OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Eloy City Council Meeting - December 9, 2024

Meeting PortalMonday, December 9, 2024
BodyEloy, Arizona
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, December 9, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:02

Well, it's not any different than the one you can't deliver had to say too paid over.

0:10

But that would be to deal with it.

0:15

I have another right.

1:42

Mayor at six o'clock.

1:46

Thank you, Mary.

1:52

Welcome to tonight's Eloy City Council meeting.

1:56

It is Monday, December 9th.

1:58

The time is approximately six PM.

2:00

Mary, can I have a roll call, please?

2:03

Councilmember Podaska.

2:05

Here Councilmember Curtis.

2:08

Here, Vice Mayor Tarango?

2:10

Here.

2:11

Mayor Sutton?

2:12

Here.

2:13

Councilmember Snyder?

2:14

Here.

2:15

Councilmember Garcia?

2:16

President.

2:17

Councilmember Belinda.

2:19

Here.

2:20

Thank you.

2:21

All right.

2:22

We'd like to stand for a moment of silence, please, and the Pledge of Allegiance, which will be led by Councilmember Galindo.

2:46

Councilmember?

2:48

I pledge the city.

3:10

We have public appearance.

3:19

Mr.

3:19

Crook.

3:21

How are you doing, sir?

3:22

Please come down, state your name for the record.

3:25

Hi, my name's Rodney Crook.

3:27

Um, and I apologize.

3:28

It's good to see you guys.

3:31

I had a couple of questions two weeks ago.

3:34

I had inquired.

3:36

And bear with me, I don't speak in public very well, so this is challenging for me.

3:40

Um two weeks ago.

3:47

City Eloy.

3:49

After asking the question, how does the city Eloy do a minor land division on land I owned without my consent more than a year after I had purchased it?

3:59

Took property from me and gave it to a neighbor without my consent, but without me knowing until after it was done.

4:18

Remove whatever they desire or deem trash or rubbish.

4:24

Um the problem with that I have is I'm scheduled to go to trial in January on the abatement charges.

4:36

If you're gonna go ahead and execute your judgment prior to being seen by the judge, um it's it's inappropriate, it's not okay.

4:46

Mr.

4:46

Cooper, the warrant that you filled out, two pages that you hand delivered to kick me off my land had three mistakes in it.

4:53

Two pages with three mistakes.

5:02

Because if you violate my civil liberties, I'm going to come back and I will not stop until you've paid the price.

5:09

I don't have anything left.

5:11

And there's nothing more dangerous than somebody who's got nothing to lose.

5:15

Thank you.

5:16

Thank you, Mr.

5:17

Crook.

5:18

Thank you for filling us in.

5:19

One question.

5:19

Go ahead, sir.

5:20

Is there an opportunity or a time while I'll get answers to my questions?

5:24

Or how do I go about addressing the questions I've asked?

5:29

When are we going to look at what's taking place here?

5:33

I think that's a fair question to ask.

5:36

Am I wrong?

5:38

We're not in a position to answer questions here.

5:40

We can be adjusted.

5:41

Right, we're not here, I understand that.

5:42

But is there a time?

5:43

Do I need to come back and request answers?

5:48

How does it how does that work?

5:51

I would say write some emails, but we we can't tell you what to do, sir.

5:55

I apologize.

5:56

I apologize, but thank you for your input and thank you for bringing your concerns to this council.

6:01

Well, how many other people are being taken advantage of that don't have the courage to come in here and say something?

6:07

If I didn't say anything, my property that was in my name is not in my name anymore.

6:12

And you know why?

6:13

Because the city of Eloy conducted a minor land division 13 months after I bought it without my consent, and that's not okay.

6:20

Thank you, sir.

6:21

Ladies and gentlemen, I appreciate it.

6:22

Have a pleasant evening.

6:23

Thank you for your input.

6:33

Okay, we will move on to consent.

6:35

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

6:37

See, I'm going too fast here.

6:41

All right, before we get to council member announcements, I would publicly like to say I apologize to both Councilmember Galindo and Vod Roska at the last meeting when I got sworn in.

6:54

I neglected to give them a chance to speak, and I am truly sorry for that.

7:01

So tonight, if uh one of you would like to say something, albeit I know it is late.

7:06

Joanne, would you like to lead off on anything?

7:09

Um, thank you for the opportunity, Mayor.

