Fountain Hills approves $13M Dark Sky Discovery Center, authorizes $30K FAA lobbying effort

Fountain Hills Pursues Dark Sky Discovery Center as Anchor Development While Bracing for FAA Flight-Path Fight

The Fountain Hills Town Council voted decisively to support construction of a major private astronomy and science facility while simultaneously authorizing costly federal lobbying to defend against adverse Phoenix Sky Harbor flight-path changes—two initiatives reflecting the town's economic ambitions and vulnerability to regional infrastructure decisions.

The Arizona Dark Sky Discovery Center, proposed for the northwest area of the centennial plaza near the community garden, represents what board president Joe Bill called "potentially the most exciting thing that has ever happened to Fountain Hills." The council approved support for a long-term lease contingent on successful fundraising and architectural design—a vote of 6-0, with Councilman Allen Skillicorn recusing himself due to board membership.

Simultaneously, the council unanimously authorized town manager Grady Miller to retain lobbying services (estimated at $30,000) to represent Fountain Hills' interests before the Federal Aviation Administration, following the City of Scottsdale's unannounced proposals for three new flight paths, one or two of which could negatively impact the town's airspace and residents.

Key Speeches

"What we are planning to achieve is an Arizona Dark Sky Discovery center to be located in the centennial plaza area...we are requesting your support for a long-term lease of town property contingent upon our successful fundraising effort." — Joe Bill, President, Arizona Dark Sky Discovery Center Board

"This is potentially taking nothing away from our fountain, this is potentially the most exciting thing that has ever happened to Fountain Hills if we can pull this off...the name of this is the Arizona Dark Sky Discovery Center not Fountain Hills we think we can attract people from the entire region." — Mayor Gerry M. Friedel

"The city of scottsdale as a courtesy didn't bother to let us know about this...when the mayor went ahead and sent a letter off to the faa she at least had the courtesy to copy their mayor." — Town Manager Grady Miller, regarding Scottsdale's undisclosed flight-path proposals to the FAA

"I got approached by some citizens...they were like man we really like it when you tear down the sheriff's department and those comments troubled me...my problem is with the contract and the spiraling costs of the contract...my intention is to build you up not bring you down." — Councilman Rick Watts, clarifying earlier critical remarks about the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office contract

Timeline

Arizona Dark Sky Discovery Center:

• Applicant presentation: Joe Bill presented a 45-minute vision for a 13,000–14,000 sq ft facility featuring an observatory with a 27.5-inch PlaneWave telescope, planetarium, tiered 150-seat auditorium, and interactive exhibit hall. The project emerged from a November 2018 stakeholder-convened feasibility study completed by Arizona State University and presented in the council packet.
• Stakeholder endorsement: Representatives from the School District (Kane Dr. J), Copperwind resort management, chamber of commerce, Fort McDowell, and local astronomers affirmed alignment; Copperwind has already launched a "Stargazing Dinner Series" for Wednesday evenings with presenter support from "star dudes" including Tony Pastilli, Scott Adams, and Ted Blank.
• Board members and advisors: Eight board members acknowledged (Joe Bill, Nancy Bill, Jerry Butler, Clayton Corey, Ted Blank, Tony Pastilli, Walt Franklin, Allen Skillicorn); three official advisors: Mark Pine (Griffith Observatory deputy director), Dr. Jeffrey Hall (Lowell Observatory director), Kate Corbin (Arizona Science Center board chair).
• Public comment: 7 speakers, approximately 25 minutes total. Rita Applegate (Community Garden Board manager) praised Bill family's commitment and reconfiguration funding. Jay Schlum noted Bill's tenure on Fountain Hills' original town council. Bill Hines (Copperwind COO) confirmed resort commitment to dark-sky amenities. Rose Godzilla offered three preconditions: full funding in escrow before construction, finalized architectural plans, and performance/payment bonds to protect public land. Bob Shellstrom noted no speaker opposition.
• Council discussion: Allen Skillicorn asked about fundraising status (Bill reported foundation relationships pending, three professional fundraisers confirmed viability); Councilwoman Brenda J. Kalivianakis requested parking infrastructure planning; Vice Mayor Gayle Earle proposed naming-rights marketing; Gerry M. Friedel noted multi-year phasing with renderings due in August and a later lease approval. Councilwoman Hannah Larrabee praised downtown activation potential.
• Vote: 6-0 (Allen Skillicorn recused). Motion carried to approve use of community garden northwest area for the Dark Sky Discovery Center and direct the applicant board to present architectural designs and capital campaign progress at a future council meeting.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Flight-Path Advocacy:

