I'd like to call to order the regular city council meeting of December 16th, 2024.

Sorry.

Actually, let's take a second.

The rest of the council will get here.

Oh, there's two.

Okay.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Okay, so again, I'd like to call to order the regular city council meeting of December 16th, 2024.

Where you all join me in standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

Thank you.

Now, before we begin tonight, I would like to say that we're honored to have you all here.

And I would also like to welcome several dignitaries from around our state.

I believe we have Representative Lupe Contreras.

Is he here?

I know I saw Senator Diva Eva Diaz.

Is she here?

Could you please stand, be recognized?

Mayor Schoaf of Lichfield Park.

The Honorable Pep Guzman.

Is he here?

And our Council Member Elect Sherry Wise.

In addition to so many of you here who are serving our community, thank you so much for being here as well as we have uh Jeffrey Gompels of the president of the Southworth Valley Chamber.

Thank you so much for being here as well.

Item one is roll call.

Marcella, will you please do the roll call?

Councilmember Conde.

Here.

Councilmember Garcia.

Here.

Councilmember Solario.

Here.

Councilmember Malone.

Here.

Councilmember White?

Here.

Vice Mayor Nielsen.

Here.

Mayor Panama.

Here.

Item two, unscheduled public appearances.

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

Thank you, Mayor.

We have not received any requests to speak.

Okay.

With that being said, move on to item three consent.

Are there any council members who wish to have an item removed for separate consideration?

And if not, can I please get a motion and a vote?

Got a motion from Councilmember White and Councilmember Malone.

Please vote.

Okay, item passes.

Ron, next item, please.

Sorry, Mr.

Mayor.

It's gonna be a little bit of a sad night.

Um but tonight uh I think at the same way, we'd like to start this item with a reading of the proclamation, uh recognizing uh councilmember Veronica Malone for her service as a member of the Avondale City Council from 2017 to 2024.

So I will go ahead and read proclamation, honoring councilmember Veronica Malone.

A proclamation from the Council of the City of Avondale, Arizona, honoring Councilmember Veronica Malone for her dedicated service to the Avondale community as a city council member.

Whereas Veronica Malone answered to the call of service in 2016 when she was elected as council member of the city of Avondale at the August 30th, 2016 election.

And whereas Veronica Malone served as vice mayor from January 4th, 2021 to January 9th, 2023, where she performed the duties of mayor during absences of the mayor.

And whereas Veronica Malone was re-elected as council member of the City of Avondale at the August 4th, 2020 election.

And whereas Veronica Malone has been a pillar of civic engagement in the Avondale community, having served on the contributions assistance review subcommittee as vice president and member of the La Jolla Football Booster Club, as a volunteer in the children's ministry at Christ Church of the Valley, and as a proud graduate of the Avondale Citizens Leadership Academy, Avondale Citizens Police Academy, Avondale Citizens Fire Academy, Hispanic Leadership Institute, the Leadership West Program, and whereas Veronica Malone served as a member of the Luke West Valley Council, National League of Cities, Community and Economic Development, the NLC Council on Youth, Education and Families, Arizona League Policy Committee on Public Safety, Military Affairs and Courts, Arizona League Policy Committee on Neighborhoods, Sustainability and Quality of Life, National Association of Latino elected and appointed officials, Hispanic elected local officials, women in municipal government, Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority.

Civic engagement in the Avondale community, having served on the Contributions Assistance Review Subcommittee as Vice President and Member of the La Jolla Football Booster Club, as a volunteer in the children's ministry at Christ Church of the Valley, and as a proud graduate of the Avondale Citizens Leadership Academy, Avondale Citizens Police Academy, Avondale Citizens Fire Academy, Hispanic Leadership Institute, the Leadership West Program, and whereas Veronica Malone served as a member of the Luke West Valley Council, National League of Cities, Community and Economic Development, the NLC Council on Youth, Education and Families, Arizona League Policy Committee on Public Safety, Military Affairs and Courts, Arizona League Policy Committee on Neighborhoods, Sustainability and Quality of Life, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, Hispanic Elected Local Officials, Women and Municipal Government, Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority, and Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

And whereas Veronica Malone will be greatly missed and warmly remembered as helpful, kind, and professional by those who had the privilege of working with her.

Now, therefore, it be resolved by the Council of the City of Avondale, Arizona, that the City of Alvendale hereby wishes to express its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Veronica Malone for her eight years of leadership and dedication to the City of Avondale, proclaimed this 16th day of December 2024.

I'm sure that there are many members of council that would wish to express some appreciation to Councilmember Malone, and we'll go ahead and start with uh Councilmember Conde.

Mayor Penny, if I could interrupt.

Um, we do have a short video that we would like to present.

Um, and after that we'll have staff presentations, and then we will welcome the floor to council if you wouldn't mind.

Perfect.

So we'll start with um the video for Councilmember Malone.

In the early years, she was a go-getter determined young lady that wanted to help the community.

So she was raised a little bit in Cashin, and then moved to the Legos area.

So her passion for this community to serve the community has been in her heart as a young lady.

I um was working with ASU.

I got laid off May of 2016, about a month and a half, two months before our primary.

I picked up a packet for the city of Avondale, and um I can remember my husband um as I'm driving home.

He goes, you know what, you always wanted to run and run for council.

And he goes, Why don't you pick up a packet?

The funny thing is, I said I already did.

The Cash and Community Park right now is beautiful than what it was before.

We all said we've got to do something about these parks.

And they're beautified, and how do we go about it?

So me, Patent, we all went for um a field trip.

We went to different parks in different cities, and we just kind of looked around, and what we did is we went back to our parks and said, What do we want to see?

What do we want to envision?

Because of her and others, we have the beautiful, it's been remodeled, has been redone as you can spend millions of dollars or thousands of dollars to get this uh bathroom and the co-community there of the park the way it is today.

I remember Councilmember Malone, her heading the park because she wanted us to for our committee to have better uh events and things for the kids, children to do in the neighborhood of that.

We we started off with doing that and making sure that um the contracted employees, instead of having contracted employees to take care of the parks, we started having having our own um uh parks department so that they could take care of our parks.

So that's that's oh my god, she did an impact.

And now you can see the beauty of it and how we use that park and stuff, is just nice.

You know, so we we owe the laugh to her.

Also Malone has always wanted to better her community, the whole white community, not just cash in.

She's always working with Cash and Ligas and Old Town, and like she said, she's always wanted everything fairly straight across the board.

And I think one of the things, the legacy she left is be patient.

You know, we can't be whining about everything.

You just sit and wait, it'll happen.

And I believe that's one of her legacy.

But her heart is in the community.

She never gave up on us.

I don't think she ever will.

Mr.

Mayor, at this time, I'd like to ask Councilmember Malone to join staff at the podium for the remainder of the agenda item.

Uh, we'd like to present her with some gifts.

Uh, Barbara, your city auditor, uh, your municipal judge Craig Jennings, uh, Nicole, your city attorney, your chief of police, and your chief uh fire chief uh Larry Rooney also, and then myself.

Are you doing this?

Because today's your evaluation.

Just kidding.

You gotta make a joke.

That's better than crying.

That is right.

We're not gonna try tonight, or try not to.

Okay, I wrote it down just in case.

All right, it's short and sweet.

Uh, Councilmember Malone.

It is my honor as the city auditor to present you with a uh written uh a writing pen, and it has your name on it.

I co-workers always steal my pin, so at least they won't steal this one.

This pin is a reminder of the many things you directed and supported during your term as the city's uh vice mayor and also council member.

One area you champion championed is to appoint the city's first city auditor.

This shows your dedication to provide the public with transparency of city operations.

You demand excellence and accountability, and you also recognize and show appreciation when you see it.

Thank you.

Thank you, Blood.

Next, we have Judge Jennings.

Marcella, how long?

I have 20 minutes.

Yep.

She 25.

Minus 19.

She said it in the meeting, make sure he knows he only has three minutes.

So maybe I go five.

Okay.

Um we appreciate your support, always ongoing support, always asking us, what do you need?

What can we do?

How can I help?

Um, been a big fan of not only myself, but a brill, the court, all city employees, because of you and because of who you are.

And we appreciate that.

There's gonna be uh a hole and a little and a loss, right?

That we're gonna survive uh without you here.

Got Abby wise.

You got it, you got it.

Did so many things.

Did so many things.

And you haven't helped me out.

So, but your energy, your passion.

We always knew when you were at the court.

Usually it was bringing goodies to the court employees, right?