7:12

I did share the uh sentiment that I had written down with former mayor Powell as well as former city council member Wano Wat the Rodriguez.

7:25

I sent them a message and shared with them what I had written down to them, and I just wanted to thank the uh my supporters, my family, my friends, everyone that helped me get to this seat right now.

7:41

And then I just wanted to promise the people of Eloy that I would serve with transparency, with fiscal responsibility, and with the best interests of the citizens of Eloy first of all before all else.

7:57

That's it.

7:57

Thank you.

7:58

Thank you.

7:59

Councilmember Vladrotzko.

8:02

Thank you, Mayor.

8:03

Um I did have a full I know outline, but and it really was directed to the audience that night.

8:13

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak though this evening.

8:17

Um pretty much the same sentiments.

8:19

Um I appreciate the support from the community as well as from the members of the uh current council.

8:28

Um, and I look forward to uh serving the community in the best of my abilities.

8:34

Thank you, sir.

8:36

We'll move on to mayor's announcements.

8:41

And it looks like on the 14th, we got one of the busiest days I've ever seen in this city coming up on the 14th.

8:49

Starting off at 10 a.m.

8:50

on the 14th, we have wreaths across America in the cemetery located at the end of Frontier Street.

8:58

Please come out, join us, place a wreath, pay respect to our past veterans of Eloy, and that is sponsored by the Panel Hispanic Council, who do a wonderful job with our veterans.

9:11

And then right from Reeds Across America, we move on to the ribbon cutting at noon for the new Veterans Center on Main Street.

9:20

Again, sponsored by the Panel Hispanic Council.

9:24

Please come out and show your show your support for the veterans at the new center.

9:28

And it's really a nice upgrade from where they were, and we're very happy about that.

9:32

We're very happy too that it's on our main street, because that's the way ELA rolls.

9:37

Then at 2 p.m., we kick off the 75th anniversary and Christmas party in the park, right across the street.

9:44

We will have rides, inflatables, and plenty of fun for the family, all for the low price of free.

9:56

Then at 3 o'clock, all the same day still.

10:00

At 3 o'clock, we will have the time capsule ceiling and placement.

10:04

During this anniversary event, we will place a time capsule with current day items that will be opened in 50 years.

10:12

They will have no idea what to do with these objects in 50 years that we place in this time capsule, like a thumb drive or a cell phone.

10:20

They won't have no idea how to what to do with it.

10:25

But this should this should provide a good snapshot of where we are in modern day Eloy.

10:31

And I hope some of us are still around in 50 years when that thing opens.

10:36

Then moving on in that day.

10:37

It's 6 30.

10:38

We will have the tree lighting and 75th anniversary celebration right here on Main Street.

10:44

We will light the tree.

11:00

Him and Chad do a great job of setting things up and keeping the park looking fantastic.

11:05

So we look forward to that.

11:06

It is an action-packed day for sure for the city of Eloy.

11:12

So with that, we'll move on to City Manager announcements.

11:18

Did you catch council?

11:20

Oh, council announcements?

11:22

I probably didn't.

11:23

See, just like I just like a council have any announcements on my right.

11:29

Oh, you go.

11:31

Um I know a couple weeks ago I told everybody that we were um at Skydive Arizona, we were preparing to do a world record.

11:39

Um we worked on it all week, and on Saturday, November 30th, we built a 96-person world record.

11:47

It's a Guinness World Record and an FAI world record.

11:50

So there was 96 people from 20 countries holding hands in a vertical foot-to-earth orientation, which is one of the most difficult positions to pre-fall in.

12:01

So that was a big accomplishment for Eloy, and maybe we'll get something for the time capsule on that.

12:07

Yeah.

12:08

Thanks, everybody.

12:09

Anyone on the left?

12:10

Thank you.

12:13

David, can we start looking and working with Union Pacific about how long they keep the crossings blocked?

12:19

I got stuck between one that was 17 minutes the other day, and that seems a little excessive when our fire department and paramedics are on the south side of Eloy.

12:27

So can we look into decreasing that to less than 10 minutes, hopefully?

12:37

Yes, Councilman Garcia.

12:38

We'll we'll check into that.

12:39

Another um that's been on our list, actually.

12:42

We're talking about the whistleblowing as more trains are coming through Eloy.

