Insider IT’S FOUNTAIN HILLS, NATURALLY
LOOK FOR OUR NEW SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN BEGINNING THIS SPRING As more people visit Fountain Hills, they become aware of our unique experiences. Our town is known for its natural beauty, charming community, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. We must ensure our storytelling is authentic, compelling, and consistent to attract even more visitors.
SPRING 2024 A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
LEARNING ON THE JOB On Wednesday, March 13th, the Fountain Hills Farmers Market will host the first of three Children’s Entrepreneur Markets for 2024. There will be 50 booths of children (ages 5 - 16) selling about anything. It can be handmade food, art, hobby, store-bought items, games, or services. The kids must do all the selling. Their parents are welcome to help set up but are strongly encouraged to stand back and let the children deliver the pitch and close the sale. This non-profit organization is helping kids learn business with first-hand experience. A farmers’ market run by kids. Learn more at www.childrensentrepreneurmarket.com.
We have identified the fundamental elements of our social media identity to achieve this goal. These elements are based on the experiences of both our locals and visitors. They represent what sets us apart, what we stand for, and how we present ourselves. Look for our new social media campaign in the coming weeks, Naturally.
CIVILITY IN FOUNTAIN HILLS Being civil to each other generally means treating others with dignity, courtesy, respect, politeness, and consideration. However, according to national surveys, most Americans believe society is less civil than it was a decade ago. The topic of civility is not a national or regional issue; it is also a discussion worth having in Fountain Hills. Fountain Hills Cares is holding a special community event to share and discuss this vital topic on Thursday, March 21, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in the Community Center at 13001 N. La Montana Drive. Experts on this topic include Evan Lowe, a Professor at ASU in the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, who has spoken frequently on this topic. Patrick O’Grady, Editor-in-Chief for Independent Newspapers, will provide an overview of the Civility Pledge and how the civility discussion is happening across the country. RSVP for this event at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/Fountain-Hills-Care
LEAVE A LEGACY AT THE FOUNTAIN HILLS CENTENNIAL PAVILION The Community Services Department is offering a unique and thoughtful way to honor a loved one, advertise a business or highlight a club while making a meaningful contribution to the Centennial Pavilion shade structure by making a donation with the purchase of an Arizona State Donor Puzzle. Puzzle Piece: $1,000 99 puzzle pieces • 6.5″ x 8″ size Maximum 30 characters To learn more and to purchase a puzzle piece, go to www.fountainhillsaz.gov/AZPuzzle
The completed work of art will build the State of Arizona.
DEMENTIA PROGRAMS MEETING THE NEEDS OF CAREGIVERS Fountain Hills is committed to being a town that is informed, safe, and respectful of individuals and families living with dementia. As the 10th designated community in Arizona recognized as Dementia Friendly, the Town has worked hard to develop resources, programming, and supportive options to foster quality of life through community connections. Dementia Friendly Fountain Hills is holding a special presentation for families and caregivers of those living with dementia, “Taking Care of You: Self-Care for the Dementia Caregiver” on Saturday, April 27 starting at 9 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. in the Fountain Hills Community Center. To learn more about Dementia Friendly Fountain Hills and programs and resources available, go to www.fountainhillsaz.gov/Dementia-Friendly.
TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Ginny Dickey Vice Mayor Sharron Grzybowski (Vice Mayor term expires March 5, 2025) Councilmember Gerry Friedel Councilmember Brenda Kalivianakis (Vice Mayor March 2024) Councilmember Peggy McMahon Councilmember Allen Skillicorn Councilmember Hannah Toth
CHANGES TO HELP ANNUAL BULK TRASH COLLECTION SERVICE Last year, Republic Services annual bulk trash collection service had delays due to unexpected amounts of material put out by Fountain Hills residents. To ensure these issues are more easily managed, Republic Services is adding an additional three days to each route. The 2024 bulk trash collection starts March 4 and will continue for nine weeks through May 1. The typical items which are considered bulk are typically too large to be disposed of in your regular curbside trash container. To help you get rid of these large items, Republic Services offers easy bulk trash pickup for recycling or disposal, so you don’t have to haul them to a landfill. Bulk items typically include: couches, lamps, rugs, mattresses, large appliances without freon, and landscaping debris, except cactus. Questions contact Republic Services Customer Service at 602-237-2078 or www.republicservices.com/customer-support.
