Public Meetings - Eloy, Arizona

The meeting was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on April 27, 2026, at Eloy City Council Chambers. However, the only available recording consists of microphone testing and does not capture any official proceedings, public comments, discussions, or votes. No meeting minutes are available. The following items were listed on the agenda but their disposition is unknown due to lack of documentation. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes (none to approve) - Purchase of 13 Panasonic Toughbook computers for up to $50,000 (State Contract) - Ordinance No. 26-1000 amending Zoning Map Amendment for Eloy Valley Specific Plan PAD First Amendment – Sawtooth – EDF Renewables - Agreement with Danson Construction for Troy Thomas Center exterior renovations up to $106,000 - Resolution No. 26-1657 authorizing submission of General Plan ballot measure to Pinal County Business Items (Possible Discussion and/or Action) - Houser Road Water Line Extension Phase II – proposal from Ellison-Mills up to $200,000 - Resolution 26-1656 authorizing water and wastewater revenue obligations and refunding bonds series 2026 Executive Session - Possible executive session for legal advice Adjournment - Scheduled but no documentation exists Note: The date/time provided (2026-04-27 17:30:00+00:00) differs from the agenda's stated start time of 9:30 a.m. This discrepancy cannot be resolved from available materials.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8:45 a.m. in the Eloy City Council Chambers. The only available record of the meeting is the agenda; the minutes are unavailable and the raw transcript consists solely of an audio system test, with no record of discussion, public comments, or voting. Therefore, the following summary is based solely on the agenda items as scheduled and cannot confirm any actions taken. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes: None to approve. - Consideration and approval of a proposal from MCT Mobile Concepts Technology for the purchase of thirteen Panasonic Toughbook mobile data computers, accessories, and warranties, not to exceed $50,000, utilizing Arizona State Contract No. CTR068894. - Adoption of Ordinance No. 26-1000, amending Ordinance No. 24-971, regarding the Zoning Map Amendment (Rezone) Case No. RZPAD2024-001, Eloy Valley Specific Plan PAD First Amendment – Sawtooth – EDF Renewables. - Authorization to enter into an agreement with Danson Construction, LLC, for exterior building renovations at the Troy Thomas Center, not to exceed $106,000. - Consideration and possible action of Resolution No. 26-1657 authorizing staff to submit a ballot measure to the Pinal County Election Department for ratification of the Eloy General Plan. Public Comments & Testimony - No record of public comments is available. Discussion Items - Discussion and consideration of accepting a proposal from Ellison-Mills based on a cooperative purchasing contract with Pinal County (Contract 233828ROQ) for construction of Phase II of the Houser Road Water Line Extension Project, not to exceed $200,000. - Adoption of Resolution No. 26-1656 authorizing the sale and delivery of water and wastewater system revenue obligations, series 2026, and refunding obligations, series 2026, and related agreements. Key Outcomes - Due to the absence of minutes and the lack of substantive transcript content, no decisions, votes, or outcomes from this meeting can be confirmed. The agenda items listed above were scheduled for possible discussion and/or action.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, April 27, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM (note: the agenda listed a 5:00 PM start time, creating a discrepancy). The meeting included a moment of silence, pledge of allegiance, public appearances, announcements, consent agenda items, and two major business items. All votes were unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Marlene Shu deferred her comments on the Houser Road water line project to the business item, stating it had been 20–25 years in the making. Consent Calendar - Items A (approval of minutes – none available), C (Ordinance No. 26-1000, Sawtooth zoning amendment), and E (Resolution No. 26-1657, ballot measure for General Plan) were approved unanimously in a single motion. - Items B (Panasonic Toughbook purchase) and D (Troy Thomas Center renovations) were pulled by council members for separate discussion. Mayor's Announcements and Proclamation - Mayor Andrew Sutton proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month, recognizing the May 1st ribbon cutting of Luke's House for Behavioral Health in Eloy. - Mayor reported on meetings with APS, the Arizona Chamber