Public Meetings - Payson, Arizona

The Payson Common Council held its regular meeting on October 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. per the agenda, in the Town Hall Council Chambers, 303 N. Beeline Highway, Payson, Arizona. All seven council members were present. The council approved a consent agenda, heard a magistrate-court ordinance, received public testimony on a proposed manufactured-home rezoning, discussed emergency-clause policy, and held an executive session related to a Payson Golf Club agreement. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda 7-0, including: (B.1) minutes of the September 9 and October 14, 2026 regular meetings; and (B.2) the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Pension Funding Policy decision request submitted by Finance Director Dave Christian. Public Comments & Testimony - During Call to the Public, Tom Dunning described himself as a 'perennial gadfly.' He praised town operations but urged the council to avoid ideological decisions that cost taxpayers, to keep residents informed, and to use merit-based hiring rather than a 'crony system.' - Gary Cordell appeared via Zoom and deferred his comments to agenda item F.1. - During the F.1 public hearing, Gary Cordell, a Wildwood subdivision homeowner and realtor, opposed the rezoning. He argued that changing established zoning would harm surrounding property values and buyer confidence, and suggested the applicant consider a Habitat for Humanity-style leased-land ownership model that could preserve existing zoning. - Also during the F.1 public hearing, Mark Wolski, a nearby homeowner, opposed the proposal. He cited concerns about independent traffic and property-value studies, the project being a 'glorified mobile home,' the applicant's lack of a current certificate of occupancy for earlier changes, a history of paying fines rather than completing promised fixes, and the applicant's framing that the project was 'better than the alternative.' Ceremonial and Current Events - The Town Manager reported that the town sold its bonds the prior week and would use the proceeds to pay off $20 million in outstanding Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) debt, with a plan to retire the debt within 10 years. - The Town Manager announced Tiffany Brown-Carcroft, code enforcement officer, as Employee of the Year. - Council members praised the Parks and Recreation Department for a successful Halloween event and setup. Hearings and Ordinances - F.2 — First public hearing, Ordinance No. 2026-110: Staff presented a proposal to amend Payson Town Code Title III, Chapter 34, Section 34.02(C) to allow appointment of the town magistrate for a term of up to four years instead of two, aligning with the four-year justice of the peace term. No action was taken; the second public hearing and the magistrate agreement were scheduled for November 10, 2026, with any new contract to begin January 1, 2027. No public comments were made on this item. - F.1 — Second public hearing, Ordinance No. 2026-109: The ordinance would rezone approximately 26.85 acres at 1504 W. Country Club Drive (Gila County Parcel No. 304-13-001F) from R-3 multi-family residential to Planned Area Development with a Manufactured Home overlay for a 125-lot detached single-family manufactured-home community. At the start of the item, council members requested to move it until after H.4 because the same applicant was involved in an existing development agreement; the mayor agreed to take it up after executive session. Following the F.1 public testimony, the council voted 6-1 to postpone the item to a later date. New Business and Discussion Items - H.1 — Waste Collection Agreement: Capital Improvements Director Kyle Christiansen presented the Group One waste collection and disposal contract for town facilities following an RFP. The staff recommendation was to award the contract to Waste Management of Northern Arizona/Arizona. A question from the audience clarified that the contract covers town-owned facilities and curbside pickup, not all trash service in Payson; multiple private haulers remain available to residents. The council voted 7-0 to award the contract in the amount of $63,827.30 per year. - H.2 — Professional Services Agreement with Collaborative Partnerships LLC: The council removed this item and postponed it to a future meeting with no action. - H.3 — Emergency Clause Policy Discussion: Council Members Jim Ferris and Charlie Bell requested that the council define an 'emergency' for purposes of the emergency clause, citing Arizona Constitution Article 4, Part 1, Sections 2 and 8, and Arizona Revised Statutes Title 19, Section 142. They argued that past emergency clauses were used for bonds rather than true emergencies, that residents' referendum rights should be protected, and that interest-rate changes should not be treated as an emergency. The Town Attorney advised that Payson, as a general-law town, follows state statute; that ARS 19-142 governs referendum signature calculations and emergency clauses; that invoking the emergency clause requires a supermajority vote of six of seven council members; that courts defer to elected officials' judgment; and that she was not aware of other towns adopting a separate definition. Several council members opposed changing the current approach, stating that the statute is sufficient, that prior bonds met the peace, health, and safety test, and that a locally written definition could create legal risk. One council member mentioned that Stifel had indicated using the emergency clause for the recent $20 million bond could have locked in a 5.44% interest rate sooner, rather than the higher rate ultimately received. No formal action was taken; the consensus direction was to leave the emergency-clause process under state statute. - H.4 — Payson Golf Club Escrow and Funding Agreement: The council voted to enter executive session with six votes in favor and one abstention under A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3), (4), and (7) for legal advice and real-property negotiation discussions. Upon returning to open session, the council reported that no action was necessary on H.4. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - Waste collection contract awarded to Waste Management for $63,827.30 per year, 7-0. - Ordinance 2026-110 scheduled for a second public hearing on November 10, 2026. - Ordinance 2026-109 postponed to a later date by a 6-1 vote. - H.2 postponed to a future meeting without action. - H.3 resulted in no formal action; council consensus was against creating a new emergency definition. - H.4 produced no action; executive session completed. - The meeting adjourned after the F.1 postponement vote.

