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Special Meeting Minutes Monday, January 06, 2025 9:30 AM BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Maricopa County, Arizona (and the Boards of Directors of the Flood Control District, Library District, Stadium District, Improvement Districts and/or Board of Deposit) "The mission of Maricopa County is to provide regional leadership and fiscally responsible, necessary public services to its residents so they can enjoy living in healthy and safe communities” Board Members Thomas Galvin, Vice Chairman, District 2 Mark Stewart, District 1 Kate Brophy McGee, District 3 Debbie Lesko, District 4 Steve Gallardo, District 5 County Manager Jen Pokorski Clerk of the Board Juanita Garza Meeting Location Supervisors' Auditorium 205 W Jefferson Phoenix, AZ 85003 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Vice Chairman Galvin called the meeting to order and asked the Clerk to call the roll. 1. ROLL CALL The Board of Supervisors of Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona, convened in Special Session at 9:30 AM on Monday, January 6, 2025, in the Supervisors’ Auditorium, 205 W Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Thomas Galvin, Vice Chairman, District 2; Mark Stewart, Supervisor, District 1; Kate Brophy McGee, Supervisor, District 3; Debbie Lesko, Supervisor, District 4; Steve Gallardo, Supervisor, District 5. Also present: Juanita Garza, Clerk; Kelly Gardiner, Minutes Coordinator (remote); Jen Pokorski, County Manager; Brooke Worcester, Legal Counsel. 2. INVOCATION Rabbi Andy Green, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Or Tzion in Scottsdale offered the invocation. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Rusty Bowers, former Arizona Speaker of the House, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Vice Chairman Galvin spoke briefly about the issue of antisemitism and the important message expressed by Rabbi Green. Vice Chairman also talked about the respect he has for Speaker Bowers and the importance of pledging allegiance to our United States flag, having served with distinction in the Arizona Legislature. Special Meeting Minutes Monday, January 06, 2025 Page 2 of 6 4. SWEARING-IN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Vice Chairman Galvin said the swearing-in of Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4 would be done by Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick. District 5 would be sworn in by Judge Anna Huberman. Vice Chairman took a minute to acknowledge the distinguished guests in the auditorium. Judge Bolick emphasized the importance of the Oath of Office. Each Supervisor came forward individually and the swearing-in took place in the following order: Mark Stewart, accompanied by his wife and two children; Kate Brophy McGee accompanied by former Recorder, Helen Percell; Vice Chairman Thomas Galvin, accompanied by his wife; Debbie Lesko accompanied by her husband; Steve Gallardo was sworn in by Judge Anna Huberman. Vice Chairman Galvin asked the Supervisors to comment on their new position. Supervisor Stewart thanked the Board and the people who elected him. He spoke about his positive experience he had with the City of Chandler. He emphasized that customer service is paramount, and the Board should be run like a business. He stated there are always opportunities to excel when public service is considered. He wants to champion innovation and strive for continual improvement. He acknowledged a variety of people who have contributed to his life and career. He thanked his family for their continued support. Supervisor Brophy McGee said she was humbled and honored to serve on the Board of Supervisors. She said good governance cannot exist without all the people behind the scenes. She stated her staff would be instrumental in supporting her priorities of public safety and protecting quality of life in neighborhoods in District 3. She said her most important priority is constituent services. Supervisor Brophy McGee said her priorities will include partnering with cities and towns within the district. She thanked her family, guests in attendance, and residents for their presence today. She concluded by saying she looks forward to working with the other Supervisors. Supervisor Gallardo thanked all those who have supported him and he welcomed the new Board members and said he is looking forward to working with them. He stated the Board will continue to work for and serve the people of Maricopa County. In District 5, he will continue to work on the social and economic issues including housing which affects all of Maricopa County. Supervisor Gallardo said he is proud to serve and thanked Vice Chairman Galvin and the members of the Board. Supervisor Lesko thanked her constituents, Clint Hickman and all the supervisors who have come before her. She thanked her staff, in advance, for getting her acquainted with the Board, and thanked her supportive husband, Joe Lesko. Supervisor Lesko said a few of her priorities are to customer service and to public safety. She said providing resources to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) is necessary so they can do their job. She said another priority is election integrity and an audit of the current election system. She concluded by saying she was looking forward to working with the Board and thanked everyone for their support. Vice Chairman Galvin thanked all the people who worked on his campaign that got him reelected. He thanked his wife, Anna. Vice Chairman Galvin said he takes his oath to the people and to the Constitution very seriously. He named a variety of individuals who have been influential in his life and he is very grateful for their support. He said that it Special Meeting Minutes Monday, January 06, 2025 Page 3 of 6 has been invaluable to have trusted friends and colleagues in District 2 who help him maintain perspective when times are tough. He acknowledged that the campaigns are vital, and he thanked all those who supported him in his campaign. Vice Chairman Galvin said the Board of Supervisors will do great things and he looks forward to working with the new members. 5. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF THE 2025 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Motion to nominate Thomas Galvin as the 2025 Chairman of the Board of Supervisors by Supervisor Brophy McGee, the motion was seconded by Supervisor Lesko. Ayes: Mark Stewart, Thomas Galvin, Kate Brophy McGee, Debbie Lesko, Steve Gallardo Chairman Galvin announced that Kate Brophy McGee will serve as the 2025 Vice Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. 6. 