Public Meetings - Payson, Arizona

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Payson, Arizona, met on August 5, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The commission considered one scheduled hearing for a zone change to allow a U‑Haul facility and handled routine approvals. The meeting adjourned at 3:17 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approval of July 8, 2024 Minutes: Motion carried 6‑0 to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made under the public comment period for non‑agenda items. Discussion Items - P24‑001 – Zone Change for U‑Haul Facility - The applicant, AMERCO Real Estate Company, requested a zone change from R‑3 and C‑2 to C‑3 for two parcels (1900 and 1904 N Beeline Hwy, APNs 302‑35‑046B and 302‑35‑046A) to allow indoor self‑storage, outdoor covered canopy storage, and related retail sales on 9.99 acres. - Staff recommended approval with seven conditions. Nicole Adams, Zoning Administrator, presented the staff report, noting the project aligns with the town’s general plan and includes stormwater detention on the south side as a buffer to adjacent residences. - James Jessup, the applicant, answered commissioner questions: no vehicle repairs (only hitch installations), no chemical storage in units, and RV canopies would be lit on motion sensors and comply with dark‑sky regulations. - Carol Fagan, a resident whose property borders the site, expressed concern about trees, a 30‑foot buffer, and a fence. She noted that early concept presentations led her to believe the property was already commercial. Commissioners discussed adding a fence along the western and southwestern boundary; the applicant agreed to include it. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve P24‑001 with Added Fence Condition: Commissioner Douglas Martin moved to recommend approval to the town council, with an added requirement for a fence along the western and southwestern property line abutting the residential development. The motion was seconded by Karen Schaier and carried 6‑0. - Future Agenda Items: Staff announced that the next meeting would include the election of Chair and Vice‑Chair and a pre‑plat extension request for Longhorn Ranch. The council first reading of the zone change is scheduled for August 14, 2024, with a second reading on September 11, 2024.

The Payson Town Council held a regular meeting on July 24, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, approval of consent agenda items, ceremonial proclamations, a resolution authorizing land purchase for a senior center property, and an executive session. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:15 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The council approved minutes from regular and special meetings held between June 12, 2024, and July 10, 2024. - Tuscany Estates Subdivision Improvements: The council accepted improvements constructed within the Tuscany Estates subdivision, subject to a two-year developer warranty against defects in workmanship or materials, and accepted the improvements for town maintenance under that warranty. - Vote: Motion carried 6-0 (Vice Mayor Barbara Underwood abstained due to a potential conflict of interest). Public Comments & Testimony - Diane Green thanked the Town Council and staff for their helpfulness. - Connie Cockrell, representing the Democrats of Rim Country Donut Army, announced that the group had donated funds to provide free bus rides on the Beeline Bus for the entire month of August. She noted the idea originated from Mike Quinn. - Tom Dunning, a 20-year resident, commended town staff across all departments, describing a "virtuous circle" of good governance and high-quality service. - Patrick Green thanked the council for their work, acknowledging they sometimes face criticism but are helping everyone in town. Discussion Items - Town Manager Report: Troy Smith summarized the July 24 report, highlighting library events (reading and magic show on August 2), solar panel cleaning and replacement of six AC units at Town Hall, security upgrades at the Parks and Recreation front entrance, new police academy attendees, Officer Buzzard's DUI enforcement award, fall protection training for multiple departments, the retirement of Ray Lahaye after 38.852 years of service, and the Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Tour hosted by Economic Development. - Proclamations: - Purple Heart Day (August 7, 2024): Mayor Higgins read the proclamation. Robert Olsson, President of the Rim Country Veterans Group, accepted and noted that while 2 million Purple Heart recipients survived, 6 million did not. He thanked the council and mentioned Mayor Higgins would present the proclamation at a veterans coffee on August 6, joined by Star Valley Mayor Bobby Davis. - Rodeo Days (August 12-17, 2024): Council Member Flaherty read the proclamation. Stephanie Creasy (Finance Director) and members of the Pro Rodeo Committee accepted. She detailed the week's events including a film festival featuring Clint Eastwood films, a poster contest, chamber mixer, women's cactus series barrel racing, Wrangler Bucking Cancer event, parade, and nightly dances. - Bob Boze Bell Day (August 10, 