Fountain Hills Times online - 4:30 News Previous Items

Posted June 25

Pickering wants to stay in FH
Fountain Hills Town Manager Tim Pickering has announced his withdrawal from consideration for the job of Flagstaff city manager. Pickering sent an e-mail message to staff and council late this afternoon stating his intention to stay in Fountain Hills as town manager. “I wanted to let you know of my decision to stay in Fountain Hills,” Pickering said. “I look forward to continuing to serve as your town manager.” Pickering sent a message to Flagstaff Mayor Joseph Donaldson this afternoon stating his intention to withdraw.

Desert Vista dog park closed for work
The Dog Park at Desert Vista Park is closed through Sunday, July 15, while construction crews install equipment associated with the new lights for the park. Crews will be putting in underground conduit and the entire park will need to be closed in order to complete the work more quickly, as well as eliminate any possible safety hazards to pets and their owners because of open trenches. Photo: A construction crew began digging trenches at the Desert Vista dog park on Monday. Electrical conduit will be laid in the trenches to accommodate new lights at the park.

Senior advisory group meets Monday
The Senior Services Advisory Commission will hold its next meeting on Monday, June 25. The agenda for the session includes a discussion concerning the vacant Senior Services Supervisor position, as well as discussion about programs and trips for the coming fiscal year. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall and is open to the public.

Singers sought for karaoke
First American Title Insurance Company sponsors a karaoke fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m., Monday, June 25, at the Tap House with proceeding going toward the “Circle of Peace” sculpture. A local version of “American Idol” competition is planned. Donations are $10 each or two for $15. First American Title Insurance Company and other businesses are providing appetizers, drink specials and door prizes.

2 Chamber events
Style With A Twist welcomes all Chamber members to an open house from 4 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, June 26, to celebrate the new location at 16810 Avenue of the Fountains, suite 106, in the former Southtique site. Anthony and Carolyn Redendo invite Chamber members to visit their new location, Redendo’s Pizzeria Ristorante, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 26, at 14700 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., suite 159, Scottsdale.

Police calls
The following incidents were reported to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Fountain Hills District 7 substation

Friday, June 22

7:24 a.m., suspended or revoked driver’s license, Fountain Hills and Shea boulevards.

8:29 a.m., suspended or revoked driver’s license, Saguaro Blvd. and Avenue of the Fountains.

11:29 a.m., credit card fraud, 158th Street.

1:08 p.m., found property, District 7 substation.

9:51 p.m., domestic violence, disorderly conduct, Centipede Drive.

Saturday, June 23

12:13 a.m., assault, Del Cambre Ave. and Grande Blvd.

4:01 a.m., illegal possession or consumption of alcohol, Calaveras Ave.

12:15 p.m., vehicle burglary, Gunsight Drive.

12:47 p.m., criminal damage, Desert Willow Drive.

2:43 p.m., fraud/con, Sahuaro Drive (county).

6:49 p.m., burglary, Gamble Lane (county).

Sunday, June 24

8:21 a.m., theft, 146th Street.

8:23 a.m., burglary attempt, Ocotillo Drive.

11:43 a.m., burglary from vehicle, Monterey Drive.

11:58 a.m., burglary from vehicle, Rockwood Drive.

12:15 p.m., burglary from vehicle, Kensington Place.

1:10 p.m., narcotics/drugs, Crystal Ridge Drive.

1:23 p.m., burglary from vehicle, Ledferd Lane.

8:37 p.m., shoplifting, Fountain Hills Blvd.

Posted June 22

Plan for Preserve access moves ahead
After being on the verge of failure, a proposal for general access into the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve got new life at the Town Council meeting on June 21. At very nearly the last minute MCO Properties dropped its request for language in the proposal relating to future consideration of a community facilities district (CFD) for the Adero Canyon subdivision. The council voted to direct Town Attorney Andrew McGuire to work with Paul Gilbert, an attorney representing MCO, to prepare an agreement for council consideration.

Council OKs $1.4 max for Fountain Park
The Town Council approved an amendment to its construction agreement with Valley Rain Construction for a guaranteed maximum price of $1.4 million for Fountain Park improvements. The work at the park will include a new irrigation system, a walking path near the lake, landscaping and disc golf tee pads. Work is expected to begin soon.

Cecil Yates named to P&Z Commission
Cecil Yates has been appointed by the Town Council to fill a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Yates is operating partner for Vetrone Development with experience with both small and large projects. Yates will take his seat on the commission with the next meeting on June 28.

Vandals damage Chamber building
The Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce is looking for anyone who might have information about vandalism to its office on Tuesday, June 19. According to Chamber President Frank Ferrara someone broke out a glass door and windows in the Chamber building at Palisades Blvd. and Verde River Drive. It appears the damage was done by rocks. The incident was reported to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday morning.

‘Man of La Mancha’ to open
The Fountain Hills Community Theater will open ‘The Man of La Mancha’ Friday evening, June 22. It will play Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 15. FHCT is located at 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. Ticket information is available by calling 837-9661, ext. 3, or visiting www.fountainhillstheater.com. Individual adult tickets are $20 each.

