04 28 26 City Council Meeting Minutes

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TOLLESON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ACTION MINUTES 
TOLLESON CIVIC CENTER 
9055 WEST VAN BUREN STREET, TOLLESON, AZ 85353 
ZOOM WEBINAR ID: 840 6967 9194 
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026 
6:00 PM 
Doors open to Council Chambers at 5:45 PM for public seating. The public may be asked to 
temporarily relocate if an executive session occurs. The public will be invited back into Council 
Chambers when the Council returns from executive session.  
 
Members of the public may also participate in the meeting via Zoom Webinar 
(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84069679194) with a computer or cell phone. 
 
A. 
CALL TO ORDER 
 
Mayor Rodriguez called the Tolleson City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 
B. 
INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 
 
The Invocation was delivered by City Attorney Pierce, and the Pledge of Allegiance was 
led by Council Member Chavira.  
C. 
ROLL CALL 
 
City Council: Mayor Juan Rodriguez, Vice Mayor Jimmy Davis, Council Member Christine 
Chavira, Council Member Clorinda Erives, Council Member Adolfo Gámez, and Council 
Member Cruzita Mendoza. 
 
Not Present: Council Member Linda Laborin. 
 
Department Directors: City Manager Reyes Medrano Jr., Deputy City Manager/Employee 
Resources Director Wendy Jackson, Chief Financial Officer Kevin Artz, Chief of Social 
Impact George Good, City Clerk Crystal Zamora, Development Services Director Jason 
Earp, Field Operations/Parks & Recreation Director Randy Babchuk, Fire Chief Michael 
Young, Library Director Mandy Carrico, Public Safety Director/Police Chief Rudy 
Mendoza, and Utilities Director Jamie McCracken.  
 
City Representative: City Attorney Justin Pierce

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D. 
FINAL CALL TO SUBMIT SPEAKER REQUESTS 
 
All citizens and interested parties wishing to speak before the Council regarding non-
agenda items or during a public hearing shall fully complete a Speaker Request Form and 
submit the form(s) to the City Clerk prior to the meeting being convened. Citizens must 
complete one form for each item they want to address. Speaker Request Forms are located 
at the entrance of the Council Chambers. For Zoom participants, click the chat button, and 
enter your name and the item you would like to address. Submissions should be made no 
later than the Mayor announcing the “Final Call to Submit Speaker Requests”. All speakers 
will be limited to 3 minutes unless otherwise noted by the Mayor. Speakers are not required 
to disclose their identities or personal information. You may also submit an online speaker 
request form at https://www.tolleson.az.gov/speakerrequest at least one hour prior to the 
meeting. 
E. 
CALL TO THE PUBLIC (NON-AGENDA ITEMS) 
 
This is the time for the public to comment on non-agenda items. Members of the Council 
may not discuss items that are not specifically identified on the agenda. Therefore, 
pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.01.H, action taken as a result of public comment will be limited 
to (1) responding to criticism; (2) directing staff to review the matter; or (3) asking that a 
matter be put on a future agenda. 
F. 
SCHEDULED PUBLIC APPEARANCES AND PROCLAMATIONS – FOR DISCUSSION 
 
1. 
Tolleson Teen Council Update – College Selections 
 
2. 
Proclamation declaring May 3–9, 2026, as National Small Business Week in the West 
Valley Region of Greater Phoenix, recognizing the vital contributions of small 
businesses to economic growth and community vitality, supporting regional efforts to 
promote and strengthen small businesses, and encouraging residents and businesses 
to support local entrepreneurs throughout the West Valley. – Jason Earp, 
Development Services Director 
 
Mayor Rodriguez proclaimed May 3–9, 2026 as National Small Business Week in the 
City of Tolleson. 
 
3. 
Proclamation declaring May 4–8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week in the City of 
Tolleson, recognizing the vital contributions of teachers to education and community 
development, and encouraging residents to honor and support educators for their 
dedication to student success. – Mandy Carrico, Library Director 
 
Mayor Rodriguez proclaimed May 4–8, 2026 as Teacher Appreciation Week in the 
City of Tolleson. 
 
4. 
Proclamation declaring April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Tolleson, 
recognizing the importance of promoting equal housing opportunities and

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encouraging all residents to support fair housing practices and eliminate 
discrimination in housing. – Noel Schaus, Housing Revitalization Manager 
Mayor Rodriguez proclaimed April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in the City of 
Tolleson. 
G. 
BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR – PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS 
H. 
CONSENT AGENDA – ACTION ITEMS 
 
Items on the Consent Agenda are of a routine nature and are intended to be acted upon in 
one motion. Council Members may pull items from Consent if they would like them 
considered separately.  
 
1. 
Approve Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2026. (City Clerk 
Department) 
 
2. 
Approve Claims and Bills Report for the period of April 8, 2026 to April 21, 2026. 
(Finance Department) 
 
3. 
Adopt Resolution No. 2638 of the Mayor and Council of the City of Tolleson, Arizona, 
approving a Power Distribution Easement to the Salt River Project Agricultural 
Improvement and Power District for the transmission and distribution of electricity, 
communication signals, and data along an easement parcel located near 91st Avenue 
and Buckeye Road, and authorizing the City Manager to execute and deliver said 
Easement. (Development Services Department) 
 
4. 
Approve First Amendment to the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement between the City 
of Tolleson and Advanced Security Technologies LLC for the purchase of security 
equipment and related services, and authorize the City Manager to execute and 
deliver said Agreement. The City desires to amend the existing Agreement to increase 
the annual aggregate amount from $200,000 to $300,000 for additional materials and 
services. (Emergency Preparedness Department) 
 
5. 
Approve amendment to the City of Tolleson Employee Handbook by adopting new 
Policy 603.9.3 – Weighted Average Overtime to ensure compliance with Fair Labor 
Standards Act (FLSA) requirements and to establish a consistent method for calculating 
overtime when employees work at multiple rates of pay within the same workweek. 
(Employee Resources Department)  
 
6. 
Adopt Resolution No. 2640 of the Mayor and Council of the City of Tolleson, Arizona, 
approving the City of Tolleson Title VI Implementation Plan, effective May 9, 2026 to 
May 9, 2029, assuring full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. (Human Services 
Department)

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7. 
Approve the First Amendment to the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement between the 
City of Tolleson and Western Environmental Equipment Co. for custom and standard 
flow and level meters and other related services, and authorize the City Manager to 
execute and deliver said Amendment. The City desires to amend the existing 
Agreement to increase the annual aggregate amount from $100,000 to $200,000 for 
additional services. (Utilities Department) 
 
8. 
Approve the First Amendment to the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement between the 
City of Tolleson and Arizona Commercial Diving Services, Inc. for underwater repairs, 
parts, and services, and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said 
Amendment. The City desires to amend the existing Agreement to increase the annual 
aggregate amount from $100,000 to $200,000 for additional services. (Utilities 
Department) 
 
9. 
Approve the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement between the City of Tolleson and 
Duke’s Root Control, Inc. for sewer system maintenance, inspection and repair 
services, and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement. The 
City shall pay the Contractor an annual aggregate amount not to exceed $250,000 for 
services. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until December 21, 2028. 
(Utilities Department) 
 
10. Approve the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement between the City of Tolleson and 
Pump Pros International Corporation for water pumps purchase, maintenance and 
repairs, and authorize the City Manager to execute and deliver said Agreement. The 
City shall pay the Contractor an annual aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000 for 
equipment and services. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until 
December 11, 2027. (Utilities Department) 
 
Council Member Gámez moved to approve Consent Agenda items 1. through 10.; the 
motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Davis. The motion carried 6 to 0. 
Mayor Rodriguez – Aye  
 
Vice Mayor Davis – Aye   
Council Member Chavira – Aye 
Council Member Erives – Aye  
Council Member Gámez – Aye 
Council Member Mendoza – Aye 
I. 
REGULAR AGENDA – ACTION ITEMS 
 
1. 
Adopt/Deny Resolution No. 2639 of the Mayor and Council of the City of Tolleson, 
Arizona, authorizing the acquisition of real property and a temporary construction 
easement from the Tolleson Union High School District No. 214, located near 96th 
Avenue and Van Buren Street, for public purposes necessary for the construction of a 
pedestrian bridge across Van Buren Street; authorizing and directing the Mayor, City 
Manager and City Attorney to acquire title to said parcel of real property and acquire

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the temporary construction easement on behalf of the City by donation, eminent 
domain or purchase for an amount not to exceed fair market value of the property, 
plus acquisition and closing costs; and to take all acts necessary to acquire the real 
property and easement; and declaring an emergency. (Development Services 
Department) 
 
Council Member Gámez moved to adopt Resolution No. 2639; the motion was 
seconded by Council Member Erives. The motion carried 6 to 0. 
Mayor Rodriguez – Aye  
 
Vice Mayor Davis – Aye   
Council Member Chavira – Aye 
Council Member Erives – Aye  
Council Member Gámez – Aye 
Council Member Mendoza – Aye 
J. 
WORK STUDY AND PRESENTATIONS – FOR DISCUSSION 
 
1. 
FY 2027 Third Budget Work Study – Kevin Artz, Chief Financial Officer 
K. 
MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER’S REPORT OF CURRENT EVENTS – FOR DISCUSSION 
L. 
CONVENE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION 
 
1. 
Motion to go into executive session. 
 
Council Member Gámez moved to convene into executive session at 7:22 PM; the 
motion was seconded by Council Member Mendoza. The motion carried 7 to 0. 
Mayor Rodriguez – Aye  
 
Vice Mayor Davis – Aye   
Council Member Chavira – Aye 
Council Member Erives – Aye  
Council Member Gámez – Aye 
Council Member Laborin – Aye 
Council Member Mendoza – Aye 
 
2. 
Convene into executive session pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3) and (A)(7) to 
receive legal advice and to discuss and consult with the City Attorney and designated 
representatives regarding the acquisition of real estate in the vicinity of the Tolleson 
Civic Center, including the public body’s position and instructions for negotiations. 
M. RECONVENE INTO PUBLIC MEETING 
N. ADJOURNMENT 
The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 PM.

