OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Avondale City Council Meeting: Recognitions, Citizens Leadership Academy, and Consent Agenda Approval - October 15, 2025

City CouncilWednesday, October 15, 2025
BodyAvondale, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, October 15, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:28

Thank you.

0:31

Marcella, if you wouldn't mind doing roll call, please.

0:33

Thank you, Mayor.

0:35

Councilmember Condi.

0:38

Councilmember Garcia.

0:40

Here.

0:40

Councilmember Solario.

0:43

Councilmember Malone.

0:45

Councilmember White.

0:47

Here.

0:48

Mayor Pineda.

0:49

Here.

0:50

And Vice Mayor Nielsen has an excused absence tonight.

0:54

Thank you.

0:54

Ron, next item, please.

0:56

Thank you, Mr.

0:57

Mayor.

1:00

Do something abnormal.

1:03

Actually, Chief Man and Mayor Council up next is the uh on the agenda is uh employee announcements.

1:19

And there's a little side note that I think uh I hope uh some people missed.

1:24

Um but uh once in a while I get the privilege of recognizing outstanding work by one of my employees, one of my uh uh great co-workers, one of the people that I'm very happy to have in my office.

1:36

So uh the uh county attorney, Maricopa County Attorney's Office sent us a letter of appreciation in recognition of some things that uh uh deputy city manager Nanagay had done.

1:46

So if if uh you don't mind mayor, I'd like to read the letter.

1:49

Of course, please do.

1:50

So mister Mr.

1:50

Corbin, I'd like to express my sincere appreciation for Deputy City Manager Dell Nanagay's invaluable assistance to Lieutenant John Dorsey of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

2:00

Lieutenant Dorsey works for me in our investigation division, has been tasked with developing a comprehensive records management system for our division.

2:07

During the process, he partnered with ASU through the Capstone Project and is working with several computer engineering students to develop a system.

2:14

They are also researching different systems to get an idea of how modeling systems function.

2:18

Lieutenant Dorsey contacted Mr.

2:20

Nanegay during the process, who he knew from Tempe PD and asked to review Avondel PD's Spillman Records Writing System.

2:27

Mr.

2:28

Nanagay graciously agreed and met Lieutenant Dorsey and the student on October 23rd in your civic center, even though this was Mr.

2:34

Nanagay's scheduled day off.

2:36

He did an outstanding job for presenting your Spillman system, patiently answering everyone's question, and provided his contact information in case of case of future questions.

2:46

Deputy City Manager Del Nanagay is a model of professionalism, and the students spoke very positively about his expertise and consideration.

2:54

We could not be more impressed with the leadership, competence, and courtesy of your organization.

2:59

Please contact me at the Maricopa's County's office if we can ever be assistance to you and your organization, best regards.

3:06

So I just wanted to recognize uh Dell for his professionalism and outstanding work he does.

3:11

Without telling anyone, without asking, without um any fanfare.

3:16

I thought maybe it's time to provide a little fanfare for Dell.

3:19

So Dale, thank you.

3:20

Thank you.

3:28

All right, next up I'm gonna turn it over to um oh, my office, uh Anisa.

3:42

Hello, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council members.

3:45

Um I have the honor of introducing our new management analyst, Whitney Castro today.

3:50

Uh Whitney Castro was born and raised in Yuma, Arizona.

3:53

She lived in Springfield, Illinois for a couple years and has been back in Arizona for nine years.

3:58

Uh prior to being at the city, she worked at Bunger Still, local metal building manufacturer as a marketing manager for eight years.

4:06

Uh she has a 12-year-old son who loves play uh playing competitive flag football and has two dogs.

4:12

Uh Whitney is a local Avondale resident and has lived in Avondale for eight years.

4:16

So welcome, Whitney.

4:21

I have a couple questions.

4:25

Not so fast.

4:29

So welcome aboard.

4:31

Obviously, you started last week and just kind of jumped right in really quickly.

4:35

And uh if you wouldn't mind just share a couple of things that you're looking forward to in this new journey with the city of Avondale.

4:42

Yeah, um, my experience so far has been great.

4:46

Um I really enjoy the culture and my teammates.

4:49

Um, and I'm learning so much, and I hope to just continue to learn more about the city that I'm a resident of.

5:05

And I appreciate all of the knowledge so far that has been provided for me.

5:12

Well, thank you so much and welcome aboard, Whitney.

5:14

We appreciate it.

5:15

Thank you.

5:17

Thank you.

5:22

Mr.

5:22

Mayor and Council, up next we have Renee Weatherless, our director of finance and budget to introduce one of her new employees.

