Town Manager's Weekly Update for November 19, 2021

For the Week Ending

November 19, 2021

Ask Questions?

Here Are Answers to Resident Questions Regarding Proposed Amendment for Walls and Fences

Why is this amendment being proposed?

This amendment is being proposed to address residents’ concerns about privacy and security along heavily traveled streets, not local neighborhood streets. The streets affected by this amendment account for a very small percentage of the streets in the Town, especially since most of the heavily traveled streets have resorts and very few front yard residential properties. The amendment would provide greater security by allowing a view fence on top of an already allowed low wall.

Will this amendment reduce open space?

No. A 3-foot solid wall is currently allowed, so this amendment would allow a 70% open view fence on the currently allowed 3-foot lower wall.

Will this amendment allow larger homes or reduced setbacks for homes?

No. This proposal would not change anything related to home size or setback for homes.

Does private property begin at the edge of the roadway or right behind the sidewalk?

No. The public right-of-way area extends beyond the edge of the roadway and beyond the sidewalk. The graphic below shows the location of the right of way and the private property

Will this amendment require sidewalks to be located closer to the street?

No. Sidewalks are in the right-of-way. This amendment does not have any impact on right-of-way. Walls and fences are not permitted in the right-of-way currently and this proposed amendment would not change that requirement.

Holiday Concert at Camelback Inn

Camelback Inn will be hosting a holiday concert at Mummy Mountain at 8pm on December 17^th. Enjoy the evening with local favorite, Haley Reinhart. For those of you that want to know why she is a favorite, she was featured on American Idol and is a local!

As the Holiday Concert is underway, there is also a transistion happening operationally. The current CBI General Manager Paige Lund will be transitioning to JW Marriott Desert Ridge and Ralph Scatena will take her place as the new GM at Camelback. We will miss Paige Lund's leadership and we welcome Ralph Scatena back to the Camelback Inn. Congratulations!

Short-Term Rentals Discussed with Potential Solutions

During Thursday's Town Council meeting, the Council discussed during its Study Session and the public weighed in during Public Comment on the record.

The Council gave direction to staff in September (and previously) to come up with effective code changes consistent with State law (Sec 9-500.39) that would minimize nuisance issues and protect the public's health and safety both for neighbors and renters.

Fortunately, State law explicitly allows Towns and Cities to regulate for the public's health and safety, allowing some ability for the Town to protect our citizens and neighborhoods. Here is the powerpoint on the issues and proposed code changes. Residents were generally supportive of the Town's first set of proposed code changes and offered additional suggestions. Here is the video of the entire meeting. If you would like to add your comments to this discussion, please attend our next Council meeting on December 2, 2021 or email the Town your comments.

November 18th Council Meeting Summary

The Town Council took the following actions at last night’s meeting.

Approved the purchase of 10 police vehicle Radios and authorized the Town Manager to sign the contract purchasing this equipment
Rescinded the temporary suspension of Section 940(J) in Resolution 2020‑20 (This reinstated employee sick leave payout in excess of 480 hours)
Approved additional funding for the IPM contract for interim CFO services up to $100,000 on a full‑time month‑to‑month basis
Approved additional funding for the contract with Trick Dog Technology for the interim CIO services up to $80,000 on a part‑time month‑to‑month basis
Authorized Expenditure of Budgeted Funds for Information Technology Professional Services and Software Reseller Support with Sentinel Technologies, Inc.
Adopted Ordinance 2021-05 amending Chapter 8 of the Town Code related to a Community Tree Ordinance. This ordinance codifies current practice and enables to the Town to continue to be eligible for the Tree City USA designation.

Action Summary

Video

PVPD Updates

October Police Report Released

October’s monthly police report is now available.

In 2021, overall crime is down slightly. Identity theft and fraudulent activity are two areas that have seen an increase. Residents can consider credit monitoring services to assist in avoiding being victimized by this type of criminal activity.

Traffic collisions have increased when compared to 2020’s pandemic influenced numbers. Speed continues to be the largest reason for traffic collisions, and Lincoln Drive and Tatum Boulevard continues to be the geographic location of most collisions.

Jodi Wakefield Receives October Game Ball

October’s Game Ball Winner, Mallory Skinner passed the Game Ball to Jodi Wakefield recently.

In selecting Jodi, Mallory says, “I have chosen to pass the football to Jodi Wakefield. In the few months that Jodi has been a part of photo enforcement, she has stepped up and become an imperative member of the team. She is always asking questions and ready to learn something new. She has done a fabulous job of taking on the role as the main court representative for the photo enforcement unit. I am so glad she is a part of our department!”

Jodi has a great attitude and loads of policing experience from her days at the Los Angeles Police Department. Congratulations, Jodi!

Another Car Show and Another Success!

The Veterans Appreciation Car Show was held on Saturday, November 13th. As usual, the event was well-attended and enjoyed by all. Check out the video below to enjoy it all over again!