MAYOR OF CAVE CREEK, ARIZONA
Those Who Don't Learn From History Are Doomed To Repeat It
Has the Pendulum Swung back from Legal and Rational to Illegally denying Protected Right to Development? Take a close look at the backgrounds of those running for Cave Creek Council and Mayor in 2022.
Has the Pendulum Swung back from Legal and Rational to Illegally denying Protected Right to Development? Take a close look at the backgrounds of those running for Cave Creek Council and Mayor in 2022.
The East Desert and Ocotillo Fires
. The moment the first flames were observed and we were notified and our Adopted Emergency Plans went into effect.
In 2005 very shortly after the Cave Creek Complex Fire we subscribed to the Code Red Service (One of the first communities in the State to offer this to our residents). In case of Emergencies this allows us to contact those on the list to make them aware.
One Caveat is you must go on the Towns website and sign up.
The command and control on both fires started locally, then to Maricopa County, and finally to the State, As you know if you've paid attention State Fire typically gives two briefings per Day as to what progress is being made. Additionally our Staff was constantly updating the website and Facebook Pages with current information as we got it.
When the County and State take over there is NO Option of a local Incident Commander.
We now have our own Station manned by the Professionals from Daisy Mountain who we contract with.
We are part of the Countywide Automatic Aid Program which means in times of need the other Departments help us or we help them.
This goes for Fire, Medical, Water Rescues, Injured Hikers, or their Rescue Vehicle (Ambulance) if ours is busy.
In 2005 very shortly after the Cave Creek Complex Fire we subscribed to the Code Red Service (One of the first communities in the State to offer this to our residents). In case of Emergencies this allows us to contact those on the list to make them aware.
One Caveat is you must go on the Towns website and sign up.
The command and control on both fires started locally, then to Maricopa County, and finally to the State, As you know if you've paid attention State Fire typically gives two briefings per Day as to what progress is being made. Additionally our Staff was constantly updating the website and Facebook Pages with current information as we got it.
When the County and State take over there is NO Option of a local Incident Commander.
We now have our own Station manned by the Professionals from Daisy Mountain who we contract with.
We are part of the Countywide Automatic Aid Program which means in times of need the other Departments help us or we help them.
This goes for Fire, Medical, Water Rescues, Injured Hikers, or their Rescue Vehicle (Ambulance) if ours is busy.
Is Our Water Safe?
In a word, Yes! Sometime around 2013 the State reclassified our "Direct Filtration" water plant to a "Conventional" classification.
We don't know why this happened and have not ever been able to get an answer from the State. The reclassification triggered
a completely different set of reporting criteria that caused the notices to be sent out to our Customers. The water quality was no different than it had ever been but, that has all changed now!
In November of last year your Treatment Plant went online with a Newer Technology and I am happy to report that Removal of the Organic Matter is now well above the requirements for a Conventional Plant. Clarity is much improved as well.
Sure you'll still get cloudy water when Fire Hydrants are tested or a line break has occurred but that is a fleeting event.
Yes the WATER IS SAFE!
We don't know why this happened and have not ever been able to get an answer from the State. The reclassification triggered
a completely different set of reporting criteria that caused the notices to be sent out to our Customers. The water quality was no different than it had ever been but, that has all changed now!
In November of last year your Treatment Plant went online with a Newer Technology and I am happy to report that Removal of the Organic Matter is now well above the requirements for a Conventional Plant. Clarity is much improved as well.
Sure you'll still get cloudy water when Fire Hydrants are tested or a line break has occurred but that is a fleeting event.
Yes the WATER IS SAFE!
2021 Accomplishments of Council and Staff
Under Construction
2019 Accomplishments
Approved a zoning change and plans for an Abrazzo Micro Hospital with 24 hour Emergency Room facilities. (In light of our aging population I believe this makes us a more complete community.)
Adopted sign regulations that get us in Compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Reed vs. Gilbert.
Adopted a Zoning Amendment that provides regulations for Community Residences for people with disabilities.
Had a retreat where we established Visions, Values, and Goals.
Adopted a Balanced Budget for 2020. Remember we must budget for anything we might want or need to do in order to expend the funds if they are available.