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Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.01 and A.R.S. § 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of 
the Tolleson City Council and to the general public that the Council of the City of Tolleson will 
hold a meeting open to the public. Council Members of the City of Tolleson will attend by 
telephone/video conference call.  
 
Note: The City Council of the City of Tolleson, by a duly passed motion, may vote in public session 
to adjourn to executive session on any agenda item in conformation with A.R.S. § 38.431.03 for 
legal advice from the City Attorney.  
 
Arizona law prohibits any City resource, including staff time, equipment, and anything of value 
to influence an election. This prohibition applies to Call to the Public at the Council Meeting. You 
may discuss a City issue but do not “advocate” for a specific candidate or ballot measure. 
Additionally, soliciting petition signatures or campaign contributions or distributing campaign 
materials is prohibited on City property. The City appreciates your efforts to help the City comply 
with state law and avoid using taxpayer monies to influence an election.  
 
Zoom’s live transcription feature can provide automatic captioning by clicking on the Closed 
Caption (CC) button during the meeting.  
 
THE CITY OF TOLLESON ENDEAVORS TO MAKE ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS ACCESSIBLE TO 
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. With at least two business days advance notice, 
accommodations can be provided at this meeting for individuals with vision, hearing and/or 
speech disabilities, including a transcriber, large print, an interpreter, an assistive listening 
device, etc. Please call the City Clerk at (623) 936-7111, or TTY users may dial 711 for Arizona 
Relay Service (AZRS), to request an accommodation to participate in this public meeting. The 
City will try its best to accommodate any last minute requests.  
 
LA CIUDAD DE TOLLESON SE ESFUERZA PARA HACER TODAS LAS REUNIONES PÚBLICAS 
ACCESIBLE PARA INDIVIDUOS CON DISCAPACIDADES. Con al menos dos días laborables de previo 
aviso, se pueden proporcionar adaptaciones en esta reunión para personas con discapacidades 
visuales, auditivas o del habla, incluido un transcriptor, letra grande, un intérprete, un dispositivo 
de asistencia auditiva, etc. Llame a la Secretaría Municipal al (623) 936-7111, o los usuarios de 
TTY pueden marcar 711 para el Servicio de Retransmisión de Arizona (AZRS), para solicitar un 
alojamiento para participar en esta reunión pública. La Ciudad hará todo lo posible para 
satisfacer cualquier solicitud de último minuto.

VENDOR NAME
AMOUNT
CHECK NUMBER
CHECK DATE
FELIX CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
$159,416.03
187361
4/9/2026
WACO LLC
$21,180.21
187425
4/16/2026
ADAPTIVE ARCHITECTS INC
$19,622.00
187402
4/16/2026
120WATER INC
$17,340.00
187377
4/9/2026
GRISWOLD INDUSTRIES
$17,001.51
102298
4/10/2026
TRANSACT COMMERCIAL FURNISHINGS INC
$16,566.63
102347
4/15/2026
WACO LLC
$13,950.54
187425
4/16/2026
TOLLESON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DIST.#17
$13,250.00
187403
4/16/2026
VAN LOON INDUSTRIES
$12,384.75
187378
4/9/2026
WEST YOST & ASSOCIATES INC
$10,690.00
102350
4/15/2026
ARIZONA STATE TREASURERS OFFICE
$10,618.30
187396
4/13/2026
FLYERS ENERGY LLC
$10,271.46
102337
4/15/2026
WEST VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL
$10,000.00
187401
4/13/2026
City of Tolleson
Checks Recorded
Check Dates: April 8, 2026 to April 21, 2026
PAYMENTS OVER $10,000

CITY OF TOLLESON 
 
APRIL 28, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 
 
 
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Post-Production File 
 
 
 
 
City of Tolleson 
Tolleson City Council Meeting 
April 28, 2026 
 
 
 
Transcription Provided By: 
eScribers, LLC 
 
*  *  *  *  * 
 
Transcription is provided in order to facilitate communication accessibility and may not 
be a totally verbatim record of the proceedings.  
 
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CITY OF TOLLESON 
 
APRIL 28, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 
 
 
Page 2 of 35 
 
 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:   All right.   I'm Mayor Juan Rodriguez.  Today is April 28th, and I 
would like to call the City Council meeting to order.  We're going to start with our 
invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.   
So City Attorney, will you please provide the invocation? 
And Council Member Chavira, will you please lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance?   
Please stand.  
PIERCE:  Happy to do it, Mayor.  Thank you.  Our beloved Father, who art in heaven, we 
are very grateful to be able to meet together.  We're grateful for all the blessings that 
have been bestowed upon us, this great land that we have to live in, and the wonderful 
City of Tolleson.  We're grateful for this Council and for their willingness to serve and 
provide leadership and direction, and provide for the -- the safety and well-being of -- of 
those who live in this wonderful city.  We're grateful for those that protect us.  We're 
grateful for all of those who put themselves into harm's way to -- to make sure that we 
are able to return home to our own families and pray that they might also.  Please bless 
this Council with guidance and wisdom to be able to make decisions that would be 
beneficial to, and in the best interest of -- of the City. We pray for them and for 
everybody that is here this evening.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.   
IN UNISON:  Amen.   
CHAVIRA:  I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the 
Republic for which it stands.  One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice 
for all. 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Thank you, both.   
We're going to move on to Item C, which is roll call.   
City Clerk, please let -- please let the record reflect that all Council members are 
present, with the exception of Councilwoman Linda Laborin.  Now is the final call to 
submit speaker request.  The City Clerk -- all speakers will be limited to three minutes 
for comments -- for -- for comments only.  Actions taken as a result of public comments

CITY OF TOLLESON 
 
APRIL 28, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 
 
 
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will be limited to either, one, responding to criticism, two directing staff to review the 
matter, or three, asking that the matter be put on a future agenda – action item.   
City Clerk do we have any speaker request forms at this time?  
ZAMORA:  We do not, Mayor.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:   Okay.  Item E -- it is now the call to the public. 
City Clerk, do we have any submissions for call to the public?  
ZAMORA:  We do not.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  All right.  F -- scheduled public appearances or proclamations for 
discussion.  Item number one is Tolleson Teen Council update.  College selections.  I 
think we're just going to call Ruben (ph.) up.   
How you doing, Ruben?  
RUBEN:  Good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council.  Thank you for this opportunity to 
recognize a very special group tonight.  These graduating seniors represent the heart of 
Tolleson Teen Council, and what it means to lead through advocacy, leadership and 
service.  Over the past several years, they've shown up consistently, not just to 
participate, but to lead.  They've contributed thousands of hours of community service, 
representing the City of Tolleson at regional and national conferences, and most 
importantly, use their voices to advocate for their peers in their community.  I've had 
the privilege of watching them grow -- watching them grow from shy, quiet participants, 
into confident young leaders who understand their role in something bigger than 
themselves.  They've sat in this very room, have engaged with you directly at 
conferences and events.   
All right.  Stop.  Have asked meaningful questions and have taken the time to 
understand how local government works.  That level of civic engagement, at their age, is 
something we should all be proud of.   
But before we hear from our each of our seniors, I'd like to invite Hazel Gallardo, former 
Teen Council vice mayor, to share a few words on behalf of the group.  After that, we'll

