Avondale City Council Meeting Summary – May 6, 2024

The City of Avondale City Council met on Monday, May 6, 2024, to conduct regular business. The meeting included a presentation and public hearing for a major general plan amendment and rezoning of the Hermosa Ranch Technology Campus North, adoption of the fiscal year 2025 tentative budget, a public transit program update, and several proclamations and recognitions.

Consent Calendar

• All consent items were approved unanimously (7-0). No items were removed for separate consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Hermosa Ranch Technology Campus North: Two speakers expressed support. Hector Hernandez, a lifetime Avondale resident and carpenter, spoke in favor, emphasizing the need for local jobs and the union's ability to build safe, high-quality projects. Martin Matsumoto, also a lifelong resident and carpenter, echoed the desire to work and spend money locally rather than commuting. Additionally, 11 people submitted cards indicating support but did not wish to speak. After the vote, Michael Torres from Local 1912 Union Carpenters spoke in favor, advocating for prevailing wages to support workers.
• Biannual Impact Fee Audit and Tentative Budget: No public comments were offered during either public hearing.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Fire Medical Citizen Academy Graduates: Gabby introduced several graduates. Cynthia Caesar McCarthy shared her personal journey of graduating during cancer treatment, praising the academy for providing purpose and a deeper understanding of first responders' work. Councilmember Solorio praised the program for its insights, even after personally experiencing emergency services.
• Proclamation – Economic Development, Tourism, and Small Business Month: Vice Mayor Paneda read the proclamation, which highlighted that Avondale attracted over one million visitors in 2023. The economic development team was recognized for their work in attracting businesses and supporting the healthcare corridor.
• Marvin Andrews Fellow Recognition: Dillard Collier was recognized for completing his master's of public policy and his internship with the city. He worked across multiple departments, contributing to the point-in-time count, homelessness solutions symposium, and heat relief plan. He expressed interest in continuing local government work in Avondale.
• Water Safety Month Proclamation & Aquatic Center Update: Staff reported the soft opening of the Avondale Aquatic Center on April 20, 2024, with 491 participants and 800 people on the waitlist. The center is fully staffed with 58 lifeguards and 4 management staff. Upcoming events include the grand opening on Memorial Day weekend, a Father's Day swim, and a screening of Jaws. Mayor Weiss read the proclamation declaring May 2024 as Water Safety Month.
• Avondale Police Association Scholarships: Will Penny, president of the Avondale Police Association, presented ten $1,000 scholarships to local high school seniors, funded by association members and a grant from the Avondale Community Assistance Program. Six recipients were present: Oscar Roisco Baeza, Coral Cervantes, Dominique Vargas, Sabrina Nazari, Victoria Flores, and Xavion Scott Jones.
• Hermosa Ranch Technology Campus North – Major General Plan Amendment & Rezoning: Staff presented a proposal to amend the general plan land use from estate/low density residential, medium density residential, and local commercial to business park and local commercial, and to rezone 239 acres at the southwest corner of Lower Buckeye Road and Avondale Boulevard. The site currently contains a dairy farm. The plan includes a data center (approx. 150 employees) and a 28-acre commercial center, potentially including a grocery store. Key deviations from standard zoning include increased setbacks (100 ft north, 230 ft west), increased building height (50 ft instead of 35 ft), and enhanced screening. The applicant projects 15% less water and 51% less wastewater use than previously planned. Staff recommended approval. Council members expressed support, emphasizing the need for high-tech jobs, the grocery store opportunity, and alignment with the city’s economic goals. A motion to approve passed 7-0.
• Biannual Development Impact Fee Audit: Rob Bear presented the certified audit for fiscal years 2021 and 2022, conducted by Heinfield Beach. The only finding was a variance in growth projections: population was off by about 1% for both years; land use assumptions projected slightly lower population and employment but higher residential housing and non-residential square footage. No corrective action was required. The public hearing was closed with no comments.
• Fiscal Year 2025 Tentative Budget Adoption: Finance Director Renee Weatherless presented the tentative budget, which sets the maximum expenditure limit. Changes since the last presentation included adding $5 million for the family advocacy center, two FTEs (already included in costs), and adjustments for carryover. The budget totals just under $3.3 million for the Alamar Community Facilities District (tax rate of $4.15 per $100 net assessed value). A motion to adopt Resolution 1044-0524 was approved 7-0.
• Public Transit Program Update (We Ride): Matt Dudley presented an update. The new Boulevard Transit Center was completed on the morning of May 6. The bus shelter replacement program will add 13 new shelters along McDowell Road and Van Buren, funded by regional Prop 400 funds. The We Ride microtransit service has expanded to a 22-square-mile zone and now averages 323 daily boardings (up from 70), with over 42,000 passenger trips in the last seven months. Rider surveys showed 77% use the service for shopping, work, school, or medical trips; 60% of households have zero or one vehicle; and 60% earn less than $50,000 annually. Planned improvements include expanded hours (6 a.m.–8 p.m.), a Saturday pilot service starting November 2024, and summer promotions (half-off Mondays and Fridays, free trips to school lunch sites). Council members praised the program and suggested future Sunday service for church access.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (7-0): Hermosa Ranch Technology Campus North Major General Plan Amendment and Rezoning (applications PL23-0299 and 23-0300).
• Approved (7-0): Fiscal Year 2025 Tentative Budget (Resolution 1044-0524).
• Approved (7-0): Consent agenda.
• Adjourned to executive session (motion approved).