The Payson Town Council held its regular meeting on October 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers, 303 N. Beeline Highway, Payson, Arizona. All council members were present. The agenda included the consent agenda, public comments, presentations from Habitat for Humanity and BrainCo, procurement and zoning actions, the town manager's employment agreement, a traffic-control discussion, and an executive session on a property acquisition. The council approved consent items, Resolution 2026-044, the S.A.V.E. agreement, and the town manager's contract amendment; took no final action on the first-reading zoning ordinance; and directed staff on multiple follow-up items. Consent Calendar - Approved the September 23, 2026 regular meeting minutes. - Approved a Bridging Agreement with Advance Network Management, Inc. under State of Arizona Contract No. CTR059864 for the Hyper-V Server Infrastructure Upgrade supporting Public Safety, Finance, and Water systems. - Approved Resolution No. 2026-043, authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona for the Rumsey Park PFAS Treatment Facility. - Item B.4, the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Pension Funding Policy, was removed from the consent agenda because typos were found; it will return at a future meeting. - The consent agenda passed 7-0. Current Events & Announcements - The Town Manager reported the town is developing a new website, held leadership training for staff, and would promote Payson's new trails at an upcoming international bikers event in Sedona. - A council member was recognized by the League of Arizona Cities for eight years of service on the Payson Town Council. Public Comments & Testimony - Pat Lockwood, a Payson resident since 2021, expressed strong support for selling the town-owned Malibu property to Wild Horse Hospitality for a luxury RV and cabin resort, arguing the property has been vacant for about 18 years and the town should not reject a viable funded proposal. She said affordable housing could be better located in the downtown area and called for selling at fair value with strong development protections. - Vicky Penwell urged the council to update town code and park rules to exclude battery-powered remote-control boats, other than sailboats, from Green Valley Lake, saying they are faster and louder than permitted uses and can disturb protected migratory birds and wildlife. - Michael R. Fox, a retired police officer, criticized the reported police arrest of a 90-year-old man, saying it appeared to be a common-sense and accountability issue rather than training; he also said he knew only what he had read in the papers. - Tom Dunning, a 21-year Payson resident, asked council and staff to over-explain agenda items, citing concerns about the pension funding policy being on the consent agenda, the procurement policy change, and the property acquisition under H.4. - Mike Quinn opposed the Malibu RV resort proposal, saying the town could use land near the rodeo grounds instead and should plan carefully. He referenced a rough calculation of $450,000 per acre multiplied by 20 acres and compared preserving Malibu land to Central Park. - During the F.2 public hearing, Payson resident Eric Bean, who lives on the golf course, said he would prefer an 18-hole course but that the applicant's alternative is far better than what could otherwise be built under current zoning; he raised concerns about traffic and lighting but appreciated the lower-density proposal. Discussion Items - Habitat for Humanity presentation: Paul Edwards of the Rim Country Housing Coalition introduced Eric Wolverton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona. Wolverton presented the starter home model: 500-650 square foot homes, $1,000 down payment, 0% interest loans, total monthly payments not exceeding $1,100, and about $833 per month in equity savings. Homes are deed restricted and sold back to Habitat between 3 and 10 years, with payouts of $30,000 at 3 years, $50,000 at 5 years, and $100,000 at 10 years. He asked the town to consider placing about three acres of the 21-acre Malibu property into a land trust and said a $30 per month land lease per home would provide ongoing revenue. He also asked the town to consider an incentive policy for tap, sewer, and permitting fees. He stated the program serves families earning below 80% of area median income, uses third-party HOAs, and is already developing a 40-home neighborhood in Flagstaff and two pilot homes in Payson on Presbyterian Church property. Council members asked about income qualification, financing, age-in-place options, HOA oversight, and the town's infrastructure responsibilities. - BrainCo presentation: Staff introduced BrainCo, an AI company proposing a permitting pilot. Representatives said the platform offers an applicant-facing pre-submission completeness check and an internal review tool that evaluates plans against codes and identifies cross-document inconsistencies. The pilot is free and requires about 8-10 hours of staff time over 3-4 months; future costs could be $10-$100 per permit, a technology fee, or an annual software agreement. They cited anecdotal statistics of 70-90% incomplete applications and U.S. time savings of roughly 50-60%, and said the system keeps a human in the loop. Council members expressed interest in piloting and asked about consistency, liability, cost, and integration with existing systems. - Resolution 2026-044 - Procurement Policy 504: Finance Director Dave Christian presented amendments aligning purchase-order thresholds with town manager authorization thresholds. Council discussion noted the amendments were cleanup and did not increase spending limits. The resolution passed 7-0. - Ordinance 2026-109 first public hearing: Staff reviewed a request by Bowman Consulting Group on behalf of Payson Golf and Country Club LLC to rezone approximately 26.85 acres at 1504 W. Country Club Drive (Gila County Parcel No. 304-13-001F) from R-3 to Planned Area Development with a manufactured home overlay for a 125-lot detached single-family manufactured-home community. The proposal includes four home plans of about 1,000-1,300 square feet, 30% open space, private streets, a nine-hole golf course, pool and fitness amenities, and modifications to lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking. Staff reported a neighborhood meeting on August 19, 2026, and a Planning and Zoning Commission vote of 5-1 on October 5, 2026, recommending approval with 12 conditions. Tonight was first reading only; second reading and action are scheduled for October 28, 2026. - H.1 S.A.V.E. Procurement Services agreement: Capital Improvements Director Kyle Christiansen presented the Strategic Alliance for Volume Expenditures cooperative purchasing program, offered at no cost through the city of Mesa. The agreement allows Payson to piggyback on contracts already procured by other Arizona public agencies, potentially saving time and cost. Council approved entering the agreement 7-0. - H.2 Town Manager employment agreement amendment: The amendment extends the town manager's contract by one year to July 1, 2028, provides a 2.88% salary increase from $198,000 to $203,702.40 retroactive to July 1, and increases the housing allowance by $1,300 per month to $2,800 per month. Council approved the amendment. - H.3 Four-way stop sign at Main Street and Green Valley Parkway: Staff presented a Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices warrant analysis recommending against a four-way stop. Data showed no crashes in the last two and a half years, four crashes in the last three and a half years, an east-west to north-south volume split of roughly 5-to-1 in the AM peak and 4-to-1 in the PM peak, and 13 pedestrian/bicycle crossings observed during two hours. Council discussed school traffic, park users, pedestrian safety, and possible crosswalk or warning-sign alternatives. No formal vote was taken; staff was directed to look into options such as a crossing sign or a crosswalk west of the intersection. - H.4 Property acquisition near Gila Community College: Council voted to enter executive session for legal advice and direction on negotiations regarding real property adjacent to Gila Community College along Highway 260. After the closed session, council voted to direct town staff to proceed as discussed in executive session on the property listed on the agenda. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 7-0, with B.4 pulled. - Resolution No. 2026-044 approved 7-0. - S.A.V.E. Procurement Services agreement approved 7-0. - Town Manager contract amendment approved. - Ordinance 2026-109 will return for second reading and possible action on October 28, 2026. - Staff to investigate crosswalk and warning-sign alternatives near Main Street and Green Valley Parkway; no four-way stop was approved. - Council directed town staff to proceed on the Gila Community College-adjacent property acquisition as discussed in executive session.

