City of Scottsdale 2019 Bond
DC Ranch Engagement Plan for 2019 Scottsdale Bond Program – View here
[Latest Update click here]
What is the 2019 Scottsdale Bond Program?
The City of Scottsdale’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is a list of projects the city has identified that it needs to build, repair, expand or maintain to effectively and efficiently serve the community. In early 2018, a large list of projects was identified. The projects are geographically-diverse and cover a wide-range of topics to include public safety, infrastructure, parks, public buildings, technology and so on.
The City Council may ask the community to finance some of these projects via a bond election in November 2019. Scottsdale voters last approved a bond in 2000.
It is the intent of the Mayor and Scottsdale City Council to pay for the bond with no increase to property taxes. City debt would retire as this new bond debt would be taken on.
In March of 2019, the list of possible bond projects was narrowed down to 67 and presented to citizens for public review, ranking and comment. With that feedback in hand, a new list of priority projects will be created. The City of Scottsdale released a report containing citizens input on the 67 potential bond projects.
Possible projects that could be in the bond, and that are in or near DC Ranch, include the Thompson Peak Bridge expansion, flood control measures for the Reata Wash, the addition of a dog park at Thompson Peak Park, and a seven-field lighted soccer park at Bell and 94th Street that could occasionally handle event parking (this is one of three locations that have identified; it is unlikely all three would be built).
How can residents engage?
DC Ranch residents are encouraged to engage with the Scottsdale Mayor and City Council members on the bond, and we will update residents regarding opportunities to weigh in with the City as the public process unfolds in the coming months.
Email Mayor Lane and all City Council members: citycouncil@ScottsdaleAz.gov
Residents may read more on the city’s website: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/construction/unfunded-cip-projects
How will DC Ranch be involved?
The DC Ranch Community Council will closely monitor and evaluate the bond program as it moves through the public process. If deemed appropriate, the Community Council may develop a position on the bond on behalf of the DC Ranch community-at-large.
Scottsdale Capital Improvement Plan Subcommittee
The Scottsdale Council Capital Improvement Plan Subcommittee was established to review the city’s Capital Improvement Plan and make recommendations to the City Council. Click here for meeting agendas, minutes, audio and video.
Latest Updates
June 1, 2023
On behalf of the DC Ranch community-at-large, the Community Council has submitted comments to the City of Scottsdale regarding the development of the Off-Leash Dog Park to be built at the southwest corner of Hayden and Thompson Peak. Construction is slated to start in 2024. Residents are encouraged to submit their own comments.
May 2023
At an Open House on April 24, city of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation staff presented a conceptual design for the Off-Leash Dog Park to be built at the southwest corner of Hayden and Thompson Peak. The 3.5-acre site will have three cells; two will be operational at a time, one will be closed for maintenance. Most of the discussion at the Open House centered around various surfaces that could be used – both wood chips and decomposed granite have been used in other cities and been found to have much less down time than grass.
Residents can view the Open House presentation and are encouraged to provide feedback to the city. The Community Council will submit comments on behalf of the DC Ranch community-at-large.
April 12, 2023
The city of Scottsdale will host a public Open House to get feedback on the design of an off-leash dog park to be built at the southwest corner of Hayden and Thompson Peak. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Off-Leash Dog Park Open House
Monday, April 24 at 6 p.m.
McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center
15525 N Thompson Peak Pkwy
Initial design shows three separate run areas. The city is seeking input on various surfaces that can be used, shade and other amenities that will make the park more user-friendly. The 3.5 acre dog park was one of the 2019 Bond projects approved by Scottsdale voters.
March 2023
Scottsdale's city manager recently confirmed that Bond Project #62, Thompson Peak Bridge Expansion, is on scheduled as follows:
- Design Phase – 2024
- Construction Phase 2025 – 2026
Due to escalated costs from inflation and overall construction delays across the country, costs for many of the city’s bond projects have escalated. To date, the city has been able to find additional funding and while some projects have been completed well past their original completion date, no bond projects have been eliminated.
March 2023
The design of the dog park was delayed as the City of Scottsdale worked through easement restrictions placed on the land by APS, SRP and the BOR. The restrictions limit the areas where restrooms and shade structures can be built. The City plans to host a public Open House in the next 2-4 months to seek citizen input on the design.