• Staff presentation: Grady Miller reported that the FAA is considering three new flight paths serving Phoenix Sky Harbor. Scottsdale's proposals—made without notifying Fountain Hills—may create routes over Fort McDowell tribal lands and Fountain Hills airspace. Town staff learned of this development partially by accident. The 2014 effort to block a different flight path succeeded due to Senator John McCain's intervention.
• Public comment: 2 speakers. Bob Shellstrom (resident, former Chicago public schools policy official) urged council to first pursue acoustic analysis under federal guidelines and leverage Fort McDowell tribal legal authority (asserting treaties grant tribes veto-like powers over airspace) before hiring a lobbyist. He characterized $30,000 as insufficient for a first-tier federal lobbying firm and recommended a "last, not first, resort" approach. Resident suggested piggybacking on Scottsdale's firm (Miller clarified conflict of interest precludes this).
• Council discussion: Councilman Magazine initially resisted the $30,000 expenditure, noting Scottsdale likely hired premium Washington, D.C. counsel (estimated $500/hour). He requested initial outreach to Congressman Dave Schweikert (a Fountain Hills resident) before engaging consultants. Gayle Earle questioned FAA transparency obligations and asked whether public hearings or acoustic-impact documentation existed. Brenda J. Kalivianakis noted the timeline urgency (Scottsdale already ahead in the process) and advocated for immediate action to preserve current flight patterns. Miller committed to returning August 13 with lobbyist firm proposals, cost details, and a preliminary strategy.
• Vote: 7-0. Motion carried to authorize the town manager to secure lobbying services for FAA flight-path advocacy, with August 13 follow-up reporting.

MCSO Police Department Support Clarification:

• Captain presentation: Captain (name not fully transcribed) briefed council on community policing, recent crime investigations, school resource officer training, and after-hours dispatch procedures.
• Council comment: Rick Watts apologized for previous meeting remarks critical of the MCSO contract, clarifying that his frustration targeted escalating costs, not law enforcement personnel. Gerry M. Friedel, Vice Mayor Tulsa, Councilmember Charneau, and others reaffirmed unanimous council support for police and fire services.
• Vote: Clarification only; unanimous reaffirmation of support.

Pavement Management Study & 10-Year Plan:

• Staff presentation: Public Works Director Justin Weldy presented a $44,500 contract amendment with IMS (Integrated Pavement Management Services) to host street-condition data, develop a 10-year master plan with service-level recommendations, and prepare bonding scenarios.
• Public comment: 1 speaker. Bob Shellstrom questioned the proportionality of the cost relative to a prior $69,000 comprehensive survey, flagged inflated presentation fees ($6,000 for two PowerPoint sessions = ~30 engineering hours each), and urged tighter budget scrutiny.
• Council discussion: Councilman Magazine praised Public Works Director Weldy's talent but questioned necessity of outsourced analysis versus in-house capacity. Town Manager Miller and Weldy explained staff capacity constraints and the specialized expertise required for bond documentation. Councilman Brown complimented Weldy's performance. Plans for council workshops and spring public presentations were affirmed.
• Vote: 7-0. Motion carried to approve the IMS contract amendment.

LED Stop Sign Purchase:

• Staff presentation: Public Works Director Justin Weldy reported procurement of LED stop signs recommended by the Pedestrian Safety Committee, with delivery expected by end of June and 120-day installation timeline.
• Vote: 7-0. Motion carried unanimously.

National Endowment for the Arts Grant Application:

• Staff presentation: New Economic Development Director James Smith introduced the NEA "Our Town" grant program ($25,000–$200,000 awards, ~25% success rate) for fountain improvements, lighting enhancements, and 50th anniversary celebration. Matching funds to be budgeted in FY 2020. August 8 deadline.
• Council discussion: Councilman Magazine initially expressed concern about lavish spending (recalling prior fountain-decoration cost debates), but staff clarified infrastructure maintenance (base lighting replacement, erosion remediation) and proposed colorful lighting enhancements. Town manager noted scalability (council can accept partial award if less than full request).
• Vote: 7-0. Motion carried to approve NEA grant application.