12:46

Um, the deputy public works director Urfuchio Galegos had mentioned that in Murana, was it that they actually did pass an ordinance that didn't allow for whistleblowing through the community.

12:56

So we're looking at that too.

12:58

Yeah, we'll look into it.

12:59

Thank you.

13:01

To that point, Tempe did it too, doing through their areas with residential to stop that whistleblowing.

13:11

Okay, we're all good.

13:13

Moving on.

13:14

Consent agenda.

13:19

You got something?

13:20

Are you gonna turn the mic on?

13:23

I do, sir.

13:23

Thank you, Mayor.

13:24

Members of council.

13:25

I'll make it quick.

13:26

Um, two things.

13:28

One is uh just a reminder that City Hall will be closed for a half a day on Friday, December 20th, and a full day on Monday, December 23rd.

13:36

Um, we truly appreciate City County, the mayor and city council's um uh allowance and giving the employees that that chance.

13:45

We're on Friday, we're celebrating our employee appreciation luncheon, so all employees will be attending a luncheon with prizes and and music and all kinds of good stuff just to build crematury and get everybody together for the holidays and what the half a day was awarded by by you all for allowing that, and then because of the Christmas holiday that we have, Christmas Eve off and Christmas Day on Tuesday and Wednesday.

14:07

That Monday is kind of like does people come here?

14:09

So, in conversing with the mayor and rest of council, we thank you guys for allowing us to have that day off as well.

14:14

So, city staff will just to reiterate, we'll be our last day at City Hall will be Friday the 20th at noon, and then we'll go to our Christmas party, and then city staff will return on Thursday, December 26th at 8 a.m.

14:30

So I just want to let come thank you again for for your guys' generosity and appreciation of all of us employees.

14:36

That was well, we we love that, and we'll see the public that Thursday on the 26th.

14:41

Um, to business, the fun, so that's the fun stuff to the business aspect of it.

14:46

I sent out an email to council members and the members of the current commissions and boards that are combining to create that larger planning and zoning commission.

15:00

So um just want to remind hopefully those that are part of those commissions and boards that they're listening in today to send in their letters of interest to serve on the larger commission, and we'll start forming that subcommittee to choose members in January.

15:08

So we'll bring that to either the 13th, probably the meeting on the 13th to make that decision and start going moving forward with that.

15:14

Uh lastly on my list is you'll recall there's been some letters that have gone out about lead pipes, um, lead galvanized materials or unknown construction water lines.

15:25

Tempe is doing a lot of everybody's doing.

15:27

I got one from Arizona Water.

15:29

Um, our water department with the director uh Matt Renscher, they've sent a letter out to customers as well, outlining that same information about these different uh construction materials and pipes.

15:39

We are receiving comments from customers.

15:41

They are calling into public works, asking questions.

15:43

We're providing an explanation of what's going on, why we're doing it, and then if needed, we're going out to the site addresses and uh inspecting those pipes and seeing what we can do for those customers.

15:53

So uh they're steadily coming in here and there throughout the week, and their uh public works is dealing with them on an as case case by case basis.

16:01

So give you guys an update on that.

16:04

And that is all that I have under my announcements, unless there's any questions.

16:11

I do uh David.

16:13

Uh I don't recall getting a letter that probably makes sense because I at Robson.

16:19

Yes, but there's some people on council who are from Robeson, and probably in some of those letters, it might be uh in the future a good idea to send copies of that so they know what's going on.

16:30

Yeah, yes, we this is really the first I heard about it.

16:32

So it was in the weekly missive as well.

16:36

Weekly, our weekly missive I send to council, that was one of the items.

16:39

Okay, but not a letter of like yeah, yeah, yeah.

16:42

Okay, okay.

16:43

But just some of those recognizing that since roast and has their own water system, and sometimes those things, but uh yeah, thank you.

16:52

New construction, new construction too.

16:54

Thanks.

16:56

That's it.

16:57

Thank you, Mayor.

16:58

I have a question.

16:59

Um, did those only go to street addresses, or how long ago were they sent out?

17:03

Because I get mail at a PO box and I don't remember getting one.

17:07

Matt, you wanna thank you, Matt.

17:10

Do you have one?

17:11

Mr.

17:11

Mayor, members of the council, yeah.

17:14

Vice Mayor Triangle, and those were sent out to the accounts um listed on the uh on the water accounts.

