DRAFT Minutes - 2 4 2025 Regular Council Meeting
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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, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 Minutes 1. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Vice Mayor Jacquelyn Parsons; Councilmember Monica Dorcey; Councilmember Ryan Eldridge; Councilmember Scottie Gentry (phone); Councilmember Anita Norton; Councilmember Donna Winston 2. CALL TO ORDER - the meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Pledge of Allegiance Moment of Silence Introduction of new City employees - Jill Boltz, City Clerk and Winston Pierson, Code Compliance Supervisor were introduced. 3. PRESENTATION 1. 2024 Annual Report Presentation by City Manager Crystal Dyches. (Administration) City Manager Crystal Dyches gave a presentation on the 2024 Annual Report. Manager Dyches highlighted the progress, efforts and achievements for the City of El Mirage in 2024. She discussed key milestones in 2024 such as strengthened infrastructure, improved services and community connectivity during the past year. Manager Dyches thanked the Mayor and Council for their support and leadership as well as thanked the City employees for their dedication and active engagement with our residents. 4. PROCLAMATION 1. Proclamation for Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month February 2025. (Administration) Mayor Alexis Hermosillo read a Proclamation declaring February as Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month. 2. To recognize February 4, 2025, as Elias Navarrette Day in El Mirage. (Administration) Mayor Alexis Hermosillo read a Proclamation declaring February 4, 2025, as Elias Navarette Day in 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. Resident Phillip Bynum voiced opposition to destroying public records of meetings, and noted his position regarding projects that were voted down during the bond process. He stated citizens voted against the projects and the city should not be moving them forward. Resident Jack Lach voiced his concerns over remodeling buildings at this time. He expressed that the City still owes money on prior bonds. He also stated that we need to new Parks and there is no reason for a study on impact fees because the city should just do it along with installing speed cushions. Resident Jim McPhetres agreed with the two prior residents that spoke. He also stated that three Councilmembers want to go to the District of Columbia (DC) National League of Cities' Conference, to which he was opposed. He commented that we should be giving back the Federal Government the money from American Rescue Plan Act that was not used during COVID. Resident Terry Portal spoke to the council remotely. She stated that she voted against the bond and additional building modifications. 6. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Consideration and action to approve minutes from the Regular Council Meeting held Wednesday, January 22, 2025, and minutes from the two Work Sessions on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. (City Clerk) 2. Consideration and action to accept the proposed revisions to the City's Speed Cushion Installation Program. (Development Services/Engineering) 3. Consideration and action to approve a final plat to accept and record public right-of-way, utility, and access easements for El Mirage RV and Boat Storage on a 12.0-acre property located at the southeast corner of El Mirage Road and Cactus Road submitted by Nimble Consulting, LLC. (Development Services - Planning and Zoning) Consent Item 3 was removed by the applicant to be heard at a later date. 4. Consideration and action to approve the addition of two Body Worn Cameras (BWC) and five licenses to the current five-year purchase agreement from Axon Enterprises Unlimited 7+Plan BWC Bundle for an additional cost of $3,730.85 for the first year and a total cost of $11,190.30 (Police). Vice Mayor Parsons moved to approve Consent Agenda Items 1, 2, and 4; seconded by Councilmember Dorcey. Vote: 7 - 0 Passed - Unanimously 7. REGULAR AGENDA 2 Regular Meeting - Council Minutes February 4, 2025 1. Consideration and action to approve expenses for Councilmembers Norton-McDaniel, Parsons, and Gentry to attend the National League of Cities Annual Conference, to be held March 10-12, 2025, in Washington D.C. pursuant to City Council Handbook section on Travel Expenses. (Administration) Deputy Director Amber Wakeman presented the item to the Mayor and Council that three members of Council would like to attend the National League of Cities Annual Conference in Washington DC in March 2025. She discussed that during this conference the Councilmembers would be attending training and meeting other legislatures from around the country. Councilmember Eldridge stated that it would be a good resource for newer councilmembers to build contact with other elected officials. Councilmember Winston stated that this travel was historically approved for the Mayor and the Vice Mayor, and she disagrees with this. The Mayor commented that this travel is normally budgeted for the Mayor and one staff person, and they would make a report back to the Council once the event was concluded. She stated that she would support the item this time but would like for the Council to create a policy regarding future travel. Councilmember Norton stated that since 2017 the Mayor has been 6 times and she does not recall a report being done back to the Council. Councilmember Norton also commented that this time the invitation was extended to all the Council in December. In addition, it is common practice in other cities for Councilmembers to go all the time. Councilmember Gentry agreed with Councilmember Norton. She also stated that the Councilmembers could be learning about resources that are needed in El Mirage. Councilmember Norton moved to approve expenses for Councilmembers Norton, Parsons, and Gentry to attend the National League of Cities Annual Conference, to be held March 10-12, 2025, in Washington D.C. pursuant to City Council Handbook section on Travel Expenses; seconded by Vice Mayor Parsons. Vote: 5 - 2 Passed NAY: Councilmember Monica Dorcey Councilmember Donna Winston 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. The City Manager will provide an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) update. The City of El Mirage has effectively allocated its $11,940,792 in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) provided under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to address pandemic-related challenges and enhance community resilience. To date, $10.94 million has been invested in critical projects. City Manager Crystal Dyches provided an update on the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds and will provide a memo to Mayor and Council on the findings. 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 Parsons - reported on taking a tour of Luke Air Force Base and had an awesome time. Councilmember Dorcey - no comments at this time. Councilmember Eldridge - looking forward to Public Safety Day. Councilmember Gentry - congratulations to Elias Navarette on his retirement and will be looking 3 Regular Meeting - Council Minutes February 4, 2025 forward to Public Safety Day. Councilmember Norton - reported on taking a tour of Luke Air Force Base and was very impressed. Next week everyone is encouraged to attend the Teen Violence Summit. Toured the Southwest Family Advocacy Center and was impressed with the safe space they have for their victims. Councilmember Winston - toured the Luke Air Force Base and it was amazing. 10. ADJOURNMENT - Vice Mayor Parsons moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Councilmember Winston. Vote: 7-0 Passed - Unanimously Meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m. _____________________________ 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, February 4, 2025 and a quorum was present. _ 4 Regular Meeting - Council Minutes February 4, 2025