Fountain Hills Mayor Linda Kavanagh notes that very soon the town will welcome back an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 winter visitors to the community.

In the “while you were away” category, Kavanagh said there are a number of new items visitors should be aware of, as well as a reminder of some of the local traditions they might not be used to after being at other locales for a few months.

There are three significant new town ordinances that people need to be brought up to speed on if they have been out of town.

The town has passed and implemented a no texting while driving ordinance. This is not a secondary violation and drivers can be stopped and cited if they are seen texting while driving down the street.

This ordinance was passed following the tragic incident last March in which four pedestrians were killed when they were struck by a vehicle on Saguaro Boulevard next to Fountain Park.

During its last session before taking a summer break the Town Council approved an emergency measure to address complaints about “nuisance parties.”

The complaints centered on homes that are rented on a short-term basis for vacations, as well as one-off parties. There were also complaints that homes were being rented for events such as weddings.

Neighbors complained about traffic and noise that were associated with these activities.

The ordinance describes “nuisance” as any gathering on any private property that involves disturbances such as excessive noise or traffic, obstruction of a public street by crowds or vehicles, drinking in public, the serving of alcohol to minors, fighting, disturbing the peace or littering.

Fines for violation are up to $1,000 for the property owner or responsible party if there is a third response by law enforcement with 90 days.

At the same council meeting in June an ordinance was passed that prohibits smoking in all parks, trailheads and open space (Preserve). Currently designated smoking areas for parks are the parking areas. That may be amended. Signs related to the ordinance will be installed soon.

The town has installed new pavement markings and signs along Palisades Boulevard at access points from the frontage road. This safety program was developed by citizens working with staff to address issues related to wrong-way drivers.

The Sheriff’s Office is paying close attention to school zone speed violators. Motorists are urged to pay attention to school speed restrictions adjoining all schools, but in particular on Fountain Hills Boulevard near the middle school and charter school.

This is a wide, straight boulevard with easy temptation to exceed the limit. Motorists are encouraged to be careful, as they may get a ticket.

By late October or early November, Fountain Hills Fire Department will be relocating to its new Fire Station #2 on Fountain Hills Boulevard just north of Shea.

This is a site where there is more traffic contact than the current location on Saguaro Boulevard, so motorists are reminded of the new location and asked to watch for emergency traffic in the area.

Hikers returning for the season will be thrilled to learn that, within the next couple of months, the new trailhead at Adero Canyon is expected to be dedicated to allow visitors better access to the Fountain Hills McDowell Sonoran Preserve trail system.