I'd like to call the regular meeting of Monday, April 8th, 2024 to order.

Would you all please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance?

I would also ask you to keeping your thoughts and prayers.

It has been a rough couple weeks for law enforcement across the United States.

I would ask you to keep those men and women in your thoughts and prayers as we move forward with the meeting.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

Thank you.

Under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you all.

Marcella, do you mind doing roll call?

Councilmember Conde.

Councilmember Malone.

Councilmember Nielsen.

Councilmember Solario.

Councilmember White.

Vice Mayor Paneda.

Mayor Weiss.

Here.

Ron, item number two, please.

I understand there's gonna be staff presentations on each one of these.

Mr.

Mayor, that is correct.

Uh first we're going to um do new employee introductions, and we're starting with the court.

Think a brill.

Oh, and the judge.

We're honored.

Thank you for laughing, sir.

Yeah, thank you.

Uh good evening, Mayor, uh, Vice Mayor and Council.

Uh Brill and I are pleased to be here tonight with Michaela Machuka.

And you may remember when we came forward when she was a new employee.

Um, she's been with us just a year and a half, but was recently promoted.

She's gonna be our photo radar specialist at the court, the new position that we were fortunate to get to receive that funding from from the council to help implement the uh program that the police department's gonna be doing.

So Michaela put in for it.

She was successful, even though she's only been with us a year and a half.

She has her bachelor's and her master's uh degrees.

ASU.

Yeah.

Um from ASU.

From where, judge from where?

From ASU.

They're from ASU.

Um another fun fact about Michaela is that her father is a longtime employee with public works.

And her sister is employed at the police department, so she is Avondale family all through.

Awesome.

So we're very fortunate uh that she's with us and part of our team and got this promotion.

But Michaela, I say this in the best possible way.

I hope you are incredibly busy for the first six months.

Yes, of course.

You excited about this?

I am, yes, very excited.

Congratulations on the promotion.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Next up, we have Keith from Finance.

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council.

Uh, unfortunately, Cindy is not able to be here today, but I'd like to welcome Cindy Hawk to the city.

She is a senior buyer.

She recently came from the city of Glendale, and then previous to that, she was within the state procurement office, and then previous to that with the city of Surprise.

Uh, she joined us just in time to enter our March Madness No Money Pool within finance and budget, and it looks like she's going to win it.

So we welcome her, even though she beat us in in the March Madness.

Thank you, man.

Appreciate you.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

That's awesome.

Next up, we have Corey, our assistant uh Parks and Rec and Library and Arts and Culture and all those other things.

Assistant director.

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of the council.

Uh the Parks Recreation team continues to grow uh extensively, and we are excited to share a short video to introduce you to some of our new staff.

Hello, my name is Carlos Acunia.

I'm a library assistant at San Garcia.

And my first day of work was March 18th.

Um in my spare time, I enjoy watching scary movies and reading.

I'm a library page at San Garcia Library.

My third date was February 5th, and my hobby is painting.

Uh my name is Yuri Ocarrillo.

Uh I was in a discounted work on the streets of the parts of recreation.

Uh I started March 4th of 2024.

I'm happy to be here.

Uh one of my favorite things to do outside of work is gym sign.

Gym time and playing basketball on Sunday with my friends.

Uh my name is Timothy Jeffrey.

I'm a park maintenance worker at Festival Fields.

Um, I started on January to 8th.

And you know, getting more opportunities, meeting new people, and be able to show my skill set as I've been working with this profession for over 10 years.

Hi, my name's Noah Fector.

I'm gonna be a lead lifeguard here at the Avondale Aquatic Center.

My first day was March 18th.

And my favorite hobby, I would say, is reading.

Hi, I'm Fallon Thompson.

I am the pool manager for the new Avondale Aquatic Center.

Um my first day was April 1st, and my hobby is I love to swim.

Yeah.

She's she's definitely gonna be in the right place.

We uh snagged Fallon from Goodyear, so we're pretty excited about that.

Um then a special shout out to our aquatics division, but also our HDR department.

We've onboarded so far 35 new lifeguards to date.

Lots of policy revisions and hard work behind getting this team together, and we have 25 more in training right now.

So we're almost there.

Thank you.

All right, now we have Andy, our director of uh human resources.

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor and Council.

Um, it's my privilege to introduce our the newest member of our HR team, Elvia Echeveria.

Uh Elvia joined HR as a senior HR analyst on March 4th with her primary responsibility supporting employee relations and compensation.

For over 18 years, Elvia has worked as a human resources professional in the areas of civil rights compliance and enforcement, employee relations, policy writing and interpretation, and managing ADA programs.

Elvia has dedicated her entire career to public service, working for large municipal governments like the city of Phoenix, and most recently the Maricopa Community Colleges District.

Elvia has an MBA and she's earned her certified public manager and management and leadership institute certificates from ASU's Bob Ramsey College of Public Programs.

Um, and she's very passionate about her work and ensuring that there's access to equity and inclusion and employment, education, and various other programs.

On a personal note, Elvia enjoys spending time with her family and friends traveling, and she's a fanatic of all Arizona sports teams.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Mr.

Mayor, if I can just point out the obvious.

Um, he finally hired someone that wasn't from the sheriff's office.

So I'm pretty sure.

That was my question because he didn't say where she came from, so yes.

Kirk.

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor and Council.

I'm pleased to introduce Gustavo Garcia.

He's the city's new pavement program manager.

Just joined the city about eight weeks to go, and he hit the ground running.

Um already getting to work on our current preservation program for this fiscal year and making plans for next year and the year after that.

So got to work right away.

He came to us from the city of Surprise, and he brings a lot of experience in pavement preservation and street maintenance.

Uh career spanning over 13 years, seven of it dedicated to pavement preservation programs.

Gus holds an MBA in business administration and commits himself to continuing education in the ever-evolving field of technology and pavement maintenance.

So please welcome Gus.

So, Gus, how long were you at Surprise?

13 years.

Okay.

So, what made you make the change?

Uh opportunity to help some neighboring city.

And doing what I love to do.

Well, we look forward to uh you doing what you love to do too.

So, welcome aboard.

Thank you, sir.

And as usual, we have a number of new staff who are already at home and getting prepared for tomorrow, so we do have a video of those folks that uh so they can introduce themselves.

My name is Anthony Parkinson I'm a water distribution operator.

I like about here the ones helpful.

So welcome.

It's all just a fun job.

Uh my name is Dorian Current.

Uh I am with Solid Waf.

One thing I like about working here is uh everybody is welcoming.

My name's Ryan Scott.

I'm a utility electrician.

I've been here with the city of Avondale for about a month now, and I look forward to continuing my career and learning more about the water facilities here with the city of Avondale.

Uh my name is Israel Vasquez.

I'm a new hire.

My title is water distribution operator.

And my favorite thing about the city so far is everyone's very welcoming and hi.

My name is Eddie Osuna.

I'm with uh public waves, and I have about a month here that I started.

And one thing I like about here is friendly staff.

Supervisors are really nice, really uh flexible, understanding, and equipment is newer, and hours are great.

Um there's local things here.

Great job.

Um, my name is Davis Bubnik.

Um I'm on the streets division in the public works department.

I have been here for a couple months now.

Um one thing that I like about the city of Avondale is how uh how many new tools that we have.

Uh I came from the city of Walla Walla.

We didn't have a whole lot of new tools, and all of our trucks were really beat up.

And we don't have a separation of vehicles and tools too, so everything you go right together.

Um, I like how friendly people are here too, and the leads actually communicate with you here, they tell you what your tasks are for the day, and they actually get in there and they work with you.

Um, most of the leads I used to work with.

Didn't even get in there, and it's actually kind of surprising.

I didn't know my supervisor up in Walla Walla either, so it's pretty nice.

I get to know my supervisor here too.

Everybody's super friendly.

Um that's what I like about it here.

All the good though.

All right, thank you.

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor and Council.

As always, it is my pleasure to introduce you to new employees.

As you can tell, we have a large group of employees here today.

So if I can take a second to thank our hiring team led by Olivia Contreras and our HR partners, led by Andy Miscus.

Miskita, sorry, not Miscus.

Miskita.

Uh, at this time I'm gonna ask our new employees if they can come up to the podium, state their name, let us know where uh they call home and why they chose Avondale.

Good evening.

Uh my name is Davian Campbell.

I'm originally from Jamaica.

Uh I live in Avindale now, so I call Avondale home.

Uh why I chose Avindale is my my daughter.

Um, she goes to school here, and my family lives here.

And what a what a better place to serve than the community that I live in.

Thank you.

Good evening.

Uh, my name is Jessica Fernandez.

Um, North Phoenix is where I call home.

And I chose Avondale because the recruitment officers that I met during my hiring process were very encouraging and kind to me.

Um, and it made me excited to be a part of their team.

Good evening, evening everyone.

Uh, my name is Marcus Strecker.

Um place I call home is um I'd have to say I know it sounds cliche, but anywhere my family is.

Um I was also thinking of saying like anywhere the beach is just I love the beach, but um anywhere my family is.

Um as far as why I chose Avondale, I'd have to say one of the things that when you go to their website, uh they have their recruitment video.

Uh one of the big things they highlight is how family oriented everyone is.

Um, and as soon as the first day that I came into the building, um that was true from the chief all the way down to the um to the sergeants, just how how family-oriented and personable everyone is.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good evening, everyone.

I'm uh Caden Walsh.

Uh I call home uh San Diego.

I was born and raised there.

I moved out here.

I call Phoenix home now for about a year and a half.

