Public Meetings - Avondale, Arizona

The Avondale City Council convened a regular meeting on October 15, 2025, at 5:36 PM. The meeting began with a proclamation for Women’s History Month, then proceeded through a consent agenda, a recess into executive session, and a comprehensive presentation and discussion of the Fiscal Year 2025 draft city manager’s recommended budget including the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and employee compensation and benefits. No public comments were heard. Proclamation - Councilmember Condi read a proclamation declaring March 2024 as Women’s History Month in Avondale, honoring the contributions of women in the community and recognizing former mayors Desi Lorenz and Marie Lopez Rogers, as well as current and past council members. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously by a 7-0 vote (voice vote). No items were removed for separate consideration. Discussion Items - City Manager’s Recommended FY2025 Budget (Renee Weatherless, Finance Director): - FY2024 revenues are performing slightly above expectations: sales tax 1% over prior year and 8% over budget; contracting sales tax remains strong, outpacing conservative budget assumptions. Development revenue assumptions reduced from 750 single-family homes to 300–500 per year in the forecast. - $2.5 million was reallocated from line-by-line operational reviews; $622,000 in planned vacancy savings is included for FY2025; $2.3 million in additional interest income is projected due to higher rates. - Fund balance (after required reserves) is projected to decline from $61.8 million in FY2024 to $6.6 million by FY2029, as one-time reserves are spent on planned capital projects. - Proposed policy changes to reserve minimums for other funds (public safety sales tax, dedicated sales tax, enterprise funds) will be brought forward in June. - Utility rate increases are incorporated (second year of solid waste increase in July 2024; water/sewer in January 2025; future rate study to return spring 2025). - A general obligation bond issuance may be considered in 2025 to help fund the estimated $130 million wastewater treatment plant expansion and a new fire station. - Personnel remains the top priority; requested FTEs include detention officers (paid from salary savings), a parks summer camp coordinator (3.9 FTE, mostly part-time), and reclassifications. Development Services positions are being added to address workload. - The budget includes $1.2 million to expand the WeRIDE program with additional weekday hours and Saturday service (detailed plan to come in June). - The Economic Opportunities Fund totals $400,000 but does not include a suite at the Phoenix Raceway; adding that would cost an additional $41,000. - Capital Improvement Plan (James Melanese): - Several FY2024 projects are complete or near completion: distribution pressure improvements, Old Town Phase 2, Sam Garcia Library and Cernas Plaza Park improvements, City Hall furniture, Aquatic Center (ribbon cutting at State of the City), and sanitation volleyball courts. - Projects underway include Western Avenue reconstruction (additional funds needed due to unexpected excavation), Deacon Sini Park (grading started), and five hawk signal installations (two by June 30). - Proposed transfers for FY2025 include: Western Avenue reconstruction ($additional), ARPA fund swap for Deacon Sini Park (to meet federal obligation deadlines), four new fire apparatus (ordered early, delivery in 24 months), Friendship Park amenities (dog park, pickleball, softball field) – design accelerated, and Aquatic Center bond closeout (using interest earnings). - New project requests total $53.5 million for FY2025, including: Agua Fria Trail crossings at Lower Buckeye and MC 85, restoration of Basom Meridian Wildlife Area, multi-agency master plan for the area ($300,000 Avondale share), pocket park at Dysart and Western, trail improvements around Boulevard area, Avondale Boulevard microsurfacing ($2.7 million), Western/Central intersection improvements, Lower Buckeye Road study, intersection capacity upgrades at Dysart and McDowell, safety improvement grants (80–90% federally funded), Van Buren Bridge lighting study, municipal operations center warehouse study, resource center expansion study, performing arts study (tied to parks master plan survey), court expansion, Buckeye Yard screening, regional wireless tower (Avondale’s share), and fire training tower ($4.1 million). - Utilities projects include: Rancho Santa Fe Reservoir electrical and control upgrades, Harrison Drive sewer reversal, 7th Street sewer replacement, and Northside Booster Station tank rehab. - Council discussion included support for protected medians rather than pedestrian bridges, interest in re-evaluating a commercial building at the water feature site, and prioritization of the Fairway Drive underpass (to be funded through federal grants). - Compensation and Benefits (Andy Mosquita, HR): - Sworn firefighters: Approved MOU (Jan 2024) with 3% COLA and step increases; new retention program (up to $9,000 per 5-year cycle, max $36,000 over 20 years) – firefighters can opt in from the current productivity pay program. - Police officers and sergeants: Up to 8% increase (3% COLA + step movement up to 5%); combined cadet/Step 1 pay rate raised to $31.66/hour to be competitive; city 457 match increased from $25 to $50 per pay period (if employee contributes $50). - Retention program for police: similar to fire (up to $36,000 over 20 years); current $7,500 five-year retention bonus can be replaced. - Sick leave sellback pilot (police only): eligible after 20 years, can sell back up to 40 hours (min 8 hours) per year. - Sick leave compensation at retirement (police): 50% of accrued sick leave or 100% up to 500 hours (increasing by 50 hours per year of service beyond 20, not to exceed 1,000 hours). - All other employees: Up to 8% increase (3% COLA + merit up to 5%); a compensation study (salary only) will be conducted in FY2025. - Health plans: Transition from two-tier to four-tier options (employee, employee+spouse, employee+children, employee+family); premium rates adjusted; HSA contributions unchanged (employee-only $2,885, family $57.69/pay period). - Paid parental leave: Up to 6 weeks (240 hours) for birth, adoption, or foster placement after 12 months of employment; use within 12 months of event; can be continuous or intermittent. Both parents if city employees each receive 240 hours. - Flexible hours bank: 24 hours per year to compensate for holiday shortfall for 4/10 workers; use by June 30, non-cashable. - EAP: Increase from 6 to 12 visits per incident per family member; cost $15,000 annually. - Open enrollment ends March 31 at 8:59 PM; mandatory reenrollment. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda was approved 7-0. - The council recessed (7-0) into executive session (topic not disclosed). - No formal votes were taken on the budget, CIP, or compensation proposals. These will be considered at subsequent meetings: - April 8: City manager’s recommended budget presented. - May: Tentative budget adopted. - June: Final budget hearing and adoption. - Council gave general direction on several items: - Proceed with the proposed compensation and benefits package as presented, with formal approval to follow. - Consider including $41,000 for a Phoenix Raceway suite; council members expressed mixed views, with some preferring a lower-cost or partnership approach; staff will explore options and report back. - Prioritize the Fairway Drive underpass connectivity and seek federal grants. - Continue emphasis on street preservation, safety (hawk signals), and economic development strategies (data centers, grocery stores) to broaden the tax base. - The employee benefits committee and staff were commended for their collaborative approach.

The Avondale City Council held a regular meeting on October 15, 2025, at which proclamations were issued, employee awards presented, a life-saving commendation given, a public hearing for a high school annexation approved, and an update on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan provided. All votes were 6-0 with Mayor Weiss excused. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0) without any items removed for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received for the public hearing on the Tulson Union High School District annexation or during the general public comment period. Discussion Items - New Employee Introduction: Renee Weatherless, Director of Finance and Budget, introduced Karen Reed as a new accounting specialist with over 30 years of experience. (Ms. Reed was not present.) - Proclamation for Engineers Week (February 18-24, 2024): City Engineer Kim Moon presented the proclamation, which was read by the Vice Mayor. Engineering staff were recognized for their contributions to infrastructure. - Proclamation for Government Communicators Day (February 24, 2024): Pierre, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, highlighted that the marketing department completed over 1,500 projects last year, including branding for We Ride, the Discover Avondale Oppoly, and award-winning publications. The proclamation was read and adopted. - City Manager’s Excellence Awards: Torin from the City Manager's Office presented the 2023 awards. There were 30 nominations. Winners included Janet Dayer (MVP), Liana Bell (Guiding Leader), McKenzie Henderson and Gabby Babinski (Frontrunner), Public Works Streets Maintenance Division and Facilities Department (Pit Crew), Ariana Ramirez (Rising Star), and Andy Musquita (Special Recognition). Councilmember Malone thanked staff for their dedication. - Life Safety Award: Fire Chief Rooney and Public Safety Chief Nanigan presented the department’s highest award to Deputy Chief Aaron Glass for performing CPR on an elderly driver who had no pulse on December 15, 2023, at Fillmore and Australia Parkway in Goodyear. The driver was revived and later discharged. Deputy Chief Glass was commended for his humility. - Tulson Union High School District Annexation (Public Hearing): Senior Planner Michelle presented the annexation of approximately 54.73 acres at the southeast corner of Alamar Boulevard and Dysart Road. The property is zoned RR-43 (rural residential) and will be used for a public high school. No rezoning is requested. The annexation met all state requirements. No public speakers. The council voted unanimously (6-0) to adopt the ordinance. - Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update: Consultant Jason Genk (Barry Dunn) presented an overview of the 10-year master plan process. The last plan was adopted in 2017. The firm will conduct extensive community engagement including pop-ups, an online portal, surveys, and equity analysis. Council members discussed strategies to reach diverse populations, including youth, non-English speakers, and those in HOAs. The timeline anticipates completion by late 2025. Council expressed support and offered suggestions for outreach at city events. - Summary of Current Events: Councilmember White acknowledged Black History Month, noting that approximately 10% of Avondale’s population is African American, and expressed pride in the community’s diversity. Key Outcomes - Proclamations for Engineers Week and Government Communicators Day were adopted. - City Manager’s Excellence Awards were presented and recognized. - Life Safety Award presented to Deputy Chief Aaron Glass. - Annexation ordinance for Tulson Union High School District (54.73 acres) approved 6-0. - Parks and Recreation Master Plan update received; further engagement and presentations to council anticipated. - Meeting adjourned 6-0. Note: The transcript date (February 5, 2024) conflicts with the assigned meeting date of October 15, 2025. This summary uses the assigned date as instructed.

