1.18.2023 Work Session Minutes DRAFT

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
5:00 PM -TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023
Minutes
 
           
   
1.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Vice Mayor David Shapera; Councilmember Roy Delgado;
Councilmember Monica Dorcey; Councilmember Anita Norton; Councilmember Bob Jones;
Councilmember Donna Winston 
2.
CALL TO ORDER - MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 5:00 PM
 
3.
WORK SESSION PRESENTATION
 
1.
Presentation of results of Utility Rate Study performed.  (Administration)
Fiscal Services Administrator Macy Walker introduced Kevin Burnett with Willdan Financial
Consulting.  Mr. Burnett provided a brief presentation on the water, sewer and sanitation rate
study.  Mr. Burnett detailed the different options available provide funding for current and
future expenses and explained how to meet the legal obligations associated with outstanding
debt.  
Vice Mayor Shapera asked how recycling is now an option if the program was stopped
previously due to a lack of providers able to dispose of the recycling and Public Works Director
Nick Russo stated the provider is now available to pick up some items for recycling.  Vice
Mayor Shapera asked how Tolleson is able to maintain a low fee for their sanitation program
and Mr. Russo stated they have a long-standing contract with their provider which keeps the
costs low.  Councilmember Norton asked if $23 million will be enough for the water treatment
plant and Mr. Russo stated it is possible that the expansion will not be needed, and the
information was included as one of a few options that may be necessary.  Councilmember
Norton asked how long it took for the plant to reach the threshold capacity and Mr. Russo
explained the increases in flow at the plant related to the growth of the city and the time frames
involved.  Councilmember Winston asked how people who have pools will be affected by the
rate increase and Mr. Russo stated the study has taken into account all types of current usages in
recent years including residents with pools.  Councilmember Norton asked if residents opt-in
to the recycling program will they still be able to use the two barrels currently being used now
and Mr. Russo stated they could.  Mayor Hermosillo asked how the provider would know who
has opted-in to the recycling program and Mr. Russo stated the recycle barrel would have a
different colored lid.  Councilmember Delgado asked if it would be possible to funnel some
sewage to EPCOR in order to save money and Mr. Russo stated there is always a possibility for
discussions with EPCOR.  Mr. Russo stated there will be a study initiated next fiscal year
regarding cost saving opportunities at the water treatment plant.  Councilmember Dorcey
stated it will be necessary to work with the community to explain the increases in rates. 
Councilmember Jones asked if the current credit for recycling will be discontinued and Mr.

Russo stated yes.  Vice Mayor Shapera asked when the current bonds for the water treatment
center will be paid off and Assistant City Manager Robert Nilles explained the current sewer
debt and where it stands currently.  Councilmember Dorcey asked if the increases proposed
would need to be approved by voters and Mr. Nilles stated it is not necessary to put it to the
voters to determine the increase if that is the decision made by Council.  Councilmember
Dorcey asked how many residents would be interested in the opt-in program and Mr. Russo
stated a waiting list could be created to determine participation by residents.  Councilmember
Delgado asked if EPCOR would have the ability to recharge the aquifer and Mr. Russo stated
yes. 
City Manager Dyches asked for direction on for the water rates and Mayor Hermosillo called
for a roll-call vote on the options presented in the study:
Vice Mayor Shapera - Option 2
Councilmember Delgado - Option 2
Councilmember Jones - Option 2
Councilmember Norton - Option 2
Councilmember Winston - Option 2
Mayor Hermosillo - Option 2
City Manager Dyches asked for direction on the recycling options and Mayor Hermosillo
called for a roll-call vote:
Vice Mayor Shapera - Option 3
Councilmember Delgado - Option 3
Councilmember Jones - Option 3
Councilmember Norton - Option 3
Councilmember Winston - Option 3
 Mayor Hermosillo - Option 3
 
4.
ADJOURNMENT - MEETING ADJOURNED AT 5:33 PM
 
_____________________________
Alexis A. Hermosillo, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Sharon Antes, 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, January 18, 2023, and a quorum was present. 
  
2 
Work Session  - Council Minutes
January 18, 2023