2024): Vice Mayor Underwood read the proclamation. No members of the Film Festival Committee were present to accept; the proclamation was to be delivered to them. - Resolution No. 3406 – Senior Center Land Purchase: Deputy Town Manager Sheila DeSchaaf presented a PowerPoint on the proposed purchase of approximately 1.89 acres of undeveloped property from the Payson Senior Center for $302,400. The property is located east of the Police Department, south of Malibu Drive, and adjacent to the parcel acquired last month for the future Aquatic Recreation Center. The Senior Center board had approved the sale. The resolution authorized the Mayor, Town Manager, and Town Attorney to acquire title by donation, eminent domain, or purchase for an amount not exceeding fair market value plus acquisition and closing costs. - Executive Session: The council voted 7-0 to recess to executive session for legal advice and discussions regarding proposed public project financing and purchase of real property in the northeastern part of town, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3) and (7). The session began at 4:42 p.m. and concluded at 7:15 p.m. No action was taken after reconvening. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Approved (6-0, one abstention). - Resolution 3406 Approved (6-1): Council Member Susan "Suzy" Tubbs voted no. The motion authorized the acquisition of the Senior Center property. - Executive Session Held (7-0 vote): The council discussed legal matters and real property negotiations; no further action was taken. - Proclamations Issued: August 7 as Purple Heart Day, August 12-17 as Rodeo Days, and August 10 as Bob Boze Bell Day.

The Payson Town Council held a regular meeting on July 10, 2024, starting at 4:00 PM and adjourning at 4:28 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on the property tax levy, approval of the consent agenda, a proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month, and public comments focused on the proposed aquatic center. Council Member Scott Nossek was absent. Consent Calendar - B.1: Approved payment for the Town’s Microsoft licensing True-Up for year two of the three-year agreement. - B.2: Authorized the Town Manager and Town Attorney to opt into settlements in the Multi-District Litigation (MDL) related to PFAS/PFOS in the water system. - Vote: Motion carried 6-0 (all present in favor). Public Comments & Testimony - Lori Thompson (Director of New Beginnings Pregnancy and Parenting Center) expressed disappointment with the proposed pool designs, noting they were smaller than Taylor Pool and only one could host competitive swim meets. She advocated for a larger aquatic center with two pools to accommodate swim lessons, competitive swimming, and senior aqua therapy, emphasizing cost recovery rates of 60-70% for a properly designed pool. She also requested a copy of the library presentation that was not yet available. - Tom Dunning (20-year resident) commended forward-looking town developments and advocated for: supporting and retaining police officers and firefighters with safe facilities; street repair using a prioritized approach; creation of workforce and affordable housing; covering the Events Center; and building an aquatic center for all ages. - Michael Quinn praised the Town’s cleanup of Green Valley Park on July 5 after the Fourth of July celebration. He urged cost savings by building the pool adjacent to the school to share locker rooms, as done in his hometown, and stressed that a pool is a necessity for teaching children to swim. Discussion Items - Town Manager Report (Item C): Town Manager Troy Smith highlighted the adoption of the General Plan, upcoming voter ratification, library events, summer camp photos, a donation from Club 100 for police raincoats, promotions, and a streets department story. - Proclamation (Item D.1): Mayor Higgins read a proclamation declaring July 2024 as Parks and Recreation Month. Parks and Recreation staff accepted the proclamation. The Mayor and Town Manager commended the teamwork of multiple departments (Public Safety, Streets, Water, Parks and Rec) for a successful Fourth of July celebration, noting the park was cleaned by the next morning. - Ordinance No. 966 – Property Tax Levy (Item F.1): Finance Director Dana Ohanesian presented the second public hearing. The property tax rate decreases from 0.3094 to 0.2992 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The levy amount is $717,831, based on assessed values. There is no secondary property tax levied by the Town. In response to questions, Ohanesian clarified that Gila County’s rates are staying the same but their levy amounts are increasing due to increased assessed value and new construction. No public comments were made on the ordinance. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (6-0). - Ordinance No. 966: Approved unanimously (6-0) after the public hearing was closed. The property tax levy for FY2024-2025 is set at $717,831 with a reduced rate of 0.2992 per $100 of assessed valuation. - Next Steps: The Town Manager’s report noted that the General Plan will be submitted for voter ratification in the general election. No other action items were discussed.

