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Minutes Regular City Council Worksession City Council of the City of Yuma, Arizona City Council Chambers - Yuma City Hall One City Plaza, Yuma, Arizona July 14, 2026 5:30 p.m. Call to Order Mayor Nicholls called the Regular City Council Worksession to order at 5:31 p.m. Councilmembers Present: Martinez, Morris, McClendon, Smith, Morales, Watts, and Mayor Nicholls Councilmembers Absent: None Staffmembers Present: Acting City Administrator, John D. Simonton Deputy City Administrator, Jenn Reichelt Communications Manager, Jen Miller Various department heads or their representatives City Attorney, Richard W. Files Acting City Clerk, Lynda L. Bushong I. Youth Government Presentation Reichelt and Miller introduced the inaugural Youth Government Program, which was created to provide students with opportunities to learn about local government, engage with City staff, and develop leadership and public speaking skills. Participants spent six weeks exploring City operations, meeting with staff, shadowing departments, collaborating on projects, and developing recommendations for presentation to City Council. The Voices of Yuma team, consisting of Lucia Acuna, Leah Perez Ley, Chloe Comet, and Amy Negrete, presented a proposal for a 311-style non-emergency service line to improve public access to City services, information, and community resources while reducing non-emergency calls to emergency dispatch. The proposal emphasized accessibility for residents who may have difficulty navigating online resources and suggested utilizing existing City personnel through cross-training and coordination with current dispatch operations. Discussion • Organizations such as the Yuma Metropolitan Planning Organization provide individualized assistance to residents navigating public transportation services, and a centralized information line could improve awareness of resources that may not be widely known to the public. (Morales/Smith) • Potential staffing strategies could include cross-training existing employees and reallocating responsibilities to leverage departmental expertise and existing staff resources. (McClendon) • The proposed service could offer direct assistance to residents without requiring navigation through an automated phone system. Staffing needs and anticipated call volume would be important implementation considerations. (Morris) • Expanded service hours could allow residents to access information and assistance beyond normal City business hours. (Mayor Nicholls) The Fantastic Four team, consisting of Jakub Smith, Carla Calderon, Anyelo Aguilar, and Julian Ballesteros, presented recommendations to increase employment opportunities for teenagers. The presentation identified barriers to youth employment and proposed partnerships with local businesses, internships, apprenticeships, first-job opportunities, and career readiness programs to help students gain work experience and prepare for future careers. Discussion • Seasonal and part-time employment can provide valuable work experience for teenagers, and partnerships among the City and community organizations could help expand youth workforce participation. (Watts) • Local businesses, educational institutions, and workforce development programs offer young people opportunities to build practical skills, develop professional networks, and strengthen career readiness. (Morales) • Youth employment programs implemented in other communities may serve as models for expanding local opportunities for young workers. Volunteer and community-based programs can also support personal growth and career exploration. (Smith) • Employment can help young people gain workplace skills, earn income, and pursue long-term educational and career goals. Pathways such as higher education, vocational training, and military service can support professional growth and career advancement. (Martinez) • Youth perspectives provide valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing young people entering the workforce. Recognizing employers that actively support youth development may help strengthen partnerships between businesses and emerging workers. (Morris) • Incentives and recognition programs could encourage employers to expand internships and employment options for young people. Regulatory and liability considerations may present challenges for businesses hiring youth and could warrant further review to support workforce readiness initiatives. (Mayor Nicholls) The Ridge Rocks team, consisting of Ana Sofia Montes, Sebastian Cid, Ramon Zuniga Lara, and Isabella Perez, presented a Youth Career Education Program designed to increase student awareness of career pathways. Recommendations included school visits by professionals, career fairs, and job-shadowing opportunities to help students make informed decisions regarding future educational and career goals. Discussion • Early exposure to career pathways and educational opportunities can help students explore career fields available within the community and better understand their future academic and career options. (Smith) • Job-shadowing programs can provide students with firsthand insight into a variety of occupations and industries. Collaboration among businesses, organizations, and educational institutions could expand these experiences and broaden student participation. (McClendon) • Exposure to a broad range of career paths can help students identify interests, evaluate potential career options, and better understand available opportunities. Engagement with employers, community organizations, and industry groups could increase awareness of career fields and support workforce readiness. (Mayor Nicholls) The Community Advocates team, consisting of Zoey Hernandez, Kayley Morales Raya, Brooke Hannah, and Maliyah Wills (not present), presented recommendations to improve pedestrian and traffic safety in school zones. The presentation focused on school zone safety