Avondale City Council Regular Meeting - October 15, 2025

This regular meeting of the Avondale City Council was called to order on October 15, 2025. The agenda included introductions of new city staff, proclamations, recognition of exceptional students, approval of a consent agenda, discussion and approval of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Avondale Professional Firefighters Association (APFFA), and an update on senior services. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was moved by Councilmember Condi, seconded by Councilmember White, and passed unanimously with no items removed for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made. The public speaker card for Mr. Uber was noted as possibly having left the room.

Discussion Items

• Introduction of New Staff: The council welcomed Sandra Freund (Senior Planner), Mayette Bailey (Senior Revenue Analyst), Josue Masias (Senior Management Analyst), and Cole Peel (Water Resources Manager). Each was introduced by their respective department directors.
• Proclamation - Anti-Human Trafficking Month (January 2024): Councilmember Tina Condi read a proclamation declaring January 2024 as Anti-Human Trafficking Month in Avondale, highlighting the local and national prevalence of human trafficking and encouraging community education and prevention efforts.
• Proclamation Honoring Former Mayor Bill Badoya: The council posthumously honored Bill Badoya, who served as a volunteer fire chief, planning and zoning committee member, council member, vice mayor, and mayor of Avondale. His family accepted the proclamation.
• Recognition of Exceptional Students (AVI Student Stars): Four students from various school districts were recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement: Ivan Castro Gomez (7th grade, Michael Anderson School), Mia Science (4th grade, Corte Sierra), Michaela Reed (5th grade, Lakin Prep Academy), and Lizabeth Sanchez (8th grade, Rio Vista).
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Avondale Professional Firefighters Association (APFFA) for FY25-26: The council discussed and approved a new two-year MOU (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026). Key changes include: a 9% increase to the initial step for firefighters and 5% across ranks; condensed steps for engineers and captains; increased paramedic pay from $2.60/hr to $3.40/hr; increased technical rescue pay to $1.10/hr; a pilot program for 56-hour employees paid 2.1x their rate for eligible assignments (up to 2,000 hours per fiscal year); improved move-up pay (to step zero of the higher rank); 3% COLA and one-step merit increase in FY26 with a possible higher COLA if non-represented employees receive more; increased deferred compensation city contribution from $20 to $50 per pay period; increased uniform allowance from $500 to $650 paid twice annually; increased retreat and banquet funds; and a $5,000 one-time post-retirement health account contribution for retiring members. The estimated annual budget impact is $1.5 million. Union President Ryan Tussing noted the collaborative negotiation process and expressed concern about firefighter retention before the MOU takes effect in July. He stated that 16 firefighters were lost since 2021, and eight in the past year alone.
• Senior Center Update: Sandy Lopez presented an update on Avondale Senior Services. Key statistics: approximately 1,600 congregate meals per month (up 26% year-over-year), about 966 rides per month (up 23%), average daily attendance of 182 (up 9%). The center also partners with St. Mary's Food Bank for supplemental food distribution, assisting over 16,000 individuals in FY23 (on track to exceed that). Home-delivered meals provide wellness checks; drivers recently discovered a fallen senior and a gas leak, averting tragedies. The eligibility age was lowered to 50 in January 2023. The center collaborates with police and fire departments for events. Council members expressed appreciation and noted the growing need for senior services and food security.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• MOU with APFFA: Approved unanimously (motion by Councilmember White, second by Councilmember Nielsen). The effective date is July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026.
• The meeting was adjourned unanimously following a motion by Councilmember Nielsen, seconded by Councilmember Malone.