Public Meetings - Eloy, Arizona

The Eloy City Council held a special meeting on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting focused on two public hearings—one on primary property taxes for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025 and one on the annual budget—followed by the adoption of the final budget resolution. No public comments were received on any agenda item. Public Hearing on Primary Property Taxes (FY 2024-2025) - Brian Wright, City staff, presented the proposed primary property tax rate of $1.0115 per $100 of assessed valuation. This rate is expected to generate $27,404 in additional revenue (a 2% increase exclusive of new construction), primarily due to rising property valuations. - The average homeowner will pay approximately $101.15 annually in city property taxes. - The public hearing was opened and closed with no questions or comments from the council or public. The next step is an ordinance to adopt the rate, scheduled for the regular council meeting on July 8, 2024. Public Hearing on the Annual Budget (FY 2024-2025) - Brian Wright reported that the tentative budget of $64,444,735 was published without any public comments. The final budget remains unchanged. - Councilmember Curtis clarified that pass-through funds (e.g., CCA) are not included in the budget but are recorded as fiduciary items on the city's financial statements; staff confirmed this. - The public hearing was opened and closed without further discussion. Adoption of Resolution No. 24-1579 - A motion was made and seconded to read the resolution by title only, which passed unanimously. - A subsequent motion to adopt Resolution No. 24-1579, adopting the final FY 2024-2025 budget of $64,444,735, was approved by roll call vote (5-0): - Vice Mayor Curtis: Yes - Councilmember Garcia: Yes - Councilmember Snyder (via phone): Yes - Mayor Powell: Yes - Councilmember Wanawatho Rodriguez: Yes - Councilmember Sutton and Councilmember Victorangle were absent or late; the meeting had a quorum of five members present. Key Outcomes - The public hearing on primary property taxes concluded; the ordinance will be considered on July 8, 2024. - The public hearing on the annual budget concluded. - Resolution No. 24-1579 was adopted unanimously, finalizing the FY 2024-2025 budget at $64,444,735. - The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:15 p.m. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for July 8, 2024.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 5:30 PM (Council Chambers, 595 North C Street, Eloy, AZ). The meeting covered routine consent items, council announcements, and a key business item to authorize a promotional video with ICMA TV. Consent Calendar - All 11 consent items (A through K) were approved unanimously via a single roll-call vote. Items included: approval of minutes from June 10, 2024; purchase of two Ford Responder Trucks from Peoria Ford ($51,341.02 and $49,179.02) using Arizona Department of Homeland Security grant funds; authorization to initiate several zoning text amendments; approval of the CybarWorks computer services contract for one year starting July 1, 2024; a contract with Logicalis for a new Cisco Business Edition Telephone System (not to exceed $125,000); adoption of Resolution No. 24-1576 establishing the Consolidated Rate and Fee Schedule effective August 1, 2024; resolutions authorizing banking officers for First Interstate Bank and the Magistrate Checking Account; and a contract with Transact Commercial Interiors to manufacture and install partition walls for the Eloy Santa Cruz Library Teen Zone ($59,051.23). Public Comments & Testimony - No public sign‑ins were recorded, and no public comments were made. Reports and Announcements - Councilmember Seton reported attending a Chamber lunch at Integrated Modulus Solutions (a company converting shipping containers into housing/restaurants); addressing the Pinal County Board of Supervisors in opposition to the Sun Dog Solar Project on the north end of the City’s planning area (the measure passed 3‑2); and attending a Core Civic community lunch focused on inmate education, noting that 31 inmates are training service animals. - Mayor Powell reminded the community about the July 4th celebration at the park (free swim 12–5 PM, games 6–8 PM, fireworks after dusk, a dunk tank where the mayor will participate, with the event held in the city park). City offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4. - City Manager David Malowitz reported on the City’s 75th anniversary celebration (brochures, banners, culminating in the December Christmas event); and announced the police chief recruitment process: full‑day interviews Wednesday, June 26, and a community meet‑and‑greet Thursday, June 27, 6 PM at City Hall in the community room (attendees can submit feedback via a QR code). He clarified that neither the Mayor nor Council know the applicants’ identities. Discussion Items - Business Item A – ICMA TV Video Proposal: City Manager David Malowitz presented a proposal from ICMA (International City/County Management Association) TV to enter into an agreement with WebsEdge to produce a professional five‑minute “thought leadership” video highlighting Eloy, to be broadcast at the 2024 ICMA conference in Pittsburgh (late September) and later available permanently on the ICMA TV website and YouTube. The cost is a fixed $26,300 (unbudgeted, to be paid from the City’s contingency fund) and includes full ownership of all footage (five‑minute video, two hours of B‑roll, a one‑ to two‑minute social‑media cut). The video would focus on sustainable growth, resilience, economic development, and community engagement. Staff recommended approval. Mayor Powell noted that the National League of Cities also reached out to produce a free video showcasing Eloy (meeting scheduled for the following week) but said both opportunities are valuable for promoting the City. Council members expressed support. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7‑0). - Business Item A – ICMA TV Video: Approved unanimously (7‑0) to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with ICMA TV (WebsEdge) for $26,300 from the contingency fund. - No executive session was held, and the meeting adjourned after business concluded.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, June 10, 2024, at approximately 6:01 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting covered reports, a consent agenda, and four business items including approval of professional services contracts, a time extension for a solar facility, adoption of the tentative budget, and approval of a new city manager's employment contract. Reports and Announcements - Councilmember Andy reported on a community yard sale at the park; despite low attendance, vendors sold many items. The event may be repeated when weather improves with increased social media promotion. - Mayor Powell reported that an officer from the Gila River Indian Community was killed in the line of duty. Two Eloy officers in field training had attended school with the deceased officer. The mayor extended condolences to Governor Lewis and offered city assistance. - Mayor Powell announced that the Pinal Regional Transportation Authority (PRTA) board decided to hold an off-year election in 2025 for a new RTA resolution. If passed, each city (except the largest) would receive 1% of total revenues annually, starting at $300,000 and growing to over $640,000 by 2045. - City Manager David Malewitz reminded that city offices will be closed Wednesday, June 13 for Juneteenth. The "Moving Under the Stars" event is scheduled for June 22 at Jones Park. He also noted Proposition 486, the road maintenance and improvement fund renewal (an existing excise tax), which brings in over $36 million for county road projects; Eloy is a participant in several projects. An intern, Antonio, will start June 18 to assist with graphic design and website improvements. - Mayor announced that a $2 million grant application for the police department's CAD RMS (records management) system was accepted and will proceed to the appropriations committee. Captain Jerome explained the grant would replace the existing system and integrate with new technologies like AI and body cameras. Consent Calendar - Item A (Minutes): Approval of the regular meeting minutes from May 28, 2024. Moved by council, seconded, and approved unanimously via roll call. Discussion Items - Business Item A – On-Call Professional Service Contracts: Dan Seimer (Community Development) presented a request to authorize the City Manager to execute eight contracts (four for engineering, four for planning/development) based on an RFP from November. Contracts are for services such as building code review, planning review, and engineering project management. Each contract has a two-year term, a maximum of $200,000 total, and no more than $150,000 per year. Councilmember Sutton questioned the open-ended nature and aggregate $800,000 annual potential. The City Manager clarified that extensions require council direction, budget approval each year caps total spending, and single expenses over $20,000 require council approval. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - Business Item B – Solar CUP Time Extension (Resolution 24-1572): Public hearing opened. Dan Seimer explained the request for a two-year extension to a previously approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP2022-038) for a 100 MW solar photovoltaic and 100 MW battery energy storage facility on approximately 646 acres at the southwest corner of Milligan Road and Eleven Mile Corner Road. Kevin Johnson (Avantus) stated the extension aligns with the original project schedule (construction start March 2025, commercial operation May 2026); no project changes are proposed. A member of the public, Joanne Galindo of Eloy, asked for location clarification; staff confirmed the site is south of I-10. The public hearing was closed. Resolution was read by title with a typographical error ("Solera Road" instead of "corner"), amended by council. Motion to approve as amended passed 6-1, with Councilmember Garcia voting no. - Business Item C – Tentative Budget Adoption (Resolution 24-1575): Brian (Finance Director, whose last day is June 21) presented the tentative budget for FY2024-2025 in the amount of $64,444,735. State law requires adoption before the third Monday in July. After adoption, the budget will be published June 13 and 20, with