5:27

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

5:29

Um I have the pleasure of introducing Addison Dunlap.

5:33

Addison started with the city on November 12th as an accounting specialist.

5:37

She works in accounts payable and payroll.

5:39

Addison joined us from Liberty Elementary School District where she handled payroll as well and previously worked in the private sector for over eight years with her experience being in accounts payable.

5:50

Outside of work, Addison loves spending her time with her daughter who keeps her busy with sports, including gymnastics and shopping.

6:09

So as if gymnastics probably wasn't expensive enough.

6:13

She also enjoys shopping.

6:14

Oh, yeah.

6:15

So I assume that accounting comes in handy when we're got a budget.

6:21

So I just I asked Whitney the same question, and just something you're looking forward to in this new journey.

6:26

Oh, I'm just looking to build relationships with everyone in all the different departments and just um flourish in my um career in accounting.

6:37

So you love numbers?

6:39

Yeah, you could I guess you could say that I kind of have to if I'm in accounting.

6:44

So thank you so much and welcome aboard.

6:46

We have to happy to be here.

6:58

All right, Mr.

6:59

Mayor, up next we have oh, Andy, Mosquito, one of his new employees in HR.

7:08

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

7:10

It's my pleasure to introduce Angela Tolliver.

7:13

Angela joined the City of Avondale on November 26th as a human resources analyst responsible for supporting the recruiting and selection functions across the organization.

7:22

Uh prior to joining Avondale, Angela spent the last 18 years working for the city of Goodyear with the last nine years as a training and volunteer specialist in their HR department.

7:31

Angela holds a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of the Pacific and an HR management program certificate from Phoenix College.

7:39

Uh when not at work, Angela spends her time traveling to watch her kids play volleyball in club and at the collegiate level.

7:45

She has two children, Jalen and Liana Tolliver.

7:48

So please uh join me in welcoming Angela.

7:56

So you didn't have to come very far in terms of traveling uh from the one city to the next.

8:02

Uh and it seems like there's a theme with many uh youth sports uh as uh as a parent, understanding the complexities that come with schedule and the travel and competition.

8:12

Did you yourself play volleyball or I did, yes, I did.

8:16

I played at the University of the Pacific.

8:18

Oh, wow, okay.

8:20

So just as I've asked everybody else, uh, what are you looking forward to in this new journey with the city of Avondale?

8:26

Um also I would say just building relationships um with our directors, with our new hires, and just um being able to share the culture that we're gonna have here uh at the city of Avondale.

8:37

That is very um important as far as um having new hires feel comfortable, having that easy transition coming in in their new positions, and I'm excited to be able to assist them with that.

8:50

Thank you so much and welcome aboard.

8:52

We appreciate you being here.

8:53

Thank you.

9:05

Marcella, our city clerk will make those presentations.

9:09

And mayor and council, I will present from the from the podium.

9:12

But if I could invite Linda Warren, Denise Stanfield, and Oliver Morrison with me at the podium.

9:38

You just spread out.

9:40

Perfect.

9:40

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor and Council.

9:43

Tonight we we will be recognizing our outgoing board and commission members who have ended their terms and who have completed two full terms for a total of six years with the city of Avondale.

10:00

In 2024, we had 13 boards and commissions that helped shape the future of the City of Avondale, consisting of 60 individuals who fill over 80 positions.

10:07

Our residents who serve on our boards and commissions make a real difference and help us shape our community.

10:14

Well, we have members who leave office for a variety of reasons, such as moving out of the city or resigning due to conflicting schedules.

10:23

We have a special group of members who leave office not because of choice, but because they have reached their term limits.

10:37

And first, we have Denise Stanfield on the left.

10:43

Denise was appointed to the planning commission on June 18th, 2018.

10:49

Ms.

10:50

Stanfield has completed two full terms as well as a partial term to the planning commission.

10:55

Next, we have Linda Warren, who was appointed to the Planning Commission on January 14th, 2019.

11:02

Ms.

11:02

Warren has completed two full terms on the Planning Commission.

11:06

And third, we have Oliver Morrison, who was appointed on February 6, 2017, to the Neighborhood and Family Services Commission.

11:14

Mr.

11:15

Morrison has completed two full terms as well as a partial term to the Neighborhood and Family Services Commission.

11:22

And with that, I just want to say thank you to our board members, and I'll give the floor back to you all if you would like to say any remarks.

11:29

Thank you.

11:30

Thank you, and thank you all for being here tonight.

11:32

We celebrate the service that you provide to your community, taking time out of your schedule.

11:38

But you know, it's one thing to invest in your city, it's another to invest in yourself and learn more about the city that you live in.

