Public Meetings - Avondale, Arizona

Note: The meeting date is provided as 2025-10-15, but the transcript references the "2024 Citizens Leadership Academy" and events occurring in September–December 2024 (e.g., academy starting September 25, 2024). This discrepancy is noted; the summary below uses the given date but reflects the content as presented. The meeting included employee recognitions, the swearing-in of new staff, recognition of outgoing board and commission members, a presentation on the 2024 Citizens Leadership Academy graduates, and approval of the consent agenda with one item pulled for discussion (Item 4C regarding ARPA-funded affordable housing). The meeting adjourned to executive session. Employee Announcements - Deputy City Manager Del Nanagay was recognized for his professionalism and assistance to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. A letter of appreciation was read aloud, noting he met with Lieutenant John Dorsey and ASU students on his day off to demonstrate the city’s Spillman Records Writing System. - Whitney Castro (Management Analyst), Addison Dunlap (Accounting Specialist), and Angela Tolliver (Human Resources Analyst) were introduced as new employees. Each shared what they look forward to in their roles, emphasizing relationship-building and learning about the city. Recognition of Outgoing Board and Commission Members - Denise Stanfield (Planning Commission, appointed June 2018, completed two full terms plus a partial term) - Linda Warren (Planning Commission, appointed January 2019, completed two full terms) - Oliver Morrison (Neighborhood and Family Services Commission, appointed February 2017, completed two full terms plus a partial term) - Council members expressed gratitude for their service, with several noting their contributions to shaping Avondale’s vision. Citizens Leadership Academy Graduation - Senior Management Analyst Anisa Romo presented highlights of the 2024 Citizens Leadership Academy, a 12-week program (September 25 – December 2, 2024) that included department presentations, hands-on activities (budget simulation, mock council meeting, parade participation, tours of public works and fire facilities), and field trips. - Three graduates spoke: Timothy Barrett highlighted the dedication of city employees; Nika Pangelina Johnson appreciated learning about city operations and meeting staff; Cynthia Caesar shared her personal story and praised the academy for giving her purpose during her breast cancer journey. Tim Kroll noted that every department presenter said this was the best job they’ve had. - 23 graduates were named. Council members encouraged them to become ambassadors, join boards/commissions, and consider future council service. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved with a motion from Councilmember Malone and second from Councilmember White, except Item 4C was pulled for separate discussion. Discussion Item: Item 4C – ARPA Funds for Affordable Housing (Legacy Phase III) - Councilmember White requested clarification on the $1.2 million (approximately) in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds being used for infill housing. Chris Lopez (Neighborhood and Family Services) explained that the funds will develop nine affordable units in the Legacy Phase III project, which will maintain long-term affordability for households earning up to 120% of area median income. He noted this is a continuation of earlier projects that sold homes to low-income families. - Councilmember White emphasized that this is a continuation of prior work, not a new program. The item was then approved unanimously. Summary of Current Events - Mercy House provided food, clothing, and hygiene items to the community before Thanksgiving. - Judge Pep Guzman is hosting a fundraiser for West Side Recreation to provide scholarships for Avondale students in the Pendergast and Littleton Elementary School Districts (December 6). - Avondale Firefighter Charities Christmas toy drive: December 7 and 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Cole’s. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (excluding 4C) approved unanimously. - Item 4C (ARPA affordable housing funds) approved unanimously. - Meeting adjourned to executive session (motion by Councilmember Malone, second by Councilmember Solorio, passed unanimously).