ZONE 1 – MARCH 4-6 ZONE 2 – MARCH 11-13 ZONE 3 – MARCH 18-20 ZONE 4 – MARCH 25-27 ZONE 5 – APRIL 1-3 ZONE 6 – APRIL 8-10 Town of Fountain Hills Town Council, front row left to right: Councilmember Peggy McMahon, Mayor Ginny Dickey, and Councilmember Gerry Friedel. Back row, left to right: Vice Mayor Sharron Grzybowski, Councilmember Brenda Kalivianakis, Councilmember Allen Skillicorn, and Councilmember Hannah Toth.
ZONE 7 – APRIL 15-17 ZONE 8 – APRIL 22-24 ZONE 9 – APRIL 29 - MAY 1
To review previous and upcoming Town Council agenda items, go the www.fountainhillsaz.gov/agendas.
NOTABLE TOWN COUNCIL ACTIONS All meetings start at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chamber 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains.
SHRED-A-THON Friends of the Library Annual Shred-A-Thon
October 2023
Coming on April 20, 2024
• Rachael Goodwin named Town Manager
Time and location to be determined.
• Council approves MOU for Fountain Hills Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition to receive the One Arizona Distribution of Opioid Settlement Funds for the education and prevention of the use and misuse of opioids in our community. • Agree to new contract with Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for public safety services through June 2026
November 2023 • Town Council Work Session • Town Council Work Session to discuss future Pavement Management funding • Approved IGA with Mesa Regional Dispatch Center for Town of Fountain Hills Fire Department
December 2023 • Rachael Goodwin named Town Manager
January 2024 • Approved rezoning of property at Shea and Technology Drive to allow for the construction of 316 unit residential community
February 2024
Because of you, life doesn’t stop.
#VitalToLife
Fountain Hills & Noon Kiwanis Community
BLOOD DRIVE
April 19 & 20 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Community Center Pima & Hopi Rooms 13001 N. La Montana Drive Contact: Dr. Liz Smith at 480-837-2600 or 480-206-4785 Paul Appledorn at 480-836-8213 Visit donors.vitalant.org
• Proclaimed Black History Month and Teen Violence Prevention Month • Continued moratorium on 5G services All meetings may be watched live on Cox Channel 11 and the Town’s YouTube Channel. See the Town Council agenda at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/agendas for more information on how to participate and submit comment cards.
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Fountain Hills INSIDER | A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
www.fountainhillsaz.gov
INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY DISCOVERY CENTER ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING The dream of bringing the International Dark Sky Discovery Center to life is about to become a reality. The organization announced they will break ground this spring. “Construction is planned to get underway in April with an anticipated build time of 13 months,” explained Joe Bill, president of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center. The 23,000 square-foot Discovery Center will have a dark sky observatory, hyperspace planetarium, theater, a night sky experience exhibit hall and an Einstein exploration station. The observatory will have the largest telescope in the Phoenix metro area, which has led to discussions with Arizona State University (ASU) about collaborative opportunities. “As a leader in STEM education and space exploration, ASU is excited by the creation of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center,” said Michael M. Crow, ASU president. “The center reinforces Arizona’s commitment to expanding our understanding of the universe and we look forward to working with them to advance new research and learning opportunities.” Part of the mission of the nonprofit STEM science facility is to help preserve dark skies. “More and more research clearly shows the adverse impact of excessive artificial light at night on humans, nocturnal animals, pollinators and plants,” explained Vicky Derksen, president of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association. “Also negatively affected is the astronomy state of Arizona with its billion dollar astronomy industry.” “Dark skies are an increasingly important part of Arizona’s tourism offerings and the Discovery Center admirably represents our state’s dedication
to astronomical research and education,” said Lisa Urias, executive director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. Being a certified International Dark Sky Community so close to a major metro area is beneficial to this project and its location. “Fountain Hills is the perfect location for the Discovery Center,” said Senator John Kavanagh. “With its dark skies and proximity to millions of people, the center will benefit the entire state of Arizona.” Fountain Hills Mayor Ginny Dickey said that she is excited for the impact that the Discovery Center will have on the town. “The Discovery Center will be an extraordinary addition to the town of Fountain Hills and a unique attraction for visitors and students of all ages who will come to be amazed at the wonders they’ll see,” she added. The benefits to the Town of Fountain Hills are significant, including world-wide recognition, tourism that benefits local businesses, perks for the local school district through educational partnerships, and more. “We hope to fulfill all our missions: to provide STEM education experiences to students interested in the sciences, offer the Dark Sky Observatory’s research capabilities to university students, serve as an international attraction for visitors of all ages and introduce children and adults alike to the awesome wonders of the cosmos so that they leave with a better understanding of the universe and the adverse impacts of excessive artificial light at night,” Bill said. To learn more about the International Dark Sky Discovery Center, visit darkskycenter.org.