Uh I chose Avondale because I used to work at the Marshall's uh right here in Avondale.

Um I did loss prevention for them, so I used to call the officers uh a lot.

And uh so through that I was able to build a lot of good relationships, uh see how they work, uh, how family is big to them, and uh they were able to do some good recruitment and pull me from there, and so now I'm here and I'm more than happy to be here.

Glad you're here, man.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good evening, everyone.

My name is Astosh Murdy.

Um originally from San Francisco, California, that's where I call home.

Been living there for 23 years and moved out to Arizona about five years ago.

Um, the reason why I chose Avondale was it's a growing department, and I want to be part of that growth.

I know it's family oriented, so it'd be nice to be in the department where everyone's included.

I have an important question for you, ready?

Sir.

Are you still a 49ers fan or you're definitely a cartoon?

Definitely am.

All right.

Well, we'll talk later, okay?

Good evening.

My name is Lucas Connors.

And home to me is wherever it feels like family, wherever family's at.

And that was why I chose Avondale.

Uh coming here, meeting everybody.

It was welcoming.

It felt like family, and it felt right.

Um meeting the chief, all the chiefs, down to the sergeants, down to the officers.

Everybody was welcoming, and the city is growing and just excited to be here.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good evening, everybody.

Uh my name is Roberto Adame.

I grew up on the west side of uh Phoenix, Arizona, off of 75th Avenue in McDowell.

So uh growing up, I've always looked up to the officers uh in Phoenix and anywhere, you know, in Avondale and Tallison.

Um so I think I call Arizona my home.

Um I served in the military in the United States Marine Corps, and I was away from Arizona.

I missed it.

Uh one of my best friends worked for this department.

Uh his name is Alex Amaya.

So he really uh inspired me to become a police officer with the city of Avondale.

We're glad you're here.

Thank you for your service, sir.

Thank you.

Good evening, everyone.

My name is Dale Wyman.

Um I call Avondale my home.

I live just a mile or two from here, so been living here for about three years now.

Before that, I was over in Glendale.

Um I think the reason that I chose Avondale, so Avondale was the first place that I applied.

Um it was it was actually really awesome meeting everyone throughout the whole process.

Everyone was super nice, super friendly, and welcoming.

So I decided to put all my eggs in one basket, and it ended up working out, so I'm happy to be here.

What did you do before you uh applied to uh what'd you do when you lived in Glendale?

Uh I sold cars.

All right, and thank you for being here.

I appreciate you being able to.

Thank you.

Appreciate it.

Good evening, everyone.

My name is Alfonso Nusa Ramonetti, and I've been working here for two years in the city of Avondale.

I'm originated from San Diego, California as well.

When I moved here in Avondale for two years, it felt like home.

I was hired as a security uh municipal security.

Again, everybody treat me with respect, family oriented, and I wouldn't exceed my uh my knowledge, and I apply for uh police officer.

And again, thank you to Chief Memo and the hiring staff for all the help and the welcoming.

Thank you for staying with us.

Appreciate that.

Thank you very much.

Yeah.

Good afternoon.

My name is Sauce Avila, and uh the place where I call home is probably Avondale, because I'm here all the time.

I go to the gym.

It's in Avondale.

I go out to it's in Avondale, so it's basically my home.

Um the reason I chose Avondale was my first job once I turned 18 was Avondale.

I used to work as a park rank, and then um I moved up as a got some fans behind you today.

And then I went to go do park specialist, and then from there I started talking to the park ranger and went to become a park ranger, and from there I wanted to become an officer and made the move once I turned 21, and that's why I chose Avondale because my very first job was with Avondale, and I've been through a decent amount of departments, and everyone has been very welcoming.

And I mean, it's been like family here, so that's why I chose Avondale.

That's awesome, man.

Thank you.

Appreciate that.

Sir, good evening.

My name is Albert Escobito.

Um, I live in the city of Goodyear, so that's where I call home.

I've been with uh the department for over seven years, transitioning from a park ranger to a community service officer.

And the reason why I chose that is because I love it here, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to promote within the city of Avondale.

Thank you so much.

Appreciate you.

Mr.

Mayor, esteemed council members, thank you.

My uh name is Don Douglas.

I may not look like a new employee, but I promise you I am.

Um my wife and I decided to uh call the Avondale area our home.

Um live uh Stones Throwaway in a county island area of Glendale over the summer, and so uh neither one of us were done working.

Uh so I started applying uh at lots of places in this area, and uh happy to say that uh Avondale took a chance on me and and hired me, and I cannot praise our administration at the police department and uh the city uh enough for just their kindness and professionalism and giving me the opportunity.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Hello, my name is Mariah Bosta.

Um I used to work at Parks and Rex too um as a maintenance worker.

And then thank you.

I grew up in Avondale, I went to Agrafria High School, went to my guandos in middle school, so I feel like Avondale is my home.

So um since I've been here, everybody has shown that family oriented.

So uh it's only right to work for the city of Avon.

Thank you so much for that.

That's great.

Thank you.

Good afternoon.

I'm Amber Monarez.

I oh I call Avondale home.

Uh we live in Harbor Shore, so we're actually local.

And I came from NCSO, so I can I can personally say that Avondale is definitely very uh family oriented, and that was my biggest thing is that I wanted to be in a place that like they actually I people say my first name rather than just a number, and I'm greatly appreciative of what City of Avondale has changed for me.

Thank you for being with us.

That's great.

So evening my name is Patricia Beta Young.

Um I call home Stafford, Arizona.

Uh my parents still live there, so it's always good to go home and have a home cooked meal waiting for me when I get there after a three-hour drive.

And the reason why I came uh to Avondale from surprise is uh one of my good friends told me you won't regret it, you need to apply because they are a family, they will treat you good, and I'm so glad to be here.

Thank you.

Well, you and Councilman Malone have something in common.

You're gonna have to talk about home cooked meals.

So, my name's Amanda Beachum.

Um, I'm originally from Alabama.

Um, and I chose Avondale because it really does feel like a family.

That's great, thank you.

Oh just give up my screen.

Hello, my name is Destiny Roses.

I call surprise home, and I chose Avondale because I was ready to advance my career as a dispatcher from a college to a city.

Which college?

GCU.

Yeah.

No lopes up.

I'm gonna loop down.

We're not good, we're good.

So you're so you're a dispatcher with us now?

Or how long have you been on the job?

Uh two months.

You like it?

Yeah, love it.

Awesome.

Thanks for being here.

Of course, thank you.

Mr.

Mayor, if I can interrupt the chief, and I apologize, Chief, and and uh if Nicole pokes me, I'll stop talking.

But um, this is an opportune time to remind um our council and the community that for sworn officers we are fully staffed for the first time in many, many years.

I think 2012 was the last time that it happened.

And uh some things played that to get these cards to happen.

The first is your leadership and your direction over the last two years in adding resources as a council and making it a priority to keep our community safe.

So I personally want to publicly thank this council for caring about our community and putting your money where your mouth is and supporting our police officers, our men and women in blue.

So thank you for that.

I appreciate it greatly.

And then I would like to uh thank uh Chief Espinoza and his leadership team for creating the environment you heard so much about tonight, Andy and Janet and the recruitment team um for the work that they have done in making this a priority.

We have a lot of work left to do, um, but I just wanted to publicly thank the chief, Andy, Janet, uh, Lieutenant, all of you all for the work you guys have done in making this uh a reality.

So thank you, Council, thank you, staff.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Council.

Okay, Pasparaza, I think you have one more staff member to your left.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Now we're gonna ask you a lot of questions.

Now here's the President.

It's all good.

Um, good evening, everyone.

My name is Jocelyn Corona, and back in 2022, I was a VIPS volunteer.

So um I got to see different things.

So I went on a write-along, um, helped down property and evidence, things like that.

And so I really saw how friendly and family oriented the environment was in the PD.

And so I realized why not give it a shot and grow further in my career within the Avenue community.

So, what did you so you were a VIPS volunteer for two years before you applied?

So it was for four months back in my senior year at GCU.

Okay.

All right.

And did you have a degree from GCU?

Yes, bachelor's bachelor's in what?

Good deal.

Thank you for being here.

Thanks for staying with us.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Council.

Thanks, Chief.

Ron Item 2 B.

Thank you.

Um I'm gonna invite Andy back up, our director of human resources, and let him introduce the uh next speaker, but it's the month of the military child.

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

It's my privilege to introduce tonight's proclamation for Month of the Military Child.

April is designated as month of the military child, a time to honor the sacrifices made by military families worldwide, with an emphasis on the experience of the dependent children of military members serving at home and overseas.

This special celebration of military children was established in 1986 by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger.

Weinberger was a World War II veteran and father of two who realized the unique sacrifices and challenges that military children faced as a result of their parent or parents' military service.

It's estimated that there are more than 1.6 million military children who face many challenges and unique experiences as a result of their parents' service, such as extended separations, deployments, frequent moves, and even the injuries their parents may sustain as a result of combat.

This month is created to bring awareness to the needs of military children in all areas.

At this time, I'd like to introduce Avondale Police Officer Matt O'Holleran, who is currently active with the U.S.

Army.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mike.

Good evening, Mr.

Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council members, and city staff.

I am Sergeant Major Matt O'Halloran, United States Army, Arizona Army National Guard, and as Andy mentioned, I'm also the police officer here in the City of Avondale.

I've served the Army for 31 years, the City of Avondale for 19 years, and let's just face it, I like jobs where they tell me what to wear.

Makes makes wardrobe choices a lot easier.

