Eloy City Council Meeting – February 10, 2025

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, February 10, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting covered the adoption of the Eloy Municipal Airport Master Plan, a public hearing and zoning change for the Southwest Crossing data center project, financial reports, and a police department presentation. Mayor Sutton presided, and the new City Clerk Celine Kidwell was introduced.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (1/27/2025 Regular Meeting) – Approved unanimously by roll call vote (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sean Hill (Skydive Arizona) – Opposed the airport master plan’s characterization of skydiving as a “threat” to airspace, stating that operations have coexisted safely since 1991. He also opposed instrument approaches, arguing they would bring noise and traffic without economic benefit.
• Monica Vaklavic (Toltec resident) – Expressed concerns about noise, runway expansion toward her home, and potential military use; she requested noise studies and noted that new homes were not considered in the master plan.

Discussion Items

• Airport Master Plan (Resolutions 25-1612 and 25-1608) – Staff presented the 20-year plan (299 pages), including a capital improvement program totaling $33.5 million over 20 years. The plan forecasts 66 based aircraft and 43,000 annual operations by 2043. Councilmember Curtis requested removing the word “skydiving” from the SWOT threat list on page 18, noting it was a managed complexity. The council also discussed instrument approaches, land acquisition for runway extension, and noise. The plan does not commit to projects but positions the city for federal grants.
• Southwest Crossing Rezone (Ordinance 25-985 and Resolution 25-1611) – Applicant Carolyn Oberholtzer presented a rezoning of 122 acres from I-2 to I-2 with a Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay to allow a data center (up to 80 feet tall, reduced water use). The project is estimated to generate $5–6 million annually in power-related revenue and create about 100 high-paying jobs. Water consumption would be capped at 250,000 gallons per day (45% less than current agricultural use). The council discussed architecture, noise restrictions, and visual impact from the freeway.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 25-1612 adopted – Declared the Eloy Municipal Airport Master Plan (December 2024) as a public record. Passed by roll call (7-0).
• Resolution 25-1608 adopted – Approved the airport master plan with an amendment to remove the word “skydiving” from the threat list on page 18. Passed by roll call (7-0).
• Ordinance 25-985 adopted – Approved the rezoning of Southwest Crossing to I-2 with PAD overlay, allowing data center use, height increase to 80 feet, and modified setbacks. Passed by roll call (7-0).
• Resolution 25-1611 adopted – Declared the Southwest Crossing PAD document as a public record. Passed by roll call (7-0).
• Adopt-a-School Program – Police Chief presented the program; council expressed support.
• Quarterly Financial Report – General fund revenues exceeded expenditures by $354,000; city sales tax below expectations due to construction slowdown, but other categories performing well.
• Announcements – Council thanked retiring City Clerk Mary Myers; budget retreat held; police academy graduate noted; city offices closed for Presidents’ Day.

Next Steps

• Staff will coordinate with the consultant on the airport master plan amendment.
• The Southwest Crossing project will proceed to site plan review.
• The Community Outreach Program review group will be formed with Councilmembers Galindo, Snyder, and Curtis.