The Payson Planning & Zoning Commission met on October 5, 2026, in the Town Hall Council Chambers at 303 North Beeline Highway, Payson, Arizona, scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. per the agenda. Roll call showed six commissioners present and one unexcused absence. The commission approved prior meeting minutes, held a public hearing on a request to rezone about 26.85 acres near the Payson Golf & Country Club, and received staff updates on future agenda items. Minutes Approval - The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the September 14, 2026, meeting by voice vote after a motion and second. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert De Bell, a 40-year resident and real estate broker, opposed the project, saying it looked like a commercial manufactured-home park and would not benefit local workers, builders, or sales-tax revenue; he preferred site-built homes. - Eric Bean, a resident near the golf course, appreciated the lower building height but raised traffic and light-pollution concerns, asked about dark-sky lighting and street widening, and said traffic should be handled before approval. - Melissa Durbin raised concerns about traffic, storm water, and lighting, and cited a high-density small-home development in Pine Strawberry with one-way, limited access. - Bob McQueen, a Fairway Lane resident and commercial broker, said he did not oppose the project, but cautioned the town against imposing costly off-site road requirements that could discourage development. - Dorothy Gosard expressed significant concern about added traffic on two-lane roads, evacuation capacity, and access via Vista and Doll Baby Ranch Road. - Ashley Bean asked that the 55-plus occupancy be made a binding zoning requirement if lots remain very small, because small lots lack family play areas and children could end up in public streets. - Aaron Hutton, who lives on Doll Baby Ranch Road, supported the zone change because a 20-foot single-family neighborhood would be better than a 45-foot condo building and would preserve views and quiet. - Al Capestrant asked whether residents on leased lots would pay real estate taxes and expressed concern about 250 additional cars and fire evacuation on narrow streets. - Bart Walski, speaking online, cited the area's 1977 no-mobile-homes zoning notation, argued the staff report showed the project was not compatible with surrounding subdivisions, and requested independent property-value and traffic studies and clarity on whether the project was aimed at East Valley second-home buyers or long-term local seniors. Discussion Items - Staff presented case P26-002, a request by Bowman Consulting, on behalf of Bob Jackson and Payson Golf & Country Club LLC, to change the zoning at 1504 W Country Club Drive (tax parcel 304-13-001F) from R-3 Multiple-Family Residential to Planned Area Development with a Manufactured Home Overlay. The project would create a 125-lot, gated, single-family manufactured-home community with a maximum density of 4.8 dwelling units per acre. Applicant representatives Hunter Callender and Bob Jackson presented the proposal. - Staff noted the applicant completed the required citizen participation process: 121 notification letters were mailed, and a neighborhood meeting was held on August 19 with 50 to 60 residents. The primary concerns raised were potential impacts on property values, preservation of the golf course, and traffic congestion. - Proposed development standards include a minimum lot size of 3,920 square feet, minimum lot dimensions of 49 by 80 feet, 10-foot front and rear setbacks, 5-foot side setbacks, maximum lot coverage of 60%, maximum building height of 20 feet, and no accessory structures. Staff compared this with R-3 standards that generally require 6,000-square-foot lots, allow 50% lot coverage, and allow up to 45-foot buildings. - The project includes private 30-foot streets, no internal sidewalks, about 30% open space (roughly eight acres), a multi-use trail along Doll Baby Ranch Road, and resident amenities such as a pool and fitness area. The applicant described it as a 55-plus community with no short-term rentals; staff and the town attorney noted the PAD documents do not currently make the age restriction a zoning requirement and that lease and ownership details are generally outside the commission's purview. - The applicant said the zone change was needed because the proposed manufactured-home product is not permitted under the existing R-3 zoning and to reduce the permitted height from 45 feet to 20 feet; site-built homes had not attracted builder interest. - During discussion, commissioners raised concerns about land ownership and lease security if the property is sold, the definition of long-term leases, affordability, traffic, and the reason for the zone change. The applicant said the land would probably be leased rather than sold, described lease terms at different points as three to five years with renewals and as 10 to 30 years or more, estimated home prices at roughly $240,000 to $250,000, and estimated monthly lease, property-tax, and amenity payments at $800 to $900. The applicant also stated the project could have a $75 million to $100 million economic impact and that the owner has absorbed about $150,000 per year in golf-course losses. He said the property was not currently for sale, but interest from large builders in site-built homes had been limited. - Staff said its approval recommendation was based on legal consistency with the General Plan and applicable codes, not a choice between projects. Staff said a traffic study was not included with this application and would be reviewed during the later subdivision and civil-review process. Staff's recommendation was approval with 12 conditions, including caps of 125 lots and 4.8 dwelling units per acre, a minimum 30% open space, parking requirements, an HOA or equivalent maintenance mechanism, permanent foundations for manufactured homes, and a requirement that substantial PAD changes go through town review. Future Agenda & Staff Information - No commissioner requests for future agenda items were made. Staff indicated there were no official applications ready for November, with potential December items including a code amendment and a conditional use permit for a gas-station expansion. Staff also mentioned an upcoming comprehensive UDC update and noted status updates for U-Haul, Circle K, and Juniper Pines projects. Key Outcomes - After closing the public hearing, the commission voted 5 to 1 to recommend approval of P26-002 to the Payson Town Council, subject to the 12 staff-recommended conditions of approval. One commissioner dissented. Several members who voted yes expressed reservations about leased-land ownership and traffic but said the proposal was preferable to a taller, denser R-3 development and could help sustain the golf course. The Town Council will make the final zoning decision.