assessments, enhanced supervision and enforcement, and peer-led safety education initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and improving student safety. Discussion • School zone traffic congestion and pedestrian safety remain important concerns for students, families, and the community. Safety improvements may be most effective when tailored to the specific traffic patterns, operational needs, and conditions of individual school sites. (Watts) • Personal observations and experiences at local schools highlight concerns regarding traffic and pedestrian activity near school campuses. Education and awareness for both drivers and pedestrians could help reduce risks and promote safer travel near schools. (Martinez) • The proposed school zone safety assessment addresses key factors affecting traffic flow and pedestrian movement near schools. School zone and crosswalk conditions remain important community concerns and may warrant further evaluation as roadway and campus-area improvements are considered. (McClendon) • A combination of roadway enhancements, traffic controls, and operational measures could help improve the environment surrounding school campuses. Collaboration between the City and local schools may help identify solutions to congestion, drop-off and pick-up activity, and pedestrian access concerns. (Morris) • Traffic conditions near schools continue to be a significant concern for families and the community, particularly with respect to speeding, distracted driving, and pedestrian activity. Efforts to address these issues align with broader transportation safety initiatives aimed at reducing crashes and fatalities throughout the community. (Smith) • The proposed recommendations align with the City's broader efforts to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Collaboration between the City and school districts, combined with site-specific strategies tailored to individual school conditions, could enhance safety near schools. (Mayor Nicholls) The Young but Powerful team, consisting of Luca Metts, Yoon Young Lee, Talim Arzola, Daniel Gomez, and Kaleb Wong (not present), presented a proposal to establish a Youth Advisory Council. The proposed council would provide a formal mechanism for youth participation in local government by allowing students to share perspectives, identify community concerns, and provide input on issues affecting Yuma's youth population. Discussion • Young residents can offer unique ideas and viewpoints that may not otherwise be considered in community decision-making. Continued involvement in community affairs can help cultivate future leaders and strengthen connections between youth and their community. (Morris) • Input from young residents can help inform planning efforts and contribute to the City's long-term success. Participation in local government can foster civic responsibility and encourage future generations to take an active role in shaping Yuma's future. (McClendon) • Staying informed about City Council agendas and activities can help residents remain engaged in local government and civic issues. Access to agendas provides insight into upcoming projects, programs, and decisions that may affect the future of the community. (Morales) • Youth perspectives can provide valuable insight into issues affecting residents today and in the future. Leadership development and civic engagement opportunities can help prepare young people to take active roles in public service and community affairs. (Smith) • Youth engagement can strengthen connections to Yuma and encourage young residents to remain invested in its future. Involvement in local government and civic initiatives can help foster engagement and encourage long-term stewardship. (Watts) Morris stated that the inaugural Youth Government participants served as pioneers of the program and encouraged them to remain involved through future leadership and mentorship opportunities as the program continues to grow and evolve. He thanked the students for helping launch the program and establish a framework for future classes. Mayor Nicholls recognized the students, parents, families, and supporters who participated in the inaugural Youth Government Program and thanked them for their contributions to the success of the program. He commended the students for their leadership, engagement, and role in establishing a foundation for future Youth Government members. II. Regular City Council Meeting Agenda of July 15, 2026 Motion Consent Agenda Item C.4 - Ratification: Avenue C and 20th Street (Ratify and approve the Job Order Contract for utility services purchase order to Taylor Engineering, PLLC, Yuma, Arizona for the Emergency Sewer Repair Avenue C and 20th Street project in the amount of $113,757.72.) (RFQ-25-159) (Eng) Motion Consent Agenda Item C.5 – Ratification: Emergency Repair Avenue B and 23rd Street (Ratify and approve the emergency waterline repair at Avenue B and 23rd Street under the Job Order Contract for Utility Infrastructure Services in the amount of $281,460.25 to Taylor Engineering PLLC., Yuma, Arizona) (RFQ-25-159) (Eng) Discussion • Emergency repair projects may be completed through existing on-call or job order contracts with pre-qualified contractors. Pricing for emergency repair work is established through pre-approved contract pricing schedules, including standardized price books and cost coefficients. (Morris/ Simonton) III. Executive Session Motion (Smith/Morales): To recess the meeting, reconvene in Executive Session, and adjourn the meeting. Voice vote: approved 7-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m. APPROVED: _______________________ _______________________ Janet L. Pierson, City Clerk Douglas J. Nicholls, Mayor Approved at the City Council Meeting of: ___________________________________ City Clerk: __________________________ Approved at the City Council Meeting of: ___________________________________ City Clerk: __________________________