Sometimes I could hear you from the courtroom, but that's okay.

Um but we always knew when you were there, right?

That laugh, that infectious laugh, the embrace, the the love that you exuberate to everybody that you came in contact with, especially court employees, right?

So we have a small token of our appreciation.

I'd like to read this.

Councilmember Veronica Malone, in recognition of eight years of dedicated service to the citizens of Avondale.

We are all fortunate for your leadership, vision, and hard work.

Thank you for your continual support of an independent judiciary, the Avondale City Court, Avondale City Court Projects, and all court employees.

The City of Avondale and the Avondale City Court are better because of you.

Your hard work and the results you achieved with the uh respect from all city Avondale City Court employees.

We thank you.

So next, we have Nicole Harris, our city attorney.

I'm gonna read mine so I don't mess up.

Okay.

Um behalf of myself and the city attorney's office.

We want to say thank you for all of your support over the years.

You are one of the seven that decided to bring the legal services in-house, create the department, and appoint me as the second in-house city attorney.

Thank you for your confidence in me in this role, and for all of your support and encouragement professionally and personally.

Uh, we have a small token of appreciation.

We want you to remember us as you embark on your journey as a former council member.

Um, small little plaque.

I didn't get it engraved like everybody else, but I do want to read what's on here.

It says never underestimate the difference you made in the lives you touch.

Be proud of the work you do, the person you are and the difference you make.

You are appreciated and you will be very very much by B.

Thank you.

Okay.

Thank you.

Next we have our police chief Memo Espinoza.

Ma'am well on behalf of the men and women of the Avondale Police Department I wanted to uh thank you for your dedication to the police department on a personal basis.

I'm going to miss your advice our conversations you were always very passionate about our city.

We talk about uh growing up in our city and I'm gonna miss that uh but I take it back uh we're just that one phone call away please don't be a stranger so again thank you for your ongoing support we have a plaque for you in addition to that we have uh challenge coins from our uh different bureaus so thank you thank you next we have the fire chief Larry Rooney good evening I'm incognito that's okay you're looking great in Claudel we also have a very large bell that I couldn't lift so we have mana white here helping me okay that works too but uh uh council member Malone I'm gonna keep it short and sweet uh the fire service is uh long tradition of answering the bell the ring of the bell to help the community to do the what's best for the community and there's no doubt in anybody's mind in this room that you answered the bell so on behalf of the whole fire department we would like to give you this token of our appreciation of all our support all your support of the fire department and we're a better fire department we're a safer city because of you.

Thank you thank you next we have our city manager Ron Corbin.

Dinner today's council meeting is bittersweet moment for me because I'm losing uh not just one but two bosses mentors compassionate leaders and and what uh two people who become friends uh people that uh I can speak with some people who care immensely for this city and the lady standing in front of me right now is uh huge advocate not only for the community that raised you but for the employees and I don't know if the employees will always know that you had their back and how much you fought for them in the couple years that I've been here so as an employee myself as someone who you uh helped uh bring on board I want to say thank you as you know I report to not one but seven bosses anyone who tells you that working for seven is something that can be uh something they would never imagine doing um they haven't worked for this council this is an incredible elected body of individuals who are committed to the public service and to the residents they serve and that is especially true of you council member Malone as a lifelong member of Avondale Councilmember Malone was active in her community even before she decided to run for city council I've been told that she was a fearless not told I've seen it an outspoken advocate for her community particularly when it came to the older parts of Avondale that perhaps needed more attention she demanded that the city listen to the needs of the area and persisted until she was heard she joined the Citizens Academy uh served on city boards and finally decided to run for council where she became a representative not just for Old Town Avondale but for the entire city.

Councilmember Malone was a champion for Parks Improvements and anyone who enjoys one of our amazing city parks can thank her for her being a uh timeless champion for Parks and Rec.

When it comes to quality of life Councilmember Malone has insisted uh that we raise the bar in providing top notch recreational amenities and open space for our residents importantly councilmember Malone has also been a champion for the employees of the city of Avondale she and Councilmember Condi started tradition several years ago of bringing holiday treats to city staff around Christmas time last week I uh was able to go over there and visit with them the two of them hosted their final holiday event together for employees and it was very touching to see how many employees came out to wish her well and to say farewell to her as their council member councilmember Malone I want to thank you for working with me for bringing me on board for helping me understand what this city is all about and more importantly what the people of Avondale are all about.

You're an outspoken but kind, persistent yet reasonable.

I'm grateful beyond grateful for the trust you have bestowed upon me to carry out my job as this organization leader for giving me a chance.

I can serious consider I can sincerely say that I will miss working with you.

And I know that in some fashion, uh, might be Abby Wise, or the bell they left, or the phone number through Chief Espinoza.

But somehow I know you will continue to be that strong voice in this community when the need arises.

On the behalf of City of Avondale, thank you for serving.

Thank you.

So here's my coin.

Okay, okay.

And then um I wanted to give you something that represented Avondel.

I uh not not a plaque, not so I wanted something to remember us by.

And um, I gave the idea to my staff as I usually do because I don't really have any good ideas or how to figure them out.

I just say do something, and the staff came up with this.

That's beautiful.

So this is a replica of some of the artwork we have.

This one happens to be in front of one of our fire stations.

Um this was made uh by the uh same artist.

So it is uh a replica of his hands.

So thank you.

That's beautiful, that is great.

Thank you.

Yes.

Um, sorry, Mr.

Mayor, I'm gonna turn it back over to you and counsel to finish the the recognition.

Thank you, ma'am.

Before we go, can I get a uh eat uh picture with all the people?

We can.

Thank you.

Let's go back in to the last wall.

Take this off for me.

All right, so you just like that.

Oh, perfect.

Sorry.

Hello.

Right there.

Please file three, two, one.

Three, two, one, one more.

Thank you.

Oh, wait.

Perfect.

Yes.

Thank you.

So at this time.

I'd like to open it up for council for comments.

And as I alluded to earlier, we'll start with councilmember Connie.

Oh boy.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um there's so many things, you know, that I can share about my about my friend and my fellow council member Veronica.

Um, I wrote notes because I don't want to sway away because I could sit here all day to talk about what an amazing friend she's been and what an awesome um servant she's been in our community.

But it's been a blessing to serve alongside of her since 2017.

You know, there's been a lot of things that has been said that she's done in the city, but she's done much more than serve on the council and make decisions from this dais.

She's embedded in the community, and she's made Avondale a better place for all of us, for our employees, for our residents, for our business owners.

She's all these years I've watched her serve residents and employees of Avondale with a passion like no one I've ever seen before.

She's the one of the most truth authentic leaders that I know, and that I've had the pleasure and blessing to serve with.

Many of you know there's something special about her that makes people feel comfortable enough to go and share their problems and concerns with her.

She has that spirit of um caring, and it's something that can't be taught.

It's just something that's comes natural to her.

And when they share their problems with her, she always always makes sure that she provides them the answer.

She likes to answer them herself.

She'll respond to emails herself.

She'll answer her phone calls and her texts herself.

And if she can't provide an answer, she's making sure that she provides them direction or resources to be able to help them out.

Many of you don't know some of the things that she's done in the community that we got a call one time, and there was a group of immigrants that came in and they were needing someone to help make sandwiches.

So she's like, We gotta go.

We gotta get some peanut butter and jelly and we gotta go make sandwiches for them.

I said, Okay, let's go.

So we went out and we provided food for them, no questions asked.

They needed clothes delivered.

We collected clothes and we delivered clothes.

She's provided clothing for unsheltered people in the community, families that may have needed clothes for their children.

She would go through her boys items of clothing and reach out to her family members to get clothing for people that had a need.

She's provided food for families that had suffered loss.

Mine in particular when I lost my mother.

She showed up with a big old pan of pulled pork and buns to make sure that everybody that came to my house had food to eat.

She's provided hope and resources for so many people.

She's never um asked or was recognized for it.

She never posted it on social media.

She just rolled up her sleeves and she got it done.

But Veronica, I know that you're gonna continue serving the community because that's just who you are.

And we've created so many memories, and I'm forever thankful for them.

But one of the best compliments that I received from someone in the community is they said that we were Batman and Robin.

That we were always together.

And I know that we'll continue to do great work together, and I'm so thankful for you, and I just pray continued blessing and favor in everything that you do.

Thank you, Councilmember Conde.

We'll go this right over here.

Councilmember White.

I I didn't prepare anything because um the first time I saw her, I did like my elevator speech, and it was really cool because she totally shut me down.