SALT NOT THE BEST CHOICE The Sanitary District recycles every drop of wastewater collected in Town. All of the sodium from water softeners ends up in the recycled water supply, which is used for irrigation at our local parks and golf courses. By “Recycling Every Drop”, the Sanitary District helps save the desert’s limited drinking water sources for human needs and economic development. Next time you fill your water softener with a heavy bag of salt, stop to think about where it goes. Did you know that approximately 1 MILLION POUNDS of sodium is added to the wastewater collected in Fountain Hills every year?
• Sodium levels in the irrigation water are 2 times what is healthy for longterm use on grass, bushes and trees.
DID YOU KNOW:
• Reduces sodium intake
• Every day in Fountain Hills 2,600 lbs of sodium is added to the sewer, that’s almost 1,000,000 pounds a year!
• Doesn’t pollute the local water source
• An estimated 70% of homes use a salt-based water softener.
• Protects pipes and appliances
• Water softeners contribute 50%-70% of the sodium dumped into the sewer. The remaining is from normal human activity.
• Safe for all softeners
• 100% of the wastewater in Town is recycled and used to water Town parks, local golf courses and to fill Fountain Lake.
*Adjust your water softener settings if you refill more than 4 times/year. Typically, softeners are configured to regenerate more often than is necessary, causing more salt to be released into the sewer. Reducing how often the system regenerates can reduce how often you buy salt, saving both money and our local turf
• Every 40-pound bag of salt (sodium chloride) used to refill a water softener adds 15 pounds of sodium to irrigation water for parks and golf courses Fountain Hills INSIDER | A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
BENEFITS TO USING POTASSIUM CHLORIDE IN YOUR WATER SOFTENER: • Provides needed potassium to your diet
• Better for grass at local parks and golf courses
It is more expensive but is better for you and the environment.
www.fountainhillsaz.gov
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This article was submitted by Bob Burns, a member of the History & Culture Advisory Commission. The HCAC works on matters relating to historic and cultural preservation, including making plans and policies for the identification, evaluation, and recognition of historically or culturally significant aspects within Fountain Hills.
became Fountain Hills as his design team led by Disneyland designer C.V. Wood decided to make the attraction the “Tallest Fountain in the World.”
The iconic symbol of Fountain Hills – the jet stream of water shooting skyward near the center of town celebrated its 53rd anniversary on Dec. 15, 2023. It was on that date in 1970 that the Fountain was turned on for the first time as the official welcome to visitors to the community.
The McCulloch team went to Geneva, Switzer land, and called upon those responsible for Le Jet d’Eau, a large fountain situated on Lake Geneva at the Rhone River in that city. The technology for that fountain was developed in the late 19th century when it was decided to enhance an industrial pressure relief valve into a tourist attraction.
One thing can be said of the marketing and promotion strategy of Robert McCulloch and his team of community development planners in the 1960s – it was a “go big or go home” approach. McCulloch was the one who purchased “The” London Bridge and shipped it to the desert to be reassembled piece by piece along the Colorado River at Lake Havasu City. Later, when McCulloch was planning a new community, Chaparral City, in Maricopa County near Phoenix, he saw a column in a Phoenix newspaper suggesting the idea of a large fountain in the middle of the desert. McCulloch latched onto the concept and Chaparral City
Photos courtesy the River of Time Museum & Exploration Center
HISTORIC FOUNTAIN STILL ATTRACTING VISITORS
At a central location of the development site, they created a 60-plus acre park with a 30-acre lake, and near the center of the lake built a fountain to shoot a pure-white stream of water up to 560 feet into the air.