17:21

So the address that we have associated with that, that's the address that was sent to.

17:25

Um, as far as Robson Ranch, um, it may have been that they didn't receive any because all of the lines in Robson Ranch are known to be non-lead.

17:35

So that just to clarify the the services that were um that received the notification were either galvanized lead pipe or galvanized pipe that may need to be replaced or uh a line of unknown material, and those are the recommendations through the environmental protection agency.

17:55

How long ago were those sent out?

17:59

Those were sent out probably about a month ago.

18:05

Uh we had that we had the deadline to submit in the inventory by October 16th, and then by November 14th, we had to send out then the notifications of those lines.

18:16

Okay, just there's at least two of us, I think, here that did not get the letter.

18:21

And now maybe because the the service lines that are that are on your properties are are not affected by the galvanized or the unknown material.

18:31

So if it's if we know it's copper, if we know it's it's a safe pipe, then you wouldn't have gotten a uh a letter.

18:42

We good.

18:44

Thanks, Matt.

18:48

Is that wrapped you?

18:49

That's it, Mayor.

18:50

Thank you.

18:51

Thank you.

18:52

All right, now we'll move on to consent agenda.

18:55

All items listed with an asterisk are considered to be route team managed and will be enacted by one motion and one roll call vote of the council.

19:04

There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council members so request, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal sequence of the agenda.

19:17

Does anybody have anything they would like to pull from the agenda to discuss?

19:24

I'd like to pull item G, please.

19:29

Okay.

19:35

All right, so at this time we'll pull item G and we'll vote on the rest of the consent agenda.

19:42

So I'm looking for a motion to approve items A through F on the consent agenda.

19:49

I'll make a motion to approve items A through F on the consent agenda.

19:52

Need a second.

19:55

I'll second Mary, may we have a roll call?

20:02

Councilmember Vodraska?

20:04

Yes.

20:05

Councilmember Curtis?

20:07

Yes.

20:07

Vice Mayor Tarango.

20:09

Yes.

20:10

Mayor Seton?

20:11

Yes.

20:11

Councilmember Schneider.

20:13

Yes.

20:13

Councilmember Garcia?

20:15

Yes.

20:15

Councilmember Galando.

20:17

Yes.

20:17

Motion pass unanimously, Mayor.

20:19

Thank you.

20:21

Chief Benales, would you mind stepping up?

20:23

Thank you, sir.

20:28

Good evening, Mr.

20:29

Mayor, Vice Mayor, City Council, Assistant, City Manager, City Manager, City Attorney, and lastly, the best one or city clerk.

20:40

Go ahead, Mr.

20:41

Schneider.

20:43

I appreciate the this uh system because I think it's uh worthwhile.

20:47

But I guess looking at the uh finances of it, how we are paying for it.

20:52

And one of the things from my history, I'm very reluctant sometimes to get into buying some of these systems we need to find out afterwards that the contracts for using a system is more than the system is.

21:08

And so I see on this one that the first year it's sixty thousand dollars, but we've got some money some different funds so we could pay for it.

21:16

But then if we renew for the second year, it goes up to 70 some thousand dollars, but those funds then will be gone out of those uh accounts.

21:25

So my question is uh sustainability of this because this now becomes a 75,000 dollar annual expense and just the benefits versus expense type things.

21:37

So comments on that.

21:39

Yes, uh, thank you for giving the opportunity to talk on that.

21:42

Um, yes, this uh the first year obviously we have a lot of salary savings, some unfilled positions that we're able to fund the first year.

21:50

Um some in the accounts that we have uh monies that we haven't used yet.

21:53

So through budgeting and looking at our accounts and constantly monitoring those accounts that we'll be able to fund definitely the first year.

22:00

Moving on to the second year, uh the reality is we're always gonna have some salary savings in the police department with uh people attrition or new positions, unfilled positions.

22:09

Um also um looking uh you know, responsibly managing our budget and making sure those funds are available.

22:16

Um, the other thing to look at as well is it is look at the after the first year be able to demonstrate the value of the system and what that looks like as far as a force multiplier, be able to leverage technology.

22:28

Um the the value of that system, um, for example, uh just to fund an officer is a hundred thousand dollars plus.

22:36

Um, this system would probably be as a force multiplier, would do the work probably as several officers as far as gathering data and also with our live view cameras as well.