11:46

And we can't, I can't say enough but uh express the gratitude for you taking that opportunity uh to become involved.

11:54

And yes, at this time, I would love to turn it over to council and see if there's any comments from the others.

11:59

And we'll start.

12:00

Actually, I'll start online if you don't mind.

12:02

Uh council uh member Condi, do you have any words?

12:07

Thank you, Mayor.

12:09

Um, I just want to say thank you for your dedication and your time away from your families.

12:15

And I appreciate your service.

12:18

And um again, thank you.

12:21

Thank you.

12:22

Councilmember White.

12:25

Thank you so much, uh Mayor.

12:27

Thank you.

12:28

Uh I I can't commend Marcella enough for organizing all of our boards and commissions.

12:33

And also I want to thank you for your committed time and service.

12:37

I believe that I served with Oliver.

12:39

I think myself and um Councilmember Saloria served with Oliver on Neighborhood and Family Services, not as long as you have served, sir.

12:46

So, you know, humbly.

12:48

Um, you know, we we didn't have as much time as you have put in.

12:52

So thank you so much.

12:53

Ladies, thank you.

12:54

We're gonna miss you tremendously on the planning commission.

12:57

Please know that you have shaped kind of the vision of Avondale with us and helped us kind of move and navigate the waters of what Avondale should look like in the future.

13:06

Um, and and we're really grateful for that and for your time with the city.

13:10

It's time away from your family.

13:12

It's committed service because you're leaving after a term expired, so you you can't serve anymore.

13:17

You've you've done all that you can do, and we truly deeply appreciate you.

13:20

Thank you so much.

13:22

Thank you.

13:23

Councilmember Malone.

13:25

It's great to see all three of you up here.

13:27

I've lost my voice like Tina.

13:29

So I'm just gonna be quick and brief.

13:30

Thank you guys for your service.

13:32

We appreciate you.

13:33

Each of you, thank you.

13:35

Thank you.

13:35

Councilmember Solorio.

13:37

Thank you guys.

13:38

Um Councilmember White said it.

13:41

We served very brief time, not as long as you, but um someone once told me when I said I wanted to get involved to do planning, to get involved in planning or something, and in 2015, I served on my first board and thought, you know, what is this all about?

13:56

And then continued to serve and continuing to serve till to you know to this day.

14:00

So you just never know where your journey is gonna take you, but you guys are the ones, especially like every board is important, but especially with planning to see the vision, like uh Councilmember White said come to fruition and see that really in the beginning before we even see it.

14:15

So thank you for your service.

14:17

Thank you.

14:18

Councilmember Garcia, I have not met you guys yet, so I don't know you personally, but thank you guys for taking the time to serve the city of Avondale and the residents and for everything that you guys have done.

14:32

And again, just a big thank you and for all of your time and effort, and we really appreciate it so much.

14:37

Thank you.

14:37

Thank you.

14:44

And we will take photos after the next agenda item.

14:48

So if you don't go far.

14:50

All right.

14:50

Thank you so much.

14:52

Thank you.

14:53

All right, Mr.

14:53

Mayor and Council.

14:54

Up next, we have a presentation by uh Anisa Romo, our senior management analyst, to present the Citizen Leadership Academy graduates.

15:06

All right.

15:06

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council members.

15:09

My name is Anissa Romo, Senior Management Analyst for the City Manager's Office.

15:13

And before you tonight to provide an update on the 2024 Citizens Leadership Academy, as well as to recognize the graduates of this year's program.

15:23

So this year, our academy was 12 weeks long, starting on September 25th and ending today, December 2nd.

15:30

As you can see, each week different departments shared about their functions within the city, offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the city of Avondale.

15:39

Today I'll present just a few of the highlights of this year's program.

15:43

But we are very happy and appreciative to have participation from every one of our city departments this year.

15:51

Each session included an informational portion where departments provided background and knowledge of both their internal department operations as well as their external operations, including how they interact with residents, businesses, and our interdepartmental staff.

16:07

These informational sessions gave residents a clearer picture of our city operations and goals and an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about our city departments.

16:20

Departments were also asked to add engaging elements to their sessions.

16:24

For example, finance and budget incorporated a hands-on element into their session by having groups of participants identify priorities and assign funding to programs based on uh their priorities.

16:35

Through this activity, participants discovered just how challenging it is to balance a budget, but really gave them that behind-the-scenes perspective.

16:43

Uh the city clerk's office also had participants take part in a mock council meeting, giving them the opportunity to better understand the policy creation process.

16:52

And you can see them actively creating our budget, hosting their council meeting uh in the photos.

16:59

Um other ways that our departments offered engaging opportunities were through Saturday sessions that included activities and field trips.