Nov. 23, 2022
The City of Scottsdale has moved up the date for the design phase of the dog park slated to be built with bond funds at the southwest corner of Hayden and Thompson Peak Pkwy. Design will be funded in the city’s current fiscal year and the construction is funded in FY 24/25. City staff stated they will begin design in the next 3-5 months. The process will include public outreach/input, however the dog park is budgeted to be fairly straight forward with four separate fenced areas to allow for turf rejuvenation and potentially a restroom and park storage area.
May 2022
The City of Scottsdale’s Bond package included funds to build an off-leash area dog park at the southwest corner of Thompson Peak and Hayden. EPG Architects was recently hired to design the dog park. Public input on the design will most likely happen this summer, however construction is slated for the city’s FY 2024-25 budget. The Community Council is working with the Scottsdale Mayor’s office to try to move construction to a sooner date.
Feb. 8, 2022
DC Ranch residents are invited for a sneak peek of the new Bell Road Sports Complex (BRSC) before it opens to the public for athletic events. Scottsdale Parks and Recreation will give tours and an overview of upcoming park activities and reservation process on Thursday, Feb. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. Games and food will add to the fun. The BRSC is located at the northwest corner of 94th Street and Bell Road. Bring your family out to enjoy this new city facility that is close to home. The BRSC was built with funds from the 2019 Scottsdale Bond election.
October 2021
The City of Scottsdale announced that construction on the Bell Road Sports Complex is behind schedule and will not open to athletic play until spring 2022. However, the fields will be used for WestWorld overflow parking during the Jan. 21 to 30, 2022 Barret Jackson Car Auction and Feb. 7 to 13, 2022 for the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Aug. 24, 2021
Within the next month, City staff states it will seek public input on what amenities residents are interested in for DC Ranch Neighborhood Park Phase 2, the final development of the park. While the City does not currently have funding for Phase 2, the Community Council is advocating for funds to complete the park be placed in the City’s future Capital Improvement Budget.
Scottsdale Public Art announced that a public art sculpture will be permanently placed at both Bell Road Sports Complex and DC Ranch Neighborhood Park, Phase 1. The sculptures are being relocated from Scottsdale Civic Center as part of its bond improvement project.
The City has moved the design work for the Dog Park at Thompson Peak Park up to FY21/22 but the construction is still funded in FY 24/25. Design should start in the next 5-6 months. There will be some public outreach however City staff states the park will be straight forward with four separate fenced areas to allow for grass maintenance and potentially a restroom and park maintenance storage yard
June 29, 2021
The City of Scottsdale’s construction at the Bell Road Sports Complex is on track to meet its projected opening date of January 2021. Lighting for the seven fields has been installed. In July, the fields will be planted with grass and begin receiving irrigation from the lake at DC Ranch Neighborhood Park.
Feb. 25, 2021
The City of Scottsdale issued the following notification regarding construction in DC Ranch:
Construction work set to begin on DC Ranch Neighborhood Park Phase One
In late February, the City of Scottsdale will begin construction work on the first phase of what will eventually be DC Ranch Neighborhood Park located at 91st Street and Trailside View. The first phase of construction will include a lake with a trail around it, pump station, landscaping, and limited parking.
Construction work will take place Monday – Friday beginning at 7 a.m. In April, work will begin earlier due to rising temperatures. Occasional weekend work may be needed.
All work will be preformed by Hunter Contracting Co. Phase 1 construction is expected to be complete by the end of the year and is being constructed in conjunction with the Bell Road Sport Complex to provide water to the fields.
There is not currently a developed plan for the second phase of the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park, however the city will be providing opportunity for feedback from the community and the DC Ranch governing entities on ideas for future park improvements.
Feb. 2, 2021
The Bell Road Sports Complex and lake in the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park, which will serve as a water source for the Park and Sports Complex, have both undergone design changes and recently completed the City of Scottsdale’s approval process. Because it falls within DC Ranch boundaries, the DC Ranch Covenant Commission reviewed the lake and its adjacent amenities to ensure that it meets DC Ranch Standards. Construction on the Sports Complex has started; construction at the Park will begin in a month or so. Both are expected to be open for public use in January 2022.