The Town of Payson Common Council met for its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, beginning at approximately 4:01 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers, 303 North Beeline Highway, Payson, Arizona. Mayor Stephen Otto presided. All seven council members were present, with Vice Mayor Susan "Suzy" Tubbs appearing via Zoom and Council Member Scott Nossek arriving at approximately 4:03 p.m. Staff present included Town Manager Darren Coldwell and Town Attorney Christina Estes-Werther. The Council took public comments, received a Town Manager update on economic development advertising, and voted unanimously to enter executive session on three new business items. The meeting recessed at approximately 5:01 p.m., reconvened at approximately 7:26 p.m., and adjourned at approximately 7:27 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Dunning, a 21-year resident, spoke in support of female town staff, urging the Town to commit to vetting, programs, rules, and education to prevent sexual harassment. - Robert Hirschberger, a 22-year resident, spoke in favor of using a strip of town-owned land east of Town Hall for 20–30 affordable workforce homes through Habitat for Humanity, calling that the "highest and best use" rather than a luxury RV resort. - Dave Mansfield suggested the Town issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the Malibu property and conduct a traffic study, saying the resident-purchased asset warranted further analysis and that the RV proposal did not appear to be the highest and best use. - Robert Decker, speaking on behalf of the Rim Wildfire Awareness Team (RIMWAT), urged personal responsibility and emergency preparedness, and invited the public to a Red Cross training at the Payson Public Library on September 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. - Darlene Younker Delage praised Town Manager Darren Coldwell and encouraged Council to extend his contract; she supported the sale of the Malibu property to Wildhorse Hospitality, saying the proposal repays more than the Town paid for the land. - Margie Oldencamp, an airport hangar operator, joined the call for an RFP and opposed selling the Malibu parcel for a luxury RV resort, emphasizing the need for appraisals and a fair, open process for public property. - Patricia Gill opposed the luxury RV resort without in-depth public debate and asked that studies and resident input guide a broader look at town needs, including housing and public services. - Ralph Townsend requested review of a town policy requiring people to consume or discard bottled water before leaving a town event, arguing it violates Arizona constitutional protections of property and liberty and should include clear notice. - Paul Edwards requested a future agenda presentation on an affordable-housing project on the Malibu property, noting that affordable housing and a luxury RV resort are not mutually exclusive; Vice Mayor Tubbs and Council Member Dallin Haws asked that the item be added to a future agenda. - Sharon Arnst provided statistics favoring a recreation center on the town-owned land over an RV resort, including that a recreation center produces four to five times more economic activity per dollar invested, and that every $1 million invested in outdoor recreation infrastructure generates $4.5 million in economic activity and increases nearby business foot traffic by up to 18 percent. - Pam Chittenden opposed the sale of the Malibu property, urging instead that it be used for an improved Town services campus and affordable housing. - Leoni Dobbins asked the Town to ban radio-controlled boats at Green Valley Park, saying they disturb wildlife, including Canada geese, and violate town code. - Michael Fox said the Police Department had failed to enforce town code because of a misinterpretation regarding battery-powered boats, and requested increased evening police presence at Green Valley Park; Council Member Charlie Bell asked to discuss the matter with staff. - Mike Quinn presented a conceptual drawing for putting an RV park near the Event Center/rodeo grounds instead of on the Malibu property, and suggested combining affordable housing with a recreation center to save money. - Charlie Seraphin offered a vote of confidence for Town Manager Coldwell, describing hiring as an "inexact science" and saying Coldwell had done an excellent job. - Pat Lockwood, via Zoom, supported Darren Coldwell and the sale of the Malibu property for a luxury RV resort, noting the property had been for sale for 18 years and that Payson is a tourism community. Current Events Presentation - Town Manager Darren Coldwell reported on Economic Development advertising campaigns, including commercials, social media, display and print ads, and sports-related advertising. He noted that local sales tax increased by over $800,000 last year and that tax receipts are up about 3 percent so far this year, and reported that the campaigns reached more than 171 million people. New Business and Executive Session - H.1 – Town Parcels 304-02-015W and 304-02-015X ("the Property") and Wildhorse Hospitality LLC's proposal for a Luxury RV and Cabin Resort were discussed. After executive session, Council Member Dallin Haws noted that no decisions were made on H.1. - H.2 – Pinnacle Propane/Alliant Gas operations: Council Member Dallin Haws moved, seconded by Council Member Charlie Bell, to direct staff as discussed in executive session. The motion carried 6–0, with Vice Mayor Tubbs not voting. - H.3 – Town Manager employment/annual performance evaluation: Council Member Brett Flaherty moved, seconded by Council Member Jim Ferris, to direct Town Attorney Christina Estes-Werther to move forward with details discussed in executive session to extend Town Manager Darren Coldwell's contract for a third year. The motion carried 6–0, with Vice Mayor Tubbs not voting. Key Outcomes - The Council voted 7–0 to recess into executive session to discuss H.1, H.2, and H.3 for legal advice and other authorized purposes. The executive session lasted from approximately 5:01 p.m. to 7:26 p.m. - On H.3, the Council directed the Town Attorney to extend Town Manager Darren Coldwell's contract for a third year (6–0). - On H.2, the Council directed staff as discussed in executive session (6–0). - No decision was made on H.1, the Malibu property/Wildhorse Hospitality proposal. - Council Member Bell requested a follow-up with Town Manager Coldwell regarding Green Valley Park enforcement concerns raised in public comment. - The Council agreed to place Paul Edwards' affordable-housing presentation on a future agenda, with the request indicating the October 14, 2026, Council meeting.

