"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #993, February 25, 2022
Issue #993, February 25, 2022
Mayor Les Peterson noted that Carefree has overarching priorities in preparing for the next 10-20 years. One is infrastructure, and the other is enhanced safety for the residents. The three major projects have all been controversial, but he thought that long term they would be beneficial to the citizens of this town.
The first was the removal of the antiquated waste water system. Part of it was in The Boulders and part went down Tom Darlington Drive. That was an 11 year battle that is behind us now and is operating well. The second is water. It wasn't just the quality of water; it was the quantity of water as the drought and the allocations of CAP water were being observed. Most of Cave Creek's water comes from the Central Arizona Project (CAP), whereas Carefree has wells that can draw from a deep aquifer beneath us containing hundreds of millions of gallons of water.
The water issue also involves fire safety, the size of the pipes, and the pressure, the maintenance of the fire hydrants, etc. Carefree had over 1000 residents on the Cave Creek system that asked for help. There were originally problems with the Town of Cave Creek that held up the progress, then there were problems with The Boulders. Carefree is committed to making the underground water storage tank in The Boulders as invisible as possible, and in a year, no one will know that it's there.
The last safety issue involves the first responders, which will be more costly than before, but is something that Carefree must do.
https://vimeo.com/674688816
Gary Neiss explained that the Town of Carefree got $656,000 from the American Rescue Plan which can be applied towards water infrastructure improvements. Many communities around the Valley have water infrastructure projects in progress. Scottsdale is incorporating new water reservoirs into their system down Scottsdale and Pima Roads. Well sites are being expanded, along with additional water lines and fire hydrants in Phoenix too. Cave Creek is discussing a $16 million revenue water bond similar to Carefree's. Everyone is making improvements due to the drought to service their residents in the future.
This water consolidation project is one such project. Funds from this grant were anticipated to be received in this fiscal year. The amount received was more than was expected. It will be split over two fiscal years, so another $656,000 will be received in the next fiscal year. The Council would be considering the authorization to transfer those funds to the Utilities Community Facilities District (UCFD).
Greg Crossman, the General Manager of the Carefree Water Company, said he certainly appreciated the Town putting those funds towards these improvements within the current Carefree Water Service Area and the Water Consolidation Project, which are highly beneficial public uses. Funds will be used to improve the booster pump station near Stagecoach Pass, and to make improvements to pipes within the existing service area. Improvements to the booster pump station will help provide service to Neighborhood B.
It will also provide fire protection to a neighborhood along Peaceful Place and Nevermind Trail that is currently in the Carefree Water service area and does not have fire protection. Additional pipeline improvements will also expand fire protection from the booster station to another neighborhood along Stagecoach Pass.
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked if the areas to gain improved fire protection are lacking fire hydrants or was it due to lack of water pressure. Mr. Crossman replied that these areas are lacking booster pump pressure volume and pipeline size. The minimum pipe size for fire hydrants is 6", and those neighborhoods only have 4" pipes. Fire hydrants will also be installed. Mayor Peterson commented that this will be a dramatic improvement for fire protection in those areas. He was glad they could move ahead with that now.
The motion to approve the transfer of the American Rescue Plan account funds from the Town of Carefree to the UCFD was unanimously approved.
https://vimeo.com/674547334
Mark Milstone, the Town Engineer, reported that the Public Works manager was driving to work last November and was rear ended at a traffic light when the car behind him failed to stop. The truck was totaled. The insurance company provided $21,000, and the Town is now looking to replace the 2014 vehicle with a similar type new vehicle for a net $16,000 expenditure. The truck is available and the dealership is holding it if the Council approves the purchase.
The appropriation of funds in the Public Works Capital Outlay account for the purchase of a replacement Ford F-150 pickup truck, not to exceed $36,000, was unanimously approved.
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.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.
Councilman Stephen Hatcher asked if the areas to gain improved fire protection are lacking fire hydrants or was it due to lack of water pressure. Mr. Crossman replied that these areas are lacking booster pump pressure volume and pipeline size. The minimum pipe size for fire hydrants is 6", and those neighborhoods only have 4" pipes. Fire hydrants will also be installed. Mayor Peterson commented that this will be a dramatic improvement for fire protection in those areas. He was glad they could move ahead with that now.
The motion to approve the transfer of the American Rescue Plan account funds from the Town of Carefree to the UCFD was unanimously approved.
https://vimeo.com/674547334
Mark Milstone, the Town Engineer, reported that the Public Works manager was driving to work last November and was rear ended at a traffic light when the car behind him failed to stop. The truck was totaled. The insurance company provided $21,000, and the Town is now looking to replace the 2014 vehicle with a similar type new vehicle for a net $16,000 expenditure. The truck is available and the dealership is holding it if the Council approves the purchase.
The appropriation of funds in the Public Works Capital Outlay account for the purchase of a replacement Ford F-150 pickup truck, not to exceed $36,000, was unanimously approved.
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.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.