17:07

Uh as you can see our participants engaged in the Billy Morbase parade, walking alongside our mayor and council and staff, uh giving them an opportunity to meet the community members and join in our our city celebrations.

17:20

Additionally, in our public work session, participants were able to tour the municipal operations center where they learned about the different divisions and public works, including how to operate the arm of one of our trash trucks.

17:31

You can see them uh doing that there.

17:34

Uh they also toured the water resource center and the tilapia hatchery, which is always the class favorite.

17:42

At our fire medical sessions, participants were able to learn how our firefighters respond to emergency situations through a variety of hands-on activities and learned about community resources like Stop the Bleed and CPR classes at our Parks and Rec and Libraries filled trip.

17:58

Participants received tours of several city parks and libraries and got to learn more about the amenities offered in Avondale.

18:04

These Saturday sessions give participants a behind-the-scenes look at our city operations and an opportunity to meet the folks that help our essential city services run smoothly.

18:17

At this time, I want to give a few of our graduates the opportunity to share their program experience with you.

18:23

Um first I would like to call up Timothy Barrett to share a little bit about his program experience.

18:35

Thank you.

18:37

Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council.

18:40

This is the ad that I responded to.

18:44

Starting on September 25th, this 12-week course offers an inside look at Avondale City Government with interactive workshops covering city operations and future development.

18:57

Participants will tour city parks and facilities, check out public safety vehicles and apparatus, and get a behind-the-scenes look at all city departments.

19:09

I really think we're underselling it.

19:13

She failed to mention there's also food at every meeting.

19:21

Um really, though, um, as citizens uh going about our daily lives around town.

19:28

Deep in the back of our minds, we really must know that our city codes are being enforced.

19:35

First responders are in action.

19:38

Brochures are being printed.

19:41

Water is being treated, parks are being maintained.

19:46

All those and the other departments are in motion to keep things running smoothly all around town.

19:53

Most usually as citizens, we take these things for granted.

19:58

No more.

20:00

Can I take these things for granted?

20:02

Or uh my fine colleagues that joined me.

20:08

Participating in the Leadership Academy has opened my eyes to what really makes all this work.

20:15

And it's the people.

20:17

It's the people.

20:18

Without exception, I've been inspired by the leaders and members of each city department.

20:27

It is readily apparent that they are talented.

20:30

They love their jobs, and they love their city.

20:35

And they have an excitement and dedication and work together to give Avondale vibrant and growing into the future.

20:44

Ralph Nader once said the function of leadership is to produce more leaders.

20:50

This program is meant to do just that.

20:55

Perhaps in the in our group behind me, there's oops.

21:01

There's a future council person, maybe a future mayor.

21:06

Almost certainly at least one or two of us will become count uh committee people or board members here in the city.

21:16

Inspired each of us by one or more of the presentations that we got to enjoy during this program.

21:24

So thank you, Mayor Pineda, Council, the Academy staff, and all of those involved for this opportunity.

21:33

I'm sure that the effort will not have been misspent.

21:38

Thank you, Jim.

21:43

Thank you, Tim.

21:44

I would now like to call up Nika Penellian Johnson to share about her program experience.

21:57

Good evening, Mayor and Council members.

21:59

My name is Nika Pangelina Johnson.

22:02

Being a part of the Avondale Citizens Leadership Academy has been an eye-opening experience for me.

22:08

It gave me a deeper understanding of what the city does for its residents and the community as a whole.

22:15

I've learned to appreciate the upcoming projects, the changes, including all the constructions happening around me.

22:24

Because now I have a better understanding that the city aims to make our lives better.

22:30

The best part about this academy is meeting the incredible people behind each of our city's departments.

22:37

If I hadn't joined this program, I would never have met the people responsible for keeping our city running smoothly.

22:45

Or at least not a lot of them.

22:48

Now, every little thing that I do, opening the faucet, flushing the toilet, or even when my husband quizzes me on what days we take out the trash and recycling, reminds me that the city of Avondale's hardworking employees are behind all of it.

23:06

We met you and the city council in our first session, and after learning about your roles and the form of government we have, I realized that being smart is not enough.

23:19

One must have the heart, dedication, and willingness for public service, and that is exactly what I saw from our city council and all the city employees.

23:30

So thank you very much for everything that you do for us and for the city.

23:35

Another great thing about the academy is getting to know my fellow citizens of Avondale.

23:41

I am glad to have spent these sessions with them, and I also learned from my classmates.

23:53

Lastly, a big thank you to the Citizens Academy team, Anisa, Liz, Dillard, Sandra, and Alexis for organizing such an engaging and welcoming program.

