OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Avondale City Council Meeting – February 2, 2026

City Council — Monday, February 2, 2026
BodyAvondale, Arizona
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, February 2, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:35:47

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

I would like to call to order the regular city council meeting of January 26, 2026.

0:08

Would you please all join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence?

0:15

I pledge allegiance to the floor of the United States.

0:42

Thank you.

0:44

Marcella, can we get roll call, please?

0:47

Councilmember Condi here.

0:50

Councilmember Garcia.

0:52

Here.

0:52

Councilmember Solario.

0:54

Here.

0:54

Councilmember Weiss here.

0:57

Councilmember White.

0:58

Present.

0:59

Vice Mayor Nielsen.

1:00

Here.

1:01

Mayor Pineda.

1:02

Here.

1:04

Thank you so much.

1:05

Ron, next item, please.

1:07

Thank you, Mr.

1:08

Mayor and Council.

1:09

First, we have a presentation by Adonna Gardner, our Youth and Community Engagement Manager to uh recognize some very exceptional students here in the City of Avondale.

1:23

Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and members of the council.

1:26

I am here to present the exceptional student of Avondale nominations.

1:31

This is a fun and wonderful initiative to recognize the amazing things that students are doing in our community.

1:37

I am honored to be presenting these recognitions on behalf of administrators, principals, educators, and nominators from the school districts.

1:48

The achievements being recognized may be academic, extracurricular, or personal, and highlight the impact that students have made for themselves, their family, school, or community.

2:00

Students, as I call your name, please walk up to receive your award and stay standing for the remainder of the presentation.

2:07

After the completion of all presentations, you will be invited to take photos with mayor, vice mayor, and counsel.

2:15

I have Stacey Ariano, community neighborhood and community services coordinator here with me this evening to assist with presenting the certificates and the medals.

2:29

First up is within the Awa Freya High School District and attends Awa Freya High School.

2:36

Frankie Olivias is in 12th grade.

2:40

Frankie has presented himself with increased confidence, responsibility, and self-awareness in the recent school year.

2:48

He interacts with peers and staff in a respectful, thoughtful, and positive manner.

2:53

His progress is not only evident in the classroom, but in the way that he contributes to a positive school environment.

3:01

He serves as an example of how dedication and support can lead to meaningful growth and success.

3:09

The following student is within the Avendale Elementary School District and attends Laddie Core.

3:16

Anaya Salcito is in first grade.

3:19

She shows up to school every day with a bright smile and is uh shows a genuine love for uh being part of her school community.

3:27

She consistently takes pride in being responsible and dependent, whether that's inside the classroom or during school activities.

3:36

Her willingness to support others positively impacts the learning environment and encourages her peers to do the same.

3:46

Next is within the Lichfield Elementary School District and attends Corte Sierra Elementary.

3:53

Declan Blades is in second grade.

3:55

Declan consistently goes above and beyond in everything he does.

4:00

He follows all the school rules and takes pride in doing the right thing, often encouraging his classmates to do the same.

4:08

He is genuinely kind and patient with others and is always willing to help and support his peers.

4:15

Declan is a wonderful role model and embodies the values of our community every single day.

4:23

Next is within the Pindergast Elementary School District and attends Garden Lakes Elementary School.

4:30

Alison Cook.

4:31

Alison is an eighth grader.

4:33

She is exceptionally talented artist who reflects deep thinking, creativity, and remarkable attention to detail in all of her work.

4:43

Her dedication has earned her a membership in the National Junior Honor Society for the past two years and has also participated in the Arizona State University prep courses and selection for the Pendergast Enrichment Program for the gifted and talented students.

5:03

Alison is well a well-rounded leader who positively impacts her school and community.

5:12

Next is within the Tolison Union High School District and attends Westview High School.

5:17

Emily Dane.

5:19

Emily is a 12th grader.

5:21

Emily was recently accepted into Brown University, where she will pursue a future in molecular biotechnology, aiming for a career in the biotechnology industry, where she hopes to contribute to clinical research.

5:34

Emily has engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities.

5:38

She participates as a member of the Health Occupation Students of America.