The Payson Planning and Zoning Commission met on July 8, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers. The meeting lasted approximately 18 minutes and focused on a compliance review of a previously approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP22-008) for property at 104 West Phoenix Street. The commission also approved prior meeting minutes and discussed future agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (June 3 & June 10, 2024): Motion by Dallin Haws, seconded by Mike Foil. The motion carried 3-0, with Laura Malone abstaining due to not being present at those meetings. Voting yes: Mike Foil, Dallin Haws, Miranda R Meyer. Absent: Karen Schaier, Douglas Martin, Nathan Morris. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - CUP22-008 Compliance Review – 104 West Phoenix Street: The applicant, Justin Garrett, requested an extension of the CUP because site improvements (grading, asphalt, sidewalks, landscaping) were not completed by the original deadline of May 24, 2024. The Zoning Administrator, Nicole Adams, summarized the background: the CUP was originally approved on December 5, 2022, with conditions, including completion by May 24, 2024, and a required compliance review if not met. A previous permit for the site had been revoked for non-compliance, but a new one was issued with conditions. Staff reported that a tenant improvement permit (PY2102-032) for the building interior is finished but cannot be finaled until all site improvements are done; that permit expires July 27, 2024, and would need renewal (at a reduced fee of 10% of the original). - The applicant stated that the general contractor (Buddy Randall) has been occupied with multiple jobs, causing delays. He provided an update: Phoenix Street sidewalks are 95% complete, Cedar Lane excavation has started, rough grading is done, base fill installed, compaction starting, asphalt expected late that week or the next, and the building is ready for inspection. He requested a 90-day extension, noting the contractor is a grade A contractor required by the town to perform road work. Commissioner Laura Malone questioned what would change in the next 90 days to ensure progress, asking about a schedule. The applicant replied that the contractors are busy and working seven days a week, but no formal schedule exists. - Commissioner Dallin Haws proposed a six-month extension to provide a buffer for unforeseen delays. Nicole Adams confirmed that only condition three (timeline) would need modification; other conditions remain. The applicant appreciated the extra time. - The applicant inquired about waiving the renewal fee for the building permit, but the Zoning Administrator noted that only the Town Council could waive fees; however, because the interior work is substantially complete, only 10% of the renewal fee (a minimal amount) is required. - Future Agenda Items: Nicole Adams announced that at the next meeting (August 5, 2024), the commission will hold elections for chair and vice-chair, and will consider a zone change for properties at 1900 and 1904 North Beeline Highway to C3 for a U-Haul development. Commissioner Miranda Meyer noted she might be absent on August 5th but could attend via Zoom. Key Outcomes - Motion to extend CUP22-008 for six months: Moved by Miranda R Meyer, seconded by Dallin Haws. The motion carried 4-0. Voting yes: Mike Foil, Dallin Haws, Miranda R Meyer, and Laura Malone (with a reluctant yes). Laura Malone stated on the record that she would likely have challenges supporting further extensions if issues persist after six months. Absent: Karen Schaier, Douglas Martin, Nathan Morris. The extension allows continued site improvements, with the condition that construction must be completed within the six-month period. - The building permit (PY2102-032) renewal fee will be a minimal 10% of the original fee, not waived. - No other actions were taken.