Um, if you've ever ran for office, which many of you in the audience may have, um you need an advocate.

You you need somebody who is gonna stand up and tell you what to do.

And um, you know, I was I I would have to say that the time when I ran, and it and it's a time in history, it was during COVID, and I had um I just lost my mom, and she was embedded in Avondale.

And I remember one of the times I was at the senior center, I saw you there.

And um everything about Avondale reminds me of my mom.

And so when I saw Councilmember Malone, I was trying to collect electronic signatures for those of you who aren't into the political process.

We have this thing in the state of Arizona called e-sign.

And so it was my goal to be one of the first people who got all my petitions electronically signed.

It still is my goal.

Nobody in the state of Arizona has ever gotten all of their petitions e-signed.

And so I told this woman this, and I knew she was a council member, um, but I was trying to impress her like I didn't know who she was.

And so I'm giving her my speech, and I'm telling her, hey, you know, I'm gonna run, I'm gonna serve.

I want to be kind of like the council now, you guys do so much.

And she just let me know straight up front, I'll e-sign your petition, but nobody else here will.

And in that, and that was so true, and I needed somebody to tell me that.

And that's it's so important.

Um, even when things are hard, you're honest.

And I think we need that in this society.

We need people to tell us to us like it is, and that is you.

You um are a part of the reason I am here right now.

You um made me get my head on my shoulders and told me if I'm either I'm either gonna grieve my mother's death or I'm gonna get out here and get some signatures, because like you, I picked up my packet with less than two months to collect over 440 some odd signatures, and I did it, and I did it with the support and encouragement directly from her, calling me every day saying, Hey, get out the bed, make sure you get those papers, make sure you go talk to people.

And um, I'll never stop reading my mother's death, but I will always serve the city of Avondale because of it.

So um, thank you for keeping me strong when I was nothing but weak.

Thank you for letting me be able to share my talent, my love.

Thank you for opening up your seat on Valley Metro.

Thank you for counsel for seeing in me what I couldn't see in transit.

It's something I'm specialized in, but you knew that, and I didn't.

So I really appreciate you.

I have a surprise for you underneath here, but I'm gonna stop talking because Marcella's gonna cut me off.

Three minutes, three minutes.

Thank you, Councilmember Garcia.

Well, thank you so much for what you have done here in Avondale, especially in the Cash and Legos um community.

Um having my grandma live over there and driving through that park and now seeing what it is.

I know that that you were a part of that.

And Tina told me the story how you guys went to all the parks and wrote down like all the things that needed to be happened.

And one of the things I campaign on is like, don't Phoenix my Avondale, because you guys have done such a great job in what Avondale is.

I don't want anyone to take that away.

That is your guys' legacy here on this council right now, and we need to protect it because it has become safer and cleaner because of the work you have done.

So thank you so much for everything you've done in our community.

You want to go next?

Vicemair Nielsen.

Veronica, I just want to tell you thank you.

There's nothing that's has not been already said about you.

I just appreciate you because you're my neighbor.

You're my friend.

I'll knock it you over.

All right.

But maybe just a word of advice.

You will always be a mother and a wife.

And you always have kids and a husband that looks after you and want to take care of you, and you'll take care of them.

You've taken care of these children, if you will, of this community for your eight years.

Some of them will come, some of them will go.

They may forget you, but they won't forget what has been done for them by you.

And in the last century and the late 1990s, I worked with a group of men down in Tucson.

We worked together and did quite a bit in the church and in the community.

And I'd lost contact with them.

I was in the bathroom one day at a church on the other side, and I hear, Curtis, is that you?

And I said, Yeah.

And he says, I've been thinking about you for 20 years.

All those wonderful things that you would done when we were together.

These people in five, 10, 15 years will remember you.

Hopefully, not in the bathroom.

But some other place on the sidewalk on the side of the street, whatever it might be, and come up and say, Veronica, I love you.

Even if you're on crutches or whatever it might be, they will love you, they will appreciate you for all that you have done.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and just testify that these people love and appreciate you as well.

Thanks.

Councilmember Solorious.

Oh, this one's many people know that I have been serving in Avondale in different capacities since probably for almost 14 years.

And um, I remember meeting Veronica at one of the city events and asking her about adopt a family and how um I can go about doing that, and just seeing just the energy and and the way she was such a light to everybody.

Um you have been a mentor, a beacon of inspiration.

Throughout your eight years in council, you have exemplified what it means to lead with heart and purpose.

Your selflessness and commitment to bettering the lives of others have made you a true change maker.

And showing me the importance of listening and connecting and giving back the legacy of service and compassion you've built inspires me in every way.

And one that I strive to honor in my own work.

We serve nationally as well, and I think I'll remember most of all walking 18 miles in Chicago with you.

Finishing after getting off of um, you know, Dave, a session of learning, and you teaching me the importance of what it was like to not only serve locally, but the importance of serving nationally as well.

And you said I'm a walker, so we're gonna go walk, and we walked 18 miles that day.

And I had heard how you had had Tina walk one time, and she was so tired that she fell.

She was 20 miles about younger, right?

A little younger.

And um, you teaching me so much, and you always telling me you always tell me thank you for teaching me how to use the Uber how to get Uber and Lyft.

Um, I was your travel person, how to use the maps walking um portion of it, and um remembering people's names.

Um, she would always say, You're the person that knows the names.

Um sometimes people would say they didn't remember us, but I made sure that they did, and telling them what day we met them.

So I want to thank you for everything that you've done.

Thank you for taking me to my first events when I got uh appointed.

You called me and you said we're going to a fire event, and I said, I don't know anyone, and you go, you will know everyone.

So thank you for everything that you've done.

All right, my turn.

So you know Veronica and I's journey started long ago.

Many of you are aware that her and I went to high school together, and years after that, um I'm not sure if it was through a phone call, and quite honestly, I don't even know how it happened.

It's in here, but you okay, but somehow she she got in touch with me when I was coaching youth football, and um asked if there was still room on the team, and I said, sure, come on out, and um it was just great to have her and Terrence and the kids, Elijah and Aaron, who participated uh with us on the West Valley Sun Devils youth football team.

And she was the mom, you just a mom, you know, worried about her kids, loved her kids, loved participating on the team, and that's the type of of relationship that her and I had before we came into the council.

And as we came into the council and we embark on this journey together, what was great about it was that you know, when you're here, you're amongst many different individuals who serve in different capacities and have different skill sets and specialties and things of that nature.

Um, and so it can be a little intimidating, quite honestly.

And so having somebody like Veronica and our history together, for me personally, it made me feel comfortable.

That I had uh a teammate, if you will, on this dais that we were able to share the experience together.

And I remember you coming to my home to get the signatures.

I don't know if you remember that or not, but coming in uh to my living room and just sharing about what she was going to do and uh you know, all the different things that she was looking forward to.

And I honestly thought that was so cool that uh a member of not only the community, but uh but a fellow alumni of all of uh and somebody that I knew was going to be serving that capacity, just as I felt when uh council member Earp or Jason Earp was serving, it was it just that same type of of um of feeling and and relationship, and we were able to serve together, we did some really good things together, we laughed, we had fun, um we enjoyed, I enjoyed our time together.

I'm not gonna speak for you, but we had I had a a great time, and then we both decided that we wanted to continue to serve our our community in the capacity as mayor, and quite honestly, I'm not sure how the community took some of that, but I know that behind the scenes that Veronica and I had many conversations, and one in particular, right before election, where we both share with each other, no matter who wins, the community is gonna be served in a manner that is appropriate in a manner that they deserve.

And it was refreshing to have that conversation because I can tell you that in other elections, um, you know, it can get pretty ugly, it can get pretty nasty, um, because it it means something.

And in this one, I don't feel that it got mean or nasty.

I know that we both really wanted to fulfill our our our role and our duties, and we just did the best we could as individuals, uh, I guess competitors, if you will, but at the end of the day, we are still true to who we were.

At least I believe that.

And it was really good because even after the election of all places, I don't know why, but I seemed to run into a lot of people at Fry's, and there she was.

We bumped into each other, and I don't know how many times we bumped into each other at the grocery store, and both of us every time we're looking at what we're gonna try and figure out for dinner, and uh so uh we're talking about that, but we had that kind of that conversation again of you know, this is what it is, and here's who we are, here's what we're going to do.

Uh, and you know, we are still friendly.

Um, I still really appreciate the time that I spent with her family, her kids uh as well and her uh on this dais and outside of it.

And so I just want to make sure that you you know that I really did appreciate that.