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invite each of our graduating seniors forward, to share their plans after high school.  I'll 
be presenting them with a gift and an honor cord for their service to the City of Tolleson 
and our community.  Each of them represents the future and the now of Tolleson, and 
I'm confident they will continue to lead wherever they go.   
Hazel? 
GALLARDO:  Thank you, Ruben.  Good evening.  Mayor, City Council, families, and my 
fellow teens.  It's hard to stand here tonight and put this into words, because how do 
you say goodbye to something that became part of who you are?  Tolleson has never 
just been a place to me.  It's been a feeling, A home that I didn't just live in, but one that 
lived in me.  I was six years old when I first walked into the Boys and Girls Club.  I didn't 
know what I was walking into.  I was just a kid, quiet, unsure, trying to find where I fit.  
But looking back now, that was the beginning of everything.  That was the beginning of 
people who would see me, believe in me, and help shape the person I'm standing here 
as today.  Thank you.   
And even though I may not fall within Tolleson boundaries, or be considered a Tolleson 
resident on paper, this is still my home because home isn't defined by an address.  It's 
defined by the people who choose you, who raise you, who pour into you until you 
become something you never thought you could be.  When I was 13 years old, someone 
changed my life without even realizing it.   
Abigail Avila, thank you.  You didn't just invite me to Teen Council.  You opened a door I 
didn't even know existed.  And because of that one moment, that one invitation, 
everything changed for me.  I found my voice.  I found my purpose.  And I found people 
who would become family to me.  I would not be standing here today if it wasn't for you 
taking a chance on me, so thank you for seeing something in me before I ever saw it in 
myself.   
City Council, thank you for believing in young people like us.  You didn't have to create a 
space for teenagers to lead, to speak, to grow, but you did.  And because of that, you

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didn't just build programs.  You built futures.  You taught us that our voices matter, that 
leadership is service, and that even the smallest actions can leave a lasting impact.   
Randy, you were steady.  You were someone who we could count on no matter what.  
Not for big speeches or big moments, but for consistency.  For showing up.  For 
reminding us in the simplest ways that what we are doing mattered.  You were the calm 
in moments of doubt.  The person who made things feel were possible, even when we 
felt overwhelmed.  And sometimes that quiet kind of support is what changes people 
the most, thank you for always being there.   
And Ruben, also known as our Tio, there are some people who come into your life and 
change it completely, and you are that person for me.  I met you when I was 13 years 
old.  I didn't have confidence.  I didn't think my voice mattered.  I didn't think I could 
lead, but somehow, you saw something in me that I couldn't see myself.  And you didn't 
just say it.  You proved it.  Every conversation, every moment you checked in, every time 
you pushed me to do more, be more, believe more.  You never let me stay small.  You 
showed me patience when I was still figuring things out.  You gave me guidance without 
ever making me feel less.  You supported me in a way that felt like family.  You didn't 
have to take me under your wing, but you did.  You didn't have to care the way you did 
for us, but you chose to.  And that choice changed my life.  Because of you, I learned 
what it means to lead with heart.  Because of you, I learned that strength doesn't come 
from being perfect.  It comes from showing up, even when you're unsure.  Because of 
you, I became someone I'm proud of.  Tolleson gave me so many things -- opportunities, 
memories, friendships.  But you, Theo, are the reason I found myself within all of it.   
To my peers --  look at us.  All the moments we thought we weren't ready.  All the times 
we doubted ourselves.  All the times we felt like maybe we didn't belong.  And yet, 
we're still here.  We grew here.  We found our voices here.  We became who we are 
here, and wherever life takes us next, we're not leaving this behind because Tolleson 
isn't just a place we come from.  It's a part of us.  It's in the way we lead.  It's in the way

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we care.  It's in the way we show up for others.  It's who we are.  And no matter where 
we go, near or far, that will never leave us.  Thank you.  
SALAZAR:  Good evening, Council.  I'm Alejandro Salazar, also known as your Teen 
Council mayor.  I have been in Teen Council for three years.  The December of my 
sophomore year, I was introduced by Ruben, and I'm truly grateful.  And with my new 
journey out of high school and away from Teen Council, I will still continue to give my 
commitment to service for the City of Tolleson.  I will be going to ASU -- Arizona State 
University.   I will be -- I will be studying public service and public policy with an 
emphasis in health policy.  And I will also be joining the cadet program with the Towson 
Fire Station, so.  
GEARAN:  Good evening, Council.  My name is Anne Gearan.  I've been a part of Teen 
Council for three years, just like Alejandro Salazar did, since my -- since the December of 
my sophomore year.  I am also continuing my service in, I guess, the social parameter.  
I'm going to study social work at. NEU, starting this year.  
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER:  NEU. 
[Laughter] 
LAUBRIT:  Council, my name is Cielo Laubrit.  I am a senior at University High School.  
And I was introduced to Teen Council in my second semester of sophomore year, by 
Hazel, actually, a very dear friend of mine.  So I love her so much for introducing me 
because I would have not known what a welcoming community would have been until I 
came to Tolleson.  And I am going to -- be going to EMCC for about a year, and then 
transferring to a four -year university to study political science.  Sorry.  
DALY:  Good evening, Council.  My name is Chris Daly.  I've been in the Teen Council 
since September of my sophomore year of high school, and I originally started out as 
just something, because I was bored.  I came and I needed something to do, but it's 
ended up being -- it ended up meaning a lot more to that.  I'm going to ASU, and I'm 
going to study history.

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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER:  I'm a senior at UH.  And when I first went into Teen Council, it 
was in my junior year, thanks to Hazel as well.  She introduced me and a couple of my 
friends, and it showed me what a welcoming community it really is.  And I'm going to go 
to Williams College to do biomedical research.  
GALLARDO:  Hello, Council.  My name is Hazel Gallardo.  Well, I started -- I was 
introduced to Teen Council, May of my eighth grade year.  So getting ready for 
promotion by one of our very own.  She works for the City of Tolleson.  Abby,  Yeah, so 
I've been in Teen Council for five years now.  And I will be continuing my studies outside 
of high school.  I will be attending Glendale Community College, and I'll be studying in 
public relations.  
RODRIGUEZ:  Good evening, Council.  My name is Jacqueline Martinez Rodriguez.  I'm 
going to ECMC, and I've been in Teen Council for two years.  I was introduced by one of 
my friends, Frida.  And I love her very much.  And I'm going to be majoring in nursing.  
MALTA:  Council, I'm sorry.  My name is Jaylene Malta.  I was first introduced to Teen 
Council by our amazing, Hazel.  My first event was the Trunk or Treat.  And after that, I 
knew that I wanted to make an impact on this community.  And I'm really glad that I 
continued going to meetings and continued to go to events, because I don't know who I 
will be  -- who -- who I would have been without that.  I want to study clinical 
psychology at NEU. 
ARREOLA:  Council, my name is Natalia Arreola.  I've been with Teen Council for four 
years.  I started my freshman year -- September of my freshman year.  I will be 
attending EMCC.  I'm going to be studying public relations.   
VAZQUEZ:  Good evening, Council.  My name is Santiago Lopez Vazquez and I've been in 
the Teen Council for three years.  I started August of my sophomore year, and after high 
school, I'll be joining the United States Marine Corps, becoming a special operative.  
RUBEN:  Teen Council Seniors, thank you for sharing your journeys with us tonight.  It's 
been an honor.  It’s an honor to watch each of you grow, not just as students, but as

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leaders, advocates, and young adults finding your voice.  You've made a real impact on 
this community, and that's something that will last far beyond tonight.  Wherever life 
takes you next, know that Towson is proud of you, and you'll always have a place here.   
Mayor, Vice Mayor, and members of Council, thank you again for an opportunity to 
recognize such a special group.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Well, I guess I'll get us started.  First of all, congratulations to 
everybody.  Did you say Michigan?  
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER:  Yes, but I wanted to -- but I think (Indiscernible). 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Okay.  
CHAVIRA:  Yes, you can do that.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Awesome.  That's all I had.  That's -- that's a Wolverine brother -- 
sister over there.   
Now, first of all, congratulations to all of you.  This is a great path.  Every one of you guys 
are -- are amazing leaders in your own right, and you're just getting out of high school.  
I'm very excited about what the -- the world has in store for all of you guys, but I think 
I'm more excited about what you're going to contribute to the world.  Because, you 
know, Tolleson puts out a good product.  We put out, you know, quality people.  And I 
think every one of you is a perfect example of what Tolleson is all about.   
And, you know, I've had an opportunity to travel the world, and not the world, but let's 
say the United States, right?  And everybody always says, oh, that place is really nice.  
That place is really ugly, but you always have to have a point of comparison.   
And to me, that point of comparison has always been Tolleson.  And as beautiful as 
other places are, in my mind and my heart, they don't compare to Tolleson because 
Towson has will always be home for me.  And I will say that the same will probably be 
true for you in 20, 30 years, when you have your family and you're going off and you're 
being successful.  You could always come back home to Tolleson.  And trust me, we'll be 
here.  We will be here.  And it'll always, always be home.  So I'm glad to hear that.  I