luncheon, the Adopt Our Street program (346 participants, 2 tons of trash removed), and the concert in the park featuring Soul Town Train, which received positive comments from a Coolidge resident. Council Member Announcements - Council members noted the prevalence of small liquor bottles along Frontier, praised the Lions Club vision program, announced upcoming fiestas on September 11–12, and reported attending the Santa Cruz Valley Food Pantry award ceremony. City Manager's Reports - City Manager McKenzie reported on the Adopt Our Street program (37 streets cleaned, 346 participants, 2 tons of trash). - The community crime map became operational April 23, offering real-time alerts. - Youth basketball league (ages 6–11, registration until May 8) and free youth football camp (May 2) were announced. - Cinco de Mayo event scheduled for May 1, 2026, with live music, food, and car show. Discussion Items Item B: Purchase of Panasonic Toughbook Mobile Data Computers - Councilmember Snyder requested discussion. PD representative explained the 13 computers, costing not to exceed $50,000, are portable and can be taken home by officers. They are controlled via MDM and can be remotely wiped if lost. Council approved unanimously. Item D: Exterior Renovations at Troy Thomas Center - Councilmember Garcia asked about the mural; staff confirmed it can be removed and potentially recreated later on a more visible side of the building. The $106,000 contract with Danson Construction was approved unanimously. Business Item A: Houser Road Water Line Extension Phase II - McKenzie presented three options for connecting the last two residents (Shoes and Yoder) to city water. Option 3 (Charleston alignment) was recommended: a 1,300-foot six-inch line in city right-of-way, with a maintenance road built in-house, at a total cost not to exceed $200,000 (estimated $147,000 without contingencies). Marlene Shu expressed appreciation and noted minor cost concerns. Council approved unanimously. Business Item B: Resolution 26-1656 – Water and Wastewater Revenue Obligations - Brian (Finance Director) presented a resolution to issue up to $22 million in bonds (25-year term, 4.5% interest, annual debt service $4.5 million) to fund water and wastewater improvements, including Sunland Gin water line, sewer line on 11 Mile Road, SCADA upgrades, and odor control. The bond also refinances existing USDA loans. The city received an A+ rating from S&P. Council questions about future debt capacity were answered positively. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda (excluding B and D): Approved unanimously. - Item B (Toughbooks): Approved unanimously. - Item D (Troy Thomas Center): Approved unanimously. - Business Item A (Houser Road Water Line): Approved unanimously. - Business Item B (Resolution 26-1656): Approved unanimously. - The meeting adjourned without an executive session. Discrepancy note: The agenda listed the meeting start at 5:00 PM, but the mayor called it to order at 6:00 PM.

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (agenda listed 5:00 p.m.) in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Andrew Sutton presided, with all seven council members present. The meeting included proclamations, staff reports, a consent agenda, a public hearing on a solar farm extension, and a vote to place an APS franchise agreement on the November 2026 ballot. Consent Calendar - Items B, D, E, F, and G were approved unanimously under one motion. Item A (approval of minutes from March 23, 2026 work session and regular meeting, and March 30, 2026 budget study session) was pulled by Councilmember Schneider, who was absent for the March 30 session. After a separate vote, Item A passed 6–0–1 (Schneider abstained). Item C (upgrade of Police Department briefing/training room AV technology, not to exceed $60,000) was removed for clarification by Councilmember Galindo, then approved 7–0 after staff confirmed the funds were from the FY 25/26 CIP budget and could not be supplemented by opioid settlement funds. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the scheduled public appearance period. Reports and Announcements - Mayor’s Announcements: Mayor Sutton reported attending a Central Arizona Governments meeting and ADOT listening tour, stressing the need for better communication; a volunteer shift at the Easter egg hunt; ribbon-cutting for a new butcher shop, La Canaseria La Mejor; the Panal Scholarship Dinner; and the Eloy Police Department picnic. He also read two proclamations: one declaring April 11–17, 2026 as “Week of the Young Child” and another declaring April 12–18, 2026 as “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.” - Council Member Announcements: Councilmember Galindo attended the Panal Scholarship Dinner (20th anniversary, 51 scholarship recipients), celebrated the return of a new community services employee, and noted a productive meeting with constituents about a new plant. Councilmember Curtis attended a virtual tour with student council, the Easter egg hunt (10,000 eggs), and a groundbreaking at the Kindercity. Councilmember Schneider (Vice Mayor) reported on a Pinal County meeting about Opportunity Zones, noting that Arizona’s designated zones may be reduced by 30% and encouraging “shovel-ready” projects. Councilmember Garcia attended the butcher shop ribbon-cutting, the Panal Scholarship Dinner, and the police picnic. Councilmember Michel noted the Easter egg hunt’s high turnout and urged support for the new butcher shop. - City Manager’s Announcements: The city manager reported that the Easter egg hunt had over 500 attendees, announced the Eloy Adopt-a-Street Spring Cleanup (April 18, 7–10 a.m., Shamway North Park), and the spring concert featuring Soul Town Train (April 18, 6–9 p.m., Main Street Park). - Police Chief Sergio Banales Briefing: Chief Banales thanked the communications unit (dispatchers Trisha, Audra Cockins, Amanda Viesquez, Brittany Beechum, and Nicole Huffman) for providing 24/7 coverage (approx. 720 hours/month of dispatch). He reported that in March 2026, the department hired a former dispatcher, is actively recruiting for three police officer and two dispatcher positions, and has 29 sworn officers. Community engagement included Read Across America, vaccination clinics, a school safety summit (with plans to meet school superintendents), and a soon-to-launch public crime mapping tool (April 20). The traffic enforcement unit (redeployed June 2025) used $8,400 in overtime for DUI and speed enforcement during Thanksgiving, St. Patrick’s Day, and spring break; future details include back-to-school enforcement (July 19–Aug 1), Labor Day DUI detail (Sept 4–7), and child passenger safety week (Sept 20–26). Councilmembers encouraged bike safety education and a “Coffee with a Cop” event; the chief agreed to explore both. Discussion Items - Item A – Extension of Conditional Use Permit (CUP2022-022) for Solar Facility: A public hearing was held on Resolution 26-1654, which would grant a two-year extension to a previously approved CUP for a solar utility-scale generation and battery energy storage facility on 320 acres at the northeast corner of Sunshine Boulevard and Pretzer Road. Applicant Sean Lake (NextEra Energy Resources) and project manager Stuart Bear presented. They noted that the project has a contracted customer (Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, AEPCO), has received a Certificate of Construction from the Arizona Corporation Commission, and is working through NEPA (categorical exclusion expected by end of April). Councilmembers asked about county permits, fire department coordination (Eloy Fire District covering the site), landscaping (a preliminary landscape plan submitted with county), and environmental impacts (the land is currently farmland; NEPA categorical exclusion addressed). The project is expected to break ground by end of 2026. The public hearing was closed with no opposition. The motion to approve Resolution 26-1654 passed 6–1, with Councilmember Garcia voting no. - Item B – APS Franchise Agreement Referral to Ballot: Staff presented Resolution 26-1655, authorizing the placement of a 25-year franchise agreement with Arizona Public Service (APS) on the November 2026 general election ballot. The current agreement expires in 2027. Key changes: shifting from a flat fee (approx. $100,000/year with CPI escalator) to a 2% gross revenue fee, which would grow with the city. Richard Rosales (APS) explained that the agreement is a right-of-way contract, includes relocation costs, restoration requirements, and vegetation management. Councilmembers asked about outreach (town halls, not just newspaper notices), the impact of a “no” vote (APS would still operate but would need individual permits, potentially delaying repairs), and the fact that the 2% fee is not an increase. City Attorney Stephen Cooper noted that staff negotiated an annual coordination meeting and a five-year planning requirement with APS, a concession not offered to other cities. The motion to read the resolution by title and then adopt it passed unanimously 7–0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda: Approved with items A and C voted separately (Item A: 6–0–1; Item C: 7–0). - Resolution 26-1654 (Solar CUP extension): Approved 6–1. - Resolution 26-1655 (APS franchise on ballot): Approved unanimously, sending the question to voters in November 2026. - The meeting adjourned without an executive session.