22:46

Um, they don't the cameras don't take breaks, they don't go on lunch breaks, they're not out sick, they don't get hurt.

22:50

Um so it's one resource that we're always gonna be able to have.

22:54

And that's one thing as the uh the chief of police.

22:57

I'm gonna manage my budget where I can always afford that, but also demonstrate the value of this system to um go to my boss, the city manager, and and maybe ask for some more funds to sustain that's going forward.

23:09

Um, but I wanted the opportunity to be able to show that it is a value to the police department.

23:14

Um, numerous police departments, I believe 3,000 plus departments in the United States use this system and over 70 to 80 agencies in the state and the state of Arizona utilize Flock system.

23:27

I I think uh I'm gonna support the the system.

23:30

I just uh want to be sure we knew what the cost was going to be when we jumped into it.

23:36

The uh one of the other things too that I had a question on what's the uh vendor controls the software, and we have access to the information, but do we download that information?

23:50

Or I noticed in the uh write up the uh coax that we could share that information with other departments, but how is that done?

24:00

Is that a separate system on outside of that?

24:03

Do you download the information?

24:05

And how do you compare that with other you know where I'm coming from?

24:09

Yeah, some of the technical stuff I may have to defer.

24:11

We do have our rep here from um Flock.

24:14

Um he may be able to go into that more further.

24:16

The information that we do gather is stored for 30 days in a cloud-based system, um, and where we can gather that information.

24:22

For example, currently we don't have the flock system, so if we want to gather data um that's gathered by Flock on the investigation that we're conducting, we will look we will contact our local regional partners that have flock, and they will be able to provide that data to us.

24:36

Well, but then you know it's in the cloud, but then it would seem to me some kind of software or something to work with that data that's in the cloud.

24:47

You know, downloading information for flock in the cloud is one thing that I guess that's where it's coming from.

24:52

Looking for any potential hidden costs that we're not looking at here.

24:56

Um to my knowledge, I don't believe there's any hidden costs.

25:00

The the flock system will work with our current systems that we do have.

25:03

Um, like for example, one of these systems that's gonna come along with this package will be a year trial of the um real-time crime center software, which with these systems we could utilize our um a laptop for that.

25:15

Um and also our our current MDCs and mobile data computers in the vehicles we're also be able to use with Flock.

25:22

So and so our current systems that we do have, it's not gonna require us to buy new stuff other than maybe a laptop for for dispatch.

25:29

Okay, but otherwise we could use all our current existing hardware um to run the systems.

25:35

Okay.

25:35

So thank you.

25:36

That's that's kind of where my concerns were.

25:38

Okay.

25:39

So I take it you're a proponent of the system.

25:42

So again, you're a good proponent of this assistant.

25:45

At 100%.

25:46

Okay.

25:46

A couple of quick questions.

25:47

I have what other neighboring cities right around here are utilizing this?

25:52

Some of the neighboring cities, I made some notes here.

25:53

We have Casa Grande, uh, the city of Oral Valley, City of Uh Gila River, Coolidge, uh, the University of Arizona is a huge one, uh, City of Maricopa, and then also City of Queen Creek.

26:06

Nice.

26:06

So a lot of these are a lot of the agencies that we've that we've called upon um, you know, over the years, and since we didn't have access to that technology that we can call upon and help with our investigations.

26:16

And it's proved to be we've had a lot of wins uh from my understanding as it's been relayed to me in our investigations because the information that we were able to draw on our partners to get that information to assist us in in investigations.

26:28

And I understand we won't have to put any equip new equipment in the vehicles.

26:33

No new equipment in the vehicles.

26:35

And maybe just some laptops or computer stuff at dispatch.

26:38

Correct.

26:39

And that's gonna be more to support the um real-time crime center software.

26:45

No, I'm sure you guys really looked at the most strategic place to place these readers.

26:50

I'm sure there was a meeting and you all sat there and you looked up and down the case.

26:53

Yes, we use and everything, where to go.

26:56

Now now the question is uh let's say we place these license plate readers out there.

27:01

Can they be moved if we find they're not being effective where they are?

27:05

Um yes, my understanding they can be moved, it'd just be a little extra cost that flock would charge us to move those cameras once the once because right now um there's an initially uh install fee um initially will they put them in, but there will be extra costs if we have to move them.