[RENDERING: Bell Road Sports Complex]
[RENDERING: Lake in DC Ranch Neighborhood Park]
There are two common misconceptions about the lake:
1. The lake is above ground – NOT true. The lake will be dug to approximately 12-15 feet deep, and the edge of the lake will be at ground level.
2. Building of the lake is a misuse of bond funds – NOT true. Scottsdale Bond Project 53 specifically stated that funds could be used for “designing and constructing reclaimed water improvements and service lines to accommodate water delivery to the recreation fields.” The City has stated they will use bond funds to build the lake, pump system and pipelines. They will not use bond funds to build the amenities that abut the lake – the ramada, benches, grass areas, pathways, etc. will be paid for from the City’s general fund.
Dec. 30, 2020
The City of Scottsdale was successful in purchasing two parcels of State Land near WestWorld. The City plans to continue to use the parcel near Bell and 96th Street for overflow WestWorld parking. The other parcel near Thompson Peak Parkway will be used for Bond Project 53 – Build Multi-Use Sports Fields in the Area of Bell Road. Securing this parcel allows the City to build five of the seven lighted sports fields. The City needs to purchase adjacent land from private owners to fit the additional two fields funded in the Bond.
Dec. 22, 2020
Two parcels of State Trust Land near WestWorld are scheduled for auction on Dec. 28. The City of Scottsdale is expected to bid on both parcels. If successful, the parcel near Bell and 96th Street would continue to be used for overflow WestWorld parking; the city has been using the land for several years with the State Trust Land Department’s permission. The other parcel near Thompson Peak Parkway would be used for Bond Project 53 – Build Multi-Use Sports Fields in the Area of Bell Road. The five to seven lighted sports fields would also be used for parking during Barret Jackson, Phoenix Open and other large events – the same as the City’s Bell Road Sports Complex that is currently being developed at 94th Street and Bell Road.
Dec. 18, 2020
On behalf of the DC Ranch community-at-large, the Community Council submitted comments to the City of Scottsdale addressing the additional information provided to the public on the lake to be built at City-owned park land at 91st Street and Trailside View. The Community Council’s goal is to ensure the lake is an amenity that reflects DCR design standards and can be enjoyed by residents until such time as the entire park is built. Currently the City has no timeline for completion of the park. The lake will also serve as an irrigation source for the new Bell Road Sports Complex. Here is the updated version of the lake site plan and new FAQs section. Residents are also encouraged to use this form to submit individual feedback to the City by Dec. 24.
Dec. 8, 2020
At last evening’s Scottsdale City Council meeting, the DC Ranch Community Council advocated and secured additional safety measures to be added to the Bell Road Sports Complex before the city council approved the project to move forward for final design review. Gates will be placed at entrances to both parking lots to prohibit vehicle access when the park is closed. The city council also directed city staff to monitor 94th street for a possible speed reduction and crosswalk at 94th and Palo Brea. With schools currently closed due to COVID and the fields not yet open, city staff stated these are not immediate needs. The Community Council will also monitor 94th Street and 91st Street and request action by the City as appropriate.
Dec. 7, 2020
As DC Ranch residents requested, and prior to moving the project forward, the City of Scottsdale has provided more information on the proposed lake to be built at City-owned park land at 91st Street and Trailside View. The lake will a serve as an irrigation source for the new Bell Road Sports Complex. Here is the updated version of the site plan and there is also a new FAQs section. Residents are encouraged to use this form to submit feedback to the City by Dec. 24.
Dec. 4, 2020
The City of Scottsdale has postponed the approval of the Lake at the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park until Jan. 12, 2021. City officials stated that they will provide the public with more details on the project along with a comment period. Residents will be notified when this information is available on the City’s website.
On Dec. 7, the Scottsdale City Council agenda will include item 23 – Multi-Use Sport Fields Municipal Use Master Site Plan approval for the Bell Road Sports Complex, located on the northwest corner of 94th Street and Bell Road. The Community Council has submitted these comments to the mayor and city council.
In addition, Chris Irish, DC Ranch Director of Public Affairs will speak at the Dec. 7 city council meeting on behalf of the DC Ranch Community-at-large.
