Public Meetings - Eloy, Arizona

The Eloy City Council convened on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Eloy City Council Chambers. The meeting included a special presentation of life-saving medals to two police officers, adoption of a consent agenda, approval of a two-year extension for a conditional use permit for Love's Travel Stop, and authorization of a contract for the demolition of the Dust Bowl Theatre and Veterans Center. Consent Calendar The Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included: - Approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on March 11, 2024. - Acceptance of a proposal from Speedy Striping, Incorporated, for up to $25,000 to restripe crosswalks within city limits, based on a cooperative purchasing contract with the City of Tucson. - Acceptance of a grant agreement (E4FSR 01P) with the Arizona Department of Transportation for the Airport Master Plan Update in the amount of $21,680.00. Public Comments & Testimony No unscheduled public comments were made. Scheduled public appearances included a presentation of Life Saving Medals to Officers Terrence Meagher and Andres Patino, who rescued a couple from a smoke-filled travel trailer on January 7, 2024. Both officers suffered significant smoke inhalation and were hospitalized but recovered. The couple also survived. Discussion Items - Council Member Announcements: Councilmember Andy reported delivering a letter to the Arizona Department of Transportation requesting additional funding for improvements to the Sunland Gin Road interchange at I-10. Councilmember Snyder announced the ceremonial receipt of their eight-year service award. - Mayor's Announcements: The Mayor noted a PRTA (Pinal Regional Transportation Authority) meeting where an agreement was reached regarding $87 million in funds held in escrow by the Arizona Department of Revenue. - City Manager's Announcements: Public works is mowing and trimming after recent rains; residents can report concerns via the city website. Frontier Street will be restriped after sandblasting. An Easter Egg hunt is scheduled for March 29th at Jones Park. The City of Eloy is seeking volunteers for its semi-annual adopt-a-street program on April 6th. Councilmembers Mayor Powell and Councilmember Snyder will receive service awards at the Arizona League of Cities and Towns conference in August. - Business Item A: Love's Travel Stop Conditional Use Permit Extension – The Council conducted a public hearing on Resolution No. 24-1569, approving a two-year extension (until March 25, 2026) for previously approved conditional use permits for a truck stop, truck wash, and fast food restaurants with drive-through on approximately 17.15 acres at 2950 N. Toltec Road. Staff noted that accessory uses (truck scale and five overnight RV spaces) are included as part of the truck stop and not separately identified. The applicant, Heather Dukes, representing Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, stated that construction drawings are expected to be submitted for a building permit by the end of April 2024, with construction starting within the year. - Business Item B: Dust Bowl Theatre and Veterans Center Demolition – The Council authorized awarding a contract to Danson Construction, LLC, under Job Order Contract 20-08-25, for the abatement and demolition of the Dust Bowl Theatre and Veterans Center. The total cost of $145,935 is funded through the capital improvement plan. Demolishing both buildings together saves $55,000 compared to demolishing the theatre alone. The timeline is estimated at 60 to 90 days from start of abatement, pending relocation of the Veterans Center to a building at 529 North Main (owned by Pinal Hispanic Council). Staff indicated they will try to salvage any usable items (e.g., chairs) for commemorative purposes and will work to protect the adjacent park and trees during demolition. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the consent agenda and both discussed agenda items. - The Council approved Resolution No. 24-1569, extending the conditional use permits for Love's Travel Stop until March 25, 2026, with all council members voting "aye." - The Council authorized the contract for demolition of the Dust Bowl Theatre and Veterans Center, with a unanimous roll-call vote. - Staff will explore future redevelopment of the site after demolition. - The meeting adjourned following the votes.