I appreciated you.

Um, and um we I hope we learned a lot from the experience, as many has already many have already said that uh I'm sure in one former fashion you'll continue to be involved, um, and that we can always look to you, and you can always look to us.

And so for that, thank you for serving.

Um thank you again for making it so comfortable for us to work together from the beginning to now, and uh I really appreciate it, and again, just I wish you luck and three weeks.

Two weeks to start acting.

Don't go there.

So I again I thank you so much again, uh, you know, for all of those memories that we'll have together, and um we're here and I'm here.

You know how to contact me, you know how to find me, and um I'm sure that you will, and I look forward to it.

So cheers to you and to everything that you'll be doing after this.

Well, thank you.

I do have a few words.

Thank you.

This has been an incredible honor to serve uh our residents of Avondale as your council member, and I did write it down because I would forget over the past eight years, representing the community I live in and love has been both a privilege and a joy.

I sincerely thank my fellow residents for entrusting me to be your voice.

Because together we have made great strides, whether it was adding a turning lane that Mr.

Ojeda suggested to help in his neighborhood on MC 85 in Al Mirage, going on field trips with Councilmember Conde and former council member Pat Dennis to improve our parks for beautification and renovation, or sitting with Chief Espinoza saying, Man, this park is cool, right?

It was beautiful, it was festival fields, and the parks that we grew up with, well, they needed help, but it was just having that camaraderie and seeing where we've come.

Um, or key areas of uh smooth traffic flows uh on 111th Avenue in Bambir and 119th Avenue and uh Thomas, 125th Avenue and um Rio Vista, these areas were once dead ends but now are fully connected.

I have so many great memories, but one of them one of the moments I have was visiting Bridgewater, senior living to listen to the residents' concerns about issues like sidewalks that they're um like little buggies couldn't go through, or not enough time to cross um the light because it just didn't give them enough time, and they were worried to be safely crossing the van bear into Central Light.

We made the changes, but those changes don't happen because of me, it happens because they tell me these are the problems.

It happens because of the staff that do that, right?

So those are those are the reasons why I'm their sounding board.

Another highlight was helping uh turn David Silva's idea.

We were talking in Cash and he wanted to um his vision was to clean up his neighborhood.

Hey Chief Nanagay, you think you can help David call him?

I think I probably said Chief Nanegate gave him a call, and now that um the cash and cleanup his vision has um turned into a broader initiative.

It also includes O Town, Real Vista Lane in Las Vegas.

Thank you, David.

Thank you.

And when it comes to welcoming race fans with checkered crosswalks on Avondell Boulevard, that was a request made from former Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers.

Something that she said stalled over the 2008 recession.

Hey, but we finally made it happen.

So all of them, the ideas come from the people.

Time and time again, it's the community's ideas and concerns that shaped my priorities, but none of them would have been possible without the dedication.

Um the dedicated staff, the city staff.

Their tireless work ensures that our city is well managed and thriving.

And I am forever grateful for um your guys' contribution.

Knowing that families, businesses, developers look to these services when deciding to make Avondale their home.

Our city staff is second to none.

A team of servant leaders who truly make a difference in the people's lives every day.

It has totally been a privilege to work alongside each of each of you guys to advance our city.

A heartfelt thanks to Ron, City Manager Ron Corbin.

Thank you for transforming the morale of the city.

Your leadership has taken us from a time of losing staff to stronger and more resilient position.

And remember, seven is a magic number.

Seven.

City attorney Nicole Harris, I deeply appreciate your counsel courage, your integrity, and the strength.

During the city's most challenging times, your unwavering support and dedication has meant the world to me, and we are in a better place because of you.

Thank you.

Judge Craig Jennings.

Judge.

I greatly value our discussions and our text exchanges and city manners articles when you'd send them over to me.

And the new court expansion.

I can't wait to see the other court expansion, as well as our conversations about our families and late and the latest milestones like our kids heading to college.

Mine just keeps coming back.

Not sure how that happens, but hey.

Those words and encouragement have carried me through all these years.

So thank you.

I am proud to have championed that integrity line.

I know it might be an awful word to some, which holds every city employee, including council's accountability.

I was one of the first people it was called on, and it served its purpose purposeful.

If you didn't know that, it was called on me.

Ensuring that no one in the city abuses their power, and none of the council directs staff.

Your guidance, um, all of your four guidance, because we only have, if you guys don't know, we only we only uh oversee four people.

Your guidance has made governing our city more effective and efficient, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with each of you.

Thank you.

Mayor Pineta, a fellow council member serving with you has and fellow council members serving with you guys has been an unforgettable journey.

So thank you guys so much.

Mayor Pineta, not only were you my classmates throughout our childhood until we graduate high school, you've been my boys' coach and a colleague on the council.

I sometimes joke with myself.

Why did I encourage you to run a council for 2016?

Why?

I'm kidding.

You know I am.

Um Vice Mayor Mayor Nielsen, it's been a pleasure working with you on the DIES and on the contribution assistance program.

Thank you for co-piloting interface council um with councilwoman Condi when my schedule no longer allowed me to.

Councilwoman Condy, you were the second person I persuaded to join me on the journey.

I am so glad we met at Citizens Academy and became fast friends before sharing the dais.

Together we've accomplished so much, and I'm proud of the impact we've had, especially with the homeless initiative.

Look how far we've come.

We have Sonar, and if you don't know what Sonar is, it's Avondel's Street Outreach Navigation Resource Center, or resource team.

So thank you.

Thank you guys.

Also, um, I will miss our Christmas thank yous to our staff, and maybe you guys will let me be a surprise guest.

We're working on that right now.

Councilwoman Gloria, I didn't know you too well before we um before you applied for your appointments, but I am glad you reached out to me and took the lead.

It has been a pleasure working with you, attending conferences, and seeing you grow in your role.

I will always be grateful for your you and former council member Brian Kilgore for standing together to ensure that our police department pay was added back onto a j an agenda and allowing us to make the real difference in their lives.

They deserve it.

I will always remember that beautiful day at Trust Reals when you patiently waited for me to speak with me about running for council.

I am grateful for your your uh leadership on Valley Metro and your sh your work to strengthen the transportation system.

I can envision Elijah will make it from the Metro all the way to 99th Avenue one day.

Right now he's using planes, trains, and automobiles.

I remember when you only use taxis, but now you've mastered Lyft and you've mastered Uber.

So good.

Former Mayor Wise.

You always said we didn't ever see eye tie.

I'm not sure where he's at.

Um there he is right then.

And you're right.

We didn't.

But that's okay.

Um I'm sure I contributed to the gray here you have.

But I will say that when it came time to make a difference in our community, we set the difference aside and we got it done.

So thank you.

Councilwoman Jeanette Garcia, I wish you all the best, and I look forward to seeing you thrive in your new role as council member.

Councilwoman elect Sherry Weiss.

I've cleaned my office, it's painted.

I think it's painted and ready for you.

Thank you for the beautiful book that you've given me.

Um I I read it, so thank you.

And I wish you all the best.

To my Littleton family that's out there, thank you.

Thank you for always having my back and allowing me to serve the city of Avondale.

And you, my colleagues, for always offering support when you saw my workload was a bit much.

Thank you, Dr.

Freeman, for allowing it.

Thank you, board of Littleton.

Thank you, my Basu Cheshire Garrison, and Jim Vero.

I don't know where he's at, but thank you guys.

I appreciate it.

Thank you all for the partnership and the support.

It's been an honor to serve, and last but certainly not least, I want to thank I want to express my deepest gratitude to my husband Terrence and my boys.

Brandon, Elijah, Gary.

Thank you guys for stepping up, taking on cooking, some cleaning, and supporting me in service.

Your patience, understanding, especially when I had to be away, have only straightened our bond to my sisters and my brother, the rest of my family.

Thank you for always stepping in to help when Terrence and I needed support.

It truly does take a village, and I'm so grateful for each of you.

I love you all.

I am deeply absolutely.

I am deeply grateful for every opportunity that has given um has been given to me in my life as an orphan.

I could have never imagined running and being a part of the city and running a city with my fellow council.

I could never imagine that I could sit on an initiative for the President Obama's race to the top with ASU for education, because that's very important to me.

And I could never imagine that I could um be honored with the presidential community service award by the President uh Biden's administration.

I feel incredibly blessed and I'm very lucky.

As for me, what's next?

I'm not sure, but I do know that service to others has always been and will always be a core core part of who I am.

I love you guys.

Thank you guys for allowing me the eight years to serve you.

