The Town Council balked at the formation of a 16-member economic development “resource board” but did adopt a matrix outlining economic development goals and priorities at its June 20 …
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The Town Council balked at the formation of a 16-member economic development “resource board” but did adopt a matrix outlining economic development goals and priorities at its June 20 meeting.
These were two of the elements recommended by the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission as part of an approach to implementing the town’s Economic Development Plan.
SPAC had engaged Fountain Hills resident Peggy Fiandaca, AICP, as an economic development expert to facilitate a discussion among SPAC in formulating recommendations to the council.
The plan had proposed the resource board of community stakeholders to meet quarterly to provide policy guidance.
The group would have included 16 members from banking/financial interests, utilities such as Century Link, SRP, CCWC, Southwest Gas and Cox, hospitality interests, manufacturing, retail and technology interests as well as public sector interests such as the Chamber of Commerce, School District, Sanitary District and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
The group would work at the direction of Town Manager Ken Buchanan.
Councilwoman Cassie Hansen said she was surprised the council did not sit down with SPAC in a study or joint session to discuss the recommendation before considering it.
She noted some gaps in the resource group such as construction/development and other local business groups.
“I see this as forming another commission,” Councilman Dennis Brown said. “I don’t think we need commission to advise a commission.
“I think a work-study or joint session would be appropriate before moving forward. At this point I’m just not comfortable with this.”
Mayor Linda Kavanagh said she has some reservations about the size of the group and noted that the town manager has the authority to call on all the expertise he needs in implementing the plan.
Vice Mayor Tait Elkie also said he was hesitant to create the board.
“There is no shortage of smart people in this town and I have no concern about heeding the advice of (SPAC),” Elkie said.
“But the list of resources I see here are all available to the town manager as he sees fit. I don’t think this needs a resolution.”
Councilman Henry Leger agreed there are a lot of questions surrounding the appointment of a board, but he was comfortable with other aspects of the SPAC recommendation, particularly a task matrix.
“I would move to adopt the matrix presented by SPAC and incorporate it as part of the Economic Development Plan,” Leger said.
“This outlines the strategies and priorities.”
Brown said he would still like a work study session but conceded he could get his questions answered with a one-on-one meeting.