The Eloy City Council held a budget work session on Monday, March 30, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m. (the agenda listed a 4:15 p.m. start). Finance Director Brian Wright presented revenue projections for the FY 2026-2027 annual budget, sought guidance on the proposed property tax rate, and reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Consolidated Rate and Fee Schedule. Council members reached consensus to adopt the maximum property tax levy and directed staff to update the CIP and fee schedule. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No unscheduled public appearances were made. Discussion Items Item V-A: Revenue Projections and Property Tax Rate Guidance Brian Wright presented key influences on the FY 2026-2027 budget, including uncertainty over Pinal County's half-cent sales tax distribution for roads, state shared revenue impacts from San Tan Valley, inflation (Phoenix CPI about 2.2% as of December 2025), and slower job growth statewide. Wright highlighted that state shared revenue has dropped 37%, and a potential state tax/fee freeze could cap local sales tax increases for four years, but would not affect already-adopted utility rate studies. City sales tax collections have grown modestly (3.39% increase), and general fund revenue is projected at $23.8 million (up from $21.8 million last year), but about $1.2 million in one-time planning/permit fees are from a large commercial project (FreePoint). On property taxes, Wright noted the current primary property tax rate is 0.9769 per $100 of assessed valuation. New construction added $10 million in valuation. The maximum levy allowed (2% growth) would yield a rate of 0.9848, generating an additional $31,280 over the new construction-only rate (0.9655). Council members Vodraska, Galindo, the mayor, and Sarah all expressed support for taking the maximum levy, citing the stability of property tax revenue and the small impact on taxpayers (less than $3 per year on a $300,000 home). Staff will prepare the Truth in Taxation notice and proceed with the property tax ordinance. Item V-B: Capital Improvement Plan and Consolidated Rate and Fee Schedule Wright reviewed the FY 2026-2027 CIP, totaling $36.6 million across 41 projects, with heavy emphasis on water/wastewater infrastructure (about $29 million of the total, including a $21 million utility obligation bond for 10 projects and the $8 million SunLyn Gin overpass/grant project). The five-year CIP includes 197 projects worth $236 million. Council guidance from the retreat was to defer general fund CIP projects, but staff recommended restoring four projects: interior improvements at the senior center, a shade structure at public works, and two police cars (total $400,000). Council member Galindo requested adding an animal control facility to the five-year CIP, which Wright agreed to include. Council also asked staff to add AZ Smart Fund grant matches for road projects. For the Consolidated Rate and Fee Schedule, Wright noted changes highlighted in yellow, including: utility deposits increasing by $25 (to cover water/sewer rate increases); building permit fee restructuring (moving to flat hourly rates for many items to reduce costs for smaller projects like patios and garages, while increasing fees for high-value projects); and a 4.8% sanitation rate increase (residential trash from $30.04 to $31.00 per month) effective July 1, 2026, per the Waste Management contract. Dan (Public Works) explained that the fee changes target 75% cost recovery and aim to keep Eloy competitive while covering increased inspection costs. Wright noted that water rates will increase 14% and sewer rates 11% on November 1, 2026 (second year of a five-year rate plan). Landfill Study Update Council member Galindo asked about the ongoing landfill study. Staff reported it is 85% complete but discovered historical fill rate data inaccuracies. A flyover will be conducted to reassess true fill rates, and a contract for that may come to council in May. A community outreach process will follow before any decisions on mothballing, privatization, or continued operation of the landfill. Key Outcomes - Consensus to adopt the maximum property tax levy at 0.9848 (a $31,280 increase over new construction only). Staff directed to prepare public notices and the property tax ordinance. - CIP updates: Add animal control facility to the five-year plan; include AZ Smart Fund grant matches for road projects; proceed with the four restored general fund CIP projects (senior center, shade structure, two police cars). - Consolidated Rate and Fee Schedule: To be posted for 60 days; a resolution for adoption will be brought to council in May (the second meeting). Changes include utility deposit increase, building permit fee restructuring, and 4.8% sanitation rate increase effective July 1, 2026. - Future consideration: Wright suggested a potential half-cent sales tax increase in six to nine months to offset state revenue losses, but no action was taken. - No formal votes were taken; this was a work session to provide guidance.

