"A PEEK AT THE PEAK" /i::;b-~ n.. . .. C97:: ~ r·;;:z;a:: ~/ ~ / /54: ::;::;:;u;::~~

FIrst EdItion . . 4 .~" _ ' . A . _ IL A / . .L /J • JJ . . L. A.~. February 1, 1983 - ..tv-e ? ~ ..---- (!) . A.'/IU.44.- I raGa ~ ~ ~4""b t:i ~.?l.Q . -

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WHAT'S NEW t~~!· ~ - .

P~SE RETURN FORMS ,?"Jle Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowners Assoc-

don believes there is a need for and an interest in a community newsletter, since currently no other paper is providing this type of information. This, then, is the first of "A Peek at the Peak." ·The name was originated by Francis Yerger's mother, Mrs. Hazel Mills.

The purpose of the newsletter is to bring matters of local interest to the attention of the residents, to share ideas and projects, to highlight person­alities and student activities, to give credit for accomplishments, to comment on the desert en­vironment, to let others know about services and sales; in short, to provide a sounding board for the many people here with interests in common.

Most of the writing will be done by yours truly, but almost all of it is the result of community input. Contributions and suggestions are always wclmm~ . Homeowner members will be receiving their copies

no charge. Hopefully this will be an incentive join a group which has devoted itself to making

innacle Peak as good a place to live as it possibly can be. Future newsletters will not be as full of G.P.P.H.A. business. This first edition just hap­pened to fall immediately after an annual meeting. Liz Stapleton

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE: A SLOGAN TO GET WELL BY

A series of informational gatherings for Pinnacle Peak hom eowners and property owners are being planned over the next several months.

The purpose of these meetings will be to provide an update on the latest developments at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital, to explain new improvements in health care, and to acquaint residents with the new Scottsdale Memorial Hospital-North, located on Shea Blvd., just east of Pima.

All residents in this area will be invited to attend e of the short Monday meetings and to famil­ize themselves with this very much needed

community service.

Following a cocktail hour, a model of the tractive and up-to-date new facility will be ;>lained, followed by a question and answer

period. The new hospital is scheduled for completion in early 1984. It will offer general medical and surgical services, a 24-hour emergency care de­partment, laboratory, X-rays, pharmacy, day surgery, and an emphasis on preventive medicine.

This first month, the newsletter is being mailed out along with the membership dues form. Betty Smith, Chairperson, asks that you return this form promptly and advise her of any address correction or if you are no longer a property owner here. Doing so will greatly facilitate updating the listing of members.

HELIPADS-TOP PRIORITY FOR FEBRUARY

Four Helipad permits at Pinnacle Peak originally sought from the county last year are still far from a dead issue. Petitions against Helipads were being circulated at that time, but discontinued following annexation into Scottsdale. Because these requests were before the County at the time of annexation, the City of Scottsdale is in the process of developing an ordinance to regulate Helipads.

A "Committee on Helipads" has been formed by Pinnacle Peak homeowners. This group has actiyely communicated the concerns of residents here, and worked along with the city in developing a satisfactory ordinance. Their proposal to City Planning Director, Larry Boussard, was to adopt a ruling similar to the one worked out by Phoenix, which allows no Helicopter take-offs or landings in residential areas. The Helipad Ordinance will be brought before the city in two important meet­ings this month, on February 8th and 15th. The first meeting will bring the proposal before the Planning Commission, who will then either recom­mend that Helipads be allowed in residential areas of Scottsdale, or that they not be allowed. The second meeting on the 15th, brings the matter before the City Council, who will then adopt an ordinance as part of the overall code.

This is definitely a matter of both great and of long-lasting importance to those who live at Pinnacle Peak, because the four permits sought here have instigated the development of the proposed ordinance, and are the only permits pend­ing at this time. Anyone concerned with the effect on their "paradise" as far as peace and privacy should participate in making their views known by attending at least one of these decision-making meetings, if not both.

It would be a plus if the Planning Commission recommended an ordinance against Helipads in residential areas, however, the . Council is not bound to go along with the Commissions' sug-

. ggestions. A show of strength from residents is obviously a must.

