SPAC 03182026 Summary

TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 
SUMMARY MINUTES OF REGULAR SESSION 
OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING ADVISORY COMMISSION 
MARCH 18, 2026 
 
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 
Chairman Patrick Garman called to order the meeting of the Strategic Planning Advisory 
Commission at 4:08 p.m. 
2. INVOCATION – Moment of Silence 
3. ROLL CALL 
Members Present:  Chairman Patrick Garman; Vice Chairman Geoff Yazzetta; 
Commissioner Paul Smith; Commissioner Joseph Reyes 
 
 
Members Absent: Commissioner Bernie Hoenle; Commissioner Polly Bonnett; 
Commissioner Randy Crader 
 
Staff Present: Town Manager Rachael Goodwin and Deputy Town Clerk Angela Padgett-
Espiritu 
 
 
4. STATEMENT OF PARTICIPATION 
 
5. SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS BY DIRECTOR 
 
GOODWIN: Provided updates on several Town priorities, including the recent 
community survey regarding potential street repair bonding, which received strong 
participation. She noted the council continues to prioritize street improvements and 
long-term infrastructure planning, including preparation for future lake liner 
replacement needs. She also shared that FY27 CIP discussions will include downtown 
renovation projects along Verde River Drive and noted that the upcoming election will 
bring significant changes to the council next year. 
 
6. PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITIONS 
None 
 
7. PRESENTATIONS 
None 
 
8. CONSENT AGENDA 
 
a. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval of the Minutes from the 
Regular Meeting Held on February 26, 2026.

MOVED BY Vice Chairman Geoff Yazzetta to APPROVE the Minutes of the 
Regular Meeting Held on February 26, 2026, of the Strategic Planning Advisory 
Commission Meeting, SECONDED BY Commissioner Joseph Reyes 
Vote: 4–0 | motion passed unanimously 
 
 
 
9. REGULAR AGENDA 
a. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION:  Future Strategic Plan Signature Strategy – 
Economic Development. 
1. Downtown Planning 
2. Outdoor Activities and Tourism 
3. Shea Corridor 
4. Diversification in Business Development 
 Discussion focused on the Town’s future strategic plan and economic development 
priorities, including downtown planning, tourism, the Shea Corridor, and business 
diversification.  
Staff explained that the Town’s updated 2024 Downtown Strategy is already guiding 
downtown improvements, with efforts focused on accelerating projects over the next 
five years.  
Downtown improvement goals include enhancing walkability, adding sidewalks and 
lighting, creating gathering spaces and outdoor seating, and improving pedestrian 
connectivity between downtown, Fountain Park, and surrounding commercial areas.   
Commissioners discussed the need for more centrally located public restrooms 
downtown, particularly for seniors, families, farmers market visitors, and future tourism 
activity.  
Staff highlighted ongoing sidewalk infill projects, enhanced crosswalks, and active 
transportation planning to improve safety and walkability throughout the community.  
Discussion also focused on attracting a wider variety of businesses and industries, 
including healthcare, biosciences, financial services, startups, professional services, and 
light assembly/manufacturing.  
Staff noted that Fountain Hills is nearing buildout, making redevelopment, revitalization, 
and zoning flexibility increasingly important for future economic growth opportunities.  
Shea Corridor discussions included redevelopment near the Target/Four Peaks area, the 
future Sprouts development, and efforts to attract additional restaurants and retail 
uses.

Commissioners emphasized balancing future growth with concerns related to traffic, 
density, and maintaining the Town’s character, while identifying outdoor activities and 
tourism as key long-term community strengths. 
b. UPDATE: from the Commission Work Groups 
Vice Chairman Yazzetta provided an update on upcoming community engagement 
events for gathering public input related to the strategic planning process. 
Two community meetings were announced: 
  
Saturday, April 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Community Center 
  
Thursday, April 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Fountain Hills Unified 
 
School District Learning Center. 
Staff confirmed coordination with Mike Pelton regarding promotional flyers and 
outreach efforts. 
Vice Chairman Yazzetta noted that outreach would be shared through Town 
communication channels and the Fountain Hills Unified School District to encourage 
participation, particularly from school stakeholders. 
c. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Consideration of Future Agenda Items Pertaining 
to the Strategic Plan. 
Chair Garman discussed upcoming strategic plan agenda topics, noting that future 
meetings will focus on the “Quality of Life and Safety” pillar, including tourism and 
outdoor activities. 
Staff recommended coordinating with Angela regarding which department staff should 
attend future discussions, including Community Services staff, due to their involvement 
with town events, tourism, and outdoor activities. 
Commissioners discussed the strategic plan timeline, with expectations to: 
• Continue discussions through April and May 
• Hold another workshop in June 
• Prepare a draft strategic plan over the summer 
• Begin formal review and revisions in the fall 
• Target final adoption in early 2027. 
Chair Garman also emphasized the importance of community engagement and future 
outreach efforts as the strategic plan development process continues. 
10.  CALL TO THE PUBLIC 
 None

11. COMMISSION DISCUSSION/DIRECTION TO THE DIRECTOR 
None 
 
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 
None 
 
13. ADJOURNMENT 
MOVED BY Vice Chairman Geoff Yazzetta to APPROVE adjourning the meeting of March 
18 ,2026, of the Strategic Planning Advisory Commission, SECONDED BY Commissioner 
Joseph Reyes. 
Vote: 4–0 | motion passed unanimously 
 
 
Chairman Patrick Garman adjourned the meeting of the Strategic Planning Advisory 
 
Commission at 5:02 PM