I think that could have made all the words.

Yes, if you would like to come down to the floor, we can take a group of people.

If you would join me if you wouldn't mind down below, so we could take a photo with Councilmember Malone.

Okay, Ron, item 4B, please.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

The City Council will recognize Prior Mayor, former Mayor, just Ken uh Weiss, uh, for his service as a member of the Avondale City Council from 2006 to 2024.

At this time, Mayor, we'd like to start this item with a reading of the proclamation.

Okay.

Proclamation honoring Mayor Ken Weiss.

A proclamation of the Council of the City of Avondale, Arizona honoring Mayor Ken Weiss for his dedicated service to the Avondale community as both a city council member and mayor.

Whereas Ken Weiss answered the call to service in 2006 when he was appointed as council member of the City of Avondale at the January 30th, 2006 City Council meeting.

And whereas Ken Weiss was elected as council member of the City of Avondale at the September 11th, 2007 election, and was re-elected at the August 28th, 2012 election.

And whereas Ken Weiss was appointed mayor of the City of Avondale at the June 2nd, 2014 City Council meeting.

And whereas Ken Weiss was elected as mayor of the City of Avondale at the November 8th, 2016 election, and was re-elected at the August 4th, 2020 election.

And whereas Ken Weiss has been a pillar of civic engagement in the Avondale community, having served on the Board of Elders at Trinity Lutheran Church Lutheran Church, and as a volunteer with the local community organization and events.

And whereas Ken Weiss served on the Maricopa Association of Governments, Regional Council as Chair, the MAG Regional Council Executive Committee, the MAG Transportation Policy Committee, Mag Economic Development Committee, Greater Phoenix Economic Council Board of Directors, Member of the National League of Cities, and Member of the League of Cities Resolution Committee.

And whereas Ken Weiss will be greatly missed and warmly remembered as helpful, kind, and professional by those who had the privilege of working with him.

Now, therefore it be resolved by the Council of the City of Avondale, Arizona, that the City of Avondale hereby wishes to express a sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Ken Weiss for over 18 years of leadership and dedication to the City of Avondale, proclaimed the 16th day of December, 2024.

And Marcella, I believe we have a video.

Yes, Mayor, that is correct.

For me, I'd always been interested in Avondale politics.

I had a friend who was on City Council at the time, Chuck Wolf.

There was an opening on the city council, and Chuck and I would have dinner every weekend, and he said you should apply.

And I said, I have no idea what that even looks like.

And he said, Don't worry about it, just go apply.

Just go interview.

My first impression was, am I gonna be able to work with him?

He was out there, he had great ideas, but he had great ideas.

When I when I was appointed to council, where he was one of the deciding votes, and it was unanimous.

And Marie called me the next day and said, Hey, I'm really looking forward to meeting you more and working looking to work with you and kind of share some of my thoughts.

Um but I saw him grow as we went along, and uh we had good talks together, and I think uh you know, his ideas were were there.

I remember we sat down and talked, and she was humble and she was caring, and she was funny, and she was just she loved the city, and it became apparent very quickly that her and I were gonna work really well together.

And what really I think resonated with him is how do I help the community?

What do I do for the community?

And I think that was our focus as the community, the staff, the you know, all of Avondale, just as a mixture of different people.

How do we work together to get what we need for everyone?

Instead of working social issues, you work economic development.

Because economic development pays for everything else.

It pays for your police, your fire, your neighborhood and family services, everything has to come out of economic development.

And I think that was the pivotal change that kind of moved the city past where we were for before.

I think what Mayor Weiss has has in our partnership is is again that collaboration and working together and that the value of things like the NASCAR championship and the spring race that NASCAR brings to the city each year, the economic impact and the opportunities to continue to grow that.

And then you see again, those are people that are coming to our city that are spending money in our city, and that enables the city to do even more things for its residents.

And we worked really hard on that, not only from the mayor and president aspect, but from the team on both sides working together because bringing a national championship race, not one year, two years, five years, is difficult.

Then you look at the growth and the businesses as well as just the parks and all the work that's been done just from a residential perspective.

I think that's something that he saw was that opportunity that if we work together, there's like we can really make this city even better for its residents and businesses.

But then I would also say with the NASCAR championship, it's an opportunity to put Avondale on a national map.

I always tell people when I became mayor, developers would say to us the city can't support that.

You can't support that development.

Your demographics won't go there, they won't shop there, they won't buy there.

We think you can have this and support this.

I would always say, you're never going to tell us who Avondale can be and will be.

You're never going to put a restriction on who we are.

That's what I hope has changed over the last 10 years, and I think it absolutely has.

Um for the remainder of this agenda item.

Um I also wrote it down.

Um it is my honor as the city auditor to recognize you for the many initiatives you have directed and supported during your term as the uh city mayor.

One of the initiatives was to appoint the city's first auditor who provides counsel with independent and objective feedback on city operations.

Uh you have supported me and challenged me to constantly do the best that I can for council.

Uh I have for you an engraved pen.

And it has your name on it.

And um it's for all the things that you will continue to sign and approve in your new endeavors.

You've been careful.

Thank you.

What?

What's that look?

Mayor Brill and I excuse me, our honor to be here tonight.

First, I want to thank you uh so much for what you've done for me personally, professionally, for my family.

Um I'm fortunate to be here over 10 years now, and a big reason of that is because of you and your continued support, and you changed my life and my family's life, so I appreciate that.

Some of you probably don't know.

He had been a veteran on the council for eight years, a little bit over eight years when he became mayor.

And I was there at the meeting that night, even though I hadn't met him yet.

Because it was my interview to be the presiding judge.

And there was uh one less council person because he had just become mayor.

His position wasn't filled yet, and that ended in a three to three vote.

Uh this is his first vote as mayor on time.

So there were two tie votes that night.

So um, but you fix that.

You fixed that.

So I appreciate that.

But your support always for the court, for me personally, for Brill, for the court, uh, your support for city employees.

I've worked in another city, as you know.

And the whole vibe and atmosphere comes from the top.

And that leadership comes from the top, and it goes all the way down through all the employees in the city, and it affects the residents of the city, and you set the tone, and you have set the tone, and it's a tone that I believe is going to be carried forward.

So I appreciate you.

We have a plat for you.

Uh I want to read it.

Mayor Ken Weiss, in recognition of 19 years of dedicated service to the city citizens of Avondale.

We are all fortunate for your leadership, vision, and hard work, for your support of an independent judiciary, the Avondale City Court, and all court employees.

We thank you.

The City of Avondale and the Avondale City Court are better because of you, your hard work, and the results you achieved.

With the respect from all Avondale City Court employees, we thank you.

That's awesome.

Just in case.

Hi, Nicole.

Hi, Mayor.

What was that?

Hi.

Oh, hi Ken.

Hi, former Mayor Ken.

Um use my script.

We've been through three city managers, two city attorneys, and one husband together.

I have nothing to do with the thank you for all of your uh professional and personal support to me over the years.

I know that I am standing here today because of your faith in me and my role as your city attorney.

Um, thank you for your vision and being one of the seven that appointed me in 2019, even though you thought I was a lot younger than you.

I'm only 10 years younger than you.

Um but uh we work together on some amazing things and some things we can't talk about.

Attorney client privilege, confidentiality.

But I do want to publicly thank you again for your unwavering support and share what we will miss most about you because it ties into the gifts we have for you.

So, one, we will miss your amazing colorful and bold t-shirt choices.

So we got you one to add to your collection, and it says um Mayor, the man, the myth, the legend.

So I hope that you wear that proudly.

That's awesome.

And we got one more for you.

Um, two, we will miss you stopping by the office to debate and direct us on local control and constitutionality of things and what's going on at the legislature.

So we got you a pocket constitution, and we've all signed it.

So you can carry that with you, and you will be ready for any legal debates.

And uh we just thank you for everything.

That's awesome.

Thank you, Mayor.

Or Ken.

Chief.

Sir.

Don't ask me to call you Ken.

We talked about what two weeks ago.

And he asked me to call him Ken and I just won't be able to do that.

So just for a second, by the way, Avi Wise is awesome.

I use it more now than I ever did.

And now he calls me directly to tell me, hey, can you help me with this?

Can you help me with that?

So perfect.

So Mayor, uh, thank you on behalf of uh the Avondale Police Department.

Uh, you've always been supportive of our request, our budget request.

We are not a chief department.

Um our events, you've always been supportive.

So thank you so much.

On a personal basis, uh, you've always been there for me from that ride-along that you did.