In my military service, I've had the honor to deploy four times, twice of those times as a father.

For me, deployment's pretty easy.

For my kids and my wife, the burden and challenges are a lot more difficult.

Last time the deployment I told my son, you're the man of the house.

And I didn't know how real that really was.

My boy had to take on challenges like uh maintenance, cleaning the air filters, mowing the backyard, even changing his mom's oil.

Uh at the time when I deployed, he was 12 years old.

He was five foot nine, three inches shorter than me when I came home nine months later.

I was literally looking at my son eye to eye.

Um my children bear those challenges, and my wife grew up knowing those challenges.

She herself is a military child.

Her father served the U.S.

Army for 20 years.

People tell me uh for the last 20 plus years, they've told me thank you for your service.

Um I'd like to change that narrative a little bit and thank my wife and my children for their sacrifice.

Mr.

Mayor and Council, I'd like to introduce my wife Amanda O'Halloran, my son Michael, my daughter Madison, and the young gentleman in between is my daughter's boyfriend Damon, who is in the process of enlisting in the Arizona Army National Guard himself.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Matt, thank you.

I have the honor of reading this proclamation tonight.

Whereas since 1986, the Department of Defense has recognized military children during the month of April because of their service, commitment, and sacrifice to supporting the military's mission.

It is important to honor and celebrate our military's youngest heroes.

And whereas the month of the military child is an opportunity to remember children's roles in strengthening the military family.

This year's theme is military child, brave, fearless, and resilient.

And whereas the theme recognizes that strong and resilient military children are essential to the success of the military's mission.

And whereas living in different states, countries, and continents, military children face unique challenges that most youth their age do not experience.

They are equipped to adapt to present and future changes, such as permanent changes of station, deployments, reintegration, care of their wounded warrior parent parent or coping with the loss of a fallen parent.

Through each new step in life, they always remain ready and resilient.

And whereas the month of the military child reaffirms our commitment to ensuring excellence in schools, child care, and youth services to military children who face unique challenges that other children their age never experience.

And whereas the Avondale City Council is thankful for the positivity and enthusiasm of military children.

The life of a military child is a blend of unique adventures and challenges.

It is important to celebrate and recognize our City of Avondale employees who have served our nation while also being a parent that is serving.

Now, therefore, I, Kenneth Weiss, by virtue of the authority vested in me as the mayor of the City of Avondale, Arizona, do hereby proclaim April 2024 as the month of the military child and call upon all residents of the City of Avondale to celebrate the challenges and triumphs of our military connected children, these amazing children selflessly sacrificed for our country and are brave, proud, and strong.

In addition to this, if you notice around the room, there's many of us wearing purple.

And I kind of want to highlight that right now, if you don't mind.

Purple Up Day is a special day of recognition for military children that is observed on April 15th.

On this day, all are encouraged to wear the color purple as a symbol of support for military kids and their families.

The color purple was chosen as it is a combination of the colors of all branches of the military.

Purple update serves to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by military children, including frequent moves, deployments, and separations from their loved ones.

It also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of military kids who often face challenges that are not experienced by their civilian peers.

I encourage all Avondale residents and employees to wear purple on Monday, April 15th, to show their appreciation and support for these brave young people and to recognize their service and sacrifices for our country.

Matt, and you and I have had several conversations about this, and um we would probably be proud of you and your family.

I know how much you love your kids, and I finally get to see the superstar athlete in the room, so that's great to see.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

And we will do photos after a couple more proclamations for everybody in the room.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Now we're on to National Library Week.

Our librarians.

She is the Sam Garcia branch manager.

Back there is Denise Thurman.

She is the Civic Center branch manager, and we have a wide variety of staff.

So many staff came to visit, which is fantastic.

You also can you all stand up, please?

Yes.

Where's the library card?

So yeah, we encourage everyone to get a library card if you don't have one and to come and check us out.

And Jamie's gonna tell you about the fabulous stuff that we did over the past year in 2023.

This library is really fantastic, I have to say, because I've worked in a lot of libraries, and I came from some really broken ones, and this one is just really doing great.

Has I mean we're gonna make it better, of course, because we always want to make everything better, but really there's not much to improve on.

There's really this library is fantastic.

Sounds good, thank you.

I'll bring this guy up a little bit.

We brought some library card applications if anyone needs to sign up.

Hey, raise your hand if you need a library card.

Yeah, okay.

Can we just pass those out?

Could you feel free?

Mayor, vice mayor, council members, thank you for your time.

I'm Jamie Thompson, librarian three branch manager at Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library.

And I'm here to tell you about how Avondale Public Library has been making lives better.

In 2023, we had over a hundred thousand visits to our two branches, Civic Summer Center and Sam Garcia.

We signed up over 4,000 new library cards.

The picture that you see here is representative of our library card sign-up initiative that took place in September, which is Library Card National Library Card Sign Up Month.

We had over 12,000 computer sessions.

Besides offering printing for a nominal fee, we also offer scanning and faxing for free.

And we circulated over a million resources.

That includes physical resources such as books, DVDs, magazines, seeds, and our beyond book collection, which holds things like exercise equipment and STEM kits, as well as digital resources such as ebooks, e audiobooks, and streaming movies, music, and television.

You may have seen us out in the community.

We are at over 27 outreach events in 2023 and connected with over 3,000 patrons.

When we're at these events, we do things like sign people up for library cards, talk to them about the resources that Avondale Public Library has to offer.

And we often bring an activity or craft for the community to participate in.

Something that Avondell excels at is programming.

We had over a thousand programs with 32,000 in attendance.

Some of the pictures here represent those events, such as Teddy Bear Picnic, Dr.

Seuss's birthday at Sam Garcia, and Spook Fest at Civic Center.

In June 2023, we went fine-free and eliminated overdue fines.

Civic Center created a new team room, and we debuted the seed library.

But we're not we got more going on.

We've been very busy in 2024.

Sam Garcia Library is currently being renovated.

We're getting a new paint coat of paint, some new furniture, and our outside um active activity areas being renovated.

Both libraries took part in an inventory and reclamation project.

We debuted two reading programs, reading dragons and the in and out cover-to-cover reading program.

We joined the Max InReach Initiative, which shares resources with 13 other library systems across Maricopa County.

Sam Garcia Library started hosting ESOL classes, English for speakers of other languages in January.

And we expanded large all ages programs at both branches, such as Sam Garcia's 15th birthday, Superball at Civic Center, and Barbie Doll at Civic Center.

We also created new partnerships and had community experience story times, such as the donut story time at Christmas Cream and our race care story time with Frankie Munes.

We have some upcoming events we'd like to tell you about.

On April 20th, we have the bigger and expanded Steam Fest at Civic Center Library.

And May 4th, Sam Garcia Library will be hosting Kermes in El Biblioteca as part of the Avendale Fiesta.

On May 14th, Sam Garcia will start in-person GED classes.

And at June 1st, we will be kicking off our summer reading program at the Phoenix Raceway.

Do you have any questions for me?

As a librarian, I have lots of answers.

That's a lot.

I I will tell you that libraries provide such an important resource for kids.

Sometimes kids have no idea where else to go.

And they go to the library and they feel safe.

They feel that that's a place that they can kind of escape and get into books and do whatever else they're going to do there.

And that's incredibly important.

And that hasn't changed with libraries for decades.

It's where I can remember growing up, and when I went and went when I wanted a place to go, my friends would go to the park and play baseball, and I would ride my bike to the Oak Lawn Library, and I would spend hours at the library in a back corner reading a book or a magazine or doing something.

But that's kind of where I felt at home and I felt comfortable.

And you have kids today who feel the same way.

And I'm guessing, especially at Sam Garcia.

Um so thank you for everything that you do.

Thank you for being a smiling face to the community.

Um I'm looking at the numbers, and the numbers are incredible.

I'm really happy that we're fine uh we're fine-free.

That's so important, especially for our residents who we shouldn't be punishing residents for for that kind of thing.

So thank you.

Any questions from council on this?

Max.

I invite you to read the proclamation.

Oh, I will, I will, and then we're gonna take a picture after.

Well, after after.

Oh, okay.

I didn't forget.

I think I have more of a comment.

Thank you so much, Matthew, for the awesome presentation.

My first um paid job outside of working for my dad's small business was at the Cleveland Heights University Heights Public Library as a page.

And when I got the promotion of periodical page, boy, I felt like I was running things.

So I did, I did.

And that was my I I had to do some research too when I got benefits because that was my first government job.

I didn't realize it.

So having spent years there and just spent hours at the library, I still love to sneak into the library here at Civic Center and just go sit down for a moment.

And my husband and son are there, I think religiously once a week, and so we just really appreciate the services that you provide to the community and the spaces for us to just grow and learn information, and it's really a big benefit being fee-free and having over a million items circulated.

I didn't hear you talk about the passes, the cultural passes.

Um, that's so much access to people who want to go to locations throughout the valley.

They can come here and check it out and actually go and I think that ends up being free.

All you have to have is the library card.

So you're speaking about the Culture Pass program.

It allows you to take out, you can get two a month, and it each one represents two passes to a free um like uh yeah, different institutions like the Botanical Gardens, the Phoenix Art Museum, Scottsdale, Contemporary Arts, so they're all over Arizona, not just in the Valley.

Amazing access.

Thank you for doing what you do right here in Avondale.

We appreciate you.

Thank you.

I did we deeply appreciate you.

Are you are you folks ready for a proclamation?

Yeah.

Do it.

Whereas libraries offer the opportunity for everyone to connect with others, learn new skills, and pursue their passions, no matter where they are on life's journey.