The Payson Town Council met in regular session on September 9, 2026, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers, 303 North Beeline Highway, Payson, Arizona. The agenda and materials date the meeting to 2026; the transcript's opening recitation says '2025,' which appears to be a transcription error. The council handled consent items, heard extensive public comment, received a Main Street mixed-use presentation, conducted two public hearings, approved updated building codes and naming resolutions, and tabled a property proposal to the next meeting. Consent Calendar - The council approved consent items B.1 (minutes for the August 4 and August 12, 2026 council meetings) and B.3 (Resolution 2026-040, adopting the Town of Payson Title VI Plan) by a 7-0 vote. - Item B.2 was removed at the mayor's request for separate discussion. Finance Director David Christian explained that negative balances in several funds are routine fund-accounting housekeeping: the general fund temporarily covers accounts that later receive revenue, such as the library fund, which was negative $160,000 pending county revenue; wildlands accounts awaiting reimbursements; and the airport fund, which is supplemented by an annual general fund transfer budgeted around $250,000. The council approved the transfer by a 7-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - A resident suggested building a motocross track to attract summer family tourism and revenue, and advocated removing street lights and using roundabouts to address traffic. - Richard Wayon opposed Flock automated license plate readers, arguing the program used taxpayer money to surveil residents, violated the Fourth, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments, and functioned as a government bailout for a private company. - Bob Decker, with RIMRA (Rim Wildfire Awareness Team), reported that the Red Cross is beginning a partnership to prepare safety centers for APS public safety power shutoffs and wildfire evacuations; he noted Payson and Star Valley have no publicly published evacuation plan. - Isaac Blake urged the council to weigh public-safety consequences before removing Flock, citing a February case in which a 73-year-old man kissed a 17-year-old employee and was identified using Flock; he acknowledged legitimate privacy concerns and asked for strong safeguards if such technology is used. - Ralph Townsend supported the town's announced decision to discontinue Flock but asked the council to publicly confirm who authorized the termination, whether notice was given to Flock, whether additional payments are owed, when all 18 cameras will be deactivated and removed, and what data deletion, certification, and audit records will be provided. - Paul Edwards and Robert Hirschberger, representing the Rim Country Housing Coalition, urged the council not to rush to sell the 21-acre Malibu property for a luxury resort; they asked that part of the land be dedicated to affordable/workforce housing and noted that quadrant of town also lacks park space. - Pam Chittenden and Sharon Arnst opposed selling the Malibu property, arguing it should be retained for future municipal buildings, affordable housing, or a community recreation center; both called rehabilitating Taylor Pool cost-ineffective. - Mike Quinn said the property should be bid out, noted the town may need land for a future fire department, and suggested combining recreation space with affordable housing; he supported finding another location for the proposed RV resort. - Sin Stratton thanked the council for ending the Flock contract and urged that cameras be covered or disabled immediately until removed, warning that future surveillance would violate public trust. - Jeff Robbins criticized recent decisions as lacking public engagement, opposed selling the Malibu property and spending millions to rehabilitate a 35-year-old pool, and asked for a public poll or forum. The mayor responded that an advertised public meeting at the library for a zoning change drew no community members. Discussion Items - Kyle Christiansen, Director of Capital Improvements, introduced the Main Street mixed-use RFP. Jim Hammett, CEO of White Mountain Advisory LLC, presented the sole response: a walkable district around the American Gulch with a town square, food and beverage options, arts and culture, and a 10,000-12,000 square foot market hall. Adjacent property owners could make a combined 5.5-6 acre development possible. Hammett said the next step is due diligence at no cost to the town and that this proposal does not include housing; White Mountain is separately pursuing multifamily housing on other sites. Councilmembers commented that the land assembly and gulch engineering are now advanced enough to make this effort different from past attempts. - Public Works and Community Development Director Doni Wilbanks reported year-to-date statistics: 22 development services reviews, 318 closed code cases, 103 active code cases, 23 in court, 51 zoning applications, 236 building permits issued, and 587 business licenses processed. Streets accomplishments included 1.2 miles of roadway improved, more than 19,000 square feet of ADA sidewalk, 26 ADA ramps, 19,700 square yards of pavement reconstruction, and more than 1,500 linear feet of storm drain installed. The streets crew of 10 plus 2 mechanics maintains 110 lane miles, and 143 work orders have been completed since January 1. Upcoming work includes Safeway entrance improvements, about five miles of pavement preservation, American Gulch/Sunset Strip design completion, the drainage master plan update, Green Valley Parkway, and parking lot/trailhead improvements. - In current events, the mayor reported that the town received a Standard & Poor's bond rating of AA- (double A minus) and that he signed the document discontinuing Flock service as of October 8, 2026, with no further access to Flock data. The initial Flock grant required council approval, but cancellation was an administrative action. Hearings and Appeals - E.1 Liquor License: The council opened and closed a public hearing with no comments on the Acquisition of Control Series 10 Liquor License application filed by Andrea Dahlman Lewkowitz, agent for Walgreen Arizona Drug Co., 100 South Beeline Highway, Payson. The council voted 6-0, with one absent, to recommend approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor. Resolutions and Ordinances - F.1 Updated Building Codes: At the second public hearing, no public comments were received. Staff said the adoption updates the town from the 2018 International Codes and 2017 national code to the 2024 International Codes and 2023 national code. The Building Advisory Board voted 5-0 to recommend adoption. The town