The finished product, designed and built in Zurich, Switzerland, and shipped to the United States and Fountain Hills in the late spring of 1970, was a two-ton nozzle designed to channel 7,000 gallons of water each minute under 375 pounds of pressure per square inch hundreds of feet into the sky. When tested in Tenero, Switzerland, in May 1970 the nozzle destined for Fountain Hills measured a triangulated height of 600 feet. The Fountain was installed with three 600 horsepower multi-stage electric turbine pumps that draw water from the lake beneath the pumphouse and flood it through a pipeline to the Fountain at the center of the lake. The pumps are so large they were installed on the platform and the pumphouse built around them. With all three pumps running, something that is not done as often today, the water reaches the jet nozzle traveling approximately 68.5 feet per second. The snow-white column of water is generated, not by a single solid stream, but through a hollow cylinder six inches in diameter. This allows the water to mix with air producing a massive white column of water. When the Fountain is operating with just two of its three pumps the water column will reach approximately 330 feet. With age and need for maintenance, one pump is generally idle for “back-up” purposes. When the Fountain first became operational it ran on a 10-hour-per-day schedule with two pumps operating for 55 minutes at the 330foot level and the third pump switching on for the final five minutes to the maximum height of 550 feet.
Today the Fountain operates for a 15-minute interval beginning at the top of each hour. These are generally with two pumps running. When wind velocity affects the operation, a single pump will run, creating a spout of around 100 feet. At higher wind velocities, the Fountain will not operate. Continued on page 7
A TRADITION LIKE NO OTHER It all started on St. Patrick’s Day in 1978 when a young homebuilder rode his horse into a local tavern to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and his heritage. So what could top such a stunt? How about a bet to turn the town’s fountain green, water ski around the fountain, and who doesn’t show up is out $250! So, on St. Patrick’s Day 1979, with a large crowd watching from shore, the world-famous fountain in Fountain Hills was dyed green, and all the bettors skied around the fountain as planned, except for one. He couldn’t get up on the skis. Now, 45 years later, what started as a bet in a bar has become the annual Greening of the Fountain in Fountain Hills on St. Patrick’s Day. The fountain will flow emerald green on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at noon. If you need help to make St. Patrick’s Day work to see the fountain, come to Irish Fest on Saturday, March 16! The fountain will flow green at 12:00 and 4:00 p.m.
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Fountain Hills INSIDER | A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
www.fountainhillsaz.gov
FOUNTAIN HILLS REC PROGRAMS TEEN WIFFLEBALL TOURNAMENT
MARCH 9, 3:00-7:00 P.M.
Four Peaks Park Ballfields | Ages 13-17 | Cost: FREE Top teams will win awesome prizes! Snacks, drinks and all equipment will be provided. Register as a team or as an individual at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/REC
RETURN TO RECESS
TUESDAYS FEB 13-APRIL 2, 4:00-5:30 P.M.
Ages 8-14 | Cost: $40 This 7-week long program focuses on getting kids outside to play! Fountain Hills Recreation has partnered with multiple community groups to bring youth ages 8-14 a program that teaches them new sports each week. Each participant will receive a Return to Recess t-shirt and the program will conclude with a Pizza Party.
Register at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/REC
ADULTS RETURN TO RECESS
TUESDAYS FEB 22-MAR 28, 6:30-8:30 P.M.
Ages 8-14 | Cost: $40 Return to Recess - ADULT STYLE! Enjoy a new active, but not too active, game every week. All registrants will receive a cool shirt! NEW for this season is a drop-in option for $10 that allows participants to select a specific week & activity they would like to attend. Invite friends to come check out the program with this new drop-in option!
Register at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/REC
TEEN ADVENTURE TRIPS
BUY 2 TRIPS GET 1 FREE!
Ages 13-17 | Cost: $50/trip Grab your friends and sign up for a Teen Adventure Trip that takes a group of teens to an awesome activity around the Valley! Each trip includes transportation, entrance into the activity, and a meal. UPCOMING TRIPS: Register at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/REC February 24th, 12:00-5:00 p.m. Diamondbacks Springs Training March 29th, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Main Event April 12th, 5-9 p.m. – Bam Kazam May 10th, 5-10 p.m. – Fat Cats Bowling
THE (FOUNTAIN) HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC IN THE SPRING IRISH FEST ‘24 Put on your green and join the Town of Fountain Hills as we shamROCK the Hills at our Irish Fountain Fest! Food, fun, and music will all be a part of this family-friendly event, and who could forget that our World Famous Fountain will be transformed into a bright emerald green geyser at 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. This event will feature a kid’s zone, Traditional Irish folk music, a Celtic rock band, food trucks, the Crescent Crown Beer Garden, and much more! This event is open to families of all ages and is completely free of charge!
