2025-07-08 Special City Council Meeting minutes_revised

D R A F T
SPECIAL 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, JULY 8, 2025
Minutes
 
Present: Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Vice Mayor Jacquelyn Parsons; Councilmember Monica Dorcey;
Councilmember Ryan Eldridge; Councilmember Scottie Gentry; Councilmember Donna Winston 
Absent: Councilmember Anita Norton 
 
           
   
1.
ROLL CALL
 
2.
CALL TO ORDER - meeting called to order at 6:05 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence
 
3.
SPECIAL AGENDA
1.  Consideration and action to convene into Executive Session for discussion or consideration of conduct
and potential discipline of a member of the Council pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(1).
No action taken to convene into Executive Session.
 
4.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Discussion or consideration of conduct and potential discipline of a member of the Council pursuant to
A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(1).
 
5.
SPECIAL AGENDA (Continued)
1.   Consideration and action to impose sanctions or other disciplinary action as contemplated by the City of
El Mirage Code of Conduct.
Trish Stuhan, City Attorney, outlined the purpose of this meeting and the responsibility of the Council. A
notarized written formal complaint from a member of staff was given to the Mayor. The City Council
Handbook states that upon receipt of a written complaint about a violation of this Code, the Mayor shall
meet with the councilmember to try to come to a resolution on the matter. If the matter is not resolved as a
result of the Mayor's meeting with the accused councilmember, the Mayor shall bring the matter to the City
Council using the procedure for bringing allegations against councilmembers to the City Council. The
responsibility of the Council, where there is a formal complaint from a member of staff that is notarized, is
then to decide if additional information is required, if the allegation is sustained or not sustained, and