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would encourage you to find a way, a special way.  And I tell this to all the kids.  We're 
only so big, right?   
So I understand why a lot of folks have to move away from Tolleson, because our 
housing stock is pretty small, and a lot of us are waiting for you know, uncle, to move 
out to someone's house.  Or you know, maybe I can get nana -- nana and dada's house 
or whatever, you know, because our housing stock is pretty small.  But find a reason to 
come back, and in your own special way, find a reason to contribute back.  
 You know obviously, Ruben and Randy and a lot of our staff have invested a lot of time 
and effort with you folks, and you guys have invested a lot of time and effort for our 
community and special events.  We've seen you guys out there, and especially at the 
conferences.  And so that's part of -- that's part of being a community, you know, giving 
back to each other and helping each other become better, you know?  And I will say, 
hands down, I've said it before and I stick to this -- I'm not worried about our future.  
Not one bit.  Everybody says, well, you know development is very important.  I agree 
with them.  Development, here, on Council.  
 I can tell you that one of my college advisors was Adolfo.  Adolfo used to work at 
Estrella Mountain Community College for many moons.  He was a college advisor that I 
talked to when I was a freshman going into college.  And you know, here we are, still 
working together, still serving together.   
And so it's very important that you continue to develop your skill sets and become the 
best possible contributor to whatever it is that you want to contribute to, whether it's 
nursing or whether it's public relations or whether it's the military service.  Whatever 
you do, do it at the highest level possible, you know, because development is always 
going to be critical.  But I know our future is bright.  I mean, when I see you guys come 
up here and talk about what you've accomplished thus far, imagine when you're a 
council -- imagine when you're our management team.  Imagine when you're one of our 
directors.  Our future in Tolleson is extremely bright.  Not because our economics is

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good, or because our business, you know acumen is great.  It is, but it's because of the 
stock that we have, the -- the plans that we have rooted for our future.  
 All of you guys, I am 100 percent convinced that we're going to have bountiful baskets 
for decades to come, from all the great crops that we've raised.  And again, contribute.  
Come on back to the community, contribute.  And let's make Tolleson the best that we 
can, and in the process, make you guys the best that you guys can.  Congratulations.  I'm 
going to turn it over, because I don't want to say too much, because then, I speak for all 
day.   
So any comments or questions?   
Let's start with the Vice Mayor, Jimmy Davis, and then -- go ahead.  
DAVIS:  Congratulations to all of you.  I'm so proud of you.  It's -- it's been amazing 
seeing you guys, you know, out in the community, all of the work that you do, hearing 
your guys' report this this last year, and all the service hours that you put in.  It's 
amazing.  I know that you guys are going to continue to do amazing things.  And you 
know, like the mayor said, this is always home.  So we're always here.  We're always 
going to support you.  We're always going to love you.  So that's the message that I will 
send to you.  Go out into the world and share love.  Share that Tolleson love because 
that's what this world needs right now.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Thank you, Vice Mayor.  
Christine?  
CHAVIRA:  I'm very honored to have met all of you.  You give me a lot of hope for the 
future.  Congratulations to you all.  I know you will all do great things.  And you know, 
just saying again what everyone is saying and feeling, because it's what we believe is 
true.  That you will do great things.  But when you need an ear, you need a voice, that 
we will always be here for you, and this will always be your home.  And I hope that our 
paths cross one day again.  I enjoyed meeting and interacting with all of you.  So good 
luck.

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And moms and dads out there -- good job.  
GAMEZ:  Yes, before I proceed, in terms of acknowledging the students, I think we 
should give Ruben a big round of applause for the work he's done.  It's -- it's people like 
Ruben that opens doors.  That door opens, you choose to go through it.  And so those 
that don't regret it later.  Obviously, you went through it.  And this is the first step of 
many.  As Councilwoman Chavira said, we're here to help you.  I can speak for myself.  
Anytime you have a question -- education, financial aid, you can come talk to me.  My 
door is open.  Just like the mayor said he was there, I helped him.  I helped many 
students, but that's what we're all about giving back.  I learned that from my mentor.  
Always give back to the community that helped you.  And this community helped me to 
continue helping, and I'm sincere about that.  And you do that to somebody else, it's like 
a ripple effect.  It'll spread, starts getting bigger and bigger, and if you believe in it, the 
people will believe that you're helping them with your heart.   
City of Tolleson has a big, big heart.  The culture is about respect, about helping people 
be successful in education and business.  Whatever it is, we're there as a support 
system.  And I'm not --  I'm not just blowing smoke.  I'm telling you the truth.  We're 
here to help.  And that's all there is to it.  And anybody that knows me, will tell you that I 
back it up, no matter how hard it is.  Sometimes, I get questions and requests.  
Sometimes, like, how the hell am I going to do this one?  But you -- you don't give up.  
You continue, okay?  Again, education is the key to success, unless you win the lottery, 
and you still have to learn how to manage it.  So you need to be focused on your future.  
Lean on each other for support and help again.  We're here for the same reason.  You 
see those individuals sitting over there?  Don't let the mustache, the hair --  facial hair 
scare you.  They're here to help you, too.  They're professionals in their own right.  Yeah, 
police officer, a fire chief, a guy that knows everything about wastewater, and more.  
And then the assistant, what used to be a chief of police -- the chief of fire -- now he's 
the director of everything.

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[Laughter] 
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER:  (Indiscernible). 
GAMEZ:  Exactly.  So he's a good guy.  They're all good guys, okay?  So use the resources.  
Don't be afraid to, okay?  That's all I got to say, and it's the truth.  Gracias.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Anybody else?   
ERIVES:  My turn? 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yeah, go ahead.  
ERIVES:  I wanted to say, congratulations.  Oh, my gosh, you're graduating, what -- in a 
couple of weeks?  A couple of weeks, right?  Then, you're like, okay, the where do I go?  
I'm not ready.  I'm not ready to leave.  I remember that with graduation, but why do I 
have to leave?  I think my words of advice would be when you're leaving, right?  You're 
about to embark onto this next chapter in your life, and it can be a little scary.  And 
you're like, oh, I'm not sure.  Especially if you're moving away, right?  Because maybe, 
maybe this is the first time leaving home, right?  And so now it's it's a little different, 
right?   
You know, my friends have been around me, but now -- they're still there, they're just 
now father.  Take advantage of all the opportunities that are happening in that new 
place that you find yourself.   
So my ladies that are going to NAU, right?  NAU is going to be completely different.  The 
trees are different.  The smell is different.  There is a bird that – he, like, huge, and he 
has a big beak.  And it would wake me up in the morning.  I'm used to roosters in my 
neighborhood, right?  So what is that?  Everything's going to be different, and you might 
get a little homesick, right?  But don't -- don't  -- don't --  just get busy doing other things 
right.  Getting involved, meeting other people, telling them about Tolleson.  It's a great 
story.  Tell them about us.  Tell them we have a fire department, a police, and our town 
has a library and our town has this.  And you can talk about all the things, and then learn 
about that new person's place as well, right?  So it's not that you're going to be sad and

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lonely and I'm -- no get involved.  Get, you know, and you have a wonderful story to tell 
about all your years at Teen Council, and see if they had one in their community.  
Sometimes, they didn't, right?  So just take advantage.  We will be here.  Absolutely, like 
they said, you need us, we're here.  You need us.  There's a phone call.  Start with Ruben 
and then say, hey, she needs a bike to get around campus.  Let the Women's Club know, 
like, things like that, right?  We want to be there for you all.  Whatever you need, we're 
there.  But when you're in that new place, right?  Don't get homesick.  That, sometimes, 
can be very, very difficult because you do get homesick, and I understand that.  But get 
involved.  Get busy.  You already know how to do that.  You already know how to do 
that.  Congratulations for all of you, where you're going.  We can't wait for you to send 
us postcards and send them back, or, you know, on Instagram.  You could do that too.  
Yeah.  But yes, congratulations.  So excited for you.  We're wishing you well.  Wishing 
you well.  Thank you.   
MENDOZA:  Congratulations to all.  When I attended my first conference, I was able to 
interact with you guys.  It was just amazing.  I was so impressed.  So congratulations and 
best wishes on the future.   
And thank you, Ruben.  
CHAVIRA:  Thank you.  You are impacting young kids.   
CHAVIRA:  Yes.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  You said no pictures?  Come on up, folks.  Let's take a picture.  
 I'm just messing with you, Crystal.   
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Put your hats on.  Put your hats on.  ASU in the front.  ASU in the 
front.  
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER:  Hey, are you up here?  
CHAVIRA:  Oh, nice.  Yes, right here next to me.  Come to me.  Come to me.  But we had 
Gauchos.  No, there's only two.  I counted.  No, there's two.  There was a couple 
Gauchos, though, and then, a couple Estrella Mountains.