THE FOUNTAIN HILLS MUSIC FEST HAS GONE COUNTRY! Saturday • April 6, 5:00 - 9:30 p.m. Fountain Park: 12925 N Saguaro Blvd • Fountain Hills, AZ Details found at www.experiencefountainhills.org/events/2024/music-fest Join us for one night of LIVE music in the hills! This year’s Music Fest will include THREE country bands, a kids zone, food trucks, and a beer (Bone Haus Brewing) and wine (Grapeables Wine Bar) garden. 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Scott and Sabrina Band
11:00 a.m.
Festival Opens
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Western Fusion
11:00 a.m.
Frank Mackey - Musician
8:00 - 9:30 p.m. Sam Riggs
12:00 p.m.
Greening of the Fountain
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Kilted Spirit Band
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Phoenix Pipe & Drum Band
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Traveler – Celtic Rock Band
4:00 p.m.
Greening of the Fountain
Fountain Hills INSIDER | A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
MUSIC AND A BEAUTIFUL EVENING Enjoy live music along the Avenue of the Fountains with our evening concert series on Wednesdays in November from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Our concerts showcase some of the Valley’s best bands and a variety of music options to suit everyone’s taste. Each evening will have an acoustic musician and a band performing. Yards games are located throughout the Avenue. April 4 Chuck Hall Band, Kailin Kentigian April 11 The Painted Cave Band, Ritchie Fliegler April 18 Lucas Brown and the Night’s Watch, Dave Clark April 25 Copper State Blues Band, Brady Grey
www.fountainhillsaz.gov
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SAACA AND TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS LAUNCH INAUGURAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and the Town of Fountain Hills are joining forces to capture the essence of life in Fountain Hills with the announcement of the inaugural “Fountain Hills Photography Competition.” The Fountain Hills Photography Competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers, allowing them to explore and appreciate the unique landscapes, culture, and wildlife in the community. Photographers don’t have to live in Fountain Hills, but all photos must be taken in Fountain Hills. There is no cost to submit to the competition. Submissions are accepted through May 1, 2024. The contest will award cash prizes in multiple categories, publish the winning photographs locally, and showcase the winners through media outreach and social media promotions. Additionally, all winning photos will be displayed on a dedicated website. There are six categories of the competition: Life in Fountain Hills and surrounding neighbors in Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community, Places in Fountain Hills, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Com munity, Plants and Wildlife in Fountain Hills, Digitally Altered Artistic Photographic Images, Youth (entrant/photographer must be under 18), and Dark Skies. For details check out the Fountain Hills Photography Competition at www.fountainhillsphotocompetition.com/
2024 CATEGORIES Category 1: Life in Fountain Hills and surrounding neighbors in Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community Photos should reflect what you do or see every day – photo examples include special events or community celebrations, sports, parades, people taking a walk and having fun, positive aging, children playing, street scenes, town crews at work, etc.
Category 4: Digitally Altered Artistic Photographic Images – This category is designed for more than just enhanced photographs through digital fine-tuning. Alterations may include using an oil paint effect or significant digital alteration of light and lines. The photographer should describe the digital enhancement or manipulation applied to the image. Category 5: Youth (entrant/photographer must be under 18) – Photos taken in Fountain Hills, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, and Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community can reflect any subject matter the entrant wants to submit. Category 6: Dark Skies – Fountain Hills is designated as an International Dark Sky Community. Photo examples include deep space objects with telescopes, wide fields, moonlit and long exposure landscapes, timelapse and stargazing, panoramas, and community members enjoying and experiencing the dark skies. Learn more and submit photos at www.fountainhillsphotocompetition.com/ Fountain Hills Photography Competition
Category 2: Places in Fountain Hills, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community, Photo examples include neighborhoods, shopping districts, streets, parks, trails and green spaces, businesses, etc. Category 3: Plants and Wildlife in Fountain Hills – Photos should reflect the close-up beauty of Fountain Hills – its environment and wildlife.
