3.21.2023 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, MARCH 21, 2023
Minutes
 
           
   
1.
ROLL CALL - MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 5:00 PM.
Present: Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Vice Mayor David Shapera; Councilmember Roy Delgado (via
telephone); Councilmember Monica Dorcey; Councilmember Bob Jones; Councilmember
Anita Norton; Councilmember Donna Winston 
2.
CALL TO ORDER
 
3.
WORK SESSION PRESENTATION
 
1.
Council to discuss the proposed updated Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City
of El Mirage and the City of Tolleson for Police and Fire Dispatch Services and
Administration.  (Administration) 
City Manager Crystal Dyches introduced Deputy City Manager Robert Nilles to discuss the
new Dispatch Agreement with the City of Tolleson.  Mr. Nilles provided background
information on the collaboration with Tolleson and discussed the financial aspects of the
agreement.  Mr. Nilles stated the City of El Mirage accounts for 52% of the calls received by
Tolleson dispatch and because of that El Mirage is accountable for 52% of the funding needed
to operate.  Mr. Nilles also explained the new agreement will be in effect until 2033.  El Mirage
Police Chief Paul Marzocca discussed some of the improvements seen with the collaboration
with Tolleson.  Vice Mayor Shapera asked if medical calls were included and Tolleson
Communications Manager Amanda Howard stated medical and fire calls are transferred to
Phoenix Fire Department. Information Technology Director Tom Bacome detailed the IT
improvements made recently that have increased performance levels.  El Mirage Fire
Department Chief Michael Long explained the study completed in 2021 recommended
inclusion in the dispatch agreement, and it has been extremely beneficial to be involved.  Ms.
Howard provided a brief presentation on her education and career history as well as the
improvements seen in the dispatch center since her hiring.  Vice Mayor Shapera asked how
long new police officers are exposed to the dispatch center and Ms. Howard stated
approximately three hours.  Tolleson Police Chief Rudy Mendoza stated dispatchers are sent to
ride along with El Mirage officers to have a better understanding of the city.  Councilmember
Dorcey stated she appreciates the hard work that has gone into this collaboration and new
agreement.  Councilmember Norton asked if El Mirage accounts for 52% of the calls received
are El Mirage staff included in the hiring process and Ms. Howard stated El Mirage is included
in all hiring events and postings.  Councilmember Norton asked if any kind of notice will be
required in the event funding is needed and Mr. Nilles stated the agreement requires advance
notice to Council if additional funding is required.  Councilmember Norton asked how the
improvements in response times was achieved and Ms. Howard stated communicating the
standards to the dispatchers and holding staff accountable for meeting them has made a

difference.  Councilmember Jones asked if non-emergency calls are received at the Tolleson
dispatch center and Ms. Howard stated they are but are not tracked.  Councilmember Jones
stated the collaboration and agreement are both outstanding.  Councilmember Winston stated
she called the non-emergency line a few times last week and received great customer service
from the dispatcher.  Mayor Hermosillo stated the presentation was wonderful, and she is
pleased to hear about the improvements being made.
 
4.
ADJOURNMENT - MEETING ADJOURNED AT 5:49 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 Tuesday, March 21, 2023, and a quorum was present. 
  
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Work Session  - Council Minutes
March 21, 2023