Both meetings are to be held in the Kiva Room at City hall. The Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on February 8th and the City Council meeting is set at 8 p.m. on the 15th.

An ordinance rejecting Helipads in residential areas would not affect a landing pad at the General Store for emergencies or to service the Pinnacle Peak Family Health Center, nor would it prohibit any emergency type services to any residence or accident site.

WHO HAS THE BEST?

A number of residents have been disappointed to find that annexation by the city meant police and fire protection, water services and trash col­lection, but not the Scottsdale School system.

A group interested in changing this is being headed by Los Gatos home owner, Adrianne Selbst.

There are some very good reasons to seek a change in school boundaries, according to Mrs. Selbst. Taxes would be substantially reduced, because the tax base for Scottsdale is only $4.19/$100 com­pared to Paradise Valley's $7.06/$100. A second plus is the high degree of respect Scottsdale Schools enjoy due to advanced programs and small class size and the academic accomplishments of the students. One example of the latter can be seen from the number of National Mer it finalists the system produces. Mrs. Selbst believes that Pinnacle Peak children deserve the best education possible. Yet another reason for changing to Scottsdale Schools is that the facilities are not overcrowded and building expansion is not a factor as it is in Paradise Valley.

In order to make a change from one district to another, the following steps must be taken:

1) 1096 of the qualified electors within a school district must sign a petition to the county superintendent stating the change of -boundaries and the reason for the change. He then acts on the petition within 30 days, and sends it on to the Board of Supervisors. They either approve or dis­approve within 30 days of receipt. If disap­proved, their action is final.

2) If the board approves the petition, the superintendent calls an election to submit the change to a vote of the qualified electors of the affected school districts.

3) If a majority of the persons voting within each school district votes in favor of the change of boundaries, the change becomes effective after the first day of July fol­lowing the election.

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Mrs. Selbst's committee is in need of help from­someone with a legal background who would be willing to donate their services and work with the group on writing up the petition. The propr~ change would - not involve homeowners East f Pima Road who are not in any school district at present.

SUR VIVAL WITH DIGNITY ~

A Self-Defen~e-Unarmed Survival course is being offered to res1dents by Terry Dunn, an experienced instructor in Karate and Judo, at the well-known Robert A. Trias School, and holder of a first degree Black Belt.

The eight week course will be held in the Village co.mplex on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. The purpose of th1s type of self-defense training is to be able to protect oneself without a weapon, when other help is not readily available.

The cost of the course will depend upon the number of students in attendance on a given evening. Instruction will be provided for $20.00 per session and this amount prorated among the students. Class size is limited to twenty.

Requirements are simple, in both time and equip­ment. Students should plan on 1Y2 hours of weekly instruction, plus a minimum of two more hours of practicing class activities. No special clotr is required, but one should plan to dress comfo •. -ably and probably wear old clothes. Interested parties are urged to come to the first session to see what the course is all about. If they decide n.ot to co~tinue, there will be no charge for the fIrst even mg. For further information, call Francis Yerger, 585-3698.

CHECK OUT THE BOOKS

The Bookmobile from the Scottsdale Library 1S in

the Village parking lot on Sundays from 1-4. Drop by and visit. with librarian Marie Norman, who would be dehghted to see more readers.

There is a selection of 2500-3000 books available with a good selection of both children's books and popular fiction.

A special title can be requested for just 25¢. Books can be kept for two weeks, be renewed by phone, and dropped in the convenient drop by the bulletin board. ~

CLASSIFIED

Dependable woman available for housework full time or by the day. Highly recommended. Driv $4.00 per hour. Call 585-3698

'64 International P/U with welded racks. Running. Good for hauling trash. Make offer. 585-3698

Needed: A second-hand Vacuum for a needy family in the area. Please call 585-3698