The Avondale City Council met on October 15, 2025, to consider a variety of items including employee recognitions, a proclamation for Unified Responder Community Month, a transit infrastructure intergovernmental agreement, a parks and recreation master plan update, and two zoning ordinance text amendments. The council also heard reports from members on recent conferences and community events. No public comments were received during the unscheduled public appearances or public hearings. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (items A through I) was approved unanimously except for item C, which Councilmember White requested to be removed for separate consideration. The remaining items passed without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the unscheduled public appearances or during the public hearings for the ADU and residential rezone time frame ordinances. Discussion Items - Employee Presentations: The city manager’s office introduced Dillard Collier as a new management analyst. Parks and Recreation Director Corey Lariva presented Victor Fergosa (promoted to park maintenance worker) and Natasha Alavi (promoted to librarian III). Council expressed welcome and appreciation for the new team members. - Proclamation – Unified Responder Community Month: Councilmember Conde introduced the proclamation recognizing November 2024 as Unified Responder Community Month, a Sound of Autism initiative to support first responders serving individuals on the spectrum. Jamie Aldama of Sound of Autism described the organization’s mission to unify West Valley municipalities and train public safety personnel. Councilmembers shared personal stories and expressed full support for the proclamation. The mayor read the proclamation, and council voted unanimously to adopt it. - Item 4C – Valley Metro Intergovernmental Agreement: Public Works Director Kirk and Transit Manager Matt Dudley presented a $600,000 grant from expiring Proposition 400 regional funding for transit improvements. $500,000 is allocated for replacing up to 13 bus shelters on fixed routes with modern designs, and $100,000 for wayfinding signs and a security camera at the new transit center. The discussion included the right-size option (solar‑lit monopole with two seats) for low‑ridership stops and the possibility of adding Abby Wise QR codes to shelters. Councilmembers voiced strong support for the project and for maximizing grant dollars. The council approved the resolution (motion by White, second by Malone). - Item 5A – Parks Recreation Libraries 10‑Year Master Plan Update: Corey Lariva and consultants Jason Gank and Lisa Peratus presented the draft plan findings. Engagement included 401 statistically valid surveys, nearly 2,000 online interactions, and site visits across the city. Key facility priorities: shade, pickleball, and trails. Strategic pillars: outstanding customer experiences, dynamic services, safe places to play/connect, and planning for growth. Recommendations include expanding partnerships, increasing parkland, improving trail connectivity, and adding shade. Councilmembers praised the plan and requested emphasis on inclusive design (e.g., gated playgrounds), indoor recreation, and better marketing of existing amenities. A final public comment period runs through November 25, 2025 (per the presentation), with adoption expected in December 2025. No vote was required on this presentation. - Item 5B – ADU Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment: Senior Planner Josh presented amendments to comply with House Bill 2720, allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on any lot permitting single-family homes. Conditions: max 1,000 sq. ft. or 75% of primary dwelling, 5 ft. side/rear setbacks, height same as main house (30 ft.), no additional parking, owner occupancy required if used as short‑term rental. Properties ≥1 acre may have an additional restricted‑affordable unit deed‑restricted for 30 years. One public comment in favor. Planning Commission recommended approval 4‑0. Council unanimously adopted the ordinance. - Item 5C – Residential Rezone Time Frames Ordinance: Senior Planner Christina Lavelle presented amendments to comply with State Bill 1162, requiring a 30‑day determination on residential rezone application completeness and a 180‑day timeframe to bring the application to council for action, with 30‑day extensions allowed. Planning Commission recommended approval 4‑0. Council unanimously adopted the ordinance. - Summary of Current Events: Councilmember White reported attending the National League of Cities (NLC) City Summit in Tampa, where she was elected parliamentarian for the NLC Black Caucus executive board. Councilmember Solorio also attended NLC and will serve a two‑year term on the Women in Municipal Government board; she was not selected for the NLC board but plans to reapply. Councilmember Garcia reported that the November elections ran smoothly at the Avondale polling location (6,692 voters), attended the EMCC vet run, and completed introductory meetings with city department heads. Council adjourned with wishes for a happy Thanksgiving. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was adopted unanimously with the removal of item C. - The proclamation for Unified Responder Community Month was adopted by consensus. - Resolution authorizing the Valley Metro intergovernmental agreement (item 4C) passed unanimously. - Ordinance 2032‑1124 (ADU text amendment) passed unanimously. - Ordinance 2033‑1124 (residential rezone time frames) passed unanimously. - No formal action was taken on the parks master plan update; public comment remains open until November 25, 2025.