a public hearing on the final budget and property tax scheduled for June 27. The budget includes schedules A-G as required by the Auditor General. Motion to adopt the tentative budget passed unanimously. - Business Item D – City Manager Employment Contract: The council moved into executive session for up to 30 minutes to discuss legal matters regarding the contract. After reconvening, City Attorney Steve Cooper presented the final contract highlights: base salary of $161,401.29, eligibility for the same compensation increases (COLA, bonuses, incentives) as other city employees, nine months severance if terminated without cause, and an additional three months if terminated within a certain period after a new council is seated. Amendments were made: removal of "or in any manner take part" regarding appointment/removal of officers (Section 1), and addition of language encouraging residency within city limits (Section 12). Motion to approve the contract as amended passed unanimously by roll call. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (meeting minutes) approved. - Authorization granted to City Manager to execute eight on-call professional service contracts for two years. - Resolution 24-1572 approved (6-1) granting a two-year time extension for the solar and battery storage conditional use permit. - Resolution 24-1575 adopted, establishing the tentative budget for FY2024-2025 at $64,444,735. - Employment contract for David Malewitz as City Manager approved with amendments; effective immediately.

The Eloy City Council held a work session on Monday, June 3, 2024, beginning at 5:31 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting focused on three interrelated zoning text amendments: consolidating several boards and commissions under the Planning and Zoning Commission, updating the responsibilities of the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission, and creating a new Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. No formal votes were taken; the council provided direction to return with revisions after a strategic planning session. Public Comments & Testimony - Conrad Tolson (Planning Commission member) suggested alternatives: making the Board of Adjustment a function of the city council, and using ad hoc task forces for the airport and revitalization boards rather than full consolidation. - Alan Crawford (Planning Commission member) expressed support for consolidation, noting that revitalization lacked power, and cautioned that seven members might be insufficient given the expanded scope. - Frank Forsetto (Airport Board member) submitted a text message read into the record indicating strong interest in serving on a new combined committee and leading any airport subcommittees. Discussion Items A. Boards and Commissions City Code Text Amendment Community Development Director Dan Seimer presented a proposal to consolidate the Airport Advisory Board, Board of Adjustment, Revitalization Commission, and Planning Commission into a single seven-member Planning and Zoning Commission. The rationale included: volunteer shortages (only two active planning commission members, one revitalization member), infrequent meetings (some boards not meeting for two years), and efficient use of limited staff. The consolidated board would create subcommittees for airport/air park, revitalization/historic preservation, and economic development/housing. Council members discussed the need to preserve specialized expertise, term limits, and the timing relative to an upcoming strategic planning session (June 15). The council generally supported the concept but wanted more detail after the strategic plan. B. Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment Responsibilities Zoning Text Amendment Seimer explained this amendment resolves code conflicts and adds the ability for the Board of Adjustment to approve “reasonable accommodations” under the ADA and Fair Housing Act. It also creates an appeal process for subdivision decisions. Council had no questions and agreed the amendment should proceed as part of the larger package. C. Historic Preservation Overlay Zoning Text Amendment Seimer proposed a new overlay zone to allow property owners to request historic designation, align with state/national standards, and provide administrative approvals for compatible alterations. The overlay would also allow modifications (e.g., uses, setbacks) to help historic properties remain compliant. Council members discussed potential benefits and concerns about Prop 207 (Arizona’s eminent domain compensation law). Vice Mayor Curtis raised the possibility of creating an entertainment district on Main Street to relax liquor proximity rules. Staff was directed to research the entertainment district concept for the next meeting. Key Outcomes - Council directed staff to postpone further action on all three amendments until after the strategic planning session scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2024. - The text amendments (A, B, C) and the entertainment district discussion will be re-agendized for the July 8, 2024 council meeting. - Staff will prepare a downtown map identifying churches and explore the feasibility of an entertainment district overlay.