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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER:  Ruben, get in the picture.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Come on, Randy, get up here, man.  Come on, man. .  
You guys want a family picture?  Stay here.  He's got it.  Everybody good?  Awesome.  
Congratulations, folks.  Great job, guys.  Great job.  
All right.  Folks.  How to get back down to business after that?  Yeah, that was great 
business.   
So we're going to move on to item number 2, which is proclamation declaring May 3rd 
through the 9th, 2026 as National Small Business Week in the West Valley region of 
Greater Phoenix recognizing the vital contributions of small businesses to economic 
growth and community vitality, supporting regional efforts to promote and strengthen 
small businesses, and encouraging residents and businesses to support local 
entrepreneurs throughout the entire West Valley.   
Development Services Director Jason Earp, you have the floor.  
EARP:  Thank you, Mayor and members of the council.  Small businesses are really the 
heart of any community.  They're the places where people gather, where relationships 
are built, and where the character of a city truly comes to life.  When you walk into a 
locally-owned restaurant, shop, or service business, you're not just making a purchase.  
You're supporting a family, an entrepreneur, or someone who has taken a risk to invest 
in our community.  They create jobs, keep dollars circulating locally, and bring the kind 
of uniqueness you simply can't replicate with larger national chains.   
More importantly, they help define who we are as a city.  That's why it's so important 
that we take time to recognize and support our small businesses, not just during small 
business week, but year round.  Whether it's choosing to shop local, spreading the word 
about a great business, or simply saying thank you, those actions make a real difference.   
As a city, we're committed to doing our part by making it easier to start and grow a 
business here and by continuing to create an environment where a small business can 
succeed, because when all our small businesses succeed, our entire community

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succeeds.  
I just want to, kind of, give you a quick background.  The West Valley cities got together, 
kind of ,last minute.  We're going to do a better job next year.  And to recognize small 
businesses, because all cities realize the importance of small businesses.  So we're 
actually joining forces with City of El Mirage and City of Avondale on May 4th.  It's 
Access to Capital Summit.  So it's informative, impactful Access to Capital event 
designed to connect business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups with resources they 
need to grow and succeed.  And every other West Valley city is also going to be doing 
certain things.  And we collaborated with all the cities in the West Valley and Dysart 
High School film, and we have a little video.   
[VIDEO] 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Different categories, but definitely can get you that information.  
[No audio due to technical difficulties] 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  All right.  We're going to move on to a proclamation.  Today we 
have a proclamation recognizing the importance of promoting equal housing 
opportunities and encouraging all residents to support fair housing practices and 
eliminate discrimination in housing.  On all those housing manager [Audio interference] 
SCHAUS:  The Fair Housing Act, enacted in April 1968 and amended in [audio 
interference], ensures us all the right to housing free from [audio interference].  Despite 
this landmark law, housing discrimination [audio interference] proportionately affect 
protected classes, including people of color, women, persons with disabilities, families 
with children, and LGBTQ plus individuals.  Tolleson can only be a truly inclusive city if 
our most marginalized residents have access to stable, equitable housing.  As federal 
protections are owed this month and every year in April, we reaffirm our commitment 
to ensuring equal access to housing opportunities for all.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Awesome.  Okay.  So therefore, I, Mayor Juan F. Rodriguez, do 
hereby proclaim April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Tolleson.  Be it

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proclaimed.   
All right, moving on to G, business from the floor.  We have none to hear tonight.  So 
we're going to go on to H.  That's our consent agenda action items.  At last count, I had 
ten action items.  If council has had an opportunity to review those and would like to 
make a motion, I'd be more than happy to hear it.  
We have a motion by Council Member Gamez.  We have a second by Vice Mayor Jimmy 
Davis.  All those in favor, please signify by saying aye.   
ALL:  Aye. 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  All those opposed?  Not hearing any.  City clerk, motion passes 
unanimously.   
We're going to move on to regular agenda action items, which we only have one.  It's to 
adopt or deny resolution number 2639 of the mayor and council, City of Tolleson, 
Arizona, authorizing the acquisition of real property and a temporary construction 
easement from the Tolleson High School District number 214, located near 96th Avenue 
and Van Buren Street, for public purpose necessary for the construction of a pedestrian 
bridge across Van Buren Street, authorizing and directing the mayor and city manager 
and city attorney to acquire title to said parcel of real property and acquire the 
temporary construction easement on behalf of the City of Tolleson by donation, 
eminent domain, or purchase for an amount not to exceed fair market value of the 
property plus acquisition and closing costs, and to take all actions necessary to acquire 
the real property and easement and declaring an emergency.  I'm going to kick it over to 
development services director for discussion.  
EARP:  Thank you, Mayor, Vice Mayor, members of the council.  There's not much more 
to say.  It's the pedestrian bridge that we have been planning for a while that ADOT is in 
charge of that project.  It's right in front of the high school in Sonic that include 
elevators, but we do need some property from the school district for the safe landing of 
it, and so we're here to ask for approval of this.

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MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Okay.  I will -- I just want to add a couple of comments.  Number 
one is this is one of those projects that just makes sense for everybody.  If you've ever 
dropped a kid in front of Sonics in the morning, it's a madhouse.  See, I'm already 
looking at your guys' faces.  I have personally witnessed near hits.  And we're talking 
about kids and vehicles.  Not a good combination.  So this pedestrian bridge makes 
beyond common sense.  It makes total sense.  And we, as a city, have gone out of our 
way to acquire $3.5 million.  Higher or yes?  Yes?  Yes.  And so we're bringing to the 
table $3.5 million for this project that is badly needed.  And it's strictly for the safety of 
our kids.  And that's a win for the high school.  That's a win for us.  And so I'm looking 
forward to this very, very much, because it makes sense, and I can't think of a higher 
priority than the safety of our children.  And so with that, is there anybody else that 
would like to add anything before we move on?  
GAMEZ:  It's a win for the kids, too.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yes.  Council Member?  
CHAVIRA:  Mayor? 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yes? 
GAMEZ:  Move for approval.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Council Member Chavira, you have the floor.  
CHAVIRA:  I have a statement that I'd like to read before my vote.  The City of Tolleson 
has secured the financing needed, $2.5 million in federal funding and over $2 million in 
general funds to fund the pedestrian bridge at 96th Avenue in its entirety, without any 
financial commitment by the Tolleson Union High School District.  The bridge will serve 
high school students and the community at large by providing the means to cross Van 
Buren Street safely, while meeting all standards set by ADOT.  The Tolleson Union High 
School District, in past presentations to the city council, provided renderings of the 
pedestrian bridge demonstrating the district's knowledge of plans for the bridge to 
address student safety and acknowledging that they were aware of the bridge and its

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placement.   
The Tolleson Union High School District has declined our full price offer of the property, 
which amounts in size to several parking spots.  As a result, the process of acquiring the 
property will needlessly prolong construction of the bridge.  We appreciate our partners 
at Sonic for accepting our offer in a joint effort to provide a safe and secure way to cross 
the street.  Therefore, my vote will reflect the action needed to secure the property and 
complete the pedestrian bridge to provide a safe crossing by students and the 
community on Van Buren Street.  Thank you.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Thank you, council member.  Any other comments or questions 
for staff?  Go ahead, Vice Mayor.  
DAVIS:  Actually, I think it's absolutely ridiculous that we have to go this route, but here 
we are.  You know, this is like you said, Mayor, this is a project that makes sense for our 
entire community.  It is going to keep not only the probably a couple of thousand kids 
that cross that street every day safe, but other pedestrians.  It's going to help the traffic 
flow.  It just completely makes sense for our community.  So it is ridiculous that we're 
going to have to go this route, use attorney hours, and do this whole song and dance, 
when this could have been resolved with a simple market value sale of this property.  So 
I just encourage the Tolleson High School District governing board to get their act 
together.  That's all.  And I will be voting in support of this.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  And I will say that there's still time.  I mean, the motion itself 
includes by donation and other opportunities.  So I think there's still opportunities for us 
to see the greater good for this project.  Having said that, we got to do what we got to 
do to make sure that our kids are safe.  So we're giving all options over to our city 
manager and our city attorney, so it can be executed as necessary.  Any other comments 
or questions?  Council woman.  
ERIVES:   My comments just says is right here in front of us are the reasons why our 
votes for this bridge is necessary.  Right there.  Thank you.