Date: October 15, 2025 The Avondale City Council held a regular meeting on October 15, 2025, at 7:08 PM. The meeting included introductions of new staff, a presentation of the Citizens Police Academy graduates, a proclamation for Phoenix Raceway and NASCAR Championship Weekend, approval of the consent calendar, and updates from council members. All actions were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved by a unanimous vote. No items were removed for separate consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - No unscheduled public appearances were made. No requests to speak were received. Presentations & Introductions - New Economic Development Director: City Manager Katie Gregory introduced Jennifer Stein as the new Economic Development Director. Stein has over 25 years of experience in communications, marketing, and economic development, most recently serving as Economic Development Director for Peoria. She expressed excitement about working in Avondale and highlighted the city's potential as a center for growth, AI technology, and tech supplier activity. - New Public Works Employees: Public Works Director Kirk introduced Bernadette Gortarez (administrative specialist, formerly with Surprise for 23 years) and Jared Carroll (senior water reclamation operator, with multiple ADEQ certifications). Both were welcomed by council. - Citizens Police Academy Graduates: Chief Espinoza and Sergeant Jenny Chavez presented the 2024 Citizens Police Academy graduates. Two graduates, Isabel Castillo and Eddie James, spoke positively about their experience. Castillo noted the program deepened her interest in law enforcement and encouraged others to participate. James emphasized the trust and compassion shown by the Avondale Police Department and called the graduates ambassadors. Council members praised the program and its impact on community-police relations. - Proclamation – Phoenix Raceway & NASCAR Championship Weekend: Assistant Director Cheryl Covert read a proclamation honoring Phoenix Raceway’s 60th anniversary and declaring November 8–10, 2024, as NASCAR Championship Weekend in Avondale. Chantel Carlson from Phoenix Raceway thanked the city, noting that the event is sold out for the seventh consecutive Cup Series race and will welcome over 125,000 visitors. The proclamation highlighted the raceway’s economic impact of $473 million annually and its role in community culture. Discussion Items - No substantive discussion items were on the agenda beyond the presentations and consent calendar. Councilmember Updates - Councilmember Solario announced that he, Councilmember White, and Councilmember Malone will attend the National League of Cities Summit in Tampa, marking the league’s 100th anniversary. - Councilmember Solario also thanked the mayor and staff for making council chambers available for early voting, noting that the last day to submit an early ballot was that day. - Councilmember Garcia thanked Parks and Recreation staff for the Dia de los Muertos event at the Goodyear Cemetery and mentioned meeting a resident with historical knowledge of the cemetery. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved unanimously. - The proclamation for Phoenix Raceway and NASCAR Championship Weekend was adopted. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:50 PM after a motion by Councilmember White, seconded by Councilmember Malone. Note: The transcript dates the meeting as occurring in 2024 (references to Halloween, November 2024 NASCAR event), but the provided metadata specifies the meeting date as October 15, 2025. This summary honors the metadata date per instructions.

Note: The transcript of this meeting repeatedly states the date as December 16, 2024, but the summary is prepared using the date provided in the instructions (2025-10-15). This discrepancy is noted. The meeting began with roll call, all members present. There were no unscheduled public appearances. The consent agenda was approved unanimously. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing two outgoing elected officials: Councilmember Veronica Malone and Mayor Ken Weiss. Following the recognitions, council members shared current events. The council then recessed into executive session and subsequently approved a termination agreement before adjourning. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved without any items removed for separate consideration. Motion by Councilmember White, second by Councilmember Malone, passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No unscheduled public appearances were made. Discussion Items - Recognition of Councilmember Veronica Malone: Councilmember Malone was honored for her eight years of service (2017–2024). A proclamation was read listing her numerous community and regional committee roles. A video tribute was shown featuring community members praising her work on park improvements, the creation of a city parks department, and her dedication to the Cashman and Old Town areas. City staff including the auditor, municipal judge, city attorney, police chief, fire chief, and city manager presented gifts and shared personal anecdotes. Councilmembers each gave heartfelt remarks about her mentorship, honesty, and community passion. Councilmember Malone responded with gratitude, highlighting accomplishments such as park renovations, traffic flow improvements, and the creation of the city auditor position. She thanked her family and colleagues. - Recognition of Mayor Ken Weiss: Mayor Weiss was honored for over 18 years of service (2006–2024), including as mayor since 2014. A proclamation was read detailing his civic engagements and regional leadership. A video tribute featured community leaders praising his focus on economic development, including bringing the NASCAR championship to Avondale and his work on the Prop 400 sales tax extension. City staff gave gifts and remarks, highlighting his support for public safety, the city court, and his friendly leadership style. Councilmembers each spoke about his mentorship, his role in fostering a collaborative council culture, and his personal kindness. Mayor Weiss responded by thanking his family, recognizing former councilmember Chuck Wolf for encouraging him to run, and emphasizing the role of city staff. He also introduced his wife, Sherry Weiss, who was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her support. - Summary of Current Events: Councilmember Garcia noted that the National League of Cities training she attended was effectively covered by previous briefings from the city attorney and manager. She also mentioned attending \"Shop with a Cop\" and holiday parties. Councilmember Malone mentioned driving the new police tactical truck and participating in community holiday events. Key Outcomes - Adopted Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Approved Termination Agreement: Item 7 (termination agreement) was approved by motion and vote. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned following executive session.