2025 CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS The dais was cleared, and Chairman Galvin went to the podium to deliver the Chairman’s Address. Chairman Galvin began by thanking and acknowledging the many people who have supported him to this point and said it was an honor to be elected as the Chairman for the Board of Supervisors. He stated he looks forward to collaborating with his colleagues on the Board to best serve the needs of all the constituents. He spoke briefly of his family, his growing up years, and his parent’s influence on who he is today, stating he was the first Latino Republican elected to the Board of Supervisors and the first Latino Chairman. Chairman Galvin said he would work hard to serve the people, with a focus to expand prosperity while ensuring security. He remarked that there are individuals arriving in Maricopa County right now, here to achieve the American dream and added that he and his wife, Anna, were those individuals so many years ago. The County’s responsibility is to keep the citizens safe while they pursue their dreams. Chairman Galvin touted the Board’s conservative fiscal responsibility, honoring conservative principles with no general obligation debt. The overall budget was cut by 11% last year and the Board has lowered property tax rates four years in a row. He said there would be an ongoing moratorium on government regulations. Chairman Galvin proposed a budgetary innovation program called Performance Management System. He would direct the County Manager to establish this program that is designed to do more than track numbers and check boxes. The program will help reduce waste, align resources with priorities, and help to ensure every dollar spent contributes to impactful results for the citizens that the Board serves. Special Meeting Minutes Monday, January 06, 2025 Page 4 of 6 Chairman Galvin stated that public safety was a priority and said the Maricopa County Sheriff (MCSO) and Maricopa County Attorney (MCAO) deserve to have the resources necessary to do their job of keeping the public safe. He said the compensation package for MCSO needs to be revamped to adequately attract and retain members of their staff. He mentioned the Public Safety Funding Committee (PSFC), established under former Chairman Sellers, who explored the needs of MCSO and MCAO. The PSFC recommended the 20-year extension of the Jail Tax that was approved by the Board to help fund public safety. Chairman Galvin said the 15-year-old Melendres case has overwhelmed the budget, and he vowed to complete the compliance associated with that obligation. Chairman Galvin said another focus of his leadership is the establishment of an Economic Development Advocate position that will be established by the County Manager. He said his goal is to help streamline the workforce opportunities across all municipalities. Chairman Galvin talked about the professional sport teams and the need to work with the Diamondbacks and Chase Field for resolution on that agreement. He said he would work to establish an Advisory Committee to help bring professional hockey back to the Valley. Chairman Galvin said he would look at the obstacles that stand in the way of homeownership for Maricopa County residents. Housing affordability has a variety of issues and Maricopa County needs to make strides to improve the processes, by cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy at the federal level. Chairman Galvin was pleased with the passage of Prop 479, the sales tax extension that helps support transportation in Maricopa County. He listed the specific areas that would be positively impacted, including infrastructure for years to come. He mentioned the development of a much-needed state route I 11, the route between Phoenix and Las Vegas. Regarding the issue of water, Chairman Galvin talked about the Rio Verde Foothills and the solutions that were crafted for that community. He said with Arizona’s ability to manage water, he would continue to collaborate in the future with developers and stakeholders to make sure water is available. Chairman Galvin talked about elections, and he stated this past election had been free and fair and conducted according to the law. He respectfully told the citizens to stop the talk about fraud and stolen elections. He stated that transparency is necessary and there needs to be cooperation to change elections laws. Chairman Galvin said elections would be a top priority for him and said there would be a comprehensive review of the Elections Administration. He shared his 95/1 plan, saying 95 percent of the votes would be counted on day one and he outlined several additional ways that the Legislature and Governor could help to improve elections. Chairman Galvin talked about the importance of Animal Care and Control and the need for resources to achieve good outcomes for the animals in our care. The addition of an onsite Child Care facility is coming and is another way Maricopa County takes care of the dedicated employees. Chairman Galvin said he is proposing a program, Rising Star Award, which helps identify future County leaders. Special Meeting Minutes Monday, January 06, 2025 Page 5 of 6 Chairman Galvin concluded his address by stating his conduct as a Supervisor is about saying what is needed, not necessarily what people want to hear. He said as Chairman, he will advocate for prosperity and security and will work everyday for the citizens of Maricopa County. Photos were taken in front of the dais MEETING ADJOURNED There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. _______________________________ Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: ____________________________ Juanita Garza, Clerk of the Board Special Meeting Minutes Monday, January 06, 2025 Page 6 of 6 STADIUM DISTRICT The Board of Directors for the Stadium District, convened in Special Session at 9:30 AM on Monday, January 6, 2025, in the Supervisors’ Auditorium, 205 W Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2; Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chairman, District 3; Mark Stewart, Director, District 1; Debbie Lesko, Director, District 4; Steve Gallardo, Director, District 5. Also present: Juanita Garza, Official Record Keeper; Kelly Gardiner, Minutes Coordinator (remote); Jen Pokorski, County Manager; Brooke Worcester, Legal Counsel. 7. DESIGNATION OF OFFICERS Pursuant to A.R.S. 48-4203(D) consider the nominations and elect the Chairman and Secretary for the Stadium District for calendar year 2025. Motion to nominate Thomas Galvin as Chairman for the Stadium District for calendar year 2025, and Steve Gallardo as Secretary for the Stadium District for calendar year 2025 by Vice Chairman Kate Brophy McGee, seconded by Director Debbie Lesko. Ayes: Mark Stewart, Thomas Galvin, Kate Brophy McGee, Debbie Lesko, Steve Gallardo MEETING ADJOURNED There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. _______________________________ Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: ______________________________ Juanita Garza, Official Record Keeper