When: Open for community submissions January 23, 2024 through May 1, 2024 Cost: No cost to submit to the competition NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available upon request.
OPERATION “SIDEWALK GRINDING” MAKES FOR SAFER WALKING The Fountain Hills Street Department is on-call 24 hours daily for much more than streets. The department is responsible for maintaining traffic signals, regulatory signs, median landscape maintenance, storm debris cleanup, street sweeping, street-related emergency responses, vehicle maintenance, contract administration, and minor asphalt, curb, and sidewalk repairs. One of the ongoing maintenance projects is called “sidewalk grinding.” This operation has department crews work on uneven sidewalk panels and aprons, providing a smooth transition on the walking pathway found in the rightof-way, town-owned facilities, and parks. Grinding is performed after inspections reveal uneven panels that display vertical offsets, causing potential hazards. Cement sanding machines then grind down these offsets to produce a finished product, providing a non-skid surface free of rough or sharp edges. The fine concrete dust is removed by a special HEPA vacuum which captures the particulates and allows staff to dispose of it properly, leaving the area free and clear of leftover debris.
WHO DO I CALL? THREAT TO LIFE OR PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCIES – Call 911 Town Hall (480) 816-5100 (Monday – Thursday) Town Website – www.fountainhillsaz.gov Community Center – (480) 816-5200 Senior Services – (480) 816-5189 Public Library – (602) 652-3000 Community Services (480) 816-5100 Sheriff’s Dispatch (602) 876-1011 Call 911 for Emergencies
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Fountain Hills Fire Department Call 911 for Emergencies Non-Emergency Line: 480-644-2400
Republic Services (Garbage removal) (602) 237-2078
Fountain Hills Unified School District (480) 664-5000
Salt River Project – (Electric utility) General information, (602) 236-8888; emergency (24 hours), (602) 236-8811
Fountain Hills Municipal Court (480) 816-5103
SouthWest Gas – Suspect a leak? Call 911 and (877) 860-6020
Century Link Residential customers, (866) 642-0444; Business customers, (877) 744-4416
Fountain Hills Sanitary District (480) 837-9444
Cox Communications (602) 277-1000 EPCOR Water – (800) 383-0834
Fountain Hills INSIDER | A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
Maricopa County Animal Control (602) 506-7387 Code Enforcement Hotline (480) 816-5193
www.fountainhillsaz.gov
ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The Town of Fountain Hills Streets Department and its contracted road construction company, M.R. Tanner Construction, are completing a four-phase road replacement project this fiscal year. Roads have been residents’ primary concern since the Town’s incorporation in 1989. Many pre-incorporation roads were often just asphalt on top of the graded desert. Some were constructed using Maricopa County guidelines before the Town was incorporated. Since the Town does not have a property tax to fund road replacement and maintenance regularly, the Streets Department uses a limited budget and available grant funding to maintain the community’s roads and sidewalks. The Citizens Ad-Hoc Street committee, consisting of engaged and experienced residents, helped oversee street maintenance planning and long-term street replacement needs by researching and offering input on how the Town can manage its streets and pavement repairs for the next 20 years on a limited budget. In 2022, the Town hired Roadway Asset Services to laser-test the entire road network to help determine which roads needed urgent repair. This report and review of the age of streets helped formulate the four-phase road repair and replacement plan. The first phase was in December 2023. This project rebuilt or repaired the industrial area of Kiwanis Dr. from Saguaro to El Lago, Enterprise Dr., and Colony Dr. Crews had to replace up to a foot of base material and asphalt on many of these streets, forcing the closure of the roads to traffic.
The fourth and final phase is Panorama Drive, from Saguaro Blvd to Palisades Blvd. This project is projected to begin in April. Residents will be notified about this road work before the project starts.
The second phase included removing and replacing pavement on Ibsen Drive, Sherwood Drive, Sterling Way, and Ashbrook Drive between Fountain Hills Boulevard and Cameo Drive. However, it was determined by the Town’s engineers that these roads did not need as extensive removal of road. Testing showed that only the asphalt and a small base layer required removal. Not having to remove 8-12 inches of road saved the Town money and allowed the street to stay open for residential access.