ultimately to decide if there are any sanctions against the accused councilmember. 
All councilmembers were notified, with guidance from legal counsel, that a special Executive Session was
scheduled and noticed for July 8, 2025. On July 7, 2025, Councilmember Norton-McDaniel emailed the
Mayor requesting the postponement of the Executive Session. A response was sent to Councilmember
Norton-McDaniel on July 7, 2025, stating that the meeting would proceed as planned to discuss the nature
of the concern, paired with its alignment to a broader pattern of behavior brought to the Mayor's attention
and warranting timely review by the full council. A notice was provided to Councilmember
Norton-McDaniel and to each councilmember that contains: the complaint itself, email communications, the
relevant council policies, and potential next steps for council to consider. Councilmember Norton-McDaniel
is not available to attend this meeting in person or by telephone, but she requested that the discussion not be
held in Executive Session and that the facts be discussed openly in public. This meeting is focused on the
facts, providing background, and ensuring the full council is briefed. A second meeting will be scheduled
after her return, where she will be present, and a more complete discussion and determination on how to
move forward will be had. 
Councilmember Gentry read from the Sanctions section of the City Council Handbook regarding the
process for submitting allegations of violations of the Code of Conduct against the Mayor or a member of
the council, and the process for addressing the alleged violator.  Councilmember Gentry asked if a sit-down
had occurred with Councilmember Norton.
Mayor Hermosillo stated that it would be addressed, but there was no response to the notice from
Councilmember Norton to have a meeting.
Councilmember Gentry read from the City Council Handbook regarding verbal allegations by a
councilmember to the Mayor in writing or verbally, stating that if the allegation or violation is only
submitted verbally, the Mayor may only discuss the allegations with the alleged violator and may not take
further action.  Councilmember Gentry noted that past events have also been brought up.
Attorney Stuhan provided clarification in two parts.  First, the written complaint from an employee and the
policy decision of Council in regard to the Code of Conduct and the Mayor's responsibility to share that
information with the Council.  The second part is the history of conduct and the Code of Conduct, which
refers to the informal way verbal complaints are handled.  Attorney Stuhan noted that the Code of Conduct is
an informal process, unlike Human Resources, which involves a formal, documented investigation.  
Attorney Stuhan addressed the question of whether the Council should discuss prior concerns in addition to
the written complaint, and that it is up to every individual member of the Council to determine if they want
to review prior instances.  The Code of Conduct does not prohibit council from considering whether there is
a pattern of unprofessionalism or inappropriate conduct.  In terms of the process for tonight, the Mayor will
share the complaint, open it up for council discussion, and council can decide any action on the complaint
and whether to consider whether there has been a history of prior concerns.
Councilmember Gentry stated that the City Manager is vital to the discussion, and she is not available
tonight.
Attorney Stuhan explained that the City Council can decide if more information is needed or if there is a
need to hear from the City Manager.  This does does not have to be the end of the discussion, and a second
meeting can be scheduled when the City Manager is available.  The Council could decide to adjourn and
continue this meeting.
Mayor Hermosillo asked if there was a consensus of the council to proceed with the discussion tonight.
Councilmember Gentry stated she prefers that Crystal be present because she has vital information that
pertains to the discussion.
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Councilmember Eldridge stated that Councilmember Norton has the right to be here to defend herself, and
having Crystal present would be important as part of the interaction.
There was a consensus of the council to move forward with the discussion.
Jill Boltz, City Clerk, read into the record the special agenda: the meeting is in consideration and actions to
impose sanctions or other disciplinary action contemplated by the City of El Mirage Code of Conduct.
Mayor Hermosillo stated that a notice was provided to Councilmember Norton-McDaniel and each
councilmember that contained the complaint, documentation, email communications, relevant council
policies, and potential next steps for the council to consider. Councilmember Norton-McDaniel was invited
to the meeting and given the option to attend in person or by telephone, but was unable to attend. Tonight's
meeting is focused on laying out the facts, providing background, and ensuring all council members are
briefed. A second meeting will be scheduled after her return to continue the discussion.
Mayor Hermosillo stated there has been a long-standing pattern of behavior from Councilmember
Norton-McDaniel that has led to this moment. There have been issues raised by fellow councilmembers,
staff, and community members. Her behavior has been described as dismissive, rude, confrontational, and
demeaning. This behavior has become normalized and has become a problem.  At the Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting on October 10, 2023, Councilmember Norton-McDaniel addressed the Chair of the
Commission in a way that was undeniably confrontational and inappropriate. Her actions and tone came
across as aggressive and disregarded the expected decorum of public meetings. After the meeting, an email
