Avondale City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026
Avondale City Council Meeting - May 19, 2026
The Avondale City Council held a regular meeting on May 19, 2026, featuring multiple proclamations, recognition of the Citizens Water Academy graduates, public comments, acknowledgment of outgoing Assistant City Manager Katie Gregory, approval of the consent agenda, and a summary of council member activities.
Proclamations and Recognitions
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Mental Health Awareness Month: The council proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Ted Flora (Acting HR Director) introduced the proclamation, and Kathy Via from Southwest Behavioral Health Services spoke about the importance of community partnerships. Councilmember Condi read the proclamation, noting that one in five adults and one in seven youth experience a mental health challenge annually. Councilmembers Garcia and White shared personal reflections on mental health.
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National Water Safety Month: Recreation Manager Brittany Stravinsky presented on the Avondale Aquatics Center, which operates seven days a week starting Memorial Day weekend. She highlighted the ABCs of water safety (Adult supervision, Barriers, CPR classes) and noted that drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4. Vice Mayor Nielsen read the proclamation declaring May 2026 as National Water Safety Month.
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National Public Works Week: Public Works Director Kirk presented the proclamation for National Public Works Week, May 17-23, 2026, with the theme "Rooted in Service, Powered by Community." The Public Works Department employs 128 full-time staff. Councilmember Garcia read the proclamation, and staff from various departments were recognized.
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Citizens Water Academy Recognition: Assistant Public Works Director Eric reported that a record 22 residents graduated from the annual Citizens Water Academy, a five-week program covering water resources, distribution, quality, wastewater treatment, and more. Graduate Patsy Morose shared her positive experience. Councilmembers White and Solorio, who also attended, praised the program.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Natasha Edmonds, a resident and mother, addressed the council. She mourned the death of 12-year-old Lewis Gaines IV, who was struck and killed on April 17 near his home, and called for improved pedestrian safety. She urged the council to pass a resolution against building new data centers in Avondale to protect water resources. She also criticized the city's contract with Waterfluence, a California company monitoring HOA water use, stating that alerts about water usage spikes arrived two weeks after repairs were made. Finally, she requested a traffic signal at the intersection of Litchfield and Lower Buckeye roads due to congestion. Her comments exceeded the three-minute limit but were allowed to conclude.
Recognition of Assistant City Manager Katie Gregory
- City Manager Ron Corbin recognized Assistant City Manager Katie Gregory, who is leaving after over 30 years of public service. He credited her with helping pass the parks and public safety bonds. A celebration is planned for June 8. Katie Gregory thanked the council and staff, noting her continued commitment to the West Valley.
Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0) without any items removed for separate consideration. Councilmember Condi thanked the city for the widening project referenced in item E.
Summary of Current Events
- Councilmembers shared their recent activities:
- Councilmember White visited West-MEC in Glendale and attended the Audubon Gila River Forum.
- Councilmember Garcia attended a Chamber event, graduated from Leadership West, and thanked law enforcement for Police Week.
- Vice Mayor Nielsen attended the West Valley Regional Chamber event and met with CAP stakeholders.
- Mayor Pineda acknowledged Police Week and noted a security guard's graduation from college.
Executive Session
- The council voted unanimously to adjourn into executive session.
Meeting Transcript
The mayor, Vice Mayor, and City Council welcome you to the Avondale City Council meeting. As a courtesy to others, please silence all phones.gov. Or complete a blue card that is located at the back of the council chamber and hand it to the city clerk prior to consideration of that agenda item. When your name is called, please approach the podium and give your name for the public record. Please limit your comments to three minutes. If more than five requests to speak are received, comments may be limited to one minute. One nation under God with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Julie, can we get roll call, please? Councilmember Condi. Here. Councilmember Garcia. Here. Councilmember Solario. Here. Councilmember Weiss. Here. Councilmember White. Vice Mayor Nielsen. Here. Mayor Pineda. Here. Thank you. Ron, next item, please. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Council. First, we have Ted Flora as your acting human, actually, he currently is our human resource assistant director, getting ready to be our acting HR director starting next Monday. But he's here to uh do the proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month. Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council. It is my privilege to introduce tonight's proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month. May is designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reduce stigma, build awareness, and encourage open conversations about mental health. It also serves as a reminder that support, connection, and resources are available to those who may need them. At this time, I would like to acknowledge an important guest who has joined us this evening, Kathy Via, program director of Southwest Behavioral Health and Health Services. Southwest Behavioral and Health Services is an excellent community partner to highlight, given the important mental health services they provide to the Avondale community. They have presence at the Arizona Complete Health Avondale Resource Center and work closely with our neighborhood and family services department to support residents in need. Mayor, I'll turn it over back to you for acknowledgments or comments and then for the reading of the proclamation. Thank you so much, Ted, for the presentation, and thank you for being here tonight. Councilmember Condi. Oh, sorry. You go for it. If you have you have comments to make, I apologize. I was ready to jump right on to the proclamation. That's okay, no questions. Um, just wanted to say thank you on behalf of Southwest Cable and Health Services for recognizing the community mental health. Um, we want to thank the commitment to our community and for recognizing the importance of mental health as a vital part of overall well-being. Um, I appreciate the opportunity for community leaders, service priorities, and residents to work together towards solutions that improve the lives of those facing mental health challenges. So we thank you for your partnership and being able to work together for the community. Thank you so much. You know, ironically, and sorry, uh Councilmember Condi, I know we're going to do a proclamation, but just today I had a conversation um with a fellow colleague, and we were talking about you know the end of careers.
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