Whereas libraries have long served as trusted institutions, striving to ensure equitable access to information and services for all members of the community, regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.

Whereas libraries adapt to the ever-changing needs of their communities, developing and expanding collections, programs, and services that are as diverse as the populations that they serve.

Whereas libraries are accessible and inclusive places that promote a sense of local connection, advancing understanding, civic engagement, and shared community goals.

Whereas libraries play a pivotal role in economic development by providing resources and support for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, thus contributing to local prosperity and growth.

Whereas libraries make a choice that are good for the environment and make sense economically, creating thriving communities for a better tomorrow.

Whereas libraries are treasured institutions that preserve our collective heritage and knowledge, safeguarding both physical and digital resources for present and future generations.

Whereas libraries are an essential public good and fundamental institution in democratic societies, working to improve society, protect the right to education and literacy, and promote the free exchange of information and ideas for all.

Whereas libraries, librarians, and library workers are joining library supporters and advocates across the nation to celebrate National Library Week.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Avondale City Council, by virtue of the authority vested in us, proclaim National Library Week April 7th through the 13th, 2024.

During this week, I encourage all residents to visit their library and celebrate the adventures and opportunities they unlock for us every day.

Ready, set, library.

Thank you so much.

Ron?

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Next up is Kelsey, our recreation coordinator for Parks and Rec to read the last one or get the last one started.

Mayor, Vice Mayor and Council.

My name is Kelsey Perry, and I'm the recreation coordinator for events in Parks and Recreation.

Our celebration of the week of the young child, the 6th through the 12th, as we end the week with our celebration, which is Kid Fest.

The annual Kid Fest event is one of our largest events with an established about 6,000 people, about 4,000 being kids.

Um and the Phoenix Law Enforcement Agencies benefiting the Southwest Family Advocacy Center.

We also have our version of a touch a truck event, which is basically every city vehicle we have will be in attendance at this event.

So all of public works vehicles, fire, PD, all there for kids to see and experience firsthand.

We also have the foam pit is back.

It was a big hit last year.

We couldn't get rid of it.

Such a hit, had to come back.

We are doing live entertainment.

It is all local dance groups, all different types of music and dancing from them.

Character meet and greets, inflatables, the classic rock wall.

Um virtual reality gaming truck, face painting crafts, and our largest vendor fair we've ever had with 90 exhibitors.

In fact, we've now gone on the third lawn for this year.

Um we also have some new items.

So including um one of the feedback is that KidFest is really meant to be for everyone, ages zero to eighteen, not just school age.

So we needed something a little more for our younger kids.

Um we are offering a new taught zone.

Um we'll have a soft play, some little inflatables for little kids, as well as a little kid petting zoo, which just includes hand animals like chickens and bunnies and things like that.

Um we'll have a youth ferris wheel, um, a new digital scavenger hunt, which is a downloadable app from agents of discovery, and a tour of Friendship Park.

Um so there is a prize for that.

The first 200 will receive a prize for doing the digital scavenger hunt.

Um, as well as we've received some feedback of Friendship Park and parking for this event, um, which is a great problem to have.

So we have added some overflow parking from one of our community partners at um Canyon Burris Elementary School, just to the north side of um McDowell Road.

Um, and we ride is actually going to be offering the shuttle service for that.

So shuttling back and forth from the elementary school to the park.

Um, any questions specifically about KidFest and the celebration that's soon to be.

I want to look over at libraries again because there were a couple people who got really excited about the digital scavenger hunt.

Was that it?

Or was there something else there?

Okay, I just want to make sure I want to get that clear.

So I'm an underage activity.

Thank you so much.

Um before I read the proclamation, um, Dawn, do you mind coming up?

And then uh first things first, do you mind coming up also?

Yep, and uh Dr.

Eric as well.

So this week of the young child is the 53rd year, has both the national and local support.

Nationally, the week of the young child is presented by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

And locally, we are honored to have the hardworking chapter with the Arizona Association.

This week is also not led by one group, but many of our active partners, including uh the large support of Valley of the Sun United Way, through their support have grown not only Kid Fest being held on Saturday, but more importantly, the knowledge and support of the Week of the Young Child in Avondale.

I'd like to introduce today's partners, including Don Garando of Valley of the Sun United Way, and also representing Read On Avondale and several other community associations.

Dr.

Eric Boucher of the Arizona Association of the Education for Young Children, and Delaney Russell from First Things First.

Thank you all very much.

Are you ready for this?

Don, did you want to say did you mind saying a few words?

So, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council members, we just want to thank you on behalf of Readon, actually now Southwest Valley, because we've grown, and everybody has wanted to join in with us.

The support that we've received from Avondale since the very first day of inception.

We grew Readon Avondale from Kids Fest.

The original Kids Fest brought the conversation together.

And here we are today, where we have now brought in all of our surrounding communities, and it is truly from the great support that we've received from the city and the consul.

And we want to thank you for that as you continue to support us as we grow.

We are proud to have one of the very first literacy hubs open at Latticore Elementary.

And I invite all of you to join us on May 2nd because we'll be celebrating our children and the reopening of the Latticore Literacy Hub.

And when I say reopening, it's because we had to get additional room.

We have so many families that are pretending are participating, I should say, in all of our what we call family connect tutoring.

We had to expand.

And from the graciousness of Dr.

Hargroven team, they gave us a larger room that we just now fulfilled with new equipment and family-sized furniture from the adults down to the littles.

So when our little children are there, they have access to books as well.

We have a toddler corner, and our parents are working to help support their children that are participating in tutoring.

And then we all come together.

So please come and join us and celebrate, and thank you so much for your support.

Thank you for everything that you do for our community.

Delaney Doctor, any comments from you too.

Thank you.

Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council members, thanks for inviting us.

I want to make a note that I'm wearing silver shoes because we're celebrating child care providers as part of our week of the young child and child care providers shine bright each and every day.

And they are the people who care for our children, so parents can go to work, go to school, and contribute to their own economic well-being as well as the economic success of the city of Avondale.

So we're so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate children, and we also want to highlight the earthly care and education providers who do the important work of caring for children so parents can contribute to our communities.

So on behalf of First Things First and our partners, thank you.

Whereas all young children deserve quality early learning environments that support them as lifelong learners.

And whereas nurturing parenting and quality accessible child care build strong brains during the critical years from birth to age five, and whereas investments in children, families, and schools have profound impacts on creating strong, vibrant communities.

And whereas Value of the Sun United Way, first things first, Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children, Read on Avondale, Read on Southwest Valley, and other community organizations in conjunction with the National Association for the Education of Young Children are celebrating the fifty-third anniversary of the week of the young child.

And whereas these organizations are working to improve early learning opportunities to provide a strong start for children in Avondale, and whereas early childhood educators and child care providers who make a difference in the lives of young children deserve to be well supported, well compensated for their important work.

And whereas public policies that support early learning for all young children are crucial to the success of Arizona's families, communities, and economy.

Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Avondale, by virtue of the authority vested in us, do hereby proclaim April sixth through the twelfth, twenty twenty four as a week of the young child, and encourage all citizens to support investments in early childhood and education in our community.

Thank you all.

Thank you.

So it'll go a little faster.

I apologize.

I didn't mean it badly.

But uh come on, Dow, let's get some pictures.

Which order are we doing?

Police in the order of the proclamations.

Police, our library team, and then Yes, so we'll do it in the order of the agenda.

So we'll have the police officers and not just the police officers, all of the new employees from the police department go ahead and come up.

I also want to make sure we're not communicating our own.

Everyone, we're taking five minutes, five minutes.

Staff is ready if you are.

All right.

Staff, council, you ready?

Item number three is unscheduled public appearances.

I know Marcella, we have a blue card.

Did you want to read it?

Thank you, Mayor.

Yes, I will read it.

I received a request for to speak from Mark Johnson.

And I quote, we have very serious problems with both both excessive truck truck traffic, as in 18 wheelers, and drivers of cars with souped-up NASCAR sounding engines and exhausts, who are also driving at excessive speed in the stretch of Van Buren Street between 107th Avenue and 11th Avenue specifically.

I'm sure this is a citywide problem, but with our property abutting the community wall along Bam Buren, we hear all of this all of the time.

This is now intolerable intolerable and must be addressed.

The city can got conducted some very poor planning in having so many commercial businesses allowed to be built to the east of what has now in effect become a residential area on Van Buren between 107th and Avenue Boulevard, which keeps growing what with the new apartments being built in addition to the Madame homes building of the final plat phase of Roosevelt Park.

This truck traffic needs to be banned on Ban Buren in this stretch and rerouted, which is completely possible.

As to the private drivers, the horrendous noise from their vehicles causes us problems getting to sleep at night, staying asleep, and is at all other times a horrible disturbance of the peace.

But I believe through and real fault of their I'm sure it's simply due to not having enough officer resources to literally camp out along this stretch for a sufficient amount of hours each night to catch these lawless reckless drivers.

The city must do something about this in the form of a zero tolerance policy that is actually implemented as some other local cities have done.

So I I would ask that probably a couple of things.

Mayor and Council.

Next up, we have our public hearing on the 2425 HUD Annual Action Plan presented by Chris Lopez, our director of neighborhood and family services.

Good evening, Mayor, members of council.

I'm pleased to be here before you this evening to provide you with this presentation regarding our HUD annual action plan.

The purpose of tonight's presentation is to review the functions of the HUD annual action plan to define eligible program activities and to review the recommended funding allocations for each of the program activities.

To provide a little bit of background, the annual action plan is an extension of our five-year consolidated plan.