24:05

Thank you for providing us a comfortable space to learn, ask questions, and even allow us to experience hands-on activities that showed us the challenges and rewarding aspects of the city's job firsthand.

24:19

I highly recommend the city's um citizenship's leadership academy to every resident in Avondale.

24:27

It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community, understand how our city works, and be part of the positive change we all want to see.

24:36

Thank you.

24:37

Thank you, Mika.

24:41

Thank you.

24:42

And finally, I would like to have Cynthia Caesar come up and share her experience.

24:58

Here I am again.

25:00

I see some very familiar faces.

25:03

I've done the fire academy and the police academy.

25:07

This one was fabulous.

25:09

Being able to have an overview of the city of Avondale was very interesting to me.

25:17

I absolutely plan on uh getting on some sort of committee.

25:21

I'm like on fire.

25:22

Um, as is everybody.

25:24

Like, I think the best part of this academy, even though it was extremely organized, and I really, really appreciate that.

25:32

Um, but meeting the people, the other people in the academy and hearing their stories, and I found a neighbor that's like a couple blocks over, we're gonna start walking together, you know.

25:44

So that was like was the best part for me, even though being in the Billy Moore's Parade was awesome.

25:52

Um but you know, like I said, you I've seen some familiar faces.

25:57

You guys know my story, some of you don't, but the city of Avondale has been so wonderful to me since September of 2023.

26:06

I remember uh Councilmember White being in police with me, absolutely.

26:12

Um, and uh so you know that you have been on my breast cancer journey.

26:18

I uh pinned everybody who listened to my story.

26:21

I torture people.

26:22

I just you know, I'm on my third bag of 200.

26:25

I will tell my story anywhere.

26:27

Um so I just want you uh the city of Avondale to know that it was my reason for getting up once a week and getting dressed and having sorry interaction with people.

26:42

So thank you.

26:43

I'm still on my journey.

26:45

Um, but I really do appreciate the city of Avondale.

26:49

I'm like the best place to live ever.

26:53

So thank you.

26:55

And also, anybody I have not pinned, I would like to pin, so anybody who haven't I pinned.

27:04

I got everybody.

27:06

I am so awesome.

27:08

So oh, we got we have one.

27:11

Councilman Garcia.

27:13

May I approach?

27:14

Yes.

27:15

Okay.

27:18

And so they just so you know, today, literally, when I was leaving, I have a bunch of pins.

27:23

We get a lot of pins that I have yours with those pins.

27:27

So I still have two of them, actually.

27:29

So I have two of them.

27:31

Tell the story.

27:32

That's right.

27:38

So thank you so much.

27:40

Did we record her so that we can use her and advertise?

27:44

I'm just joking.

27:46

Thank you so much.

27:47

See you next time.

27:48

Yes, thank you.

27:56

Uh mayor, council members.

27:57

My name is Tim Kroll.

27:58

I had the pleasure of being part of this program.

28:01

I just want to say one thing that um all the people we that presented their departments, give a little bit about their background and where they came from and everything.

28:11

I spent a little bit of time with all of them trying to find a little bit more about their background.

28:16

And while they all had diverse backgrounds and various jobs, they all said that this is the best job they've ever had.

28:25

And I think that's a reflection on your folks' leadership.

28:29

And I just want to say thank you for that.

28:31

Thank you.

28:31

Appreciate that.

28:37

Thank you all so much.

28:39

Uh at this time I'll now read the names of our 2024 Citizens Leadership Academy graduates.

28:45

I'll ask them to please stand in the audience to be recognized.

28:50

First, Hector Ariano, Steven Bailey, Timothy Barrett, Rhonda Bell, Maria Carillo, Cynthia Caesar, Pamela Crow, Anthony Davidson, Cindy Delariva, Amanda Duncan Billeman, Desiree and Sinus, Tanya Hannigan, Timothy Kroll, Crystal Lopez Davy, Mike Martin, Suzanne Naylor, Nika Panelian Johnson, Christina Perez, Loritas Ravelis, Joanne Spina, Jessica Valdez, Kendra Vasquez, and Robin Velasquez.

29:52

This time I'd like to recognize them as our graduates for this year's program.

30:04

Thank you and congratulations.

30:06

I would also like to give a special thanks to my program co-administrators, Liz Barker Alvarez, Julia Collier, and Alexa Sayella.

30:13

Mayor and Council, thank you for your support of this program.

30:17

Our participants will come down and take a photo with you after the special meeting.

30:21

Thanks.

30:22

Thank you, Anisa.

30:23

Thank you all, Liz.

30:26

Everyone, um Sandra, who's not here, but thank you to her as well for part for the participation and setting up and being so organized.

