Avondale City Council Meeting

The Avondale City Council met on October 21, 2025, at 7:54 PM. The meeting included introductions of new employees, proclamations, student recognitions, public comment, consent agenda approval, presentations on major economic development projects (The Boulevard and a full-service Embassy Suites hotel), adoption of a strategic plan for homelessness, and approval of mid-year public safety salary adjustments. Council members also reported on recent community events.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously with no items pulled for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stephen Alt, President of the Avondale Police Department United, thanked the council for past compensation and benefits that have made Avondale competitive. He cited an example where officers raised nearly $1,700 within 24 hours for a family affected by a traffic fatality. He urged continued support for the upcoming vote on further compensation to maintain low turnover and high recruitment.

Discussion Items

• Introduction of New Employees and Promotion

  • Greg Litchie (Budget Manager) and Luisa Parfila (Senior Customer Service Representative) were introduced by the Assistant Director of Finance and Budget.
  • Michael Jocelyn (GIS Technician) and Pranit Mari (Network Analyst) were introduced by IT.
  • Gabby Babinski was recognized for her internal promotion to Management Analyst in the Marketing and PR department.

• Proclamations

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The council proclaimed October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, noting that it is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer for women and the second leading cause of cancer death. Over 2.5 million Americans are survivors. Survivors and those impacted were asked to stand.
  • Honoring Ronald Raymond Ross: The council honored the life and legacy of Ron Ross, a longtime Avondale resident, community volunteer, and American Legion Post 61 member. He passed away on June 8, 2025, at age 75. Former Mayor Ken Weiss introduced the family, and Guadalupe Ross shared memories of the family’s history in Avondale.

• Avi Star Student Award

  • Three students were recognized: Arleth Salea Lujan (4th grader, Alicio C. Felix Elementary) for strong work ethic and kindness; Giselle Rico Yorita (8th grader, Rio Vista Elementary) for leadership as Chief Science Officer and member of National Junior Honor Society; and Victoria (high school student, Civic Action Club president) for organizing voter registration drives and civic engagement activities.

• The Boulevard Development Update

  • Economic Development Director Jen presented the evolution of The Boulevard, a 356-acre mixed-use district. Highlights included planned developments by Blueprints Capital (138,000 sq ft of retail, restaurant, and office space) with a city infrastructure reimbursement of $6.6 million. Public benefits include more than 50 free public events annually, $5 million in new sales tax over 7 years, $9.5 million in new property taxes, and $40 million total economic impact. Council members emphasized walkability, shade, diversified restaurants, and traffic circles. No vote was taken; staff will return with an agreement.

• Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center - Notice of Intent

  • Jen presented a proposal for a 180-room full-service Embassy Suites with 10,000 sq ft of conference space, a rooftop bar, and a projected $115 million development. The city would provide an estimated $1.3 million in incentives (fee reductions, sales tax rebate, lodging tax rebate) and receive $1.4 million in direct public benefits (free event days, discounted rentals, branding). A third-party economic impact study found a 1:9 return on investment. The council voted unanimously to adopt the notice of intent, allowing the development agreement to be brought back in two weeks.

• Avondale Strategic Plan for Homelessness

  • Brian, Homeless Services Manager, presented the five-year plan. Since 2022, the city’s SONAR program engaged 329 individuals through 7,343 contacts, resulting in 179 positive exits from homelessness (36% to permanent housing). The plan sets five outcomes: 25% increase in positive exits, 30% increase in treatment connections, 50% increase in family permanent housing connections, 50% expansion of supportive service partnerships, and 25% reduction in homelessness. Six goals focus on housing supply, eviction prevention, shelter access, system refinement, supportive services, and permanent housing connections. The council approved the resolution unanimously.

• Mid-Year Public Safety Salary Adjustments

  • Andy, HR Director, recommended changes effective January 5, 2026, to keep pace with West Valley competitors. For officers: align recruit rate to market average ($34.23/hr), reduce steps from 9 to 8 with 5% progression. For sergeants: align step 1 to $55.51/hr, max to $66.76/hr, with 3.8% progression. For lieutenants: transition to a five-step plan and add two new full-time lieutenant positions. For fire battalion chiefs: transition to a five-step plan. Ongoing costs are $1.36 million (officers), $167,000 (sergeants), $23,000 (lieutenants step plan), and $314,000 (two new lieutenants), totaling approximately $1.86 million. FY26 partial-year costs (~$932,500) will be covered by salary savings or contingency funds. Council approved the motion unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved without objection.
• Notice of Intent for Embassy Suites: Approved unanimously (motion by Councilmember White, second by Councilmember Solorio).
• Strategic Plan for Homelessness Resolution: Approved unanimously (motion by Councilmember Solorio, second by Councilmember White).
• Public Safety Salary Adjustments and New Lieutenant Positions: Approved unanimously (motion by Councilmember Solorio, second by Councilmember White). The effective date is January 5, 2026.