Other Routine Business:

• Eagle Mountain Community Facilities District minutes and Resolution EMCFD 2019-03 (tax levy): 7-0 approval.
• Cottonwoods Maintenance District minutes and levy: 7-0 approval.
• Resolution 2019-25 (general government tax levy, $0.3382 per $100 NAV): 7-0 approval.
• Verizon Wireless six-month Special Use Permit extension (rooftop facilities at Park Place): 7-0 approval (second extension; applicant awaiting engineering cases to mask tower appearance).

Opposition

To Arizona Dark Sky Discovery Center:

• Number of speakers against: 0 (no organized opposition stated).
• Public comment strategy: Rose Godzilla offered conditional support contingent on three precautions (see Public Comment below).

To Flight-Path Lobbying Expenditure:

• Number of speakers against: 1 clear skeptic (Bob Shellstrom); 1 councilmember initially resistant (Magazine).
• Main concerns:
  1. $30,000 insufficient for first-tier federal lobbying firm; likely to require additional expenditure.
  2. Scottsdale hired premium Washington counsel; Fountain Hills cannot compete at this rate.
  3. Acoustic analysis and Fort McDowell tribal legal leverage may be more effective than lobbyists.
  4. Initial outreach to Congressman Schweikert should precede consulting expenditure.
  5. Timeline urgency may be overstated; FAA public comment process may extend opportunity window.
  6. Fund allocation priorities unclear; competing municipal needs not discussed.
• Most compelling arguments: Shellstrom's assertion that federal acoustic standards and tribal treaty authority provide stronger legal footing than paid lobbying; Magazine's point that Congressman Schweikert (resident and local representative) is the appropriate first contact.
• Organized groups: None explicitly opposing; Fort McDowell Tribal leadership mentioned as potential ally but not formally engaged.

Support

For Arizona Dark Sky Discovery Center:

• Number of speakers for: 4 speakers explicitly supportive (Bill Hines, Rita Applegate, Jay Schlum, Rose Godzilla with conditions).
• Main themes:
  1. Unique International Dark Sky Community designation will attract regional tourism and astrotourism.
  2. Facility will enhance downtown activation and complement centennial plaza assets (Community Garden, River of Time Museum).
  3. Educational partnerships with Fountain Hills High School (AP Capstone program, dual-enrollment potential), ASU, and Lowell Observatory create student research opportunities.
  4. Copperwind resort alignment (branding around "desert and sky") and stargazing dinner series demonstrate immediate commercial support.
  5. Real estate value enhancement documented by recent astrophotographer relocations to town.
  6. Public-private partnership model preserves municipal budget while leveraging private capital.
  7. Naming-rights and sponsorship opportunities remain available to prospective donors.
• Most compelling arguments: Jay Schlum's endorsement of Bill family's stewardship and Fountain Hills' unique position as only metropolitan-area dark-sky community; Bill Hines' testimony that international Marriott branding strategy targets dark-sky assets; Rita Applegate's confirmation that community garden reconfiguration benefits both entities.
• Organized groups: Copperwind management, Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills (via Board member Bill Myers' earlier presentation on McDowell Mountain Preserve), chamber of commerce (implicit via Jay Schlum and Scott Adams remarks).

Project Details

Arizona Dark Sky Discovery Center:

• Applicant / developer: Astro Science Discovery Center Board, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
• Board members: Joe Bill (president), Nancy Bill (CPA), Jerry Butler, Clayton Corey, Ted Blank, Tony Pastilli, Walt Franklin, Councilman Allen Skillicorn.
• Advisors: Mark Pine (Griffith Observatory), Dr. Jeffrey Hall (Lowell Observatory), Kate Corbin (Arizona Science Center).
• Location / address: Northwest area of Community Garden, near Centennial Circle, Fountain Hills Civic Center. South side of centennial circle; north reference point is Community Garden; east reference point is River of Time Museum.
• APN: Not stated in transcript.
• Current zoning → Proposed zoning: Not stated; assumed to remain town property under lease (no zoning change indicated).
• Facility components: Observatory (PlaneWave 27.5-inch telescope), planetarium, auditorium (150-seat tiered theater), exhibit hall (interactive and static astronomy/science), classroom, lobby, gift shop, offices, vending area.
• Estimated square footage: 13,000–14,000 sq ft.
• Estimated visitors: 20,000+ annually (per feasibility study projection).
• Staffing plan: Four full-time positions—director, education coordinator, marketing coordinator, volunteer coordinator.
• Capital campaign: Fundraising in progress; board stated no shovel-ready status until funding fully secured (in escrow per Rose Godzilla's recommendation, accepted by applicant).
• Lease terms: Long-term (specific duration not finalized); contingent on successful fundraising and architectural approval. Lease cost to be determined; councilman joked about $5 annual rate with Bill personally responsible for other $4.
• Renderings: Expected August 2019 from architect Greg Zimmerman; to be presented to council and prospective donors.
• Concept design: Observatory in south quadrant, planetarium in southwest, auditorium in northwest, exhibit hall in northeast. Restroom access (promised to Community Garden) and parking considerations flagged by Gayle Earle.
• Feasibility study: Completed by ASU; identified partnership opportunities, astro-art gallery potential, and 20,000-visitor projection. In council packet.
• Related events: Dark Sky Festival (held twice; future grand opening planned, possibly November). Copperwind Stargazing Dinner Series (Wednesday evenings, ongoing).