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FEBRUARY CALENDAR

Phoenix Chamber Music Society Theater, 8:00 pm Docent Lecture, "The United States Makes Its Mark," Cinema, 1 pm . "Since You ·Went Away," Cinema, 7 p.m. "Since You Went Away," Cinema, 7 pm "Since You Went Away," Cinema, 1 & 7 pm Paperback Theater, "The Loves of Cass McGuire," Theater, 7 pm The Brass Band, Variety Series, Theater, 8 pm Docent Lecture, "From the Ground Up: American Architecture & Decoration," Cinema, 1 pm "Twelve O'Clock High" & "A Walk In The Sun," Cinema, 7 pm "Art Event 83", Arizona Kidney Foundation, Atrium, 7 pm "Twelve O'Clock High" & "A Walk In The Sun," Cinema, 7 pm "Twelve O'Clock High" & "A Walk In The Sun," Cinema, 1 & 7 pm Mayor/Council Breakfast Theater, 7:30 am Phoenix Chamber Music Society, Theater, 8:30 pm Docent Lecture "Some Aspects of American Art T~day," Cinema 1 pm "Open City" & . "Shoe Shine", Cinema, 7 pm "Open City" & "Shoe Shine", Cinema, 7 pm Gerry Mulligan and His Quartet, Jass Ser:ies, Theater, 8 pm "Open City" & "Shoe Shine", Cinema, 1 & 7 pm Children's Concert,. Thea ter, 2 pm "Letters From Home," readers' theater, Cinema, 2 pm Center Closed Center Closed Center Closed Center Closed - No films National Culinary Festival, all areas Grand Opening Day - 10 am - 5 pm Gala Reception - 7 - 10 pm National Culinary Festival, all areas 10 am - 5 pm National Culinary Festival, all areas 10 am - 5 pm Center Closed

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AFFIRM A TIVE ACTION AT WORK

To satisfy your curiosity as to how the Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowners Association came into existence and what it has done - here is a brief history on its origination and activities in the past six years.

In 1977 there were a small number of people living in the area who became concerned about the rezoning of 160 acres to high density, which subsequently became the Pinnacle Peak Shadows. It became obvious that an Association of inter­ested people was needed to express the views of those who wished to maintain a desert lifestyle, that is, living and development in concert with the desert. Thus, in March of 1977, with a membership of 30 people, the Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowners Association was formed. It encompasses a four-mile radius from the inter­section of Pima and Pinnacle Peak Road.

Since that time, the membership has grown con­siderably. We have been actively involved with the community development both through Maricopa County Government and now through the Scottsdale City Government. We were involved in the development of the County sponsored "Desert Foothills Policy and Development Guide" and instrumental in initiating the recently adopted County "Hillside Ordinance." Testimony presented by our Board at the Maricopa County Budget Hearings two years ago directly resulted in the funding for completion of Pima Road. Mr. George Campbell, who represents our area on the county Board of Supervisors, has been very supportive of our endeavors.

We were also active in opposing the expansion of Rawhide because of the noise pollution and traffic problems associated with such expansion. Failing to be successful in stopping the expansion, we then worked with Scottsdale City Planners in developing the Western Theme Park · Zoning Ordi­nance under which Rawhide is now operating. Hopefully, this will be a tool to keep both Raw­hide's Management and the neighbors happy. We are urging Scottsdale to develop a City Ordinance to prohibit paramutual wagering within the city.

We supported the Northeast Phoenix Homeowner opposition to the expansion of the Scottsdale Airport runway basep on the Environment Impact Study which stated that 80% of the flights would be taking-off to the northeast, over the Pinnacle Peak area. Unfortunately the extension was granted, affecting us all.

We supported the Highlands Development at the base of Pinnacle Peak based on the Developers' attitude of building a quality development while preserving the desert. We believe they are doing an outstanding job in this respect.

Our position has always been to strongly oppose rezoning to higher densities. We encourage the one-dwelling-unit-per-acre concept as outlined in the "Development Guide." We worked with the city of Scottsdale in developing the Master Plan for this area and will encourage conformance to this plan.

Currently, we are opposing a Scottsdale City Ordi­nance to allow Heliports/Helipads in Residential Areas. Our Water Commitee has been studying the current water situation and its effect in the Pinnacle Peak area and have recommended to the City Council a Citizen's Water conservation Com­mittee. This proposal is currently under study by the City Staff. We are attempting to get someone from this area on the Scottsdale Planning Com­mission, keeping in mind City Council elections are in two years. We plan to be a continuing force to protect this beautiful Sonoran Desert, our lifestyle and property values. Hopefully, you will all join us.