The annual plan details specific activities that are to occur within a specific program year.

There are some flexibility permitted with each plan, and it can be amended depending on the needs and environmental factors in our community.

That being said, the plan must continue to address the goals within the consolidated, the five-year consolidated plan.

Those goals are listed here.

First, we want to preserve affordable housing within our community.

We're wanting to fund public infrastructure projects, much like the project that you heard of today over at Sam Garcia where those improvements are being made to a public facility.

That's one example.

Three, we want to continue to support vital community services within the community.

We're working to encourage business development and growth.

We want to support efforts to prevent homelessness.

We're working to promote fair housing in Avondale.

And then finally, we work to reduce residential lead-based hazards within the community.

The table that you see here before you is our recommended program activities and recommended funding allocations.

So I'll work through my work my way through each of the columns and kind of talk about the activities, recommended funding, and then some of our expected outcomes and outputs.

So the first column is just a description of the program activity.

Second column is funding levels that were approved last year.

And then third column is recommended funding for this coming year.

And then the final column again is expected outcomes and outputs.

So the first recommended activity is simply administration and planning for the program.

We're recommending 130,000.

This funding supports a management analyst who is very critical to all of the reporting and administrative roles associated with the funding.

And then we uh also charge a portion of our housing rehab coordinator to this pot of funding.

Second program activity is capital improvements.

Again, I mentioned Sam Garcia Library.

Um, in the coming year, we're planning to do some improvements to parks within our historic neighborhoods.

Uh historic Avondil Cash In Las Legas.

Um we're recommending 215,000 for that.

We want to continue with our youth services.

This is really our summer youth employment program, which provides meaningful work experiences for up to 20 youth each summer, and those experiences are within our various city departments.

We also want to continue with our home repair program.

We're recommending funding that at 215,000.

Um, you'll note there that in the previous year there was no funding that was allocated, yet we were able to continue the program.

We had some residual funds that allowed us to complete about 10 home rehabs in uh the last fiscal year.

And then the final activity that we're recommending is workforce development.

We currently have an agreement in place with Arizona at work.

We have a cost-shared agreement that places a workforce development coordinator within our resource center.

It's really a great use of resources, and uh this individual has helped to conduct numerous job fairs, helps individuals with resume writing, interview skills, and job searches.

Mayor, the total award that we're expecting for the coming year is approximately six hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

We also receive home funding.

This table here outlines our proposed recommendations for the use of those funds.

Again, we're allowed to use up to five percent for program administration.

Um we'd like to use the majority of these funds for security and utility deposits.

As I mentioned earlier, one of our big focuses is really preventing and addressing homelessness as we start to spend down our ARPA funds and CARES Act dollars.

This is especially critical.

We want to make sure that we don't have that cliff, so to speak, and that we're able to help residents and households enter into safe housing that they can afford.

Um, there is a 25% match grant match for this that equates to 51,000 51 uh thousand dollars.

That's a general fund match, and those funds will also go directly to those recipients of the program.

Our total expected allocation is 266,000 through this.

And then Mayor and Council, I just want to kind of walk you through the timeline, the process, and next steps for this.

On February 14th, we held our first public hearing during a neighborhood and family services external partner meeting.

Beginning in March, a draft of the plan was made available to the general public.

On March 27th, a presentation was provided to the Neighborhood and Family Services Commission.

And on that night, the Commission expressed support for all of the program activities and funding levels.

We are here before you tonight for a third public hearing, and we'll uh be back on April 22nd for possible council action and approval of the plan.

With that, Mayor and Council, I'm available to answer any questions that you may have.

I'm also joined here tonight by Regina Morit, who's our housing and community development manager, and also my assistant director, Edith Baltietis is here.

First, thank you.

Let me go ahead and open this up for the public hearing.

Is there anybody in the audience or online who'd like to speak on this issue?

Mayor, I have not received any requests to speak.

Thank you, Marcella.

Uh noting that I'm going to go ahead and close the public hearing.

I would I would tell you that we had the opportunity to be at the Norton Circle re-grand opening last week.

Pretty incredible facility for our for our residents.

And you heard me make the comment, and there was a lot of nods from the community.

As we had HUD there, we had state partners there, we had county partners there.

Some cities shy away from workforce housing.

I don't think Avondale has ever shied away from that, nor should we.

I I think I think we need to go after that more.

And you heard me say that to the assistant uh secretary of HUD.

I think it's important not only for residents today, but residents that are going to come to us in the future.

There was an article in the Arizona Republic today about uh fastest uh home price increases in the Valley Top 30 cities.

And while Avondel wasn't at the top, I think it was number 2423 with the average price going up.

I think it was either three or five percent last year.

So while we try and build more stock, we try and do multifamily, having these kind of components and then going in with our home funds and repairing homes to me is incredibly important.

I was sad to learn that Secretary Fudge is retiring.

She was an ally for cities.

Uh she understood what we went through, and she was a great advocate.

My hope is that the person that they appointed, I don't think they've made that decision yet, has a has as much of an understanding of what cities go through that she did, but she'll be sorely missed.

Anybody from council want to speak on this issue?

It's just for discussion tonight, so we're not voting on anything, but Curtis, I just got a quick question for you.

The one on reduced the lead-based paint, I mean, maybe it's curiosity more than anything else.

The funding are there.

How does that go about?

Do you just take latex paint and paint over it, or like asbestos, you have to pull everything out and put new in?

How does how does that work?

Mayor, Vice Mayor Pineta, members of council.

Um it really depends on the project.

Um much of this activity is accomplished through our home rehab program, and so we work work really closely with our experts in the field.

They're able to remediate in some cases, they're able to paint and encapsulate it.

Um, oftentimes it's it's a replacement of insulation and things of that nature.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

Thank you, Chris.

Thank you.

Ron?

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Next up.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

And council.

Next up is Marissa, our police support service supervisor to give a presentation on animal uh control services and answer questions and receive feedback if needed from council and Chief Espinoza.

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of council.

My name is Marissa Ruffinelli.

I'm the support services supervisor for the police department.

And tonight I'm here to present you the responsibilities of our small but mighty animal control unit.

Pictured here are our current animal control officers, Kayla Anderson and Nicole Mercado.

Uh with just the two full-time officers and two uh fully equipped trucks, we are able to provide seven-day service from 7 a.m.

to 5 p.m.

Animal control responsibilities, enforce the city ordinances regarding animals, reunite lost pets with their owners, transport animals to Maricopa County, animal care and control, and the Arizona Humane Society.

We promote responsible pet ownership by providing resources for low-cost bay neuter vaccination and microchipping, assist patrol and specialty units, uh, take animal bites and uh control rabies quarantine, impound stray, lose, sick, or injured animals, investigate, facilitate, prosecute barking dog complaints, investigate, prosecute animal cruelty cases.

We also deal with deceased animals.

Animal control does not pick up deceased animals.

The city has a contract with National Environmental Solutions, NES, which picks up deceased animals in the roadway or public spaces.

NES does not respond to personal deceased pets or animals on private property.

Deceased animals can be reported to the Avondale Police Department's non-emergency line, the Avondale Streets Department, or through Aviwise.

The best, most effective, fastest way to report a deceased animal is to call the non-emergency line to the police department.

Someone's going to answer 24 hours a day.

Once we receive a call, the call gets a call gets created, and during business hours, the dispatchers will contact NES and place that call for service.

The company then responds out to that location.

They take photographs, take any notes of callers, ID.

I don't believe they scan for microchips, but then they take the animal away.

So anybody looking for a deceased animal can be directed to them, and any kind of markings or identification could be used to help to identify a lost pet.

Injured animals.

Injured animals are transported to Blue Pearl Emergency Pet Hospital or an AVEC Arizona Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Center or the Arizona Humane Society.

We are lucky enough to have a blue pearl in Avondale, and it's very convenient for our officers, whether it's during business hours or after hours with an injured animal.

Leash laws.

Leash laws, Avondale has a city ordinance that requires dogs to be on a leash, if in public, or have access to the public.

Your dog is considered at large if not confined within an enclosure on the owner's property, is on a leash exceeding six feet in length, or not directly under the owner's control.

Dog at large is a class two misdemeanor.

The penalty if found guilty is up to six months in jail, three years of probation, or maximum fine of $2,500.

License requirements.

Dogs four months of age or older that are kept, harbored, or maintained within the boundaries of the state for at least 30 consecutive days of each calendar year shall be licensed with the county and provided a durable dog license and have a current rabies vaccination.

Animal bites.

Animal bite is when an animal that is susceptible to rabies bites a person causing the skin to break.

The animal must be quarantined at home for 10 days from the date of the bite, even if the dog has a current rabies vaccination.

If the dog does not have a current rabies vaccination, the owner must wait until after the quarantine period to get the dog vaccinated.

By law, the owner must be given 15 days after the quarantine period to get the dog license with Maricopa County.

After hours for stray dogs, all stray dogs are reported to the PD after hours.

Let me say that again.

All stray dogs that are reported to the PD after hours.

That's all coming out wrong.

After hours, aggressive animals get dispatched to officers.

We cross-train our park rangers to take calls when an animal control officer is not available, whether they're on vacation or time off, or they are transporting to Maricopa County.

In addition to patrolling our city parks, rangers are cross-trained to handle animal control.

The Tullison kennels.

Dogs impounded after hours are transported to the kennels located at the Tullison wastewater treatment plant where they are given a safe place to spend the night.

The following day that dog is picked up, scanned for a microchip, and returned to the owner, or transported to the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Facility.