5:43

She plays JV tennis.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Personnel Matters████████████████████████████28%
Public Engagement█████████████████17%
Youth Programs██████████████14%
Economic Development██████████10%
Procedural████████8%
Community Engagement███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Transportation Safety███3%
Healthcare███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Avondale City Council Meeting – February 2, 2026

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the meeting was called to order on January 26, 2026, but the instructions specify the meeting date as February 2, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date but notes the discrepancy.

The regular meeting of the Avondale City Council was held on February 2, 2026. All council members were present (Condi, Garcia, Solario, Weiss, White, Vice Mayor Nielsen, Mayor Pineda). The meeting included recognitions, public comments, consent agenda items, and a major memorandum of understanding with the firefighters' union.

Consent Calendar

  • All consent agenda items except 4A were approved unanimously (7-0).
  • Item 4A (Resolution related to election ballot issues) was pulled for separate discussion and later passed 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Adrian Almanza (junior at Agua Fria High School) spoke about safety concerns near the school on East Riley Drive: fading crosswalks, speeding, and unsafe drop‑off practices. He requested improved crosswalks and traffic calming. Council acknowledged the issue and noted ongoing discussions with city staff.

Discussion Items

Recognitions and Awards

  • Exceptional Students of Avondale: Youth and Community Engagement Manager Adonna Gardner presented awards to five students from different districts for academic, extracurricular, or personal achievements. Students recognized: Frankie Olivias (Agua Fria High School, 12th grade), Anaya Salcito (Laddie Core, 1st grade), Declan Blades (Corte Sierra Elementary, 2nd grade), Alison Cook (Garden Lakes Elementary, 8th grade), Emily Dane (Westview High School, 12th grade). Council congratulated them.
  • School A‑Grade Recognition: Two Avondale high schools—West Point High School and La Jolla Community High School—were recognized for receiving an “A” letter grade from the Arizona State Board of Education. Principals Brandy Haskins (West Point) and Bill Sornson (La Jolla) credited teachers, students, and community support. Council expressed appreciation and highlighted public‑private partnerships.
  • Holiday School Spirit Food Drive: Stacy Arellano (Neighborhood and Family Services Coordinator) announced results: 10 schools participated, collecting a total equivalent to 5,033 meals (6,040 pounds). First place: Legacy Traditional School (2,004 lbs); second: Avondale Middle School (1,475 lbs); third: Agua Fria High School. Awards were presented with help from the Avondale Youth Advisory Commission.
  • Avondale Business Spotlight Program: Business Development Manager Adam Shipley introduced the new quarterly award. The first recipient was Pandora La Central (co‑owners Orlando and Yolanda Chavez) for providing free custom wedding cakes to couples affected by a Phoenix bakery closure. Council commended their generosity and encouraged community support.

Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment (Item 5A)

  • Senior Planner Monica Smith presented a city‑initiated text amendment (PA‑25‑0291) to remove the City Center zoning district from the ordinance, as no properties remain zoned under that district (all have been rezoned to Boulevard Zoning District or plan area developments since 2019). The amendment also cleans up related references. No public comments were received. The Planning Commission recommended approval 6‑0 on December 17, 2025. Council approved the ordinance (Ordinance 2002‑0126) unanimously (7‑0).

Memorandum of Understanding with Firefighters (Item 5B)

  • HR Director Andy presented a two‑year MOU (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028) with Avondale Professional Firefighters Association Local 3924. Key revisions included:
    • Nepotism policy modifications allowing temporary supervision of family members during overtime.
    • Base pay increases totaling 6.5% across ranks (firefighter, engineer, captain).
    • Specialty pay increase for technical rescue (from $1.10 to $1.50/hour).
    • Premium pay pilot made permanent (2,000‑hour annual cap).
    • Reduced minimum move‑up pay threshold from 12 hours to 15 minutes.
    • Deferred compensation city contribution increase from $50 to $100 per pay period (contingent on employee $50 contribution).
    • New employer contributions to universal post‑employment health accounts ($50‑$75 per pay period by rank).
    • Paid leave for presumptive cancer (up to 26 weeks) for firefighters with at least 12 months of service who are not covered by workers’ compensation (encouraging concurrent filing).
    • Updated longevity productivity pay tiers and added universal PEP contributions.
    • Clarified holiday pay, pregnancy leave, and conversion formulas for 56/40‑hour assignments.
  • Estimated budget impact: $925,000 ongoing per fiscal year.
  • Union President Caitlin Smith expressed appreciation for the collaborative process and noted the contract advances pay, benefits, working conditions, and fair treatment.
  • Council questions focused on the cancer‑leave provision (Councilmember White sought assurance that firefighters could receive leave without first filing a workers’ comp claim; city manager confirmed the leave is available upon diagnosis and that the workers’ comp process is encouraged for long‑term benefit).
  • Council unanimously approved the MOU (7‑0).