The Payson Town Council met in special session on July 2, 2024, in the Town Hall Council Chambers at 303 N. Beeline Highway, Payson, Arizona. The agenda listed a 3:00 p.m. start; Mayor Chris Higgins called the meeting to order at approximately 3:09 p.m., and adjourned at approximately 3:28 p.m. All seven council members were present, with Council Member Brett Flaherty arriving at approximately 3:17 p.m. The meeting was a public hearing under A.R.S. § 42-17104 covering the FY 2024-25 budget and property tax levy, and also considered personnel manual amendments and a pension funding policy. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were submitted during either public hearing. For agenda items A and B, one Zoom attendee raised a hand but did not unmute when invited to speak, so no testimony was heard. Discussion Items - FY 2024-25 Final Budget (Resolution No. 3404): Town Manager Troy Smith presented the final budget totaling $106,058,016. He stated town revenues come 65% from Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) and 24% from state shared revenues. The budget includes $38 million in the General Fund, $22 million in Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF), $28 million in the Water Enterprise Fund, $11.6 million in the Capital Improvement Fund, and $12 million in interfund transfers. Smith noted that an estimated 60% or more of the town's 3.88% sales tax is paid by non-residents, and more than 50% of the $38 million General Fund expenses support public safety. He also stated the town receives less than 4% of property tax collections in Gila County, or about $700,000 annually. The prior year's budget was $77 million, with an anticipated spend rate of about 60% due to conservative spending, staffing capacity limits, and the state expenditure limitation. Council Member Scott Nossek asked whether the spend rate would be similar in the coming year; Smith replied it would be, particularly for capital projects. Council Member Joel Mona commented that the budget reflects the appropriate level of service and his vision for the town's short- and long-term interests. - FY 2024-25 Property Tax Levy (Ordinance No. 966) – First Public Hearing: Finance Director Dana Ohanesian presented the levy ordinance. The proposed levy rate is 0.2992 per $100 of assessed valuation, with no secondary property tax on Schedule B. The total levy is projected at $717,000, about $7,000 more than last year. Ohanesian noted the property tax levy rate has not increased in 18 years; the transcript indicates the rate is decreasing from 0.3094 to 0.2992. Because this was the first public hearing, no council action was taken. - Personnel Manual Amendments (Resolution No. 3405): Human Resources Director Lynne ODonnell presented amendments to Personnel Manual Sections 3.1.11 (Hours Worked), 3.1.12 (Merit Increases), and 5.1.3 (Paid Time Off). She said the item was a follow-up to the April 2, 2024 work session and had support from the Town Council, Town Manager, the Employee Engagement Committee, and affected employees. - PSPRS Pension Funding Policy (Council Decision Request): Finance Director Dana Ohanesian explained that the Council had approved the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System Pension Funding Policy at the June 26, 2024 meeting, but the agenda packet had mistakenly included the 2022 policy due to a clerical error. The item was brought back to reapprove with the correct documents and to authorize posting on the town's website. Key Outcomes - Resolution No. 3404 (Final Budget) was approved 6-1. Voting yes: Mayor Chris Higgins, Vice Mayor Barbara Underwood, Council Member Brett Flaherty, Council Member Joel Mona, Council Member Scott Nossek, and Council Member Jolynn Schinstock. Voting no: Council Member Susan "Suzy" Tubbs. - Ordinance No. 966 (Property Tax Levy) received its first public hearing; no vote was taken at this meeting. - Resolution No. 3405 (Personnel Manual Amendments) was approved 7-0. - PSPRS Pension Funding Policy was approved 7-0, and the Town Clerk was authorized to post the policy on the town's website.

