Carefree Truth
Issue #490, June 13, 2016
Gary Neiss reported that with the bike lanes project nearing completion, attention would be turned towards the medians. Carefree contracts with Desert Foothills Landscape (DFL) for maintenance in the medians, and asked them for a proposal to create an enhanced landscape plan for the medians on Tom Darlington Drive between Stagecoach Pass and Cave Creek Road, and on Cave Creek Road between Scopa Trail and Mule Train Road. The plant palette is limited due to the absence of irrigation in the medians and the reflective heat from the streets. Shrubs and trees need water. In addition, a clear line of sight must be maintained along Tom Darlington Drive and Cave Creek Road so that cars pulling out of side streets and private driveways can do so safely. When vegetation is high or dense, line of sight becomes a serious safety and liability issue. Shrubs growing outward have scratched passing cars. Trees have been "pruned" by trucks, creating an unattractive mushroom look.
DFL specializes in medians, servicing many in both Master Planned Communities and on public streets in the area. Their proposal includes accent pieces, earth mounding, granite boulders, and low profile/low maintenance plants, including succulents for year round interest and color. Closer to the town center and the gateways, the suggested plan calls for a denser pattern of vegetation to provide a sense of entry. This would be coordinated with the landscaping at the gateways for a unified approach. The total cost for labor, materials, supplies and sales tax is $99,707. Like the previous owners, Aaron Clark, the new owner of DFL, believes in giving back to the community, and the value of what he is proposing is well over the price quoted.
If funding is approved, the project would begin in late June and be completed in time for the start of the fall season. The 25% down payment is available from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015/16 budget. The remainder is budgeted under Capital Improvements in FY 2016/17, which begins July 1st. DFL will plant whatever the Town wants, but will not guarantee that shrubs will survive without irrigation and with the reflective heat from the streets.
Councilman Gene Orrico said he understood why there was no guarantee on plants that were not recommended and that required water. Mr. Neiss said the Town had tried running irrigation to some of the medians in the past. There were many leaks, and traffic accidents broke lines. A significant amount of water was lost. There is a desert palette up here, and many residents have told him they don't want to see "Disney Desert" in Carefree.
Mayor Les Peterson said that DFL would water the new plants for the first year, after which they should survive on their own. Mr. Neiss added that DFL has a water truck and will water by hand. Vice Mayor John Crane said that there is a limited warranty. Councilman Mike Farrar pointed out a clause stating there was no warranty on re-vegetated plants. Mr. Neiss replied that there would be no re-vegetating, and that plants might be removed which are root bound or diseased. He called many of the existing plants, "awkward at best". DFL has landscape architects and designers. They want to be proud of their projects. The clause on re-vegetated plants is simply a standard blanket statement in those types of contracts.
Mr. Orrico noted that the price was below the $150,000 budgeted amount. Vice Mayor Crane and Councilman Farrar both said more plants might be added after the Town saw the final results, and this would provide funds to do so. Mayor Peterson agreed. Vice Mayor Crane asked if detailed plans would be presented before the project started in order to insure proper sight lines. Mr. Neiss assured the Vice Mayor that he will be working closely with DFL.
Jim Van Allen had submitted a slip to speak, and was called to the podium. He said that all the studies done had talked about a "village". To him, "a village feel is trees and green". He charged that this plan was what DFL was asked to do, all cactus, boulders, gravel, and rock, with no trees. He recommended delaying the vote until July, saying it would be in the right budget year and the Town wouldn't have to take it from this year.
Mr. Van Allen counted 49 trees in the medians outside of the town center area. Near the town center there were only 2 trees. He pointed out there is $20,000 in the FY 2016/17 budget for landscaping the gateways, outside of this proposal. $5000 was spent on landscaping in front of the 33 Easy Street building that will house the Council chambers. The small garden on the west side of Town Hall was donated by DFL. Mr. Van Allen said that was a million dollar value. He felt the landscaping by Town Hall was ideal, and said to tell DFL that Carefree wants a village feel. "Yes, plants would have to be watered by hand, same as the cactus proposed." He didn't think a lot of money had to be spent where there were already trees and cactus. "Spend it on the town core for trees and bushes."
Mayor Les Peterson reminded Mr. Van Allen that public comment time is 3 minutes and he had already been speaking for 5 minutes. "I wonder if I could ask you to wrap it up." Mr. Van Allen replied, "I just want as much time as Gina had, or half as much time!" (Lyn's note: Mr. Van Allen was referring to Carefree Marketing Director Gina Kaegi, who was asked to present an update on the sand sculpture feedback. Presenting staff members are not limited on time. Mr. Van Allen spoke for 10 minutes total.)