We have had a we have had a partnership with the Tullison Police Department since 2003, which allows us to utilize their kennels when needed after hours.

Cats.

Cats are considered free roaming in the state of Arizona.

There are no leash law for cats, therefore they are considered free roaming.

Animal control will respond to sick or injured cats.

If the cat is found to be sick or injured, the cat is impounded and transported to a nearby emergency animal hospital or the Arizona Humane Society for treatment.

Maricopa County will not accept cats unless they have been a human.

Complaints about feral cats for the nuisance feeding or stray cats are directed to HOAs to see if there are any nuisance feeding rules in their CCNRs.

For stray feral cats, animal control will provide trap neuter release or TNR program in the area such will provide information on those programs, such as altered tails and the Animal Defense League of Arizona.

These programs have volunteers who will provide a trap, pick up the cat in the trap, spare neuter the cat, and mark the cat with a tattoo or ear marking to show that the cat has been altered.

The cat is then returned to the area where it was trapped and released.

Unfortunately, the lifespan of a feral cat is only three to five years without proper vet care vaccinations and medical care.

Animal cruelty.

We will respond to calls for service involving animal cruelty.

Those calls include cruel neglect, which is failure to provide an animal with food, water, and shelter.

Failure to provide medical treatment is when the owner fails to provide necessary medical treatment to prevent protracted suffering.

The cruel mistreatment of animals, to torture or inflict unnecessary serious physical injury on an animal, or to kill an animal in a manner that causes protracted suffering.

Dogs left in a vehicle unattended is considered animal cruelty.

When animals are left confined in a motor vehicle, and physical injury or death of the animal is likely to result.

Barking dogs.

Animal noise.

Many pet owners are not aware that their pets are causing a disturbance when they are not home.

Animal control focuses on informing pet owners about their pets behavior and helping them understand the steps they can take to change that behavior.

City Code 15-11 noise, the keeping of any animal, bird, or fowl, which by causing frequent or long continued noises shall disturb the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity.

The official complaint.

All complainants are required to testify in court, otherwise the case is dismissed.

Barking dog complaints made anonymously.

When a nuisance animal noise complaint is made through the police department's dispatch center report is generated, and the complaint can re the complainant can remain anonymous.

However, the report cannot be used in court.

The animal control officer, patrol officer, or park angel will then will be dispatched to the provided address and will attempt to make contact with the dog owner.

If contacted, the owner is advised of the complaint in Avondel City Ordinance and asked to work with their dogs to avoid further complaints.

If no contact is made, a door hanger is left advising of the complaint in Avondel City Ordinance 15 11.

A report is generated and can be used in court if the complainant is willing to provide their name, address.

And per the ordinance, the citation cannot be issued for a noise animal nuisance violation.

The ordinance outlines the required elements to prosecute for nuisance animal noise.

In 2022, two animal noise cases went to court.

One was for roosters and one was for a barking dog.

In 2023, there were no nuisance animal noise cases that went to court.

And currently in 2024, we have not had any cases go to court.

Wildlife and livestock.

Injured birds are taken to fallen feathers or liberty wildlife.

Impounded tortoises and reptiles are taken to the Phoenix Herbetological Society.

Impacted livestock, wildlife, and potbellied pigs are taken to rescues that we partner with, such as Liberty Wildlife, Fallen Feathers, and the Ironwood Pigs Pig Sanctuary.

The one of the pictures pictured is of a pig called her name is Kelly Bacon.

She resides in Cashin, and that day she literally took herself to the market.

Kelly Bacon instead of Kevin Bacon.

So responsible pet ownership.

Avondale promotes responsible pet ownership by partnering with FixAdopt Save, which is funded through Maricopa County, the Arizona Humane Society, and other sponsors.

This allows us to offer low-cost span neuter events, vaccinations, and microchipping to Abendale residents.

The photo here is a dog that we picked up at PIR.

We scanned that dog for a microchip and we located the owner information.

When we called the owner, they had lost the dog three years prior.

So we were able to reunite and the dog was overjoyed, recognized them, jumped out of the vehicle, and it was great.

The whole family came out and took this photo with our animal control unit.

I like to keep numbers.

It's one of my favorite things to do.

So in 2023, uh for animal control, we responded to 1,491 animal control problems.

Animal problem is our generic call for service, uh, usually includes confined strays and loose dogs.

Animal noise, we responded to 262 calls for service.

Animal sick or injured, we responded to 154 calls.

Animal cruelties, 54 calls, animal bites, 80 calls, and we impounded 836 animals.

This concludes my presentation.

Are there any questions?

Let's go back one screen.

So animal noise 262.

That doesn't mean that a complaint was filed, or does it mean that a complaint was filed?

A complaint was not filed through the court, but it is a generated report through the police department.

So the reason I asked this, and it's code 1511, correct?

Correct.

So what I've asked Ron to do is probably sometime in June is to bring up uh is to have a discussion on Avondale noise ordinances across the board, whether it's music, animals.

I will tell you, and I think I Chief Now uh City Manager Nanogay is here.

Memo, I don't know if you were here.

I think you were here when uh Chief Parkin was here.

And Chief Parkin was the assistant chief at the time, and she was we're having issues with dog with with animal noises, mostly dog barking.

And at the time the council chose to change the rules to what you see today, 1511.

Two complaints from two different citizens willing to testify.

And I will tell you that was hotly debated by council.

And at the time I disagreed with it, and I will tell you that I still disagree with that policy.

We're gonna get into it further in June, but I just want council to be aware of that it's gonna come up again.

So I would encourage you to get with the team and get further information on this as we go forward with that.

So council, any questions on this?

Council Marmelong?

Yep.

I can add uh something in reference to the uh animal noise.

The majority of the times when we respond to these types of calls, we talk to the the owner, the pet owner, and we explained to them that hey, you're uh I don't know if you're aware of that uh your dog has been barking over uh while you're at work or whatnot.

And we talked about this uh last week about 90 percent of the times the issues resolved by just informing the uh pet owner that their dogs uh barking while they're uh sleeping or at work.

And that's the kind of information I think council needs to have before we have this discussion in the next couple months.

What I don't want to do, and I don't want to get too far ahead on this is I don't want to overburden your team and your team by changing rules that don't need to be changed, but I think it's been 13 years, 14 years since we've had an update on this, so I think it just makes sense for us to do this.

Councilmember Malone.

Yes, thank you for the presentation.

I have a real quick question.

So you said you guys are open seven days a week from 7 to 5 p.m.

Um I had somebody reach out to me that there was um some dogs out on on like by QT.

If they were to call um the non I think it's animal control 623, 333, 7012, and left the message.

What's the turnaround time for them to get a phone call back?

Usually just the next day.

The oncoming animal control officer, one of the first things they do in the morning after logging in is to go through the hotline messages.

Okay.

But if they called the non-emergency police department um line saying that there's dogs in the middle of uh busy road, what's the what what's the time frame that they would have uh animal control dispatched out?

If it was after hours, during it was probably about 12 in the afternoon.

We usually don't hop have overlapping calls for service, so our response time would probably be less than 15 minutes.

Oh, okay.

Perfect.

I will let them know that.

Thank you.

Um Chief and Marissa, thank you for your presentation.

I think um getting a defined presentation on what animal control is and what services we offer was greatly overdue.

Um I know that sometimes people will ask, and I've seen it come up in threads on um Facebook social media groups asking for what it was.

So this is really nice to have this information, to have the statistics, to have everything um in plain sight so that residents are also uh aware of the process for it, such as you know, an abbey wise ticket or maybe calling a non-emergency number, especially for deceased animals.

Um it's really nice to see that, but thank you guys.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

Michael.

Thank you.

Um you tell me what the definition or our definition is of shelter.

Our definition as a city, we don't have our own shelter.

So therefore, no, if an example in terms of animal cruelty, a call might come in that our dog is outside and is not being sheltered, but what is what is shelter mean?

Shelter can be a tree, it could be a patio covering.

What we take into consideration is if the dog is tethered, not tethered, can the dog freely move to those areas in the yard that are in the shade as the sun moves across.

So we have to take things into consideration like that.

Is the dog tethered?

Does it have access?

If it has access, it doesn't mean it necessarily is going to go inside, but it meets the definition if it's provided.

Okay, thank you.

I will tell you that Sherry and I probably back in, I think it was probably January, we'd gotten uh a dog from uh Maricopa County, a rescue.

And she showed signs of being really sick, so we took her to Blue Pearl.

And at the time a Avondale police officer brought in an animal, a dog that was hit by a car.

And brought that animal in, and they dropped everything there with but then they were busy, but they brought that dog in and it had a broken leg and they were able to save the dog.

But that officer was trying not to be emotional by what he saw, but you could tell it was it was it got to him a little bit, and I thought we see a lot of animals.

And I thought we see a lot of animals.

I know you I know when you bring this up about dogs walking around, we see a lot of animals on the street that are just loose.

And I and I don't know what the answer to that is, but you told the success story of that dog being rescued from Phoenix Raceway and then being put back with their owners.

I think that's a great story.

And um I probably will I I think there's an opportunity for us to try and educate the community more on uh chipping your dogs, making sure they can't get out, all these other things, especially repeat offenders, because it really is heartbreaking when you hear about a dog getting uh hit or or killed.

So thank you for everything you do.

Will you thank your team for us?

Thank you.

Chief, anything else for you, sir?

Mayor, vice mayor, uh, council member Malone.

If I can just uh you talked about uh what happens uh when animal control is not on duty.