Key Outcomes

  • Recognitions and awards presented to students, schools, and a local business.
  • Zoning text amendment (removal of City Center District) adopted 7‑0.
  • Firefighter MOU approved 7‑0, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028.
  • Consent agenda (except 4A) passed 7‑0; item 4A individually passed 7‑0.
  • Council adjourned to executive session after the public meeting.

Councilmember Updates

  • Councilmember Solorio reported appointments to the National League of Cities Board (membership and recruitment), Military Communities Council, and liaison role to Hispanic Local Elected Officials.
  • Councilmember White attended the Arizona MLK Day celebration and Parks and Rec’s Mercados and Melodies event. She noted a lighting concern near the public amenity area and requested improvement.

Note on date discrepancy: The meeting transcript begins with “regular city council meeting of January 26, 2026,” but the instructions require using February 2, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date.

Meeting Transcript

I would like to call to order the regular city council meeting of January 26, 2026. Would you please all join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence? I pledge allegiance to the floor of the United States. Thank you. Marcella, can we get roll call, please? Councilmember Condi here. Councilmember Garcia. Here. Councilmember Solario. Here. Councilmember Weiss here. Councilmember White. Present. Vice Mayor Nielsen. Here. Mayor Pineda. Here. Thank you so much. Ron, next item, please. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and Council. First, we have a presentation by Adonna Gardner, our Youth and Community Engagement Manager to uh recognize some very exceptional students here in the City of Avondale. Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and members of the council. I am here to present the exceptional student of Avondale nominations. This is a fun and wonderful initiative to recognize the amazing things that students are doing in our community. I am honored to be presenting these recognitions on behalf of administrators, principals, educators, and nominators from the school districts. The achievements being recognized may be academic, extracurricular, or personal, and highlight the impact that students have made for themselves, their family, school, or community. Students, as I call your name, please walk up to receive your award and stay standing for the remainder of the presentation. After the completion of all presentations, you will be invited to take photos with mayor, vice mayor, and counsel. I have Stacey Ariano, community neighborhood and community services coordinator here with me this evening to assist with presenting the certificates and the medals. First up is within the Awa Freya High School District and attends Awa Freya High School. Frankie Olivias is in 12th grade. Frankie has presented himself with increased confidence, responsibility, and self-awareness in the recent school year. He interacts with peers and staff in a respectful, thoughtful, and positive manner. His progress is not only evident in the classroom, but in the way that he contributes to a positive school environment. He serves as an example of how dedication and support can lead to meaningful growth and success. The following student is within the Avendale Elementary School District and attends Laddie Core. Anaya Salcito is in first grade. She shows up to school every day with a bright smile and is uh shows a genuine love for uh being part of her school community. She consistently takes pride in being responsible and dependent, whether that's inside the classroom or during school activities. Her willingness to support others positively impacts the learning environment and encourages her peers to do the same. Next is within the Lichfield Elementary School District and attends Corte Sierra Elementary. Declan Blades is in second grade. Declan consistently goes above and beyond in everything he does. He follows all the school rules and takes pride in doing the right thing, often encouraging his classmates to do the same. He is genuinely kind and patient with others and is always willing to help and support his peers. Declan is a wonderful role model and embodies the values of our community every single day. Next is within the Pindergast Elementary School District and attends Garden Lakes Elementary School. Alison Cook. Alison is an eighth grader.

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