27:20

But my plan is to get more cameras so we don't need to move them.

27:25

So just a quick question, it might be a technical one.

27:27

Where do these cameras get there?

27:29

But where do they get the power from?

27:30

From the street light itself?

27:31

Uh solar panels.

27:33

Oh.

27:33

Oh, solar.

27:34

Oh.

27:36

Solar and it's running through cell network.

27:38

Oh, I could see that.

27:41

Okay.

27:42

Now, without divulging any location, so the bad guys avoid these.

27:47

How visible are these readers to somebody just driving by?

27:51

Well, if you know what you're looking for, you you might be able to pick them out, but most people would not.

27:55

You'll see mostly the solar panel itself, and the camera's very inconspicuous, will most likely be sitting underneath the solar panel.

28:03

Okay.

28:03

So if yeah, you you you've probably you probably drive by them every day already.

28:08

Um you just don't know they're there.

28:09

Okay.

28:10

Yeah.

28:10

I think anybody else have any questions.

28:13

Go ahead.

28:14

Thank you, Mayor.

28:15

I'm so happy to see you guys finally getting these.

28:18

Um I know the county attorney had offered our your office some in the past, but unfortunately they weren't taken advantage of.

28:25

And um, when I heard that this was coming, I'm so happy because this is um a true change in um the department and being able to solve some of the crime that happens here.

28:37

The sheriff's office also uses them locally.

28:40

Um, and where I work, the county attorney's office uses has access to the system to be able to find people.

28:47

So I am so excited, and I will hopefully hopefully we will all figure out where we're gonna get money to pay for this next year and the year after and more cameras and whatever else.

28:59

But um I'm just so happy to see that we're finally getting this because I I think it's a game changer um when it comes to fighting crime.

29:07

And um, thank you.

29:09

Thank you, Vice Mayor.

29:10

I appreciate it.

29:11

Anyone else?

29:13

Go ahead, John.

29:14

Thank you.

29:14

Most of my questions have been answered already, so I think we're like mind thinkers.

29:19

But um a few years ago, Arizona's devil used to have these um speed zones that would take a picture and and send a uh copy of it uh ticket to whoever uh the license plates read to be the owner of the vehicle and stuff, and it was deemed to be unconstitutional.

29:41

It was a lot of them were taken out, and there was a lot of um like legal protests with the and successfully a lot of these tickets were thrown out because there wasn't actual witnesses allowed to see the violation happening.

30:00

So with with this, you're talking about real time, right?

30:02

You're not talking about taking a photo and then going back and looking for the violator to provide them a ticket because you had you have a photograph of of them committing the violation.

30:14

You're talking about taking that information and then going out and trying to personally get the officers to submit the ticket.

30:25

Is that correct?

30:26

Yeah, this mostly will not be used for writing tickets.

30:29

Um we will have 11 um license plate readers and approximately four live view cameras.

30:35

The license plate readers will capture photos, they constantly take photos, they'll keep those up to 30 days and they'll purge those photos unless we um ask for it to do otherwise.

30:46

Those that information is stored um for us for feather for uh to conduct investigations to get information for that.

30:53

Um the live view obviously are live camera, so if we have information in a certain area, if we have a a shooting or a serious crime occur that we can track vehicles um entering or leaving our jurisdiction through those cameras, but they're not gonna be used for uh per se uh writing tickets or issuing citations.

31:12

Thank you.

31:13

That's good to hear.

31:14

Yes.

31:15

Go ahead.

31:16

Yeah, one last thing, and I I would suggest that when we come to budget time, which won't be too far down the road, that this uh expense be a line item in the budget rather than say, well, okay, we'll just pull some money here here.

31:29

Let's put it as a budget item so we know exactly what's there and so we can plan for it.

31:35

Okay, thank you.

31:36

That's the intent, sir, to go that direction.

31:39

All right, any other questions?

31:43

No.

31:43

Okay, with that, I will look for a motion to approve item G from the consent agenda.

31:51

I'll make a motion, Mr.

31:52

Mayor, that we approve item G.

31:54

Can I have a second, please?

31:57

Can I have a roll call, please?

31:59

I see that.

32:00

Vice Mayor Tarango.

32:03

Yes.

32:04

Councilmember Garcia?

32:06

Yes.

32:06

Councilmember Bodraska.