The Eloy City Council convened on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. (called to order at 6:02 p.m.) in the City Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine consent items, adoption of updated water and wastewater master plans, and initiation of a zoning text amendment to require walls or fences on residential single-family lots. Public comments addressed road paving concerns and international issues. Council and staff reports highlighted a potential $5.4 million federal grant, police staffing updates, and community events. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from May 13, 2024 regular meeting. - Adopted Resolution No. 24-1573 accepting right-of-way dedication for Eleven Mile Corner Road. - Recommended approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for a Series 10 (beer and wine store) license for JR’s Market & More, located at 218 W. Frontier Street, Eloy. - Accepted two Operation Stone Garden grants from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security: $151,500 for police officer overtime and mileage expenses, and $235,300 for equipment and vehicles. - Approved Community Outreach Program contracts for: Pinal Hispanic Council ($2,700), Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth ($5,000), Corazon De Latinos Unidos ($15,000), Eloy Division of Self and Community Improvement Inc. ($3,000), Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation ($2,800), Community Action Human Resources Agency ($10,000), Sparrow Campaign ($4,000), Eloy Chamber of Commerce (amount not specified in transcript but listed in agenda), Hope Coalition/Eloy Food Bank ($6,000), and Eloy Ministerial Alliance ($1,900). All consent items were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Keith Hyatt (5573 N. Coyote Hill Road, Robeson Ranch): Expressed concern that paving of Toltec Road from Hannah to Chiracala, which he believed was agreed to start within 90 days of January 1, 2024, may not be happening. He noted that buses traveling at 40 mph create significant dust, making his backyard unusable. - Saitoha (3100 S. Barrett Road): Delivered a lengthy commentary drawing parallels between a hypothetical scenario of ethnic cleansing and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He argued that the genocide in Gaza is enabled by U.S. politicians, called for an immediate two-state solution, immediate withdrawal from Gaza and West Bank, release of prisoners, and urged the council to support peace. He identified himself as an American and referenced Christian, Muslim, and Jewish values. Reports and Announcements - Councilmember (identified as Andy): Attended an APS summit contingency meeting; APS has good preparedness for the upcoming summer. - Mayor Powell: Reported on the Memorial Day program hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, thanking participants. Announced that Congressman Juan Ciscomani informed him that Eloy was selected from 60 applications for a federal grant of approximately $5.4 million for mill and fill on Frontier Street from Battaglia to the Castle Gran city limits. The grant is pending approval by the appropriations committee. - City Manager David: Announced two new lateral police officers started field training; new officers from the Gilbert Police Academy completed field training and will begin patrol independently. Summer youth camp is sold out. Community yard sale this Saturday (6 a.m. to noon) at Main Street Park. Dust bowl cleanup completed; fill dirt and gravel are being brought in for temporary use until a permanent plan is approved. This is the last week for Economic Development Specialist Jeff Fairman, who is retiring after five years. Also noted two outstanding grants, including $2 million for a police records system upgrade. Discussion Items A. Adoption of Water and Sewer Master Plans - Matt (staff) presented: Water and wastewater master plans were updated by Wilson Engineers; previous updates were from 2005 and 2007. Plans cover a 30-year buildout (to 2053) with 10-year milestones. Current wastewater treatment capacity is 2 million gallons per day (MGD); current usage is approximately 700,000 GPD. Expansion will be needed in 10–15 years when capacity reaches 80% (ADEQ requirement). Hard copies and an executive summary are available at City Hall and the Public Works office. The council voted unanimously to adopt the plans. B. Zoning Text Amendment – Requirements for Walls and Fences on Single-Family Lots - Dan Seimer, Community Development Director, presented: The amendment aims to establish uniformity in newly developing areas (Toltec, North Toltec, Robeson Ranch) where no homeowners association or master developer exists. The proposal requires a minimum 6-foot tall wall or fence (block, wood, or metal) on