The Payson Town Council held a regular meeting on June 26, 2024, at 4:11 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. All seven council members were present. The meeting included a call to the public, consent agenda, current events, a proclamation, public hearings, consideration of several resolutions and an ordinance, new business items, and an executive session. All votes were unanimous 7-0 unless noted. Consent Calendar - B.1: Approved a Council Decision Request to retain Pierce Coleman as the Town’s prosecutor. - B.2: Approved Resolution No. 3400, an intergovernmental agreement with Gila County for the 2024 Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Day event. Public Comments & Testimony - Call to the Public: Susanne Covert thanked the Council for progress; Tom Dunning commended infrastructure and events, expressed support for affordable housing and the aquatic center. - Item F.3 (Aquatics Property): Connie Cockrell (Gila County Community College Board) spoke in favor, noting potential curriculum use. - Item F.4 (Timber Ridge Overlay): Ken Cluvo opposed, citing concerns about manufactured homes making Payson look impoverished. Tom West opposed, noting neighbors disliked existing manufactured homes in Payson Pines. Marie Fascano spoke in favor, citing beautiful manufactured home communities. Marge Risley opposed, citing impacts on wildlife and quality of life. Laura Malone asked for definition of affordable housing. - Item H.3 (Airplane Roundabout): Representatives from EAA presented the proposal; no public opposition was voiced during discussion. Discussion Items - C.1 Town Manager Report: Troy Smith summarized roadway projects (B Line Bus Pavement Preservation, Granite Dells Road reconstruction, pavement preservation), splash pad hours extension, Fourth of July celebration, and other updates. Council agreed to cancel the August 28, 2024 meeting for the League of Cities and Towns Conference. - D.1 Proclamation: Council Member Nossek read a proclamation declaring July 13, 2024 as Payson Book Festival Day. Connie Cockrell and Carol Baxter accepted. - E.1 Alibertos Mexican Food Liquor License: Public hearing; Michelle Bailey presented the application. Approved 7-0. - F.1 Resolution 3401 – 2024-2034 General Plan Adoption: Doni Wilbanks, Taylor Plummer, and Adam Rankin presented. After discussion, Council amended the plan to change a 16-acre parcel at 1600 Doll Baby Ranch Road from traditional residential to mixed-use. Approved 7-0. The plan will be placed on the November 5, 2024 general election ballot for ratification. - F.2 Resolution 3402 – 2024 Payson Emergency Operations Plan: Fire Chief David Staub and consultants Ashleigh Makuch and Wes Dixon presented the 64-page all-hazards plan. Approved 7-0. - F.3 Resolution 3403 – Property Acquisition for Aquatics/Recreation Center: Troy Smith presented the purchase of approximately 20 acres (Gila County Parcel 304-02-015X) for $3.2 million ($160,000/acre). The Town will assume Danco Homes LLC’s purchase contract. The Town will lease back 5 acres to Danco for affordable senior housing. Council discussed $100 earnest money and lease terms. Approved 7-0. - F.4 Ordinance 965 – Timber Ridge Manufactured Home Overlay: Second public hearing. Nicole Adams presented rezoning of 26.1 acres at 300 W. Rumsey Drive to add a manufactured home overlay. Planning & Zoning Commission recommended conditions including a carport/garage requirement. Council discussed affordability impacts; the developer stated a carport adds $7,000–$10,000, a garage $25,000. Approved 7-0 with P&Z recommendations. - H.1 PSPRS Pension Funding Policy: Dana Ohanesian presented. Policy targets 100% funded ratio by June 30, 2036 with annual contributions plus $600,000 in FY 24-25. Approved 7-0. - H.2 Kroger Opioid Settlement: Jon Paladini explained the Town’s participation via the One Arizona Agreement; funds support after-school and summer programs. Approved 7-0. - H.3 Proposal for Airplane Frame in ADOT Roundabout: EAA representatives presented a plan to place a restored airplane frame in the roundabout at Hwy 87 and Airport Road. Council discussed liability, maintenance, and project management. No vote; staff directed to contact ADOT to clarify requirements and feasibility. - H.4–H.12 Board and Commission Appointments: All appointments approved 7-0: - Airport Commission: Dan Nyhus, Dale Mueller, Phillip Jossi (terms to June 30, 2027). - Planning and Zoning Commission: Mike Foil, Nathan Morris (to June 30, 2027); Laura Malone (to June 30, 2026). - Board of Adjustment: Pamela Jackson (to June 30, 2027). - Building Advisory Board: Marty DeMasi, Terry Lowman, Allison Blake (to June 30, 2027); Tara DeHaan (to June 30, 2026). - Historic Preservation and Conservation Commission: Charles Proudfoot (to June 30, 2027). - Parks and Recreation Commission: BJ Bollier, Deborah Jones (to June 30, 2027). - PSPRS Board (Fire): Aaron Athey (to June 30, 2028). - PSPRS Board (Police): Jason Hazelo (to June 30, 2028). - H.13 Executive Session: Council voted 7-0 to enter executive session for legal advice regarding Boulder Creek HOA v. Town of Payson. Session held from 7:54 PM to 8:15 PM; no action taken. Key Outcomes - All consent agenda items approved 7-0. - 2024-2034 General Plan adopted with amendment; placed on November 2024 ballot for voter ratification. - 2024 Emergency Operations Plan adopted. - Property acquisition for future aquatics/recreation facility approved. - Ordinance 965 approved, allowing manufactured homes in Timber Ridge PAD. - PSPRS pension funding policy and Kroger opioid settlement participation approved. - All board/commission appointments approved. - Airplane roundabout proposal tabled for further staff investigation. - Executive session held; no action taken. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 PM.