This work session of the Eloy City Council, held on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., focused on the findings and recommendations of the City of Eloy Employee Compensation and Classification Study conducted by HR Know Consulting. The council reviewed proposed salary adjustments to address market competitiveness, compression, and retention, followed by a presentation on funding options from city staff. Council members discussed affordability, long-term sustainability, and heard public testimony from employees. The session concluded with direction to staff to prepare a budget incorporating a 100% market adjustment and a 4% cost-of-living increase (COLA) for the next fiscal year, and to explore the feasibility of early implementation. Discussion Items - Presentation by Igor Shagolov (HR Know Consulting): Igor presented the study methodology, including market analysis using comparable agencies (Casa Grande, Coolidge, Oracle Valley, Florence, Marana, and Pinal County). He explained that the city’s current pay structure had a 55% bandwidth, which was wider than the market norm for technical jobs, causing recruitment difficulties. He recommended a 4% general increase (based on an Employment Cost Index of 4.5%) and market adjustments to bring employees to target positions based on years of experience in their current role. For police, a linear progression over 15 years was recommended; for other employees, a logarithmic regression was used. The total cost for 100% market adjustment was estimated at $125,000 for general staff and $159,000 for police, plus the 4% COLA. An 80% market adjustment option was also presented. - Council Discussion: Council members raised concerns about the comparability of larger cities (e.g., Casa Grande, Pinal County) and the city’s ability to afford the increases long-term. City staff clarified that the relevant labor market includes agencies where the city loses employees, not just those of similar size. Mayor Powell and Councilmember Garcia disclosed that their spouses are city employees (no conflict of interest, as the study is objective). Councilmember Curtis questioned the trade-off between time-in-service and performance pay; Councilmember Sutton noted that the study aimed to address compression first, with a performance-based system to be developed later. Councilmember Turangle expressed concern about state revenue uncertainties (e.g., Santana Corporation incorporation, food tax repeal). Councilmember Snyder advocated for a business-like approach of increasing revenue or cutting costs, but Councilmember Garcia and Councilmember Turangle strongly supported the 100% market adjustment to retain employees. - Presentation by Brian (City Finance): Brian outlined four funding options: (1) standard revenue sources (general fund, highway user revenue, enterprise funds) – total $1M, but would require cuts to services; (2) reallocating the 2% food-for-home-consumption tax (currently $444k/year, with a $1.4M balance) – would need ordinance amendment and would free up $600k for roads; (3) moving vehicle lease payments from the general fund to the CIP – freeing $200k/year; (4) paying off a general excise bond (City Hall or Police Station) using reserves – saving $386k/year in interest but reducing the uncommitted fund balance. Staff recommended a mix of options and noted that the city’s current revenue projections (sales tax growth, conservative budgeting) could support the increases. They presented three funding scenarios: Scenario 1 (4% COLA + 100% market) cost $759k including benefits; Scenario 2 (4% COLA + 80% market) cost $689k; Scenario 3 (hybrid) cost $627k. Public Comments & Testimony - Sergeant Jeremy Sandmans (Eloy Police Department, 10 years): Stated that he loves working for Eloy but is considering leaving because the city is no longer competitive. He is in the process with DPS for a $20,000 raise. He said that if the market adjustment is implemented, it would make him reconsider his plans. He asked for an earlier implementation to stop the loss of officers. - Another employee (name not given): Echoed the need for action, noting that recruitment and retention costs will increase if changes are not made. They urged the council to implement the adjustments soon. Key Outcomes - Council Direction: The council expressed consensus to move forward with the 100% market adjustment and a 4% COLA for the 2024-2025 fiscal year (starting July 1, 2024). Staff was directed to build the budget accordingly. - Early Implementation: Council asked staff to explore the feasibility of implementing a portion of the market adjustment before July 1, 2024, to stem the loss of officers. Staff will analyze the budget and provide a memo to the council within one to two weeks, with possible follow-up meetings. - Next Steps: Staff will prepare a detailed budget incorporating the 100% market adjustment and 4% COLA, and will provide a memo on the possibility of early implementation. A formal vote will occur during the budget adoption process.