Avondale City Council Meeting – October 15, 2025

The Avondale City Council met on October 15, 2025, to consider a variety of items including employee recognitions, a proclamation for Unified Responder Community Month, a transit infrastructure intergovernmental agreement, a parks and recreation master plan update, and two zoning ordinance text amendments. The council also heard reports from members on recent conferences and community events. No public comments were received during the unscheduled public appearances or public hearings.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items A through I) was approved unanimously except for item C, which Councilmember White requested to be removed for separate consideration. The remaining items passed without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the unscheduled public appearances or during the public hearings for the ADU and residential rezone time frame ordinances.

Discussion Items

• Employee Presentations: The city manager’s office introduced Dillard Collier as a new management analyst. Parks and Recreation Director Corey Lariva presented Victor Fergosa (promoted to park maintenance worker) and Natasha Alavi (promoted to librarian III). Council expressed welcome and appreciation for the new team members.
• Proclamation – Unified Responder Community Month: Councilmember Conde introduced the proclamation recognizing November 2024 as Unified Responder Community Month, a Sound of Autism initiative to support first responders serving individuals on the spectrum. Jamie Aldama of Sound of Autism described the organization’s mission to unify West Valley municipalities and train public safety personnel. Councilmembers shared personal stories and expressed full support for the proclamation. The mayor read the proclamation, and council voted unanimously to adopt it.
• Item 4C – Valley Metro Intergovernmental Agreement: Public Works Director Kirk and Transit Manager Matt Dudley presented a $600,000 grant from expiring Proposition 400 regional funding for transit improvements. $500,000 is allocated for replacing up to 13 bus shelters on fixed routes with modern designs, and $100,000 for wayfinding signs and a security camera at the new transit center. The discussion included the right-size option (solar‑lit monopole with two seats) for low‑ridership stops and the possibility of adding Abby Wise QR codes to shelters. Councilmembers voiced strong support for the project and for maximizing grant dollars. The council approved the resolution (motion by White, second by Malone).
• Item 5A – Parks Recreation Libraries 10‑Year Master Plan Update: Corey Lariva and consultants Jason Gank and Lisa Peratus presented the draft plan findings. Engagement included 401 statistically valid surveys, nearly 2,000 online interactions, and site visits across the city. Key facility priorities: shade, pickleball, and trails. Strategic pillars: outstanding customer experiences, dynamic services, safe places to play/connect, and planning for growth. Recommendations include expanding partnerships, increasing parkland, improving trail connectivity, and adding shade. Councilmembers praised the plan and requested emphasis on inclusive design (e.g., gated playgrounds), indoor recreation, and better marketing of existing amenities. A final public comment period runs through November 25, 2025 (per the presentation), with adoption expected in December 2025. No vote was required on this presentation.
• Item 5B – ADU Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment: Senior Planner Josh presented amendments to comply with House Bill 2720, allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on any lot permitting single-family homes. Conditions: max 1,000 sq. ft. or 75% of primary dwelling, 5 ft. side/rear setbacks, height same as main house (30 ft.), no additional parking, owner occupancy required if used as short‑term rental. Properties ≥1 acre may have an additional restricted‑affordable unit deed‑restricted for 30 years. One public comment in favor. Planning Commission recommended approval 4‑0. Council unanimously adopted the ordinance.
• Item 5C – Residential Rezone Time Frames Ordinance: Senior Planner Christina Lavelle presented amendments to comply with State Bill 1162, requiring a 30‑day determination on residential rezone application completeness and a 180‑day timeframe to bring the application to council for action, with 30‑day extensions allowed. Planning Commission recommended approval 4‑0. Council unanimously adopted the ordinance.
• Summary of Current Events: Councilmember White reported attending the National League of Cities (NLC) City Summit in Tampa, where she was elected parliamentarian for the NLC Black Caucus executive board. Councilmember Solorio also attended NLC and will serve a two‑year term on the Women in Municipal Government board; she was not selected for the NLC board but plans to reapply. Councilmember Garcia reported that the November elections ran smoothly at the Avondale polling location (6,692 voters), attended the EMCC vet run, and completed introductory meetings with city department heads. Council adjourned with wishes for a happy Thanksgiving.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was adopted unanimously with the removal of item C.
• The proclamation for Unified Responder Community Month was adopted by consensus.
• Resolution authorizing the Valley Metro intergovernmental agreement (item 4C) passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 2032‑1124 (ADU text amendment) passed unanimously.
• Ordinance 2033‑1124 (residential rezone time frames) passed unanimously.
• No formal action was taken on the parks master plan update; public comment remains open until November 25, 2025.