Avondale City Council Regular Meeting - October 15, 2025

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting transcript indicates May 5, 2025, but the provided date is October 15, 2025. This summary uses the provided date as instructed.

The Avondale City Council held a regular meeting on October 15, 2025, at 7:52 PM. The meeting included introductions of new employees, proclamations for several awareness months and weeks, public comments, a consent agenda with one item pulled for discussion, adoption of the FY2026 tentative budget, a public hearing and adoption of utility rate increases, and council member reports on recent community events.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously with the exception of Item F, which was pulled by Councilmember White for separate discussion. Item F related to modifications to city code regarding speed limit tables and the city engineer's duties.
• Motion by Councilmember Conde, second by Councilmember White. (Vote: 6-0, Councilmember Solorio excused.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Adam Decker expressed concerns about dangerous traffic conditions at the In-N-Out Burger location on Dysart Road due to congestion and unauthorized gatherings, stating he had nearly been hit by a car. He requested the council write a letter to the CEO and enforce code violations. City Manager Ron Corbin noted staff have been working with the restaurant and offered to have Chief Espinoza speak with Mr. Decker after the meeting.
• Teresa DeSante criticized the city's fire red pickup truck program, stating that on April 5, 2025, she observed inexperienced EMTs on the truck without proper equipment (EKG, oxygen, IV, medications). She urged that experienced paramedics staff the truck and that it be fully equipped. The city manager replied that Chief Rooney had attempted to contact her and would follow up after the meeting.
• Natasha Edmonds (during the utility rates public hearing) expressed concerns about the proposed utility rate increases totaling $14.42 over two years. She urged the council to delay the increase or extend it over four years, and to explore rebates or assistance for seniors and low-income families. She also suggested waiting to see regional economic trends before deciding.

Discussion Items

• New Employee Introductions: Police Chief Espinoza introduced three new non-sworn staff (Hagan Lombana, Evan Goldberg, Mike Morton) and two promotions (Don Douglas to Park Ranger Supervisor, Richard Reyes to Detention Manager). Finance Director introduced Celine Garcia (customer service rep) and Maria Garcia (senior customer service rep) – Maria was absent.
• Proclamations: The council proclaimed May 2025 as Economic Development, Tourism, and Small Business Month (presented by Economic Development Director Jen Stein); May 1, 2025 as Law Day (presented by City Attorney Nicole Harris and Judge Craig Jennings); and May 2025 as National Water Safety Month (presented by Recreation Manager Brittany). Each proclamation highlighted community initiatives and safety messages.
• Agenda Item F – Speed Limit Tables and City Engineer Duties: City Engineer Kim Moon and Traffic Engineer Ross Shalton presented a proposal to remove speed limit tables from city code and instead keep them on file with the city clerk, and to add a general duty for the city engineer to maintain traffic control devices. Councilmember White raised questions about traffic enforcement cameras, constitutional concerns, and consistency with regional policies. Staff explained that speed studies use the 85th percentile and that current speed limits are valid. The item was approved unanimously after discussion.
• FY2026 Tentative Budget Adoption: Finance Director Renee presented the tentative budget totaling approximately $300 million (all funds). Changes since the last version included updates to the compensation study, an increase of $961,000 for a fire training tower, $68,000 for a citizens access portal, and a position in the city attorney's office. Councilmember Weiss noted a CIP item she wanted to discuss at the June 2 final adoption meeting. The resolution adopting the tentative budget passed unanimously.
• Utility Rate Increases: After a public hearing, the council considered two resolutions: one to increase water and sewer rates (6.7% in FY2026 and 6.1% in FY2027, plus fees) and one to increase solid waste rates ($1.60 in FY2026 and $1.75 in FY2027). The average residential bill would increase by $9.33 in January 2026 and $5.09 in January 2027. Staff highlighted operational efficiencies, including electronic water quality reports, PFAS treatment site purchase, variable frequency drives for sewer, and reconfigured trash zones. Council discussion included support from Mayor and Councilmember White for the need to invest in infrastructure and avoid larger increases later. Councilmember Garcia opposed, citing affordability concerns for low-income residents. The water/sewer rate resolution passed 5-1 (Garcia dissenting), and the solid waste resolution passed 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent agenda (minus Item F) unanimously.
• Approved Item F (code amendment on speed limits and city engineer duties) unanimously.
• Adopted the FY2026 tentative budget (resolution 1021-0525) unanimously.
• Adopted water and sewer rate increases (resolution 1022-0525) 5-1 (Councilmember Garcia dissenting).
• Adopted solid waste fee schedule (resolution 1023-0523) unanimously.
• Councilmembers provided updates on community events: Councilmember White attended the Avondale Fiesta; Councilmember Weiss sponsored a golf tournament; Councilmember Garcia attended FFA dinner and a golf tournament; Vice Mayor Nielsen attended the Industrial Commission of Arizona recognition and a Lower Gila River Cooperative meeting; Mayor mentioned Arbor Day and Wayfest events.
• Meeting adjourned.