Dec. 2, 2020
Scottsdale City Council has continued the approval of the Municipal Use Master Site plan for the Bell Road Sports Complex until Dec. 7 and the Municipal Use Master Site plan for DC Ranch Neighborhood Park until Jan. 12 2021. The Community Council will submit comments on both items at the appropriate time. Residents are encouraged to do the same.
Nov. 30, 2020
The following was submitted by the DC Ranch Community Council as an official comment on the Scottsdale City Council Agenda item #15 (Municipal Use Master Site plan for DC Ranch Neighborhood Park:
On behalf of the DC Ranch community-at-large, which consist of over 7000 Scottsdale residents, the DC Ranch Community Council asks that you vote NO on approval of the Lake. To date, no detailed drawings of the project have been provided as they were for the Sports Complex. Residents have not been able to provide relevant feedback as there are too many unknowns, to include: Where will the walking paths be? What does the landscaping consist of? What are the elevations, dimensions and materials for the pump house? Where will the five-space parking lot be located? How does the public access to the lake? How do residents living adjacent to the park safety cross 91st without a crosswalk? How does the lake compliment or conflict with the other amenities that residents may want in the future park?
Until the public is provided this level of detail along with an opportunity to comment on it, the MUMSP for the DC Ranch Neighborhood Park should NOT be approved. Thank you.
The Community Council also intended to submit comments on Agenda item #14 (Municipal Use Master Site plan for Bell Road Sports Complex) however this agenda item was continued until Dec. 7 and comments were suspended before the Community Council was able to submit.
Nov. 29, 2020
An important vote will take place at the Dec. 1 Scottsdale City Council meeting related to approval of the lake planned at the future DC Ranch Neighborhood Park at 91 Street and Trailside View. The DC Ranch Community Council plans to ask the city council NOT to approve the project and is encouraging residents who agree to do the same.
Before 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 31, email your comments to Mayor Lane and the City Council at citycouncil@ScottsdaleAz.gov. and copy christine.irish@dcranchinc.com.
Feel free to use any of the information above as talking points in your email to City Council.
Nov. 24, 2020
The Bell Road Sports Complex and lake have received approval from the City of Scottsdale’s Parks and Recreation Commission, Development Review Board and Planning Commission. Both projects will go to the Scottsdale City Council for approval on Dec. 1, 2020.
The DC Ranch Community Council will ask the city council NOT to approve the lake project. To date, no detailed drawings of the project have been provided as they were for the Sports Complex. Residents have not been able to provide relevant feedback as there are too many unknowns, to include:
• Where the walking paths will be is unknown
• What the landscape plan consists of for the lake is unknown
• The elevation, dimensions and materials for the pump house are unknown
• Where the five-space parking lot will be located, and its design is unknown
• Where the public will enter the park to enjoy the lake amenity is unknown
• How residents living adjacent to the park can safety cross 91st without a crosswalk is unknown
• How the lake – Phase 1 compliments or conflicts with the other amenities that residents want in the park – Phase 2 is unknown
To comply with the intent of the Park as described in the deed, the lake needs to be developed with its primary purpose to be a water feature that serves as a community amenity and enhances the value of the surrounding properties; secondarily, it could serve as an irrigation source for the fields.
Residents who are concerned with this project are encouraged to email Mayor Jim Lane and city council members at citycouncil@ScottsdaleAz.gov.
As mentioned above, The Bell Road Sports Complex, to be constructed at 94th Street and Bell Road, will also be on the city council agenda on Dec. 1. The City provided extensive information and drawings on that project and has incorporated several changes requested by the public into the project plans. The Community Council will ask the city council to consider a these changes prior to approval of that project:
• Add gates to control after-hours access to the east parking lot, the west parking lot has gates
• Reduce the speed limit on 94th Street to 35 mph
• Install a crosswalk at 94th and Palo Brea so residents living east of 94th Street can safely access the facility
• Close the park at 10:00 pm or earlier
Oct. 30, 2020
On behalf of the DC Ranch community-at-large, the Community Council submitted comments on the City’s second Bell Road Sports Complex and Lake at DC Ranch Neighborhood Park presentation.
