OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Eloy City Council Meeting – May 26, 2026: Purchasing Policy Update and Routine Approvals

Meeting PortalTuesday, May 26, 2026
BodyEloy, Arizona
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, May 26, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:39

Yeah, you're in my thing.

0:50

Uh they're in charge, so they have a total difference.

0:54

Oh, it's just what I want to do.

1:07

But I was leaving Ohio they were going from fifty to seventy-five.

1:21

Right.

1:26

Yeah.

1:27

They're like whatever.

1:31

Um how much Phoenix gets just for like all like just to spend on the training.

1:42

Come on.

1:50

We might probably have a few minutes.

2:01

Hello?

2:03

Good evening, Charlene.

2:04

How are you?

2:04

Uh hi Cooper, how are you?

2:07

Mr.

2:07

Cooper.

2:12

You're lucky my name isn't on your check.

2:45

I don't like it.

2:54

Yeah.

2:55

I guess it's clear thing.

3:05

Yeah.

3:24

I have two more words to go.

3:28

No, she's literally.

3:33

So I figured it's a good thing.

3:42

So we do spot you.

4:01

I was just after reading one that scale controls.

4:11

I'm afraid of you would design all this.

4:23

And nothing.

4:32

And the thing is we can get rid of it.

4:36

So I'm doing all the primaries and would when they give us to all this one.

4:45

Share over the wonderful questions.

5:00

Mayor, when you're ready.

5:17

Good evening, everyone, and welcome to tonight's Eloy City Council meeting.

5:22

Today is Tuesday, May 26th.

5:24

The time is approximately 6 p.m.

5:26

Madam Clerk, may I have a roll call, please?

5:28

Councilmember Vodraska.

5:31

Here.

5:32

Councilmember Curtis is excused.

5:34

Vice Mayor Tarango.

5:36

Here.

5:36

Councilmember Schneider.

5:38

Here.

5:38

Councilmember Garcia.

5:40

Present.

5:41

Councilmember Galindo.

5:42

Here.

5:43

Mayor Sutton.

5:44

Here.

5:45

Thank you.

5:46

Now may we all please rise for a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Mayor Tarango.

6:31

Okay, we have no scheduled or unscheduled public appearances tonight.

6:37

And that just opens the door and green lights your mayor to go with his announcements.

6:42

And he happens to have five pages worth tonight.

6:46

On Tuesday, May 12th at the Sun Card of Metropolitan Planning Organization, or Scampo, as we so so note it.

6:54

We voted Doug Coleman into the board.

6:57

Doug is the governor's appointee to ADOT, and we look forward to getting to know him and working together on transportation issues that impact Eloy and our region.

7:07

Then on Tuesday the 14th, along with several council council members and our city manager, I attended the discussion on energy in Penel County, a kind of power in Panel, if you will.

7:18

The panel was very informative and focused on the future and direction of energy development in our region.

7:31

Discussions included solar, natural gas, nuclear energy, and increasing the needs for energy storage solutions.

7:39

And to continue that conversation, later the next week, I attended the Nuclear Energy Expo hosted by SRP at their Tempe campus.

7:49

One of the big takeaways from this is that SRP expects to see a thirty-five percent increase in energy demand over the next several years.

8:19

I I I might not have studied electricity.

8:56

Then on the 22nd, it was the summer kickoff at the Eloy Community Pool.

9:01

Huge turnout.

9:04

It was great seeing so many residents out enjoying the event.

9:08

And I'll let others here who attended the event expand on the details.

9:35

And we thank all the residents and businesses that donated as well.

9:39

This is exactly what community is all about.

9:41

And the Tumbleweed has stepped up more than once and done this.

9:45

And we really thank them for being the partners that they choose to be with this city.

9:51

And then finally, nope.

9:55

And then on Memorial Day, the Eloy Chamber of Commerce in the city hosted our veterans' remembrance ceremony at the Eloy Cemetery.

10:02

Skydivers, planes, and a helicopter were all part of honoring those who have served and sacrificed so much for our country.

10:09

And Eloy, we will never forget our veterans.

10:12

And a big thank you to everyone who made this event so special.

10:19

Lastly, today, along with a group of Robeson residents, we met with the Arizona State Attorney General to discuss issues in a rate case with Picasso Water and Sue that is impacting the residents of Robeson Ranch.

10:33

We thank the AG for her representation in this matter, and we hope it works out in our favor.

10:39

I'm just saying.

10:42

So with that, I'll go to my right.

10:44

Anything to announce there, Councilmember.

10:48

Thank you, Mayor.

10:50

Just a couple of things.

11:07

Our EPT and EFD.

11:10

And just witnessed people coming and coming, and it was well attended, well participated.

