We can I would like to call to order the regular city council meeting of June 16, 2025.

Would you all please join me in the pledge and a moment of silence?

And to the Republic for which we stand.

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all thank you.

Marcella, can we have roll call, please?

Councilmember Conde, here.

Councilmember Garcia.

Here, Councilmember Solario.

Here.

Councilmember Weiss.

Here.

Councilmember White.

President.

Vice Mayor Nielsen.

Here.

And Mayor Panaba.

Here.

Thank you, Marcelo.

Ron, next item, please.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor and Council.

Up first, we have the proclamation for Small Cities Month, and I'd like to uh uh pass it over to actual Councilmember Solario to read uh the proclamation.

Sounds great.

All right.

This is the proclamation for Small Um Cities Month, which is in June, hence why I'm wearing my small city shirt right up here.

Whereas small cities and towns are the home to millions of Americans and constitute the vast majority of municipalities across the United States, and whereas small cities and towns strive to strengthen their communities through the provision of services and programs to improve the quality of life, all citizens, and whereas the federal government is an essential partner in the success of small cities and towns is an incur and is encouraged to continue to support programs and legislation that strengthen small communities.

And whereas the state governments are partners in the success of small cities and towns and are encouraged to continue to support key programs and legislation that strengthen communities, and whereas organizations, businesses, and citizens are partners in the success of small cities and towns, and are encouraged to continue to grow their efforts to make small cities a viable choice for people to live in.

And whereas the need for intergovernmental partnership to support essential public services is important to ensure the safety and growth of small town America.

And whereas the National League of Cities President and then and the Small Cities Council of the National League of Cities has declared June 2025 a small cities month.

Now, therefore, be it resolved on behalf of the Avondale City Council and the City of Avondale hereby proclaims June 2025 a small cities month and encourage all residents to recognize this event to work together this month and throughout the year to invest in small cities and towns.

Thank you so much, Councilmersilorio.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

As a reminder, though, we'd also we'd like a picture with this proclamation, and so uh after we're done with all the presentations, it is one of the ones that we'd like to get a picture of.

I believe she'd like to share it nationally.

Yes, because not only are we a small city, even though we're stand at 90 close to 95,000 residents, but um Avondale plays a key role.

There is a National Small Cities Council that I am a part of, and I'm a vice chair of, and it's along with myself, somebody from Chadbourne, North Carolina, somebody from Grandview, Texas, and the other person is from College Park, Georgia.

So Avondale is represented on the map for small cities.

All right, Mr.

Mayor and Council.

Up next, we have a proclamation for Westmark Day.

I believe Jen, our director of economic development, will uh kick this off.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

Um, I'm pleased to be here tonight alongside our strategic partner, Westmark, which serves as a unified voice for 15 communities across the West Valley.

Um, as many of you know, the 623 Area Code was established in 1999, symbolizing the West Valley's identity as a distinct and growing region.

For the past 26 years, this area code has become more than just numbers.

It has become an identity a unifying identifier for our communities, and in that same spirit, um, Westmark has been a driving force in a regional collaboration for economic development.

To recognize as an important recognize the importance of this shared identity and partnership, we are proud to celebrate June 23rd, 623, as 623 Day, um, as Westmark Day.

Joining us this evening is Kimberly Jordan, representing Westmark.

She is available to answer any questions you may have following the reading.

So at this time, I'm gonna go ahead and turn over to you, Mayor, uh, to read the official proclamation.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you, Jen.

Whereas Westmark, the Western Maricopa Coalition has been a vital reason regional organization for 35 years, uniting the public and private sectors to advocate for the economic vitality and quality of life in the West Valley.

And whereas Westmark serves as serves as the united voice of 50 communities, including Avondale, representing municipalities, businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit community leaders committed to shaping a prosperous future for the West Valley of Metro Phoenix.

And whereas in 2025, Westmark unveiled a refreshed brand and strategic vision to reflect the West Valley as an elevated, thriving, united, and opportunity rich region.

And whereas the date June 23rd, 623, symbolically reflects the 623 area code that spans much of the West Valley and serves as a proud geographic identifier for the region's residents and businesses.

And whereas Westmark continues to be a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and advocacy on key regional priorities such as economic development, education, workforce advancement, infrastructure, housing, and a high quality of life.

Now, therefore, be it resolved on behalf of the Avondale City Council, the City of Avondale hereby proclaims June 23rd, 2025 as Westmark Day in the City of Avondale and encourage all residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to recognize and celebrate Westmark's enduring leadership, regional impact, and commitment to the prosperity of the West Valley.