DRAFT Minutes - February 19, 2025 Work Session

D R A F T
WORK SESSION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF EL MIRAGE
EL MIRAGE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
10000 N. EL MIRAGE ROAD
4:00 PM -WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025
Minutes
 
           
   
1.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Vice Mayor Jacque Parsons; Councilmember Monica Dorcey;
Councilmember Ryan Eldridge; Councilmember Scotty Gentry; Councilmember Anita
Norton 
Absent: Councilmember Donna Winston 
2.
CALL TO ORDER
 
3.
WORK SESSION PRESENTATION
 
1.
Presentation of results of Utility Rate Study performed.  (Administration)
Macy Walker, Budget and Program Manager, Nick Russo, Public Works Director and Kevin
Burnett, Willdan Financial Consulting presented an overview of the Utility Rate Study. 
Information included: recycling, study findings, comparisons and Old Town Surprise Water
Recharge Fee. 
Recycling discussion included: the history of the recycling program, survey results, comparison
of rates with other cities and current program options.  Council directed staff to continue with
Option 1 – keep the opt-in program open until 1000 households sign up and continue to
promote the program through quarterly updates and media campaign.
Sewer discussion included: revenue recommendations, rate structure, comparison of rates with
other cities.  Council directed staff to move forward with a flat rate billing structure and to defer
the rate increase to FY2026-27.
Water (Debt) discussion included: debt versus cash, explanation of percentage increases,
proposed revenue increases (Cash), comparison of rates with other cities.  Council directed staff
to move forward with Water (Debt) rate increases for FY2025-27 and revisit future increases in
the next couple of years.
Recharge Fee discussion included: current water main capacity serving Old Town Surprise,
allocating the cost of upsizing the water main to new development not existing customers, and
securing water at today’s rates.  Council directed staff to move forward with the oversizing fee.

2.
Address outstanding questions on the City Council's strategic priorities and on capital projects
identified during the February 3, 2025, CIP and Strategic Plan work session. (Administration) 
Jorge Gastelum, Development Services Director, presented on the Capital Improvement
Program - 121st Avenue Roadway Improvements.  Information included full reconstruction
versus Cape Seal option, costs and lifespan, “Paving Unpaved Roads” program grant funding,
traffic volume and Ramirez Road Widening connector from El Mirage Road to 121st.
Discussion included: concern about heavy equipment use on the roadway, no additional benefit
to residents, alternate use for the grant dollars, possible loss of the grant, less expensive options,
eliminating the curb and gutter option.
  
 
4.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
 
 
______________________________
Alexis A. Hermosillo, Mayor 
ATTEST: 
______________________________
Jill A. Boltz, City Clerk
 
I hereby certify the aforementioned minutes are a true and accurate record of the El Mirage City Council Work
Session held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, and a quorum was present. 
   
 
2 
Work Session - Council Minutes
February 19, 2025