Flight-Path Advocacy (not a typical development project, but infrastructure issue):

• Scope of concern: Three FAA flight-path proposals for Phoenix Sky Harbor. Scottsdale-sponsored proposals potentially route traffic over Fort McDowell and Fountain Hills airspace.
• Current status: Scottsdale representation retained (high-cost D.C. firm); Fountain Hills not notified of proposals until after Scottsdale's input window closed.
• Town action: Authorization to hire lobbying firm (estimated ~$30,000; scope and strategy TBD).
• Key stakeholders: FAA, Phoenix Sky Harbor Authority, City of Phoenix, City of Scottsdale, Congressman Dave Schweikert, Fort McDowell Indian Community, Fountain Hills Town Council.
• Reporting deadline: August 13, 2019 (town manager to present firm proposals, cost, and strategy).
• Prior precedent: 2014 flight-path threat (Senator McCain intervened); current proposal viewed as "high stakes" due to noise and air pollution risks.

Vote Breakdown

Arizona Dark Sky Discovery Center Support:

• Final: 6-0 (one recusal).
• Yes: Gerry M. Friedel, Vice Mayor Tulsa, Councilmember Charneau, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember La Crone, Councilmember Spelig.
• Recused: Allen Skillicorn (board member).
• No: None.

Flight-Path Lobbying Authorization:

• Final: 7-0.
• Yes: All council members present.
• No: None.

IMS Pavement Management Contract Amendment:

• Final: 7-0.
• Yes: All council members present.
• No: None.

LED Stop Sign Purchase:

• Final: 7-0.
• Yes: All council members present.
• No: None.

NEA Grant Application:

• Final: 7-0.
• Yes: All council members present.
• No: None.

All other routine votes (minutes, tax levies, Verizon extension):

• Final: 7-0 each.

Outcome & Next Steps

Arizona Dark Sky Discovery Center: Council approved use of the northwest area of the Community Garden for the discovery center and directed the board to present architectural designs and progress on the capital campaign at a future council meeting (expected late 2019 or early 2020). No lease execution date set; contingent on full fundraising (board committed to not breaking ground until funds secured in escrow). Gayle Earle requested parking-infrastructure planning; council noted rendering and design review before final lease approval. Community Garden reconfiguration agreement reached with board funding the relocation.

Flight-Path Advocacy: Town manager authorized to secure lobbying services and report back with firm proposals, estimated costs, and strategy at the August 13, 2019 council meeting. Councilman Magazine requested firm credentials, relationships, and cost transparency before final engagement. Council encouraged town manager to contact Congressman Schweikert and explore Fort McDowell Tribal collaboration. Estimated budget cap discussed but not formally imposed.

Pavement Management: IMS contract amendment approved. Town manager and Public Works Director to conduct council workshop to establish service-level criteria for arterial, major collector, minor collector, and local streets. Spring 2020 public presentation planned to share 10-year master plan findings.

LED Stop Signs: Procurement authorized; delivery expected by end of June 2019; installation to begin immediately thereafter, estimated 120-day completion.

NEA Grant: Application to be submitted by August 8, 2019 deadline. Award notification and matching-fund budgeting for FY 2020.