side and rear yards for new lots smaller than 2.5 acres. Staff recommended reducing the threshold to 1.25 acres to exclude estate/rural properties. Existing properties would become non-conforming; additions or accessory structures exceeding 60% of the property value (assessed by county assessor) would trigger compliance. Council discussed possibly using 50% but accepted the staff recommendation of 60%. The amendment process includes a non-action planning commission item in June, a public open house in July, potential planning commission hearing in July/August, and council adoption in August/September. The council voted unanimously to initiate the amendment with staff's recommended lot size of 1.25 acres and valuation trigger of 60%. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda (Items A through O) approved unanimously. - Water and Sewer Master Plans adopted unanimously. - Initiation of zoning text amendment for walls and fences on single-family lots approved unanimously with staff recommendations (1.25 acres, 60% valuation). - Council moved into executive session (up to 2 hours) to discuss City Manager evaluation and legal advice under A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(1), (3), (4). Motion approved unanimously. Note: The meeting adjourned following executive session.

The Eloy City Council held a budget work session on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting focused on reviewing the proposed tentative FY 2024-2025 budget and discussing a long-standing water line project on Houser Road. The total proposed budget is $75,266,235, an increase of over $11.6 million from the previous year, driven primarily by economic development reserves, capital projects, and sewer line expansion. Public Comments & Testimony - Marla Shu (60 West Houser Road) spoke about the Houser Road water line project, which has been unresolved for 24 years. She described the existing water line as substandard (placed a few inches under grade using outdated materials) and urged the council to address it, even if split into two phases. She noted that money had been allocated in the past but the project had stalled. - Marie Frazier (neighbor) addressed the issue of the holdout neighbor (Mr. Lyle) who had not signed right-of-way documents. She explained that Mr. Lyle did not understand the legal language and feared losing property. She offered to help communicate with him in layman's terms and requested that the city send a clearer explanation. Discussion Items - FY 2024-2025 Budget Overview (Brian, Finance Director) - The total budget of $75,266,235 includes $5 million for economic development, $2.3 million for sanitation capital improvements, and $4.7 million for a sewer line expansion from the plant to 11 Mile Corner. Capital improvements total $18.4 million, including $2.8 million in road projects, $2.1 million in airport projects, and $7.6 million in water/wastewater enhancements. - Personnel costs of $13.7 million include a 4% general increase effective July 1, 2024, a new pay scale with a starting rate of $14.54/hour, and reclassification of a public works operations manager to deputy director. The budget also includes a $5 million reserve for economic development and a $1.1 million general fund contingency. - Staff presented detailed breakdowns of each fund: street fund ($3.6 million, decrease of $450,185), streets one-time fund ($1.93 million, increase of $1 million due to pavement project on Sunshine and Santa Cruz), capital projects fund ($3.6 million, 27% increase), economic and community development fund ($1.8 million, increase of $742,000), and various impact fee funds (parks, police, water, wastewater, streets) with no projects identified. - Enterprise funds: water fund ($5 million, slight decrease), sewer fund ($7.8 million, increase of $3.3 million mainly due to sewer line extension), sanitation fund ($4.66 million, increase of $2.4 million due to capital upgrades). - General fund departments were reviewed: city council ($311,180), city clerk ($56,235), HR ($387,405), city manager ($691,295), magistrate court ($646,190), finance ($1.04 million), legal ($164,845), community development ($1.25 million), police administration ($1.65 million), field operations ($4.28 million), animal control ($200,000). - Councilmember Schneider noted that many funds have unallocated balances and questioned whether the city could use them for grant matches. Staff explained that most funds are restricted by state law or court mandates. - Houser Road Water Line Project - The project was originally budgeted at $300,000 but was removed from the CIP because of right-of-way acquisition delays and a revised cost estimate of $650,000 for the full scope. Staff presented two options: Option 1 (staff recommended) would