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On behalf of the Fountain Hills Medical Center (FHMC), we want to thank the residents of Fountain Hills and the surrounding areas for their overwhelming support for the project. We know you recognize the enormous value the FHMC brings to the community and look forward to serving you at the end of this year. On Monday, May 11th at 6pm, the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Committee will be holding a meeting to discuss the FHMC application for a special use permit allowing the FHMC to operate 24 hours per day. We hope to have those in support of the project at the meeting to share your endorsement of the project.

As many of you are aware, the FHMC has taken extreme measures to be sensitive to the community and those neighboring the hospital. We have taken recommendations very seriously, and made many changes based on that feedback. We have also worked very closely with Fountain Hills government officials and planning staff to take every measure to make sure the hospital is doing all it can to serve the community and at the same time keep the beauty and integrity of Fountain Hills intact. We must also, however, make sure that we construct the hospital and its support services in accordance with the Arizona Department of Health and Safety Code and Regulations. This is particularly important for the safety of our staff and the residents of the community we will be serving.

In addition, we intend to make a positive economic impact in the community by supporting local businesses (restaurants, insurance brokers, landscape services, maintenance personal and many others), hiring local staff and providing home health care services that will add value to city and residents of Fountain Hills.

Below, we will highlight a number of the changes we have made to the hospital plans based on the feedback:

• During the first phase of the hospital, Trevino Drive widened from the entrance of the hospital to Saguaro Blvd. In phase two of the project, Saguaro Blvd. will be widened all the way to Burkemo to alleviate congestion
• While the city ordinance only requires buildings to be 25 feet from other properties, the FHMC has taken all measures to alleviate noise, thus building the hospital over 140 feet away from all other properties in the area
• All Emergency Service Vehicles will be required to turn off lights and sirens when entering the hospital, as to not disturb the surrounding neighborhood
• The entrance for ambulances faces Saguaro Blvd, which is a busy road. This in the only section of the hospital that can accommodate an ambulance bay, assuring most of the light and traffic noise will be minimized
• The hospital was designed to have the same look and feel as the community and the surrounding areas, blended beautifully into the Sonoran Desert landscape
• An approved wall or dense vegetation area will be built that will provide a buffer between the hospital and its residential neighbors. A second wall was also approved that will provide additional coverage from noise and light for all those who border the property

The project is currently fully underway. Last week the concrete building slab was poured and we expect to begin the building framing and steel installation this week. We are very proud to bring much needed care to Fountain Hills. The Hospital will offer a variety of services including an emergency room, imaging center, laboratory and pharmacy services and in-patient beds. The fully accredited hospital will serve both children and adults and include in-patient and primary care.

On behalf of the entire staff at the FHMC, thank you for your continued support.