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Record of Proceedings

Avondale City Council Meeting: Proclamations, ADOT Projects, Utility Rates, and Public Comment on Council Conduct (October 15, 2025)

City Council — Wednesday, October 15, 2025
BodyAvondale, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, October 15, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:31:42

Transcript — Verbatim
0:57

Paneda.

0:58

Here.

0:59

And Councilmember White.

1:02

Thank you.

1:04

Okay, thank you so much.

1:05

Ron, next item, please.

1:06

Thank you, Mr.

1:07

Mayor and Council.

1:08

Up first is we have our employee introductions.

1:10

Uh Jody Novak, your director of Delaware and Services is going first.

1:17

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

1:20

I am happy to introduce to you our new employee in the development services department, Alex Rodriguez.

1:25

He is a building inspector in our building inspection team in the building services division.

1:30

He started with us on January 6th.

1:33

He had moved out here from Texas where he has a wealth of experience in building safety as well as fire services.

1:53

And if you have any questions for him, please let us know.

1:56

Yeah, so the first question I have to ask is it the cowboys?

2:01

Are they your favorite team or okay?

2:04

I didn't want to I didn't want to assume, but you never know from Texas.

2:07

So now that you've been here uh a little over a month going on uh a little longer than a month, what are some of the things that you've learned about this city uh as compared to other places that you've worked that uh let you know that this is the place to be?

2:23

A lot more structured, a lot more uh the uh my team is a lot more uh it's more of a team than I was just a bottom other municipality.

2:34

Uh of course a lot bigger, but um this is a little more like what I was doing, not in Ron Walk, Texas.

2:40

Okay.

2:41

I'm very comfortable here.

2:42

I'm very happy with the team that I've chosen.

2:45

Thank you for having me.

2:47

Well, thank you, and thank you for joining the team, and we appreciate you being here with all of your experience.

2:52

Thank you.

3:04

Next we have uh uh proclamation who uh Pierre, our director of marketing public relations will start us off with um honoring our marketing and public relations staff.

3:22

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

3:24

Thank you very much.

3:24

I'm Pierre Sameri.

3:26

I'm your director of marketing and public relations, and I'm joined here by my team from the NPR department.

3:33

Um we wanted to be here today to uh acknowledge uh government communicators day, which was celebrated on February twenty-first uh this this year.

3:44

Um as you know it's commonplace to um to recognize various professions in government.

3:52

So you have things like engineering week, which you um acknowledge at your last council meeting, you have parts and recreation month, you have law enforcement month, and so on and so forth.

4:05

And now you have government communicators day.

4:07

In this case, we only get one day.

4:19

So the purpose of government communicated stays to recognize the vital role of public communications in local government.

4:27

Um this time I'd like to point out that it isn't just my department that's involved in communications.

4:33

We do have various um employees throughout the city who help their departments in the communications functions from public safety to public works and park parts and rec.

4:43

So um they are folks that are going above and beyond um behind the scenes doing their best to um highlight the contributions of this essential city function.

5:02

These are just a quick overview of some of the many, many things we do.

5:06

It's a diverse range of duties that we have within our department.

5:12

So we are essentially the communications hub for media relations, digital media, graphic design and marketing, and branding services in Avondale.

5:25

I want to take a moment to uh just highlight some of our successes.

5:29

Uh we are uh the marketing and PR department is one of the smaller departments in the city.

5:35

We are essentially just seven people handling everything from graphic design to photography to all your media releases, uh, as well as the merchandise that you see in our um visitor and visitor center.

5:50

So last year we responded to about 1,500 projects for our departments.

5:56

Our departments are really busy, so they keep us busy, which is job security there.

6:01

We're very happy about that.

6:03

Um you're familiar with our rave magazine that's mailed to every single household in the city of Avondale.

6:10

Right now it goes to 33,000 households and more as as we keep bringing on new residents in the city.

6:17

Uh you see out Avondale Oppoly that was designed at for our visitor center, and that was done completely by our own graphic designer, Krista Wilson.