will allow a transition period through December 31, 2026, with compliance with the new codes required beginning January 1, 2027. The council approved Ordinance 2026-105 and Resolution 2026-032, each by a 6-0 vote with one absent. The resolution is required because publishing lengthy code documents would be extraordinarily expensive; it declares the code documents public records. - F.2 Ted Pettet Field: The council approved Resolution 2026-041 naming Rumsey 3 Ballfield 'Ted Pettet Field.' Payson Little League President Nicole Wilbanks requested the honor for Ted Pettet, the town's first mayor and longtime educator, coach, and civic leader. The petition received more than 100 signatures and the Parks and Recreation Commission voted 7-0 on August 5, 2026. The league now has more than 200 players. Vote: 6-0 with one absent. The agenda and resolution use 'Pettet,' while the transcript sometimes spells the surname 'Pettit.' - F.3 Bill Armstrong Arena: The council approved Resolution 2026-042 naming the main arena at the Payson Event Center 'Bill Armstrong Arena.' Bill Armstrong served more than 50 years in rodeo and western tradition, including 40 years as rodeo boss, and was instrumental in moving the rodeo grounds and creating the Gary Hart Memorial Rodeo. The naming applies only to the arena, preserving future naming rights for the event center. Vote: 6-0 with one absent. Key Outcomes - Consent items B.1 and B.3 approved 7-0; consent item B.2 approved 7-0 after separate discussion. - Walgreens Series 10 liquor license recommendation approved 6-0 with one absent. - Ordinance 2026-105 and Resolution 2026-032 both approved 6-0 with one absent. - Resolution 2026-041 (Ted Pettet Field) approved 6-0 with one absent. - Resolution 2026-042 (Bill Armstrong Arena) approved 6-0 with one absent. - The Flock Camera System agenda item had been removed from the agenda on September 5, 2026, so no action was taken. - Item H.3, concerning Town Parcels 304-02-015W and 304-02-015X and Wildhorse Hospitality LLC's luxury RV and cabin resort proposal, was tabled to the next regular meeting so the absent councilmember could participate. Councilmembers withdrew the motion to enter executive session, and the developer's representative was described as amenable to the delay.

The Payson Town Council held a regular meeting on August 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Stephen Otto presided, and all seven council members were present. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for two Payson residents who died in a plane crash earlier that week. Key actions included approval of consent agenda items, three restaurant liquor licenses, a bond refinancing resolution (with amendments), a CDBG grant application, and allocation of $190,000 from council contingency funds for an affordable housing project. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting minutes for June 24, July 8 (regular), and June 30 (special) 2026. - Resolution 2026-031 authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with Gila County for centralized management of 9-1-1 grant funds. - Resolution 2026-033 authorizing application for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona. - Resolution 2026-037 authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with Star Valley for coordinated Community Development Block Grant applications. - Resolution 2026-038 adopting a Fair Housing Policy affirming the town’s commitment to fair housing. - Resolution 2026-039 authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with Star Valley for code enforcement services. Public Comments & Testimony - Tom Dunning: Encouraged the council to provide transparent and understandable information to the public regarding the potential refurbishing of Taylor Pool. - Pat Lockwood: Requested that council direct staff to require Payson Concrete to hold a second public hearing regarding a potential zoning change for parcel 302-23-041, citing inadequate venue and unanswered questions for the more than 100 attendees. - Robert Decker (Rim Wildfire Awareness Team): Supported town funding and support for fire hardening codes and urged proactive wildfire education. - Ralph Townsend: Opposed the use of taxpayer funds for League of Cities and Towns dues, arguing the league protects municipal corporations rather than voter interests, and requested review and disclosure of league positions. - Lori Thompson: Supported a practical, reasonable pool that could be used for swim lessons and competitions, citing drowning statistics and noting that Payson’s high school team has only 45 swimmers due to pool limitations. - Jeff Robbins: Provided documents suggesting creation of a clean city commission and adoption of code compliance requirements similar to Star Valley, noting the current code is convoluted and enforcement takes too long. - Richard Weland: Opposed emergency clauses for bond issues and higher taxes, supported business growth and public accountability. - Charmaine Gurule: Opposed the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, arguing it undermines community values. Discussion Items - D.1 / H.1 – Woda Cooper Low Income Housing Tax Credit Project (Union Park Lofts): Omer Serig, Assistant Vice President of Development at Woda Cooper Companies, presented an update following the town’s earlier approval of tax breaks and fee waivers in March 2026. The project received tax credit reservation from the Arizona Department of Housing (selected from 37 applications, 11 awarded, 4 in rural counties). The proposed 74-unit community (19 one-bedroom, 39 two-bedroom, 16 three-bedroom) at 409 Beeline Highway will target workforce households earning 30%-60% of area median income ($20,000-$58,000 annually), with monthly rents ranging from $400-$950. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for January-March 2027, with a 14-month construction period and pre-leasing in early 2028. The council discussed the need to allocate $190,000 from the Council Contingency Fund (as previously directed) to cover near-term costs; the sales tax waiver will be a later reimbursement. A motion to approve the use of contingency funds up to $190,000 passed 7-0. (The presentation followed the funding decision.) - D.2 – Code Enforcement Presentation: Code Compliance Specialist Tiffany Brown-Cocroft provided an overview of code enforcement processes, policies, and legal frameworks (Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments, curtilage). She explained how violations are identified (complaint-driven, officer observation, limited proactive enforcement) and the step-by-step enforcement process (complaint intake, investigation within 5 business days, notice of violation with 30-day compliance period, reinspection, escalation). She clarified that code enforcement does not handle interior conditions, personal disputes, HOA rules, or aesthetic preferences. The goal is compliance through education and support, not punishment. Council discussion explored the “Clean to Compliance” program (grants for disabled/low-income residents), community dumpster events (currently once per year due to budget), and the need for more CDBG funding for housing rehab. The town currently enforces the 2018 codes; a new International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) from the proposed 2024 code update would allow interior habitability enforcement. - E.1 – AI Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar Liquor License: Public hearing opened and closed with no comments. Motion to approve the Series 012 Restaurant Liquor License passed 7-0. - E.2 – Chicken Time Liquor License: Public hearing opened and closed with no comments. Motion to approve passed 7-0. - E.3 – Fargo’s Liquor License: Public hearing opened and closed with no comments. Motion to approve passed 7-0. - F.1 – Resolution 2026-034 (PSPRS Bond Refinancing): Zach Sakas of Greenberg Traurig and Jack Leeper of Stifel presented options to refinance the town’s Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) obligation. Three term options (10, 15, 20 years) were discussed; the 20-year was dismissed. Council debated amendments to limit the interest rate cap to 6.25% and the term to 11 years (to align with the original 2017 intention of retiring the debt). The motion stated “not to exceed an 11-year term after initial execution and not to exceed 6.25%.” The resolution does not contain an emergency clause, so the effective date is September 11, 2026 (30 days after adoption). Motion carried 7-0. - F.2 – Resolution 2026-036 (CDBG Grant Application): Andrea Robles, Executive Director of Central Arizona Governments (CAG), explained the second public hearing to select a project for fiscal year 2026-2027 CDBG funds. The town expects approximately $187,208. Three projects were proposed at the first hearing (July 20, 2026): town sidewalk/curb ADA improvements, ADA park improvements, and ADA library improvements. No public comments were received. The motion to approve the resolution authorizing submission of the application with these projects passed 7-0. - F.3 – First Public Hearing on Ordinance 2026-105 (International Building Codes): Doni Wilbanks, Public Works/Community Development Director, and Jerry Moore, Senior Plans Examiner, presented the proposed adoption of 2024 International Codes with local amendments, replacing the 2018 codes. The Building Advisory Board voted 5-0 to recommend approval. The slide summarizing changes (e.g., solar/battery storage, driveway materials) will be shared with council. A scrivener’s error in the caption (“BUSINESS REGULATIONS” instead of “BUILDING REGULATIONS”) was noted and will be corrected at the next hearing. No action was taken; a second public hearing will follow. - H.2 – Taylor Pool Rehabilitation & Renovation RFQ Discussion: Town Engineer Nathan Larsen presented responses to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design-build firms to rehabilitate Taylor Pool. Five firms submitted; the three highest-scoring were shortlisted: Chase Building Team, Core Construction, and Low Mountain Construction. The opinion of probable cost estimates varied widely due to different approaches (e.g., Low Mountain proposed building a shallower pool inside the existing structure, while Landmark proposed full demolition). The base rehab cost estimates ranged from approximately $7.8 million (Chase) to lower figures that may exclude overhead and profit. Council discussed the need to clarify features (leisure pool, 8- or 10-lane configuration, covered structure) and the procurement process (CMAR vs. design-bid-build). Town Attorney Matthew Podracky advised council members not to engage vendors outside public meetings to avoid appearances of impropriety. Staff will conduct interviews and bring firms back for council presentations before a selection is made. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0. - H.1 / D.1 – Woda Cooper Contingency Funds: Approved $190,000 from Council Contingency Fund (motion by Ferris, second by Haws), passed 7-0. - E.1 – AI Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar Liquor License: Approved (motion by Vice Mayor Tubbs, second by Haws), passed 7-0. - E.2 – Chicken Time Liquor License: Approved (motion by Flaherty, second by Bell), passed 7-0. - E.3 – Fargo’s Liquor License: Approved (motion by Vice Mayor Tubbs, second by Flaherty), passed 7-0. - F.1 – Resolution 2026-034: Approved as amended (11-year term, interest not to exceed 6.25%; motion by Vice Mayor Tubbs, second by Ferris), passed 7-0. Effective date September 11, 2026. - F.2 – Resolution 2026-036: Approved (motion by Vice Mayor Tubbs, second by Bell), passed 7-0. - F.3 – Ordinance 2026-105: First public hearing held; no action taken. Second public hearing scheduled. - H.2 – Taylor Pool: Staff will continue interviews and bring top firms to council for presentations; no decision made.

The Payson Town Council held a special meeting on August 4, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to canvass the returns from the July 21, 2026 primary election and declare the results. The meeting lasted approximately three minutes and concluded with a unanimous vote on Resolution 2026-035. Discussion Items - Town Clerk Tracie Bailey presented the canvass of election returns for the July 21, 2026 primary election. She reported that pursuant to A.R.S. §9-821.01, the majority of votes cast for mayor was 2,978. Brett Flaherty received 3,279 votes and Stephen Otto received 2,676 votes. Flaherty received the highest number and a majority of votes, qualifying him for a certificate of election for mayor. For council member, the majority was 2,730. Candidates Jesse Berry (2,651 votes), Bobby Lowry (2,968 votes), Benjamin McDowell (2,828 votes), Brooke Myers (2,734 votes), and Guy Fister (2,595 votes) ran. Lowry, McDowell, and Myers received the highest number and a majority of votes, earning certificates of election. Proposition 420 received 3,698 yes votes and 1,890 no votes and was approved. Key Outcomes - Motion: Council Member Jim Ferris moved to approve Resolution No. 2026-035, which canvasses the returns, declares the results, and issues certificates of election. Council Member Charlie Bell seconded. - Vote: The motion carried 7-0 (all members present: Mayor Stephen Otto, Vice Mayor Susan "Suzy" Tubbs, Council Members Charlie Bell, Jim Ferris, Brett Flaherty, Dallin Haws, and Scott Nossek). - The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:03 p.m.

