9 21 2021 Minutes REG DRAFT

City of El Mirage — Regular Meeting (2021-10-05)

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D R A F T
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF EL MIRAGE
EL MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
10000 N. EL MIRAGE ROAD
6:00 PM -TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
Minutes
 
 
         
   
1.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Councilmember Roy Delgado; Vice Mayor Monica Dorcey;
Councilmember Anita Norton; Councilmember Mike Hutchinson; Councilmember David Shapera;
Councilmember Donna Winston 
2.
CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm.
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
 
3.
PRESENTATION
 
1.
Presentation by WESTMARC President and CEO Sintra Hoffman WESTMARC Update. 
(Administration)
Sintra Hoffman from WESTMARC presented an update regarding the progress of WESTMARC as
they reach year 3 of the 5-year strategic plan for West Valley growth.  WESTMARC is a
public/private partnership of 15 West Valley communities, businesses and educational organizations.
  
 
4.
PROCLAMATION
 
1.
Consideration and action to declare October 3-9, 2021 as Fire Prevention Week in the City of El
Mirage. (Fire)
Fire Chief Long presented and stated the National Fire Prevention Association announced the theme
for Fire Prevention Week (October 3-9, 2021) as "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety."  The theme
highlights understanding the reasons smoke alarms and sounds provide the know-how to effectively
be safe in homes and communities.  Councilmember Shapera asked if there was a program still
available that provided smoke detectors to residents.  Chief Long stated that program had been on
hold due to the pandemic, and they would be bringing it back soon.
Mayor Hermosillo proclaimed the week of October 3-9, 2021, as Fire Prevention Week in the City
of El Mirage.

5.
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.
No public comments were received.
 
6.
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 Work Session and Regular Council meeting
held Thursday, September 9, 2021. (City Clerk)
  
 
2.
Consideration and action to purchase one unmarked replacement vehicle at a total cost of
$35,722.33 from Larry H. Miller Toyota Peoria under State Contract number ADSPO17-166119.
(Police)
  
 
3.
Consideration and action to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a Police Study
Agreement with the Center for Public Safety Management LLC (CPSM) in an amount not to exceed
$57,500, billable in three installments (40% at signing, 40% upon delivery of data analysis draft
and 20% upon delivery of final report). (Police) 
  
 
4.
Consideration and action to rescind the 2008 City of El Mirage Personnel Policy Manual and all
revisions made by resolution and approve R21-09-23 which adopts the City of El Mirage Employee
Policy Manual, dated September 21, 2021.  (Human Resources)
  
 
5.
Authorize a budget transfer from 111-5-1531-311 Professional Services to 111-5-2511-121 Cancer
Insurance in the amount of $93,000. (Finance)
  
 
 
Vice Mayor Dorcey moved to approve Consent Agenda items 1-5 as presented; seconded by
Councilmember Shapera. 
 
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
 
7.
REGULAR AGENDA
 
1.
Discussion and possible action to fund the hire of a new sworn Police Officer position, K-9, vehicle
and other necessary training and equipment.  (Administration)
City Manager Crystal Dyches presented information provided by the Public Safety Sub-Committee
regarding the funding of a sworn police officer, K-9, vehicle and necessary equipment.  The
purchase would be at a prorated cost of $177,980 for 2021.  
Councilmember Shapera stated that this request is the acceleration of an item from next year's CIP
list.  With the current situations in the city regarding criminal activities, the Public Safety
  
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September 21, 2021

Sub-Committee believes this item is beneficial to the community.  Councilmember Winston
verified that some of the funding is for one-time expenses.  Councilmember Hutchinson believes
another K-9 officer would benefit the city.
Vice Mayor Dorcey stated that this is not entirely a one-time cost and this item was previously
discussed in detail during the recent budget work sessions for 2021-2022. At the time of that
discussion this item was determined to be an expense for 2022-2023.  She does not believe this
purchase is good fiscal management.  Councilmember Delgado stated he believes this addition is
necessary based on current events.  Councilmember Norton asked for specifics on crime statistics
and overtime costs related to only having one K-9.  Police Chief Marzocca provided statistics on the
requested items and noted the information was from April of 2020 through April of 2021. 
Mayor Hermosillo stated that she would like to see the funds spent conservatively, but she has seen
the recent reports of increased criminal activity and will support this item to provide safety for the
community.
 
 
Councilmember Shapera moved to approve funding the hire of a new sworn Police Officer position,
K-9, vehicle and other necessary training and equipment. (Administration); seconded by
Councilmember Hutchinson. 
 
Vote: 6 - 1 Passed
 
NAY: Vice Mayor Monica Dorcey 
 
2.
Consideration and action to fund the hire of an additional sworn Police Officer.  (Administration)  
City Manager Dyches presented the recommendation from the Public Safety Sub-committee
regarding the funding of an additional sworn officer.
Councilmember Shapera explained that community outreach is needed in El Mirage to combat
criminal activities.  The committee believes public outreach works to prevent crime and this
position would fill that need.  Councilmember Norton asked if this officer would go to schools and 
Councilmember Shapera answered yes; Chief Marzocca has advised that this position would be
trained to provide school outreach.  Councilmember Norton asked if the officer would be
available for emergency calls as well and Chief Marzocca stated yes.  Councilmember Winston
stated the officer would also act as a liaison in the community for domestic violence and
abuse.  Councilmember Norton asked if the position would be a new hire or an internal candidate. 
Chief Marzocca answered the position would be filled internally.
  
 
 
Vice Mayor Dorcey moved to approve funding the hire of an additional sworn Police Officer.
(Administration); seconded by Councilmember Delgado. 
 
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
 
3.
Consideration and action to fund the hire of a Fire Program Specialist position.  (Administration)
City Manager Dyches presented information provided by the Public Safety Sub-committee
recommending the addition of a Fire Program Specialist position.  Councilmember Shapera noted
the many opportunities for fire personnel to educate the community on safety.  Councilmember
Winston stated this position would assist with emergency management issues, trainings, and act as
a liaison between communities.  
Councilmember Norton asked Fire Chief Long if he has had this type of employee in his past
departments.  Chief Long stated yes, he has experience with this type of position and noted the
  
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public will benefit from the additional public outreach this position would provide.  Mayor
Hermosillo stated she is a big supporter of public outreach.  Councilmember Delgado stated he
had experience with this type of liaison in previous communities, and they were very appreciated.
 
 
Vice Mayor Dorcey moved to approve funding the hire of a Fire Program Specialist position.
(Administration); seconded by Councilmember Norton. 
 
Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously
 
8.
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 comment or questions.
City Manager Dyches thanked Council for taking part in the work session on 9.20.2021, and she
appreciates the support of the Council.
 
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.
Mayor Hermosillo wished a happy birthday to Councilmember Hutchinson.
 
10.
ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 7:18pm.
 
_____________________________
Alexis A. Hermosillo, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Sharon Antes, 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, September 21, 2021, and a quorum was present. 
  
_____________________________
Sharon Antes, City Clerk
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