replace the substandard line and extend Houser Road water line for $400,000-$450,000, but requires Mr. Lyle's signature. Option 2 would simply replace the failing line within the existing easement at lower cost but without serving all residents. - Councilmember Tarango suggested phasing the project: first complete the Houser Road portion, then address the Charleston extension later. Council agreed to revisit the project, work with Mr. Lyle on a clearer explanation, and bring phased options back for future budgeting. The project will not be added to the FY 2024-2025 CIP. Key Outcomes - Budget Direction: Council received the budget overview and gave general direction to proceed. The tentative budget will be adopted at the regular council meeting on June 10, 2024, with a public hearing and final adoption scheduled for a special meeting on June 27, 2024, and property tax adoption on July 8, 2024. - Second Budget Work Session Canceled: Council agreed to cancel the second day of budget work sessions (May 21) as no further questions remained. - Houser Road Water Line: Council directed staff to: 1. Work with Mr. Lyle by providing a simplified, layman's explanation of the right-of-way dedication to secure his signature. 2. Develop phased options (e.g., Phase 1: Houser Road line; Phase 2: Charleston extension) with cost estimates. 3. Bring the phased options back to council for discussion and future CIP budgeting (FY 2025-2026 or later). No funds are allocated for this project in the current fiscal year.

On May 13, 2024, at approximately 5:35 PM local time (13:15 UTC), the Eloy City Council held a work session to receive presentations from community organizations requesting funding for the fiscal year 2024-2025 Community Outreach Program. Staff presented a new review panel process, organizational contracts, and a recommendation to fund $114,500, an 8.5% increase over the previous year, down from the total $131,125 requested. The recommended amount aims to keep increases within a 3-7% inflationary range. No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Process Overview: Staff explained that a review panel (including city staff and council members) evaluated applications to increase efficiency. The panel recommended reductions to keep the budget sustainable, noting that approval of all requests would have doubled the budget from $60,000 in 2020 to over $130,000. - Chamber of Commerce (Andrew Rodriguez): Requested $46,000 for operations and marketing; expressed willingness to accept reductions. Reported outreach statistics: social media impressions increased from 197,000 to 319,000; chamber members grew from 150 to 176. Also presented for Eloy Glow (requested $10,000, proposed reduction to $8,000) and Sunland Visitor Center (requested $19,800, proposed reduction to $17,000). The visitor center reported visitor increases: out-of-state travelers from 5,020 to 9,115; international from 2,300 to 52. Discussion included renaming the visitor center to "Eloy Visitor Center" to avoid confusion. - Hope Coalition/Eloy Food Bank (Pastor Ed): Requested $6,000 (recommended in full) for food distribution. Distributed 28,000 meals last year (16,000 through the food bank), serving 90% Eloy residents. The summer feeding program expects 50-150 students weekly. Noted that NextEra funding is uncertain. - Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth & AARP Reading Program (Jerry Stapley): Requested $5,000 for the Alliance and $2,760 (rounded to $2,800) for the reading program. The reading program serves eight school districts, including Eloy and Toltec. Reported 73% of students progressed a full grade level in 2022-23, double the national average for AARP programs. School districts are committed to contributing double the city's contribution. - CDLU Fiestas Patrias (Latisa Triangle): Requested $15,000 (increase from $10,000) for entertainment, citing rising costs. Event attracts attendees from Pinal County, Phoenix, and Tucson, with free admission. Funds will go to Saturday night's main band. - EDSCI - Back to the Patch (Rosie Coriel): Requested $3,000 plus $1,500 in-kind for a three-day community reunion event in September. Over 412 invitations sent; event includes park activities, a banquet, and a musical. - Pinal Hispanic Council/Veterans Center: Requested $2,700 for the Eloy Veterans Parade and Wreaths Across America, serving roughly 450 veteran families. No representative present; brief summary given by staff. - Sparrow Campaign (Violet): Requested $1,000 for the Steps of Love Suicide Awareness Walk (September 7) and $3,000 for the Heroes Against Hunger 5K (October 12). The walk includes a vigil and resource distribution; the 5K benefits the Santa Cruz Valley Food Pantry and promotes health. - CARA (Lucy Rangel): Requested $10,000 ($5,000 for utility/rental assistance, $5,000 for food pantry). Last fiscal year, CARA assisted 140 Eloy households (418 individuals) with $1,017,579 in aid and distributed 11,211 emergency food boxes. A point of clarification: of the previous year's $10,000 allocation, only $2,115 had been reimbursed; CARA believed they had spent the full amount, but staff indicated no further reimbursement requests were received. Key Outcomes - The council received all presentations and the review panel's recommendation of $114,500 total funding. - No formal votes were taken; the council will consider funding decisions at a subsequent regular meeting (scheduled immediately after a 10-minute recess). - Staff noted that the recommended amount is a reduction from the $131,125 requested, representing an 8.5% increase from the previous year's $106,000. - Several council members raised points: exploring grants for visitor center improvements, renaming the African American school, and ensuring timely reimbursement processing for CARA.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, April 22, 2024, at 6:01 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting covered consent agenda items, a detailed update on animal care and control, approval of a financial resolution, sidewalk project agreement, CDBG grant acceptance, and a 100% market salary adjustment for eligible employees. Several items were approved unanimously, while one consent item was tabled after discussion. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (4/8/2024 Regular Meeting) – Approved unanimously by roll call vote. - Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Pinal County for Housing Rehabilitation Services – Pulled from consent agenda for discussion. Councilmember Garcia expressed concern that BBAR Consulting, the current contractor, was not notified of the proposed change. After testimony from Brandon Bruce of BBAR, the council voted unanimously to table the item for further information. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public addressed the council during the Public Appearances portion of the agenda. Discussion Items - Animal Care and Control Update – Audra Michael, Director of Pinal County Animal Care and Control, and Deputy Director Katrina Rodriguez presented 2023 data: 987 calls for service, 117 citations issued, and 437 animal intakes (120 cats, 317 dogs) from Eloy. 75% of dogs were strays. Spay/neuter voucher program utilized 31 vouchers for Eloy residents, with 43 on the waitlist. A mobile vet clinic scheduled for May 13 will serve 20–25 animals. The shelter is undergoing a $7 million renovation (losing 18 kennels temporarily). Live release rate exceeds 90%. Length of stay for Eloy dogs averages 33 days; one dog has been in shelter 19 months. Council discussed challenges: endemic distemper in Eloy, high cost of spay/neuter (now $300), need for pet-friendly affordable housing, and potential grant opportunities. Councilmember Michelle expressed interest in increasing funding and exploring a city application for the state spay/neuter grant. - Resolution No. 24-1570 – Western Alliance Bank Account – Authorized deposit/transfer of $5,000,000 into a money market account at 4.25% APY for one year. Approved unanimously. - IGA with ADOT for Battaglia Road Sidewalk Scoping Project – Approved for a sidewalk along Battaglia Road between Eleven Mile Corner Road and Sunshine Boulevard, with a 5.7% local match ($18,000). Approved unanimously. - Sub-recipient Agreement with Pinal County for CDBG Project 30013 – Acknowledged and accepted for a lighted crosswalk at Main Street and Frontier. Approved unanimously. - 100% Market Adjustment for City Employees – Effective May 4, 2024, bringing all eligible employees to the market rate (affecting 60 employees, total cost $59,558 for remainder of FY 2023-24). A 4% COLA is under consideration for July 1, 2024. Approved unanimously. Councilmember Tarango noted the importance of communicating that the adjustment is for those under market, and that benefit cost increases may offset the COLA. Key Outcomes - Tabled: IGA with Pinal County for housing rehabilitation services (unanimous) – to gather more information and notify BBAR Consulting. - Approved Unanimously: Minutes of April 8, 2024; Resolution 24-1570 (Western Alliance Bank); ADOT sidewalk scoping IGA; CDBG sub-recipient agreement; 100% market salary adjustment for eligible employees. - Next Steps: Staff will send notices to all employees regarding salary changes; the 4% COLA for all employees will be considered during the FY 2024-25 budget process. The police chief recruitment brochure has been posted. The city will explore a state spay/neuter grant application. The new animal shelter renovation is expected to be completed by October 2024.