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 6:01 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included unanimous approval of 13 consent agenda items terminating decades-old development agreements, a ratification of a contract for road striping on Sunland Gin Road, and a presentation from Pinal County on the half-cent sales tax that funds road maintenance. Council members also reported on recent events and upcoming community activities. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – Minutes from the February 26, 2024 regular meeting were approved. - Ordinance No. 24-957 – Terminated the Eloy 320 Development Agreement (approx. 320 acres, southwest of Hotts Road and Sunshine Boulevard). - Ordinance No. 24-958 – Terminated the Eloy 1261 Pre-Annexation and Development Agreement (approx. 1,260 acres, southeast of Sunshine Boulevard and Pretzer Road). - Ordinance No. 24-959 – Terminated the Eloy Valley Pre-Annexation and Development Agreement (approx. 4,520 acres, southwest of Milligan Road and Curry Road). - Ordinance No. 24-960 – Terminated the Grande Valley Estates Development Agreement (approx. 300 acres, southeast of Toltec Road and Battaglia Road). - Ordinance No. 24-961 – Terminated the Madison Crossing Pre-Annexation and Development Agreement (approx. 386 acres, northwest of Toltec Road and Ellis Road). - Ordinance No. 24-962 – Terminated the Palmilla Pre-Annexation and Development Agreement (approx. 1,223 acres, southwest of State Route 87 and Battaglia Road). - Ordinance No. 24-963 – Terminated the Selma Ranch Pre-Annexation and Development Agreement (approx. 643 acres, north and west of Eleven Mile Corner Road and Cornman Road). - Ordinance No. 24-964 – Terminated the Shay Landing Pre-Annexation and Development Agreement (approx. 160 acres, southwest of Shay Road and Barrett Road). - Ordinance No. 24-966 – Terminated the Sunshine 539 Development Agreement (approx. 539 acres, northwest of LaPalma Road and Nutt Road). - Ordinance No. 24-967 – Terminated the Tierra del Sol Pre-Annexation and Development Agreement (approx. 320 acres, southwest of Milligan Road and Tweedy Road). - Ordinance No. 24-968 – Terminated the Desert Greens Development Agreement (approx. 290 acres, north of Interstate 10 and east of Sunland Gin Road). - Ordinance No. 24-965 – Terminated the Silver Reef Development Agreement (approx. 1,478 acres, southwest of Houser Road and Lamb Road). All consent items were approved unanimously by roll call vote (7-0). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the scheduled or unscheduled public appearances portion of the meeting. Discussion Items - Councilmember Reports – Councilmember Sutton reported on the Urban Land Institute Trends Day conference (attended by 1,000–1,200 people), highlighting discussions on economic outlook, parking, build-to-rent housing, homelessness, water conservation (noting Arizona is not currently out of water but faces future challenges), electrification, and electric aircraft. Councilmember Snyder noted a USDA Rural Development grant program that helped 25+ homeowners in Eloy on March 6, with grants of up to $10,000 and low-interest loans of up to $40,000. Mayor Powell announced the Arizona State Transportation Board meeting on March 15 in Casa Grande and a world-record skydiving event (40-way free fall with pyrotechnics) from March 21–23 at the Eloy airport. - City Manager’s Announcements – City Manager David Mellowitz reported on spring break camp (March 11–14 and March 18–21), an Easter egg hunt (March 29, 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Jones Park), the semi-annual Adopt-a-Street program (April 6, 7–10 a.m.), and the hiring of two new police recruits who graduated from the Gilbert Police Academy and are in field training. He also noted that the city’s engineering team returned comments on the 30% drawings for Sunland Gin Road and Erica Road improvements, funded by a $5 million state grant. - Business Item A – Ratification of Contract for Striping on Sunland Gin Road – Public Works Director Matt Rentcher presented a request to ratify a contract with Hulxe Construction Services, LLC (under Pinal County’s existing contract) for restriping the city’s portion of Sunland Gin Road. The contract was authorized after the bid deadline for the previous meeting. The striping was not yet completed; the contractor was to be scheduled. Council discussed timing (preferring midday or night to avoid heavy traffic) and public notification via electronic signs. The item was approved unanimously (7-0). - Business Item B – Presentation on Pinal County’s Half-Cent Sales Tax – Pinal County Engineer Chris Wanamaker presented on the transportation maintenance and improvement fund, a half-cent sales tax first approved by voters in 1986 (51% approval) and reauthorized in 2005 (73% approval). The tax is set to expire at the end of 2026 if not renewed. It funds road repairs, preservation, safety improvements, and dust control. In fiscal year 2022–2023, the fund brought in about $36 million countywide; Eloy received approximately $1.6 million last year and $997,000 so far this year. The distribution is based on population. Councilmember Snyder noted that traffic from Arizona City uses Eloy roads but the city’s population-based share may not reflect that usage. Wanamaker emphasized that the tax is not new and is already being paid. An open house is scheduled for April 23 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. No action was taken on the presentation. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously (7-0) all 13 ordinances terminating development agreements. - Ratification of Contract – Approved unanimously (7-0) to ratify the contract with Hulxe Construction Services, LLC for restriping Sunland Gin Road. - Upcoming Work Session – City Manager announced a work session on Monday, March 18 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the city’s classification and compensation study. - Next Regular Meeting – The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 18, 2024.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, February 26, 2024, at approximately 6:00 p.m. (agenda listed 5:30 p.m.). The meeting included public comment, approval of consent items, and two major business items: placing a ballot measure to extend the mayor's term from two to four years, and authorizing a professional services agreement for an executive search firm to recruit the next Chief of Police. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the February 12, 2024 regular meeting. - Adoption of Resolution No. 24-1568 approving a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant with drive-through (Filiberto’s) at 3910 West Shedd Road (APN 404-02-0090). - Approval of a cooperative purchasing agreement with Ellison-Mills Construction, LLC, not to exceed $55,000, for removal and replacement of a 12-inch water valve. - All consent items were approved unanimously by roll call vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Huffman, Sergeant with the Eloy Police Department and representative of the Eloy Police Officers Association (covering 81% of department personnel), spoke about pay disparities and retention issues. He stated that the city has become one of the lowest-paid police departments in Pinal County, with at least eight officers actively seeking other opportunities (prospective salary increases of $15,000–$30,000) and six more eligible for retirement. He also expressed opposition to hiring an external search firm for the chief of police, arguing that Interim Chief Gualtney has proven himself an exceptional leader and that spending city funds on an outside search is unnecessary. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 24-956 – Mayor Term Extension Ballot Measure - The council considered placing a proposition on the July 30, 2024 primary election ballot to ask voters whether the mayor’s term should be extended from two years to four years. If approved by voters, the change would take effect in November 2026. Discussion included potential future term limits for council members and the mayor. The council opted to move forward with only the mayor term extension, without term limits at this time. - Vote: 6–1 in favor (Councilmember Garcia opposed), as recorded by roll call. - Professional Services Agreement with Public Sector Search & Consulting - The council debated authorizing a contract not to exceed $50,000 with the firm to conduct a nationwide search for the next Chief of Police. City Manager David L. explained that the base fee is $30,000 plus search-related expenses (up to $6,000) and potential background investigation ($1,500–$3,000), and the $50,000 cap was set to avoid needing additional council approval for overages. The firm specializes in police executive recruitment and all recruiters are retired police chiefs. Proponents argued the search ensures transparency and tests internal candidates against the best external candidates. Skeptics questioned the cost and suggested the process could be managed internally by human resources. - During discussion, the firm’s representative, Mr. Peterson, joined by phone and explained the process, noting that 80 searches in five years had a high success rate and that interim chiefs sometimes win the job. - Vote: 5–2 in favor (Vice Mayor Curtis and Councilmember Wanavato Rodriguez opposed). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously. - Ballot Measure for Mayor Term: Ordinance No. 24-956 was adopted (6–1) to place on the July 30, 2024 primary election a proposition for voters to decide whether the mayor’s term shall be four years instead of two years, effective November 2026. - Police Chief Search Contract: Council authorized (5–2) a professional services agreement with Public Sector Search & Consulting for up to $50,000 to conduct an executive search for the next Chief of Police. The city manager will oversee the process. - No executive session was needed; the meeting adjourned.

