Eloy City Council Regular Meeting – March 10, 2025

The Eloy City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (the agenda listed a 5:15 p.m. start time). The meeting included scheduled public presentations from four community organizations, council and staff reports, approval of two consent agenda items, and separate discussion and approval of three pulled consent items. All items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pinal Hispanic Council (Ralph): Presented an update on the Eloy Veterans Center and Wreaths Across America event. Reported that 470 wreaths were placed at the Eloy Memorial Cemetery in 2024, with 80–100 attendees. Expressed deep appreciation for the city’s commitment to veterans, noting the city is a “premier supporter” in the county. Also highlighted the Veterans Day event serving approximately 300 individuals and the reopening of the Eloy Veterans Center, now staffed by volunteers 10 a.m.–2 p.m. daily.
• Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth (Patty King): Reported on the organization’s $5,000 grant from the city. Described the AARP experience Corps reading program: 245 children served in 21 schools across nine districts, with 83% advancing one grade level and 38% two grades. Also introduced the Career Expo (Worlds of Work model) held at CAC on February 13, 2025, with 425 students from nine high schools and 25 exhibitors. Emphasized workforce development as a top priority.
• Sparrow Campaign (Michelle): Representing the Sparrow Campaign, reported on a $4,000 grant used for a Steps of Love walk (attendance tripled) and a 5K run that raised over $6,000 for the food pantry. Also mentioned a fun run at elementary schools and a First Responders Ball (80s theme) coming up. The organization’s 10th year is planned.
• Eloy Ministerial Alliance (Deborah Miller): Reported on a $1,900 grant for the community Thanksgiving dinner. Spent $1,304.96, serving 320 people with 25 turkeys and sides. Held at Eloy Junior High School, supported by Core Civic and the city. Hoping to serve 400 in 2025.

Reports and Announcements

• Councilmembers: Councilmember Garcia announced an Eloy Lions Club grant from Arizona Community Foundation to provide eye exams and glasses for over 100 children and adults. Councilmember Snyder reported on the Pinal Partnership breakfast discussing water conservation and suggested exploring leak-detection water meters. Councilmember Curtis attended the Casa Grande State of the City and the Eloy Chamber luncheon. Councilmember Galindo noted the Pinal Partnership water discussion, the cost disparity of water per acre-foot, and the need for federal regulation. Councilmember Varaska attended a regional CAG meeting and discussed funding for blighted structures.
• City Manager Rencher: Announced spring break camp at Troy Thomas Center (March 10–20). Reported the Main Street hawk signal project is 99% complete, awaiting ADOT energization; an educational video on using the signal will be produced. Announced a community outreach meeting for the Sunland Gin Road project on April 10 (6–7:30 p.m. at Senior Center). A special budget meeting on revenue, capital, and property tax will be held March 31 at 5:30 p.m. A joint work session with Planning and Zoning on the General Plan update will be held April 14 at 5 p.m. prior to the regular council meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Items A and E were approved unanimously (Minutes of February 24, 2025; recommendation to issue Series 15 liquor license to Eloy Chamber of Commerce).
• Items B, C, and D were pulled by Councilmember Snyder for separate discussion due to lack of backup materials in the agenda packet.

Discussion Items

• Item B – Ratification of Emergency Pump Purchase for Well #4: City Manager Rencher explained that Well #4 failed in January and was an emergency. The Central Arizona Irrigation and Drainage District diagnosed the need for a complete pump replacement, costing $57,060. The part was available on their shelf, avoiding lead time. The purchase was made under the emergency procurement policy and required ratification. Councilmember Snyder inquired about condition-monitoring equipment to prevent future surprises. The item was approved unanimously.
• Item C – Reappointments to the Cemetery Committee: Paul Anchondo presented the reappointment of Natasha Tidwell (since 2009), Mary Lou Martinez (since 2021), and Jerrel Tidwell (since 2022) to three-year terms. Councilmember Snyder expressed concern about one member serving 16 years, lack of term limits for this board, and two members sharing a last name. Other councilmembers noted the difficulty of recruiting volunteers and thanked the members for their service. The item was approved unanimously.
• Item D – Reappointments to the Parks, Recreation and Library Board: Appointments of Rhonda Olson, Jerry Olveda, Tonya Cruz, and Aurelia Sauceda (appointed in 2021) to three-year terms. This will leave two vacancies (one regular, one youth). Council will later form a subcommittee to interview applicants. Councilmember Snyder noted that this board does have term limits, unlike the cemetery board, and asked staff to consider harmonizing the rules. The item was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All five consent agenda items (A, B, C, D, E) were approved unanimously.
• The City Council approved a special meeting on March 31, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. for budget discussions.
• A joint work session with Planning and Zoning is scheduled for April 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.
• Staff will develop an educational video on the hawk signal and explore condition-monitoring for water well pumps.
• The City Manager will bring back recommendations for possible term limits on the Cemetery Committee at a future meeting.