On October 15, 2025, the Avondale City Council held a special meeting to address the vacancy of the mayor's seat following the resignation of Mayor Ken Weiss effective October 13, 2024 (note: the raw transcript indicates the meeting was called for October 14, 2024, but the prompt specifies October 15, 2025). The meeting was called to order at 18:26 UTC. City Clerk Marcella presented the process for filling the vacancy, outlining options including appointment of a current council member, a structured recruitment process, or a new process. After public comment and council discussion, the council voted unanimously to appoint Vice Mayor Mike Pineda as mayor and then unanimously appointed Jeanette Garcia to the resulting council vacancy. Both were sworn in. Public Comments & Testimony - Levi Willow, a resident since December 2020, expressed concern about the rapid construction of apartments, noting that farm fields have been replaced by unlimited apartments, which worries him about school system overload and grocery store shortages. He praised City Manager Mr. Corbin and Ms. Gregory but questioned former City Manager Charles Montoya's role in the apartment development. Discussion Items - Councilmember White delivered an extended statement expressing discomfort with perceived external influence from organizations such as Turning Point and Chase the Vote, and referenced a social media post by councilmember-elect Jeanette Garcia urging the appointment of Mike Pineda and Sherry Weiss. She called for a pause and exploration of options rather than a vote that night, but did not make a formal motion. - Councilmember Nielsen made a motion to appoint Vice Mayor Mike Pineda as mayor, arguing it would avoid a lengthy recruitment process for a short term (two to three months). The motion was seconded by Councilmember Solorio. - Several council members spoke in favor of the motion, citing momentum and the fact that Pineda had already been elected to the mayor's seat in the July 30, 2024 election and would be sworn in again in January. - Councilmember Malone seconded Nielsen's motion, and after a roll call, the motion passed 7-0. - Following Pineda's swearing-in, the council moved to fill the now-vacant council seat. Councilmember Malone made a motion to appoint Jeanette Garcia (the councilmember-elect) to the seat, seconded by Councilmember Nielsen. - Council members expressed support, noting the need to maintain momentum and the benefit of having Garcia get early experience before her term begins in January. Councilmember White initially expressed concerns but eventually supported the motion. The motion passed 7-0, and Garcia was sworn in. Key Outcomes - Appointment of Mayor: Councilmember Nielsen motioned, Solorio seconded, to appoint Mike Pineda as mayor for the interim period until the new term begins in January 2025. The vote was 7-0 in favor. Pineda was sworn in immediately. - Appointment of Councilmember: Councilmember Malone motioned, Nielsen seconded, to appoint Jeanette Garcia to fill the council vacancy created by Pineda's elevation. The vote was 7-0 in favor. Garcia was sworn in immediately. - Housekeeping: The vice mayor position will be filled at the next regular meeting. Staff will contact Garcia regarding benefits, security, and scheduling of official photographs. The new council will be reorganized in January 2025. - Discrepancy noted: The raw transcript lists the meeting date as October 14, 2024, but the directive for this summary specifies October 15, 2025.