32:09

Yes.

32:11

Mayor Sutton.

32:12

Yes.

32:14

Councilmember Galendo?

32:16

Yes.

32:17

Councilmember Schneider?

32:19

Yes.

32:19

Councilmember Curtis.

32:21

Yes.

32:22

The motion passed unanimously, Mayor.

32:24

Thank you.

32:25

Thank you, sir.

32:25

Thank you, Mayor.

32:26

Vice Mayor, City Council, appreciate it.

32:32

Okay, we have one business item we'll move on to right now, and that's the approval of a proposal submitted by Sunland Asphalt and Construction Company, LLC, for an amount not to exceed 1.2 million for mill and overlay pavement preservation projects on Main Street and Sunshine Boulevard.

32:54

Take it away, Matt.

32:55

Thank you, Mr.

32:56

Mayor.

32:56

Uh, this proposal is being brought to you from Sunland Asphalt and construction company.

33:03

Uh, they're a contractor that has done work for us in the past.

33:06

This this project is for our 24-25 fiscal year payment preservation project.

33:12

A mill and overlay basically takes the top inch and a half of pavement, grinds it down, and then replaces it with new asphalt.

33:19

Um this project we we found Sunland asphalt through the one GPA contract.

33:25

Uh the one GPA contract is a cooperative purchasing contract.

33:28

Uh, the way cooperative purchasing contracts uh work is that an agency goes through the bidding process.

33:35

Uh a lot of times it's it's uh beneficial for public works departments, especially with uh quantities where we can take advantage of the economies of scale with a Scottsdale or a Tucson or a Penal County that has a greater um a bigger project so we can get the the lower price on the on per cost benefit or on a per cost um of the of the services provided.

34:00

This project will be the mill and overlay for mill, uh I'm sorry, for Main Street and for Sunshine Boulevard.

34:07

Um in looking at that, uh we've we noticed the brick crosswalks on Main Street um is as part of this project.

34:17

Those will be removed.

34:18

The the they were originally put in in the 1980s, so over 40 years ago.

34:24

Um they've become a difficulty to maintain with uh with the bricks with the weeds coming up and and part of the issue that we have is that the bricks that we originally put in for those crosswalks are are no longer manufactured, so we can't find replacement bricks.

34:40

Um furthermore, the the brick crosswalks do not meet the Americans with disabilities act.

34:47

Um and so we need to look at alternatives for for replacing those.

34:52

The and and and as we move forward with this project, we'll identify um the locations and and how to address the the crosswalks that are there now.

35:02

Uh but for now they will be removed and then uh milled over and then replaced with either stamped concrete or stamped asphalt as as we move forward.

35:11

We'll we'll look at different alternatives for for those crosswalks.

35:16

Thank you, sir.

35:18

Anyone have any questions?

35:20

Yeah, okay.

35:22

Thank you, Mayor.

35:24

The bricks.

35:26

I had um I want you had mentioned that you were going to look at stamped concrete or stamped.

35:34

I would like to see that before that decision is made.

35:37

Of course.

35:38

Um, because like with the intersection at Maine and Frontier, um, what was happening wasn't told to us beforehand, some of that.

35:47

So we can't save them, and I'm sure the cost to replace it, because I see brick sidewalks in several communities, and I'm assuming they're compliant.

35:58

Um I want to make sure that we try to preserve as much of the look of downtown as possible on that brick kind of even though I guess it's now shoddy, it it still has some of that um look for you know our older downtown.

36:19

And so I I want to make sure that we're aware of what's gonna happen before it happens, and we're not told afterwards.

36:26

Understood.

36:26

Thank you.

36:27

Mr.

36:27

Mr.

36:27

Mayor, Madam Vice Mayor, we we certainly are are aware of of that, and and as we identify the alternatives for the crosswalk, we will bring those to council.

36:37

Thank you.

36:38

Provided this does get approved.

36:40

What's the lead time?

36:41

When do you think they would start this job and how long do you think it would last?

36:45

We're anticipating that they would start um probably in February or March.

36:49

Once if the if the council approves the the the agreement and the proposal, we will work with some on the asphalt for the for to get onto their schedule.

36:57

And and um we we anticipate that it will be beginning in February, March, and then with uh probably six-week completion time for for everything.

37:07

So into March into April for completion, of course, depending on the weather and and other circumstances.