Oct. 16, 2020
The City of Scottsdale has updated design plans and information on the Bell Road Sports Complex being built at the northwest corner of 94th Street and Bell Road and the irrigation lake on the City-owned park site on 91st Street. DC Ranch residents have until Oct. 30 to provide feedback to the City. Residents can provide feedback online to the City of Scottsdale and at these meetings:
- Oct. 21 – Parks and Recreation Commission public meeting. Click here for details.
- Nov. 5 – Bell Road Sports Complex presented for approval to Scottsdale Development Review Board. Click here for details.
- Nov. 18 – Bell Road Sports Complex presented for approval to Scottsdale Planning Commission. Click here for details.
- Dec. 1 – Bell Road Sports Complex presented for approval to Scottsdale City Council. Click here for details.
Click here to view Virtual Public Meeting #2
Aug. 28, 2020
On behalf of the DC Ranch community-at-large, the Community Council Board of Directors submitted comments to the City of Scottsdale on the design and operation of the Bell Road Sports Complex. Residents are also encouraged to submit their comments before the August 31 deadline. Read Council comments.
Aug. 14, 2020
Residents are encouraged to participate in the City of Scottsdale’s virtual public meeting to provide feedback on the multi-use sports fields, which will be built on the northwest corner of 94th Street and Bell Road. In addition to six full-sized lighted multi-use sports fields and parking, the site could include an office for park staff, maintenance area, a plaza, restrooms, walking path and a 2-acre lake on City-owned park land at the southwest corner of 91st Street and Trailside View.
July 21, 2020
The City of Scottsdale is progressing on Bond Project 53. In phase one of the project, six lighted soccer fields will be built on the northwest corner of 94th Street and Bell Road. Design plans will be ready for public review in August. Community input will be garnered by a presentation during a three-week timeframe. When the dates are made public, residents will be informed and encouraged to provide online feedback to the city.
In addition to the fields, the site will include an office for park staff, maintenance area and several parking lots.
Phase one of the project also includes construction of a 2-acre lake to be built on the city-owned 14-acre park site at southwest corner of 91st Street and Trailside View. The reclaimed water in the lake will be piped to the fields for irrigation purposes.
The city’s goal is to have the fields ready for play in early 2022. The fields will be used for parking during large events such as the Phoenix Open and Barrett Jackson.
The northeast corner of 94th Street and Bell Road is also under consideration by the city for additional fields if a location closer to WestWorld cannot be secured. That will be determined in a future phase of the project, likely to start in September. Each phase of the project will have a public input period.
April 13, 2020
On April 7, Scottsdale City Council approved funding to secure a firm to begin the design process for bond project #53 – BUILD MULTI-USE SPORTS FIELDS IN THE AREA OF BELL ROAD. Prior to the vote, the assistant city manager showed a map that identified the two locations that were presented to the public in the bond process. He did not indicate that the east 40 acres are now being considered as a location for the fields. However, he stated that the city was considering other options, would work through the process, and have discussion with the neighborhoods nearby.
The Community Council will inform residents of the city’s public outreach meetings for the project as soon as dates are announced.
April 3, 2020
Multi-Use Sports Fields at 94th Street and Bell
At their April 7, 5 pm meeting, Scottsdale City Council may vote to move forward with consideration of a bond project location for sports fields and overflow WestWorld event parking that was not presented to voters. The new location under consideration is the city-owned 40 acres at the northeast corner of 94th Street and Bell Road, south of the Desert Haciendas neighborhood. If approved, lighted, multi-use sports fields may be built on this parcel in addition to the already planned 40 acres located at the northwest corner of 94th and Bell Road. Concerned residents can submit a comment to the City of Scottsdale online by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, to ask the mayor and city council members to remove item #10 from the Consent Agenda and instruct city staff to eliminate the city’s east 40 acres as a possible location for the fields.
The DC Ranch Community Council has gone on public record stating a change of location on a bond project will be considered a breach of public trust on the part of the City and have requested that the Mayor and City Council honor what was presented to voters.
Due to COVID-19, City Hall is not open to the public. City Council meetings are televised on Cox Cable Channel 11 and streamed online at ScottsdaleAZ.gov (search “live stream”) to allow the public to listen/view the meeting in progress.
