The comments made by Les Peterson are not the full picture. (He referred to himself only as “Carefree Resident” and did not say he is also the Mayor of Carefree and the Chairman of the Carefree Water Dept. Board). Yes, there are two initiatives on the August ballot. One is protecting open space and protecting private property from eminent domain. The other is term limits. Mr. Peterson, as Mayor, has been aware of the open space initiative since the middle of last year.
It qualified for the ballot. He and the Town were aware of the verbiage and what it would mean if the Town and Carefree Water Department went forward with the water tank. To bemoan the fact that the tank might have to be removed and the area returned to its natural state is disingenuous. The Carefree Water Board (again, Les Peterson is the Chairman) made the decision to proceed with the water tank, knowing what would occur if the initiative passed. To now say “why would 85% of Carefree residents living outside of The Boulders want to pay for the removal of an underground fresh water reservoir only have it placed in someone else’s backyard at a higher cost to all residents” is laughable.
In the July 2018 Carefree Water Board meeting, it was Les Peterson who replied to the question if there was going to be a vote on the water transition project and the $18+ million bond issue: (like) You would not want that. There are 80% of them and 20% of you. You would not like the outcome. So, it was OK to incumber the 80% of Carefree Water customers with the water bond, for 20% then, without a vote or the knowledge of the 80%. Why is that?
When the water bond is paid back, the cost will be $32+ million. Yet, Les Peterson and the rest of the Carefree Water Board (remember the Town Council and Carefree Water Company Board are one in the same) could not wait a few months to see if the initiative passed. Sure sounds like there is something else going on. This meeting is on video for all who wish to hear your words for themselves.
Then there is the issue of the 21-acre parcel across the street from the water tank, that is owned by Les Peterson’s friend, John Lassen. The zoning of this parcel was changed with countless hours of Town staff time. In an email on October 20, 2020, Les Peterson was advised by the Economic Development Director, Steve Prokopek, that John Lassen and Steve Prokopek were going to meet, and per Steve in an email) “Mayor is good with the meeting in the office tomorrow.” In an email on December 10, 2020, John Lassen was advised by Steve Prokopek that “I did receive Council approval for the 24-month plan, which includes the general plan amendment for your property.” So, Resolution 2020-11, the Strategic Work Plan, includes Les Peterson’s friend’s 21-acre parcel, which Steve Prokopek wants to develop (item 2 of the Resolution) on the NWC of Carefree Highway and Tom Darlington Drive. This 21-acre parcel owned by John Lassen, who now has as an LLC. Item #2 of the work plan says its “Anticipated use- Hospitality and neighborhood retail/restaurant.” Would that increase the value of the 21-acre property from what it would have been as the original residential zoning?
In the February 17, 2021 email, that Mayor Les Peterson and Town Administrator, Gary Neiss, were copied on, Steve Prokopek General Plan Amendment Update and letter to John Lassen, Steve was talking about changing the Town as the applicant, as Steve discussed with John Lassen, and a “brief letter agreement and Prop 207 waiver”.
How many other property owners are assisted by Town employees to re-zone, and GP Amendments? These emails go on, although I and others will see the gist. Les Peterson has known about assistance given to his friend with Town resources.
Lastly, there is the letter from Timothy Mettenbrink of Sand Hills Development on May 3, 2021. He stated “I understand that Carefree Water Company intends to construct major water improvements along the boundary of the Property. If in the course of that work, they would install service lines along Tom Darlington, and another along Carefree Hwy, it would make a huge positive impact on the possibility of the Property being developed”. Would the water tank, across Tom Darlington Drive, provide the needed water pressure for fire suppression needed for a commercial development?
Mr. Mayor/Chairman (can’t forget the rest of the Council/Water Board who voted for all of this), I must ask again, why does a Town employee assist a friend of yours, to re-zone and arrange for development of a property?
How many hours were devoted of the Economic Development Director and others on this project? Town residents of Carefree deserve better. We have the chance in August to pass the 2 initiatives and vote out incumbents who do not truly represent all Carefree residents.
John Mattes
Carefree