Nancy Knight President G.P.P.H.A.

HOW TIME FLIES! HOMEOWNERS HOLD 7th ANNUAL MEETING

Helipads, water, zoning, Art Center activities, and a question-answer period with City Manager Roy Pederson highlighted the 7th Annual Meeting of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Homeowner's Asso­ciation, held on January 10th at the country Club.

Helipads: To Be or Not To Be

A committee, headed by Michael Schuster, has been busy zeroing in on the year old problem of Helipad permits at Pinnacle Peak. They have pro­posed that the city adopt an ordinance allowing no permits to be issued for any residential areas. The group has also met with city officials to discuss the problem further and to make clear the views of those living here. At this time, Pinnacle Peak residents would be the only ones affected by any ruling which allowed Helipad permits.

Members of the committee include: Tom Lynn, Leo Smith, Doug Childress, Ed Katz, Ralph Knight, and Jim Wold.

For an in-depth look at the Helipad question, please read "Helipads - Top Priority for February."

Water: Both Time and Water are Short Supply.

Voicing the growing concern of more and more people about how much further development can be supported, "Water Resource and conservation" chairman Burt Schoenbach gave a brief history of his attempt to uncover answers relating to this crucial problem. As he pointed out, "Arizona has a finite amount of water, and an infinite desire to grow." 4

Among still unanswered questions is the "Catch 22" 100 year water supply at Pinnacle Peak, and the less-than-satisfying Manera report backing up this reserve. This report was used to prove to the county that water resources were available in t amount, but how accurate the figures are h",,s worried both officials and residents.

Water companies and who controls them is anot~ area to consider. Since annexation, the City Scottsdale has not only acquired the PinnaCle Paradise Water Company, but also the Ironwood and North Valley Water Companies. Although res­idents here were told before annexation that the water at the Peak would not be connected to the main Scottsdale system, as this newsletter goes to print, the water pipes .to do just that line Pima Road. Of additional interest is the contention by City Manager Pederson that all these water com­panies have CAP allocations. If true, this is as important as the actual well hOldings.

On the plus side, according to Mr. Schoenbach, is the Government Regulatory Review Council, whose purpose it is to establish guidelines to benefit existing communities and to protect them from over-expansion and over-use of available water. A presentation by Ralph Knight dealt with the problem of where enough water could be obtained to support the future needs of Pinnacle Peak r

to also meet the goal of arriving at a balar, __ between ground water removed and ground water replaced. According to Ralph's calculations, Scottsdale water consumption per person per day is 225 gallons, as contrasted with the more water-con­scious Tuscon residents, who are keeping their use down to 150 gallons per day.

1=.ven with the eventual availabilty of CAP water, which is supposed to become operational in 1986, an issue still in doubt, at the conservative pro­jected growth rate of 5% per year, there is little possibility of being able to meet future deadlines and stop pumping out ground water that can't be replaced.

Also of concern is the fact that the costs of projects such as the CAP, dam improvement, and municipal treatment plants - all municipal treat­ment plants -all related to the amount of water available - are borne by the taxpayers. ~

The problem is compounded by continued develop­ment, which puts even more' demands on available water supplies. For example, Scottsdale has just agreed to the development of 4100 homes n the airport, with an anticipated population .... _ 12,000 people, who would suse 2800 acre feet per year. (one acre foot = 324,000 gallons.)

In response to these concerns, City Manager Pederson cited the plan being developed by the Department of Water Resources to manage the valley water basin and to bring about a safe yield

- ,. all communities. Although this plan as yet has .. ",t been completed the Ground Water code was instituted two years ago. He agreed to return at a future date with information and figures to

,-amke this clearer - or to send someone know-jgeable in the field.

Zoning: The Process and The Progress

The zoning process, what happened in 1982, and objectives for 1983 were topics covered by Jim Wold, Planning and Zoning Committee Chairman.

