OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Eloy City Council Meeting March 24, 2025: Solar Approvals, Waste Contract, and Commission Appointments

Meeting Portal — Monday, March 24, 2025
BodyEloy, Arizona
SessionMeeting Portal
DateMonday, March 24, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:51:24

Transcript — Verbatim
2:36

Excuse me, Mayor, when you're ready.

2:39

Thank you, Celine.

2:44

Good evening, everyone, and thank you for coming to the Eloy City Council meeting.

2:50

The day is Monday, March twenty-fourth.

2:53

The time is approximately six PM.

2:56

May I have a roll call, please?

2:59

Councilmember Voldraska.

3:04

Councilmember Curtis.

3:10

Councilmember Schneider.

3:11

Here.

3:12

Councilmember Garcia.

3:14

Present.

3:14

Councilmember Galindo.

3:16

Here.

3:17

Thank you.

3:18

Oh, Mayor Sutton.

3:20

He's here.

3:22

I'd like everybody to please stand for a moment of silence.

3:27

And the pledge of allegiance that will be led off by Council Member Galindo.

3:42

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

4:33

I'm sorry.

4:38

Okay.

5:00

And I will let them uh also report on what they thought was significant about that meeting.

5:05

But one of the things that I thought was significant was that they announced that ADOT has received the funding to expand the I-10 from the Gila River Bridge to Casa Grand, where it it and to meet up where it is currently six lanes.

5:24

So they have the funding to expand that part of the freeway to six lanes, all the from Casagran to the Gila River Bridge.

5:36

I also wanted to remind everyone that this uh weekend is the Lions Club golf tournament.

5:43

We we have maybe we still have room for maybe about three more teams.

5:50

We're kind of lacking in in teams.

5:52

Thank you all to the council members who have supported it.

5:56

Um if you would like to volunteer on this day, just let me know and and we'll put you on the volunteer list.

6:03

That's uh one of the things that we're also in need of as volunteers to help us on that day.

6:09

And that's all I have.

6:10

Thank you.

6:14

I have a follow-up on uh Councilmember Glinda's statements about the uh meeting with uh Representative Christamani.

6:22

It was pretty interesting uh that he was talking about budget items.

6:28

And the city of uh Eloy had uh million dollars in the uh funding that we were expecting to help uh do some work on Frontier Street.

6:38

Cost Grant had uh quite a few million dollars of uh money and grants expecting uh to come from the federal government built into their budget this year.

6:48

We're gonna find out that none of that's coming.

6:52

That it was all in the budget that it was uh in Congress, but when they passed this continuing resolution that CSR, that budget just went out the door.

7:02

So now what it means is the budget they're operating on is the old budget, so all that funding that was put in there that all the local cities and counties were expecting to get is not there.

7:15

And so it's got everybody scrambling now to say all right, we're planning on this project next year with his federal funding, and funding's not there.

7:23

And so do we cancel that project, do we move it out, do we move some things around?

7:27

So we're all in the uh budget process, uh, even here in Eloy.

7:32

Going through so it's uh going back the drawing board a little bit and looking at uh what the budget looks like.

7:38

And of course, all the cities are required to have a balanced budget.

7:42

So you can't do like the government where you can have a deficit.

7:46

So it's kind of uh interesting.

7:48

And I think the other thing was uh and Mayor Sutton asked a question about uh what do we do?

7:55

Do you have a holding pattern and Ciscoani says no, keep pushing for the projects you want because uh things are happening fast and you never know.

8:06

So keep uh keep the pressure on if you have projects you need, but be sure to justify the need of the project.

8:16

I think yes, but the bottom line is I've worked with some major companies where when you do a reorganization or a change of direction, you just slice everything and expect the uh important things to rise to the top and then you fund those.

8:30

I think that's kind of what's happening.

8:31

So uh Representative Chris Samani was saying if you have something that's really important, be sure to let us know and give us uh the facts behind it and give us the reasons for it, and we'll push for it.

8:44

And I think that that's what I my takeaway.

8:47

Thank you on my right thank you.

8:54

That made it easy.

8:56

And you know Yemeya has announcements.

9:01

We've completed the interviews for our planning and zoning commission, the newly established planning and zoning commission.

9:07

You'll hear a little more on that later tonight.