was sent to Councilmember Norton-McDaniel to discuss what occurred at the Planning and Zoning meeting,
and I never received a response. On January 17, 2024, I met with Councilmember Norton-McDaniel to talk
about city priorities and discuss the Planning and Zoning meeting as well as other concerns that had been
raised by others, but the conversation was cut short due to an upcoming Council meeting.
Mayor Hermosillo stated tonight's discussion comes from a formal complaint that has been filed against
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel. O on June 19, 2025, a city staff member filed a formal complaint about
an interaction with Councilmember Norton-McDaniel. Mayor Hermosillo read the complaint into the
record. On June 30, 2025, a formal notice from the Mayor was sent to Councilmember Norton-McDaniel to
address an incident that took place with a staff member on June 19, 2025, requesting a meeting with the
intent of exploring if a resolution is possible. Mayor Hermosillo read the notice into the record.  No response
was received from Councilmember Norton-McDaniel. Subsequently, another incident occurred on June 30,
2025, involving the same staff member and Councilmember Norton-McDaniel, and a second formal
complaint was filed. Mayor Hermosillo read the second complaint into the record.  Mayor Hermosillo read a
letter from Councilmember Norton-McDaniel regarding the complaint, request for information and
postponement of the July 8, 2025, Special City Council Meeting and her subsequent response to proceed
with the Special Council Meeting as scheduled, along with the opportunity to have a second meeting.
Mayor Hermosillo read the two complaints that were received from a staff member regarding the two
incidents involving Councilmember Norton-McDaniel.
Mayor Hermosillo provided additional context for the purpose of the meeting and read the Council Policy
regarding Principles of Proper Conduct.
Attorney Stuhan provided guidance and options for the proceedings and deliberation: 1) direct a formal
investigation of the allegations and the results be reported back to Council; 2) determine if the allegation is
without merit and should be dismissed with no further action; 3) determine, based on the materials before
the Council, a violation has occurred and the Council, without further investigation, has sufficient
information to take action on the complaint.  Attorney Stuhan advised that number three not be considered
this evening to allow for the second meeting with Councilmember Norton-McDaniel and City Manager
Dyches.
Councilmember Dorcey stated that she is extremely concerned about the employee who submitted the
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complaint. When dealing with employees, a superior has a responsibility to remember that they have more
control. The El Mirage Cares Trademark issue has also not been dealt with, which is a massive disrespect to
this council's decisions and to the people of El Mirage, who are the owners of that intellectual property. The
corporation was disbanded, but the trademark is still effective and needs to be removed.
Councilmember Winston stated the comments coming from Councilmember Norton-McDaniel and other
residents living in El Mirage or other cities are very hurtful. There was an incident where Councilmember
Norton-McDaniel shoulder-checked me from behind after a work session, which was totally inappropriate.
There has been a lot of discord within the community and comments about the new councilmembers. There
has also been name-calling about Councilmember Gentry, and her behavior towards the new members of
the council is very upsetting when they are not doing what she wants them to do at council meetings. The
comments online coming from her and other members of the community, both here and in Surprise, are
harassment, and there is a need to file an informal complaint with the Police Department.
Councilmember Winston mentioned a picture in circulation of herself and other council members at lunch at
Lupita's following the Mod Grand Opening, which was made to look as if there had been a violation of the
Open Meeting Law. Councilmember Winston stated there was no violation; it was just lunch with council
colleagues. Councilmember Norton-McDaniel, Councilmember Gentry, and her sister were also at the
restaurant at a separate table.
Councilmember Winston stated that Councilmember Norton-McDaniel has caused a ridiculous amount of
stress and extra work for staff. Staff need to be treated with respect, so a hostile work environment is not
created.
Councilmember Gentry stated that she has never had an incident with Councilmember Norton-McDaniel and
is capable of addressing situations herself. She stated that currently, there is nothing in the Council
Handbook that specifies how long a councilmember is given to respond to a request.
Councilmember Gentry clarified that nobody at her table or in her family asked anyone at Lupita's to take a
picture. She was there first with her family and then joined by Councilmember Norton-McDaniel and her
husband. 
Councilmember Gentry noted the Mayor's email does not provide a timeline for responding, nor does it have
a timeline in the Council Handbook.  Councilmember Gentry referenced an email sent by Councilmember
Norton-McDaniel to the City Manager on July 2, 2025, that asked 14 questions related to the
incident.  Mayor Hermosillo asked Councilmember Gentry to read the questions into the record.
Councilmember Gentry read the following questions into the record: 1) When did the employee first talk to
Jose about this? 2) When did Jose speak to Jorge about this? Was this communication verbal or written, and
by what means was it delivered to Jorge? 3) Did Jorge speak to the employee about the matter, and when? 4)
What did the employee tell Jorge exactly if she spoke with him, and did she take notes of the conversation