The Eloy City Council convened at approximately 6:20 PM on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Eloy City Council Chambers. The meeting included roll call (all council members present), a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda featured public comments on the proposed FreePoint Ecosystems plastic recycling facility, approval of the consent agenda, and a business item authorizing Phase 1 of the Battaglia Road Sewer Line Upsizing Project. The meeting adjourned after unanimous approvals. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – Minutes from the February 9, 2026 and March 9, 2026 Regular Meetings, and the March 16, 2026 Work Session were approved unanimously. - Contract Extension with Armstrong Consultants, Inc. – A one-year extension for airport engineering, design, and construction management consulting services was approved. - Asphalt Services Contract with Sunland Asphalt & Construction, LLC – Authorization to utilize Pinal County School Office contract 22-15P-04 for asphalt products and services on Tonto Rd., not to exceed $38,500, as part of the FY2025-2026 Capital Improvement Plan. - Intergovernmental Agreement with Pinal County for CDL Testing Services – Authorized for Commercial Driver License testing services. - Motorola Solutions VHF Repeater Replacement – Approval of a proposal at a cost not to exceed $70,000, using Arizona State Contract pricing, for replacement of the Eloy Police Department VHF repeater, as included in the FY2025-2026 CIP. Public Comments & Testimony - Deborah Sykes (Eloy resident) – Read a statement on behalf of Kevin Green, a retired Illinois EPA manager. She detailed ongoing air permit violations at FreePoint’s Hebron, Ohio facility, including excess particulate emissions, improper venting, and failure to report malfunctions. She noted that multiple plastic pyrolysis facilities in the U.S. have closed due to technical and economic difficulties (Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Texas). She urged the council to reconsider the FreePoint project and require additional emission controls and continuous monitoring. - Ralph Anthu (Eloy resident) – Criticized the city for not participating in the March 9 Pinal County Air Quality District hearing on FreePoint’s air permit. He stated that FreePoint’s Ohio plant still has serious environmental issues and has not operated at full capacity after one year. He argued that without continuous monitoring, the city would share responsibility for any health impacts. He claimed over 90% of Eloy residents are unaware of the proposed facility. - Rochelle Giles (Goodman Schwartz Public Affairs, representing FreePoint Ecosystems) – Provided an update on the air permit modification. She clarified that FreePoint’s Eloy facility holds a Class II minor source air permit under the Clean Air Act, delegated to Pinal County. The permit modification reduces total VOC emissions and adds record-keeping to demonstrate that over 70% of input plastic is recycled. She emphasized that the project complies with regulations from multiple agencies and that FreePoint voluntarily held a public hearing. She offered to host a tour of the Ohio facility for council members and stated that FreePoint is in daily communication with Ohio EPA to resolve issues. - Sheila Porter (Eloy resident) – Expressed concerns about air pollution from the facility, noting that existing truck idling already causes eye burning at night. She warned about PFAS chemicals leaching into the aquifer, citing PFOS/PFOA contamination as an example. She listed potential health risks including cancers, hormonal problems, lung issues, infertility, and transgenerational effects. She argued that such contamination could lead to land redistribution (citing Michigan and Illinois examples). - Lenora Noble (Eloy resident) – Asked the council to hold back and investigate further, noting she attended all visioning meetings and moved to Eloy expecting a quiet, farmland community. She urged the council to visit residents and better understand the risks of air quality and incident response. She stated that once the plant is built, it will be there for decades, and cleanup would be costly. She emphasized safety, security, and quality of life. Discussion Items - Authorization to Utilize Pinal County JOC Contract with Ellison-Mills Construction, LLC for Phase 1 of the Battaglia Road Sewer Line Upsizing Project – City staff presented the project, which replaces an existing 8-inch sewer line with a 24-inch line along Battaglia Road between 11 Mile Corner Road and Sunshine Boulevard. The current line is near capacity. Phase 1 (design and construction) extends the sewer upgrades on 11 Mile Corner Road approximately 900 feet south to Curry L Street. Phase 2 (Curry L Street to Sunshine Boulevard) will be brought back for future approval. Total estimated cost is $5.5 million ($3 million for Phase 1, $2.5 million for Phase 2, including contingency). Funding will come from a utility obligation bond to be presented in April. Councilmembers expressed support, noting coordination with sidewalk plans. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously (7-0). - Battaglia Road Sewer Line Upsizing Project Phase 1 – Motion to authorize use of the Pinal County JOC contract with Ellison-Mills Construction, LLC passed unanimously (7-0). - Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote. Mayor’s and City Manager’s Announcements - Mayor announced receipt of $295,000 from ADOT for a Safe Routes to School study and $94,000 for a transit feasibility study. - Joint council/planning and zoning work session on March 11 for the Air Park Master Plan. - Councilmember attended a senior center event and provided Lions Club vision vouchers. - City manager reminded residents of the 60-day review period for the General Plan (comments accepted online through March) and invited participation in the General Plan Immersion Lab on Thursday, March 26 (11 AM–6 PM) featuring a virtual reality tour. - Upcoming events: Pinal County Animal Control Vaccine Clinic (March 28, 7–9 AM) and Eloy Easter Egg Hunt (April 3, 10:30 AM–1 PM at Jones Park). - A $140,000 grant from APS was received for a downtown gateway project at the former Dust Bowl/Veterans Center site.