9:10

And it was a very tough decision that we had to make with the candidates that applied because they were all such fantastic candidates.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Solar Energy Development████████████████████████████28%
Procedural████████████████████████24%
Sanitation Management████████████████████████24%
Planning And Development██████████10%
Community Engagement█████5%
Transportation Safety██2%
Budget Equity Analysis██2%
Public Engagement██2%
Water And Wastewater Management██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Eloy City Council Meeting – March 24, 2025

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, March 24, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing and votes on two solar energy projects (Poblano Solar), the approval of a new solid waste collection contract with Waste Management, and the appointment of seven members and one alternate to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Council members also reported on federal funding impacts and community events.

Reports and Announcements

  • Council Members’ Announcements: Councilmember Galindo reported on a meeting with Congressman Ciscomani regarding federal budget cuts. He noted that Eloy had $1 million in expected federal funding for Frontier Street work that was lost due to a continuing resolution. Councilmembers also highlighted the March 22 street cleanup, which collected mostly windblown trash, and the upcoming Lions Club golf tournament.
  • Mayor’s Announcements: Mayor Sutton proclaimed April 5–11, 2025 as the “Week of the Young Child” in Eloy, emphasizing support for early care and education.
  • City Manager’s Announcements: The city manager announced that interviews for the new Planning and Zoning Commission were completed. Upcoming meetings include a work session on March 31 for revenue and CIP, a recognition of retiring Sergeant Sherwood (24 years of service), and community outreach meetings for the Sunland Gin project (April 10 in Eloy, April 17 in Arizona City). The City is also conducting a general plan update, with 115 people stopping by a booth at a recent event.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was approved unanimously by roll call (8‑0). Items included:

  • Approval of the March 10, 2025 regular session minutes.
  • Authorization to sell service weapon (SIG Sauer P320, serial #58J317421) to retiring Sergeant Leland Sherwood per A.R.S. §38‑1115.A.

Discussion Items

Solar Energy Projects – Poblano Solar

Public Hearing and Ordinance 25‑983 (Picacho View I PAD Amendment): The council conducted a public hearing on a proposal to permit solar utility‑scale generation and battery energy storage on approximately 816 acres of land west of Toltec Road and north of Milligan Road. The applicant, Long Road Development (represented by Andrew Yancey), addressed previous council concerns by creating a 50‑acre enhanced separation area with a 30‑foot landscape buffer, preservation of native vegetation, and privacy slats on fencing. The project is estimated to generate 300 construction jobs, 5 permanent jobs, and approximately $25 million in property tax revenue over 30 years. Two letters of support were received; no opposition was voiced. Staff confirmed compliance with the city’s solar ordinance and that the project is contiguous with another approved solar site. The ordinance was read by title and approved on a roll call vote of 5‑2 (Councilmember Garcia and Vice Mayor Tarango dissenting). Garcia cited concerns about being a poor neighbor to Arizona City; Tarango objected as a reciprocal action after Pinal County approved solar near the EJR Ranch.

Resolution 25‑1613 (Public Record for Revised Development Plan): This resolution declared the revised Picacho View I development plan a public record, avoiding publication costs. Approved 6‑1 (Councilmember Garcia dissenting).

Ordinance 25‑984 (Eloy Valley PAD Amendment): A companion ordinance to amend the Eloy Valley PAD for an additional 122 acres of the same solar project, located between Toltec Buttes Road and Milligan Road. Approved 5‑2 (Garcia and Tarango dissenting; Tarango added concern about the Eloy Fire District’s ability to handle battery fires).

Resolution 25‑1610 (Public Record for Eloy Valley PAD Amendment): Declared the second amendment to the Eloy Valley PAD a public record. Approved 6‑1 (Garcia dissenting).

Appointment of Planning and Zoning Commission

Staff presented recommendations for seven regular members and one alternate, following interviews by a council subcommittee. An error in the agenda backup (CivicPlus) listed the alternate incorrectly. After discussion, the council made an alternative motion to correct the wording (changing “city council” to “planning and zoning commission”) and appointed: Alan Crawford (redevelopment/revitalization), Frank Fazetto (airport planning), Johnny Gunn (economic development/housing), Steve Paulson, Conrad Tolson, Gerard Whitman (regular members), and Erica Lopez (alternate). The motion passed unanimously (8‑0).

