Avondale City Council Organizational Meeting and Oath of Office Ceremony - October 15, 2025

The Avondale City Council held an organizational meeting on October 15, 2025, which included the swearing-in of new councilmembers, presentations on city programs and awards, election of the Vice Mayor, appointments to regional and local boards, and adoption of 2025 public policy priorities.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously with a motion by Vice Mayor Nielsen and a second by Councilmember White. No items were removed for separate consideration.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received.

Oath of Office Ceremony

• Mayor Mike Pineda was sworn in by the Honorable Pep Guzman. Mayor Pineda publicly thanked his family: wife Olivia, sons Jonathan and Mikey, daughters Angelique and Bianca, parents Daniel and Esther, and sister Lisa.
• Councilmember Jeanette Garcia was sworn in by her son Ryan. She expressed honor and gratitude to serve the city she grew up in.
• Councilmember Gloria Solorio was sworn in by former councilmember Jamie O'Dama. She thanked everyone and stated her commitment to making Avondale better for the future.
• Councilmember Sherry Weiss was sworn in by her husband, former Avondale Mayor Ken Weiss. She noted her 40 years of experience and healthcare perspective, and pledged to be a consensus builder.
• Several dignitaries were recognized, including former councilmembers and mayors from Avondale and surrounding cities.

Employee Announcements and Awards

• New Employee Introductions:
  • Torsten Schmudd (new Project Manager in CIP Division, focused on Fire Station 171, police communications bureau remodel, canine training facility, and fire training tower). He could not attend, but Kim Moon (Director of Engineering) introduced him.
  • Stephanie Hernandez (new Fire Inspector) was introduced by Assistant Fire Chief Dave Wagner. She previously worked for Phoenix Fire Department, is International Code Compliance certified, and holds a bachelor's in nursing from Grand Canyon University. She stated that the closeness of the community made Avondale feel like family.
• Camp Hero Presentation:
  • Community Outreach Coordinator Gabby, Captain Lopez, and Firefighter Cano presented the 2024 Camp Hero, a firefighter camp for girls aged 14-18. Nationally, only 5% of firefighters are women. The camp had 13 participants in its first year. Activities included flowing water, search and rescue drills, forcible entry, and climbing a ladder. Participants reported reconsidering career options and building lasting friendships. Councilmembers expressed strong support, with Councilmember Garcia noting the physical demands and bonds formed. Councilmember Solorio mentioned sharing the program with a national audience. Councilmember White noted her daughter was disappointed to miss it due to age requirements.
• Technology Awards:
  • Jeff Sheets, Chief Information Officer, reported two recent awards: the annual Digital Cities Survey (ranking in the top six for the last five years in the 75,000-125,000 population category) and the Public Technology Institute's 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program award. The cybersecurity program included an interactive movie-theater-style training with popcorn and candy, developed in collaboration with the marketing team. Sheets thanked his team and marketing staff.

Election of Vice Mayor

• Councilmember Conde nominated Vice Mayor Curtis Nielsen to continue serving as Vice Mayor for a two-year term. She recounted her appointment to council in 2017 and Nielsen's kind words at that time. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Solorio and passed unanimously. Vice Mayor Nielsen expressed gratitude and commitment.

Council Appointments to Regional and Local Boards

• Liz Barker Alvarez, Intergovernmental Affairs Administrator, presented the slate of regional and local board appointments.
• Mayor Pineda will serve on all six regional boards by virtue of his position (MAG, AMWA, Luke West Valley Council, Westmark Board of Directors). He designated Vice Mayor Nielsen to serve on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and Councilmember White to serve on the Valley Metro RPTA Board (she is also chair of the Audit and Finance Subcommittee and treasurer). Councilmember White serves on the MAG Transportation Policy Committee (term ends June 30, 2026). Councilmember Conde serves on the MAG Human Services and Community Initiatives Committee (no term expiration).
• Vacancies on the Subcommittee on Boards and Commissions (due to Mayor Pineda stepping down) and the Contributions Assistance Program (due to Councilmember Malone's term ending) were filled:
  • Councilmember Weiss volunteered and was appointed to the Subcommittee on Boards and Commissions.
  • Councilmember Garcia volunteered and was appointed to the Contributions Assistance Program.
• There are no current vacancies on the Audit Committee (members: Vice Mayor Nielsen and Councilmember White, terms ending 2026; Councilmember Solorio, term ending 2025).
• A motion by Councilmember White, seconded by Councilmember Conde, to approve all appointments passed unanimously.

2025 Public Policy Priorities

• Liz Barker Alvarez presented the recommended 2025 public policy priorities, developed by reviewing past legislation, collaborating with regional partners, and monitoring state and federal issues. The legislative session starts January 13, 2025; 55 bills had already dropped as of the meeting. The priorities are:
  • Preserving local funding (e.g., opposing cuts to shared revenue or preemption of local taxes).
  • Opposing preemption of local authority.
  • Supporting expanded housing opportunities (e.g., housing trust fund, rental assistance, first-time homeowner programs, while opposing preemptive bills like the Starter Home Act, which was vetoed).
  • Enhancing public safety (e.g., supporting metal detector use, opposing policies that hinder police and fire).
  • City managed growth and development.
  • Promoting economic development and prosperity.
  • Collaborating to build a robust transportation network (including implementation of Prop 479 and technology like We Ride).
  • Protecting and enhancing water supply (Avondale has made significant investments; there were 91 water bills last year).
  • Protecting the mission of Luke Air Force Base (the fifth largest Air Force base in the U.S., a major economic driver).
• Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the staff's work. A motion by Councilmember Conde, seconded by Councilmember Solorio, to adopt the priorities passed unanimously.

Summary of Current Events

• Councilmember Conde thanked Parks and Recreation for the winter camp at Mountain View Community Center, noting it was affordable and flexible (drop-in or full week). Her daughter enjoyed it and made friends on a field trip.

Key Outcomes

• Oath of Office: Mayor Mike Pineda and Councilmembers Jeanette Garcia, Gloria Solorio, and Sherry Weiss were sworn in.
• Vice Mayor Elected: Vice Mayor Curtis Nielsen was re-elected by unanimous vote for a two-year term.
• Board Appointments: Councilmember Weiss was appointed to the Subcommittee on Boards and Commissions; Councilmember Garcia to the Contributions Assistance Program. All other regional appointments were confirmed as presented.
• 2025 Public Policy Priorities: Adopted unanimously.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned by motion of Councilmember White, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, with all in favor.