If you have questions, please contact Chris Irish, Director of Public Affairs for the Community Council at christine.irish@dcranchinc.com, 480-710-9584.
March 27, 2020
Scottsdale City Council approved $2 million in funding to begin engineering, design and analysis of bond project 53 – BUILD MULTI-USE SPORTS FIELDS IN THE AREA OF BELL ROAD, see item 23a on city council consent agenda. These lighted fields will be used for sports and for overflow parking for large events at WestWorld.
The west 40 acres at 94th Street and Bell Road, and a location nearer to WestWorld, were the two locations for the Multi-Use Sports Field bond project that were presented to the public in the city’s open house presentation and in the city’s bond project fact sheet.
City staff now indicate that the fields may be expanded to the east 40 acres the City owns at 94th St. and Bell Rd. instead of and/or in addition to those on the west 40 acres and at the Thompson Peak Pkwy. and McDowell Mountain Ranch location.
The DC Ranch Community Council went on public record stating a change of location on a bond project after the November 5, 2019 election will be considered a breach of public trust on the part of the City and have requested that the Mayor and City Council honor what was presented to voters.
If this matter is of concern for you, email the Mayor and City Council at: citycouncil@ScottsdaleAz.gov
The Community Council will continue to monitor and engage on this situation and inform residents of the city’s public outreach meetings for the project as soon as dates are announced.
Please direct any questions to Christine.Irish@dcranchinc.com; 480-710- 9584
March 25, 2020
Funding to begin seven bond projects was approved by the Scottsdale City Council at their March 3, 2020 meeting. The projects include several upgrades to WestWorld of Scottsdale and were item seven on the consent agenda.
February 2020
At the February 11, 2020 Scottsdale City Council work session, city staff presented for discussion the 2019 Bond Project Implementation report. It contains a list of the 58 bond projects and their projected start and finish dates. Three of the projects identified as impactful to DC Ranch are:
Dates: 2020 – 2024, Project #53 Build Multi-Use Sports Fields in the area of Bell Road
Dates: 2023 – 2025, Project #43 Add a Dog Park to Thompson Peak Park
Dates: 2024*– 2026, Project #62 Thompson Peak Bridge Expansion
*While the report shows 2027, Scottsdale city manager Jim Thompson notified the DC Ranch Community Council on March 13, 2020 that the bridge expansion will be moved up to 2024, year five of the bond projects.
Feb. 27, 2020
City of Scottsdale staff have created project timelines for the 58 bond projects that were passed by voters in November. Final adjustments and approval are needed by the Scottsdale City Council. The $319 million worth of projects will span ten years. Of the three projects with proximity to DC Ranch, the 94th Street and Bell Road soccer fields, that will also handle overflow parking for Westworld, are currently slated to begin design work this year. The dog park at Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway and the Thompson Peak Bridge expansion fall in later years.
Nov. 25, 2019
On Nov. 5, 2019, Scottsdale voters overwhelmingly passed all three bond questions, approving more than $300 million dollars in infrastructure improvements and new amenities. City staff will now implement a procedure to prioritize the projects. Once this is complete, they will start on the development approval process for projects ranked with the highest priority. This is a multi-step process that often includes project design, community input meetings, construction bids, the sale of the bond to cover the cost, and city council review. While the timelines will vary by project, most will take two – five years to complete.
Community Council staff will monitor and engage on bond projects in or near DC Ranch with the goal of accentuating the project’s benefits for the DC Ranch community-at-large while minimizing impact on residents and construction inconvenience.
Oct. 1, 2019
During the past several months, Community Council staff researched various elements of the 2019 bond: how the bond projects will impact the DC Ranch community-at-large; what the financial impact to residents will be; and the city’s performance and oversight of prior bond measures.
The Community Council board of directors has concluded that if the bonds are passed by voters, there will be many positive impacts on DC Ranch and Scottsdale, the city we call home:
• Passage of the bond packages will bring two projects that have been top priorities for DC Ranch residents for many years: expansion of Thompson Peak Bridge to four lanes, and construction of a dog park at Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.
• The Bond enables reinvestment in our City’s infrastructure while adding amenities for citizens, both positive influences on property values.
