Avondale City Council Regular Meeting - October 15, 2025
Avondale City Council Regular Meeting - October 15, 2025
The Avondale City Council met on October 15, 2025, beginning at 7:41 PM. The meeting featured proclamations, extensive public comments regarding Councilmember Garcia's conduct, a budget presentation, and approval of a small annexation. The council also heard reports on capital projects and compensation.
Proclamations
- Two Lights for Tomorrow Initiative: Proclaimed April 18, 2025, as a day to light two lights in honor of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and Paul Revere's ride. Urged citizen participation.
- Fair Housing Month: April 2025 recognized as Fair Housing Month, marking the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Roger Nelson of West and Southeast Realtors accepted the proclamation.
- Women's History Month: March 2025 proclaimed as Women's History Month, with the theme "Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations." All female city employees were recognized.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was approved unanimously without any items removed for separate discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Teresa DeSante: Accused Councilmember Garcia of using her employer (Turning Point) to influence the council and called for enforcement of the code of conduct. Questioned whether audience members were paid Turning Point employees.
- Linda Yeager: Stated Councilmember Garcia violated the code of conduct by calling Tom Hanks a "pedo" (pedophile) and using a Spanish-language excuse. Demanded Garcia's resignation.
- Veronica Malone: Former councilmember, expressed concern that Garcia's rhetoric could harm Avondale's reputation and urged accountability under the code of conduct.
- Robin Velasquez: Fourth-generation resident, stated Garcia's post was a lie and asked the council to reprimand or censure Garcia.
- Mary Alvarado: Third-generation resident, argued Garcia's post was intentional and not a mistake, and called for integrity from the council.
- Mari Alvarado: Resident, called Garcia's behavior unacceptable and urged the council to act.
- Jose Hernandez: Quoted scripture to urge humility and forgiveness, not judgment.
- Natasha Edmonds (first speaker): Reported receiving threats after Garcia tagged her and Phoenix Councilmember Ana Hernandez in a post. Said she had to increase security and change routines. Stated Garcia is unfit for office.
- Natasha Edmonds (second speaker, NAACP chair): Called for accountability, sincerity, and resignation if Garcia cannot uphold the code of conduct.
- Additional written statements were read by the city clerk, including support for Garcia (Katie Maxwell, Masai Montenegro) and criticism (Jose F. Gonzalez, Mark Gonzalez, Laura C. Gonzalez, Jessica Beharano, Colin White, Mark Vasquez, Veronica Gonzalez, Liz Gonzalez, Angel Saverano, Eric Gonzalez).
- Councilmember White, Solario, and the Mayor responded to criticisms, denying any coordination with outside groups or political gain.
Discussion Items
- Hopewell Avondale Annexation: Final public hearing for a 5-foot-wide, 500-foot-long (2,501 sq ft) strip at the northeast corner of El Mirage and Indian School Roads. The parcel was formerly county right-of-way and is now part of the Hopewell parcel. Staff recommended adoption. No public comments. The ordinance was adopted 6-0 (Councilmember Solario absent).
- FY26 Budget Presentation:
- Revenue & Expenditure Forecast: Presented by Renee. Assumes no recession, no changes to sales tax structure, and no revenue from data center projects. Ongoing expenses outpace revenue in FY26-27, but fund balance remains above stabilization and capital reserve through FY30.
- Personnel Requests: 8.5 new FTEs (including economic development, engineering, senior services, parks, public works, fleet). Additional positions for photo radar court (if revenue allows).
- Compensation & Benefits: Andy presented a 3% COLA and 2% merit increase for most employees, with topped-out employees receiving a one-time lump sum. Market study of 170 jobs found 80% within 5% of market midpoint. About 80 jobs to be adjusted up one grade (5% increase). Thirteen jobs identified for reclassification. Recommended increases to on-call pay, shift differential, ballistic vest allowance ($1,200 to $1,900), uniform allowance ($300 increase), and a $5,000 post-employment health plan contribution for sworn officers and sergeants retiring with 20+ years.
- Health Insurance: Premiums recommended with target employer/employee splits (90/10 for HDHP, 85/15 for PPO single, 80/20 for EPO single). Moving vision carrier to VSP. Dental premiums increase 5%.
- Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): James presented a five-year plan totaling ~$170 million, with emphasis on cash-flow budgeting. Major projects include Old Town phases 4-6, Downtown Park, Friendship Park improvements, new Fire Station 171, Alamar Public Safety Station, PFAS treatment, and an indoor pickleball facility (design funded in FY27, construction unfunded). Asset replacement (vehicles, IT) totaling $6.3 million.
- Council discussed priorities: economic development, parks, and the need for a post-employment health benefit for lieutenants and above. Councilmember Solario urged including all public safety personnel. Mayor expressed desire to move Las Legas Park improvements earlier.
Key Outcomes
- Ordinance 2010-0325 adopted, annexing the 2,501 sq ft strip (Hopewell Avondale).
- Budget discussion continued; council provided feedback on personnel, compensation, and capital priorities. The city manager's recommended budget will be presented in April, with tentative adoption in May and final adoption in June.
- Council directed staff to consider expanding the post-employment health benefit to lieutenants and above and to explore moving up Las Legas Park improvements.
- The meeting adjourned at the conclusion of the summary of current events.
Meeting Transcript
In the Avondale City Council meeting. The regular city council meeting of March 24th, 25. Would you all please join me in a standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence? Pledge of allegiance of the United States of America and the Republicans one management and invisible with liberty and justice for all thank you. Marcella, can you do roll call, please? Councilmember Condi. Here. Councilmember Garcia. Here. Councilmember Solario. Councilmember Weiss. Here. Councilmember White. Here. Vice Mayor Nielsen. Mayor Paneda. Here. Thank you so much. Ron, next item, please. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Up first is we're going to hear from our city clerk, Marcella, to talk about our two lights for tomorrow proclamation. Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members. I am here before you today to introduce the Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative. If you have not heard, America will turn 250 years old next year on July 4th, 2026. And we are joining the nation in the America 250 campaign. The Two Lights for Tomorrow Initiative is the start of the nationwide celebration, beginning with recognizing the famous ride of Paul Revere, which occurred overnight on April 18th through April 19th, 1775. The Two Lights for Tomorrow originated out of a multi-state collaboration that uses the imagery of two lights shining 250 years ago as a united calling for citizens, no matter where they are, to commemorate and remind ourselves that our history is about working together for a better tomorrow. Throughout the week of April 14th through April 18th, our library team will have some fun Paul Revere craft and storytime activities scheduled. Additionally, we will be displaying two roll-up banners, one for each library, with imagery of the two lights shining. And Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council, I thank you for your time tonight, and I'll pass it back over to you, Mayor, for the reading of the proclamation. Thank you so much, Marcella. It'll be a pleasure to read this proclamation. Whereas the City of Avon recognizes the importance of commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that embodies our nation's founding ideals of equality, liberty, and justice. And whereas the events of April 18th, 1775 signaled the beginning of the war for independence, immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, Paul Revere's Ride, with the famous phrase, one if by land, two if by sea. These events were called to action, a beacon of light that rang out across the nation. And whereas 250 years later, the two lights for the Tomorrow Initiative, a nationwide campaign to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States of America to be observed on April 18th, 2025. And whereas part of the National Initiative, Two Lights for Tomorrow, we will display two lights on April 18, 2025, to honor and draw inspiration from Paul Revere's historic ride, to unite Americans in reflection, celebration, and service. And encourage a day of service on April 19th, 2025. And whereas by lighting these two lights, we call on everyone in the city of Avondale to join together in support of one another, to serve each other, our neighbors, and our communities. And now therefore, I Mike Pinetta, by virtue of the authority invested in me as the mayor of the City of Avondale, Arizona, do hereby proclaim that we join in the nationwide celebration of the Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative and urge all citizens to participate by lighting two lights to honor the past and illuminate the path forward for future generations. Let these lights serve as a reminder of the strength of our collective history and the enduring commitment to the values that make our nation strong. Thank you so much. Thank you. Ron, next item. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Up next is we have a proclamation on Fair Housing Month, presented by Regina, our housing and community development manager with neighborhood and family services. Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Council members. My name is Regina Moret, and I am the housing and community development manager in the neighborhood and family services services department.
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