Adopted Financial Policies: Debt Management and Reserve Policies.
Reviewed Utility Rate Study and adopted new rates that encourage water conservation. (This was the first change in over 9 years.)
These are just the highlights. There are many more smaller but necessary actions taken
2019 Accomplishments
Approved a zoning change and plans for an Abrazzo Micro Hospital with 24 hour Emergency Room facilities. (In light of our aging population I believe this makes us a more complete community.)
Adopted sign regulations that get us in Compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Reed vs. Gilbert.
Adopted a Zoning Amendment that provides regulations for Community Residences for people with disabilities.
Had a retreat where we established Visions, Values, and Goals.
Adopted a Balanced Budget for 2020. Remember we must budget for anything we might want or need to do in order to expend the funds if they are available.
Adopted Financial Policies: Debt Management and Reserve Policies.
Reviewed Utility Rate Study and adopted new rates that encourage water conservation. (This was the first change in over 9 years.)
These are just the highlights. There are many more smaller but necessary actions taken
The Importance of Water
Water is a huge issue not just in Cave Creek but the entire Western U.S. and even globally. Locally though it is and has been a Major concern.
A little history first because without history it likely doesn't make sense. The voters passed an election issues for 25 million dollars to purchase the Cave Creek Water Company. Negotiations were ongoing prior to my election to the Council and didn't go so well for many reasons. While the Town thought they were going to make a deal Global Water stepped in and bought the company.
The original reason the Town wanted the company was because a private company could expand their service area and send the CAP allotment outside our boundaries to developments most didn't want to see North and East of Town. Since the Town still had an interest proceedings were begun to get control of Cave Creek Water.
In the meantime Global began discussions with Desert Hills Water Company which would be serviced by groundwater and through a connection from Cave Creek. This acquisition for Global would have made it near impossible for the Town to get The Cave Creek Water Company so as a blocking move the Town purchased Desert Hills Water Company.
Finally after this the Cave Creek Water Company was acquired from Global.
There was a severe lack of storage in the system so 2 tanks were built with a combined capacity of 3.3 million gallons. Customers could now actually finish rinsing their hair during their morning showers! (Something that until then could not be relied on) For the customers this was a whole new world!
Then, The Great Recession Hit! To see what's happening now look at the 2019-2020-2021 accomplishments above and that's just part of the improvements.
Quality of Life
Many arguments today are presented as "Quality of Life" issues. A conversation is started, the phrase is used, and the participants politely nod their heads in unison.
It's more expeditious and polite to agree rather than getting all the details, and possibly have a disagreement. Ask 50 people in Cave Creek what Quality Of Life means to them and you'll likely get 70 definitions. This phrase is not quantifiable! Ask a resident who chose to live near a busy road and you'll likely hear a complaint about road noise affecting their Quality of Life. Ask the motorcycle rider making the noise and they'll tell you their Quality of Life is directly related to the wind in their hair.
A land preservationist will likely cite open space with little or no human use, while a hiker, mountain biker, or equestrian will resent their lack of access.
The list of diametrically opposed activities, or situations, attributed to Quality Of Life is virtually endless.
Just like "Political Correctness" is an affront to Freedom Of Speech. Quality of LIfe is a catchall phrase to be avoided.
Simply stated Quality Of Life means, "I don't want to discuss the fact, that I am sure, that my rights and opinions trump yours." I detest this meaningless phrase and avoid lending credence to those who use it.
In the right venue, be certain that it means someone, is about to lose some of their Liberties or their ability to Pursue Happiness, both guaranteed by the US Constitution.
Do we really want ordinances and Political decisions abridging our rights based on meaningless catchphrases?
Why Do We Have All of the Development On Cave Creek Rd. and Carefree Highway?
In January of 2009 an unofficial committee of 12 formed by Mayor Francia to try to get us out of the immediate financial mess we were in that was created by the Economic Downturn. They were tasked with trying to solve immediate shortfalls and help the Town increase revenues and efficiencies. In just under 3 months they submitted the first draft of the "White Paper".
