Avondale City Council Meeting - May 5, 2026

This meeting began on the evening of May 4, 2026, but is officially dated May 5, 2026, per the provided timestamp. It included proclamations, a small business update, recognition of the Citizen Police Academy graduates, emotional public testimony regarding a pedestrian fatality, a heated exchange between a resident and a councilmember, support for the city manager, a divided vote on the city manager's contract amendment, and a presentation on the tentative budget that was recessed before a vote.

Proclamations

• Law Day: City Attorney Nicole Harris introduced the proclamation for Law Day (May 1, 2026). Councilmember Weiss read the proclamation, emphasizing the rule of law and the American dream. Council recognized the City Attorney's office and Harris's volunteer work.
• Economic Development, Tourism, and Small Business Month: Acting Economic Development Director Cheryl Covert presented the proclamation for May 2026. Mayor Paneda read the proclamation, noting Avondale attracts over two million visits annually. Council thanked the economic development team.
• Building Safety Month: Director Jody Novak and Chief Building Official Ben Carr introduced the proclamation for May 2026, with theme "Built to Last." Councilmember White read it, highlighting that Avondale has adopted the 2024 International Code Council codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code effective January 1, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eileen Ginns (mother of deceased 12-year-old): Described the April 17, 2026 traffic death of her son on Lower Buckeye Road. She pleaded for crosswalks, reduced speed limits (to 25–30 mph), and better lighting. She stated the city must provide safe passage between residential areas and parks. Her emotional testimony was supported by community members in blue shirts.
• Barney Hernandez: Supported Ginns, requested a 30 mph speed limit on Lower Buckeye Road and El Mirage Road, and acknowledged that crosswalk improvements were already in city plans. He urged prioritization.
• Lisa Collins: Emphasized the need for police enforcement of traffic laws, not just infrastructure improvements.
• Jackie Grant: Recounted being hit by a car at the same intersection in October 2023, resulting in serious injuries. She said the city previously told her there weren't enough incidents to justify changes, and highlighted that recent traffic signals had not prevented the fatal crash.
• Veronica Malone: Requested marked crosswalks and proactive infrastructure ahead of development along Lower Buckeye Road, noting a one-mile stretch between Avondale Boulevard and El Mirage Road with poor lighting, 45 mph speed limit, and no traffic signal. She asked the city to prioritize safety funding in the budget.
• Teresa DeSante: Accused Councilmember Garcia of making false statements about her at a public event and of saying DeSante hates her. Councilmember Garcia responded, defending herself and stating she is attacked because she is a Republican. Mayor cut off further exchange.
• Ashley Nicole Archer: Expressed concerns about a data center near her home, citing unexplainable low-frequency noises (ELF), potential health risks (including her child's heart pains), and environmental impacts. She claimed she contacted Erin Brockovich and said the community is organizing.
• Daniel Bariel: Criticized the city's development decisions, referencing data centers, battery storage, water usage, and traffic safety. He urged council to base decisions on science rather than profit.
• Sergeant Nick Gonzalez (Avondale Police Department): Spoke in strong support of City Manager Ron Corbin, citing his support for the Take Home Vehicle Program, extending the Craig Tiger Act to non-sworn employees, wellness programs, and new technology (drone program, Axon Draft One). He thanked Corbin for his leadership.
• Kaylin Smith (Avondale Professional Firefighters Association Local 3924): Also supported Corbin, highlighting his role in building the new fire training center, expanded cancer coverage for firefighters, and a collaborative culture. He praised Corbin's transparency and community involvement.

Discussion Items

• City Manager Contract Amendment (Consent Agenda Item 4C): Councilmember White requested removal from the consent agenda for separate discussion. The remainder of the consent agenda passed 6–1 (one dissenting). The proposed amendment increased City Manager Ron Corbin's salary from $306,000 to $339,000 (approximately $33,000 or 13% below market per HR). Mayor Paneda explained this was a retention effort after Corbin was a finalist for another city manager position. Extensive debate followed:
  • Supporters (Mayor Paneda, Councilmembers Weiss, Garcia, Nielsen): Argued that Corbin's leadership is valuable, turnover would cost $28,000–$32,000 in search fees, and the raise brings him closer to market rate. Weiss read positive feedback from department heads. Garcia said Corbin championed budget cuts to prioritize safety.
  • Opponents (Councilmembers White, Solorio, Conde): Argued that the raise is inconsistent with recent budget cuts to programs and services, that it sets a bad precedent to give an off-cycle increase without a firm offer, and that the timing (one month before his annual review) is inappropriate. White moved to postpone the discussion until the annual review. That motion failed. The original motion to approve the amendment then passed 4–3.
• Tentative Budget Adoption (Resolution 1029-0526): Finance Director Renee Weathos presented the FY2027 tentative budget, setting the maximum expenditure limit. Total budgeted expenditures across all funds are $514.5 million, with the general fund at $185.7 million in expenditures. Changes since last presentation include a $102,000 increase for the Southwest Family Advocacy Center lease, a $200,000 increase for a DISART water line CIP project, and carryover adjustments. The final budget adoption and property tax levy hearing is scheduled for June 1, 2026. Council had questions about funding potential crosswalk improvements. A motion to adopt was made and seconded, but the meeting recessed due to a missing council member before a vote was taken. The outcome is not recorded in the transcript.

Key Outcomes

• Three proclamations (Law Day, Economic Development/Tourism/Small Business Month, Building Safety Month) were approved for May 2026.
• Consent agenda (excluding Item 4C) passed 6–1.
• City Manager Ron Corbin's employment agreement was amended, increasing his salary to $339,000 (effective immediately) as a retention measure. The vote was 4–3 (Mayor Paneda, Councilmembers Weiss, Garcia, Nielsen in favor; Councilmembers White, Solorio, Conde opposed).
• The tentative budget adoption was presented and a motion made, but the vote was deferred due to a recess; no decision was recorded in the transcript.
• Public safety concerns regarding pedestrian infrastructure on Lower Buckeye Road were raised by multiple speakers, and staff indicated that an independent assessment for crosswalk placement is underway and that the budget can be amended later to fund such projects.