Eloy City Council Meeting - May 28, 2024

The Eloy City Council convened on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. (called to order at 6:02 p.m.) in the City Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine consent items, adoption of updated water and wastewater master plans, and initiation of a zoning text amendment to require walls or fences on residential single-family lots. Public comments addressed road paving concerns and international issues. Council and staff reports highlighted a potential $5.4 million federal grant, police staffing updates, and community events.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from May 13, 2024 regular meeting.
• Adopted Resolution No. 24-1573 accepting right-of-way dedication for Eleven Mile Corner Road.
• Recommended approval to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control for a Series 10 (beer and wine store) license for JR’s Market & More, located at 218 W. Frontier Street, Eloy.
• Accepted two Operation Stone Garden grants from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security: $151,500 for police officer overtime and mileage expenses, and $235,300 for equipment and vehicles.
• Approved Community Outreach Program contracts for: Pinal Hispanic Council ($2,700), Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth ($5,000), Corazon De Latinos Unidos ($15,000), Eloy Division of Self and Community Improvement Inc. ($3,000), Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation ($2,800), Community Action Human Resources Agency ($10,000), Sparrow Campaign ($4,000), Eloy Chamber of Commerce (amount not specified in transcript but listed in agenda), Hope Coalition/Eloy Food Bank ($6,000), and Eloy Ministerial Alliance ($1,900). All consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Keith Hyatt (5573 N. Coyote Hill Road, Robeson Ranch): Expressed concern that paving of Toltec Road from Hannah to Chiracala, which he believed was agreed to start within 90 days of January 1, 2024, may not be happening. He noted that buses traveling at 40 mph create significant dust, making his backyard unusable.
• Saitoha (3100 S. Barrett Road): Delivered a lengthy commentary drawing parallels between a hypothetical scenario of ethnic cleansing and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He argued that the genocide in Gaza is enabled by U.S. politicians, called for an immediate two-state solution, immediate withdrawal from Gaza and West Bank, release of prisoners, and urged the council to support peace. He identified himself as an American and referenced Christian, Muslim, and Jewish values.

Reports and Announcements

• Councilmember (identified as Andy): Attended an APS summit contingency meeting; APS has good preparedness for the upcoming summer.
• Mayor Powell: Reported on the Memorial Day program hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, thanking participants. Announced that Congressman Juan Ciscomani informed him that Eloy was selected from 60 applications for a federal grant of approximately $5.4 million for mill and fill on Frontier Street from Battaglia to the Castle Gran city limits. The grant is pending approval by the appropriations committee.
• City Manager David: Announced two new lateral police officers started field training; new officers from the Gilbert Police Academy completed field training and will begin patrol independently. Summer youth camp is sold out. Community yard sale this Saturday (6 a.m. to noon) at Main Street Park. Dust bowl cleanup completed; fill dirt and gravel are being brought in for temporary use until a permanent plan is approved. This is the last week for Economic Development Specialist Jeff Fairman, who is retiring after five years. Also noted two outstanding grants, including $2 million for a police records system upgrade.

Discussion Items

A. Adoption of Water and Sewer Master Plans

• Matt (staff) presented: Water and wastewater master plans were updated by Wilson Engineers; previous updates were from 2005 and 2007. Plans cover a 30-year buildout (to 2053) with 10-year milestones. Current wastewater treatment capacity is 2 million gallons per day (MGD); current usage is approximately 700,000 GPD. Expansion will be needed in 10–15 years when capacity reaches 80% (ADEQ requirement). Hard copies and an executive summary are available at City Hall and the Public Works office. The council voted unanimously to adopt the plans.

B. Zoning Text Amendment – Requirements for Walls and Fences on Single-Family Lots

• Dan Seimer, Community Development Director, presented: The amendment aims to establish uniformity in newly developing areas (Toltec, North Toltec, Robeson Ranch) where no homeowners association or master developer exists. The proposal requires a minimum 6-foot tall wall or fence (block, wood, or metal) on side and rear yards for new lots smaller than 2.5 acres. Staff recommended reducing the threshold to 1.25 acres to exclude estate/rural properties. Existing properties would become non-conforming; additions or accessory structures exceeding 60% of the property value (assessed by county assessor) would trigger compliance. Council discussed possibly using 50% but accepted the staff recommendation of 60%. The amendment process includes a non-action planning commission item in June, a public open house in July, potential planning commission hearing in July/August, and council adoption in August/September. The council voted unanimously to initiate the amendment with staff's recommended lot size of 1.25 acres and valuation trigger of 60%.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (Items A through O) approved unanimously.
• Water and Sewer Master Plans adopted unanimously.
• Initiation of zoning text amendment for walls and fences on single-family lots approved unanimously with staff recommendations (1.25 acres, 60% valuation).
• Council moved into executive session (up to 2 hours) to discuss City Manager evaluation and legal advice under A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(1), (3), (4). Motion approved unanimously.

Note: The meeting adjourned following executive session.