6:28

Uh we have uh brand standards guide that was worked on really hard by the team, in particular Noli, who's another graphic designer who's been with us for more than 20 years, uh, working on all the beautiful uh graphics and and brand that you see throughout the city.

6:44

Uh we help our departments with a lot of their hiring.

6:49

Uh and then you're familiar with We Ride.

6:52

Our department was the one that created the branding and marketing collateral for our microtransit service that is not just utilized in Avondale but throughout the West Sally.

7:04

Um this is the team, and with that, Mayor I'd like to turn it over to you for the proclamation.

7:11

Thank you so much, um, Pierre.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement████████████████16%
Water And Wastewater Management████████████████16%
Fiscal Sustainability████████████12%
Community Engagement████████8%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%
Public Safety██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Racial Equity█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Avondale City Council Meeting: Proclamations, ADOT Projects, Utility Rates, and Public Comment on Council Conduct (October 15, 2025)

The Avondale City Council met on October 15, 2025, to discuss a range of items including employee introductions, a proclamation for Government Communicators Day, presentations from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) on two major freeway projects, a new property beautification program, opioid prevention grants, a public hearing on annexation, the annual comprehensive financial report, and proposed utility rate increases. The meeting also featured extensive public comments regarding social media posts by Councilmember Garcia, with both support and criticism voiced.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was adopted unanimously without any items pulled. Motion by Councilmember White, second by Councilmember Weiss.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Teresa DeSante criticized Councilmember Garcia for calling Tom Hanks a "pedophile" in a Spanish-language post, stating it put a bad taste on the city and called for her resignation.
  • Walter Gonzalez detailed the timeline of Garcia’s social media posts, including an X post on February 16 that used the word "pedo" (Spanish for fart) and subsequent posts. He argued that the interpretation of "pedophile" was not a mistake and cited a Kendrick Lamar lyric to support that the word clearly meant "pedophile." He concluded residents did not misinterpret.
  • Roger Pickerell (state committeeman for LD22 and state GOP chair) encouraged unity and forgiveness, urging the council to focus on larger issues like borders and fentanyl.
  • Mary Alvarado expressed shock at Garcia’s behavior, calling it incorrect for a nonpartisan position and a violation of trust. She demanded the council take action.
  • Don Di Simon rose in support of Garcia, explaining that "pedo" means "fart" in Spanish and that Tom Hanks is an "old fart." He argued Garcia’s main points about racism and SNL were unchallenged.
  • Jeff Pray supported Garcia, stating that a woman of color should be allowed to speak her mind as a conservative without attack.
  • Robert Maxwell condemned racist attacks on Garcia and expressed support for her.
  • Natasha Edmonds (Chair, West Valley NAACP Economic Development Committee) noted concerns from citizens and read from the city’s code of conduct. She formally requested that the council agendize a discussion on strengthening standards for council members to maintain nonpartisan integrity.
  • Marissa Patino cited the same code of conduct and stated Garcia’s February 16 post violated it, calling for enforcement and accountability.
  • Ryan Hartwig urged the council to protect free speech and offered help on cyberbullying training for youth.
  • Tex Poleski (self-described proud Jew) defended Garcia as a patriot and veteran, condemned racist attacks against her, and called on the council to issue a statement of support for her.
  • Three written comments were read by staff: Jessica Pinya expressed dismay and said Garcia’s social media was filled with hostility; Andrea Ojeda urged the council to address the behavior to restore confidence; Alejandra Lopez (19-year resident) stated Garcia hid behind colloquial Spanish and that as an educated Latina she knew the word "pedo" is used informally but Garcia’s statements were not in a Spanglish format; she called for accountability.
  • Councilmember Garcia responded: She apologized to city staff who were harassed due to the matter, but stood by her words and free speech. She stated she never hid her conservative views and that the controversy would not have occurred without Elon Musk’s retweet. She said she would continue to represent those who elected her.
  • Councilmember White requested an executive session to review the code of conduct, citing that of 14 commenters, eight were in disagreement with Garcia’s posts. The Mayor said he would work with the city attorney to decide how to proceed.

