Eloy City Council Meeting – November 12, 2024

The Eloy City Council met on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at approximately 6:02 p.m. in the Eloy City Council Chambers. The meeting featured roll call, moment of silence, pledge of allegiance, council and city manager announcements, a financial update for the first quarter of FY 2024-25, approval of the consent agenda, and a business item granting a 12-month time extension for the Vista De Picacho preliminary plat. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (7-0) the following items: Approval of minutes from October 28, 2024; authorization to cancel the regular City Council meeting scheduled for December 23, 2024; acceptance of three Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grants totaling $27,233 for traffic enforcement, impaired driving enforcement, and accident investigations; authorization of an agreement with Danson Construction, LLC for $77,438 for interior renovations at the Troy Thomas Center; and authorization to purchase an Eaton 9PXM UPS Tower from Safari Micro for $39,985.70 under a Mohave contract.

Reports and Announcements

• Council Member Announcements: Councilmember Andy reported on the Eloy PD game night event; Councilmember Sylvia promoted the CAPE (Community and Police Engagement) program for young drivers; Councilmember Sarah announced a skydiving world record attempt at the Eloy airport (November 18-22); Vice Mayor Curtis and Councilmember Michelle noted the Veterans Day parade and the opening of the new Veterans Center; Councilmember Jose highlighted the Glow event (approximately 3,000 attendees, 12-13 hot air balloons, skydivers, fireworks, beer garden); and the Mayor presented a plaque and certificate of appreciation to Larry Brown for over 30 years of service on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• City Manager Announcements: The City Manager introduced three new Eloy Police Department officers (Officers Quentin Slaughter, Brian Holmes, and Joseph Rodriguez), noted the Teen Center averages 15-18 daily attendees (peak 36), reminded of the December 14 electric light parade (75th anniversary, float applications available), announced a 4% water/wastewater rate increase (rate 3 of 5) effective end of November, reported road closures on Sunshine Boulevard (Union Pacific work starting Nov. 18) and a temporary traffic signal installation on Sunland Gin Road at Mountain View, promoted Operation Eloy Cleanup (Saturday, Nov. 16, 7-11 a.m.), and announced the Eloy 75 art contest (prizes $200, $100, $50).
• Financial Update (1st Quarter FY 24-25): Finance Director Brian Rider reported that the general fund is meeting budget expectations, with local sales tax trending above projections and state shared revenues higher due to a population estimate increase from ~17,000 to 18,552 (additional $524,000 in revenue). Construction sales tax is volatile due to the Gold Bond project nearing completion. Retail sales tax is above prior years, while restaurant/bar tax declined after the rate reduction from 6% to 5%. Capital projects are largely in progress. The City also launched a ClearGov transparency page on the city website, allowing residents to see budget breakdowns, demographics, and debt explanations.

Discussion Items

• Vista De Picacho Preliminary Plat Extension (Case PP2022-009.E1): The Council considered a request for a 12-month time extension for a 365-lot residential subdivision (106.65 gross acres) on 11 Mile Corner. The preliminary plat was originally approved on May 22, 2023, with an expiration of November 22, 2024. Staff recommended approval with no changes to the 20 conditions. Developer representative Christina Dong appeared and stated she is actively working with national builders and is engaged in forming a revitalization district with adjacent parcels to finance sewer line expansion and attract developers. In response to Councilmember Schneider’s question, she noted that the original target for entry-level homes was around $350,000, but pricing is now fluid due to market changes. The City Manager confirmed that the extension clock would run from the original expiration date (November 22, 2024).

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval (7-0) of the 12-month time extension for the Vista De Picacho preliminary plat, allowing the developer to continue working toward a revitalization district and finalize builder agreements.
• Unanimous approval (7-0) of the consent agenda items A through G.
• The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for November 25, 2024, at 6 p.m., with a reception following for the transition of council leadership.