The Eloy City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024, starting at approximately 6:03 p.m. (agenda listed 5:30 p.m.). The meeting included a scheduled public appearance from Pinal Partnership, financial reports, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, acceptance of the annual comprehensive financial report, a public hearing for a conditional use permit (with no action taken), and adoption of a zoning ordinance for a multifamily development. Public Comments & Testimony - Scheduled Appearance: Tony Smith, President/CEO of Pinal Partnership, provided an update on Pinal Partnership activities. He highlighted the organization's mission in economic development, upcoming events (including a February 16 breakfast with Mayor Powell on a panel), and initiatives such as an emerging leaders program, a golf tournament in late September 2024, and support for a November 2024 half-cent road maintenance fund election. He also distributed Pinal County wall maps. Consent Calendar - All items A through J were approved unanimously by roll call vote (7-0). Items included: - Approval of minutes from January 22, 2024 - Recommendations for special event liquor licenses to the Eloy Chamber of Commerce (March 9 and April 13, 2024) - Purchase of five Motorola APX Next portable radios ($58,160) using a State Homeland Security Grant - Acceptance of three Homeland Security Grant Program awards (totaling $27,822) for digital radios for the Eloy Police Department - Authorization to expend $24,000 from a Governor's Office of Highway Safety grant for a mobile radar trailer - Acceptance of a proposal from MHQ of Arizona for Byron Gwaltney (no further detail) - Declaration of surplus vehicles/equipment and authorization for disposal - Acceptance of a proposal from Ellison-Mills Construction for installation of two manholes for $65,000 via cooperative purchasing agreement Discussion Items - Financial Report (as of December 31, 2023): Finance Director Brian Wright reported a positive variance of approximately $2.2 million in the general fund, attributed to employee vacancies, unpaid quarterly incentive payments, and higher-than-expected construction sales tax collections. City sales tax exceeded budget by $672,000, and state sales tax by $293,000. Vehicle license tax (VLT) was below projections. Overall, the city's financial position was described as strong. - Investment Portfolio Summary: Council discussed the frequency of presentations from the investment advisor. It was decided that the advisor will present twice a year (at the end of the fourth quarter and mid-year), with quarterly written updates provided for reference. - Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit (CUP2023-038): A public hearing was conducted for a proposed Filiberto's restaurant with a drive-through at 3910 W. Shedd Road. Community Development Director Dan Seimer noted the planning commission recommended approval 6-0, with a condition to address accessible parking access. No public comments were made; the hearing was closed without a vote. Staff indicated the matter would return as a consent agenda item at the next meeting. - Rezoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 24-955): An ordinance was adopted to rezone 0.52 acres at 211 E. 4th Street from Single-Family Residential (R1-6) with Downtown Core Overlay to Multiple Family Residential (R-3) with Downtown Core Overlay. The applicant, Shavell Gounod, presented the project (Autumn Cottages @ Eloy) – seven cottage-style units (three-bedroom, two-bath) with a community center, intended for working-class families and affordable housing. Council discussed the need for low rents, gated access with emergency provisions, and partnership with the Pinal County Housing Authority. The ordinance was read by title and approved unanimously (7-0). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Acceptance of FY2022-2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR): Accepted unanimously (7-0) after presentation by Joshua Jumper of Heinfeld, Meech & Co. The audit received an unmodified opinion, and the city also produced a new Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFER) for public use. - Conditional Use Permit Public Hearing: Closed; no action taken. The item will be brought back for a vote at a future meeting. - Rezoning Ordinance No. 24-955: Adopted unanimously (7-0), changing zoning to allow multifamily development. - Future Meetings: City offices will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024, for Presidents' Day.