Councilman Glenn Miller suggested that Mr. Van Allen set up an appointment to discuss the issue with Gary Neiss, who is a trained landscape architecture. Mr. Van Allen replied, "But what you want is a bunch of cactus." Mayor Peterson responded, "That's what grows around here." Mr. Miller added that water is a precious commodity in Arizona and needs to be safeguarded, which is why he likes xeroscape. Mr. Van Allen said there is only one chance to get this right. Once the money is spent, the Town can't come back next year and plant trees. Mayor Peterson agreed with Councilman Miller that Mr. Van Allen should sit down with Mr. Neiss, and said the Council appreciates his thoughts.
Mr. Van Allen asked if they would delay the vote until July. The Mayor replied, "No. We are authorizing funds from money budgeted and available for this fiscal year. There is no reason it should come out of next year, as opposed to this year." Mr. Farrar explained they are just authorizing funds, not the landscape plan. Mr. Neiss explained that DFL has to stage for a project of this scale. They need a commitment now so they can order plants and plan the labor force. Time is of the essence. Mr. Miller reminded Mr. Van Allen that the Gardens were done during the summer, when DFL has more time. Mr. Farrar agreed there was no gain in delaying.
Mr. Van Allen said the biggest problem is spending 1/2 the budget where there are already trees, before getting to the town core. Mr. Farrar reminded him that anything set aside can be used for additional landscaping, if needed. Mr. Neiss said plants can always be added; it is more difficult to remove them. As Mr. Orrico mentioned, there is $50,000 left after this project is completed if additional landscaping is desired. Vice Mayor Crane commented that 25% of the payment is coming from the FY 2015/16 budget, so that money too will be available for FY 2016/17. Mr. Neiss confirmed that more than $50,000 will be available for additional landscaping in FY 2016/17. The expenditure was approved 7-0.
https://vimeo.com/170313258
Councilwoman Melissa Price reported that the gateways would be receiving the limestone, concrete and stone the following week. The arches and signage would be installed by mid July.
Councilman Bob Gearhart rode his bike over all the new bike lanes, and said they made a tremendous difference. He called them "such a plus for safety", not only for people on bikes, but for pedestrians, providing a place to walk that hadn't existed previously, and he thinks this will stimulate a lot more activity. He asked about progress on the Ed Lewis condo project.
Mr. Neiss reported that Mr. Lewis has submitted his building permit applications and they are currently under review. Ms. Price said he expects to break ground in mid July. Mr. Orrico noted that the project needed sales contracts on at least 10 units. Mr. Neiss said Mr. Lewis is meeting the public reports requirements, so can now finalize those sales. Once finalized, his financing is looking good.
https://vimeo.com/170326407
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list. Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Issue #490, June 13, 2016
Gary Neiss reported that with the bike lanes project nearing completion, attention would be turned towards the medians. Carefree contracts with Desert Foothills Landscape (DFL) for maintenance in the medians, and asked them for a proposal to create an enhanced landscape plan for the medians on Tom Darlington Drive between Stagecoach Pass and Cave Creek Road, and on Cave Creek Road between Scopa Trail and Mule Train Road. The plant palette is limited due to the absence of irrigation in the medians and the reflective heat from the streets. Shrubs and trees need water. In addition, a clear line of sight must be maintained along Tom Darlington Drive and Cave Creek Road so that cars pulling out of side streets and private driveways can do so safely. When vegetation is high or dense, line of sight becomes a serious safety and liability issue. Shrubs growing outward have scratched passing cars. Trees have been "pruned" by trucks, creating an unattractive mushroom look.
DFL specializes in medians, servicing many in both Master Planned Communities and on public streets in the area. Their proposal includes accent pieces, earth mounding, granite boulders, and low profile/low maintenance plants, including succulents for year round interest and color. Closer to the town center and the gateways, the suggested plan calls for a denser pattern of vegetation to provide a sense of entry. This would be coordinated with the landscaping at the gateways for a unified approach. The total cost for labor, materials, supplies and sales tax is $99,707. Like the previous owners, Aaron Clark, the new owner of DFL, believes in giving back to the community, and the value of what he is proposing is well over the price quoted.
If funding is approved, the project would begin in late June and be completed in time for the start of the fall season. The 25% down payment is available from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015/16 budget. The remainder is budgeted under Capital Improvements in FY 2016/17, which begins July 1st. DFL will plant whatever the Town wants, but will not guarantee that shrubs will survive without irrigation and with the reflective heat from the streets.
Councilman Gene Orrico said he understood why there was no guarantee on plants that were not recommended and that required water. Mr. Neiss said the Town had tried running irrigation to some of the medians in the past. There were many leaks, and traffic accidents broke lines. A significant amount of water was lost. There is a desert palette up here, and many residents have told him they don't want to see "Disney Desert" in Carefree.
Mayor Les Peterson said that DFL would water the new plants for the first year, after which they should survive on their own. Mr. Neiss added that DFL has a water truck and will water by hand. Vice Mayor John Crane said that there is a limited warranty. Councilman Mike Farrar pointed out a clause stating there was no warranty on re-vegetated plants. Mr. Neiss replied that there would be no re-vegetating, and that plants might be removed which are root bound or diseased. He called many of the existing plants, "awkward at best". DFL has landscape architects and designers. They want to be proud of their projects. The clause on re-vegetated plants is simply a standard blanket statement in those types of contracts.