11:19

And all I can say is the pancakes they served at the Tumbleweed were fantastic.

11:26

So if you get a chance to get there, I think they serve them normally on Sundays.

11:31

I have no personal interest in their business, but just want to let you know that they were great.

11:39

On Monday, uh yesterday, I attended the Memorial Day ceremony at the Eloy Cemetery.

11:45

And wow, uh this is my uh third year going there.

11:49

And um I just if you haven't been there for that service, I I strongly urge you to do it.

11:57

Um it's what we as a community um should be, especially on that day is honoring those that have served and um giving us the freedoms that we have.

12:13

Um it was wonderful.

12:14

The vice mayor, thank you for a wonderful speech.

12:18

You did a great job.

12:20

Um then uh from a personal perspective, um uh asked the mayor if it was okay if I did this.

12:28

Um just wanted to announce that I am a grandfather for the first time.

12:33

I had a baby granddaughter.

12:36

Um thank you.

12:37

Uh Audrey Grace Vodrasco will now carry on my name.

12:42

And uh, you know, I don't no longer have to worry about changing it to Smith or Jones.

12:47

So uh thank you.

12:51

Thank you, Councilmember, and congratulations to your whole family.

12:57

I last week I was busy with graduations.

13:01

I had a grandson graduate.

13:02

Thankfully, he got talked into well, decided to go to the Air Force, so I'm happy about that.

13:07

Um, and niece graduated, so I've been busy with graduations, but I um and my husband had surgery, so I've been taking care of somebody for the last couple weeks, but I did go to the Memorial Day event, and um since Andy wasn't able to do it this year.

13:26

I did the closing remarks, and I've been to that event.

13:29

I don't know.

13:30

For years and years I've gone, and it they always do a good job, and it's always it.

13:37

It's a special place in my heart to make sure that we honor our veterans and our um those who gave their lives for us to be able to be where we are today, to be able to speak our minds and and do what we do every day.

13:52

So um that's all I have to say.

13:54

Thank you.

13:55

Thank you.

13:56

On my left, Joe.

13:59

Yep, I pretty much followed the mayor around where all the events that he went to.

14:05

Uh, but just a couple of key points that um I was able to speak to some of the panelists at the energy uh in Panau County Forum.

14:14

And one of the things that I did learn is that in dealing with solar farms and and uh solar service in Arizona, there is legislation and policy that after 20 years when these uh businesses are no longer viable, they do have to clean up the area afterwards.

14:36

They do have to make the area and uh back to where it can possibly return to farming or possibly return to uh another type of business, but they can't just walk away like most of the big box stores do and leave an empty shell there.

14:53

They're required to clean up afterwards.

15:00

Um the summer splash was amazing, Chad and uh the community service department.

15:04

Kudos to you guys.

15:05

The water bomb was fun just to watch them, and most importantly, just to watch all the families that just had a blast that day and and enjoyed everything about that day.

15:17

Um, speaking of graduations, it was also the Santa Cruz Valley Union High School's graduation this week.

15:23

Um excellent job by Chief Kelly Weddle um on the keynote speech, and um to all of the graduates that I gave cards to.

15:34

One of the resounding messages was remember your past and the people that supported you to get where you at today, and always remember you can come back home and take your skills and everything that you've learned and bring it back to build the city that helped build you.

15:52

So that was uh the message.

15:55

Um I did attend the senior citizens uh and uh was able to up to date.

16:02

We have given out 26 Lions Club uh vision vouchers in the at the senior center for the seniors there, and I've heard nothing but positive feedback from the seniors there that uh they really enjoy the service there.

16:19

The memorial service was uh amazing.

16:23

Um, on a personal note, I've always shared that.

16:26

Uh I sent three brothers to Vietnam, and I had two return, but quite honestly, they never left uh that service.

16:36

So it was it was very nice to go to the service.

16:40

Vice Mayor Trango, you did an excellent job.

16:44

Um, a few thank yous.

16:45

I want to thank community service, the park, the cemetery, the the whole city of Eloy was just pristine.

16:55

It looked beautiful.

16:57

Um, the Eloy Lions Club and the Eloy Masonic Lodge were the ones that put up the flags down Main Street and the flags at the cemetery.

17:06

Thank you so much to them.

17:08

Um they they did an excellent job.

17:12

And um to the Eloy PD fire or honor guard, you guys were amazing.

17:20

I mean, what what a way to cap begin the event and cap the event.

17:24

So thank you.

17:26

Um council member Vedrosca, you are in for the time of your life.

17:31

I am four years into it, and I am the happiest I've ever been with that little grandchild of mine.

17:38

So congratulations to you.

17:41

And that's about it.

17:46

Thank you, Mayor.

17:47

Well, my week started off with the high school graduation.

17:51

They did a great job.

17:52

It was a nice event.

17:53

Um they must have invited every member of their family they had.

17:57

It was packed.

17:58

The um Valedictorians, because we had multiple valedictorians all did a wonderful job.

18:03

Took me over into into Friday for the summer kickoff.

18:06

And it was a great day.

18:09

Our staff down at the city pool are perfect.

18:14

They do a good job, they were responsive.

18:16

I know uh early at the early start.

18:19

I was talking to Chad, and he was telling us that they had they've been working drills all week long, and they were expecting a drill at the at the event.

18:29

And I don't know if it was a drill or not, but we actually had an actual event of a couple of our uh lifeguards how to jump in and help a girl out of there.

18:38

So I'm assuming that was real, right?

18:40

It was real.

18:41

So they did a wonderful job.

18:43

We handed out water.

18:44

The mayor joined me, council member Glendal joined me, left some cases behind for the city staff, and what was left over, took me over into Saturday and donated to the um at the time we to the PDM fire.

18:56

So that was also a great time.

18:59

Those guys are always up to helping everybody.

19:02

Monday went to the Memorial Day services.

19:06

Park looks great.

19:08

The the event was really well put together.

19:12

This and we had we were able to clearly hear everybody.

19:18

Attendance, I think was a little bit lower than normal, but things changed throughout the years.

19:23

You know, uh that was great.

19:26

The new Romana that was put in on the south side of the park.

19:30

One of my classmates decided to take it over for the day, and she sat there the entire time.

19:35

Um it's a great romato.

19:37

You can just see everything and hear everything from there.

19:40

So that I think that was the end of my week.

19:43

Thank you.

19:44

Thank you, Mayor.

19:45

Nothing more to add than what the already been spoken, just congratulations as well to Mr.

19:51

Braska and get ready to babysit.

19:57

Yeah, one final thing at the uh at the summit kickoff.

20:01

I was impressed with the level of attentiveness and willingness and attitude of all the young ones working that lifeguard situation.

20:12

They these young ones really took this serious.

20:14

They were that they were right on.

20:16

Them whistles were popping.

20:17

If a kid ran four feet, there was a whistle popping, and then they stop running.

20:21

It was that was pretty good to see.

20:23

And thank you guys.

20:24

Kudos for all you did.

20:26

All right, now that brings us to item C City Manager announcements.

20:31

Thank you, Mr.

20:31

Mayor, members of council.

20:33

So only two items for me today.

20:34

Um, this is probably the last time you're gonna hear it, but it's again just a reminder next week on June 1st, Monday at 6 p.m.

20:41

at City Hall Council Chambers.

20:43

We have the adoption of the general plan.

20:45

So this is one of the final steps that we need to do from the city's perspective uh to adopt the final plan before it's put on the election on the November ballot.

20:53

So again, just want to thank community development, want to thank Logan Simpson and then most importantly, the community for coming out and participating in that effort.

21:00

Uh we received thousands of responses, had a significant turnout from the community, um, a high participation rate, which I'm sure Dan and his team will go into detail next Monday, but really excited to finally cap off that initiative after we've been working on it over the last year.

21:14

Uh this is gonna be a significant update, because I think the last time we did this was when back in 2011 or something like that.

21:21

So it's much needed that we get this update done.

21:24

The last update I have is Saturday, June 6th from 6 a.m.

21:29

to 12 p.m.

21:30

We have the community yard sale.

21:32

So this is gonna be the first one this series.

21:34

We're gonna have another one in September, but the location is gonna be at Main Street Park, and so whether you're looking to shop or you're looking to sell, um, there's gonna be an opportunity for you to take place in that.

21:43

It's usually pretty packed, so make sure that you go online and you register on our online portal.

21:48

You'll be able to find that and reserve your space online at the registration portal, which is located on the community services website.

21:54

Uh, make sure you get in there and you register.

21:56

Uh Chad, did you know is there like a final date on when they can register by chance?

22:01

No, just all right, just as soon as you can.

22:05

But that's all the updates I have, Mayor.

22:07

Thank you for that.

22:08

Yeah, and the yard sale's always been pretty good.

22:10

Yeah, I've always left with a few items.

22:14

Okay, that brings us to item number seven, consent agenda.

22:19

All items listed with an asterisk are considered to be routine matters and will be enacted by one motion and one roll call vote of the council.

22:26

There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a council member sir request, in which event the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.

22:37

Do any council members would like any items removed?

22:42

Okay, hearing none.

22:43

I'm looking for a motion to approve consent agenda.

22:46

I'm looking for a second.

22:48

Second, Madam Clerk.

22:50

Councilmember Garcia.

22:52

Yes, Councilmember Galindo.

22:54

Yes, Councilmember Vodraska.

22:57

Yes, Vice Mayor Torango.

23:00

Yes.

23:01

Councilmember Schneider.

23:02

Yes, Mayor Sutton.

23:04

Yes.

23:08

Okay, next is section number eight, which is business, possible discussion and/or action on the following.

23:15

And it will be item A to approve resolution number two six one six six one, declaring the city of Eloy purchasing policy as a public record.

23:27

Mr.

23:28

Wright.

23:30

Good evening, Mr.

23:31

Mayor, members of the council.

23:33

Um the item before your resolution 26 1661 is just declaring the uh purchasing policy, a public record.

23:42

Then I'll go into the uh next item, which is B to discuss it more.

23:53

Yeah, because have to declare the public.

23:56

All right, anybody have any questions on this?

24:01

Okay.

24:02

Hearing none, do we hear a motion to read by title adoption of resolution 26-1661?

24:09

So moved.

24:10

Do I have a second?

24:12

Second.

24:13

All in favor say aye.

24:14

Aye.

24:15

Aye.

24:15

Any opposed?

24:16

Hearing none, motion carries.

24:18

Madam Clerk.

24:20

Resolution number 26, 1661.

24:24

A resolution by the mayor and council of the city of Eloy, Penau County, Arizona, declaring as a public record that certain document filed with the city clerk and entitled amendments to City of Eloy purchasing policy dated June 25th, 2018.

24:42

Do we have a motion to approve resolution 26-1661 as present?

24:47

So moved.

24:49

Do I have a second?

24:50

Oh second.

24:51

Roll call, please, Madam Clerk.

24:56

Councilmember Garcia.

24:58

Yes.

24:58

Councilmember Galindo.

25:00

Yes.

25:00

Councilmember Vadraska?

25:02

Yes.

25:02

Vice Mayor Tarango?

25:04

Yes.

25:05

Councilmember Schneider.

25:06

Yes.

25:07

Mayor Sutton.

25:08

Yes.

25:10

Okay, that brings us to Section B.

25:12

Approve ordinance number 26-1001.

25:16

Amending sections 2-134 through 2-141 of Chapter 2, Article VI 5i.

25:27

Yes, 7.

25:29

City Eloy purchasing policy of the City of Eloy Code by adopting by reference that a certain document entitled Amendments to the City of Eloy Purchasing Policy dated May 26, 2006.

25:42

Providing for separate and establishing an effective date, Mr.

25:46

Wright.

25:47

Yes, Mr.

25:48

Mayor, members of the council.

25:49

Tonight, uh, you know, staff's recommending approval of ordinance 261001.

25:56

So this uh the this update to the purchasing policy, the last time we updated it was back in about 2018.

26:04

And at that time, um the limit, um, we adjusted all the threshold limits at that time.

26:11

Um, the maximum limit was 20,000, and that would require council's approval.

26:16

So one of the goals of staff and administration was to get this updated because our purchasing thresholds were low.

26:25

I compared eight different cities throughout the Pennell County, you know, up in, you know, cities really similar our size, and found that we were on the lowest end of those.

26:38

Um most of those are ranging anywhere from 30 to 50,000.

26:42

There was one city that had a threshold over 100,000 that went to council.

26:48

So when we looked through this, um we looked uh revised the language, we looked through all these different purchasing policies and found you know language that was would make our purchasing policy stronger.

27:01

So we did we went through cleaned up the language, uh, we did new purchasing thresholds.

27:08

So instead of right now, our purchasing policy, anything over 20 has to go to council.

27:13

So what we're recommending uh is new thresholds.

27:17

So from zero to 10, it would be more competitive bidding.

27:21

Then from 10 to 30,000, they'd be the telephonic or verbal quotes that would have to be obtained from 30 to 50 would be written quotes, and then from 50 over would be the uh need to have council approval.

27:39

Um we also are asking to change the the limit because right now we have it anything over 500 on a uh order, has to get a purchase order.

27:49

We're taking that up to a thousand dollars for it.

27:52

And so that would that'd be cleaned up in our policy.

27:55

We added language to what a contract, you know, uh a job order contractors uh uh JOC which is um on there, the other contracts, some other languages that we didn't have before in there.

28:09

We also put in the some of the language from Title 34, which is um in the state statute.

28:15

We found that a lot of the policies out there had that language in there and mention it, so we added that within our purchasing policy.

28:23

Um the language changes, the thresholds.

28:26

We feel that uh not only myself and McKinsey, but all the all the directors feel the limits are would be really good for their part their policy or their departments and in doing ongoing operations and contracts, it's still required that anything uh the city manager has to sign all contracts under 50,000 and anything over 50 is you know the mayor has to sign it because it has to go to council.

28:55

So um looking at this, we feel that the updated per procurement procedures, the new methods, and the additional guidance really strengthens our policy as a whole.

29:07

So um that's what uh is before council tonight for consideration.

29:12

Um, and then if it is passed tonight, it has to sit for 30 days and it would be effective the first or July 1st of the start of the fiscal year.

29:23

Thank you, Mr.

29:24

Wright.

29:24

Yeah, everything has gone up, so it's only natural.

29:27

This I suppose should go up.

29:29

Does anybody on council have any questions considering the new amounts?

29:35

Any opposition?

29:36

Go ahead, sir.

29:37

It's not opposite, it's just it's uh uh clarification or just for my information mainly.

29:44

When you uh the city when they approve a purchase, in this case we're gonna uh I guess increase the uh uh value of which uh a department manager whatever can approve.

30:00

When the payment is made and a check is issued, is that check then go back to approval to that uh department manager or what's the approval process for making the payment of something that now it's been authorized?

30:11

Uh Mr.

30:12

Mayor, uh Councilman Snyder.

30:14

So let's just say that the they have a they want to buy something for five thousand dollars.

30:20

So what they do right now is they send a a request over to finance to get a purchase order, they get a purchase order, that purchase order goes back to the department so they can purchase, do everything.

30:33

So once they get that invoice in, they submit it back to finance with the purchase order on the invoice, it's stamped okay to pay, the line item, they okay it.

30:44

We cut a check to the vendor and it's off.

30:47

So from that point, the departments are done with their stuff once they have the invoice and they submit it back to us for payment.

30:56

So that's basically where the oversight comes in then.

30:58

Yeah, okay.

30:59

That's that's where my question is.

31:01

Anybody else, any questions?

31:05

Go right ahead.

31:08

So I also talked to um council member Curtis about this.

31:13

I trust the city completely.

31:15

I just I guess I have heartburn about jumping up $30,000.

31:21

Because I mean, basically you're looking at the price of a car.

31:24

I mean, so you're saying that a department can go buy a car without other than you, I mean, obviously the city manager's approval, but I just thirty thousand dollars in what is it now?

31:40

You said 2018, it was at 20,000.

31:43

So you're talking about that large of an increase and in that amount of time.

31:49

I just I have a little bit of heartburn with that.

31:52

Um I don't even know if I like 40,000 and one dollars is what um council member Curtis was mentioning, but I I do have heartburn with this large of an increase.

32:07

I just want to make that known.

32:11

Absolutely.

32:12

Anybody else have anything for Mr.

32:14

Wright?

32:14

Mayor?

32:15

Go ahead.

32:15

I agree with Council or Vice Mayor Terenggal.

32:19

I kind of was questioning that increase of 30,000, but I'm curious how many requests do we get between 20 and 50,000.

32:27

Um Mr.

32:28

Mayor, Councilman Garcia and Vice Mayor Trango, a lot of those purchases that are over let's say that are 10,000 or more, you know, if they're capital items, they're already in our budget.

32:42

So when we go over budget, we're already identifying them in our capital projects.

32:47

If anything that is pretty much you may have a oh uh a contract renewal, but we've already required it's a re-annual contract that goes already in, you know, we talk about subscription renewals.

32:59

If it's uh 20, you know, 38,000 playground equipment, for example, that's gonna be in the CIP.

33:06

That's gonna be part of that council's gonna heat council is gonna be aware this is a purchase for $38,000.

33:14

It was approved in the budget because we went through it, so as the year goes by.

33:18

Now, if it's an unbudgeted item, that's a different thing.

33:21

It has to go through the city manager has to sign off on it, and then also we always let the mayor know what this is an unbudgeted item.

33:29

But mostly any major capital item that I say is already over like 10,000 or more, we've identified that in the CIP.

33:40

So if it's even if it's a study we do a parks master plan or something like that, and it's 45,000, we've identified in that the CIP where it's coming from.

33:52

So you already know that these are the major purchases that we're gonna have coming through the year.

33:58

Other than that, those are the major purchases that we would end up having that are identified in the CIP that we identify them, or when we go through the budget process, we point them out that you know this has gone up by a 45,000, you know, $30,000 contractual obligation.

34:15

And so you're approving in the budget anyways.

34:18

So you know, we always point those out.

34:21

If it's something that's budgeted, it's gonna be pointed out in the when we go through the budget throughout the year.

34:29

Yeah, but I'd like to add some other comments.

34:32

I think this goes back to where my question was an oversight.

34:35

I think we have to recognize that each department has got a budget that they're working to.

34:42

And that uh department uh manager department uh head is responsible for that budget, and there is some oversight, whether it be through finance or the city manager of that budget.

34:54

So uh that's where I was coming from.

35:00

So that's where I was coming from last about what is the oversight, because having been through that with a large budget and spending and uh you know that budget gets reviewed every month with the uh finance it gets reported.

35:10

So if somebody's going uh rogue and spending a lot of money, it jumps out real fast.

35:16

Yeah, so I think uh there may be a case where uh it's questionable, but then that is gonna show up right away because when the release for payment comes in, the finance are gonna question about well, why'd you do this?

35:29

And maybe uh there's well you went overboard here and it's probably the last but anyway.

35:34

I think there's some uh oversight there that kind of uh limits how rogue they can go, but also I think we have to give some responsibility to the individual department managers too of maintaining their budget and spending money wisely.

35:48

So just having like I say having been there.

35:51

Thank you.

35:53

Thank you, Mr.

35:54

Mayor.

35:54

Yeah, the only comment I had is regarding um Councilmember Tarango.

35:58

Uh I also talked to Councilmember Curtis, and she just wanted me to relay that yeah, she had some heartburn on the situation as well.

36:05

Um she doesn't like where the current allotments are set, and if she had to recommend something, she'd say double the existing policy right now.

36:13

So that'd go from zero to ten thousand for department discretion, ten to twenty thousand for telephonic quotes, uh twenty to forty thousand for written, and then basically anything above forty thousand and one uh as Councilmember Tarango discussed is what she'd be comfortable with.

36:32

Uh just to give some perspective.

36:34

Um I all my work I've been in the private sector and um my last position, I was director of finance for uh a large corporation, and there is oversight built into the process.

36:52

And um I believe the city is doing their due diligence.

36:57

I see this as this upgrade in the policy uh actually efficiency.

37:04

Uh I can see where you know they don't have to come back to the council three, four weeks sometimes to get it on the agenda.

37:14

Um I think we and I do see your concerns, um, fellow council members, but I think we kind of have to sometimes put the trust in the the process itself.

37:28

Um but uh I just wanted to make that comment.

37:34

Thank you.

37:34

To clarify, I worked with this budget for several years.

37:39

I know the ways around this budget.

37:41

So nobody's pulling any wool over my eyes because we know how to get sole source vendors.

37:47

We knew how to do that stuff.

37:49

So I just want to make sure that it's concerned, it's a lot of money.

37:54

I mean, we all know we can't get a car nowadays for 50 grand, but um I just wanted to make sure that you that everybody understood that it is a large jump.

38:06

And so I just want to make sure that you understand that I trust you guys completely.

38:12

I've worked with you, Mr.

38:13

Wright, for several several years, and I've told you I you're a great finance manager, and and I'm glad you're here and McKinsey, I trust you wholeheartedly.

38:24

I just want to make sure that you know, with such a large jump that I will take a deep breath and accept what the council decides.

38:37

Thank you.

38:37

Anybody, yeah.

38:38

Just a quick comment.

38:40

As someone who has just completed and submitted the state budget for the grant that I work under.

38:47

Um the state has not caught up with the uh inflation and expenses and how the cost of things have gone up.

38:57

Um our limit is still 25 dollars without with you know, needing approval and and needing to submit it.

39:07

Um their mileage rate is at.46 still.

39:13

Um Penell Counties is at point seven, seven five, seven two.

39:20

Um Penau County consistently gives raises, uh increases benefits.

39:27

The state doesn't recognize that.

39:29

So um understanding that you have to work within their limitations and within the the cost that Panel County is giving you has been very difficult.

39:44

I appreciate the fact that you understand that and you're bringing this price increase and understanding that that costs are going up and and for us, you know, with working with the state.

40:00

I mean, if you know, just to order a laptop takes me, you know, at least six weeks of correspondence and budgets and training and approvals and and you know, and I'm just like I I can't communicate because I don't have the electronic equipment that I need to replace that and stuff.

40:15

So yeah, uh I appreciate the fact that you're bringing this to us and that uh the finance understands I understand the oversight.

40:24

I appreciate that there's oversight.

40:26

There's oversight with the state too, trust me.

40:29

They um, but um I yeah, I'm I'm happy that you're bringing this to us and that you're giving the uh other departments that opportunity to realize that uh prices have gone up.

40:43

And as far as the vice mayor's comments, yeah, he learned to um adjust and stuff.

40:52

Um you know, there's they have a 25 dollar gift limit, but it's per gift, so I mean, I I'm embarrassed to give a 25 dollar gift, you know.

41:05

So I give two gifts, two gift cards, you know, but they're both under 25 dollars.

41:11

So it it it's uh it's a fine road that you have to follow and stuff, but staying in compliance.

41:20

I have full trust in you, Brian, that you will make sure that everything is in the budget, that everything has already been approved, and you know, giving the departments the leeway to understand that you know they they have to run their departments with the cost of cost constantly going up.

41:41

So thank you for that.

41:45

And to Councilman Vodraska's point, I do trust the process, and I trust the fact that oversight is built in.

41:52

And Councilmember Snyder, I don't think that we're gonna have rogue operators, but if somebody went rogue, we would catch it pretty quickly.

42:00

So and by doing this now, it keeps us from coming back to have to do it again in three, four, or five years.

42:06

So I'm for the process.

42:08

So anybody else here have anything to add?

42:14

Are you good?

42:15

I'm good.

42:16

Okay, this time to hear a motion to read by title the adoption of ordinance two six-101.

42:25

So moved.

42:27

I was second.

42:29

All in favor say aye.

42:31

Aye.

42:31

Any opposed?

42:33

Hearing none, motion carries.

42:35

Madam Clerk.

42:38

Ordinance number 26, 1001, an ordinance of the City of Eloy, Panaw County, Arizona, amending sections 2-134 through 2-141 of chapter 2, Article 7, City of Eloy Purchasing Policy of the Eloy City Code and adopting by reference that certain document entitled amendments to City of Eloy Purchasing Policy dated May 26.

43:10

May 26, 2026, providing for separability and establishing an effective date.

43:18

Thank you.

43:19

Do we have a motion to approve ordinance 26-1001 as presented?

43:25

Mr.

43:26

Mayor, make that motion to approve.

43:28

Do I have a second?

43:29

Second.

43:35

Councilmember Schneider.

43:36

Yes.

43:37

Councilmember Garcia.

43:39

Yes.

43:40

Councilmember Galindo.

43:42

Yes.

43:42

Councilmember Valdraska.

43:45

Yes.

43:45

Councilmember, excuse me, Vice Mayor Tarango.

43:49

Yes.

43:50

Councilmember Schneider.

43:54

Yes again.

43:55

I'm sorry.

43:58

Mayor Sutton.

43:59

Yes.

44:01

I did.

44:03

Did I miss it?

44:04

Thank you all.

44:06

At this time, we are going to break into executive session for discussion, consultation with legal advice with our city attorney and all legal staff concerning agenda items pursuant to ARS 38-431.03 A3 and 4.

44:25

We're probably going to be in executive session for over an hour.

44:29

So those of you who do not wish to stay here, we wish you a safe ride home.

44:35

And the executive session, we will have Mr.

44:38

McKenzie Lecture, Mr.

44:39

Steven Cooper, Mr.

44:41

Dan Seima, Mark Brosco, and John Palini will be joining all the council along with our city clerk and executive session.

44:50

So everybody really have a safe trip back and thank you all for coming out tonight.

45:00

We did a half hour meeting or something, not even that long.

45:42

I like I love the name.

45:43

We haven't been such a beautiful meeting.

45:45

All right, we're going to call this meeting back to order.

45:49

With that, all in favor of adjournment.

45:54

Have a motion to adjourn.

45:56

Second.

45:56

Second.

45:57

All in favor.

45:58

Aye.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Fiscal Sustainability█████████████████████████████████33%
Community Engagement████████████████████████24%
Procedural███████████████████████23%
Miscellaneous███████7%
Transportation Safety████4%
Environmental Protection███3%
Public Safety███3%
Capital Improvement Planning███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Eloy City Council Meeting – May 26, 2026

The Eloy City Council met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at approximately 6 p.m. (originally scheduled for 5 p.m.) in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included mayor and council member announcements, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, and a discussion and vote on updating the city’s purchasing policy to raise spending thresholds. An executive session followed for legal consultation.

Mayor’s Announcements

  • Mayor Sutton reported attending a Scampo (Suns Corridor MPO) meeting where Doug Coleman was voted onto the board, and an energy panel in Pinal County covering solar, natural gas, nuclear energy, and energy storage. He noted that SRP expects a 35% increase in energy demand over the next several years.
  • The mayor also attended a Nuclear Energy Expo hosted by SRP, the summer kickoff at the Eloy Community Pool (with a large turnout), and a Memorial Day ceremony at the Eloy Cemetery featuring skydivers, planes, and a helicopter.
  • He mentioned meeting with the Arizona State Attorney General alongside Robeson Ranch residents to discuss a water rate case involving Picasso Water.

Council Members’ Announcements

  • Councilmember Vodraska announced he became a grandfather for the first time (baby granddaughter Audrey Grace).
  • Councilmember Garcia reported on a graduate who joined the Air Force and closing remarks at the Memorial Day event.
  • Vice Mayor Tarango noted that solar farm companies in Arizona are required to clean up after 20 years, praised the summer kickoff water bomb and lifeguard response, and highlighted Lions Club vision vouchers (26 given out) at the senior center. He thanked the Eloy Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, and Eloy PD/Fire for Memorial Day flags and the honor guard.
  • Councilmember Schneider reported on the high school graduation, the summer kickoff (including a real lifeguard rescue), and the Memorial Day service. He noted attendance was slightly lower than usual but praised the new ramada at the park.
  • Councilmember Galindo added congratulations to Vodraska and praised the lifeguards’ attentiveness.

City Manager’s Announcements

  • City Manager announced the upcoming General Plan adoption on June 1, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers (final step before the November ballot). He noted thousands of community responses and high participation.
  • The first community yard sale of the series is scheduled for June 6, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Main Street Park, with online registration available.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously:
    • Minutes of April 13, 2026 (Regular), May 11, 2026 (Regular), and May 18, 2026 (Budget Work Session).
    • Approval and authorization to execute an Airport Planning and Environmental Consulting Services Agreement for the Eloy Municipal Airport with Coffman Associates (a Pape-Dawson Company).
    • Adoption of Resolution No. 26-1662 adopting the Consolidated Rate and Fee Schedule for the City of Eloy, effective July 1, 2026.
    • Adoption of Resolution No. 26-1663 approving amendments to loan agreements between the City and the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona.

Discussion Items

  • Resolution No. 26-1661 – Declaring Purchasing Policy as a Public Record: Approved without objection. The resolution formally designates the purchasing policy document as a public record, a procedural step before amending the policy.

  • Ordinance No. 26-1001 – Amending City Purchasing Policy: This ordinance updates thresholds, language, and procedures in the purchasing policy, last updated in 2018. Proposed changes include:

    • Raising the department-level purchasing limit from $500 to $1,000 for purchase order requirements.
    • New competitive bidding thresholds: $0–$10,000 informal; $10,000–$30,000 telephonic/verbal quotes; $30,000–$50,000 written quotes; over $50,000 requires City Council approval (previously $20,000).
    • The city manager must sign all contracts under $50,000; contracts over $50,000 require the mayor’s signature after council approval.
    • Added language on job order contracting and references to state statute Title 34.

    Discussion: Several council members expressed concerns about the large jump from $20,000 to $50,000 for council approval. Vice Mayor Tarango noted “heartburn” over the increase, and Councilmember Curtis (excused) had recommended doubling the existing policy to $40,000 as a ceiling. In response, Finance Director Brian Wright explained that most large purchases are already identified in the CIP and budget, and that unbudgeted items require additional oversight. Councilmember Schneider emphasized built-in oversight through departmental budgets and finance review. Councilmember Garcia noted that inflation and rising costs justify the update. After discussion, the ordinance passed with all present voting aye.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent agenda approved unanimously via roll call (present: Garcia, Galindo, Vodraska, Tarango, Schneider, Mayor Sutton; Curtis excused).
  • Resolution 26-1661 approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance 26-1001 approved unanimously (roll call: all present aye). The ordinance will sit for 30 days and become effective July 1, 2026.
  • The council moved into executive session under A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) and (4) for legal advice and discussion on contracts and real property. The meeting was later adjourned after reconvening.

Meeting Transcript

Yeah, you're in my thing. Uh they're in charge, so they have a total difference. Oh, it's just what I want to do. But I was leaving Ohio they were going from fifty to seventy-five. Right. Yeah. They're like whatever. Um how much Phoenix gets just for like all like just to spend on the training. Come on. We might probably have a few minutes. Hello? Good evening, Charlene. How are you? Uh hi Cooper, how are you? Mr. Cooper. You're lucky my name isn't on your check. I don't like it. Yeah. I guess it's clear thing. Yeah. I have two more words to go. No, she's literally. So I figured it's a good thing. So we do spot you. I was just after reading one that scale controls. I'm afraid of you would design all this. And nothing. And the thing is we can get rid of it. So I'm doing all the primaries and would when they give us to all this one. Share over the wonderful questions. Mayor, when you're ready. Good evening, everyone, and welcome to tonight's Eloy City Council meeting. Today is Tuesday, May 26th. The time is approximately 6 p.m. Madam Clerk, may I have a roll call, please? Councilmember Vodraska. Here. Councilmember Curtis is excused. Vice Mayor Tarango. Here. Councilmember Schneider. Here. Councilmember Garcia. Present. Councilmember Galindo. Here. Mayor Sutton. Here. Thank you.

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