30:38

But are there any council members that would like to share a few words?

30:45

Okay, Councilmember Garcia.

30:48

I got to spend a little time with some of you guys earlier out in the lobby, and the way that they raved about this program speaks volumes to the Avondale staff and the City of Avondale.

31:02

It was just amazing to hear how they were just so excited and to be proud of such a great organization.

31:08

Some people even want to run for council and be part of, you know, the city boards and stuff.

31:13

And that's exciting to hear because there's nothing that says you can't do it.

31:16

Like that is my advice to you, is do it.

31:18

The worst that can happen is that you don't make it one day and then you do it again the next day.

31:23

Because it is awesome to see the passion that you guys have, that you took the time out of your day, out of your life to learn something about the city you live in, and now you get to share it with your neighbors and build that community within your neighborhood.

31:37

So congratulations to you guys and to the staff for doing everything you guys did.

31:41

Thank you.

31:42

Councilmember Conde, uh, do you have any words to share?

31:46

Thank you, Mayor.

31:48

Um, it was it was said earlier by Timothy um about journeys beginning.

31:56

And this is exactly where my city council journey began um in 2016 when I took the leadership academy with Councilmember Malone.

32:06

And then after, you know, I was so inspired, and I decided to join a couple boards and commission, so I set on um neighborhood family services and the municipal arts.

32:18

And so continue your journey, especially now, just like Councilmember Um Garcia said, you guys are have so much passion, and you're on fire for all the things that you've learned.

32:28

And I do want to just say thank you, guys.

32:30

I mean, 12 weeks dedication for this program.

32:33

Um thank you for taking that time.

32:36

And also um just want to say thank you to Anisa and your team for putting together such an amazing um program for our residents, and to make sure that it was engaging and that it was fun, and also to the all uh excuse me, all the departments and the department heads that um played a part in this program as well.

32:58

So congratulations to everyone.

33:01

Thank you.

33:02

And just to sum it all up, you guys are all now ambassadors, so go out, share the information with your friends, other community members and residents, let them know that the CLA exists, boards and commissions exist, and opportunity exists here within this organization.

33:20

Uh someday or sometime soon, you may find yourself sitting here at one of these chairs, and that would be awesome.

33:28

So keep it up.

33:29

Thanks again for everything that you um have participated in, everything you've shared tonight.

33:35

We really appreciate hearing that.

33:37

Uh kind of just confirms everything that we believe is a council, and uh you guys again, just thank you so much for participating.

33:43

And if you wouldn't mind the rest of you would like to join us down there, we'll go ahead and take some photos.

33:49

Okay.

42:55

No, I need to ask the thousand satisfaction.

43:02

Yeah, you need it.

43:03

I don't get it.

43:06

I never deleted it.

43:08

Okay.

43:10

Item number three.

43:12

Marcella, do we have any requests to speak at this time?

43:14

Thank you, Mayor.

43:15

We have not received any requests to speak.

43:18

Okay, next item on the agenda is consent.

43:20

Are there any council members who wish to have another remove for separate consideration?

43:24

Hi, Mayor.

43:25

Thank you so much.

43:26

Can we just pull item number C item C item four C okay?

43:33

Can we get a motion on approval of everything else?

43:36

But item 4C.

43:37

We got a motion from Councilmember Malone, second from Councilmember White.

43:46

Thank you.

43:48

Okay.

43:48

Item passes.

43:51

Ron?

43:52

Item 4C.

43:53

Mr.

43:54

Mayor, Councilmember White, uh entertain questions or comments.

43:59

So yes, I know that we're getting um a pass a go between with the American Um Rescue Plan Act funds.

44:06

Can we just uh put in the public record how much we're getting and kind of how that happens for our residents to understand?

44:13

I know that when affordable housing appears in our uh agenda.

44:17

People become concerned, talk about items like section eight housing and try to really wrap their hands around it.

44:25

I would be remiss if we don't have that conversation in regards to what are those funds for, what is affordable housing look like?

44:33

What is HUD define that as?

44:36

And um really is this a continuation of what's happening?

44:40

Because I don't know if the public understand this is something that is really finishing up what's already been started.

44:45

And I believe we have um Chris Lopez here from Neighborhood and Family Services.

45:06

Um in ARPA funds that we were going to be using to uh develop some infill housing projects.

45:12

The funds are intended to uh develop these properties and create housing which will uh create long-term affordability for residents in our community.

45:22

Um the funds will be utilized for a couple different projects, but the one in question tonight we refer to as legacy phase three.

45:29

Um there was a previous project that was developed quite some time ago.