You had my back in 2006 to um when you swore me in three years ago as the chief.

So thank you.

We're gonna miss you and stay in touch.

We will.

Chief, thank you, buddy.

I I have to know what happened.

I it's been I'm gone two months, it's a long story, and I end up a hero in it.

You save a puppy out of a tree.

No.

I was trying to I was trying to lift your plaque, is what I was trying to do.

No.

Actually, mayor, I'd salute you, but I can't right now.

Understood.

Um I was talking about earlier about uh the ringing of the bell and helping the community and coming out and stuff.

Nobody uh can deny your passion for public safety, but also your compassion for the people that provide that uh public safety.

And it's truly an honor to work under you.

And um the city is a much better safer place, like I said earlier, and it's also a better place.

And thank you for your leadership.

And on behalf of the fire department, we'd like to give you a plaque.

Wow.

Which is heavy.

I can see how you got hurt.

Uh yeah, that's exactly it.

There's two things I'd like you to know about this bell.

Um, it'd be better if you dialed 911 if you want the fire department now.

And it's also bigger than the police departments.

Black.

Okay.

It's good.

It's good to know that the competition runs deep and runs good.

It'll never end.

It'll never end.

Thank you for thank you for everything.

I appreciate it.

Appreciate you.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Thank you.

He thinks I'm sad.

Last time we did this.

Wow, things have changed, haven't they?

Mayor Weiss, uh, what can I say that hasn't already been said uh by the staff already?

And you're gonna hear a lot more uh coming up here.

But these people had the pleasure of working with you for the last 18 years.

You've been in office.

I've had two.

And I'm good.

Okay.

Uh when I decided to come to work at the city of Avondale, one of the driving forces behind my decision was the elected body I was going to serve here in this city.

Along with the leadership tone and direction that you set for city council.

I can honestly say that in the many years of public service working for elected leaders in my career.

This has been the most professional, caring, and visionary elected body that I have the pleasure of serving.

I strongly feel this has been due in part in a strong part in a significant part to the kind of leadership you have demonstrated as mayor.

I feel extremely fortunate to have joined the city at a time when the council's vision through the past 20 years of which you were a part was coming to fruition.

I knew that every time you you drive past the boulevard and see the tremendous development and the build-up in this area, you can look with pride and say, I was a driving force behind making this happen.

But this is just one of the tiny pieces of your legacy.

Your name is on virtually every single building uh as testament to your role in this huge capital investments that were made in this community.

You have also been a leader in the regional level.

And your former mayor, Mayor OP's, along with the staff of the Maricopa Association of Governments, have shared uh a ringing endorsement on your part in your leadership in fighting for the extension of Prop 400 sales tax.

I don't know if you guys knew this, but he quit his day job to help make sure 400 got across the finish line.

An unpaid he quit a paying job.

Sherry, I don't know how you did this.

He quit a paying job to volunteer to lead the efforts to make sure 400 got through across the finish line.

That impact cannot be understated.

Um with that, we're able to grow and uh uh see what the the next uh 20, 30 years holds for us because of your efforts.

But most of all, you're leaving a legacy of kindness, civility, and exemplary conduct for the city council in this organization.

Watching you serve as mayor, I have been impressed with the collaboration leadership approach you have taken, giving every single member an opportunity to champion the issues that are passionate about in this community, whether it's a quality of life through parks and recreation, human services, or public safety.

When it comes to the community, residents have gotten to know you as Ken.

You're the type of leader who isn't hesitant to pick up the phone or meet in person with someone who has a uh disagreement or grievance with the city.

And nine times out of ten, you have managed to change their point of view or help them understand an issue better.

Your humble, gracious, good natured manner has been an inspiration to all of us.

Mayor Ken.

There's a lot more I can say about you, but I'll let the many others here express their appreciation for your leadership.

All that is left for me to say is thank you.

Thank you for the trust and confidence.

You have placed in me as your city manager over the past few years.

Thank you for choosing me.

It's been an honor to know you and work with you, and all the best to you in your next chapter.

I have another coin for you.

I know you gave you one, but here's another coin for you.

Thank you very much.

Appreciate that.

Thank you.

And then again, we wanted to leave you with something that was uniquely Avondale.

And again, this was made by the same artist that actually made the one in uh on uh Avondale Boulevard.

So thank you.

Mr.

Mayor I'm gonna turn it back over to you for the letter of appreciation.

Thank you.

Please have a share Weiss to the podium, please.

That should be council member elect Sherry Weiss.

I'd like to share with you a certificate, uh sorry, a certification of appreciation.

On the occasion of Kenneth Weiss's retirement, the City of Avondale wishes to commend you for the understanding and patience you've demonstrated during his public service career.

The City of Avondale realizes the difficulties and hardships placed on families when serving on the city council.

The countless family dinners that were missed because of late night city council meetings, the rearranging of family vacations because of scheduled public appearances, and the burden of last minute meeting requests.

The City of Avondale sincerely appreciates the sacrifices you have made.

And we recognize that your unfailing support has made possible Ken Weiss's lasting contribution to the public and the city.

It is my great pleasure to award you this certificate of appreciation on behalf of the City of Avondale and its employees.

Please accept my sincere gratitude for your unselfish behind the scenes service to the City of Avondale.

At this time, I'd like to open the floor to council comments.

If we can start with Councilmember Condi.

Thank you, Mayor Paneda.

It sounds good, doesn't it?

Yes.

Hi, Jess Mayor Ken.

I just want you to know that you're the very first mayor I've ever met in my life.

So in 2016, um I was volunteering in the community and we're invited to attend the state of the city at EMCC.

And so I attended there, and you were up speaking, and I just thought, this guy's really funny.

And just the way that you spoke about the community that you served, it just really um made me feel thankful that I lived in Avondale because just hearing how much you cared about the city, um, what a difference that you want to make in the community was just was just wonderful to hear.

And you're just so authentic.

And one thing that is struck me out is you're so approachable.

So when somebody had a qu has a question or concern, they know that they could reach out to you and you'll get them the answers that they need.

Um I was so excited because I said I don't even know what's happening right now.

And you took me and Tony, and you gave us a tour of the campus, you gave us a tour of our offices, and you took us around.

And I just thought this is somebody that I definitely want to serve with because his heart is really for the community.

And one of the things that I'm gonna take away with me is I remember always saying, gosh, he's such a good speaker.

And you would say, 'Yes, staff gives me notes, but I never use my notes,' I just go on.

But I do want to say that one thing that you always you shared with me is always try to incorporate a story or something personal when you speak to people.

And so that's something that I will always have with me.

And I just wanted to say thank you for your leadership.

You know, thank you for your family for supporting um you because I know sometimes we've been here long nights.

You have a lot of events that we have to attend.

And so I just want to just say thank you for your family, thank you for your leadership.

And I'm down the street from you, so I know where you live, so I need if I need anything, I know how to get a hold of you.

Thank you.

Councilmember White.

Thank you so much, Mayor Paneda.

Uh, thank you so much, Mayor Ken.

Uh just Ken, I mean.

Uh I really appreciate you um introducing me to council pretty much as soon as um I cleared the signatures.

You knew that I was going to be the next council member in the city of Avondale, and you um directed the city manager at the time, the interim city manager to include me on everything.

And that was the best ramp up that I've had in my entire life.

I've never had an onboarding um so meaningful, so impactful, so directed.

So by the time I came and sat on the dais the first time, I felt like I was acting in a fashion seamlessly from the prior person who helped this seat, Brian Kilgore.

You encouraged me to use my own opinion, come to each meeting open, and you ensured that we had an esprit de corps on council where we all really get along up here, and we have a really good time coming together.

I've never seen that in any other city government, and I have lived in the Midwest and outwest, and this is just a different type of government.

So I'm very proud of your accomplishments here.

I do have a gift.

Really, it's something that came from Ed Zurker's office.

I know Ed is in here, but I made it uh look a little different.

He might have stepped out for a moment.

But this is actually from um their team.

I saw Audra, and I I just want to share the legacy of transit with you.

So this is for you.

Um it was all the hard work through work on that leadership throughout the comments.

So you'll be right here at the same rather thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Garcia Mayor Weiss.

I didn't get the opportunity to serve with you, but I know that everyone around here speaks really highly of you.

Um, but I do look forward to serving with your wife.

And I know that um, as we're here, you have supported me throughout my journey and have given me wonderful advice as well as when to shut up.

So I appreciate I'm just kidding.

Um, one thing people say is everyone, the city of Avondale, you guys all get along.

