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ITEM 6.b. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: 3/3/2026 Meeting Type: Town Council Regular Meeting Submitting Department: Administration / Town Clerk Prepared by: Angela Espiritu, Executive Assistant/Deputy Town Clerk Staff Contact Information: Phone: 480-816-5107 Email: aespiritu@fountainhillsaz.gov Request to Town Council Regular Meeting (Agenda Language) RECOGNITION: Honoring the Life and Service of Former Councilmember and Town Clerk Cassie Hansen Staff Summary (background) When Fountain Hills became an incorporated town in 1989, it began with no municipal staff, no offices, and no established systems of governance. One of the first people entrusted with building that structure was Cassie Hansen, who became the town’s first employee and first Town Clerk in January 1990. Hansen handled the administrative work of the newly formed town during its earliest months, managing records, council agendas, elections, and official correspondence at a time when the town did not yet have a permanent municipal facility. Her role placed her at the center of the town’s formative decisions as Fountain Hills transitioned from a master-planned community into a self-governing municipality. Her tenure also came during a period when much of Fountain Hills’ growth was still closely tied to the legacy development framework established by McCulloch Properties Incorporated (MCO Properties). While the town evolved into its own municipal government, early administrative leadership worked alongside ongoing private development and long-range planning that shaped the community’s identity. As the Town grew, Hansen’s responsibilities expanded. She added to her responsibilities of Town Clerk and served a dual role that encompassed the title of Director of Administrative Services for approximately 13 years. In that role, she acted as a liaison and administrative coordinator for several major civic projects, including development of the Fountain Hills Library, Community Center, Museum, and the relocation of the Senior Center. These projects helped establish permanent public institutions that continue to serve residents today. Hansen was also active in the broader community beyond her municipal role. Alongside her husband, Bruce Hansen, she became a familiar and respected presence in Fountain Hills civic life. The Hansens were known for their deep commitment to local organizations and events, and in 1999 they were named Co-Businesspersons of the Year by the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce in recognition of their shared dedication to the community. Bruce Hansen himself was widely regarded as a strong supporter of local initiatives, and together they contributed to the town’s growth both professionally and personally. Her public service later continued in an elected capacity when she served as a member of the Fountain Hills Town Council, bringing with her institutional knowledge that dated back to the town’s earliest days of incorporation. In 2004, Hansen was inducted into the Lower Verde Valley Hall of Fame, recognizing her long-standing service and contributions to Fountain Hills. Cassie Hansen passed away recently, and her loss is felt deeply throughout Fountain Hills. For many residents, her name — and the partnership she shared with Bruce — is inseparable from the town’s early history and the steady work that helped shape its government and civic institutions. She worked tirelessly as the Town’s first civil servant, inspiring many who followed in her footsteps to serve the community. Her heart and soul were instrumental in shaping Fountain Hills, helping others embrace and share her vision of true community spirit. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to public service, her deep commitment to the community, and her foundational role in building what Fountain Hills is today. She will be greatly missed. Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle N/A Risk Analysis N/A Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s) N/A Staff Recommendation(s) N/A Suggested Motion N/A FISCAL IMPACT Fiscal Impact: N/A Budget Reference: N/A Funding Source: N/A ATTACHMENTS 1. Cassie Hansen