On March 23, 2026, the Eloy City Council held a work session to discuss the results of a needs assessment and animal control study conducted by Shelter Planners of America. The presentation highlighted the current conditions, projected costs, and operational options for a new or renovated animal shelter. Council members and staff debated the adequacy of the current contract with Pinal County, the need for improved response times, and potential hybrid solutions. The council directed staff to initiate renegotiations with Pinal County and explore a range of options, with a target date of July 30, 2026, for presenting recommendations. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were taken; the mayor postponed unscheduled public appearances to the end of the meeting, but the meeting adjourned before that could occur. Discussion Items - Presentation by Michael Barnard (Shelter Planners of America): Barnard presented the firm's findings, including a 10,000-square-foot facility costing between $4.1 and $5.3 million, annual operating costs of $650,000–$700,000, and staffing needs of six positions. The current contract with Pinal County costs $75,000 annually but provides limited service (one part-time officer, unmet demand). The study used a 2.58% animal intake-to-human-population ratio and projected future growth. - Council and Staff Discussion: Councilmember Galindo expressed that the current service is inadequate, especially for after-hours and weekend animal control calls. Councilmember Curtis supported a hybrid approach: renegotiating with the county while exploring a smaller shelter remodel and city-employed animal control officers. Chief of Police noted operational challenges, including limited officer availability and the need for dedicated staff. Councilmember Golindo emphasized the importance of building relationships with the community through city-employed officers. - Historical Context: Councilmember Galindo noted that the city previously operated a shelter but closed it due to high euthanasia rates. The current contract with Pinal County was originally intended to provide a full-time officer, but that has not been delivered. Key Outcomes - Council Direction: The council directed staff to renegotiate with Pinal County to explore options for enhanced services, including the possibility of a dedicated animal control officer and expanded shelter capacity. Staff will also develop a hybrid model that could include a remodeled city shelter and city-employed officers. - Timeline: Staff will report back to the council with a set of options by July 30, 2026. - Next Steps: The city manager, in coordination with the police chief and Captain Jerome, will form a working group including Pinal County and local rescue groups to evaluate solutions.

Overview The Eloy City Council held a work session on Monday, March 16, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:30 PM (originally scheduled for 4:45 PM). All council members were present except Vice Mayor Mingle (excused). The only agenda item was a presentation and discussion on the proposed Battaglia Road Sidewalk Project, which aims to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity on Battaglia Road from 11 Mile Corner Road to Sunshine Boulevard. Presentation and Discussion on the Battaglia Road Sidewalk Project City staff (Irene) and the consultant designer from Horox (Sean) presented the project details: - Project scope: Install a 5-foot wide sidewalk along the south side of Battaglia Road for 5,310 linear feet (just over one mile). Includes vertical curb and gutter, 1,688 accessible sidewalk ramps, and 10 sidewalk sculptors (drainage structures). - Funding: Final design is programmed in 2026 at $267,977 in federal Transportation Alternative funding with a $16,198 local match. Construction is programmed in 2028 at $2,240,510 in federal funding with a $135,428 local match. - Purpose: Provide a pedestrian-friendly pathway connecting underserved neighborhoods to parks, schools, and municipal buildings; improve safety for older citizens, students walking or biking to four nearby schools, and access to recreational facilities. - Existing conditions: Battaglia Road has two travel lanes with an 8-foot dirt shoulder on the north side used for parking. The 85th percentile speed is 43 mph, with speed limits of 25 mph (Curl Street to 11 Mile Corner Road) and 35 mph (Curl Street to Sunshine Boulevard). No speed bumps are feasible as the road is a primary emergency response route. - Design alternative selected: The sidewalk is placed on the south side, shifting the eastbound lane north and eliminating the 8-foot parking shoulder. This design avoids right-of-way acquisition (stays within existing road easement), does not require significant channel impacts, avoids utility relocations, and maintains existing parking on the north dirt area. Council Discussion and Concerns: - Mayor Sutton and Councilmember Curtis raised safety concerns about vehicles parked on the north dirt shoulder—people exiting vehicles could