Everyone gets along well.

Please, when you get on council, don't stir it up.

And I can't promise you, but I everyone has welcomed me with open arms, but I think that's because of the leadership that you have instilled in them, and that they have going forward and with the community of the employees and everyone is coming from you because you are you know the top.

So that trickled down, and I'm looking forward to everything.

But thank you so much for all that you have done for the city of Avigail.

Councilmember Malone.

Oh the gray hairs I've caused um the arguments we probably had in the Vic Center of uh open meeting laws and whatever else.

The honest conversations, and for you to tell me to just look a little different, listen it out, or make sure you have your own voice.

Um I I appreciate that, right?

Um there was a time I think we were on council, and I was like, there's not going to be no pond, lake, nothing on festival fields.

I'm absolutely no, no, no, no.

And he says, you really just need to listen to everything.

Everything.

Before you knew it, hey, there's a pond, a lake at Festival Fields.

It was just that opportunity you always told me just to listen and take a take a breather, make sure you listen to everybody.

And um, I appreciate that.

I appreciate the times that you said you're gonna get yourself in trouble.

So I think I might be giving my torch to Jeanette to get yourself into trouble, because I would always get myself into trouble.

And hopefully Mayor Pinetta is not going to have grey hair the way I caused Ken.

We shall see, right?

I don't know.

But I really appreciate you on the late phone calls when we were going through a very dark time in our city.

Um you listened to me.

Uh I listened to you, and we we just kind of sat there and we made the right decision, right?

At the right time.

We got our city back in um order.

Um, but we don't get our city back in order without a good leader.

And that you maneuvered us through the hard uh water.

So I appreciate that.

I appreciate your calm voice when I was stirring it up.

So um I know I'll see you around the city.

I know you'll do great things in the next uh journey.

You already are.

We'll take that NASCAR championship again this next following year, hopefully.

Um but thank you for your service.

Thank you, Sherry, for your service, right alongside uh Mayor Weiss and um your kids.

We really appreciate all of you all of the years that you served our city.

Look it's a beautiful city.

You done well, Mayor.

Thank you.

I wrote something down.

I know you never stick to speeches, but I will stick to this one.

So I actually met just Ken, because that's I just knew him as Ken uh over 14 years ago in the hospitality industry at a sales function.

He was Ken Weiss, who worked at the Wigwam.

That's how I knew him.

He quickly, when I found out, because uh Marie made the introduction, so she opened that door.

I quickly found out that he was on city council, he was the vice mayor then.

He was my go-to person for all things city related.

I would sometimes bother Marie, but mainly it was Ken.

No matter what time of day, Ken was always ready to answer the many questions I had.

As I became more involved in my philanthropic work with Avondale, Ken consistently encouraged me to do more.

He always made sure I was invited to the state of the city with my own invitation because my job didn't necessarily always pass along the invitation, so he made sure I had my own.

He would also also call me out while he was giving speeches.

I think it was to make sure I was paying attention.

I'll never forget when I was placed on the planning commission after I told him I wanted to be involved in some way, and he encouraged me to apply for boards and commissions.

I wasn't too thrilled initially because Mayor Weiss assured me that one day I would realize the value, and I sit here before you today, and I realize the value that comes with planning.

From Ken, I've learned the true power of community.

Many of you guys don't know this.

In 2020, I was furloughed from my hotel job.

While my hotel closed for almost four months, the new residence in had just opened next door.

I'll never forget the phone call that I got the second day after I was furloughed saying that a city manager and a mayor walked in and spoke about me so highly they wanted to know if they can hire me.

Never had they had a mayor and a city manager speak so highly of a resident who was looking for a job.

2020 was also a year that um I unfortunately caught COVID and was sick for almost three weeks.

Ken regularly checked in on my family and myself, asking how I was feeling, asking how everybody was doing, even went so far as to ask, you know, how's everything going?

I said, it's just getting worse.

I don't know what's gonna happen.

And he said, Do you need anything?

I said, all we could use was really a bottle of Advil because everyone in their family was sick.

That day, Ken went to CVS and picked up Advil, some Gatorade, and some cookies and dropped them off at my front door.

So just Ken, I want to thank you for being my community and for embodying the hospitality that we all strive to do in this industry.

Ken, we all know what you've accomplished in your service here.

I'd like to talk to you just a little bit about relationships.

My wife served on the council many years ago.

She would come home from these meetings and always tell me about how you were able to maneuver, conduct, and make these things so that they were effective and good.

I think the first question I asked you after I was elected was, what do I need to do to fill Sandy's shoes?

And you told me you don't need to walk in Sandy's shoes.

You need to use your own and move forward.

And I remembered that and tried to do that.

She said a good example, but now it's time for me, and it's time for us to walk in our own shoes.

You've always addressed us at this specific time, whether it's a form of requ of uh respect as a council member.

Or I even appreciate it as we all know as a first name.

For some reason, when you call person by the first name, you get their attention and they love and appreciate you because they know you know who they are, and I thank you for that as well.

The last thing I'd like to do is just maybe talk about a level of relationships.

You and I are work colleagues.

We see each other on occasion here and there.

You and I are friends.

That's a different level.

And we are able to communicate one back and forth with one another.

And Ken.

I look at you as a brother as well.

Not only as a familiar brother, but for all that you do for everyone and each and every one of us.

You stand as a big brother in this community, and you will continue to do so in whatever you do.

Please keep those relationships going.

And you and I and this congregation today, look at how he's structured his relationships with you and I and others.

And let's see if we can't do that, and that's the legacy we really want, not the legacy of all the little bronze signs and all the buildings and all the parks that are made.

It's the relationship that he has taught us one with another and how to do that.

Thank you, Ken, very much for who you are.

My turn.

So as I mentioned about Veronica earlier in regards to feeling comfortable, um, you know, as I mentioned, and in addition to that, about how it could be intimidating, uh, and working with uh the mayor of Avondale, and not really quite uh knowing where I would fit in as it relates to our dynamic, and over time realizing that you were just Ken, but that you were very knowledgeable, uh, you were a pillar of information, and from afar, it was just really impressive to see how you navigated relationships.

And relationships, whether it be with the family, whether it would be with the outside community, our residents, you just seem to have an easy way of navigating each and every one of those, and from afar, I it really impressed me.

What also impressed me as we moved later on through our relationship was the fact, and I don't know how many people know this, and I'm sure many do, is that in the time that you were helping to run a city, that you also embarked on your educational journey.

And that's not easy.

That's not easy for somebody who has nothing but time, and essentially, I mean, especially for somebody who has very little time with the family, with the city involvement, but you put your education first, it was paramount.

And I really found that impressive because I know how hard it is to be an adult learner, and more importantly, after surviving those four years and just being so happy with yourself and proud that you were achieving that ultimate goal that many people may or may not have known that you were looking to achieve.

It really set yourself apart, and I could see for the first time how from afar I saw you growing as a person as opposed to watching myself growing as a member of this council.

And I felt proud.

I felt proud because at the end, just knowing that you were gonna have that piece of paper and that you were gonna be able to celebrate, it made me proud.

And to know that as you embarked on this journey of educational leadership, you're a professor yourself now.

I mean, that's quite the transition, and that just demonstrates again your commitment not only to lifelong learning, um, but just your nature of being inquisitive.

I don't know how many of you know, but you know, uh Mayor Weiss, you're still my mayor.

Mayor Weiss is just a tenacious uh reader, but more importantly, just a receptacle of information.

And that also impressed me because where I would take something and synthesize it, you knew the ins and outs of it.

You would study it from backwards to forwards.

And I knew that if I had a question that you were gonna be able to answer it, and I would take it at your word because I knew just how much it meant to you to get to the root of whatever was being covered.

So again, as we move forward, I found you to not only be a friend and a colleague, but a mentor.

Um I'm really really proud of you.

The new position that you've earned as a result of your hard work, relationship, your education, it's all come together for you at this moment.

And I just I'm very happy that I was along for the ride.

What others may not know is that some leaders take everything in.

It's them, they become the pillar, the leader.

But what was great and so beneficial from Mayor Weiss is that he spread the love.

And if there's anything that I hope that as the new mayor of Avondale that I can share with the rest of the council, is that exact thing is that everybody here has their moment, has their skill set, their experience, and should be put forward for that reason.

And every one of us either sits on a committee, served on some form of or within an organization as a result of either what you've shared, or because you've given us that nudge.

So I really appreciate that so much.

And to the family, Lauren Delaney, Sherry, again, thank you so much.