The Eloy City Council held a work session on January 29, 2024, to discuss the city's critical water resource situation and infrastructure development strategy. The primary focus was on the ongoing effort to secure a 48,545 acre-foot Assured Water Supply designation from the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and the financial and policy challenges involved in supporting future growth. The session featured presentations from City Engineer David Farton, water attorney Mike Pierce, and staff, followed by extensive public testimony from the development community. (The meeting was scheduled for 4:30 PM and called to order around 5:01 PM.) Public Comments & Testimony - Kevin Peterson (10-8 Business Park): Argued forcefully against the proposed development agreements. He urged the city to maintain total control over its water allocation rather than tying it up in agreements that could be prorated down to unusable levels, effectively preventing any developer from having enough water to proceed. He recommended the city "keep control of your water" and allocate it based on market readiness. - Jack Dowdy (Boule Family): Generally agreed with Peterson, stressing the importance of Eloy maintaining control of its water rights. He expressed support for a lighter agreement or petition to demonstrate community backing to ADWR, rather than the binding development agreement currently proposed. - Ken Raycraft (Several Property Owners): Echoed the concerns about the draft CAGRD agreement, citing problematic timelines and clawback provisions. He characterized ADWR as a "puppet of the governor's office" and suggested the current strategy of pursuing signed agreements to prove demand was fundamentally flawed from a landowner's perspective. Discussion Items - Status of Assured Water Supply Designation: Attorney Mike Pierce provided a detailed history, explaining that the city is working to restore its full 48,545 acre-foot designation after a previous application sought a reduction to 6,000. He noted that ADWR requires justification of realistic near-term demand and proof of financial capability to construct infrastructure. Staff stated that current active development agreements represent 30,572 acre-feet of demand. - New Development Tools: Staff introduced a new "Will Serve" letter process (modeled on the City of Mesa) to provide developers with financial assurances for banks while allowing the city to review water use. A proposed CAGRD Development Agreement was detailed, requiring developers to pay CAGRD dues and construct infrastructure in exchange for a 10-year water reservation. - Infrastructure Financing Challenges: Finance Director Brian Wright explained that WIFA, USDA, and similar loans primarily fund repairs of existing infrastructure, not new expansion into undeveloped areas. The city currently pays approximately $264,000 annually in CAGRD membership dues—funded by water ratepayers—to maintain the designation for future development, a cost staff argued should be shared by developers. - Ag-to-Urban Legislation: Attorney Pierce highlighted a proposed state bill allowing agricultural landowners to convert their water rights to municipal use, potentially adding a supply on top of the designation. He asked the council to voice support for the legislation. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or motions were made, as this was a study session. - Staff requested explicit policy direction from the council on whether to: 1) Continue aggressively pursuing signed development agreements as proof of demand for ADWR, or 2) Use a petition of support from the development community as an interim step. - Council members expressed general support for the concept of maintaining city control over the water allocation, aligning with the core message from the public speakers. - Staff will refine the strategy based on the discussion and the feedback received, returning to the council at a future meeting with a revised path forward for the ADWR application.