Discussion Items

  • Employee Introduction: Development Services Director Jody Novak introduced new building inspector Alex Rodriguez from Texas. Rodriguez noted the city is more structured and team-oriented than previous municipalities.
  • Proclamation – Government Communicators Day: Marketing & Public Relations Director Pierre Sameri presented highlights from his seven-person team, including 1,500 projects last year, the RAVE magazine sent to 33,000 households, and branding for the We Ride microtransit service. The Mayor read a proclamation declaring February 21, 2025 as Government Communicators Day in Avondale.
  • ADOT Presentation – Loop 101/I-10 System Interchange Improvements: Kimberly Larson (ADOT Community Relations) presented a $291 million project funded by Proposition 400. The project includes a direct HOV ramp from Loop 101 to I-10, a new southbound Loop 101 exit to 91st Avenue, a combined Thomas/McDowell exit, and noise walls. Final design concludes Q1 2025, construction begins fall 2025 and lasts about 30 months. Weekend/overnight closures expected; major events (e.g., NASCAR) will be avoided. The combined exit aims to reduce weaving. Council discussed safety and communication with ADOT.
  • ADOT Presentation – State Route 30 (97th Avenue to Loop 202): Guy Alduna (ADOT Community Relations) presented a project for 4.5 miles of new freeway with three general-purpose lanes each direction, interchanges at 91st, 83rd, and 67th Avenues, and a system interchange with Loop 202. Design started October 2024, public meeting late 2025/early 2026, construction spring 2027–2029. Funded by Prop 479. Future segments (Bullard to Dysart, etc.) are under discussion at MAG. Councilmember White asked about timing for Avondale segments; ADOT could not confirm but said it is under MAG discussion.
  • Property All-Star Curb Appeal Program: Code Compliance Manager Josh Perez introduced a new quarterly recognition program with residential and commercial categories. Residents can nominate properties via the AB Wise app. A selection committee (staff + Neighborhood Commission member) will evaluate landscape design, lighting, hardscape, and water-conserving plants. Winners will receive a certificate and sign and be featured in RAVE magazine.
  • Opioid Youth Prevention Services Grants: Family Services Manager Darique Guajardo announced $200,000 in grants from the One Arizona Agreement (opioid settlement). Maximum award $50,000 per project focusing on prevention, education, and mentoring. Recipients: Not My Kid, Law Firm Terra Impact, Jobs for Arizona Graduates (JAG), Youth for Youth, and Sounds of Autism. The grants fund programs at Avondale High School campuses and autism-specific prevention training. Councilmember Voce praised the prevention focus.
  • Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: External auditor Brittany Williams (Heinfeld & Meach) presented a clean (unmodified) opinion on the FY2024 financial statements. The single audit found no findings. The clean report was commended by the audit committee and council.
  • Utility Rate Discussion: Budget Manager Robert Baer and Public Works Director Kirk Bailey presented proposed rate increases for water, sewer, and solid waste. Key drivers: inflation, new infrastructure (water wells, PFAS treatment, Bartlett Dam, water reclamation expansion), and vehicle replacement. Current combined bill is $105.80, making Avondale the 5th lowest among 13 comparison cities. Proposal:
    • Water: 6.7% increase on base/tiers Jan 2026, plus 7.5% treatment fee and 6.2% water resource fee; additional 6.1% Jan 2027. Average monthly water bill from $33.40 to $40.22 (Jan 2026) then $42.66 (Jan 2027).
    • Sewer: 2% increase Jan 2026 and Jan 2027. Average bill from $45.40 to $46.30 to $47.21.
    • Solid Waste: $1.60 increase July 2025 and $1.75 July 2026. Current $27 base to $28.60 then $30.35. Combined bill would go to $115.13 (8.8% increase) and then $120.22 (4.4% increase), moving Avondale to middle of the pack. No action taken; notice of intent scheduled for March 3, 2025 (date mismatch noted but per transcript). Public hearing May 5, 2025.
  • Current Events/Reports from Council: Councilmember White shared about visiting Treasure House (founded by Kurt and Brenda Warner) for Leadership West. Vice Mayor Nielsen praised Deacon Sini Park (new inclusive playground) and a trade mission with Japanese delegates. Councilmember Garcia attended a medical center opening and Luke Air Force Base F-35 rodeo; she suggested recruiting Apple for investment.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved unanimously.
  • Proclamation for Government Communicators Day read and recognized.
  • ADOT presentations received; no formal action required.
  • Curb Appeal Program and Opioid Prevention Grants presented; no vote needed.
  • Public hearing on Hopewell Avondale annexation (5-foot strip) opened and closed; no action taken. Second hearing set for March 24, 2025 (date per transcript).
  • Annual financial report accepted; clean audit noted.
  • Utility rate discussion held; staff to bring back notice of intent at a future meeting. No formal action taken.
  • Councilmember White’s request for an executive session on code of conduct referred to mayor and city attorney for follow-up.