The Payson Town Council held a regular meeting on June 12, 2024, at 4:21 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered several agenda items including public comments, consent agenda approvals, a public hearing for a liquor license, a first public hearing on a manufactured home overlay rezoning, and the award of a construction contract. The meeting also included recognition of the Finance Department for receiving the GFOA Triple Crown Award. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the minutes of the May 8 and May 22, 2024 regular meetings. - Resolution No. 3394: Approved an agreement between the Maricopa County Community College District and Payson Fire Department to place students in EMT or Paramedic training for ADHS certification. - Resolution No. 3395: Declared the Town of Payson Community Development Department as the official Destination Marketing Organization for the town. - Resolution No. 3399: Approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the USDA Forest Service, Payson Ranger District, to jointly pursue funding opportunities for the Payson Area Trails System (PATS) Master Plan. Council Member Nossek expressed excitement about the collaboration with the Forest Service. - All consent agenda items passed 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Marie Fasano (representing Experimental Aircraft Association): Requested the Town to support placing a donated 1962 Colt airplane frame in the Airline Roundabout to honor aviation. She stated the EAA would maintain the airplane. Mayor Higgins directed staff to put the item on the next council agenda. - Paul Pitkin (Past President, Payson Airport Association): Supported the airplane roundabout project - Tom Dunning (Resident): Ahead of the FY24-25 budget adopted, he expressed general support for the Town's proactive budget and highlighted positive aspects of recent investments. - Jeff Robbins (Resident): Expressed support for the FY24-25 Tentative Budget and thanked staff. Discussion Items Public Hearing - Liquor License Application for Speedway - The council held a public hearing for a Series 9 Liquor Store License application at 910 S. Beeline Highway (Speedway). The Town Clerk confirmed the notice had been posted for the required 20 days. The applicant, Andrea Dahlman Lewkowitz, was available via Zoom. There were no questions or public comments. The council unanimously approved the license. First Public Hearing - Resolution regarding Timber Ridge Zoning Overlay - This was the first of two public hearings on a proposed amendment to the Timber Ridge Planned Area Development (PAD) to add a manufactured home overlay. The PAD allows both manufactured homes and site-built homes on 26.1 acres (155 units max) at 300 W. Rumsey Drive, behind Walmart. Conditions: a 6-foot solid fence along the northern boundary, and each lot must have either a 1-car carport with storage, a 1-car garage, or an 80 sq. ftote storage shed if a garage isn’t feasible. - The applicant, Stuart Pikoff, stated the intention is to be affordable workforce housing priced at about $325,000-$350,000. He said he intends to preserve as many trees as possible and that the homes would be permanently affixed similarly to site-built home. - Public Testimony: - Patricia Huett (reading a letter from David Rogers) against the proposed development, concerned about property values and suggestion an alternative site. - Patricia Huett (as herself) spoke against the development – expressesing concern that the natural beauty and larger would not be preserved despite the need for affordable housing. - Steve Oberhouser spoke in support of the Timber Ridge project and said he did not agree it would diminish property property values and value of neighboring. - No action towas taken as this was the first reading. A second public hearing is scheduled for June 26, 2024 for a possible action. New Business Granite Dells Road Improvements Award - Town Engineer Larry Halberstadt presented a staff report recommending awarding a job order contract to DBA Construction, Inc. (Phoenix, AZ) in the amount of $3,930,093.03 for roadway improvements. The project was originally difficult due to procurement delays and dropped plans; earlier estimates around $6 million. After splitting utility work (awarded to Apache Underground for less than $1 million) and resoliciting the music road work, DBA’s quote reduced. The lower timeline is to start July 8, 2024 (after the holiday) and be completed by Thanksgiving. The budget for this fiscal year was insufficient, but the project opens in the approved tentative FY2024-2025 budget. - Council Member Mona commended Halberstadt for savings and exploring alternatives. The council unanimously approved the award 7-0. Mayor and Ref and Personal Apology - Council Member Flaherty publicly apologized for tardiness at meetings, citing work emergencies he is outside of his control. The council accepted his retreat. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (4 items) – Approved 7-0. - Liquor License (Speedway Series 9) - Approved 7-0. - Zoning and Timber Ridge Overlay – Case considered but not yet decided; second reading and public hearing scheduled for June 26, 2024. - Granite Dells Road Contract – Awarded to DBA Construction, Inc. for $3,930,093.03 (including $200,000 contingency) – Approved 7-0. - Executive Session – Recessed to closed (executive) session to legally discuss potential purchase of real property in the southern part of the town and sale of town-owned property (purpose stated as A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3) and (7)). After the closed session council returned and did not take any further action. - The closed session was for discussion and private consultation only. No action was taken. Executive Session - The meeting was unanimous and the recess in to executive session at 5:42 p.m. on property matters; the council returned at 6:5 p.m. without taking any action. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned about 6:05 p.m.