Mr. Orrico noted that the price was below the $150,000 budgeted amount. Vice Mayor Crane and Councilman Farrar both said more plants might be added after the Town saw the final results, and this would provide funds to do so. Mayor Peterson agreed. Vice Mayor Crane asked if detailed plans would be presented before the project started in order to insure proper sight lines. Mr. Neiss assured the Vice Mayor that he will be working closely with DFL.
Jim Van Allen had submitted a slip to speak, and was called to the podium. He said that all the studies done had talked about a "village". To him, "a village feel is trees and green". He charged that this plan was what DFL was asked to do, all cactus, boulders, gravel, and rock, with no trees. He recommended delaying the vote until July, saying it would be in the right budget year and the Town wouldn't have to take it from this year.
Mr. Van Allen counted 49 trees in the medians outside of the town center area. Near the town center there were only 2 trees. He pointed out there is $20,000 in the FY 2016/17 budget for landscaping the gateways, outside of this proposal. $5000 was spent on landscaping in front of the 33 Easy Street building that will house the Council chambers. The small garden on the west side of Town Hall was donated by DFL. Mr. Van Allen said that was a million dollar value. He felt the landscaping by Town Hall was ideal, and said to tell DFL that Carefree wants a village feel. "Yes, plants would have to be watered by hand, same as the cactus proposed." He didn't think a lot of money had to be spent where there were already trees and cactus. "Spend it on the town core for trees and bushes."
Mayor Les Peterson reminded Mr. Van Allen that public comment time is 3 minutes and he had already been speaking for 5 minutes. "I wonder if I could ask you to wrap it up." Mr. Van Allen replied, "I just want as much time as Gina had, or half as much time!" (Lyn's note: Mr. Van Allen was referring to Carefree Marketing Director Gina Kaegi, who was asked to present an update on the sand sculpture feedback. Presenting staff members are not limited on time. Mr. Van Allen spoke for 10 minutes total.)
Councilman Glenn Miller suggested that Mr. Van Allen set up an appointment to discuss the issue with Gary Neiss, who is a trained landscape architecture. Mr. Van Allen replied, "But what you want is a bunch of cactus." Mayor Peterson responded, "That's what grows around here." Mr. Miller added that water is a precious commodity in Arizona and needs to be safeguarded, which is why he likes xeroscape. Mr. Van Allen said there is only one chance to get this right. Once the money is spent, the Town can't come back next year and plant trees. Mayor Peterson agreed with Councilman Miller that Mr. Van Allen should sit down with Mr. Neiss, and said the Council appreciates his thoughts.
Mr. Van Allen asked if they would delay the vote until July. The Mayor replied, "No. We are authorizing funds from money budgeted and available for this fiscal year. There is no reason it should come out of next year, as opposed to this year." Mr. Farrar explained they are just authorizing funds, not the landscape plan. Mr. Neiss explained that DFL has to stage for a project of this scale. They need a commitment now so they can order plants and plan the labor force. Time is of the essence. Mr. Miller reminded Mr. Van Allen that the Gardens were done during the summer, when DFL has more time. Mr. Farrar agreed there was no gain in delaying.
Mr. Van Allen said the biggest problem is spending 1/2 the budget where there are already trees, before getting to the town core. Mr. Farrar reminded him that anything set aside can be used for additional landscaping, if needed. Mr. Neiss said plants can always be added; it is more difficult to remove them. As Mr. Orrico mentioned, there is $50,000 left after this project is completed if additional landscaping is desired. Vice Mayor Crane commented that 25% of the payment is coming from the FY 2015/16 budget, so that money too will be available for FY 2016/17. Mr. Neiss confirmed that more than $50,000 will be available for additional landscaping in FY 2016/17. The expenditure was approved 7-0.
https://vimeo.com/170313258
Councilwoman Melissa Price reported that the gateways would be receiving the limestone, concrete and stone the following week. The arches and signage would be installed by mid July.
Councilman Bob Gearhart rode his bike over all the new bike lanes, and said they made a tremendous difference. He called them "such a plus for safety", not only for people on bikes, but for pedestrians, providing a place to walk that hadn't existed previously, and he thinks this will stimulate a lot more activity. He asked about progress on the Ed Lewis condo project.
Mr. Neiss reported that Mr. Lewis has submitted his building permit applications and they are currently under review. Ms. Price said he expects to break ground in mid July. Mr. Orrico noted that the project needed sales contracts on at least 10 units. Mr. Neiss said Mr. Lewis is meeting the public reports requirements, so can now finalize those sales. Once finalized, his financing is looking good.
https://vimeo.com/170326407
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list. Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.