Meeting Transcript

Paneda. Here. And Councilmember White. Thank you. Okay, thank you so much. Ron, next item, please. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. Up first is we have our employee introductions. Uh Jody Novak, your director of Delaware and Services is going first. Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council members. I am happy to introduce to you our new employee in the development services department, Alex Rodriguez. He is a building inspector in our building inspection team in the building services division. He started with us on January 6th. He had moved out here from Texas where he has a wealth of experience in building safety as well as fire services. And if you have any questions for him, please let us know. Yeah, so the first question I have to ask is it the cowboys? Are they your favorite team or okay? I didn't want to I didn't want to assume, but you never know from Texas. So now that you've been here uh a little over a month going on uh a little longer than a month, what are some of the things that you've learned about this city uh as compared to other places that you've worked that uh let you know that this is the place to be? A lot more structured, a lot more uh the uh my team is a lot more uh it's more of a team than I was just a bottom other municipality. Uh of course a lot bigger, but um this is a little more like what I was doing, not in Ron Walk, Texas. Okay. I'm very comfortable here. I'm very happy with the team that I've chosen. Thank you for having me. Well, thank you, and thank you for joining the team, and we appreciate you being here with all of your experience. Thank you. Next we have uh uh proclamation who uh Pierre, our director of marketing public relations will start us off with um honoring our marketing and public relations staff. Good evening, Mayor and Council. Thank you very much. I'm Pierre Sameri. I'm your director of marketing and public relations, and I'm joined here by my team from the NPR department. Um we wanted to be here today to uh acknowledge uh government communicators day, which was celebrated on February twenty-first uh this this year. Um as you know it's commonplace to um to recognize various professions in government. So you have things like engineering week, which you um acknowledge at your last council meeting, you have parts and recreation month, you have law enforcement month, and so on and so forth. And now you have government communicators day. In this case, we only get one day. So the purpose of government communicated stays to recognize the vital role of public communications in local government. Um this time I'd like to point out that it isn't just my department that's involved in communications. We do have various um employees throughout the city who help their departments in the communications functions from public safety to public works and park parts and rec. So um they are folks that are going above and beyond um behind the scenes doing their best to um highlight the contributions of this essential city function. These are just a quick overview of some of the many, many things we do. It's a diverse range of duties that we have within our department. So we are essentially the communications hub for media relations, digital media, graphic design and marketing, and branding services in Avondale. I want to take a moment to uh just highlight some of our successes. Uh we are uh the marketing and PR department is one of the smaller departments in the city. We are essentially just seven people handling everything from graphic design to photography to all your media releases, uh, as well as the merchandise that you see in our um visitor and visitor center. So last year we responded to about 1,500 projects for our departments. Our departments are really busy, so they keep us busy, which is job security there.

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