Controversies & Context

Dark Sky Discovery Center – Community & Real Estate Impact: The facility's approval reflects Fountain Hills' deliberate positioning as an astrotourism destination. The town's unique designation as an International Dark Sky Community (achieved in 2017, the 17th globally, and only one in a metropolitan area) has already attracted relocations—Jay Schlum cited astrophotographers and recently retired Goddard Space Flight Center astrophysicists choosing Fountain Hills for dark skies. Pricing concerns surfaced over fountain-decoration costs in prior discussions, but applicant Rose Godzilla's preconditions (full funding in escrow, finalized plans, performance bonds) were accepted by the board, reducing fiscal-risk objections. The facility is positioned as regional (not solely Fountain Hills) to maximize draw and partnership potential.

FAA Flight-Path Controversy – Intergovernmental Failure & Federal Exposure: The council's discovery of Scottsdale's unannounced flight-path proposals epitomizes the challenges smaller Arizona municipalities face when major neighbors make unilateral decisions affecting them. Gerry M. Friedel earlier (June 4 meeting, referenced in transcript) alert to council that Scottsdale had submitted proposals without notifying Fountain Hills triggered the August emergency lobbying authorization. Grady Miller characterized the situation as "distressed," noting that formal intergovernmental agreements between Fountain Hills and Scottsdale may not exist, leaving the town vulnerable to surprise decisions.

Councilman Magazine's skepticism about $30,000 lobbying fees is historically grounded: the 2014 flight-path challenge required Senator McCain's personal intervention, suggesting that routine consultant engagement may be insufficient. Bob Shellstrom's recommendation to leverage acoustic federal standards and Fort McDowell tribal treaty authority reflects an alternative strategy—using legal/environmental grounds rather than paid federal lobbying. However, Miller's counter-argument that Scottsdale's high-cost firm is already moving the needle with the FAA suggests that defensive positioning (hiring a competing lobbyist to block bad proposals) may be unavoidable despite its cost.

Police Department Contract Cost Concerns – Reputation Management: Councilman Spelig's apology for prior criticism of the MCSO contract (specifically, escalating costs over service quality) reflected a nuanced governance issue: the council's frustration with Maricopa County Sheriff's Office fee increases should not be conflated with dissatisfaction with law enforcement personnel. Spelig's concern that citizens misinterpreted his contract-focused criticism as anti-police sentiment prompted the clarification. This reflects broader national context (referenced by Brenda J. Kalivianakis: "there's not enough of that going on in our nation that our police officers are getting support") in which law enforcement faces criticism, but municipal budget management requires scrutiny of vendor contracts. The incident underscores the delicate balance between fiscal accountability and public safety messaging.

Pavement Management Cost & Capacity: Councilman Magazine's ongoing frustration with outsourced studies ($44,500 for data analysis and 10-year planning) versus in-house capacity reflects a philosophical divide in small-town governance: whether to build internal expertise or purchase consulting. Public Works Director Weldy's counterargument—that all Arizona valley cities maintain specialized pavement-management staff, and Fountain Hills' small department lacks the bandwidth—suggests that economies of scale disadvantage smaller towns. Bob Shellstrom's proportionality critique (prior survey cost $69,000; current study $44,500; is cost-to-value aligned?) raised valid audit questions. Councilman Brown's praise of Weldy's talent, coupled with Magazine's skepticism of "studies," revealed a gap between operational respect and fiscal discipline.

Duration

• This item (Dark Sky Discovery Center): ~75 minutes (presentation, public comment, council discussion, vote).
• Flight-Path Lobbying item: ~40 minutes (staff briefing, council discussion, public comment, vote).
• Total meeting: ~3 hours 45 minutes (special district meetings, invocation, reports, presentations, consent agenda, and six regular agenda items).

Other Notable Items

McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Annual Report: Bill Myers presented user data (8,300+ visitors in March, 86,800 in April), trail-counter installations, directional signage improvements, AED placements, and the grand opening of Act (Darrell Canyon) Trailhead. Toll Brothers' Eagle Ridge Drive project remains on track for September opening. Council praised the volunteer-driven work as "unbelievable" and "labor of love."

School District Endorsement of Dark Sky Facility: Kane Dr. Jay (Fountain Hills High School administrator) described the discovery center as a competitive asset for retaining students in the district and enabling AP Capstone research partnerships and dual-enrollment courses in astronomy—addressing the challenge of recruiting master's-degree instructors in specialized fields.