The Avondale City Council held a regular meeting on October 15, 2025, featuring employee promotions, multiple proclamations, a homeless services update, and a solid waste and recycling program update. The council also recognized outgoing Mayor Weiss and presented the gavel to incoming Mayor Mike. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously without discussion or item removal. Public Comments & Testimony - No unscheduled public appearances were made. Employee Recognitions & Proclamations - Employee Promotions: Anisa Romo was promoted to Senior Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Office. Torrin Saido was promoted to Business Operations and Strategy Manager in Development Services. - Proclamations: The council proclaimed October 2025 as Community Planning Month, Code Compliance Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month; October 6–12, 2025 as Fire Prevention Week; and October 13–19, 2025 as Arizona Cities and Towns Week. Discussion Items 1. Homeless Services Update – Brian, Director of Homeless Services, presented data showing since July 2024: 4 encampments closed, 52 households moved to shelter/housing, 120 AVIWIS tickets responded to, 105 unique individuals served, 498 Narcan kits distributed, nearly 35,000 bottles of water distributed, and the Sonar team logged 1,900 hours with nearly 2,000 encounters. He shared five personal success stories. Council members expressed strong support and pride in the program. 2. Solid Waste & Recycling Update – Harold, Assistant Director of Public Works, reported cost increases: landfill costs up 13% to $35.25/ton, recycling net costs up over 60% to $71.61/ton. Since community recycling drop-off launched July 17, 2025, 2,500 lbs (1.2 tons) recycled. Key change: Starting February 1, 2025, curbside trash and recycling will operate Monday–Thursday with new route maps aligned to bulk zones, eliminating the rotating 4/10 schedule to improve efficiency and reduce overtime. Council discussed staffing, vehicle issues, and outreach plans using stickers and magnets. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda unanimously. - Received and discussed homeless services update; no formal action. - Received and discussed solid waste update; staff will implement new schedule on February 1, 2025, with a grace period and outreach campaign. - Outgoing Mayor Weiss gave farewell remarks and presented an incoming gavel to Mayor-elect Mike. Note: The meeting date in the transcript was October 7, 2024, but the provided metadata specifies October 15, 2025. This summary uses the specified date.

Note: The transcript of this meeting indicates it was held on October 21, 2024, but the instructions specify the date as 2025-10-15. This summary uses the assigned date while noting the discrepancy. The Avondale City Council held a regular meeting on October 15, 2025, presided over by Mayor Pineda. The meeting included presentations recognizing new employees and exceptional students, a public comment, a consent agenda, a discussion on acquiring property for a trailhead, the selection of a vice mayor, and a summary of current events. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was passed unanimously without any items removed for separate consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - Natasha Edmonds, a candidate for City Council in the 2024 primary election who received 3,374 votes, addressed the council. She congratulated the newly elected mayor and council members, expressed disappointment about the limited time given for the process to fill a recent council seat (as highlighted by Councilmember White), and advocated for herself to be considered for the role, urging the council to tap into diverse talents. Presentations - New Employee Introductions: Finance Director Renee Weatherless introduced Sean Pierce as the new Grants Coordinator and Laura Robinson as the new Procurement Officer. Both shared brief remarks about their excitement to work for Avondale. - Avi Star Exceptional Students: Mariela Gonzalez, Youth and Community Engagement Coordinator, presented five students from different school districts for their academic, extracurricular, and community achievements. The students recognized were: Marley Marufo (Agua Fria High School), Richard Gonzalez (Avondale Middle School), Mia Moreno (Corte Sierra Elementary), Jacob Benitez Alonso (Rio Vista Elementary), and Davian de Santiago (Sun Valley Academy). Each received a certificate and was celebrated by the council. Discussion Items - Acquisition of Real Property for Trailhead and Parking Area: James (City Projects Administrator) presented a proposal to authorize due diligence on the purchase of approximately 3.36 acres of land south of Buckeye Road on the west side of the Agua Fria River. The property is currently owned by Maricopa County and would be used for a trailhead, small parking lot, ramada, and other amenities. The process includes due diligence, negotiation with the county, and a future budget request for design and construction. Councilmembers asked about access sharing with the county, lighting, water, and trail connectivity. Mayor Pineda noted that the city is following a long-term approach similar to Peoria's successful trail system, which took over 20 years. Council expressed strong support. The ordinance (2030-1024) was adopted unanimously. - Selection of Vice Mayor: Mayor Pineda nominated Councilmember Nielsen for vice mayor, citing seniority and his contributions to the council and community. Councilmember Garcia seconded. Councilmember White asked about the process and received clarification from City Attorney Nicole that the city charter only requires council to select a vice mayor, with no specified method, and that the appointment would be for the remainder of the term until January, when a new two-year selection would occur. The motion passed unanimously, and Councilmember Nielsen was selected as vice mayor. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Ordinance 2030-1024: Adopted unanimously to authorize the acquisition of real property for a trailhead and parking area. - Vice Mayor Selection: Councilmember Nielsen was appointed vice mayor unanimously. - Adjournment: The council adjourned to executive session with a unanimous vote. Summary of Current Events - Councilmember Nielsen reported visiting Amazon’s drone delivery presentation at the visitor center, noting that drones will deliver packages within a 7.5-mile radius from 107th and Van Buren, capable of carrying up to 5 pounds and dropping packages from 13 feet. - Councilmember White shared that she, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember-elect Wise toured the Agua Fria Food Bank. The food bank is seeking additional volunteers and 4-5 new board members and provides food, showers, personal care items, and a clothing closet. She urged council to support the board recruitment. - Councilmember Condi congratulated Councilmember Malone on receiving the Agua Fria Hall of Fame award, praising her behind-the-scenes community work. - Councilmember Garcia expressed gratitude for the community and noted attending three events with fellow council members, emphasizing the importance of serving small business owners and those in need.

The Avondale City Council met on October 15, 2025, for a regular meeting that included a consent agenda, an unscheduled public appearance regarding a prior police‑involved shooting, and a public hearing on an appeal of a conditional use permit (CUP) denial for a self‑storage facility. The council acted in a quasi‑judicial capacity on the appeal and voted 7‑0 to reverse the Planning Commission’s denial, approving the CUP subject to five conditions. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was adopted by voice vote with no items removed and no opposition, passing unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Larnell Farmer (speaking as a former police officer and President of the West Valley NAACP) addressed the council about the February 2023 police‑involved shooting of Amarian Hope. He stated that after reviewing police reports, internal investigations, and the county attorney’s determination that the shooting was justified, he found the justification unsupported. He requested that the city reopen the investigation, possibly through another agency. Public Hearing – Appeal of Conditional Use Permit (PL 23‑0303) – Extra Space Storage - The council heard an appeal from applicant Adam Baugh (representing Guardian/Extra Space Storage) of the Planning Commission’s denial of a CUP for a two‑story, climate‑controlled self‑storage facility at the southwest corner of Indian School Road and Osborne Road (2.28 acres, zoned C‑2 under Palm Valley Planned Area Development). The same CUP had been approved by the council in 2021 but expired because construction could not commence within two years. The applicant argued that the five legal criteria for a CUP were met and that the proposal was identical to the previously approved project. - Staff (Senior Planner Sandra Freund) presented the project and recommended approval with five conditions (compliance with approved plans, two‑year commencement, prohibition of hazardous materials, no on‑site sales, and a requirement to extinguish interior lighting by 8 p.m.). - Public comments were heavily opposed. Written statements and in‑person speakers (including Timothy LaSota on behalf of the Dysart Ranch HOA; Andrea Sandoval; Benjamin Grassi; Jennifer Deeds of the Dysart Ranch Community Coalition; Eric Blocker; Greg Deeds; and several other residents) raised concerns about: - Traffic safety and congestion on Osborne Road - Flood risk and stormwater runoff (citing FEMA data) - Negative impacts on property values - Crime, vagrancy, and homeless activity (citing police call records from a similar facility in Gilbert) - Oversaturation of storage facilities in the area (16–18 within five miles) - Inadequate public noticing (newspaper ad missing, sign illegible) - Misleading statements by the applicant regarding safety and operations - Applicant’s rebuttal addressed each concern, asserting that the facility meets all code requirements, that traffic generation is minimal (160 daily trips, 8 peak‑hour trips), that flood risks are unfounded, and that the public comments were not supported by evidence. He also noted that city staff had verified the plans and that the five legal criteria for a CUP were satisfied. Discussion Items - Council deliberation focused on the quasi‑judicial role – the decision must be based solely on the record before the Planning Commission, not on new evidence or community preference. Councilmember White noted that she was part of the 2021 approval and that the same five criteria apply. Councilmember Solario asked about other permitted uses under C‑2 zoning and confirmed that a storage facility is allowed with a CUP; other uses (e.g., gas station, child care) also require a CUP. - Councilmember White asked Chief Espinoza about crime trends; the chief reported overall decreases in crime in Avondale but could not immediately recall recent calls at similar facilities. - Council briefly recessed into executive session for legal advice on the matter. - Upon return, the council discussed the criteria and the applicant’s compliance. Key Outcomes - Motion (by Vice Mayor, seconded by Councilmember White) to reverse the Planning Commission’s denial because the applicant has met all required findings under Chapter 28 of the city code. - Vote: 7‑0 to reverse the denial, thereby granting the conditional use permit subject to the five conditions recommended by staff. - Direction: The council directed the City Attorney to prepare written findings setting forth the basis for the reversal. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned via voice vote, also 7‑0.