45:32

Um I don't have the the exact date in front of me, um, but those houses were sold to low-income families um with income that is um lower than 120 percent of area median income.

45:45

Um and so the concept is really to make sure that these properties are developed and maintain a for affordability long into the future.

46:00

Thank you so much.

46:01

And how much will that increase the total housing stock uh with these funds?

46:06

Uh so a total of how many units?

46:09

So for this particular project, we're looking at uh developing a total of nine affordable units.

46:15

Thank you so much.

46:17

Any other questions on that agenda item or sorry, consent item?

46:22

Seeing none, if we can get a motion to approve, got a motion from council member white, second from council member Malone.

46:29

Please vote.

46:32

Aye, thank you.

46:36

Okay, item passes.

46:38

Item number five.

46:39

We have a summary of current events.

46:41

Council, does anybody have anything to share, add?

46:45

I will share that uh the week leading up to Thanksgiving.

46:51

Um, that while the Mercy House is well known for doing so many things in the community, um, that they were able to feed uh and provide clothing and other hygiene items to many uh in the cashing community.

47:03

Um it was great to be a part of that next Friday on the 6th.

47:08

Uh many of you are know Judge Pep Guzman, he'll be holding a fundraiser for West Side Recreation uh that pulls together um money through uh donations to provide scholarships for Avendale for students of the Avondale uh Pendergast Um Littleton Elementary School Districts.

47:27

And so if you're interested, uh please uh the information has been provided to you, but just another great uh opportunity.

47:35

Any others?

47:35

Uh council member conde, do you have anything to add?

47:40

No, thank you, Mayor.

47:41

Good.

47:41

Okay, Councilmember Malone?

47:49

So um Councilmember Malone would be normally sharing this, but she's losing her voice, so I will share for her.

47:55

Um Avondale Firefighter Charities is putting on a Christmas toy drive.

47:59

So um if you can please go by Cole's on either December 7th or December 14th from 9 a.m.

48:05

to 1 p.m.

48:06

and drop off a toy.

48:08

That'd be great.

48:08

Thanks.

48:09

Thank you so much, Councilmember Malone, by proxy.

48:14

That was great.

48:15

Okay, seeing no others, can we get a motion to adjourn?

48:20

Where do we get this at?

48:23

Okay, we got a motion by Councilmember Malone, second by Councilmember Solorio.

48:28

And mayor, this is a motion to adjourn to go into executive session.

48:31

Sorry, thank you.

48:32

That's correct.

48:33

Motion to adjourn into executive session.

48:36

Uh please vote.

48:38

Aye.

48:39

Thank you.

48:41

Okay, Adam passes.

48:42

We are adjourned to executive session.

48:46

Everybody else, please drive.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Community Engagement████████████████████████████████████████████44%
Procedural██████████████████████22%
Personnel Matters█████████████████17%
Public Engagement██████6%
Community Well-Being█████5%
Affordable Housing████4%
Healthcare██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Avondale City Council Meeting – October 15, 2025

Note: The meeting date is provided as 2025-10-15, but the transcript references the "2024 Citizens Leadership Academy" and events occurring in September–December 2024 (e.g., academy starting September 25, 2024). This discrepancy is noted; the summary below uses the given date but reflects the content as presented.

The meeting included employee recognitions, the swearing-in of new staff, recognition of outgoing board and commission members, a presentation on the 2024 Citizens Leadership Academy graduates, and approval of the consent agenda with one item pulled for discussion (Item 4C regarding ARPA-funded affordable housing). The meeting adjourned to executive session.

Employee Announcements

  • Deputy City Manager Del Nanagay was recognized for his professionalism and assistance to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. A letter of appreciation was read aloud, noting he met with Lieutenant John Dorsey and ASU students on his day off to demonstrate the city’s Spillman Records Writing System.
  • Whitney Castro (Management Analyst), Addison Dunlap (Accounting Specialist), and Angela Tolliver (Human Resources Analyst) were introduced as new employees. Each shared what they look forward to in their roles, emphasizing relationship-building and learning about the city.

Recognition of Outgoing Board and Commission Members

  • Denise Stanfield (Planning Commission, appointed June 2018, completed two full terms plus a partial term)
  • Linda Warren (Planning Commission, appointed January 2019, completed two full terms)
  • Oliver Morrison (Neighborhood and Family Services Commission, appointed February 2017, completed two full terms plus a partial term)
  • Council members expressed gratitude for their service, with several noting their contributions to shaping Avondale’s vision.

