Avondale City Council Regular Meeting - 2025-10-15
Avondale City Council Regular Meeting - 2025-10-15
The Avondale City Council held a regular meeting on October 15, 2025, at which proclamations were issued, employee awards presented, a life-saving commendation given, a public hearing for a high school annexation approved, and an update on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan provided. All votes were 6-0 with Mayor Weiss excused.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was approved unanimously (6-0) without any items removed for separate discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were received for the public hearing on the Tulson Union High School District annexation or during the general public comment period.
Discussion Items
- New Employee Introduction: Renee Weatherless, Director of Finance and Budget, introduced Karen Reed as a new accounting specialist with over 30 years of experience. (Ms. Reed was not present.)
- Proclamation for Engineers Week (February 18-24, 2024): City Engineer Kim Moon presented the proclamation, which was read by the Vice Mayor. Engineering staff were recognized for their contributions to infrastructure.
- Proclamation for Government Communicators Day (February 24, 2024): Pierre, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, highlighted that the marketing department completed over 1,500 projects last year, including branding for We Ride, the Discover Avondale Oppoly, and award-winning publications. The proclamation was read and adopted.
- City Manager’s Excellence Awards: Torin from the City Manager's Office presented the 2023 awards. There were 30 nominations. Winners included Janet Dayer (MVP), Liana Bell (Guiding Leader), McKenzie Henderson and Gabby Babinski (Frontrunner), Public Works Streets Maintenance Division and Facilities Department (Pit Crew), Ariana Ramirez (Rising Star), and Andy Musquita (Special Recognition). Councilmember Malone thanked staff for their dedication.
- Life Safety Award: Fire Chief Rooney and Public Safety Chief Nanigan presented the department’s highest award to Deputy Chief Aaron Glass for performing CPR on an elderly driver who had no pulse on December 15, 2023, at Fillmore and Australia Parkway in Goodyear. The driver was revived and later discharged. Deputy Chief Glass was commended for his humility.
- Tulson Union High School District Annexation (Public Hearing): Senior Planner Michelle presented the annexation of approximately 54.73 acres at the southeast corner of Alamar Boulevard and Dysart Road. The property is zoned RR-43 (rural residential) and will be used for a public high school. No rezoning is requested. The annexation met all state requirements. No public speakers. The council voted unanimously (6-0) to adopt the ordinance.
- Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update: Consultant Jason Genk (Barry Dunn) presented an overview of the 10-year master plan process. The last plan was adopted in 2017. The firm will conduct extensive community engagement including pop-ups, an online portal, surveys, and equity analysis. Council members discussed strategies to reach diverse populations, including youth, non-English speakers, and those in HOAs. The timeline anticipates completion by late 2025. Council expressed support and offered suggestions for outreach at city events.
- Summary of Current Events: Councilmember White acknowledged Black History Month, noting that approximately 10% of Avondale’s population is African American, and expressed pride in the community’s diversity.
Key Outcomes
- Proclamations for Engineers Week and Government Communicators Day were adopted.
- City Manager’s Excellence Awards were presented and recognized.
- Life Safety Award presented to Deputy Chief Aaron Glass.
- Annexation ordinance for Tulson Union High School District (54.73 acres) approved 6-0.
- Parks and Recreation Master Plan update received; further engagement and presentations to council anticipated.
- Meeting adjourned 6-0.
Note: The transcript date (February 5, 2024) conflicts with the assigned meeting date of October 15, 2025. This summary uses the assigned date as instructed.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, I'd like to call the order of the regular city council meeting of February 5th, 2024. Will you all please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in a moment of silent reflection? Indivisible liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Okay, item number one roll call by the city clerk. Marcella, can you please do the roll call? Councilmember Condi, can you hear me okay on Zoom? Yes, thank you, Marcella. Here. Councilmember Malone. Councilmember Nielsen. Councilmember Solario. Councilmember White. Here. Vice Mayor Paneda. Here. And Mayor Weiss has an excused absence tonight. Thank you. Ron, next item, please. Thank you, Mr. Vice Mayor. Next up is our new employee introductions with Renee Weatherless, our Director of Finance and Budget. Good evening, Vice Mayor and members of council. I have the pleasure tonight to introduce our newest member to the Finance and Budget Department, and that is Karen Reed. Unfortunately, she is unable to be present with us. But she was hired as an accounting specialist, so she's in our accounts payable and payroll division. Um Karen does come to the city with over 30 years of accounts payable and payroll and accounts receivable experience. She moved for um to the West Valley from Maryland and enjoys Skyhacking and other outdoor activities. Thank you. Thank you, Renee. Ron, next item, please. Thank you, Mr. Vice Mayor. Next up, we have a proclamation for Engineers Week, and I believe Kim Moon is our city engineer's gonna kick it off. Good evening, Vice Mayor, Council. I just uh wanted to say uh a few brief words before the proclamation is read. And we have our group photo from last week up there. Um the National Society of Professional Engineers initiated Engineers Week in 1951, National Engineers Week or E-Week, is a week dedicated to celebrating the work that engineers do for our society. It's also an opportunity to support activities that get students interested in engineering and promote future careers in science, technology, and math. Uh those available in the engineering department gathered for this photo last week, and we have even more team members with us tonight, including engineers from the public works department as well. So if everyone could come and join me at the podium, be recognized. All the engineers. And I just want to say, please join me in recognizing and celebrating our Avondale professional engineers, architects, plan reviewers, inspectors, project managers, right of way, and project coordinators, associates, technicians, assistants, analysts, supervisors, and other professionals in engineering and public works department for in celebration of e-week. Well, thank you for uh each one of you brings to the city of Avondale. Um, you know, you're very vital, and so we thank you for uh what you again bring to the city, and I'm gonna go ahead and read this proclamation for Engineers Week if you don't mind. Proclamation for Engineers Week, whereas engineers provide the talents and skills necessary to analyze and solve complex problems and create the infrastructure essential for the high quality of life which our citizens enjoy. And whereas the support of understanding and informed citizensry is vital to efficient planning, design, construction, and operation of the public infrastructure, which includes water, sanitary and storm sewers, streets and highways, bridges, public buildings, communications, electricity, and natural gas distribution. And whereas the health, safety, welfare, comforting and economic vitality, this community as well as the success of project renewal greatly depends on sound public infrastructure. And whereas engineers address the major technological challenges of our time from rebuilding towns devastated by natural disasters to designing infrastructure that will take our country through the 21st century. And whereas the quality and effectiveness of the public infrastructure is vitally dependent upon the effort, talent, and skill of public public and private sector engineers.
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