2 Chamber events
Style With A Twist welcomes all Chamber members to an open house from 4 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, June 26, to celebrate the new location at 16810 Avenue of the Fountains, suite 106, in the former Southique site. Anthony and Carolyn Redendo invite Chamber members to visit their new location, Redendo’s Pizzeria Ristorante, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 26, at 14700 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., suite 159, Scottsdale.

Desert Vista dog park closing for work
The Dog Park at Desert Vista Park is closed for three weeks beginning next Monday, June 25, through Sunday, July 15, while construction crews install equipment associated with the new lights for the park. Crews will be putting in underground conduit and the entire park will need to be closed in order to complete the work more quickly, as well as eliminate any possible safety hazards to pets and their owners because of open trenches.

Police calls
The following incidents were reported to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Fountain Hills District 7 substation

Thursday, June 21

12:08 a.m., theft, La Montana Drive and Palisades Blvd.

12:11 a.m., suspended or revoked driver’s license, Alamosa and Sabinas drives.

9:40 a.m., private property vehicle accident, Shea Blvd.

10:59 a.m., theft, Lava Bluff Trail.

Posted June 21

Council to discuss preserve access
Town staff is going to recommend to the council that efforts to negotiate a temporary general access to the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve be dropped for now. The discussion is on the agenda for the council’s regular session this evening Thursday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall. The council asked Town Manager Tim Pickering to open discussions with MCO officials to reach an agreement for allowing hikers to cross MCO land to reach the public preserve.

Party in Park today at Golden Eagle
Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a “Party in the Park” every other Thursday this summer at Golden Eagle Park and the second event is set for this week. The party is open to all Middle School and High School student from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Come and hang out, listen to music, play games and win prizes. The event this evening, June 21, is being called “Water You Doing?” with a water theme with a giant water slide, water games and a watermelon eating contest.

Police calls
The following incidents were reported to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Fountain Hills District 7 substation

Wednesday, June 20
2:17 a.m., suspended or revoked driver’s license, Almont and Cambria drives.
2:49 a.m., narcotics/drugs, Almont and Cambria drives.

Posted June 20

Coffee with mayor, council is tonight
The next coffee discussion hosted by Mayor Wally Nichols will be this evening, Wednesday, June 20, at the Fountain Hills Community Center from 7 to 9 p.m. Nichols will be joined this month by Councilwoman Ginny Dickey and Councilman Jay Schlum. Residents are invited to attend these sessions for an unstructured question and answer session with the mayor and council members. Refreshments are served.

Council to discuss preserve access
Town staff is going to recommend to the council that efforts to negotiate a temporary general access to the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve be dropped for now. The discussion is on the agenda for the council’s regular session on Thursday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall. The council asked Town Manager Tim Pickering to open discussions with MCO officials to reach an agreement for allowing hikers to cross MCO land to reach the public preserve.

Tourism-oriented business plan
Chamber of Commerce chair Mark McDermott will update Chamber of Commerce members on the business vitality plan at the breakfast meeting, 6:30 a.m., Thursday, June 21, in the Community Center. Guests are welcome to hear details of the program. Tickets are $10 for them, and $5 for Chamber members. A new customer service training program for front-line employees to become “tourism ambassadors” also will be introduced.

Business excellence graduation
Ten graduates of the Business Excellence program will be honored at the final session at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, June 21, in the Community Center. The workshops were sponsored by the town and Chamber of Commerce to train business owners in various skills, including sales growth through new products and markets; advertising and promotions; organization and structure; Internet marketing, and customer service.

Party in Park Thursday evening
Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a “Party in the Park” every other Thursday this summer at Golden Eagle Park and the second event is set for this week. The party is open to all Middle School and High School student from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Come and hang out, listen to music, play games and win prizes. The event on Thursday, June 21, is being called “Water You Doing?” with a water theme with a giant water slide, water games and a watermelon eating contest.

‘Man of La Mancha’ to open
The Fountain Hills Community Theater will open ‘The Man of La Mancha’ Friday evening, June 22. It will play Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 15. FHCT is located at 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. Ticket information is available by calling 837-9661, ext. 3, or visiting www.fountainhillstheater.com. Individual adult tickets are $20 each.

Police calls
The following incidents were reported to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Fountain Hills District 7 substation

Tuesday, June 19

12:10 a.m., narcotics/drugs, Palisades Blvd.

6:18 a.m., runaway juvenile, Tobasco Drive.

7:50 a.m., criminal damage, Palisades Blvd. and Verde River Drive.

8:56 a.m., forgery bogus check, Avenue of the Fountains.

1:01 p.m., threats to commit offense, 158th Street.

3:14 p.m., suspended or revoked driver’s license, Desert Vista Drive.

5:54 p.m., theft, Eagle Mountain Pkwy. and Shea Blvd.

7:08 p.m., theft, Saguaro and Shea boulevards.