This was a time when our Town was in "dire straights" and drastic actions were required just to meet our financial obligations. One of the conclusions was that no matter what happened the Town Core could never generate enough sales tax revenue to meet our obligations. Walmart wasn't built yet and that was to be the first generator of sales tax from the area South of Carefree Highway.
In order for Walmart to come online the new sewer plant had to be completed in time to service Walmart. Those were scary times watching the daily progress on both and hoping we didn't fall behind in our obligations. The other purpose of the plant was to support future retail growth in that area.
Since that time the area has begun to reach the potential we'd hoped for. The White Paper suggested we change the General Plan and place an overlay on three areas which were the Southeast and Southwest corners of Carefree Highway and the North side of Carefree highway from behind CVS to 48th Street two lots deep. The two lot deep plan failed and several years later An SAP (Specific Area Plan) was created for 48th to 53rd. Because the parcels are only 270 feet deep (Carefree Highway Right of Way) the plan severely limited design possibilities of this area. Area 10 and area 18 were changed in the GP as appropriate for Commercial but were not rezoned. This allows the Town to only change the zoning for businesses that are needed in the area and add to the sales tax revenues. Beneficiaries of this move have been Tractor Supply, Auto Zone, Burger King, Sprouts and now an Abrazo Micro Hospital is going up with an Emergency Room. These businesses are all part of the early vision we had for this area. I have been thrilled by each of these additions because I've always considered those parcels appropriate for what I term Generica America.
National businesses that bring to us the goods and services we need that do not compete with our Heart and Soul, the Historic Core. In 2009 the entire amount of sales tax collected by Cave Creek was 3.062 million dollars, 2019 was 7.433 million, an increase of 4.371 million. And you know what? With the right businesses in the area it will just get better. This is what happens when you get the right kind of retail in the right area. This was achieved through long term planning and wise Town Councils for the most part supported these decisions. As we grow the Sales Tax Revenues generated by these three areas hopefully will help to offset the financial impact on our residents as the Town makes much needed investments in things like Fire Protection.
This was a time when our Town was in "dire straights" and drastic actions were required just to meet our financial obligations. One of the conclusions was that no matter what happened the Town Core could never generate enough sales tax revenue to meet our obligations. Walmart wasn't built yet and that was to be the first generator of sales tax from the area South of Carefree Highway.
In order for Walmart to come online the new sewer plant had to be completed in time to service Walmart. Those were scary times watching the daily progress on both and hoping we didn't fall behind in our obligations. The other purpose of the plant was to support future retail growth in that area.
Since that time the area has begun to reach the potential we'd hoped for. The White Paper suggested we change the General Plan and place an overlay on three areas which were the Southeast and Southwest corners of Carefree Highway and the North side of Carefree highway from behind CVS to 48th Street two lots deep. The two lot deep plan failed and several years later An SAP (Specific Area Plan) was created for 48th to 53rd. Because the parcels are only 270 feet deep (Carefree Highway Right of Way) the plan severely limited design possibilities of this area. Area 10 and area 18 were changed in the GP as appropriate for Commercial but were not rezoned. This allows the Town to only change the zoning for businesses that are needed in the area and add to the sales tax revenues. Beneficiaries of this move have been Tractor Supply, Auto Zone, Burger King, Sprouts and now an Abrazo Micro Hospital is going up with an Emergency Room. These businesses are all part of the early vision we had for this area. I have been thrilled by each of these additions because I've always considered those parcels appropriate for what I term Generica America.
National businesses that bring to us the goods and services we need that do not compete with our Heart and Soul, the Historic Core. In 2009 the entire amount of sales tax collected by Cave Creek was 3.062 million dollars, 2019 was 7.433 million, an increase of 4.371 million. And you know what? With the right businesses in the area it will just get better. This is what happens when you get the right kind of retail in the right area. This was achieved through long term planning and wise Town Councils for the most part supported these decisions. As we grow the Sales Tax Revenues generated by these three areas hopefully will help to offset the financial impact on our residents as the Town makes much needed investments in things like Fire Protection.
Transparent Government
I'm reminded of the old joke where a very cheap man gets on his knees to beg God to let him win the Lottery.
Months go by with no luck. Then once again on his knees he begins to beg and he hears a booming voice. It says,
okay already, meet me half way, just buy a ticket.
