1.17.2024 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 17, 2024
Minutes
 
           
   
1.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Alexis Hermosillo; Vice Mayor David Shapera; Councilmember Monica Dorcey;
Councilmember Bob Jones; Councilmember Anita Norton; Councilmember Donna Winston 
Absent: Councilmember Roy Delgado (Excused) 
2.
CALL TO ORDER - MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 5:00 PM
 
3.
WORK SESSION PRESENTATION
 
1.
Council work session to discuss the current and future status of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
funding and housing assistance opportunities.  (Administration)
City Manager Crystal Dyches introduced Assistant City Manager Robert Nilles.  Mr. Nilles
provided information to aid Council in providing direction on how to spend the remaining
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.  Mr. Nilles explained the Newtown program which
would build and renovate permanently affordable houses for lower-income families. This program
would cost the City one million dollars and would fund the purchase and rehabilitation of five to
seven homes.  Vice Mayor Shapera asked if the homeowners would pay property taxes and Mr.
Nilles stated yes.  Vice Mayor Shapera asked if the homes could be quickclaim deeded and Mr.
Nilles stated no.  General discussion regarding the benefits, eligibility requirements and income
levels continued.
Mr. Nilles then provided information on the Housing Authority of Maricopa County and the
benefits this program would involve.  This program would renovate the Flora Statler Apartments at
14102 N. 1st Avenue from 46 units to 100 units.  Mr. Nilles stated this program would cost the City
500K.  Councilmember Norton stated this program is needed in the City.    Councilmember
Dorcey stated this is a fantastic opportunity for a minimal investment.  Councilmember Jones
stated this is a good opportunity.
Mr. Nilles further explained the options of each program and requested direction from the
Council.  Vice Mayor Shapera stated he prefers the housing development and does not support
Newtown.  Councilmember Norton asked if the Newtown program was not utilized, could the
monies be spent elsewhere and Mr. Nilles responded yes.  Councilmember Winston asked if
another program showed interest in El Mirage, could the City move forward with them and Mr.
Nilles stated staff has already reached out to other programs and have not had a response.  Vice
Mayor Shapera stated staff should move forward with the Flora Statler program and use the
remaining monies for other uses. Councilmember Dorcey stated these monies were set aside
previously for the housing problem and the City should be taking advantage of both housing
opportunities to fulfill Council's commitment to provide needed housing for El Mirage residents.

Councilmember Jones stated he agreed with Councilmember Dorcey. Councilmember Norton
stated she is in favor of both programs.
Mayor Hermosillo asked for a vote on which programs staff should move forward on:
Vice Mayor Shapera: Both
Councilmember Dorcey: Both
Councilmember Jones: Both
Councilmember Norton: Both
Councilmember Winston: Both
Mayor Hermosillo: Both
 
4.
ADJOURNMENT - MEETING ADJOURNED AT 5:56 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 17, 2024, and a quorum was present. 
  
2 
Work Session  - Council Minutes
January 17, 2024