During these road projects, residents and those using these streets must obey all construction notifications and instructions from on-site safety personnel. No parking is permitted on the streets during working hours once construction begins. The Town’s construction working hours are 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Contractors typically work between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. during the week.
Jacklin Drive was the third phase of a road repair and replacement program, and fortunately, this long street remained open for residential traffic.
For more information about the Phase 3 road project, visit the Town’s website at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/Pavement-Projects.
STELLAR NIGHT SKY EVENTS FOR SPRING 2024 As the world’s 17th International Dark Sky Community, Fountain Hills is a great place to enjoy night sky activities. This Spring brings many fun opportunities and events to connect with the night sky.
DARK SKY FESTIVAL The 5th annual Dark Sky Festival on March 30, 2024, is going to be bigger and better than ever. You can expect more exhibitors, more activities, more telescopes, and more food trucks. This year’s keynote speaker is Jo Marchant, author of the New York Times bestselling book The Human Cosmos: Civilization and the Stars. She’ll take us on a journey into humanity’s cultural connection to the night sky. Julia Wang from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology will also speak about the impact of light pollution on nocturnal migratory birds. And the award-winning children’s book author Marsha Diane Arnold will do story time at the Fountain Hills Library with her book Lights Out. The festival will be held at the Community Center and Centennial Circle, with the library, museum, and community garden participating with activities. The event is free to the public. For more information, visit www.FHDarkSky.com.
HISTORIC FOUNTAIN STILL ATTRACTING VISITORS Continued from page 4 CURRENT STATUS At 560 feet the Fountain was certified by the “Guinness Book” as the world’s tallest when it was first operational. At that time, it surpassed the Captain Cook Memorial Jet at Canberra, Australia (450 feet), the Le Jet d’Eau in Switzerland (435 feet) and New York City’s Delacorte Fountain (400 feet). It was five times higher than the Washington Monument, 10 feet taller than the United Nations Building, 95 feet taller than the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, 110 feet higher than the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt. It also rose three times higher than Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park. Fountain Hills INSIDER | A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
Since 1970, there are many who are now out to compete for the “World’s Tallest” title. Currently, King Fahd’s Fountain in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, rises to more than 1,000 feet, nearly twice the height of the Fountain here. The fountain in central Dubai, United Arab Emirates, rises to 500 feet. In nearby Las Vegas, Nev., the choreographed fountain at the Bellagio also competes as one of the world’s most spectacular fountains. However, despite its displacement as the world’s tallest, the Fountain remains a tourist attraction in one of the most picturesque settings in the world.
www.fountainhillsaz.gov
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Town of Fountain Hills 16705 E Avenue of the Fountains Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
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Insider A publication by the Town of Fountain Hills
FOUNTAIN HILLS ART ON THE AVENUE & THE FARMER’S MARKET Even after the holiday season, Fountain Hills still offers members of the community exciting outdoor shopping events like the Fountain Hills Art on the Avenue and the Farmer’s Market. Stop by every Wednesday through April. The market is from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., and the art fair is from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
RECYCLE FOUNTAIN HILLS IT’S EASY WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO Putting items in your recycling bin that aren’t recyclable will contaminate or interfere with the material recycling process. When in doubt, throw it out! Use this list to determine what can and can’t be recycled:
DO RECYCLE
RECYCLING BEST PRACTICES
Paper: Newspapers and ad inserts, magazines, catalogs, phone books, white paper, paper bags, junk mail, envelopes and any other clean dry paper. Shredded paper is not a recyclable item.
If you don’t see an item listed, don’t recycle it.
Cardboard: Empty food boxes like cake, cracker and cereal boxes (without plastic insert), milk and OJ cartons, paper towel tubes, broken down large boxes.
• Clean your recyclables – Leftover food remnants are considered contamination and result in your recyclables being tossed in the trash. This can be avoided by recycling clean and dry items.
Cans: Aluminum beverage cans and steel cans like soup, pet food, tuna, fruit and vegetable. Plastics: Plastic milk and juice jugs, water bottles. Glass: Glass Bottles
• Do not bag your recyclables – If you do, the whole bag gets tossed into the trash and is weighed as contaminated recycling.
• Place your trash and recycling bins out by 6 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Make sure they are against the curb, with the handle side closest to your home. • Make sure containers are at least four feet away from each other and from nearby fences, light posts, mailboxes or other obstacles.