The Eloy City Council met on April 8, 2024, at 6:15 p.m. per the agenda, but the meeting was called to order at approximately 8:40 p.m. due to a preceding work session. The council addressed routine consent items, amended a sewer connection ordinance, appointed a city manager designee to the Chamber of Commerce, and discussed the process for outside organization funding requests. All votes were unanimous. Proclamations - The council proclaimed April 6–12, 2024 as the Week of the Young Child in Eloy, recognizing early childhood education. Sonia Soto of United Way Pinal County and the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children accepted the proclamation. - The council proclaimed April 14–20, 2024 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring the Eloy Police Department's dispatchers who handle over 16,000 interactions per year. Police Chief David T. accepted the proclamation. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the March 25, 2024 regular meeting. - Accepted the resignation of Councilmember Sylvia G. Rodriguez as a non-voting ex-officio member on the Eloy Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. - Reappointed Natasha Tidwell to the Police Pension Board with a term ending December 31, 2027. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 24-969 – Sewer Connection Distance: The council amended Section 19-23 of the City Code to increase the required distance for connecting new residential construction to the existing city sewer from 100 feet to 400 feet, aligning with community development standards. Concerns were raised about the financial burden on property owners in the Toltec area, where many septic tanks exist. Staff explained that payback agreements and funding from the Rural Development Agency could help, and that the change applies only to new construction within 400 feet of an existing sewer main. The ordinance passed unanimously after a roll call vote. - Appointment to Chamber of Commerce Ex-Officio Position: Following Councilmember Rodriguez's resignation, the council discussed whether to appoint a council member or a city manager designee. Councilmember Garcia noted that the Chamber's mission aligns more closely with economic development than with council's role. The council voted unanimously to appoint Assistant City Manager McKenzie Letcher as the ex-officio, non-voting member, with the understanding that the city manager or another designee could serve if Letcher is unavailable. - Outside Organization Funding Process: City Manager David T. updated the council on the review of funding applications from outside organizations. A panel of three council members (Mayor Powell, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Snyder – though the transcript refers to "Sarah," likely a mishearing) will review applications and recommend funding allocations. Council decided to retain presentations from applicant organizations, with a time limit of 5–8 minutes, to allow questions. Councilmember Michelle expressed concern about verifying that previous funds were fully spent; staff will provide a report on prior-year funding and expenditures. Key Outcomes - Ordinance No. 24-969 was adopted unanimously, increasing the mandatory sewer connection distance to 400 feet for new construction. - Assistant City Manager McKenzie Letcher was appointed as the ex-officio member to the Eloy Chamber of Commerce, effective immediately. - A panel of three council members (Mayor Powell, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Snyder) will review funding applications and present recommendations to the full council, with applicant presentations scheduled during a regular meeting. - Staff will compile a report on previous year's funding allocations and expenditures for council review. Note: The meeting start time listed on the agenda was 6:15 p.m., but the transcript indicates the meeting was called to order at approximately 8:40 p.m., likely due to a prior work session.