The Eloy City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the Eloy City Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, reports, presentations, and several key actions including approval of a conditional use permit for a solar project, a general plan amendment, a rezoning for a tiny home development, and a consent agenda. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to enter executive session for one hour. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the January 8, 2024 regular meeting. - Authorized an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Pinal County for election services for the City's 2024 primary and general elections. - Authorized an agreement with Sunland Asphalt for $49,951.71 for road improvements at Eloy Memorial Park. Public Comments & Testimony - Betty Peterson (resident of 5440 West Crossy Drive, Robeson Ranch) spoke about the need for affordable housing, noting an increase in people seeking assistance at Heart of Eloy Thrift Store since COVID-19. She expressed support for the tiny home project and praised Ralph Varela's work in the community. - The Eloy Chamber of Commerce (Andrew Rodriguez, Executive Director) presented the Quarter 2 Report, reporting 10 new members, 162 total members, a 90% retention rate, and over $95 million in federal funding for the I-10 project. They also highlighted the success of the GLOW event with 6,800 attendees and 30 vendors. - An unscheduled public appearance involved a group from Support Our Troops auction, where an anonymous bidder donated a painting called "Old Glory" by an artist from Robeson Ranch, intended for display at City Hall. Discussion Items - Kitt 1 Solar Project (CUP2022-038): The council considered a Conditional Use Permit for a 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic power generating and 100-megawatt battery energy storage system on approximately 646 acres southwest of Milligan Road and Eleven Mile Corner Road. The project, developed by Avantus LLC, will interconnect with the APS Milligan substation, with projected completion by May 2026. It is expected to generate approximately $6 million in tax revenues during construction and up to $28 million over its operational life. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval unanimously. Councilmember Garcia voted no; the motion passed 5-1. - Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update (Presentation): Wilson Engineers presented updates to the water and wastewater master plans for the first time since 2005. Key findings include a projected need for 58 new wells at 750 GPM each to meet future demand of 38,115 housing units, and that expansion of the wastewater treatment plant will be needed within 5-10 years. - Stuart & 4th General Plan Amendment (GPA2023-039): The council adopted Resolution No. 24-1567, amending the General Plan Land Use Map designation for two parcels (0.87 acres total) at the northwest corner of 4th Street and Stuart Boulevard from Community Commercial to High Density Residential to accommodate a 20-unit tiny home project. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval unanimously. The motion passed unanimously. - Stuart & 4th Rezoning (RZ2023-040): The council adopted Ordinance No. 24-954, rezoning the same parcels from Neighborhood Commercial (C-1) with a Downtown Core Overlay (DCO) to Multiple Family Residential (R-3) (10-24 dwelling units per acre) with a Downtown Core Overlay (DCO) for the tiny home project. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Conditional Use Permit Approved (CUP2022-038): Approved for the Kitt 1 Solar Project on a 5-1 vote (Councilmember Garcia dissenting). - General Plan Amendment Adopted (GPA2023-039): Approved unanimously via Resolution No. 24-1567. - Rezoning Approved (RZ2023-040): Approved unanimously via Ordinance No. 24-954. - Consent Agenda Approved: Unanimously passed. - Executive Session: The council voted unanimously to enter executive session for one hour with City Manager David, Assistant City Manager McKenzie Letcher, City Clerk Mary Myers, and City Attorney Steve Cooper to discuss negotiations and legal matters per A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3), (4), and (7).

The Eloy City Council held its regular meeting on January 8, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Key actions included unanimous approval of the consent agenda, a comprehensive sign package for Love's Travel Stop, and an ordinance amending city code regarding commission, board, and bureau membership and terms. The meeting also featured updates on the city's new website, upcoming events, and budget planning. Reports and Announcements - Council Members: No announcements. - Mayor: Announced attendance at the Sun Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting on January 9. - City Manager David: - Presented the soft launch of the redesigned city website (eloyaz.gov), featuring a bilingual interface, improved navigation, real-time social media feeds, and tracking capabilities. - Responded to council suggestions about public hearing notifications and streetlight reporting; staff will explore adding public hearing information to the website and potentially removing the address requirement on the "Report a Concern" form. - Announced: City offices closed January 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day; state legislature session began; governor's budget release on January 12; ADOT pavement preservation on I-10 (night closures affecting Toltec, Sunshine, Sunland Gin interchanges); groundbreaking for Exceptional Healthcare Hospital on February 23. - Confirmed the budget retreat/study session scheduled for February 3, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., to review CIP projects and receive council feedback. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – December 11, 2023 (Regular Meeting): Approved unanimously via roll call vote (7-0). Discussion Items - Item A – Comprehensive Sign Package (CSP2023-056) for Love’s Travel Stop: - Application submitted by Effective Images on behalf of Anthony Beavers for signage at 2950 N. Toltec Road, including a 100-foot freeway pylon, freestanding sign, building signs, fuel canopy signs, directional signs, and a Cat Scale sign. - The sign package was unanimously recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission in December 2023 with no public comments. - Council discussed construction timeline; the applicant stated ADOT negotiations for a right-turn lane are pending. - Motion to approve passed unanimously (7-0). - Item B – Adoption of Ordinance No. 24-953: - Amends Ordinance No. 21-908 regarding the purpose, membership, and terms of commissions, boards, and bureaus serving the city. - City Attorney Steve Cooper noted prior council revisions focused on full-time voting members and three-year terms; discussion confirmed the ordinance covers regularly meeting boards, not occasional ones like the revitalization commission. - Council voted to read the ordinance by title, then approved the ordinance unanimously (7-0). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda minutes approved unanimously. - Love’s Travel Stop sign package approved unanimously. - Ordinance No. 24-953 adopted unanimously. - No executive session held; meeting adjourned. Note: No public comments were made during the Public Appearances portion of the agenda.