be struck by passing traffic. They asked about the legality of parking there and whether signage or barriers might be needed. - Councilmember Galindo suggested sending proactive notices to homeowners to inform them about the project and potential impacts, noting that previous outreach (by ADOT) may have been overlooked. - Councilmember Curtis also questioned whether residents could use driveways instead of the dirt shoulder, and whether the road width would be sufficient for future growth from developments like Esperanza and Palmia (Walton project). - Staff noted that the planned sewer line project (center of westbound lane) should be coordinated to occur before sidewalk construction to minimize damage. Key Outcomes - Council indicated approval to move forward with the presented design option. The mayor and council members nodded in agreement, and staff noted that re-engineering costs would be incurred if a different option were chosen. - Council directed staff to investigate the legal status of parking on the north dirt shoulder and consider additional safety measures (e.g., no-parking signs during certain hours). - Staff will conduct further outreach to residents (e.g., separate notices or a town hall) to ensure awareness of the project and its implications. - The meeting adjourned with a motion by Councilmember Curtis, seconded by Councilmember Galindo.

Note: The agenda listed a meeting start time of 5:45 p.m., but the transcript indicates the meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. This discrepancy is noted. The Eloy Planning & Zoning Commission met on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to review a consent agenda item for a conditional use permit and receive a status update on the General Plan update. Commissioners also received informational updates on recent City Council actions. Consent Calendar - Case No. CUP2025-011 (Park 8-10 Freeberg Outdoor Storage): A request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow outdoor storage on property zoned Light Industrial (I-1) at 5610 North Sunland Gin Road. Following discussion, Commissioner Lopez requested that Condition of Approval No. 3 be changed from a six-foot fence to an eight-foot fence (the maximum height allowed). The commission approved the motion unanimously with that amendment. - Vote: Commissioners Lopez, Whitman, Gunn, Facetto, Crawford, Tolson, and Chairman Paulson voted aye. Unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak. No public comments were made. Discussion Items - General Plan Update - Status Update and Public Review Period: Community Development Director Dan Symer, AICP, presented an update on the General Plan revision process. Key points included: - The draft General Plan was released for a 60-day public review period on the city's website, using an online comment platform (Crones) allowing live comments. - Public outreach statistics: over 7,500 engagements (interviews, website visits, workshops, email), 10 community events (budgeted for 2), approximately 56 people attended the fall open house, and direct mailings reached 4,000 residents. Community demographics: 55% spending, 40% self-reporting on display. - The plan is structured into four main chapters: Purposeful Growth, Prosperous Economy, Balanced Environment, and Resilient Infrastructure, all guided by a community vision statement: "...we remain a city that honors a small town charm while embracing opportunity." - A mobile immersion lab (3D virtual reality) will be held in March in the community room. After the 60-day review, the Planning Commission will make a formal recommendation, followed by City Council adoption and voter ratification in November 2026. - Commissioner Whitman expressed concern about language in the plan that he characterized as "green new deal" in nature, specifically regarding prioritization of environmental issues and references to canal and waterway connectivity (which Symer clarified is based on existing trail master plans and washes). Commissioner Whitman acknowledged this was not the time for detailed critique. - Symer offered to meet individually with commissioners and provide printed copies for markup. He noted that staff may poll commissioners about whether to hold a group discussion next month. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The February 18, 2026, meeting minutes were approved with Vice Chair Tolson abstaining (not present at prior meeting). - Consent Agenda Approved: CUP2025-011 was approved with the fence height condition changed to eight feet. - Informational Item: Mayor reported two recent City Council approvals: (1) Rezoning of 338 acres (northwest of Battaglia and Frontier) from R1-12 to R3 (Cohen Van Lu) passed unanimously; (2) CUP2025-010 for an ATT Cell Tower also passed. - Next Steps: The 60-day public review period runs through early May. A virtual reality lab is planned. Staff will potentially meet individually or as a group with commissioners on the General Plan. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.