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MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yeah, and it's a very beautiful project, actually.  And it includes an 
elevator for people that are in wheelchairs.  And it's going to be a beautiful thing.  Yeah, 
yeah.  For safety reasons, for aesthetics and everything.  So it's going to be a great 
project.  So with that I will entertain a motion to approve.  We have a motion by Council 
Member Gamez.  Have a second from Council Member Clorinda Erives.  Okay.  All those 
in favor, please signify by saying aye.   
ALL:  Aye.   
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  All those opposed?  Not hearing any, this motion passes 
unanimously.  Thank you very much, everybody.   
We're going to move on to -- we're going to move on to item J, work study and 
presentation for discussion.  This is the fun part of tonight.  Oh yeah.  The budget.  So 
fiscal year 2027 third budget work study.  Let's call up our man of the hour, Chief 
Financial Officer Artz.  You have the floor, sir.  
ARTZ:  We are here tonight for our third budget work session.  The first session we had, 
we went over the revenues, and then the last meeting on April 15th, we looked at the 
general funds and all the departments and the general funds.  Tonight we're going to 
focus on the special revenue funds, the debt service funds, and the enterprise funds.   
I did want to follow up on the questions that came up at the last meeting.  So there 
were several questions and requests.  And so I just want to start there.  The first one 
being currently we have $30,000 in that budget, and we had proposed to add another 
$10,000.  So we had $40,000 in total in the TIA budget.  And there was a request to add 
an additional $50,000 for a total of $90,000.  So that's what will come before you at the 
tentative budget in May.  We'll have that increase in there.   
Then there was also a request for a VIVA budget, and that's adding $30,000 to that . 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Clorinda, did you want to give a kind of an overview of what VIVA 
really is all about?  
ERIVES:  I'm sorry.  I don't have my notes.  Sorry.

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MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Okay.  It's a program that really focuses on? 
ERIVES:  On literacy.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  On literacy. 
ERIVES:  On literacy. 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  And so it's an initiative that Councilwoman Erives wants to 
quarterback.  I think it's a great idea.  Anything we can do to help our community 
become more literate, I think, is a good thing.  So let's, this is a starting budget.  See how 
it evolves over the years.  But yes, go ahead.   
SINAWI:  As for council's information, VIVA is an acronym that stands for Vision, 
Inspiration, Voices and Amplification.  
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER:  Thank you.  
ARTZ:  And there was also some discussion about Veterans Park and improvements 
there.  Just at the last meeting was going through the general plan process and coming 
up with a redesign for Veterans Park.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  I think part of it is knowing that we still have the aquatic facility 
that we have to finish.  So right now may not be the best time for us to start 
construction on the project, but it's a great time for us to do exploratory conversations 
about what this project should include.  And that's the engagement with the community 
to do a redesign.   
MEDRANO:  Thank you, Mayor, members of council.  You're precisely correct, sir.  The 
timing couldn't be better.  Even to get to construction, it would take about nine months 
to a year to go through the planning process.  So with the general plan upon us, it makes 
perfect sense to use that mechanism to solicit public input.  But we've changed it from a 
completion of Veterans Park to a redesign, because we don't know what's going to 
come from the public.  They may want us to move the baseball field or the performing 
arts stage or the park.  We don't know.  So we're calling it a redesign to allow for the full 
reimagination of the park by the public.

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MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Thank you.  
ARTZ:  The next item was the city promotion budget.  I had mentioned last time that we 
had not included any inflationary increases even though the Department had requested 
that.  So we've gone back and added $35,000 to our special events budget just to cover 
the inflationary increases and the fact that the special events are so popular, and 
attendance has been increasing.  So we thought it was important to get that inflationary 
increase in there.   
And then the final item was the covered parking at the Civic Center.  So there was some 
discussion about the covered parking and solar potentially.  And so with that, the 
Development Services Department will come back to council and discuss options for 
that covered parking before we move forward with that project.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  I think one of the options that needs to be included is does it 
make sense from a financial long-term standpoint, from a sustainable point, but also the 
infrastructure and the costs upfront, and what's the return on investment and that kind 
of stuff?  That's the part that I'm really interested in, because the solar panel, if it 
doesn't make sense on ROIs, then we should know that upfront, and maybe that's not 
the best direction.  I don't know, but I think it needs to be explored.   
Yes, sir.  
MEDRANO:  Options we're exploring, because we certainly want to add more foliage 
trees specifically, just for the -- to reduce the heat island effect, certainly, but solar 
doesn't necessarily have to be panels on the covered structures.  It could be mounted 
on a tree.  They could be mounted on a pole and attract photovoltaic energy to support 
lighting the covered parking structure.  So those are options we're looking at, that Mr. 
Earp and his team are looking at, and they'll bring back a report to council.  
ARTZ:  That will get into the numbers of the budget for this year.  We are currently at a 
little over 244 million for our budget for fiscal year '27.  There will be some changes to 
that.  We're still working on carryovers in the enterprise funds, so there will be some

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increases to our budget just to cover some of those carryover costs.  But we'll explain all 
of those at the tentative budget approval.   
And with that, we'll get into the Department's HURF, which is our Highway User 
Revenue Fund, also known as the Streets Fund.  That's where we, we pay for our street 
projects and street maintenance.  The budget there is $1.345 million, and there's no 
change from the prior year.   
AAA is a --  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Question.  
ARTZ:  Yes? 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Is the fund -- go back one.  Okay.  The $1.3 million, is that what's 
been budgeted to us through HURF, or is that what the Department is asking for?  
ARTZ:  Mayor, that is what the Department is asking for.  So we receive about $900,000 
in HURF funds on an annual basis.  So what we're using is some of the fund balance in 
the fund.  So at some point in the future, we're going to either have to have the general 
fund subsidize the Streets Fund, or potentially cut back on some of the projects in the 
Street Fund.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  I like our program that we adopted where we're doing streets on 
an ongoing basis, so there's no part of Tolleson that's ever left out.  So I would be for 
adding more money to get to whatever the budget needs to be.  But that's why I asked 
the question.   
ARTZ:  Appreciate it.  The AAA funds are grant funds that we receive for the senior 
center.  It includes congregate meals, a lot of the senior meal programs.  So it's funding 
that we get through the county.  There is an increase of about $120,000, and most of 
that is wages and salary increases and we'll request that as additional budget or grant 
funding.  We also have two departments and a public safety fund, which is funded by a 
dedicated sales tax, the half percent sales tax.  And so we have police and fire in that 
public safety tax fund.  In the fire department, the budget is increasing by about

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$537,000.  We are transferring positions from the general fund into the public safety 
fund, so the public safety fund is taking on more of the cost of police and fire.  So more 
positions are being transferred in there so that the half cent sales tax is paying for that.  
We also have the wage and benefit increase in there and then some capital items.  
MEDRANO:  I have a question, Mr. Mayor.   
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yes.  Go ahead. 
MEDRANO:  I should have asked Mr. Artz this in my office, but how close are we to 
retiring the debt, satisfying the debt service for both the buildings?  Or have we done 
that yet?  I don't think we've done it yet.  It hasn't been 20 years.  
ARTZ:  I think it was 2034.  
MEDRANO:  Got a ways to go?  Yeah.  Faster than I thought, though.   
ARTZ:  Yeah.   
MEDRANO:  Okay.  Thank you.  
ARTZ:  In the fire department there are some capital requests.  They're requesting 
$100,000 to replace some of the turnouts, some lifting airbags at $50,000, CPR devices 
for $40,000, and thermal imaging cameras at 25,000.  And if you have any specific 
questions on any of those capital items, the fire chief is here.  
GAMEZ:  What do you do with the turnout that you no longer use?  What do you do 
with turnout?  
[Inaudible] 
YOUNG:  For what we refer to as grinder gear.  That is for nonlive fire activities.  When 
we send members to the training academy, they get beat up pretty easily, so we don't 
give them brand new turnouts to beat up for everyday drills and learning the functions 
of the job.   
And then the second thing that we do is we also donate them to our sister city.   
Yes, sir? 
ARTZ:  Side of the public safety fund budgets increasing by $957,000.  Again, we're

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transferring in some additional positions from the general fund.  And then we also have 
several capital items in this fund.  So vehicles for 220,000, the dispatch phone upgrade 
of 81,000, a first responder drone for 65,000, another drone for 40,000, and then the 
dispatch consoles for 675,000.  And some of our partners will actually be reimbursing us 
for that, so they will be paying a portion of that.  But we have to budget for the full 
amount.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yes.  Go ahead.  
MEDRANO:  I'll wait for Councilman Gamez.  
ARTZ:  We currently have two partners in dispatch, the City of El Mirage and the Tohono 
O'odham Nation for the casinos.  And then we are also working with a potential 
additional partner that may come on in July.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Let  me ask a question about the vehicles.  Are we still looking for 
electric vehicles, or are we switching back, or what are we doing with that?  
MEDRANO:  It would probably be a -- I'm sorry, mayor and council.  It would probably be 
a mix.  Just depends on what we can get our hands on.  But we're trying to go electric 
first.  
ARTZ:  Debt service funds.  These are the funds that that we use to pay any of our bonds 
or any of our debt service.  So the budget actually decreased by about $140,000.  That's 
because we had made an estimate in the prior year for what our debt service was going 
to be for the aquatic center.  Now that we've issued those bonds, we know exactly what 
our payment is going to be.  So the total debt service payments are going down by 
about $143,000 across all of our debt service funds.   
The aquatic center capital fund, so we had budgeted $32 million in the current year.  We 
still have about 7 million dollars of those funds that we haven't spent this year.  So that 
means we've spent about 15 million so far year to date.  So we'll carry over all of those 
funds to next year's budget.  And then, we're asking for an additional increase of $8 
million of new funds being transferred from the general fund.  So that's going to make