So if we have an aggressive animal uh or an animal that is a or a dog that is uh interfering with the flow of traffic, or somebody just wants uh us to remove the dog, officers also just get dispatched to these types of calls for service.

If the officers are able to contain the animal, then they will transfer the animal to uh to the uh Tallson Kennels and make a note so that the next day the animal control officers can uh address the issue.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor Council.

Next up we have Andy again, wow, all in one night uh to talk about uh amendment to personnel policies and procedures, chapter four.

Hi, Mayor.

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

Uh let's see.

So the item before you are um includes proposed amendments to Avondale Policies and Procedures Chapter 4 recruitment and selection.

To give a little bit of background, uh the proposed amendments address the following topics: minimum age of applicants, um, authority over the city's rec uh recruitment and selection process, original and promotional probationary periods, which includes both the duration and extensions associated with those uh probationary periods, probationary evaluations, and available options for unsuccessful completion of probation.

Additionally, there are other non-substantive changes to add clarification as well.

So for uh just to highlight some of the key changes.

Um I'm gonna go through each of the sections and just kind of provide an overview and some context for each.

So minimum age of applicants.

Um you'll recall that we recently came before council to have this uh particular section amended to allow for the hiring of youth into temporary positions.

Um we're coming back to ask for that language to be revised um further to allow for more flexibility in the hiring of youth for other positions.

So we've found that we've have other uh positions that uh we could consider youth for.

So for example, a part-time library page or other positions that might exist throughout the parks department or other uh departments throughout the city.

We wanted to ensure that there was that flexibility available to departments.

Um so rather than limiting us into a particular position type or a particular age cutoff.

Um what we've revised the language to is to just indicate that we uh follow all applicable state and federal laws regarding the minimum age required for employment.

Uh the next section talking about authority.

So we've added language to ensure that the city managers included in decisions made regarding the the city's recruitment and selection process.

So currently language indicates that that authority lies with the human resources director solely.

Um and these aren't we're not talking about operational day-to-day uh decisions or anything like that.

These would be some significant decisions that that impact um or our policy interpretations um related to recruitment and selection.

So we just want to ensure that there's checks and balances there, that it's not uh the authority that's lying with one individual that the city manager is involved in those in those discussions and and insight and providing insight for that.

Um probationary period.

So we've added language to clarify that positions designated to be at will are not subject to a probationary period.

So you'll recall that late last year we came before council to um to identify positions that are considered to be at will.

Um so these positions serve at the pleasure of the city manager and do not have appeal rights to disciplinary actions.

Um that was specific to those individuals in department director, assistant city manager, or deputy city manager positions hired after October 30th of 2023.

Um so essentially at will positions um there's not a probationary period because essentially they continuously serve at the pleasure of the city manager and could be released for or without cause without uh appeal rights.

Original probation, so the duration of original probation, we've revised language just to provide some additional clarity.

Um currently, I believe the language indicates that the probationary period is subject to what's indicated in the offer letter.

So we wanted to just have some solid parameters around what an original probationary period is.

So we've indicated that 12 months in duration, which is what we've been utilizing in our practice for some time is the original probationary period.

It provides for a time frame where an individual can fully execute and perform the full range of their duties.

It provides for the hiring supervisor or the department director to be able to fully assess performance during that time frame.

And it also maintains the ability for the city manager to establish a longer period for specific positions if necessary.

Additionally, for duration of probation, we've added language that clarifies how original probation applies to our police and fire staff that are required to complete an academy versus those that are already certified.

So for example, if we have a new recruit that's joining the police academy or the fire academy, there's a period of time that they're going to be on probation, but really not fully performing in that sworn role yet because they're going through that education process, that um that academy process.

So they were they will be on an original probation starting with their hire date through the academy.

Once they graduate from the academy, that starts a new 12-month probationary period for them to be fully assessed and provide that full range of duties in that sworn status now that they've achieved academy graduation status.

If, for example, let's say we have a lateral who comes over from another agency, either as a police officer or a firefighter, their probationary period would start day one because they're not having to complete an academy, they would have that 12-month time frame that they would that they would start their original probation.

Again, a lot of this uh currently exists today in practice.

We just want to make sure that we memorialize that in our policy as well.

So some additional key changes, um, extensions of original probation.

So we've added language to provide clarity on the time frame associated with extending an employee's original probation and streamlining the process.

Um currently policy indicates that at least 15 days prior to completion the supervisor is to complete a probationary evaluation.

In some instances, that that really doesn't give a full 12 months or that full time frame, let's say somebody starts an evaluation 30 days out, they're really missing a month of that evaluation opportunity for the employee.

So what we're proposing is that if uh if there's a need to extend original probation, um, that that notification is done to the employee in writing prior to the end of that probationary period, but really allows for that full 12 months to be to be evaluated, and then after successful completion of probation, um, within 30 days of that time frame, the performance evaluation should be completed by the supervisor so that we're able to document that that individual has a performance evaluation on file and supporting that they have successfully completed probation at that time.

Um additionally, with any extensions of probation, this is something that's done in concurrence with human resources.

So typically, if there's a performance issue, if there's something that's related or some sort of justification for extending probation, um that discussion takes place with HR before we actually execute on that extension to ensure that we have sufficient you know justification in order to support that extension of an employee's probationary period.

Um as I just mentioned, so the performance evaluation period, again, this just adds language indicating that the uh hiring manager or the supervisor has 30 days to complete that evaluation after successful completion of probation.

Um, completing probation early.

So this language currently exists within uh policy, um but it we're adding to ensure that the city manager is looped into that process.

So if a department director believes that an employee should be taken off of probation early, it just ensures that there's that higher level involvement from the city manager to support or evaluate any of those requests.

Um accrual of leave during probationary uh period really all this does is just clarify that uh the probationary employee will accrue and use leave in accordance with city policy.

It was just really tightening up that language, so nothing uh substantive really changing, but more so just enhancing that language to make it clear that normal policy really does apply to probationary employees as it pertains to accruing and using leave.

Um, demotion and dismissal during original probation.

So we've added clarifying language to indicate when notice must occur.

So again, having that 12-month time period, uh, if an employee is unsuccessful during that that time frame and and a decision is made to demote or to dismiss that employee, that action must be taken before the end of that 12-month time frame.

Um if it's a week after, if it's if it's a day after, that time frame would be considered to have successfully completed probation.

It's not to say that a department couldn't take action at that point to you know address those issues or to manage performance, but it would be now outside of the context of the employee being on a probationary period.

So promotional probation.

So we've added clarifying details regarding the duration of promotional probation.

So for the majority of our employees, once they're promoted, they're they're serving a six-month probationary period, promotional probationary period.

There is a 12-month promotional probationary period in place for our public safety departments.

So currently our police department has a 12-month promotional probationary period.

Our fire department has a 12-month promotional probationary period.

Our Office of Public Safety, we're just adding some language to memorialize their process because they also have a 12-month promotional probationary period for anyone who's promoted within a role within those particular departments.

Additionally, currently the police department, any employee who's promoted and placed on promotional probation within the department is subject to that 12-month duration.

We've also added that language for our fire and office of public safety employees just to ensure that there's consistency.

Just with the nature of public safety, whether you're on the front line or you're supporting those that are on the front line, it just ensures alignment with expectations.

Typically, those departments have additional policies that employees have to understand and conform to.

So it just really makes sense to have that consistency among those public safety departments.

As far as extensions, so again, similar to what we talked about with original probation, one of the things that we looked at was because we have a six-month for the majority of our employees and 12 months for public safety.

We wanted to ensure that there was some parity between the overall time that an employee could be on promotional probation.

So for six-month employees, their probationary period could be extended up to 12 additional months.

What we found is there are some instances where an employee might be required to complete a certification or something of that nature within one year of hire.

And maybe there are some extenuating circumstances as to why they weren't able to accomplish it in that time frame.

We just wanted to make some make sure that there was some additional flexibility to address those particular circumstances and give options as to how those how those circumstances play out.

So 12 months for a six-month employee.

With our public safety, the max as far as an extension would be is six additional months.

So if you look at those two, what we're looking at is a full potential probationary promotional probationary period of 18 months.

We're just trying to make sure that there was some consistency there between those two different groups of employees.

Similar to what I explained with our original probation, just proposing language that once they've successfully completed that they have 30 days to complete that evaluation period after that full promotional probationary period has been completed.

As far as appeal rights, this again isn't really a change, just more clarifying being able to solidify some language.

So appeal rights for an employee that's on original probation, they could be demoted or dismissed without any right of appeal because they haven't successfully completed that probationary period.

Our promotional probationary employees, involuntary demotions are not subject to an appeal.

However, if they were dismissed while on promotional probation, that would be subject to an appeal process.

And to talk a little bit more about that, so uh for employees on promotional probation, we just really wanted to clarify what are those options.

If an employee was unsuccessful during a promotional probationary period, so first we would look to demote them into their prior position if that were still available.

Um if that position were not available, we'd look to demote them into a lower class, um, a lower graded position in the department for which the employee qualifies.

Um another option would be to consider demoting to a position in a lower class and another department outside of their current department with approval from the department director of that department, um, myself and the city manager, and again, ensuring that the employee meets qualifications for that position.

And then ultimately, if none of those are viable options, um dismissal would kind of be a last resort in those situations, but again, they would have appeal rights in those in that particular scenario if we were to get there.

And just to provide some context, um, you know, extensions, um demotions, at least in the time that I've been here, are fairly rare, but there's these are all things that are done in context with human resources, um ensuring that that there's discussion and documentation and things of that nature before we move forward with just moving on any of these particular actions.

