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ITEM 8.a.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date:
2/3/2026
Meeting Type:
Town Council Regular Meeting
Submitting Department:
Public Works / Streets
Prepared by:
Jeff Pierce, Streets Superintendent
Staff Contact Information: Phone: 480-816-5129
Email: jpierce@fountainhillsaz.gov
Request to Town Council Regular Meeting (Agenda Language)
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Regarding Pavement Management Options for
Thistle Drive and Funding Allocation.
Staff Summary (background)
On December 16, 2025, staff presented alternative pavement treatment options for
Richwood Avenue between Golden Eagle Boulevard and Boulder Drive. These options
included use of the Town’s pilot chip seal/cape program as well as full reconstruction of the
roadway. Following discussion, the Mayor and Council reviewed the alternatives, selected a
preferred approach, and directed staff to use funds for a full reconstruction of Richwood
Avenue.
Concurrently, the Mayor and Council directed staff to also evaluate Thistle Drive, from
Palisades Boulevard to just east of Mountainside Drive at the roadway terminus, for similar
alternative pavement treatment options, while also preparing cost evaluation for full
roadway reconstruction.
Evaluation and Findings
Since the last meeting, staff reached out to the paving contractor to secure a quote for the
same treatment options, both a lower-cost alternative and a full roadway reconstruction as
presented on Richwood Avenue.
Thistle Drive Treatment Approach
Lower-Cost Alternative- Chip Seal w/ Cape
1. Localized Asphalt Removal and Replacement
-Approximately 400 square yards of asphalt will be removed and replaced in sections where
the pavement cannot be salvaged.
2.Micro Milling
-A micro mill of ½ inch to ¾ inch will be performed across the roadway surface to remove
high spots, address raveling areas, and improve bonding for subsequent treatments.
3. Type III Micro Seal Scratch Course
-Apply a micro-seal scratch coat to level minor surface imperfections and provide a uniform
base for sealing.
4.Crack Sealing
-Seal all remaining cracks to prevent water intrusion and extend pavement life.
5. Chip Seal with Cape Seal Overlay
-Apply a chip seal (liquid asphalt and embedded aggregate) followed by a cape seal to
provide a smooth, sealed, durable finish.
-This treatment combination has proven successful in extending service life 7–10 years,
depending on weather conditions.
Estimated Cost Summary
Component Estimated Cost
Asphalt Removal/Replacement, Chip Seal w/ Cape $623,000 of which includes 15%
owners allowance
Concrete Repairs (curb, gutter, panels, etc.) $284,000 of which includes 15%
owners allowance
Total Project Cost $907,000.00
Full Reconstruction Alternative
Asphalt reconstruction is the process of completely removing and replacing the full
pavement structure—including the surface, base, and, when necessary, the sub-base, to
create a new pavement that is equivalent to or stronger than the original. It is used to
correct major structural failures or functional obsolescence and differs from resurfacing,
which only treats the surface. Reconstruction is a long-term solution followed by the
placement of new pavement layers to produce a durable, renewed roadway.
Estimated Cost Summary
Component Estimated Cost
3” AC on 5” ABC (see estimate) $1,304,000.00
Concrete Repairs (curb, gutter, panels, etc.) $284,000 of which includes
15%
owners allowance
Total Project Cost $1,600,000.00
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
N/A
Risk Analysis
If no action is taken on Thistle Drive, pavement distress will continue to deteriorate. As
pavement conditions decline, the cost of rehabilitation increases significantly. Temporary or
surface-level treatments address only visible symptoms—such as cracking, potholes, and
surface wear—and do not correct underlying structural deficiencies within the roadway
base, drainage system, or sub-grade. Consequently, these treatments have a limited-service
life and require frequent repeat applications. Over time, the cumulative cost of multiple
temporary repairs often exceeds the cost of a single full reconstruction, while providing
inferior long-term performance and reliability.
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff recommend that the Mayor and Council approve the full reconstruction option for the
Thistle Drive pavement treatment as outlined above. This recommendation is consistent
with Council’s direction from December 16th, 2025, to pursue a full roadway reconstruction
rather than a lower-cost, temporary repair.
Although full reconstruction requires a higher initial investment, it results in a lower life-
cycle cost by providing a durable, long-term solution. In contrast, temporary repairs would
require repeated funding allocations while only postponing inevitable pavement failure.
For these reasons, staff conclude that full reconstruction is the most effective option to
ensure the long-term performance, safety, and fiscal sustainability of the town’s roadway
system.
Suggested Motion
MOVE TO APPROVE Proceeding with Pavement Management Options for Thistle Drive and
Funding Allocation
FISCAL IMPACT
Fiscal Impact: $1,600,000.00
Budget Reference: FY 25/26 Budget for Pavement Management Program
Funding Source: Streets Fund
ATTACHMENTS
1.
THISTLE DRIVE- CHIP SEAL WITH CAPE QUOTE
2.
THISTLE DRIVE-FULL RECON QUOTE
3.
THISTLE DRIVE-CONCRETE REPLACEMENT QUOTE