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the total budget for next year $25.3 million plus the 15 that we've spent.  So that's going 
to put the budget around $40 million for the aquatic center.   
No sir, it does not.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yes.  Raise (indiscernible) question to the voters was for 22 
million, Jason.   
ARTZ:  22 million.  So the remainder of the 40 is coming out of the general fund, which is 
nourished by all the retail revenue that we attract throughout the City.  That's a priority 
that Council's made to our younger population, certainly, and throughout the City as a 
whole.  Promote water safety.  Promote a future Olympic swim gold medalist.  I know it 
sounds funny, but we're going to have one.  I don't know who.  But I look forward to it.  
Hope I'm alive.  So yes, I wanted to point out the City's investing its cash as well.  
Vice Mayor, there is a separate project with a $3 million budget for the retail building at 
the aquatic center.  So that's an additional 3 million.  This is just the aquatic center 
capital.  And any furnishings and all the -- what it takes to open it.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Just (indiscernible). 
ARTZ:  It's more than just the aquatic center, it's already doing what we hoped it would 
do and starting to attract other retail development in the proximity.  We have at least 
one hotel that's interested in going in just because of the aquatic center.  And it's going 
to create like a diagonal alignment that we'll talk about in the e-session.  
Next, we'll move on to our enterprise funds.  Our enterprise funds are the funds that are 
designed to basically recover their cost.  So that's the water, wastewater, sewer, and 
sanitation funds.  So in water, the budget is increasing by about $785,000.  The 
increases there are an increase in wage and benefits for the entire department of 
$130,000.  We're also adding a full-time position in the Department for an 
environmental inspector at $125,000.  An increase in water treatment costs of 
$100,000.  An increase in water delivery costs.  So that's the cost of the water that we 
get delivered from the City of Phoenix.  So there's really two components there

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expecting a rate increase from them, but also potentially having more water delivered 
for some additional businesses coming in that we don't currently have.  
Mayor, Council Member Gamez,  I don't know the increase.  I can get back to you with 
that.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  We're talking about water increases the rates as a whole or -- 
ARTZ:  Increase of the -- 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  -- in Phoenix? 
ARTZ:  -- treated water that we get from the City of Phoenix.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Sorry.  
ARTZ:  And then, increase in insurance premiums of $27,000.  So the total increase of 
about 8 percent or $785,000 for water.  On the capital side, budgets increasing by about 
$875,000.  We've got $11.7 million of total capital projects, you know.  So the Well 9 
outfitting, that's a $6 million project.  The storage tank, $3.5 million.  Surface treatment 
plant study of $1 million.  And as I mentioned earlier, there are some carryovers.  So 
they're -- we're still working on identifying all the carryovers.  But there'll be some 
additional carryovers.  And this budget will go up a little bit more.  But if any of council 
has any questions on any of the capital items -- 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Any of these going to be shared with other users?  
MEDRANO:   Otter side, I don't believe so.  
ARTZ:  Thank you.  Mayor, Vice mayor, and members of council.  Part of the 
(indiscernible) project will be carried over to the wastewater side.  But the water side is 
the 150,000 that we see here.   
MEDRANO:  Thank you. 
ARTZ:  Sanitation fund is increasing by $217,000.  Part of that is a one-time purchase of a 
rear-load refuse vehicle for $180,000.  So that is a replacement of an existing vehicle 
that has aged out, and we need to replace.  And then there's also increased costs for 
garbage service.  That's just a contractual increase in the garbage cost.  So increase of

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$217,000 total for sanitation budget.  Wastewater treatment plant, budget actually 
decreased by $160,000.  The combination of two items:  an increase in wages and 
benefits of 150, but then a decrease for professional services of $310,000.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Congratulations.  
MEDRANO:  (Indiscernible). 
ARTZ:  On the capital side, seeing an increase of over $2 million for capital in the 
wastewater treatment plant.  So here we've got several multi-million dollar projects.  
The headworks screen replacement at 5.5 million.  Digester for 7.5 million.  The 
disinfection system at 5.5 million.  Clarifier 2 rehab, $2 million.  And then electrical and 
structural upgrades of $4 million in total.  Now, in this fund, we do have partners that 
will contribute to a portion of these costs -- a significant portion of these costs.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Council, just to our graduates, look how expensive water -- 
wastewater is.  It's an incredible profession.  You can talk to that guy, Jamie McCracken, 
over there about it.  If you're going into public relations, government relations, 
engineering, whatever it is -- my granddaughter is -- learn as much as you can about 
water.  You don't have to be an expert, but just learn the jargon, because we didn't -- 
certainly -- like this council is the most educated council on water --wastewater issues.   
Our whole staff is.  I think every department has a clue about it because that's all we 
talk about.  But water in Arizona is critical.  And there's a lot of great opportunities in it 
for your career.  That was it, sir.  Thank you.  It's going to become more critical as we 
move forward.  The extent of what I know about water is ask Jamie.  Yeah.   
Go ahead.  Sorry to interrupt. 
ARTZ:  Okay.  Then, in our sewer fund budget increasing by $164,000.  That's a 
combination of the increases in wages and benefits.  Increase in supplies of $38,000.  
And then insurance premiums of $6,000.  On the capital side, no change in the budget; 
$575,000 in capital on sewer.  I do know that there is a carryover that will increase this 
one when we bring this back for the tentative budget adoption.

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And with that, May 12th is when we'll come back and ask council to consider the 
tentative budget.  June 9th we'll ask council to consider the final budget and hold the 
property tax hearing.  And then June 23rd, city council would adopt the property tax 
levy.  So with that, staff's available, if you have any questions on what was presented 
tonight or anything that we discussed at the previous meeting that we want follow up 
on, and -- 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Any questions for council?  The only question I have, and it's more 
of a request, I'd like to know how many new staff -- new FTEs were adopted into the 
organization compared to the current year.  I mean, you don't have to answer that right 
now.  You can get that to me later.  Yeah.   
ARTZ:  How many were adding in this year?   
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yes.  And that -- 
DAVIS:  It was in the last presentation.  
ZAMORA:  The first presentation.  
DAVIS:  Oh.  That was -- no, I think -- oh, yeah.  
ZAMORA:  Yeah. 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  You might be right.  
ARTZ:  So Mayor, this budget year, we are increasing or requesting to increase our FTEs 
by 31.5.  I believe 23 of those positions are in the Aquatic Center -- 
ARTZ:  --for lifeguards and lifeguard 2 coordinator positions there.  And then, we also 
had some positions being added for the extended hours in the library, the senior center, 
and finance.  And then, we're also adding five positions in dispatch for potentially taking 
on that new partner.  And then, the one position in utilities for the environmental 
inspector.   
MEDRANO:  Just for note -- to note Mayor, members of council, that the majority, if not 
all of our new positions are for growth issues.  We're increasing service as a result, 
especially obviously in aquatics.  We've been talking about understanding the full cost to

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operate the aquatics, because it's one thing to build it right, and it costs 40 million.  
Well, then we have to operate it every year.  We estimated to be around 2 million, but 
we still don't know.  We won't know until we have one full year under our belts.  Then, 
we'll be able to see what else we can do after that.   
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  But that's just a general question.   
Any other questions from council?  Yes.  Vice mayor? 
DAVID:  I just want to say that is a huge price tag for the aquatic center.  But being there 
on the site for the beam signing ceremony, it's going to be an amazing facility.  And I 
think, you know, it's what our community deserves, honestly.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yeah.  We're giving Tolleson the absolute best when it comes to 
an aquatic facility and very proud of that.  I think we all should be very proud of that. 
City manager?   
MEDRANO:  It is a big price tag.  And we are proud to offer that to the community.  
That's our primary goal, is to give the community what it deserves.  However, over time, 
we're going to make that -- that facility is an aquatic center.  It's also an enormous 
economic engine.  And it's already proving to be contributing to our -- to our ability to 
generate new revenue sources -- diversify our revenue sources.  And when you talk 
about some of the things we talked about offline for our vision for that corridor, the 
aquatic center is going to play a pivotal role.  In the beginning, we thought, hey, the 
aquatic center is going to help us attract regional swim meets at the collegiate level, 
Olympic trials qualifiers between us, Avondale and Goodyear all in a row, right?  It looks 
like it's going to be so much more than that.  And it's premature to try to estimate.  But 
the potential is very strong.  
Councilmember? 
GAMEZ:  I'd like to add that I spoke with the architect of the aquatic Center.  And he 
stated to me that this facility, Bohannan (ph.), is the state of the art facility right now in 
the State of Arizona.  Nobody can compare to it.  So that's something should be proud