The Town of Payson Common Council convened a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on August 4, 2026, in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The sole listed purpose was to canvass the July 21, 2026 Primary Election returns and consider Resolution No. 2026-035 declaring the results and issuing certificates of election. No official minutes were available, and the supplied raw transcript does not correspond to the advertised agenda. Agenda Items - Presentation of the canvass of election returns for the Town of Payson, Election of July 21, 2026. - Discussion/possible action concerning Resolution No. 2026-035: A resolution canvassing the returns, declaring the results of the July 21, 2026 Primary Election, issuing certificates of election, and authorizing all other actions necessary to carry out the resolution. Source Discrepancy - The provided raw transcription contains no references to the election canvass or Resolution No. 2026-035. Instead, it features an unrelated conversation about beekeeping, honeycomb frames, wax rendering, and a solar wax melter. This discrepancy is noted because the transcript does not match the meeting's stated purpose. Key Outcomes - Not available: no minutes or matching transcript content were provided to document council decisions, votes, or positions taken during the meeting.

The Payson Town Council met in regular session on July 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing, consent agenda items, reports, and discussion of a proposed luxury RV resort on town-owned parcels. The council debated the Library Service Agreement, approved a wildfire evacuation route study, and withdrew an ordinance to reduce public hearings. An executive session was held regarding the Malibu property. Consent Calendar - Items B.3, B.4, B.5 Approved Unanimously (7-0): - Resolution 2026-028 accepting dedication of right-of-way and improvements for Sawmill Crossing. - Resolution 2026-029 accepting dedication of streets, rights-of-way, and improvements for West Wilson Court. - Resolution 2026-030 authorizing the Chief of Police to execute an IGA with the Arizona Department of Public Safety for the Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM) State Gang Task Force. Public Comments & Testimony - Brooke Meyers commended staff for the Fourth of July event, opposed Item F.1 (ordinance change), and supported selling the Malibu property for development. - Jeff Robbins opposed Item F.1 and expressed concerns about the executive session regarding a development decision. - Lori Vanover spoke favorably about the library and urged approval of the Library Services Agreement; opposed the Malibu property sale, advocating for future town facilities or a park. - Carol Walsh supported the library, citing its programs and services. - Michael Fox commended the library and opposed defunding it. - Wendy Bellows opposed defunding the library and requested approval of funding. - Mike Quinn stated issues raised about the library were politically motivated and not valid; opposed the Malibu property sale and encouraged long-term planning. - Ralph Townsend opposed the League of Cities and Towns, Home Rule, and Flock Cameras, arguing they do not benefit the people. - Larry Sugarman supported the library, placed responsibility for monitoring children on parents, and requested approval of library funding. - Paul Edwards praised Green Valley Park and the library as the town's greatest assets and asked for support of Resolution 2026-026. - Clara Griffin emphasized parental rights to determine children's values and opposed defunding the library. - Matthew Burlando expressed concern about the Green Valley Parkway study based on the 2011 transportation plan; urged careful planning regarding nearby ancient ruins and supported the library as a prominent architectural asset. - Tom Dunning opposed any attack on the library and urged approval of funding. - Jerry Medina spoke in support of selling the Malibu property for a high-end RV resort, citing economic benefits. - John Rittennour (developer) reported the land was appraised by a third party and not currently considered for funded projects; encouraged consideration of similar projects in other towns. - Steve Oberholtzer (via Zoom) opposed the Malibu property sale and supported library funding. - Cheryl Genet expressed concern about AI creep and supported library funding to help manage AI usage. Discussion Items - B.1 Library Service Agreement (Resolution 2026-026): Council removed this from the consent agenda for discussion. Mayor Otto moved to table the item to obtain information on the Library Bill of Rights, specifically whether it could be stricken or amended to include age-appropriate materials in the children's section. The motion failed (2-4, with Council Member Ferris absent). Extensive discussion followed regarding the Bill of Rights, the librarian's discretion, and concerns about content. A motion to approve the resolution passed (4-2; Mayor Otto and Council Member Bell dissenting). - B.2 Wildfire Evacuation Route IGA (Resolution 2026-027): Staff reported on a $300,000 congressional award for scoping a route through Tonto National Forest and along the Payson Event Center, with a town match of $18,000–$20,000. The award expires September 2026. Council members noted concerns from residents about cultural ruins and traffic. The motion to approve passed (6-0; Ferris absent). - F.1 Ordinance No. 2026-108 (Reducing Ordinance Readings): This public hearing considered repealing the requirement for two separate public hearings for ordinances. Town Manager Coldwell described it as housekeeping, noting most communities have one hearing. Public commenter Tom Dunning opposed the change. Council members expressed mixed views, with many preferring to retain the two-hearing process. At council direction, the ordinance was withdrawn and will not proceed to a second reading. - H.1 Banking Services Award (Council Decision Request): Director of Capital Improvements Kyle Christiansen presented the recommendation to award a professional services agreement for banking services to National Bank of Arizona (a division of Zions Bancorp). The motion passed (6-0; Ferris absent). - H.2 Malibu Property & Wildhorse Hospitality Proposal: The council discussed the proposal for a luxury RV and cabin resort on Town Parcels 304-02-015W and 304-02-015X. A motion to move into executive session for legal advice and negotiation discussion passed (6-0; Ferris absent). The session lasted from approximately 6:35 p.m. to 7:31 p.m. After reconvening, the council passed a motion to direct staff as discussed in executive session (no further details disclosed). Key Outcomes - Library Services Agreement (B.1) approved 4-2, ensuring continued operation and maintenance of the Payson Library under the Gila County Library District agreement. - Wildfire Evacuation Route IGA (B.2) approved 6-0, authorizing scoping work for a route connecting Tonto National Forest and the Payson Event Center, preserving the $300,000 congressional award. - Consent items B.3, B.4, B.5 approved 7-0, accepting dedicated property easements and construction improvements, and authorizing participation in the GIITEM state gang task force. - Ordinance F.1 withdrawn after public hearing and council discussion; the two-hearing requirement remains in place. - Banking services contract awarded to National Bank of Arizona (H.1) approved 6-0. - Executive session held on Malibu property (H.2); council directed staff to take specific actions (not disclosed publicly).