• Also, the Bond projects closely correlate with five of DC Ranch’s eight Community Values – Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Lifestyles, Lifelong Learning, Arts and Cultural Opportunities and Relationship with the Larger Community.
Other projects near DC Ranch include a new fire station that will reduce the demand on the Scottsdale fire station located on Market Street, lighted sports fields located north of Bell Road at 94th Street that will occasionally handle large-event parking, and several upgrades to WestWorld. Council staff will monitor all approved projects near DC Ranch to ensure that the community’s interests are represented.
“Due to the lack of voter support for bond issues, the City’s spending on capital improvements has, for almost 20 years, failed to keep up. DC Ranch cannot sustain a world class community if the infrastructure around us is failing, says Ron Belmont, Community Council Board President.
July 29, 2019
On July 25, the Community Council Board of Directors voted to publicly support the 2019 Scottsdale Bonds.
If Scottsdale voters pass all three bond questions, there will be many positive outcomes for DC Ranch – Thompson Peak Bridge will be expanded to four lanes, a Dog Park will be built at Hayden and Thompson Peak, and much-needed infrastructure repairs will be funded allowing Scottsdale to maintain its reputation as a world class city which enhances property values.
The Bond’s financing structure ensures homeowners will NOT see a property tax percentage increase on bond-related municipal taxes, because previously issued debt will be retired before the City assumes this new debt.
Click here to view the statement prepared for the Scottsdale City Council and other entities outside DC Ranch.
July 10, 2019
At its July 25, 2019 meeting, the Community Council board of directors is scheduled to decide if DC Ranch will publicly support the City of Scottsdale 2019 General Obligation Bonds that will be on the November ballot. The board meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Desert Camp Community Center; residents are welcome to attend. Check dcranch.com for the latest agenda prior to the meeting.
During the past several months, the Community Council has researched various elements of the 2019 bond to include: how the bond projects will impact the DC Ranch community-at-large; what the financial impact to residents will be; and the city’s performance and oversight of prior bonds. The Community Council has concluded that the 2019 bonds will have many positive impacts on DC Ranch and Scottsdale, the city we call home.
June 19, 2019
At its May 23 board meeting, the Community Council discussed the pros and cons of the projects in the Scottsdale Bond as it pertains to the DC Ranch community-at-large. The board concluded there are many very positive outcomes for DC Ranch if voters approve the bond request in November. The following motion was passed unanimously: To approve Director of Public Affairs Chris Irish to draft a statement of support for passage of the City of Scottsdale’s bond package; Governance Committee will review, and Board will then vote on support.
Irish shared a draft of the statement with the Governance Committee on June 2 and also gave a presentation on the bond and the Council’s potential support at the Ranch Association meeting on June 10.
April 18, 2019
On Monday, April 15, Scottsdale City Council voted to hold a November 5 Bond Election. There will be three ballot questions for a total of 58 bond projects with costs not to exceed $319 million.
If the bonds pass, homeowners will not see a property tax increase as previously-issued debt will be retired prior to this debt being assumed.
Included in the bonds are several projects DC Ranch residents have expressed support for – the Thompson Peak bridge expansion and a nearby dog park. Other projects near DC Ranch include multi-use, lighted sports fields in the area of Bell Road that will occasionally handle large-event parking and several upgrades to WestWorld.
The Reata Wash flood measure was not included.
April 5, 2019
In a recent Scottsdale City Council work session, excluding the Reata Wash flood control measure from the bond or making it a stand-alone ballot question was discussed. The City Council plans to finalize the bond projects on April 16.
If you would like the Reata Wash project in the bond you should communicate that to the Mayor and City Council members prior to April 16.
Email Mayor Lane and all City Council members: citycouncil@ScottsdaleAz.gov
At this time, it looks like the other projects in or near DC Ranch will be included in the bond. However, this may change so if any of the three projects listed below are important to you, it is advised you communicate your preference for inclusion on them also.
• Thompson Peak Bridge expansion project
• Dog park at Thompson Peak Park project (Hayden and Thompson Peak)
• Lighted soccer park at Bell and 94th Street that could occasionally handle event parking. This is one of three locations that have been identified; it is unlikely all three would be built.