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of.  For a small community like ours to have that.  Oh, yeah.  Anyway, the architect said 
that.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yeah.  The only other thing I want to add is it's going to be just as 
embracing and welcoming for competitive swimmers as it -- it's going to be for our 
young kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, grandparents.  So it'll have a recreation side 
where the community can actually come out and enjoy the pool.  And it's going to have 
a competitive side, too.  So I think we've done a good job of addressing all the needs of 
our community, competitive and noncompetitive, for more recreation.  So I think it's a 
good thing.  And it's a building that hopefully will stand for many, many decades after 
it's built.  So it's a beautiful thing.   
Other questions or comments for Mr. Artz? 
GAMEZ:  Great job.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yeah.  Great job.   
So we're going to talk timeline already or -- okay.  Well that was super-fast.  Very 
efficient sir.  But great job.  I mean this is probably the most important thing that we do 
as a council is adopt the annual budget.  But the way you break it down is it's very -- it's 
easy to follow and it's easy to see what we -- you know, this is one thing that I think 
everybody -- all of you guys need to understand this.  People will say -- it's a question.  
People will say, well, you know, I really like this.  Okay.  And then you -- then you say, 
well, where do you spend your money?  And you say you spend your money, 90 percent 
of it on something completely different.  Follow the money.  People will tell you this.  
See how they spend their money.  Same thing with an organization.  Any public 
organization.  We want this.  Look at the budget and they'll tell you what that 
organization really, really promotes.   
We promote resources, and opportunities, and programs that benefit our residents.  
And it's evident by the presentation.  So it's -- it tells our story.  So don't ask people 
what they prioritize, see how they spend their money, and then you'll see what they

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really prioritize.  So was there another comment or question?  No?   
Yes, sir.  We're having those conversations as we move forward.  There's ongoing 
conversations with the number of users, whether they're private school, whether it's 
the high school or whether it's private clubs or -- there's a huge pocket of people out 
there that see a swimming pool and they see opportunities.  Club teams, for example.  
And so we're going to try our best to build the best partnerships as close as we can here 
with the high school and with our neighboring partners.  But at the end of the day, we're 
going to follow whatever opportunity falls on our lap.   
Yes, sir.  
GAMEZ:  Want to make it clear, members the council, the City of Tolleson welcomes the 
Tolleson Wolverines to swim in that pool.   
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Yeah.  Absolutely.  It would be an honor to compete in that pool. 
Any other questions?  And I know, City Clerk, I'm not supposed to take questions from 
the audience.  There's time for that.  But I'm making an exception (indiscernible) right.  
I'm making an exception.  
GOOD:  Fire cadet -- 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  (Indiscernible) have any questions?  All right.   
With that, Mr. Artz, thank you very much.   
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  We're going to move on to item K, which is mayor and  City 
manager's report of current events.  I guess, do you have any -- no?  Okay.  I do want 
to -- I just -- I do want to say that the beam signing ceremony was pretty freaking 
awesome, you know.  And this time, they actually raised the beam while we were there.  
The barbecue was amazing.  The architecture of the building, the color design.  I think 
it's all coming together really, really good.  And mister --  I forget his last name -- the 
elder or whatever it is.  This is doing an amazing job on behalf of the contractor.   
Yes, City manager.  
GAMEZ:  City manager should have checked with the directors.  Is there anything we're

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missing that we wanted to announce the council.  Are we good?  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  When are we doing the exhibit for the art exhibit thing? 
GAMEZ:  Mandy? 
CARRICO:  Mayor, Vice mayors, members of council, on May 12th before the May 12th 
council meeting.  We will be having all of the artists that are currently exhibiting in our 
art exhibit, which features Latin artists.  One will be Emily Castillo, who will be doing a 
live demo of sculptures that she makes in the lobby.  And the rest of the artists will be 
on hand for meet and greet to talk about their art.  So we encourage anyone in the 
community who'd like to come out to come out before, a little early, before the council 
meeting to meet the artists ask some questions, see a live demo.  There'll be appetizers, 
snacks.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  You had me at, snacks.  
CARRICO:  I should have led with that.  There will be snacks, appetizers.  
GAMEZ:  Thank you.  Okay.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Council Member?  
GAMEZ:  Yes.  Real quickly, going back to the beam signing ceremony.  And I was going 
to -- I'm, you know -- I was going to give Randy a big thank you, but you jumped before I 
do.  That's good.  You're the mayor.  You can do that.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  You can add to it.  
GAMEZ:  You can do it anyway.  But I'm saying thank you for what you did.  It was a hell 
of an event.  You and your staff did a great job.  Should be very proud of what you did.  
And the tour, everything was great.  It was fantastic.  So thank you, Randy, for what you 
did.  Appreciate it.  
ARTZ:  Mr. Mayor? 
MEDRANO:  Yes, yes.  I did forget something because I'm still depressed about the 
Phoenix Suns departure from the playoffs.  It'll take me all year to get over.  But on May 
4th, was it,  we are doing the unveiling of our newest art piece along Van Buren

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(indiscernible) . 
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  May 4th?  Okay.  (Indiscernible) 
MEDRANO:  That was on purpose.  And it'll be the first art piece of phase two of Paseo 
de Luces.  So we're very excited about it.  You can see it now.  But we're going to do a 
formal unveiling on May 4th.  We're very excited about it.  It is stunning.  It is stunning.  
And the students that developed it are just incredibly gifted.  They'll be here to give 
(indiscernible). 
ARTZ:  Was it -- was the West Valley Fine Arts council, Gallery 37, correct.? And Gallery 
37 designed all of the art pieces.  
GOOD:  5:30 to 7 on May 4th. 
GOOD:  Yeah, we're really excited.  I work for West Valley Arts council, full disclosure.  
And we're really excited with the work that the students did.  So this is the first of three 
projects that we approved last year as a council.  So in the next two fiscal years, we'll 
see the other two rolled out as well.  But this one is incredible.  It came out really, really 
nice.  It matches the other ones really well.  And so it's going to be a great event.  We do 
have one of the students that was on that particular team that designed that project, 
will be speaking as well as we have a slate of speakers talking about Gallery 37, and the 
art projects, and (indiscernible), and just a whole bunch of stuff.  We also have the 
original master artist from the old sculptures coming to speak a little bit about that 
project.  So it's going to be a fun event.  But what I -- that's not even what I was going to 
say.  I'm glad you brought that up, because I totally forgot.  
GAMEZ:  No.  Randy reminded me, too.  
GOOD:  I'm like, what's tomorrow?  
GAMEZ:  We have a lot going on.  We have a lot going on, sir.  
GOOD:  But I was going to say for the beam signing ceremony, it -- when we do the 
ribbon cutting,  Randy, if we can remember to invite the -- that committee that kind of 
went to the different pools and kind of scoped things out just to make sure that they're

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a part of that.  That'd be great.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  The design committee.   
GOOD:  Yeah.  Thank you.  
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  I like the fact that those kind of events, in a sense, they're internal 
because a lot of city staff are there.  But when you work for a city, you know, it's kind of 
like you're in a small island, but you're not.  Like, if you work for police, you know, you 
work at the police department and you do police stuff.  If you work for wastewater, you 
work at the wastewater treatment plant and you do wastewater stuff.  These kind of 
events though, allow everybody to come out and see what's going on in the greater 
breadth of the organization.  And this facility is amazing.  So to have staff from every 
department there kind of getting a tour and understanding what's going on, it's a -- it's a 
good team building activity in general.  Especially when you can break bread with your 
fellow Tolleson staff members.  So good job all around.   
Any other comments?  Any other announcements?   
ARTZ:  I'm good.  You good?   
MAYOR RODRIGUEZ:  Okay.  Well with that I'm going to move on to item L, which is -- 
now is the time for council to convene into executive session.  We're asking members of 
the public and those that are not involved in this executive session to please exit the 
meeting at this time.  The only action item after the executive session will be to adjourn 
the public meeting.  So do we have a motion to go -- well, wait a minute.  Before I take a 
motion, I'm going to -- I'm going to call for a five-minute recess.  So if you all want to get 
going, where I'm going to go to the restroom.  And by the time I come back, we'll go 
ahead and gavel into executive session.

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APPROVED: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
____________________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JUAN F. RODRIGUEZ, MAYOR 
 
ATTEST: 
____________________________________ 
CRYSTAL ZAMORA, CITY CLERK 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION 
 
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THE FOREGOING MINUTES ARE A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF 
THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TOLLESON, 
ARIZONA, HELD ON APRIL 28, 2026. I FURTHER CERTIFY THAT THE MEETING WAS DULY 
CALLED AND HELD, AND THAT A QUORUM WAS PRESENT. 
 
 
____________________________________ 
CRYSTAL ZAMORA, CITY CLERK