This regular meeting of the Avondale City Council was called to order on October 15, 2025. The agenda included introductions of new city staff, proclamations, recognition of exceptional students, approval of a consent agenda, discussion and approval of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Avondale Professional Firefighters Association (APFFA), and an update on senior services. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was moved by Councilmember Condi, seconded by Councilmember White, and passed unanimously with no items removed for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. The public speaker card for Mr. Uber was noted as possibly having left the room. Discussion Items - Introduction of New Staff: The council welcomed Sandra Freund (Senior Planner), Mayette Bailey (Senior Revenue Analyst), Josue Masias (Senior Management Analyst), and Cole Peel (Water Resources Manager). Each was introduced by their respective department directors. - Proclamation - Anti-Human Trafficking Month (January 2024): Councilmember Tina Condi read a proclamation declaring January 2024 as Anti-Human Trafficking Month in Avondale, highlighting the local and national prevalence of human trafficking and encouraging community education and prevention efforts. - Proclamation Honoring Former Mayor Bill Badoya: The council posthumously honored Bill Badoya, who served as a volunteer fire chief, planning and zoning committee member, council member, vice mayor, and mayor of Avondale. His family accepted the proclamation. - Recognition of Exceptional Students (AVI Student Stars): Four students from various school districts were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement: Ivan Castro Gomez (7th grade, Michael Anderson School), Mia Science (4th grade, Corte Sierra), Michaela Reed (5th grade, Lakin Prep Academy), and Lizabeth Sanchez (8th grade, Rio Vista). - Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Avondale Professional Firefighters Association (APFFA) for FY25-26: The council discussed and approved a new two-year MOU (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026). Key changes include: a 9% increase to the initial step for firefighters and 5% across ranks; condensed steps for engineers and captains; increased paramedic pay from $2.60/hr to $3.40/hr; increased technical rescue pay to $1.10/hr; a pilot program for 56-hour employees paid 2.1x their rate for eligible assignments (up to 2,000 hours per fiscal year); improved move-up pay (to step zero of the higher rank); 3% COLA and one-step merit increase in FY26 with a possible higher COLA if non-represented employees receive more; increased deferred compensation city contribution from $20 to $50 per pay period; increased uniform allowance from $500 to $650 paid twice annually; increased retreat and banquet funds; and a $5,000 one-time post-retirement health account contribution for retiring members. The estimated annual budget impact is $1.5 million. Union President Ryan Tussing noted the collaborative negotiation process and expressed concern about firefighter retention before the MOU takes effect in July. He stated that 16 firefighters were lost since 2021, and eight in the past year alone. - Senior Center Update: Sandy Lopez presented an update on Avondale Senior Services. Key statistics: approximately 1,600 congregate meals per month (up 26% year-over-year), about 966 rides per month (up 23%), average daily attendance of 182 (up 9%). The center also partners with St. Mary's Food Bank for supplemental food distribution, assisting over 16,000 individuals in FY23 (on track to exceed that). Home-delivered meals provide wellness checks; drivers recently discovered a fallen senior and a gas leak, averting tragedies. The eligibility age was lowered to 50 in January 2023. The center collaborates with police and fire departments for events. Council members expressed appreciation and noted the growing need for senior services and food security. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - MOU with APFFA: Approved unanimously (motion by Councilmember White, second by Councilmember Nielsen). The effective date is July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026. - The meeting was adjourned unanimously following a motion by Councilmember Nielsen, seconded by Councilmember Malone.