HEADLINE:  PROMOTING PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROTECTING RESIDENTS

WHAT: Summary of August 22 2023 Town Council Meeting

Back in session after its summer hiatus, the Town Council agenda included discussion of three newly proposed ordinances which were drafted at the direction of the Council at a prior meeting.  Two of the three proposed ordinances were approved.  One would essentially restrict individuals from being in place on public roads and medians except to cross the road.  The other ordinance would restrict “camping” on public property and rights-of-way.  The ordinance which failed to gain approval was intended to limit aggressive solicitation.

WHY:

The first approved ordinance is intended to protect individuals and motorists from being on a road or median for any purpose other than to cross the road.  This addresses the safety concern of any solicitation in those areas, which presents a danger to the individual and motorists.  The second approved ordinance seeks to prevent the potential for the “encampments” which have occurred in Phoenix (“The Zone”) and other cities from establishing in Fountain Hills.  The third ordinance, which failed to gain approval, was defeated due to a stated concern by some Councilmembers and legal counsel that it may not meet certain legal standards regarding free speech.  The language will be amended to correct that concern and the ordinance will be placed on a future agenda for consideration and possible action.

CALL TO ACTION:

• Write letters to the editor to the Fountain Hills Independent on issues facing the Town. 300 words or less to rwinslett@iniusa.org
• Attend Council meetings to learn & show your support. 1^st & 3^rd Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 PM fountainhillsaz.gov/673/Meeting-Agendas
• Express your views – send emails to the Mayor& Councilmembers.

www.fountainhillsaz.gov/308/Town-Council or mayorcouncil@fountainhilsaz.gov