Important developments include the Interim Plan as a lead-in to a General Plan, which covers future development in Pinnacle Peak and sur­rounding desert lands, the adoption of a Theme Park at Rawhide, and the Hillside Ordinance, which protects the development of the mountains.

During 1982, approval was obtained for several large projects in this area: the development of 1930 acres at Pinnacle Peak East, and 864 acres at the Highlands. Opposition from the GPPHA did result in some changes at the 298 acres owned b Talley-Nelson. 238 units with RI-35 zoning was

nted.

The group also opposed raising the density on 120 acres adjoining the Shadows. However, County Zoning prevailed.

The committee's objectives for 1983 are to work on the process of moving from the Interim Plan to the General Plan; to provide liason between residents and the City of Scottsdale; and to provide commun~catio between the board of the Homeowner's and the residents of the area.

Art Center - "Something For Everyone"

A very active Scottsdale Center for the Arts rflects the excellent quality of life in the com­munity, according to Director Ron Caya.

The center's activities provide for the interests of nearly everyone. Music, dance, art, films, plays, and festivals are all represented. Music lovers can enjoy jazz and piano concerts, as well as classical

"tarists and a variety of other musicians. Dance .:husiasts can see ballet, musical revues, or

performances such as "The Student Prince."

The art exhibits range from painting sculpture - " , -awmgs, etchings, graphics, and photographs to , metal exhibit. Movie afficiendos have the

opportunity to watch classic films featuring di­rectors and stars important in the history of the i!1dustry.

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For play enthusiasts, there is "Paperback Theatre" featuring excellent valley talent acting in both old and new dramas. Three important festivals take place: The ~hakespeare Festival, where the participant can relive Elizabethan times through a variety of activities centered around Shake­speare. The National Culinary Festival, featuring foods, wines, cooking demonstrations, an outdoor beer garden, fresh produce, a flower market, and door prizes; and Festival 14, an arts and crafts fair with much more. Check the newsletter cal­endar for Arts Center activities during February.

Highlights Straight From the City

In a question and answer session, Scottsdale City Manager, Roy Pederson, responded to various con­cerns of residents. These included interest in cable TV service, which he felt United Cable Company might offer in more densely populated areas in a year or so. In response to concern about satellite disks, he stated that use permits are requireed. Also, his belief was that with cable service avail­able, there might be less demand for satellite service In regard to comments about continued dumping along Pima, Manager Pederson said that this was a difficult situation, as either law-breakers must be caught redhanded, or else a witness must testify against the offender. A suggestion was made to put up signs prohibiting dumping.

The long-lasting and wide-spread problem of dirt­bikers, four-wheelers, hunters, and target shooters in the area was also voiced, as well as the feeling that the police were not always enforcing the law to the limit. One suggestion was made to have an extra patrol car on duty during weekends, the most troublesome time of the week. Another sug­gestion was to have the city establish an author­ized range to cut down on target practice. Another resident voiced his opinion about the Pima Road Traffic, especially the speed on the four lane sections, the slowdown where the road narrows, and the strange alignment at Pima and Bell. The manager felt the problems would be corrected when the road is widened throughout. One home­owner complimented the city on solving the prob­lem at Happy Valley and Pima by changing the confusing road markings there.

In response to a question about future annexation, Pederson admitted that the city plans to take in the area between the current boundar ies and Care­free, once that community is incorporated.

THE NEW AND THE OLD

One of the jobs at each annual meeting is to approve the officers and members of the board. Each year six board members finish a term, and six new members are elected.

The current officers and board members are as follows:

President: Vice President: Secretary: Interim Treas: New Treasurer:

1982 - 85 Board Van Seinderen Richard Haas Gene Schupak

1981 - 84 Board Burt Schoenbach Bill Branham Nancy Knight

1983 - 86 Board Tom Lynde Merrill Ridgeway Bob Hewitt

Nancy Knight Ralph Knight Mary Purcell Diane Morecraft Gene Schupack

Members: Dick Davis Alden Stevenson Tom Salcito

Members: Ralph Knight Diane Morecraft Mary Purcell

Members Leo Smith Jim Wold Doug Childress