There has never been as much information available to our residents as there is now. Agenda's are online, you can add yourself to the email list for them. We've even added a Media position to help keep the Public informed. All in an effort make up for the fact that we have no meaningful Local Media!
The meetings are open to the Public and are even available live streamed. The only things that are not available are ongoing negotiations,
legal issues, employee issues, and any items discussed in Executive Session. With the exception of employee issues resolution must occur in an open Council meeting.
Executive Sessions are special in that State Law does not allow us to divulge details ever.
Months go by with no luck. Then once again on his knees he begins to beg and he hears a booming voice. It says,
okay already, meet me half way, just buy a ticket.
There has never been as much information available to our residents as there is now. Agenda's are online, you can add yourself to the email list for them. We've even added a Media position to help keep the Public informed. All in an effort make up for the fact that we have no meaningful Local Media!
The meetings are open to the Public and are even available live streamed. The only things that are not available are ongoing negotiations,
legal issues, employee issues, and any items discussed in Executive Session. With the exception of employee issues resolution must occur in an open Council meeting.
Executive Sessions are special in that State Law does not allow us to divulge details ever.
Fiscal Responsibility
By Law the Town may not spend more than is set in the budget cap.
Expenditures may be shifted to different columns. It means meeting our obligations and we do.
We do not miss payments and our credit rating is very good for such a small town.
Revenue Streams
Much of our revenue comes from Sales Tax. It has always been my goal on Council to have the sources of this come from
as many different types of businesses as possible. This way we should be less prone to hardship in case of recession.
It is why I have always supported retail of different types down south of Carefree Highway. The goods we're apt to require no matter what
the situation.
Covid 19 and Our History
As we approach the coming Primary Election I'd like to make something perfectly clear. In March of 2020 when the City of Phoenix closed their Bars and Restaurants the news was dire. Reporting from Italy told us that 20% of the people who caught Covid 19 were dying. Both the White House and CDC were telling us we had 15 Days to stop the spread and flatten the curve in order to not overwhelm our Medical System. They also told us that this disease was especially dangerous to people over the age of 65. This information was especially alarming in Cave Creek because so many of our residents were in that age group. Armed with the knowledge that Cave Creek has a very active Town Core I could not see endangering our population being needlessly exposed. Just the Day before one of our businesses had an event that actually made Nationally Televised News. The Parking issues in the Town Core are a great indication of our ability to draw customers. With Phoenix shut down we would likely have had many thousands of people making a "Super Spreader" event the upcoming Friday night. Since the purpose of Government is for the Health, Safety, and General Welfare of the population, after much thought and Medical Advice from professionals I Alone Closed our Bars and Restaurants. Not the Council. So if you want to blame someone for that, now 2 years later, lay that blame at my feet!
As we approach the coming Primary Election I'd like to make something perfectly clear. In March of 2020 when the City of Phoenix closed their Bars and Restaurants the news was dire. Reporting from Italy told us that 20% of the people who caught Covid 19 were dying. Both the White House and CDC were telling us we had 15 Days to stop the spread and flatten the curve in order to not overwhelm our Medical System. They also told us that this disease was especially dangerous to people over the age of 65. This information was especially alarming in Cave Creek because so many of our residents were in that age group. Armed with the knowledge that Cave Creek has a very active Town Core I could not see endangering our population being needlessly exposed. Just the Day before one of our businesses had an event that actually made Nationally Televised News. The Parking issues in the Town Core are a great indication of our ability to draw customers. With Phoenix shut down we would likely have had many thousands of people making a "Super Spreader" event the upcoming Friday night. Since the purpose of Government is for the Health, Safety, and General Welfare of the population, after much thought and Medical Advice from professionals I Alone Closed our Bars and Restaurants. Not the Council. So if you want to blame someone for that, now 2 years later, lay that blame at my feet!
Controlled Growth
Growth is inevitable. It comes about because of Property Rights which are at the foundation of our great Republic.
The Water Policy that we passed in December of 2017 require developers to bring "wet water" for their developments.
This means they must acquire rights to Central Arizona Project water sufficient to support their development. These rights
are then turned over to the Towns Water Utility and we pump, process, deliver and charge the normal rates to the customers.