37:14

Would they be doing this during the day or any of it at night?

37:19

We can certainly work with them on that to minimize the impact to our community.

37:23

Um I know of projects that they have done paving overnight.

37:27

Um that's something that that we will sit down with them.

37:31

If if council approves this agreement tonight, we will sit down with some on asphalt for a pre-construction meeting and go over all the logistics of of how and when and where and and and how long.

37:42

Okay, back at schools.

37:44

Yes, I want the schools with the machines and everything running out there.

37:48

You know, night may be advantageous, but there's also residents there to consider too at nighttime.

37:53

Milling does it it'll kind of shake a house a little bit.

37:57

There's no doubt.

37:58

Okay, thank you.

37:59

Anyone else have any questions?

38:01

Go ahead.

38:01

No, a question, but more like a statement.

38:03

I did consult with the attorney before this meeting to make sure that there was no conflict of interest with me since the Sunshine Boulevard project benefits me, it goes right in front of my house, and and it's a well-needed improvement for that area.

38:21

But I'm clear to go to vote on this, so thank you.

38:25

Thank you, Luth.

38:29

No more questions?

38:30

Okay.

38:33

Can I get a motion for approval submitted by Sunland Gin Outsport Company for the amount of 1.2 million for mill and overlay?

38:40

It's all moved.

38:42

Can I have a second second?

38:46

Can I have a roll call, please?

38:50

Councilmember Snyder.

38:53

Yes.

38:54

Councilmember Galindo.

38:57

Yes.

38:58

Councilmember Councilmember Curtis.

39:02

Yes.

39:04

Councilmember Garcia.

39:06

Yes.

39:08

Councilmember Vodraska.

39:10

Yes.

39:12

Vice Mayor Tarango.

39:15

Yes.

39:16

Mayor Sutton.

39:18

Yes.

39:18

The motion passed unanimously, Mayor.

39:20

Thank you very much.

39:22

Thank you.

39:22

Thank you, Matt.

39:26

All right, that brings us to the end of our agenda.

39:31

Nobody else has anything.

39:32

We're going to adjourn this meeting.

39:35

Thank you, everybody, for coming.

39:42

Oh, yeah.

39:44

Oh, only had two screw ups.

39:46

That's all right.

39:47

That's my first one.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Technology and Innovation██████████████████18%
Procedural█████████████████17%
Water And Wastewater Management█████████████13%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Public Safety███████████11%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████11%
Code Enforcement██████6%
Transportation Safety█████5%
Veterans Affairs███3%
Summary of Proceedings

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.

Meeting Transcript

Well, it's not any different than the one you can't deliver had to say too paid over. But that would be to deal with it. I have another right. Mayor at six o'clock. Thank you, Mary. Welcome to tonight's Eloy City Council meeting. It is Monday, December 9th. The time is approximately six PM. Mary, can I have a roll call, please? Councilmember Podaska. Here Councilmember Curtis. Here, Vice Mayor Tarango? Here. Mayor Sutton? Here. Councilmember Snyder? Here. Councilmember Garcia? President. Councilmember Belinda. Here. Thank you. All right. We'd like to stand for a moment of silence, please, and the Pledge of Allegiance, which will be led by Councilmember Galindo. Councilmember? I pledge the city. We have public appearance. Mr. Crook. How are you doing, sir? Please come down, state your name for the record. Hi, my name's Rodney Crook. Um, and I apologize. It's good to see you guys. I had a couple of questions two weeks ago. I had inquired. And bear with me, I don't speak in public very well, so this is challenging for me. Um two weeks ago. City Eloy. After asking the question, how does the city Eloy do a minor land division on land I owned without my consent more than a year after I had purchased it? Took property from me and gave it to a neighbor without my consent, but without me knowing until after it was done. Remove whatever they desire or deem trash or rubbish. Um the problem with that I have is I'm scheduled to go to trial in January on the abatement charges. If you're gonna go ahead and execute your judgment prior to being seen by the judge, um it's it's inappropriate, it's not okay. Mr. Cooper, the warrant that you filled out, two pages that you hand delivered to kick me off my land had three mistakes in it. Two pages with three mistakes. Because if you violate my civil liberties, I'm going to come back and I will not stop until you've paid the price. I don't have anything left. And there's nothing more dangerous than somebody who's got nothing to lose.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com