Eloy City Council Meeting – September 8, 2025

The Eloy City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 4:45 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included an informational presentation on capital financing options, updates from the Police Chief, approval of the consent agenda (with one item pulled), and a conditional use permit for Desert Septic. The council also approved an upgraded lighting system for the Eloy water tower.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – August 25, 2025 Regular Meeting.
• Purchase of John Deere Loader and Trailer – Authorization to purchase under cooperative contracts, not to exceed $400,000.
• FAA Grant Agreements – Acceptance of three Airport Improvement Program grants: T-Hangar Reconstruction Design ($178,666), Apron Reconstruction Design ($218,500), and corresponding design service agreements with Lochner ($159,720 and $169,970). All for FY2025–2026 CIP.
• Gila River Indian Community Grants – Two resolutions accepting grants: $35,000 for Police Emergency Radio Redundancy (Resolution 25-1632) and $23,261 for Fingerprint Identification System Upgrade (Resolution 25-1633).
• Pavement Preservation Program – Approval of a proposal from Sunland Asphalt for FY2025–2026, not to exceed $600,000.
• All consent items were approved by a single motion and roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Donna Keeler (Grand Valley Ranch resident) thanked the mayor and council for visiting their village on August 28 and listening to their concerns, expressing hope for continued collaboration.

Discussion Items

• Capital Financing Presentation (“Debt 101”) – Nick Dodd (Raymond James) and Zack Sakas (Greenberg Traurig) presented an overview of financing options for capital projects, including general obligation bonds, excise tax revenue obligations, utility pledge revenue obligations, certificates of participation, WIFA loans, Community Facilities Districts (CFDs), Revitalization Districts (RDs), and municipal improvement districts. The presentation emphasized that the city’s current bond rating is A+ (with bond insurance achieving double-A). Staff noted that CFD and RD policies will be updated and brought back to council. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about tax rates, credit ratings, and the difference between CFD and RD structures.
• City Manager’s Announcements – Reported a successful Transportation Alternatives grant award ($2.6 million for Batagalia sidewalk, local match $151,600) and the kickoff of the air park master plan. Also noted the public hearing for APS power line project on September 8.
• Police Chief Briefing – Chief Sergio Banales reported August 2025 activity: 112 enforcement stops, 158 citations, 21 arrests during a DUI/speed detail (118 hours over 4 days). The traffic unit conducted 21 commercial vehicle inspections leading to 88 violations and 3–4 trucks taken out of service. Traffic unit also made 11 arrests and wrote 166 citations. Notable incidents included a BB gun incident at Santa Cruz High School (resolved quickly) and a copper wire theft arrest. Councilmember Curtis requested a future summary of total water tower lighting costs.
• Water Tower Lighting (Item I) – Assistant City Manager McKenzie presented a proposal for upgraded RGBW lighting fixtures from Holiday Lighting Company (HLC) to replace failed IP65-rated lights, costing up to $29,000 ($20,000 from CIP, $9,000 from water tower maintenance fund). The new fixtures have a higher water penetration rating and a five-year warranty. Councilmember Garcia expressed concern about light pollution and asked about dark sky ordinance compliance; staff committed to report back. Councilmember Galindo suggested setting a shut-off time for late hours (e.g., 11 p.m.). The item was approved 6–1 (Garcia dissenting).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved (all items except I) – Unanimous vote.
• Water Tower Lighting Upgrade Approved – Resolution to purchase and install upgraded lighting, not to exceed $29,000. Vote: 6–1 (Councilmember Garcia no). The council directed staff to evaluate timing and dark sky compliance.
• Conditional Use Permit for Desert Septic Approved (Resolution 25-1631) – Approved unanimously for outdoor storage on two parcels at 4650 and 4712 N. Tumbleweed Road. The applicant, George Allen, confirmed no waste stored on-site; trucks offload at Casa Grande daily. No opposition was expressed. Vote: 7–0.
• No Executive Session – The council adjourned without entering executive session.