Citizens Leadership Academy Graduation

  • Senior Management Analyst Anisa Romo presented highlights of the 2024 Citizens Leadership Academy, a 12-week program (September 25 – December 2, 2024) that included department presentations, hands-on activities (budget simulation, mock council meeting, parade participation, tours of public works and fire facilities), and field trips.
  • Three graduates spoke: Timothy Barrett highlighted the dedication of city employees; Nika Pangelina Johnson appreciated learning about city operations and meeting staff; Cynthia Caesar shared her personal story and praised the academy for giving her purpose during her breast cancer journey. Tim Kroll noted that every department presenter said this was the best job they’ve had.
  • 23 graduates were named. Council members encouraged them to become ambassadors, join boards/commissions, and consider future council service.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved with a motion from Councilmember Malone and second from Councilmember White, except Item 4C was pulled for separate discussion.

Discussion Item: Item 4C – ARPA Funds for Affordable Housing (Legacy Phase III)

  • Councilmember White requested clarification on the $1.2 million (approximately) in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds being used for infill housing. Chris Lopez (Neighborhood and Family Services) explained that the funds will develop nine affordable units in the Legacy Phase III project, which will maintain long-term affordability for households earning up to 120% of area median income. He noted this is a continuation of earlier projects that sold homes to low-income families.
  • Councilmember White emphasized that this is a continuation of prior work, not a new program. The item was then approved unanimously.

Summary of Current Events

  • Mercy House provided food, clothing, and hygiene items to the community before Thanksgiving.
  • Judge Pep Guzman is hosting a fundraiser for West Side Recreation to provide scholarships for Avondale students in the Pendergast and Littleton Elementary School Districts (December 6).
  • Avondale Firefighter Charities Christmas toy drive: December 7 and 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Cole’s.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda (excluding 4C) approved unanimously.
  • Item 4C (ARPA affordable housing funds) approved unanimously.
  • Meeting adjourned to executive session (motion by Councilmember Malone, second by Councilmember Solorio, passed unanimously).

Meeting Transcript

Thank you. Marcella, if you wouldn't mind doing roll call, please. Thank you, Mayor. Councilmember Condi. Councilmember Garcia. Here. Councilmember Solario. Councilmember Malone. Councilmember White. Here. Mayor Pineda. Here. And Vice Mayor Nielsen has an excused absence tonight. Thank you. Ron, next item, please. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Do something abnormal. Actually, Chief Man and Mayor Council up next is the uh on the agenda is uh employee announcements. And there's a little side note that I think uh I hope uh some people missed. Um but uh once in a while I get the privilege of recognizing outstanding work by one of my employees, one of my uh uh great co-workers, one of the people that I'm very happy to have in my office. So uh the uh county attorney, Maricopa County Attorney's Office sent us a letter of appreciation in recognition of some things that uh uh deputy city manager Nanagay had done. So if if uh you don't mind mayor, I'd like to read the letter. Of course, please do. So mister Mr. Corbin, I'd like to express my sincere appreciation for Deputy City Manager Dell Nanagay's invaluable assistance to Lieutenant John Dorsey of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Lieutenant Dorsey works for me in our investigation division, has been tasked with developing a comprehensive records management system for our division. During the process, he partnered with ASU through the Capstone Project and is working with several computer engineering students to develop a system. They are also researching different systems to get an idea of how modeling systems function. Lieutenant Dorsey contacted Mr. Nanegay during the process, who he knew from Tempe PD and asked to review Avondel PD's Spillman Records Writing System. Mr. Nanagay graciously agreed and met Lieutenant Dorsey and the student on October 23rd in your civic center, even though this was Mr. Nanagay's scheduled day off. He did an outstanding job for presenting your Spillman system, patiently answering everyone's question, and provided his contact information in case of case of future questions. Deputy City Manager Del Nanagay is a model of professionalism, and the students spoke very positively about his expertise and consideration. We could not be more impressed with the leadership, competence, and courtesy of your organization. Please contact me at the Maricopa's County's office if we can ever be assistance to you and your organization, best regards. So I just wanted to recognize uh Dell for his professionalism and outstanding work he does. Without telling anyone, without asking, without um any fanfare. I thought maybe it's time to provide a little fanfare for Dell. So Dale, thank you. Thank you. All right, next up I'm gonna turn it over to um oh, my office, uh Anisa. Hello, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council members. Um I have the honor of introducing our new management analyst, Whitney Castro today. Uh Whitney Castro was born and raised in Yuma, Arizona. She lived in Springfield, Illinois for a couple years and has been back in Arizona for nine years. Uh prior to being at the city, she worked at Bunger Still, local metal building manufacturer as a marketing manager for eight years. Uh she has a 12-year-old son who loves play uh playing competitive flag football and has two dogs.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com