The lagoon proposal presented to the Town Council by Mayor Kavanagh, Art Tolis and Cecil Yates raises lots of questions.

“…Crystal Lagoons prepared a preliminary concept for a recreational lagoon in Fountain Park which is consistent with the Council-approved Swaback Downtown Specific Area Plan and approved 2017 Strategic Plan.” In what way is this lagoon consistent with the Swaback Plan? On whose authority did Crystal Lagoons prepare a preliminary concept plan?

“Last December a work group was created to measure community support for a recreation lagoon at Fountain Park.” Community support is obviously nonexistent, so how did the work group miss that fact and why did they continue working on a business plan? Why go ahead and ask Crystal to develop a plan? Why ask for funding for a feasibility report, especially knowing the town is operating at a deficit?

“The work group was led by Councilmember Art Tolis and included several key business leaders in their respective fields.” Who were they?

“The consensus of the work group is that the swimming lagoon, beach and other amenities will energize Fountain Park and will create an activity hub to support downtown businesses.”

Was there any consideration of affordability?

“FH Sanitary District does not have any problems or concerns with the proposed project.” False! They have significant concerns. This one fact should have stopped this idea in its tracks.

This project would require public funding (a tax) and Art Tolis says that there is not another option other than a “property sales tax.”

It’s odd (alarming) that the Town of Fountain Hills has been allowed to sink into a critical state of disrepair because the majority of our Town Council refuses to support a primary property tax, yet, they have no problem pushing bonds on us for special projects.