The Payson Town Council held a special meeting on June 12, 2024, to consider the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and to approve the Corporate Strategic Plan. The Council approved both items by a 6–1 vote, with Council Member Susan "Suzy" Tubbs casting the lone dissenting vote on each. The meeting lasted from approximately 3:33 p.m. to 4:12 p.m. Discussion Items - FY 2024-2025 Tentative Budget (Resolution No. 3396): Town Manager Troy Smith and Finance Director Dana Ohanesian presented the proposed $106 million tentative budget. Smith emphasized that a municipal budget is a financial plan based on estimates, and the expenditure limitation must not be exceeded to avoid losing state-shared revenues. He noted that the budget reflects seven prior public meetings and council direction. Ohanesian reviewed one-time requests ($90,000), new personnel positions (five full-time and one part-time, totaling $507,000), ongoing enhancements ($340,000), and capital improvement projects totaling $54 million. A key point of discussion was the difference between the budgeted amount and actual expenditures; Smith pointed out that last year's budget was $77 million but actual expenditures were projected at $47 million, illustrating that the budget must be set higher than anticipated spending. He also addressed a resident's question about visible projects, explaining that many capital projects involve invisible planning and design phases before construction. The property tax levy rate was updated to 0.2992%, generating approximately $717,000 in revenue. Council Member Joel Mona spoke in favor of the budget, highlighting the town's strong financial position, top public safety services, reliable water supply, and numerous community assets. Council Member Scott Nossek echoed support and encouraged the public to review the town manager's remarks. Council Member Jolynn Schinstock expressed satisfaction with the increased funding for street projects. - Corporate Strategic Plan: Hannah Lusk, Management Analyst, presented the proposed Corporate Strategic Plan (CSP). She explained the plan's three-level structure (Goals, Strategies, Action Items) and noted that Payson adopted its first strategic plan in 1995. The new plan uses Cleargov software for digital tracking and transparency. The CSP is aligned with the 2024-2034 General Plan draft and includes five goal areas (e.g., healthy environment, quality transportation, economic vitality). Lusk outlined next steps: council approval, inclusion in the FY25 Budget Book, publication on the transparency website, quarterly progress updates, and annual review at the start of each budget cycle. Council Member Mona commended the structure and increased accountability. Key Outcomes - Approval of FY 2024-2025 Tentative Budget (Resolution 3396): Motion by Council Member Scott Nossek, seconded by Vice Mayor Barbara Underwood. Passed 6–1. Yes: Mayor Chris Higgins, Vice Mayor Barbara Underwood, Council Members Brett Flaherty, Joel Mona, Scott Nossek, Jolynn Schinstock. No: Council Member Susan "Suzy" Tubbs. - Approval of Corporate Strategic Plan: Motion by Vice Mayor Barbara Underwood, seconded by Council Member Joel Mona. Passed 6–1 (same vote tally). No: Council Member Susan "Suzy" Tubbs. - Next Steps: The tentative budget and strategic plan will be incorporated into the final FY 2024-2025 budget. The strategic plan will be published online and updated quarterly.

