Eloy City Council Meeting – May 11, 2026

The Eloy City Council met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting opened with a moment of silence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special proclamation honoring the Robson Ranch Singers. Council unanimously approved the consent agenda (with the exception of minutes, voted separately), a second amendment to a property purchase and sales agreement, and a resolution authorizing a state housing grant application.

Proclamation – Robson Ranch Singers Day

• Mayor Andy Sutton read a proclamation declaring May 24, 2026, as Robson Ranch Singers Day in Eloy, recognizing the group’s upcoming performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The singers performed a short preview of their repertoire. Vice Mayor Tarango read the formal proclamation.

Reports and Announcements

• Mayor's Announcements: Attended the Eloy Chamber of Commerce luncheon (April 30), where City Manager McKenzie presented on economic development; attended the ribbon‑cutting for Luke’s House for Behavioral Health (May 1); and the Cinco de Mayo celebration in the park.
• Council Members’ Announcements:
  • Councilmember Curtis noted the Robson Ranch Singers’ concerts and the need to pay for sheet music; also attended the chamber luncheon where Exceptional Hospital presented on patient protocols.
  • Councilmember Garcia attended the Pinal County Partnership breakfast, reporting that eight copper companies are active in the county; highlighted that the only U.S. smelter is in Salt Lake City and lacks capacity, forcing export of copper plates for processing.
  • Multiple councilmembers thanked the singers and noted upcoming events.
  • Councilmember Galindo reminded residents of the Memorial Day ceremony at the Eloy cemetery on May 25 at 9:00 a.m., featuring a parachute jumper with a large flag.
• City Manager’s Announcements:
  • Freeburg Industrial Fabrication hiring event on May 13–14 at City Hall (9 a.m.–3 p.m.), seeking ~200 employees for a new metal fabrication facility.
  • Budget work session on May 18–19, starting at 5 p.m.
  • Adoption of the General Plan special meeting on June 1 at 6 p.m.
  • Eloy Police Department launching VerisTerm Community Connect software on May 19, providing text updates to 911 callers on case status.

Consent Calendar

• Items B–D were approved unanimously by roll‑call vote:
  • B: Declaration of surplus and disposal of 24 decommissioned iPhone 12 devices via ecoATM.
  • C: Authorization to use Sourcewell contract #040825‑CAM with Core and Main to purchase ten fire hydrants (up to $40,000).
  • D: Authorization to use 1GPA contract #22‑12P‑03 with Phoenix Fence for purchase and installation of automatic gates at the Public Works Facility.
• Item A (Minutes of April 27, 2026 regular meeting) was removed from the consent agenda at the mayor’s request. Councilmember Curtis asked why the April 13 meeting minutes were not included; the City Clerk stated they would appear at the next meeting. The April 27 minutes were then approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

A. Second Amendment to Purchase and Sales Agreement (PSA) with Eloy Community Development Partners, LLC

• City Manager McKenzie presented the amendment, which extends the feasibility period and revises deposit and escrow provisions. The original PSA covers 81± acres at the northwest corner of Houser Road and 11 Mile Corner Road, with a total purchase price of $1,486,000.
• Key changes:
  • New close of escrow date: November 19, 2026.
  • Additional $10,000 deposits will only be required during the current feasibility period, not during any extensions.
  • The City Manager (not council) may administratively approve up to three 60‑day extension options, with notification to council.
• Councilmember Curtis asked staff to review the city’s manufactured‑home ordinance, as the project includes manufactured homes. Staff confirmed the development agreement will address requirements.
• Vote: Unanimously approved (7‑0).

B. Adoption of Resolution No. 26‑1658 – HOME Grant Application

• Brian Wright, City staff, presented the resolution authorizing submission of a $583,000 grant application to the Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) for FY2025 State Housing Trust Funds (HOME). The city commits $75,000 as leverage (for construction specialist salary, homeowner relocation, etc.).
• The grant funds rehabilitation and reconstruction of owner‑occupied homes for low‑income residents. Since 2016–2017, the program has completed 31 homes. Currently 10 households are on the waiting list; 4 have been identified for immediate work (two reconstructions, two rehabs).
• Councilmember Curtis clarified that the program does not cover standalone air‑conditioner replacements; those would be referred to other programs (e.g., CARA home repair/weatherization).
• Vote: Unanimously approved (7‑0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the scheduled Public Appearances (Item VIII).
• After adjournment, Vera Canella, a Robson Ranch resident and tour manager for the singers, thanked the council for the proclamation and support. She noted that the flash mob was the mayor’s idea and that the song “Why We Sing” had never been performed publicly before. The group will sing at the Memorial Day Parade (May 25, nationally televised) and perform at the Kennedy Center on May 24.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the second amendment to the PSA with Eloy Community Development Partners, extending the feasibility period and revising deposit terms.
• Adopted Resolution 26‑1658, authorizing the $583,000 HOME grant application with $75,000 city leverage.
• Approved all consent agenda items (B‑D and the April 27 minutes).
• Upcoming events: Freeburg hiring event (May 13‑14), budget work session (May 18‑19), General Plan adoption (June 1), Memorial Day ceremony (May 25), and Robson Ranch Singers’ Kennedy Center performance (May 24).