Eloy City Council Meeting - December 9, 2024

On Monday, December 9, 2024, the Eloy City Council met at approximately 6:00 p.m. (agenda listed 5:30 p.m.) in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a public comment period, reports from council members, mayor, and city manager, approval of a consent agenda, discussion and approval of an automated license plate reader system, and approval of a pavement preservation project. All items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rodney Crook addressed the council, alleging that the city conducted a minor land division on his property without his consent more than a year after he purchased it, taking property and giving it to a neighbor. He also referenced an upcoming trial in January on abatement charges and stated that a warrant had mistakes. He expressed frustration and threatened legal action. Council members acknowledged his comments but did not provide answers, stating they were not in a position to answer questions during the meeting.

Reports and Announcements

• Mayor Sutton apologized to Councilmembers Galindo and Vodraska for not allowing them to speak at the previous meeting. Both councilmembers thanked supporters and pledged to serve with transparency and fiscal responsibility.
• Mayor's Announcements: Outlined a busy day on December 14, 2024, including: Wreaths Across America at 10 a.m., ribbon cutting for the new Veterans Center at noon, 75th anniversary celebration and Christmas party in the park at 2 p.m., time capsule sealing at 3 p.m., and tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
• City Manager’s Announcements: City Hall will close at noon on Friday, December 20, and be closed all day Monday, December 23, for employee appreciation and Christmas holiday. Staff will return Thursday, December 26. The city is forming a larger planning and zoning commission and seeking letters of interest. The water department sent letters to customers about lead or unknown water service lines; responses are being handled on a case-by-case basis.
• Councilmember Garcia requested the city work with Union Pacific to reduce crossing blockage times (he experienced a 17-minute delay) and look into a whistleblowing ordinance. The city manager noted these are under consideration.

Consent Calendar

• Items A through F were approved unanimously by roll call vote. These included: approval of minutes from November 25, 2024; adoption of resolutions authorizing officers/agents to deposit, transfer, and withdraw monies with First Interstate Bank (two accounts) and Western Alliance Bank; acceptance of a $38,650 Grant-in-Aid Agreement with the Ak-Chin Indian Community for fire district equipment; and approval of a one-year revocable agreement with Flock Group, Inc. for ALPR cameras and a real-time crime center (Item G was pulled for discussion).

Discussion Items

• Item G – Flock Group ALPR Cameras and Real-Time Crime Center: Councilmember Schneider pulled the item to discuss cost and sustainability. The first-year cost is $60,500, with a second-year renewal of approximately $75,000. Chief Benales explained that the first year would be funded through salary savings and other accounts, and future years would be managed through budget adjustments and demonstrated value. He noted the system serves as a force multiplier, with over 3,000 police departments nationwide using Flock. The system uses solar power and cellular networks, stores data for 30 days in the cloud, and is not used for issuing citations. Neighboring cities using Flock include Casa Grande, Oro Valley, Gila River, Coolidge, Maricopa, and Queen Creek. Vice Mayor Tarango expressed strong support, noting the county attorney’s office also uses the system. Councilmember Schneider requested that the expense be a line item in future budgets. The item was approved unanimously.
• Item A – Sunland Asphalt Mill and Overlay Pavement Preservation: The proposal for $1.2 million to mill and overlay Main Street and Sunshine Boulevard was presented by Matt Renscher. The project will remove aging brick crosswalks (installed in the 1980s) that no longer meet ADA standards and are difficult to maintain. Alternatives such as stamped concrete or asphalt will be brought to council for approval. Work is expected to begin in February or March 2025 with a six-week completion time. Councilmember Galindo requested that the council see the crosswalk design before final decisions. Vice Mayor Tarango disclosed she lives on Sunshine Boulevard but confirmed no conflict of interest. The item was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda items A–F approved unanimously.
• Item G (Flock ALPR cameras and real-time crime center) approved unanimously.
• Item A (Sunland Asphalt mill and overlay project) approved unanimously.
• City staff will bring crosswalk design alternatives to council for future input.
• The city will continue to address lead pipe notifications and explore Union Pacific crossing limitations and a whistleblowing ordinance.