Note: The audio transcription of the meeting indicates the meeting was called to order on Monday, September 23, 2024. However, the official meeting date provided is October 15, 2025. This summary reflects the transcript content but uses the assigned date. The meeting was called to order at 6:11 PM with all council members present except Councilmember Malone (excused). The council heard employee introductions, issued two proclamations, received a presentation from the Cub Scouts, approved a consent agenda (minus one item), discussed and authorized a federal energy efficiency grant, and reviewed police data on loud noise complaints. Consent Calendar - All consent agenda items were approved unanimously (6‑0) except item G, which was removed at the request of Councilmember White for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Representatives from Cub Scout Pack 91 (sponsored by American Legion Post 61) spoke about the pack’s community activities, including meet‑and‑greets with city departments, camping, and participation in events such as Kids Fest and Memorial Day. The pack currently has 12 scouts. Discussion Items - Employee Introduction: Josh Perez, Code Compliance Manager, introduced Martha Ortiz as the newly promoted Lead Code Compliance Officer, effective September 16, 2024. She has over 30 years of city service, 27 in code enforcement, and serves on the board of the Code Enforcement League of Arizona. - Proclamations: - Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (September 2024) – read by Councilmember Solario. Noted that ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of death among women, with a late‑stage survival rate below 30%. - Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15, 2024) – read by a council member. The 2024 theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” - Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG): Kirk and Sustainability Officer Kimberly Emerson presented a proposal to accept $138,310 in technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The funds will be used to conduct energy audits of 20 city buildings, 26 well/booster sites, and 8 parks, and to develop plans for renewable energy and efficiency improvements. The grant requires no city match. Discussion included questions about vehicle fleet electrification, battery storage, shade canopy, and tree planting. Councilmember White noted that the vehicle fleet accounts for 15% of municipal greenhouse gas emissions. The council voted 6‑0 to adopt Resolution 1098‑0924, authorizing acceptance of the funds and execution of related documents. - Police Department Response to Loud Noise Calls: Lieutenant Thomas Alt presented data on loud party/noise calls for service. In FY 2023, the department responded to 1,691 calls, filed 879 reports, and issued 11 citations. In FY 2024, calls dropped to 1,626, with 876 reports and 19 citations. Most calls occur on weekends between 8 PM and 3 AM. Officers typically issue a warning first; citations are reserved for repeat or egregious offenses. The council discussed whether a permitting process for events would be helpful, but the chief and lieutenant advised against it, citing sufficient existing ordinances. The council requested additional data on shots‑fired, fireworks, and off‑road vehicle calls. - Summary of Current Events: Mayor Weiss noted that Avondale’s median household income rose from $69,000 in 2021 to $91,000 in 2024, and college graduation rates have climbed above 30%. Councilmember White reported attending the Black Excellence luncheon at the White House on September 13, 2024, representing Avondale. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Consent agenda (minus item G) passed 6‑0. - Resolution 1098‑0924 authorizing acceptance of the EECBG grant ($138,310) passed 6‑0. - Directives: Staff was directed to execute the grant agreement and take all necessary steps to implement the energy efficiency program. The police department will provide additional breakdowns on shots‑fired, fireworks, and ATV calls. - Next Steps: The DOE will select a technical assistance administrator; the city will then begin the energy audit process. The council will consider future sustainability efforts and potential tree‑planting initiatives.