguing that a no vote would not guarantee Taylor Pool renovation, and noting cost estimates of $11 million uncovered for Taylor vs. $16 million covered for Malibu.
• Michael Fox supported a new pool and requested increased police patrols at Green Valley Park. Vice Mayor Tubbs asked staff to review patrol needs.
• Tom Dunning expressed disappointment over cancelled Council meetings and urged regular meetings even with lighter agendas.
• Calvin H. Smedley supported the pool bond and criticized three council members for opposing it.
• Jack Etter II opposed the pool, expressing concern about growth, water availability, and increased traffic, and urged focusing on existing infrastructure.
• J. Byron Tanenhaus (Noble Building and Remodeling, 20+ years) opposed the hardening code, urging enforcement of defensible space around homes instead.
• Mike White raised concerns about inequitable hangar lease rates at the airport and potential jeopardy to FAA grant funding. Council Member Haws renewed a request to place the item on a future agenda.
• Craig Triphahn supported the street name change from Nugget Street to Gordons Way.
• Tom West (Payson Aero Club, Light Sport LLC) joined concerns about hangar rates, lack of maintenance at the airport, and a billing error, and also spoke about a pending request for an aircraft display in a roundabout.
• Tom Thompson (via Zoom) criticized hangar rental rates and urged the Council to delay Malibu Pool expenditures until after the bond election.
• Mike Quinn supported the pool bond, calling the annual cost minimal compared to benefits.
• Jimmy Lee introduced himself as the new Chamber of Commerce representative, looking forward to working with the Town.
• Inga Chouinard opposed the pool bond, stating the Town had not been fiscally responsible and favored refurbishing Taylor Pool.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 3462 – Infrastructure Development Agreement with Payson Golf Club, LLC (Item F.1): Planning Director Doni Wilbanks presented the agreement for 125 residential condominium units. The developer will fund and construct roadway improvements, drainage upgrades, and right-of-way dedication; private streets will remain private. The property is zoned R-3 (by-right), and the agreement expires in three years if platting conditions are not met. Bob Jackson, owner of Payson Golf Club, expressed satisfaction. The resolution was approved 7-0.
• Ordinance 970 – Wildfire Structure Hardening Code (Item F.2): Assistant Chief Kevin McCully and Chief David Staub presented the ordinance, requiring fire-resistant materials for eaves, decks, and siding on new builds and major remodels. They reported a meeting with seven contractors whose main concerns were cost of eaves and deck protection. Cost estimates for a 2,600 sq. ft. home: ~$1,200 additional for eaves and deck upgrades; siding could cost up to 37% more for treated wood. Council members debated the effectiveness and cost burden. A motion to approve failed 2-5 (Mayor Otto and Council Member Ferris in favor; Vice Mayor Tubbs, Council Members Bell, Flaherty, Haws, and Nossek opposed).
• Ordinance 972 – Summer Construction Hours (Item F.3): Chief Staub presented the first public hearing for an ordinance extending summer construction hours (May 1–October 15) to comply with state law; start time would be 5 a.m. (4 a.m. for concrete pouring). No public comment was offered. No action taken (first reading only).
• DynaDome System Evaluation (Item H.1): Postponed to a later meeting at the Town Manager’s request.
• Employee Wellness Program (Item H.2): Human Resources Director Lynne ODonnell presented a new wellness program using the Well Able platform, featuring holistic wellness, incentives, device integration, and community features. Full implementation is scheduled for November 1, 2025.
• Council Meeting Protocols (Item H.3): Town Manager Darren Coldwell discussed cancellation of meetings when no agenda items are present. Council consensus was to leave discretion to staff to cancel meetings if there is nothing on the agenda.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously (7-0).
• Resolution 3462 (Payson Golf Club development agreement) approved 7-0.
• Ordinance 970 (Wildfire Structure Hardening Code) failed 2-5. The item is not expected to return unless council requests it.
• Ordinance 972 (Summer construction noise) received its first public hearing; second reading will occur at a later meeting.
• Aquatic Center update: Town Manager reported cost estimates at 40% design: $12.4 million without cover, $16 million with cover; operating expenses $482,240, revenue $173,200. Informational pamphlet to be released September 30, 2025.
• Meeting cancellation policy: Council agreed to maintain current practice allowing staff discretion to cancel meetings with no agenda items.