All the conversations, the welcoming to your home, knowing what you guys have put up with this guy.

I mean, as you see this.

But you mean that in a good way, though, right?

You see this picture, but I want to point out that he showed up tonight on a turtleneck and golf pants.

And he pulled it off.

So I'm not quite sure what happened over a short period of time.

That's fine.

But the guy's amazing.

Uh so uh, you know, I shared with some of the staff when we first had our first meetings when I was appointed, and I said that you know, the one thing that you can count on is that I'm the ask for permission guy.

I'm not the ask-for-forgiveness guy like this one.

So you keep him go to sleep a little easier uh and rest assured that you're not gonna get uh that phone call.

Uh but in all seriousness, uh Ken, Mayor Weiss, I just thank you for everything, your friendship, your leadership, everything you've done to get us to where we are today.

And if I can only be half the mayor that you were, then I know that I've succeeded.

And so thank you so much.

I I appreciate it.

Thank you to the family again and the residents of Avondale and all of us have benefited from you directly.

So thank you so much.

I'm not walking.

Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council, thank you so much.

Um, I appreciate you clarifying that last statement.

Uh, but always it always is always forgiveness over permission.

It has been the motto of my life, and it's worked really well for 59 years.

Uh you've heard about my family.

You've you've all you all know my family, but put this into perspective.

Uh Lauren was 11 years old when I got on council.

Lauren.

Delaney was nine years old when I got on council.

And in that time, we've gained a son-in-law for all those who don't know.

This is Tanner.

Don't say mine.

Come here.

It has been an incredible journey for our family.

Um, Avondale was a city.

I fell in love with it.

You've heard the story.

Avondale reminded me of the city that I grew up in, Oaklawn, Illinois.

And it was a family town.

It was an area that we felt safe, that I grew up and everyone knew one another, and it was an incredibly special community.

When I came to Avondale in 97, Avendale felt that way.

You've also heard in the past about my journey, how I got on council, but I want I do want to recognize some dignitaries in the office who came in after.

Uh Supervisor Clint Hickman is with us tonight.

Mayor Eric Orsborn and his wife Tina from the city of Buckeye.

Betsy Hartgrove.

Superintendent.

I saw Roger Freeman somewhere, didn't he?

He leave.

Okay.

Um there's there's one person, and then there's a name that comes up all the time when we go through budget and everything, and it's the Wolf Reclamation Facility.

So we talk about my journey in 2006.

We had a group of friends that we hung out at the time, and we get together a Friday and Saturday night for beer and steaks or beer and burgers.

And one of those people is uh was Chuck Wolf.

And Chuck encouraged me to get on to the uh charter review committee at the time that was looking at term limits for the city of Avondale.

And that was my first bite of the Apple that was Avondale.

And then when Ron Drake stepped down and council was picking a new mayor and chose Marie.

Um Chuck being was the vice mayor and became mayor for 14 days.

And like brought the city together and brought the council together through some unchartered water waters.

Chuck was the one who kind of just said at that time, why don't you run for city council or put your name in for city council?

And I interviewed, and there was, I think, ten or twelve people who were there.

And the c I was lucky enough to be selected.

But I wanted you to meet uh the person or at least see the face of the person who got me started with the city of Avondale, who at the time had the love for the city of Avenue that I have.

Chuck Wolf.

When we talk about lifelong friendships, and you all are friends, and we've become friends.

Friendships that last 20 years that started in this building and those seats, and that love and that appreciation for the city that we call home.

So you've heard me say this all before, but thank you to all of you.

Um thank you for the friendship.

Thank you for those honest conversations.

I know Ronica and I joke about that.

Um, but there have been incre there's been incredible work done in this council for many council members, uh, past and present, and your service is you do you do what 99.9% of the public doesn't do, won't do, can't do.

You dedicate yourself to your community to make it better, and that's incredibly special to the Avondale team.

Um I know Nicole talked about three city managers.

I've been through twelve different city councils, six city managers in nineteen years.

Um that's a lot of dancing, that's a lot of stepping, that's a lot of learning on the fly.

And uh the staff has always been the thing that has held the city together.

When you look at some of our employees who have been here 10, 15, 20, 30, 35 years.

I know a brill's been here.

Uh Brill, how long have you been here?

Where's our brill?

I think.

How many years?

31 years.

You have Chief Espinoza who's been here almost three decades.

That's incredible.

Um, and it's the staff and the team that keeps us together, makes us look good, makes you look good, but keeps our residents um feeling safe and and cared for and uh that's really important.

So I appreciate tonight.

Thank you for everyone.

Thank you for everyone for being here, my friends.

Um appreciate it.

And uh we're gonna meet at Perry's after this.

I'm not buying the first round of beers, but we're meeting at Perry's after if you all want to go.

So we'll see you later on, everyone.

Thank you very much.

Oh, okay.

Um if council would like to join me down for a picture, but also before that, if we could have uh members of leadership, um Barbara, Craig, Nicole, Memo, Larry, and Ron, if you guys wouldn't mind also taking a picture.

We missed that that moment uh uh a while ago, so if you guys wouldn't mind coming up and taking a photo in council if you wouldn't mind joining me down there as well.

What are we doing here?

Okay.

Oh yeah, like ways.

Oh, he's right.

Yeah, come up with it.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you so much for everything, okay?

Oh.

Yeah, yeah, he's got a few.

He was sitting at the back.

Or he might be in the lobby, but he's wearing a pink shirt.

Yeah, but he was sitting in the farm.

I miss her already.

Oh, good.

Okay, should we help you?

I need to meet like that.

Oh, okay.

So that's gonna be my first one.

Oh no, no, sorry.

From the um the grocer's organization.

I I'll I'm gonna give you some kind of Cynthia.

Okay.

How are you?

Well, thank you so much.

Yeah, we're we're we gotta move yet.

We're not done.

She's gotta get to her party.

All right, council we can come back to the day.

And then we left early, like right after you left.

We had some at my house.

Like we had people over for Christmas.

Okay.

Next item.

Item number five, summary of current events.

Council, is there anything that you would like to share?

Okay.

Councilmember Garcia.

Um, so I did a lot this past week.

Um, but I wanted specific is Nicole here.

Okay.

Is she here?

She just ran out of the room.

Well, this is for her and Ron.

So I did the the training at National League the City um things.

Everything that I learned there, Nicole and Ron taught me before I went.

When they were going through the law and they were going through policies and stuff, I was like, oh, Ron and Nicole taught me this already.

I already know.

So whenever you know, I had smart ass comment, I knew the answer.

So thank you so much for preparing me.

And you know, not that that training's not necessary, but you did the job.

So thank you so much for your leadership in that.

Um and then I did all of the uh Saturday was such an um a humbling day.

I did shop with the cop.

I went to Pepe's um Westside Recreational Um holiday party as well as the Cash In for Love holiday party, and seeing this community show up for these kids was just I couldn't stop crying all day.

So thank you for everyone that was involved in all of those things.

Thank you, Councilmember Garcia.

Anyone else?

Yes, I didn't know.

Councilmember Malone.

Um I was able to drive the big old uh new truck that we have.

What is it?

The big uh truck.

Oh, you don't know, but where's Chief at?

Thank you, Chief.

The tactical truck, thank you.

It was really nice.

It rides beautiful.

She drove in it.

Uh yeah, I drove it.

I drove in it.

It's beautiful.

And it was great.

I love shop with the cop.

I love being with uh the fire department, um, filling the boot and uh doing Christmas for our kids.

And I just want to say thank you guys again.

Thank you.

Um I'm gonna miss you guys, but uh don't worry, I'm a phone call away, a text away, and I will be texting all of you guys.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Any other council members have anything?

Nope.

Okay, then with that, I'd like to research recess, sorry, into executive session.

Do we need a vote or are we just yes, we do need a vote?

I got a motion, sorry.

Got a motion for council member white and council member Solario.

We can all vote.

Okay, let's recess into e-session.

And for those who are listening online, City Council will be back after executive session.

We good to go.

Okay, everybody ready?

Yes.

Okay, item number seven termination agreement.

Um I don't believe we need a presentation, but can I get a motion?

Sorry, there's a lot of things.

I'm so sorry.

Uh we got a motion from Councilmember Malone, a second from Councilmember Garcia.

Can we please vote?

Okay, item passes.

Next item is adjourned.

Can I get a motion for that?

Oh my goodness.

You guys are so fast.

I'm I'm sorry, everybody.

Huh?

Okay.

Item passes.

We are now officially adjourned.

Merry Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas.