2026-07-07 City Council Meeting Minutes_DRAFT

D R A F T
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF EL MIRAGE
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
10000 N. EL MIRAGE ROAD
6:00 PM — TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026
 
Minutes
 
 
       
1.
ROLL CALL
Present: 
Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Vice Mayor Jacquelyn Parsons (phone); Councilmember
Monica Dorcey; Councilmember Ryan Eldridge; Councilmember Scottie Gentry;
Councilmember Anita Norton; Councilmember Donna Winston 
2.
CALL TO ORDER - meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m.
  
Pledge of Allegiance
 
Moment of Silence
 
3.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Citizens desiring to speak on any issue within the jurisdiction of the public body may do
so at this time. Comments shall be limited to three (3) minutes per person and shall be
addressed to the City Council as a whole. At the conclusion of the Call to the Public,
individual City Council Members may (1) respond to criticism made by those who have
spoken, (2) direct staff to review or follow up on the matter, and/or (3) direct that the
matter be put on a future agenda.
Jim McPhetres, resident, expressed his concern about approving Consent Agenda 4.5 for
an agreement with Flock Group, Inc. The City gains advantages, but would be accepting
a system with warrantless surveillance that tracks residents and undermines the 4th
Amendment. These cameras can also be hacked and are often overwhelmed by massive
risks. This also violates the Luke Air Force Base no-flight zone system. 
Steve Gilliam, resident, stated he wanted to recognize city staff in the Public Works,
Code Enforcement, and the Police Department for doing a good job. A sign was moved
away from a fire hydrant by Public Works. Code Enforcement is sending out information
about how to get permits. After requesting a vacation hold from the Police Department,
he saw officers checking his property in his absence, confirming everything was still
secured. 
Todd Balash, resident, stated he has reviewed the El Mirage combined cash investment
documents from July through April, showing how much revenue the City of El Mirage
receives from various revenue sources. All agenda items requiring the disbursement of
funds should be pulled until each council member has reviewed an executive summary of
the general fund's current fiscal status. Agenda item 4.4, the Intergovernmental
Agreement with the City of Tolleson, should be removed. The City of El Mirage call
volume justifies a dedicated multipersonal dispatch operation. 
Phillip Bynum, resident, stated the Downtown Revitalization Plan was voted on and

approved in October 2025, and the area targeted remains the same or in worse condition
than the plan outlines. New approved businesses have not been established. In 2023, the
council unanimously approved land to be sold to a developer in the Aqua Fria section
adjacent to Cactus and Main, and today, all you see is trash and trespassing
four-wheelers and other vehicles in that area. There have not been many job
opportunities created for El Mirage citizens. 
Janice Richardson, resident, stated she wanted to recognize Code Enforcement for
assisting with a sanitation hazard she recently experienced. Within 15 minutes of
contacting the office, the issue was cleaned up completely, and that type of response
should be recognized. 
 
4.
CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed under the Consent Agenda will be voted on with one motion. If discussion
is desired regarding any Consent Agenda Item, that item will be removed from the
Consent Agenda and voted on separately.
 
1.
Consideration and action to approve the minutes of the Regular Council meeting held
Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (City Clerk)
 
2.
Consideration and action to approve a purchase with CivicPlus for a renewal for annual
website hosting and mass notifications platform in an amount not to exceed $35,948.07.
(Information Technology)
 
3.
Consideration and action to enter into a Right of Way Use Agreement with Crown Castle
Fiber, LLC to install wireless communication facilities (small cell sites) within the City's
right of way. (Development Services)
 
4.
Consideration and action to approve Amendment No. 3 to the Intergovernmental
Agreement (IGA) between the City of El Mirage and the City of Tolleson for Police and
Fire Dispatch Services at a cost not to exceed $1,599,800. (Police).
Councilmember Dorcey moved to table this item to the August 17, 2026,
Regular City Council Meeting, seconded by Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (7/0)
 
5.
Consideration and action to approve a three-year agreement with Flock Group, Inc. for
an integrated public safety technology platform, including Drone as a First Responder
(DFR), FlockOS Premium, Flock911, community partnership cameras, video integration,
gunshot detection, and related services (Police).
At the request of Councilmember Norton-McDaniel, this item was pulled for
consideration and action on the Regular Agenda as item 5.1.a.
Councilmember Dorcey moved to approve Consent Agenda items 4.1 through
4.3, seconded by Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (7/0)
 
Regular Meeting - Council Minutes
July 7, 2026

5.
REGULAR AGENDA
5.1.a Consideration and action to approve a three-year agreement with Flock
Group, Inc. for an integrated public safety technology platform, including Drone
as a First Responder (DFR), FlockOS Premium, Flock911, community
partnership cameras, video integration, gunshot detection, and related services
(Police).
Mayor Hermosillo stated this item was pulled by Councilmember Norton-McDaniel.
Chief Marzocca provided background and education on license plate readers and
procedures necessary for officers to access the Flock system to obtain personnel
information for non-criminal uses. This item requests ending a five-year contract and
starting a new three-year contract for Flock products. The enhanced capabilities of the
new system would allow event detection for fireworks, shots fired, traffic collisions, and
potential street racing. The enhanced capability of the Flock system enables El Mirage
police officers to work in tandem with drones, enabling a more immediate response to
incidents in progress. The enhanced system also includes a transparency portal available
for public viewing of El Mirage activity, with an additional portal in development for drone
flight information.
Mayor Hermosillo stated she can see the value of having this technology in the city.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel stated she conducted research on this product and
outlined several key elements of the system's benefits, such as 911 dispatching, sharing
video feeds, and the system capturing information before dispatch can send an officer.
There is no way anyone can access or misuse this system without being tracked, thanks
to the safeguards and audits in place. 
Councilmember Eldridge asked how often audits are performed, whether the cameras
track people or just vehicles, and how many drone operators are on a shift. Lieutenant
Takashige stated that audits are performed quarterly, that the cameras do not track
people arbitrarily, and that there are currently seven drone operators. 
Councilmember Gentry stated she would like to see the final terms of the contract before
approving this item.
Councilmember Dorcey stated she is in favor of this item and keeping up with technology.
Councilmember Winston stated she is in favor of technology that prevents officers from
getting injured.
Vice Mayor Parsons thanked Chief Marzocca and staff for putting the presentation
together and supports this agenda item.
Mayor Hermosillo moved to approve a three-year agreement with Flock Group,
Inc. for an integrated public safety technology platform, including Drone as a
First Responder (DFR), FlockOS Premium, Flock911, community partnership
cameras, video integration, gunshot detection, and related services, seconded
by Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (6/1) ABSTAIN - Councilmember Gentry
 
1.
Consideration and action to approve FY2026–27 Community Partnership Grant Program
awards in accordance with the Review Committee's advisory recommendations.
(Administration)
Regan Jepson, Community Partner Administrator, presented the advisory
recommendations for the 2026-2027 Community Partnership Grant. This program
provides one-time competitive funding to eligible non-profits delivering direct health and
Regular Meeting - Council Minutes
July 7, 2026

human services to El Mirage residents. Staff conducted an initial eligibility review of all
applications, and the review committee prepared non-binding advisory recommendations
for council approval. The notice of funding opportunity was released in April with an
estimated $50,000 available for this year. In May, the review committee independently
evaluated and scored each eligible application using the adopted rubric, and staff
compiled an average of scores to prepare and summarize the results. The review
committee met in a publicly noticed meeting to review and rank the results and develop
the advisory recommendations. 
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel stated she is concerned that this program may violate
the Arizona gift clause and asked whether contracts have been entered into with each of
the organizations for specific services. Ms. Jepson stated that there are no contracts.
Amy Chan, City Attorney, stated this is based on a Resolution that established the
program, and the council could direct the city attorney to look into this from a legal
perspective and discuss legal issues in executive session.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel moved to table this item for later discussion,
seconded by Councilmember Gentry.
Motion failed (3/4) NAY — Mayor Hermosillo, Vice Mayor Parsons,
Councilmember Dorcey, Councilmember Winston
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel asked staff to review each proposed non-profit and
outline the direct services they would provide with the funds they would receive. 
Mayor Hermosillo stated that, as part of the review process, information packets were
received from each organization that requested funds, and, as part of the advisory
committee's rubric, we were able to see the impact the organizations would have should
the money be awarded. 
Councilmember Winston stated that all benefit information each program would provide
to the city is in the attachments included in the public agenda packet for this meeting.
Councilmember Gentry stated she is not in favor of this program and would like the funds
used to repair streets throughout the city. 
Mayor Hermosillo moved to approve FY2026–27 Community Partnership Grant
Program awards in accordance with the Review Committee's advisory
recommendations, seconded by Councilmember Dorcey.
Motion passed (4/3) NAY - Councilmember Eldridge, Councilmember Gentry,
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel
Mayor Hermosillo called for a meeting recessed at 7:37 p.m.
Mayor Hermosillo reconvened the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
 
2.
Consideration and action to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter into an
agreement for Holiday Lighting and Decoration Services with Custom Holiday Creations,
LLC, in an amount not to exceed $40,000 ($39,850 plus a contingency of $150), and to
authorize the Finance Department to make any necessary transfers. (Parks and
Recreation)
Sean VonRoenn, Parks Director, presented the scope of services for holiday lighting at
the nine locations. The contractor will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and
removing lights. This display will be put up after Thanksgiving. Four proposals were
received, and Custom Holiday Creations, a local vendor that has provided services for the
past 8 years, was selected for a 1-year agreement. 
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel asked how much was spent last year on the lighting and
Regular Meeting - Council Minutes
July 7, 2026

whether it is possible to extend the lights down Thunderbird Road as well. Mr. VonRoenn
stated it was just under $30,000 last year, and this year the contract is $40,000 for
additional lighting and expansion. Thunderbird Road was not included in this scope of
work and could possibly be included in future years.  
Councilmember Dorcey moved to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and
enter into an agreement for Holiday Lighting and Decoration Services with
Custom Holiday Creations, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $40,000 ($39,850
plus a contingency of $150), and to authorize the Finance Department to make
any necessary transfers, seconded by Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (6/1) NAY - Councilmember Gentry
 
3.
Consideration and action to authorize the City Manager to enter into budgeted goods and
services contracts, according to the attachments, to allow Public Works to perform their
duties during FY 26/27. (Public Works)
Nick Russo, Public Works Director, presented a list of routine goods and service contracts
that require council approval. Public Works seeks opportunities to use state or municipal
contracts to reduce solicitation costs and gain purchasing efficiency through volume. The
list of services includes: sludge hauling, residential trash services, utility bill
printing/mailing/distribution, liquid chlorine for disinfection for water and wastewater,
and regulatory compliance sampling for water and wastewater.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel asked how often the sludge hauling is performed. Mr.
Russo stated it is done ten times a week. 
Councilmember Dorcey moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into
budgeted goods and services contracts, according to the attachments, to allow
Public Works to perform their duties during FY 26/27, seconded by
Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (7/0)
 
4.
Consideration and action to approve a contract with ASR Construction Group for goods
and services associated with Capital Improvement Project (CIP) 62707, WRF Centrifuge
Replacement, in an amount not to exceed $1,217,409; increase the project budget by
$18,000; and authorize the Finance Department to make any necessary budget
transfers. (Public Works)
Nick Russo, Public Works Director, presented Capital Improvement Project 62707,
Centrifuge Replacement at the Wastewater Plant. This is a replacement for the old model
that is at the end of its useful life. The centrifuge is a critical component of the
wastewater treatment process, separating liquids from solids during sludge dewatering.
Reliable operation is necessary to maintain permit compliance, improve operational
efficiency, reduce electrical consumption, and minimize sludge hauling and disposal costs.
Public Works is currently operating the facility using the backup 2001 belt press, which is
significantly less efficient, producing approximately 11 percent solids compared to 18
percent with the centrifuge. The proposed centrifuge is a direct replacement that will
utilize the existing facility footprint, overhead piping, electrical controls, polymer feed
system, and PLC programming with minimal modifications. 
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel asked if the pricing for this model is competitive. Mr.
Russo stated this specialized piece of equipment would be within one or two percent of
the price because all the vendors would be getting it from the same manufacturer. 
Councilmember Eldridge asked about the warranty and lifespan of this model. Mr. Russo
responded that, over the lifespan, the protocol is to rebuild twice and then replace all our
pumps and motors to maximize life, which should be approximately 20 years. There is a
one-year warranty on the installation. 
Regular Meeting - Council Minutes
July 7, 2026

Councilmember Gentry asked when the device started having issues. Mr. Russo stated
the first time the device started having issues was in 2011, when it was rebuilt, and
again in 2018. Last summer, it started having issues with the drive shaft bearings and
needed to be reprioritized for replacement.  
Mayor Hermosillo moved to approve a contract with ASR Construction Group for
goods and services associated with Capital Improvement Project (CIP) 62707,
WRF Centrifuge Replacement, in an amount not to exceed $1,217,409; increase
the project budget by $18,000; and authorize the Finance Department to make
any necessary budget transfers, seconded by Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (7/0)
 
5.
Consideration and action to enter into an equipment purchase agreement with FX
Tactical for uniforms and equipment for the El Mirage Police Department at a cost not to
exceed $102,000 with the initial term to be effective for one (1) year, with an additional
four (4) one-year period option, (Police).
Lieutenant Takashige stated this item was to approve the purchase agreement with FX
Tactical for uniforms and equipment. FX Tactical is an established partner and vendor
established through the Strategic Alliance. The Police Department currently uses FX
Tactical for most equipment purchases. The agreement would cover all lease uniforms,
two-gear taxable equipment, and less lethal munitions required to support operations.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel asked what uniforms are covered under this
agreement, and whether this would be in addition to the uniform allowance provided to
officers. Lieutenant Takashige responded that this agreement would cover all required
uniform items and would not be in addition to the uniform allowance given to officers. 
Deputy City Manager Nilles stated that this is in addition to the uniform allowance
officers receive and would also cover first-time equipment for new officers and other
items beyond the formal uniform allowance. 
Councilmember Dorcey moved to enter into an equipment purchase agreement
with FX Tactical for uniforms and equipment for the El Mirage Police Department
at a cost not to exceed $102,000 with the initial term to be effective for one (1)
year, with an additional four (4) one-year period option, seconded by
Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (7/0)
 
6.
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS & SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
The City Council may not act upon any matter in the City Manager's summary, but may
have general comments or questions.
Deputy City Manager Robert Nilles stated that Maricopa County Human Services recently
sent out a notice that they have close out funding from the American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) for emergency home repairs that would include air conditioning and heating
repairs and replacement, water heater replacement, minor electrical repairs, minor
plumbing repairs, minor accessibility modifications, and refrigerator or stove
replacement. Flyers will be sent out to each council member via email. 
Regular Meeting - Council Minutes
July 7, 2026

7.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
 
1.
Consideration and action to convene into Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. § 38
431.03(A)(3) and (A)(4) to receive legal advice from counsel and to discuss matters
relating to the Mountain States Pipe & Supply metering system contract, including
potential warranty claims, associated legal and contractual risks, available options, and
related next steps, and to provide direction to staff consistent with that legal advice.
Councilmember Dorcey moved to convene into executive session at 8:30 p.m.,
seconded by Councilmember Winston.
Motion passed (7/0)
 
9.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS and COUNCIL SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
The Mayor and City Council may not discuss or act upon any matter in the summary
unless the specific matter is properly noticed for legal action.
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel stated that there should be a work session on the
dispatch item tabled from tonight's agenda, and that the council should take a look at the
location of the mural that was approved, as it is going on a building that was burnt out. 
 
10.
ADJOURNMENT
 
_____________________________
Alexis A. Hermosillo, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Jill A. Boltz, City Clerk
I hereby certify the aforementioned minutes are a true and accurate record of the Regular El
Mirage City Council Meeting held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 and a quorum was present. 
  
_____________________________
Jill A. Boltz, City Clerk
Regular Meeting - Council Minutes
July 7, 2026