Payson Town Council Regular Meeting – March 25, 2026

The Payson Town Council met on March 25, 2026, at 4:03 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent agenda, public comments, presentations, and a contentious resolution regarding property acquisition via eminent domain. The council voted unanimously to table the resolution to allow mediation.

Consent Calendar

• B.1 & B.2: Resolutions 2026-008 and 2026-009 approving the annexation of two parcels (211 N Beeline Hwy and 209 N Beeline Hwy, owned by Kamala Hospitality, LLC) into Green Valley Water pursuant to A.R.S. § 48-262(I).
• B.3: Approval of the March 11, 2026, Regular Council Meeting minutes.
• B.4: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Metering Services Inc. for the Water Service Line Material Field Verification Project.
• All consent items were approved by a 7–0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Harper (Harper Law) spoke on behalf of Brian and June Dudley, opposing Resolution 2026-017. He argued the town’s actions caused flooding on the Dudley property and that condemnation would be devastating to the family.
• Isaac Black discussed low voter participation among independent and unaffiliated voters, citing only 73 ballots cast in the 2024 election out of over 3,000 such voters in Payson. He requested clearer communication from the town on how these voters receive ballots.
• Ralph Townsend opposed the automated license plate reader (ALPR) system, citing privacy concerns and noting that Flagstaff and Sedona have ended such programs.
• Robert Decker (RIM Wildfire Awareness Team) urged the town to take action on fire safety, noting that funding for Firewise Ordinance enforcement has been repeatedly rejected.
• Willie Jan Owen complained about ordinance violations at a property on Arabian and McLane. Council Member Tubbs requested staff follow up.
• Sharon Arnst praised Payson’s community, weather, water security (Cragin Reservoir 74% full), and recent sales tax revenue increase (17% increase in January 2026 over December 2025).
• Mike Quinn argued that the town does not enforce its ordinances, which lowers property values and discourages visitors.
• Tom Dunning warned against abuse of eminent domain, asking council to consider what if it were their home.
• Trevor Creighton commended the Parks and Recreation team for developing trails and events, noting a visible improvement in community engagement.
• Jeff Robbins expressed opposition to Resolution 2026-017, stating the town had not justified the need for condemnation.
• Carolyn Haniford, a neighbor of the Dudleys, pleaded with the council not to take the home, calling it a legacy and a home, not just a parcel.
• Guy Pfister (under agenda item F.1) also opposed the resolution, accusing the town of poor planning and devaluing the property before seeking condemnation.

Presentations

• D.1 – Vialytics: Sam Decker presented a software platform that uses a smartphone camera to scan roads, detect defects (potholes, cracks, signs, manhole covers), and generate a pavement condition index (PCI) score. The annual subscription is $18,000. Staff noted the tool would complement a previous LIDAR study and provide real-time data. The council requested a more detailed presentation at a later date.
• D.2 – Regional Trails Update: Parks and Recreation Director Steve Richardson, joined by Forest Service representative Angela Abel, provided an update. Key highlights:
  • Two trailheads (Cypress and Granite Dells) are in design; 95% permit drawings completed March 19, final construction documents due May 7. Fundraising and grant applications (e.g., ADOT TA grant with 5% match) are planned.
  • The Boulder Area Trail System: existing social trails have been adopted; a $100,000 maintenance grant is being used; new trail construction pending additional funding.
  • Pine/Strawberry trails: over 5,000 volunteer hours in 2025, new trails being built (Strawberry Mountain Trail, B-line trail).
  • Ubuntu Trail at the Event Center: a mountain‑bike‑specific trail (named by staff member Rickus Grobler, meaning “I am because we are”) is 98% complete. Ribbon‑cutting ceremony rescheduled to April 17, 2026 at 1:30 p.m., ahead of the NICA Mountain Bike State Championship (April 18). The trail is directional with loops and features for varying skill levels.
  • A new 18‑hole disc golf course will open with a ribbon‑cutting on April 10, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.; built in‑house for $13,000.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2026-017 – Acquisition of 1700 N Dogie Circle: The resolution would authorize the town to acquire the property by donation, purchase, or eminent domain for flooding remediation. Town Attorney Christina Estes-Werther explained that the resolution starts a statutory process requiring a court hearing; the town cannot exceed fair market value due to gift clause constraints. The town previously made an offer above appraised value, which was denied. June Dudley provided historical context about a prior mayor threatening condemnation in 2007. The council unanimously voted (7–0) to move into executive session for legal advice. Upon reconvening, the council voted 7–0 to table the resolution to allow mediation with the property owners, which opposing counsel indicated could occur within the next week.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 7–0.
• Resolution 2026-017 tabled 7–0 to pursue mediation.
• Staff directed to follow up on code enforcement complaint (Arabian and McLane property).
• Future comprehensive presentation on Vialytics requested.
• Ribbon‑cutting dates set: disc golf April 10 (9 a.m.) and Ubuntu Trail April 17 (1:30 p.m.).
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:01 p.m.