immediately? 5) How was Jorge notified, and by what means did he communicate with you? 6) When and
what was your conversation in response to Jorge regarding this matter? Was it verbal or written
communication, or both? 7) When did you learn that Jose spoke with Amber Wakeman? And how did you
learn that Jose had spoke with Amber about this? 8) When and how did you learn that Amber Wakeman
spoke with Vice Mayor Jacque Parsons about this matter? 9) When and how did you learn that the Mayor
learned about this, and by whom did she initially hear from regarding this? 10) When was the Human
Resources Director told about this, and by what means was she told, and by whom? What was the HR
Director's response, and whom did she speak with about this matter? 11) When was the City Clerk told
about this, and by whom, was she told? 12) When did the employee submit their written complaint to Jorge,
and by what method was it delivered to Jorge? 13) When did you first learn that the reorganization of the
CDAC was going to be put on the July 1 agenda, and how did you learn this? 14) Were you told of the
actual reason why I was being placed on the agenda, and if you were, when were told that?
Councilmember Dorcey asked Councilmember Gentry if empathy for the employee was shown or
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considered anywhere in the email sent by Councilmember Norton-McDaniel.
Councilmember Gentry stated that if any of the councilmembers are accused of violating policy, that
councilmember has the right to ask questions. There should have been a process where she could speak to
the Mayor and make an apology to the employee.
Mayor Hermosillo stated she reached out to Councilmember Norton-McDaniel and received no response.
There were several opportunities for Councilmember Norton-McDaniel to respond to the email that was sent
to her, acknowledge the email, or set up a meeting. This has been a consistent pattern with Councilmember
Norton-McDaniel to ignore going through a formal process and provide no response or desire to participate
in any type of process that would bring resolution or attention to improving the situation.  As of July 8,
2025, Councilmember Norton-McDaniel has still not acknowledged the email sent to her requesting a
meeting about the incident or to set up a meeting for further discussion. This has been a continuous pattern
when there is an issue that involves her, and that is problematic and is not conducive to our growth as a
Council and how we serve the community. What we are addressing now has escalated to a personnel matter.
Councilmember Dorcey stated those 14 questions that were asked by Councilmember Norton-McDaniel
sound like questions preparing discovery for a lawsuit. We are trying to avoid a lawsuit. 
Councilmember Gentry stated she is interpreting the information presented to her and would like all the
information to be presented to the residents. She also stated that something needs to be put in the Council
Handbook that gives a certain amount of time to respond to a request.
Vice Mayor Parsons read a reply from the city manager to Councilmember Norton-McDaniel regarding an
email she received requesting information regarding the employee incident.
Mayor Hermosillo stated that the problem is giving people some information without giving the entire
situation or story, and making things one-sided. Additionally, there is the issue of going to online platforms
and spewing misinformation that is not conducive to the city's business. This behavior lacks character,
integrity, and accountability, and those are the issues we are trying to address. That is unacceptable, and the
community deserves better. 
Councilmember Gentry stated the City Manager should be present for this conversation because she is vital
to the conversation.
Mayor Hermosillo stated that a second council meeting will be held, at which the City Manager and
Councilmember Norton-McDaniel will discuss this issue further. The City Manager was not present during
the incident and was not a witness. That would put another staff member in a very uncomfortable situation
because she was not directly involved in the incident.
Councilmember Dorcey stated that it would also single out the City Manager because she was not the only
other staff member involved. None of them were present at the moment the interaction took place, and the
only thing that matters is what happened between the employee and Councilmember Norton-McDaniel.
Mayor Hermosillo stated that the purpose of this meeting and the second meeting to be scheduled is not to
punish but to find a solution to improve behavior so that this does not happen again.
Councilmember Eldridge stated this is a tough topic to discuss. Councilmember Norton was considered a
friend and was highly respected, but he personally witnessed some of the actions that have been talked
about today.  Councilmember Eldridge thanked her for her help and all the information when he was
running for election. In the world of professionalism, when you receive an email, you respond to the person
who sent you the email. There have been quite a few times he has texted the Mayor and Department Heads
on the weekend and has always gotten a response, even after hours. Harassment is not always what is said,
but how it is said and how it makes someone feel. We have to take the complaint just as seriously from an
employee as we would from a resident. I have found that her unwillingness to converse and acknowledge
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myself and others violates the ethics in the handbook. El Mirage Cares is another issue because so much
work was put into that, and now it is falling apart. Proper conduct is to be observed not only inside this room
but outside this room, with employees and with residents.