While passed as a way to protect our water allotment, it does (not by design) create more hurdles for development.
It does not affect simple metes and bounds residential property though. So, if you like the view over the vacant property next to you
and you want to protect that, then, you'd better buy it.
Open Space
I am an advocate of saving as much of the Sonoran Desert as is possible. To this effort I supported the annexation,
and the density transfer that the State Land Department allowed us to do. If you're not aware there is commercial on the
north side of Carefree Highway and above that it tapers to larger lots the farther you go north with open space mixed in.
We have tried a couple of ways to secure the Open Space so far to no avail. We've still not given up hope and
I will continue to pursue this until all viable options have been tried. But, I will not "break the Bank" to achieve this goal.
Arizona Bike Week and the Disruptions
Arizona Bike Week is held annually at West World in Scottsdale. It draws in the neighborhood of 75,000 Motorcycle enthusiasts from all over North America and beyond. Cave Creek is not the primary draw.
About 11 years ago during The Great Recession then Town Manager Usama Abujbarah asked Mark Bradshaw if there was any way for the Town of Cave Creek to participate in that to help with needed Sales Tax Revenues. At that time Mr. Bradshaw said, "yes he could but once started there would be no way to stop it". Usama was okay with that and Cave Creek Bike Week was born.
Since then for 2 weekends each Spring the Town is filled with the sights and the low rumbling sounds of Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Estimates are over that period of time we get about 1/2 of what shows up at West World because Cave Creek is a great place to visit. Mr. Bradshaw covers the Deputies and the Traffic control as the Promoter and it costs the Town of Cave Creek nothing but inconvenience.
My challenger has promised to stop this annual event and many applaud that effort.
My question is exactly how does she plan on doing that?
Is it as easy as not approving the Special Event Permit? Okay, let's imagine that scenario for a moment. The parking lot at the Roadhouse and Hideaway will hold several hundred maybe even 400 motorcycles. Simple honest question here, where do the rest of them park? It's been built and they will come. What do you do with the extra 4000 to 5000 Harleys and riders when there is no Security and no parking? Are you naive enough to believe they'll just keep riding and go somewhere else? I'm not. And when the inevitable happens who will foot the bill for all of the last minute Security if they're even available? Will it be much worse than it is now? Likely.
For the last two years the deputies have held the pedestrians for longer periods at the crosswalks making the trip through Town almost tolerable. Do we really want to roll the dice and see what happens? I don't think so.
About 11 years ago during The Great Recession then Town Manager Usama Abujbarah asked Mark Bradshaw if there was any way for the Town of Cave Creek to participate in that to help with needed Sales Tax Revenues. At that time Mr. Bradshaw said, "yes he could but once started there would be no way to stop it". Usama was okay with that and Cave Creek Bike Week was born.
Since then for 2 weekends each Spring the Town is filled with the sights and the low rumbling sounds of Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Estimates are over that period of time we get about 1/2 of what shows up at West World because Cave Creek is a great place to visit. Mr. Bradshaw covers the Deputies and the Traffic control as the Promoter and it costs the Town of Cave Creek nothing but inconvenience.
My challenger has promised to stop this annual event and many applaud that effort.
My question is exactly how does she plan on doing that?
Is it as easy as not approving the Special Event Permit? Okay, let's imagine that scenario for a moment. The parking lot at the Roadhouse and Hideaway will hold several hundred maybe even 400 motorcycles. Simple honest question here, where do the rest of them park? It's been built and they will come. What do you do with the extra 4000 to 5000 Harleys and riders when there is no Security and no parking? Are you naive enough to believe they'll just keep riding and go somewhere else? I'm not. And when the inevitable happens who will foot the bill for all of the last minute Security if they're even available? Will it be much worse than it is now? Likely.
For the last two years the deputies have held the pedestrians for longer periods at the crosswalks making the trip through Town almost tolerable. Do we really want to roll the dice and see what happens? I don't think so.
Partners in the Community
Cave Creek Rodeo Days
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Ernie Bunch Stands for
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Let's Start Working Together!
Telephone: 602.799.0838 |
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