The Payson Planning and Zoning Commission held a special meeting on June 10, 2024, to consider the adoption of the Town of Payson General Plan Update for 2024–2034. The meeting included a presentation by staff and consultants from Olsson Studio, a public hearing for community input, and a successful motion to adopt the plan by a 4–0 vote, recommending it to the Town Council for ratification. Public Hearing – Adoption of the General Plan - Presentation: Doni Wilbanks (Community Development Director), Taylor Plummer and Adam Rankin (Olsson Studio) presented the General Plan update. They highlighted the extensive public engagement process, including surveys, stakeholder meetings, visioning workshops, a charrette, open houses, and technical committee sessions. The plan includes eight elements (one new community design element), a vision statement, goals, strategies, frameworks (future land use, growth areas, circulation, open space/recreation, community design) and an implementation matrix. - Correction: Ms. Wilbanks noted an error on the future land use framework map and the growth areas framework map, stating they should match. Specifically, the large orange square in the southwest corner should be designated as U.S. Forest Service to align with the growth areas framework. - Process: The plan will go to the Town Council for a public hearing on June 26, 2024, and if ratified by Council, will appear on the November 5, 2024, ballot for voter approval. If the new plan is not adopted, the existing 2014–2024 General Plan will remain in effect. Public Comments - Donna Emmit – Asked for clarification on which side of Green Valley Parkway the growth area is located; Ms. Wilbanks confirmed it is to the east. - Jim Ferris – Expressed concern about the circulation framework’s multimodal designation (cars, bicycles, pedestrians) on Mud Springs Road, noting that extending it eastward would likely face significant resistance from residents. He urged the commission to reconsider that designation. - Laura Malone – Encouraged the Town to identify flatter, less costly areas for future affordable housing development, noting that police officers and school teachers cannot find affordable housing in Payson. - Jon Epperly – Questioned whether any private entities are currently pursuing development of the USFS land in the south; Vice Chair Foil explained that such development would involve a land exchange, none currently pending. - Trish Wadeski – Asked why a portion of her parcel in the Older growth area framework was split between green (growth area) and tan (other designation); Ms. Wilbanks offered to discuss the map further after the meeting. - Isaac Blake – Noted that the MHA Foundation property was not clearly defined in the growth area framework and questioned whether the Town can control development on that separate legal entity’s land. Town Attorney Gill Paladini explained that the Town retains zoning authority over MHA land because it is not used for a governmental (proprietary) purpose, and the property remains designated as mix use. - Jeff Masterson – Asked about the ratification vote: he clarified that the Town Council needs a 2/3 vote to ratify, while the public only needs a simple majority. If the General Plan is not adopted, the current plan stays in place. - Megan Sawyer – Asked about the difference between residential and rural residential and expressed concern that properties currently designated as horse properties could yet lose that status if the plan designates them as residential. Ms. Wilbanks and Vice Chair Foil explained that the plan defines future land use, not zoning; horses are determined by zoning and CC&Rs, not by the General Plan, and there is no specific “horse property” designation. Commission Deliberation - Commissioners expressed general support for the updated vision statement and the well-planned growth and infrastructure direction. They noted the plan originated from extensive public and stakeholder input. - Motion: To adopt the draft of the Town of Payson 2024-2034 General Plan update and recommend it to the Town Council. - Motion by Dallin Haws, seconded by Douglas Martin. - Vote: 4 in favor (Schaier, Haws, Martin, Foil). 0 against. Commissioners Clark and Meyer were absent. Key Outcomes - The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the motion 4–0 to adopt the new General Plan and forward a recommendation to the Town Council. - The Town Council will hold a public hearing on June 26, 2024, followed by a potential ratification vote (2/3 required) to place the plan on the November 6, 2024, ballot for voter approval. - An error on the future land use framework map was identified—the southwest corner should be categorized as US Forest Service to match the growth areas framework—and will be corrected. - Staff will follow up with individual public questions regarding parcel boundaries and definitions of residential vs. rural residential.