Vice Mayor Parsons stated she had heard the narrative that Councilmember Norton-McDaniel is the victim
of a plot against her from this Council. Councilmember Norton-McDaniel is not the victim but the
perpetrator of workplace harassment and creating a hostile work environment for employees of the City of
El Mirage. This disrespect and rudeness go back to October 2017, when she confronted 2 employees of El
Mirage. The confrontation is referred to as the Anita Norton incident and was brought up at the October 3,
2017, City Council Meeting. City Manager Isom read a memo he received from staff dated August 18,
2017, which noted an encounter she had that day with two City of El Mirage employees. Vice Mayor
Parsons read the memo into the record.  I have had other employees who have worked with her on different
committees tell me how she is unresponsive, rude, and demanding. Residents have asked what is going on
with her and why her attitude has changed. We are here tonight to stop the future victimization of employees
of the City of El Mirage, to foster a work environment where employees can come to work and not feel
threatened by those in authority over them. The duty of the Council is to hold members of this Council
accountable when they are outside the bounds of the Code of Conduct.
Mayor Hermosillo thanked everyone for sharing their concerns regarding Councilmember Norton-McDaniel
and reiterated that there will be a second meeting where there can be a deeper discussion of the complaint
that was issued, and we can collaboratively come up with a resolution.
Councilmember Winston spoke about the way Councilmember Norton-McDaniel has treated staff regarding
her extra night's stay in Washington, D.C. Councilmember Norton-McDaniel decided to stay an additional
night, but has not paid back the City of El Mirage and wants to negotiate the price she owes. She felt the
Expedia price was sufficient and still owes the city $114.54. It is also ridiculous that she charges the city
mileage to go from her house to City Hall. That has been done in the past, and I hope that isn't being done
now. There should be no mileage reimbursement for going from your home to your place of business.
Councilmember Gentry asked if she could be provided with those invoices.  Councilmember Winston stated
the invoices were included in the public records request made and received for travel documents by
Councilmember Gentry.
Mayor Hermosillo stated the mail in question that was being retrieved by Councilmember Norton-McDaniel
was actually about her information and a city employee's information for travel to perhaps compare and try
to find a gap or misuse of city funds. I do not conduct myself in such a manner that I waste city funds when I
am being tasked to do my job. There was a day when Councilmember Norton-McDaniel did not show up
for a full business meeting during the trip to Washington, D.C. Vice Mayor Parsons, Councilmember
Gentry, and I attended, but she was not there. This was a very important meeting with Luke Air Force
Department of Defense representatives at a national federal-level briefing. That is a misuse of city funds.
Councilmember Eldridge stated the Vice Mayor informed him that she paid $369.88 for the additional
night's stay in Washington, D.C. If you skip out on a business day, you should be responsible for paying
those funds back. That is the respectful and ethical thing to do.
Mayor Hermosillo stated that it summarizes the type of behavior and the behavior pattern that has been
consistent over time as it relates to city business and how she treats staff. These are the issues we are trying
to address so that these matters do not continue to happen. We need to address the complaint directly.
Councilmember Winston stated that the meeting in Washington, D.C., was for the Department of Defense
and was purposely planned for the City of El Mirage delegation, but she did not show up. 
Councilmember Gentry stated that this is the first mention of the concern regarding the Washington, D.C.
trip, and an Executive Session should have been scheduled to discuss it.
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Councilmember Winston noted that the public records request provided to her and Councilmember Gentry
had the information about the Washington, D.C. trip. 
Mayor Hermosillo stated that Councilmember Gentry was present in Washington, D.C., and assumed it
would have been noticed that Councilmember Norton-McDaniel was not present.
Mayor Hermosillo stated that an earlier point about the Open Meeting Law and the ability for
councilmembers to meet was made, and she would like the attorney to clarify the record.
Attorney Stuhan discussed the point at which it is appropriate to have an Executive Session, the right to
have that discussion in public, and the next steps in the process. 
Mayor Hermosillo proposed that she contact Councilmember Norton-McDaniel to find a convenient date for
the next meeting.
Attorney Stuhan also reminded the council of the Open Meeting Law. Public business should occur in
public. However, four members of the council can meet in public, and it will not be a violation of the Open
Meeting Law as long as no city business is being discussed.  
Councilmember Dorcey moved to hold a second meeting after the summer hiatus at a time that is
convenient for Councilmember Norton-McDaniel; seconded by Vice Mayor Parsons.
Motion passed (6/0)
 
6.
ADJOURNMENT - meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
 
_____________________________
Alexis A. Hermosillo, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Jill A. Boltz, City Clerk 
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the aforementioned minutes are a true and accurate record of the El Mirage City Council Special
Meeting held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, and a quorum was present. 
  
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