Introductory paragraph: The Eloy City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. (though called to order at 6:00 p.m. per transcript) in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included presentations, approval of consent items, a regional transportation plan update, and year-end reflections from council members. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of November 27, 2023 regular meeting. - Accepted Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grant 2024-PTS-021 for $28,800 for traffic enforcement overtime and a mobile radar trailer. - Accepted proposal from PowerPhone for Total Response Call Handling Solution ($48,238.20) and Tac10 Integration ($16,792.60), total $65,030.82, from CIP funds not to exceed $75,000. - Accepted proposal from Ellison-Mills Construction for sanitary sewer manhole on North Washington Street ($45,000) via cooperative purchase with Casa Grande. - Accepted proposal from Hellas Construction for LED ball field lighting at Trekell Park ($275,000) from CIP. - Adopted Resolution 23-1565 authorizing bank accounts with First Interstate Bank. - Adopted Resolution 23-1566 authorizing accounts with Local Government Investment Pool (LGIP). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed in to speak. Reports and Announcements - Councilmember Garcia and Councilmember Satin presented highlights from the National League of Cities 2023 City Summit in Atlanta, including community gardens, a municipal market, Oakland Cemetery repurposing, a volunteer app, a vacancy tax for blight, solar-powered charging benches, bill payment kiosks, and pallet shelters. - Mayor Powell reported on the successful holiday light parade with large turnout, thanked staff, and mentioned speaking at Arizona Department of Corrections GED graduations. - City Manager David (last name not given) announced upcoming events: Race Across America (Dec 16), Shop with a Cop (Dec 20), Planning & Zoning public hearings (Dec 20), Airport Master Plan public meeting (Dec 18), city hall door decorating contest (Dec 19), and holiday office closures (Dec 25-26, Jan 1). Also noted MAG meeting on Dec 13. Discussion Items - Sun Corridor MPO Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Update: Amy Moran from Wilson and Company presented the draft RTP 2050, covering the region of Eloy, Casa Grande, Coolidge, and rural Pinal County. The plan recommends an investment strategy of 50% modernization (safety, ADA, technology), 35% preservation (pavement and bridge maintenance), and 15% expansion (new roads, lanes, trails). Public feedback from 130 survey responses and 15 map comments emphasized safety, maintenance, and transit expansion. Projects of opportunity include east-west and north-south corridors, I-11, I-10 widening, Phoenix-Tucson passenger rail, Central Arizona Parkway, Sunland Gin Road, and Houser Road. Council discussion: Councilmember Snyder questioned coordination among entities; Mayor emphasized prioritization of north-south freeway and Sunland Gin Road. No action taken—presentation only. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously (7-0). - No votes on the transportation plan; it was informational and will go to public comment in January 2024 and approval by Sun Corridor MPO board in March 2024. - Council discussed scheduling work sessions for water update and strategic planning in early 2024. Year-End Remarks - Council members expressed gratitude to staff and residents, noted positive changes in Eloy, and looked forward to 2024. City Manager will provide work session dates via City Clerk.