Waste Management Service Contract

Council considered and approved a service contract with Waste Management for residential curbside collection, recycling, bulk/commercial collection, and optional green waste, following an RFP process. Key discussion points included:

  • Customer Communication: Councilmember Snyder questioned representation in negotiations and requested robust outreach, including bilingual materials, a FAQ sheet, and a refrigerator magnet. Staff confirmed a dedicated Waste Management liaison (Carlos, an Eloy resident) will assist with the transition.
  • Recycling Contamination: A three‑strike education and fee policy was outlined, with a phased rollout: Q4 2025 for public education, full enforcement starting January 2026. Contamination notifications will include photos and be sent in a timely manner.
  • Bulk and Special Waste: Bulk pickup procedures remain similar. Electronics and hazardous waste are not included in bulk; Councilmember Snyder suggested a periodic household hazardous waste collection day. Waste Management agreed to discuss this further.
  • Equipment and Image: Councilmember Curtis noted the poor condition of current bins; Waste Management pledged to provide clean, branded containers to improve the city’s appearance.
  • Holiday Schedule: Pickups on holidays will be deferred to the next day (including Saturdays) to avoid cascading delays.
  • Sharps Disposal: Sharps require special pickup (medical waste) and cannot go in regular bins. Councilmember Curtis also emphasized the need to clearly communicate the value of the new contract despite a likely rate increase. The contract was approved unanimously on roll call.

Key Outcomes

  • Ordinance 25‑983 (Picacho View I Solar) – Approved 5‑2.
  • Resolution 25‑1613 – Approved 6‑1.
  • Ordinance 25‑984 (Eloy Valley Solar) – Approved 5‑2.
  • Resolution 25‑1610 – Approved 6‑1.
  • Planning and Zoning Commission Appointments – Approved unanimously (8‑0), with a correction to the agenda item.
  • Waste Management Service Contract – Approved unanimously (8‑0).
  • Council directed staff to add an agenda item for the next regular meeting to discuss a standing monthly work session (first, second, or third Monday) to improve council preparation.
  • The meeting adjourned after executive session on legal matters related to the solid waste contract.

Meeting Transcript

Excuse me, Mayor, when you're ready. Thank you, Celine. Good evening, everyone, and thank you for coming to the Eloy City Council meeting. The day is Monday, March twenty-fourth. The time is approximately six PM. May I have a roll call, please? Councilmember Voldraska. Councilmember Curtis. Councilmember Schneider. Here. Councilmember Garcia. Present. Councilmember Galindo. Here. Thank you. Oh, Mayor Sutton. He's here. I'd like everybody to please stand for a moment of silence. And the pledge of allegiance that will be led off by Council Member Galindo. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. I'm sorry. Okay. And I will let them uh also report on what they thought was significant about that meeting. But one of the things that I thought was significant was that they announced that ADOT has received the funding to expand the I-10 from the Gila River Bridge to Casa Grand, where it it and to meet up where it is currently six lanes. So they have the funding to expand that part of the freeway to six lanes, all the from Casagran to the Gila River Bridge. I also wanted to remind everyone that this uh weekend is the Lions Club golf tournament. We we have maybe we still have room for maybe about three more teams. We're kind of lacking in in teams. Thank you all to the council members who have supported it. Um if you would like to volunteer on this day, just let me know and and we'll put you on the volunteer list. That's uh one of the things that we're also in need of as volunteers to help us on that day. And that's all I have. Thank you. I have a follow-up on uh Councilmember Glinda's statements about the uh meeting with uh Representative Christamani. It was pretty interesting uh that he was talking about budget items. And the city of uh Eloy had uh million dollars in the uh funding that we were expecting to help uh do some work on Frontier Street. Cost Grant had uh quite a few million dollars of uh money and grants expecting uh to come from the federal government built into their budget this year. We're gonna find out that none of that's coming. That it was all in the budget that it was uh in Congress, but when they passed this continuing resolution that CSR, that budget just went out the door. So now what it means is the budget they're operating on is the old budget, so all that funding that was put in there that all the local cities and counties were expecting to get is not there. And so it's got everybody scrambling now to say all right, we're planning on this project next year with his federal funding, and funding's not there. And so do we cancel that project, do we move it out, do we move some things around? So we're all in the uh budget process, uh, even here in Eloy. Going through so it's uh going back the drawing board a little bit and looking at uh what the budget looks like. And of course, all the cities are required to have a balanced budget. So you can't do like the government where you can have a deficit. So it's kind of uh interesting. And I think the other thing was uh and Mayor Sutton asked a question about uh what do we do? Do you have a holding pattern and Ciscoani says no, keep pushing for the projects you want because uh things are happening fast and you never know. So keep uh keep the pressure on if you have projects you need, but be sure to justify the need of the project.

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