Additionally, uh we have revised language to remove the reference to reduction in force as an option for a promotional probation being unsuccessful.

The reason being is that a reduction in force, typically you would see that is in more in the context of a reorganization or something where maybe there's budget constraints or or monetary shortfalls that would result in a reduction of force.

It just didn't seem to fit appropriately for somebody who's unsuccessful in the probation in the promotional probationary period.

And then we also just uh revised language to reaffirm that an employee who's demoted while on probation is not required to serve a new probationary period unless of course they were on original probation still and never completed that time frame.

So with that, staff's uh recommendation is to adopt resolution 1035-0424, amending the personnel policies and procedures, chapter four uh policy recruitment and selection.

And um at this time that concludes my presentation.

I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

Council Max, any questions for you, any comments, any thoughts?

I'll tell you there's two things that I there's two things that I appreciate.

I I think the the one is I think public safety is in a different criteria when it comes to being on probation, and I appreciate everyone addressing that.

The second one is using RIFs as a weapon.

So we've all heard the story of we have an employer or employees that aren't working out during probation, and the company will rift them, reduction in force, and use that as an excuse.

That doesn't help the employee, doesn't help them get better, it doesn't build trust in case the case they ever want to uh come back to work for the organ for the organization, but if they want to stay in that career field, you've damaged that employee.

You've you've destroyed their confidence.

So I appreciate that.

And I appreciate the appeal process.

I think there is a time where you have employees who maybe it's not the right fruit for them in that department, maybe it's not the right fit for them in that role, especially during a promotion.

They think they want it, they don't know.

So I appreciate that process and protecting the employee in that.

So anyone Curtis.

And just a quick one there.

Uh the classifications of probation, does that ever come up in an MOU?

Either with the FIRE or the police, and could it be different in an MOU and then all of a sudden we've got this language that now you've done such a beautiful job of putting together?

Are we going to possibly run a conflict in the future or can those be incorporated at this time uh time future time?

Uh mayor vice mayor, uh council member Nielsen.

Um that would fall under management rights as far as um and and it's really something that's governed through our personnel policies and procedures, so it wouldn't be something that we would necessarily negotiate as far as as that goes as part of the MOU process.

Now I can tell you that during this last cycle, there are certain things that we um clarified certain benefits that are available to probationary employees who aren't necessarily covered by the MOU yet until they actually complete the academy.

But things like deferred compensation and and stuff that we really want them to take advantage of as soon as they get hired rather than waiting until um academy completion.

But as far as as this being in conflict with any time frames or anything like that associated with the MOU, um that typically wouldn't be something that we would negotiate.

Thank you.

I have a motion from Councilmember Shallorio, a second by Councilmember Condi.

Any further discussion?

Please vote.

Pass unanimously.

Andy, Ron, thank you for all the work on this.

Seriously.

It was a it was a heavy haul.

Ron?

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Up next and is our presentation discussion of the city manager's recommended budget.

And tonight we have Keith, our assistant, or I'm sorry, our deputy director of finance and budget.

Have to lower it just a little bit more.

So good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council.

Uh tonight is mentioned, uh going to the next step with the city manager's recommended budget.

Hopefully, everyone received a copy.

It's a great read.

So just a little bit of history of to where we came from.

Uh this is a long process starting back in November.

And then a an important part was this last March where we went through uh all of the budget issues together.

And today we are uh going over the recommended budget.

Uh so instead of going page by page through this binder, we thought that we'd just cover the changes from what happened uh this last month or what was presented last month with what is in here.

Uh first is the fiscal year 24 projection, includes the say or the purchase of the new building for the Southwest Family Advocacy Center that was approved in the consent agenda uh today.

And next is revision of two CIP projects.

One is for the police communications bureau remodel, that increased by 2.4 million dollars, and then the fire training tower, which increased by uh $562,000.

This is a revision of the or refining of the scope of both of those projects.

And then finally incorporates the the leasing of that new uh Southwest Family Advocacy Center building.

So those are the only changes that are in the uh in the recommended budget for from what was presented before.

Um so what did that do to the overall budget or outlook for the city?

Uh we can see even with those changes, we remain structurally balanced.

Our ongoing revenues still exceed our ongoing expenses.

You'll see for fiscal year 26 and 27.

We're very close.

That is primarily due to the reduction of the uh residential rental sales tax and the reduction in in uh revenue from the flat tax with the income.

Uh from the one-time revenues and one-time expenses.

Uh, this continues to show us spending down the uh balance that we have saved up or accrued over the years.

But we are still in good shape there.

So in this one, this is the important one that shows that this is the amount of money in the general fund above the stabilization and the capital reserve.

So we do not expect to have a large balance above this.

We are supposed to be using the taxpayers' money wisely.

Uh, and I think that we are doing that in here.

So we continue to be in good shape financially.

Uh some highlights uh just as a review of what we covered last month.

Uh the prioritization within this budget is to attract and retain uh qualified employees, and so there's uh the compensation and benefit increases were a priority with this.

Uh it does include a compensation study in this next year, and it does include 13.4 additional FTEs.

Uh, it is also maintaining current programs, and that is uh continuing the homeless services funded by ARPA, uh covering the recycling additional costs that are out there, and then permitting software improvements with our sell up program.

Uh and then we are expanding some programs or new programs with the summer camp, website updates, and we ride service adjustments to meet that demand.

Uh finally, we are continuing to work on projects that we that we started, especially the detention center and fire station, and a big CIP project is the water reclamation facility expansion.

Uh new requests out there or fire training tower microservice in Avondale.

So I think that we are meeting the needs uh for this budget.

Um so next steps.

Uh you will not see this is not the last step of this process.

You'll see us pretty much every uh city council meeting for the next little while through June with the uh adopting of a tentative budget.

This is for the city and for the Alamar CFD, and then there's truth in taxation hearings, and then a lot of items on the agenda for June 3rd, and then finally the adoption of the property tax.

So with that, I I wanted to acknowledge that this recommended budget is not a one-person uh endeavor.

It is it involves every department of the city, and I wanted to especially thank Rob Baer and his team uh for the work that they put into this.

Thank you for acknowledging them, Keith.

Any questions from council?

One thing I would ask is that Ron, as we go forward, and again, I I've said this throughout this entire budget process is that we need to stay flexible.

If you look at the employment numbers that came out late last week, those numbers were encouraging, but if you dig a little bit deeper, uh the primary growth in in job numbers was part-time jobs, and if you look at the manufacturing numbers, pretty dismal.

So I would just ask that we stay vigilant with those revenue sources and kind of keep our eye on the ball as we go forward to approval in June.

So, council, anything else?

Uh that was just for uh discussion only.

Thank you, Keith.

Appreciate it.

Thank you.

Council, any updates from you?

Veronica?

Anything Curtis?

I'd just like to say thank you to all those who participated at Health and Resource Fair on Saturday.

It was amazing.

I talked to many of the people over there and they said it's probably one of the bigger ones that they've had, you know that they got numbers.

I got cornered by the sonar people and ended up spending half an hour with them.

Those guys know the name of every individual that lives down in the river and everything else.

I was really surprised, but thank you for all the work that you do and all the work the rest of the staff did to participate in that thing and and and help our community.

It was great.

I was there early in the morning.

It was uh it was a great thing to see, and there was a lot of people.

I think they said probably 400 to 500 people.

Chris, was I close on that number?

Yeah, we were approaching about 400 people there.

Okay.

We had Norton Circle last week, too.

I think we're all impressed with on that.

So that was a great thing for our community.

Anyone else?

Oh, from Norton Circle?

Yeah, they expanded to 100 homes, so that was great to see.

Max?

I just wanted to um thank the uh city manager's office as well as PD for taking us on the river bottom tour.

I um really enjoy kind of seeing a different aspect of the city, and I just didn't understand what was there.

So um we learned a lot.

It was a bit of an adventure, so um I'm just grateful that we understand our partners out there and everything that we have to do with our sonar team to protect those folks.

Um and and I did not realize that you could actually live off the land in Avondale.

So there is a resident here who has a solar panel, and I just want to commend them for living here with electricity, um, even though it's illegal.

But I I I don't think homelessness will commend it quietly.

Yeah, well, homelessness is not uh be you know, with being unsheltered, yeah.

He's living sustainably without you know, there's no electric bill.

Let's say that.

Let's I don't know the right way to say it.

But the innovation that you see in a community that might look like they're underserved.

I don't want to undercount the fact that they have a lot to contribute to our city.

So um I think I learned a lot in that moment.

Survival mode, I think.

Yes, yes, we have survivalists here and they're doing it.

Uh tomorrow we have first things first coming into the uh neighborhood and family resources, uh care for I still call it the care for center, but Chris, you know what I'm talking about.

Uh they will be here for a tour, a lunch, and then just a sit-down with Chris and I um to kind of talk.

You're you're more than welcome to come by and say hello and meet these people.

This is the executive board, the statewide board that just decides funding for them, correct?

Mayor and council, it is the uh executive board, uh statewide board.

So the resource center is a model for statewide.

In fact, surprise is getting ready to I think break ground or design theirs, and Chris and I talked on Saturday, and they are looking to uh kind of build off what we've done and make it a surprise specific thing, but they're really impressed with what we've done with the facility.

So anyone else?

Can I get a motion for adjournment, please?

I have a motion from Council Member Malone, second from Councilmember White.

Any further discussion?

Please vote.

We are adjourned seven zero.

Everyone be careful driving home.

Thank you.

Uh for those who are uh wondering, Connecticut was up by six.