Special City Council Meeting - October 22, 2025

The special meeting was called to order with an excused absence for Mayor Weiss. Councilmembers Condi, Malone, Nielsen, Solario, White, and Vice Mayor Pineda were present. The agenda included new employee introductions, a proclamation, presentations, public comment, consent agenda approval, discussion on the Avondale Aquatic Center, HR policy amendments, and budget transfers.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (minutes and routine items) was approved unanimously (6-0) after a motion by Councilmember Malone and a second by Councilmember White. One correction was noted: the date on item 3A should read October 9th.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Laura Gonzalez, a lifelong Avondale resident and former business owner, shared concerns about the Billy Moore Days parade and carnival. She reported that the ticket booth closed at 5 p.m. on Sunday, though the carnival was scheduled until 7 p.m., leaving many families upset with children crying. She expressed disappointment that the event was not up to par and noted that this year the committee members were not consulted. She urged the city to do better and stated she would send full details via email.

Discussion Items

New Employee Introductions

• City Manager’s Office: Torin introduced two new employees: Dylan Collier (Marvin Andrews management intern, started August) and Alexis Ayala (administrative assistant, started the prior week). Alexis is a native Avondale resident.
• City Clerk’s Office: Marcella Carrillo announced the promotion of Emily Soria to city clerk specialist, filling a vacancy left by Salali Salas.
• IT Department: Jeff Sheets introduced Carlos Garcia (network analyst, new position) and Abby Schultz (IT applications manager).
• Parks and Recreation: Corey (assistant director) introduced multiple new staff, including aquatic division hires (Estevan Fauna, Brittany Westland) and librarian Victoria Robertson. Honorary mentions were given to branch managers Denise Truman and Jamie Thomston.
• Police Department: Chief Memo Espinoza introduced four new sworn officers (Officers Valentin Peru IV, Rafael Spindola, Frank Rollers Gertz, Burton Van Rand) and Greg Harsha as support services manager.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation

• Sergeant Jenny Chavez (victim services) presented the proclamation, noting October was first declared Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. She cited statistics: 1 in 3 women, 1 in 4 men, and 1 in 3 juveniles are affected by domestic violence. The police department has lit the building purple and conducted social media campaigns. Councilmembers expressed support and Vice Mayor Pineda read the proclamation declaring October 2023 (note: meeting date is 2025, but proclamation text referenced 2023) as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. A photo was taken.

Boards and Commissions Recruitment Presentation

• City Clerk Marcella Carrillo announced an open house for boards and commissions, with a raffle for a swag bag. A new recruitment video was shown. Applications are always accepted, with the next cutoff on October 31. Councilmembers shared personal experiences serving on boards, encouraging public involvement. A link to the video will be provided to council.

Exceptional Students of Avondale Recognition

• Donna Gardner (Youth and Community Engagement Manager) recognized eight students: Alexandra Davis (12th grade, Avondale resident, 3.7+ GPA, color guard captain), Alma Salcido (1st grade, natural leader), Tanner Gillespie (7th grade, self-aware leader), Lyric Brown (7th grade, positive attitude), Carter Rigby (8th grade, National Junior Honor Society, volunteer), David Weishard (7th grade, straight A's, multiple sports and clubs), Mia Guerrero (8th grade, courageous and kind), and one additional student (name not fully provided). Each received a certificate and medal.

Avondale Aquatic Center Update

• Mark Foote (Aquatic Supervisor) provided an update on the $32.5 million project. Construction is on budget but behind schedule; completion is now expected in January 2025. Water tightness tests are done, finishes are being installed. Ribbon cutting is planned for February, soft opening on April Pools Day (water safety event), and full summer operations start Memorial Day weekend.
• Operations: Proposed hours include open swim 12–5 p.m. daily, early morning lap swim 5–7 a.m., and evening hours on select days. Admission is proposed at a flat $3, with no residency restriction but priority for Avondale residents via online pre-registration. Season passes will be available.
• Programming: Swimming lessons (ages 6 months+, 8 classes for $25), recreational swim team ($80 for residents), aquatic fitness classes, and pool/facility rentals. The facility will use Star Guard lifeguard certification. Staffing needs: 19 part-time staff per shift, total 70 part-time hires. Recruitment will target high schools and swim teams.
• Council Discussion: Councilmembers inquired about resident priority, admission fees, age requirements, shade, lockers, food policies, and capacity (500 self-imposed). The city manager noted they will evaluate usage and maintain flexibility. Councilmember White raised safety concerns about unaccompanied minors. The presentation was well-received.

HR Policy Amendments for At-Will Employment

• Andy Mosquita (HR Director) proposed amending city code to designate certain executive-level positions (assistant city managers, department directors) as at-will, effective October 30, 2023. The change would remove appeal rights for these positions and align with practices in Goodyear, Glendale, Surprise, and Scottsdale. The new city engineer (Kimberly Moon) has been informed and expresses no concerns. An emergency clause was included. Council separately voted on three items (4B, 4C, 4D) – all passed 6-0.

Budget Transfers and ARPA Update

• Robert Baer (Budget Manager) presented quarterly budget transfers: landscaping budget consolidated under Parks, operating carryovers totaling $723,670, ARPA funding reallocation (fiber projects moved to general fund; Kinsani Park and Mountain View Park enhancements to be funded by ARPA), and CIP adjustments including a $50,000 vehicle for aquatic maintenance and a land use study for a parcel adjacent to the aquatic center. The item was approved unanimously (6-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved 6-0.
• Proclamation read; domestic violence awareness month recognized.
• Aquatic Center update received; no formal vote needed.
• HR Policy Amendments (Items 4B, 4C, 4D) approved separately, each 6-0. Effective immediately with emergency clause.
• Budget Transfers and ARPA Update (Item 4E) approved 6-0.
• Adjournment: Motion by Councilmember Condi, seconded by Councilmember White, passed 6-0. Meeting adjourned.